Hospital

Published by The National Herald, November 26, 2004

Met. Anthony In Hospital With Cancer

By Don Lattin

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Metropolitan Anthony (Gergiannakis) of San Francisco, spiritual leader of Greek Orthodox Christians in California and six other Western states, is undergoing treatment for a rare form of cancer, Church officials confirmed this past Monday, November 22.

Anthony entered the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento on Wednesday, November 24 after complaining of fatigue and other symptoms, according Rev. Paul Schroeder, chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco.

Anthony, who announced over the summer that he would retire at the end of 2005, has been diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a malignancy of the lymph nodes which is rare among adults.

He is receiving the most advanced treatment available, said Dr. Joseph Tuscano, an associate professor of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology at the Medical Center.

"He is undergoing intensive treatment with chemotherapy, and is also receiving immunotherapy, the latest approach to the treatment of the disease. His response thus far has been very favorable. But his condition will require continued evaluations and treatments over the next several months," Dr. Tuscano said.

Rev. Schroeder stressed the Metropolitan presently needs to rest while he is being treated for his illness:

"It is to be emphasized that, by doctors’ orders, His Eminence is not taking calls or receiving visitors at this time, so as to conserve his strength during treatment. The doctors have also given instructions that flowers are not permitted in His Eminence’s room.

The best way to express our love and concern for His Eminence is to pray for his health and recovery. Cards and well wishes should be sent directly to the Metropolis office," he said.

Anthony, 69, was born in a village on the Greek island of Crete and ordained a priest there in 1960.

He was enthroned as the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of San Francisco in 1979 and was elevated in 1997 to the office of metropolitan.

Today, he presides over 70 Greek Orthodox parishes in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii.

Editor’s Note: The above report was published in the November 23, 2004 issue of the San Francisco Chronicle. The original headline is, "Greek Orthodox Leader Treated for Rare Form of Cancer." The Metropolis of San Francisco is located on 372 Santa Clara Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127.



Volume 6 Number 48 - Tuesday, November 30th, 2004	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY