Jerusalem

Published by ERT.gr, March 20, 2005

Tension in Jerusalem

An atmosphere of tension filled Jerusalem today, in the wake of revelations in the Israeli Press on the sale of real estate belonging to the Patriarchy of Jerusalem. About 100 people, members of Arab Orthodox Christian communities, demonstrated outside the Patriarchy, calling for Eirinaios to resign. As the Patriarch was on his way out, some of the protestors threw leaflets with slogans against him. Unsettled by these events, speaking to clergymen, Eirinaios stated that it is an orchestrated attack on himself and on the Patriarchy of Jerusalem by dark circles. Referring to the Vavilis case, he stated that he had been sent from Athens to offer security, underlining that his claims would be proven true. On Monday, a delegation of the Foreign Ministry will arrive in Jerusalem in order to investigate the situation that has been created.

On Saturday, in a Press Conference held by Arab Orthodox Christians called for the involvement of Jordan and the Palestinian Authority and for Patriarch Eirinaios to resign.

The reason for this was the revelations in an Israeli newspaper, according to which fugitive former financial manager of the Patriarchy of Jerusalem, Nikos Papadimas, fully empowered by Patriarch Eirinaios, sold part of the Patriarchy’s real estate.

Answer from the Patriarchy

In a statement, the Patriarchy of Jerusalem described the empowerment given to the vanished former employee of the Patriarchy of Jerusalem Nikos Papadimas as unfounded and invalid, as it was not issued by the Patriarch in Synod.

The statement notes:

"A purchaser or seller of property of such strategic significance must know that to make such an exchange, it is necessary to have clear consent from the Patriarch of Jerusalem Eirinaios and the Holy Synod of the Patriarchy."

At the same time, it underlines that "any purchaser or seller who has not asked for written permission and consent from the Patriarchy and the Synod, is acting deceitfully and maliciously, which means that any exchange is invalid, beyond probable penal responsibilities."

In conclusion, the Patriarchy of Jerusalem mentions that by initiative of the Patriarch, the Patriarchy has already regained real estate invalidly and illegally sold in the past and has started using its property toward the prosperity of its flock.

Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Giorgos Koumoutsakos notes that Greece wants the "immediate investigation" of the case of the sale of real estate belonging to the Jerusalem Patriarchate, and also announced that a team of specialists who will contribute to the "speedy investigation" of the case will be arriving in the city.

Specifically, Mr Koumoutsakos stated that from the Jerusalem Patriarchate’s relative announcement it emerges that the sale, if it did occur, was made on violation of rules that coact the function of the Patriarchate and in ignorance of its Synod.

"If all this is proven, they will be illegal actions and manipulation which we of course condemn. They will be actions and manipulations which do not involve the overwhelming majority of Holy Land fathers, who with devotion minister and protect the holy pilgrimage of Christianity and whom Hellenism honors and supports," stated the spokesperson.

According to Mr Koumoutsakos, Greece respects the self-government of the Patriarchate and does not interfere in administrative issues that are adjusted by the legislature and ancient traditions.

"Greece has never disclaimed its ethical duties to the Patriarchate and its flock, and is ready to contribute in cooperation with all interested parties for the speedy investigation of the case with a team of specialists which will arrive in Jerusalem on Monday, March 21," added Mr Koumoutsakos.



Volume 7 Number 12 - Tuesday, March 22nd, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY