Greek Government Mourns the Loss of Archbishop Iakovos

Published by The National Herald, April 15, 2005

ATHENS – In their statements released to the press for the passing of Archbishop Iakovos, formerly of North & South America, Hellenic Republic President Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis called the late Church leader a "charismatic personality, a great spiritual shepherd," and an inspiration to the Omogeneia."

PASOK Party Chairman George Papandreou, leader of the Greek Government’s Main Opposition, also issued a statement. Minister and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Petros Molyviatis and Panagiotis Skandalakis, respectively, Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, Tourism Minister (and former mayor of Athens) Demetris Avramopoulos and former Minister Stelios Papathemelis also expressed their deep sorrow for Iakovos’ passing.

"Archbishop Iakovos was a leading figure of Hellenism and Orthodoxy. He was respected by many American Presidents, and managed to give Orthodoxy the place it deserves in the United States. He created the strong organizational structure necessary for the survival and strengthening of the Omogeneia, as well as for the advancement of Greek positions," Mr. Papoulias said in his statement.

"Archbishop Iakovos’ charismatic personality, his radiant appeal as a spiritual leader and wide acceptance by the American society political leadership, as well as his important initiatives, contributed in promoting, whenever needed, his significant interventions supporting our national issues and the interests of the Omogeneia. The homeland and Hellenism will never forget his contributions," Mr. Papoulias wrote in his letter of condolences to Archbishop Demetrios of America.

In his letter to Archbishop Demetrios, Mr. Karamanlis expressed his condolences and said Archbishop Iakovos was a stalwart defender of Orthodoxy and Hellenism.

"I am conveying my deepest condolences to you for the passing of the late former Archbishop of North & South America, Iakovos. Archbishop Iakovos, a great spiritual shepherd and an inspiration to the Omogeneia, was, until his last breath, a consistent warrior in the field of duty for the rights of Orthodoxy and Hellenism. By enjoying great respect both in spiritual circles and in the wider American community, he defended our national interests, whenever deemed necessary, in his own distinguished and influential way, having as his exclusive criterion a deep love for Orthodoxy and the Omogeneia. The homeland and Hellenism across the world will remember his contribution with gratitude. To the relatives of the deceased, I extend my deepest sympathies," the Prime Minister wrote.

In his statement, Mr. Papandreou cited Archbishop Iakovos’ commitment to Christian unity.

"I express my particular sadness for the death of former Archbishop Iakovos of North & South America. He was a leading figure for both Orthodoxy and Hellenism in the Diaspora. For decades, he was a guide to every Greek immigrant in America; a steady point of reference with an intense presence and activity for the promotion of our national issues, especially the fight for a Cyprus solution. He worked systematically for the promotion of dialogue and unity between Churches, a serious matter for which he also served as representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in the World Council of Churches. To his relatives and the Greek American community, I extend my deepest condolences," he said.

In a statement to the National Herald, Mr. Molyviatis referred to Iakovos as a "great religious and ethnic hero," and expressed his "deep sorrow" for the former Archbishop’s passing.

Mr. Spiliotopoulos told the Herald that "Hellenism and Orthodoxy mourn the loss of a great spiritual shepherd, as well as a tireless laborer for the promotion of our national issues, virtues which elevated him to a leading personality for Hellenism, the Church and the Omogeneia. His contribution will never be forgotten."

Speaking to the National Herald, Mr. Avramopoulos said Archbishop Iakovos’ contribution to Hellenic issues were beyond measure.

"The late Archbishop was a venerable spiritual leader of Greek Orthodox Christians in North and South America. He was a crusader for the modern ecumenical movement for Christian Unity and distinguished himself in his important role in reviving Christian worship and the promotion of social and human rights. His national contribution was incalculable, and known to everyone. Keeping the memory alive from our warm and spiritually useful meetings, I bow with respect to his memory, and wish that his road to eternity be peaceful," he said.

Dr. Skandalakis also sent a statement to the Herald, referring to day of Iakovos’ passing as a "day of deep sadness," and said Iakovos was a towering figure of Orthodoxy in the 20th Century.

"Hellenism and Orthodoxy mourn the loss of a worthy spiritual leader. His ceaseless struggles for the rights of Hellenism and Orthodoxy constituted a source of inspiration and point of reference for his flock in America, which was under his wise and loving stewardship. The late Archbishop honored me with his friendship for many years. We fought together many times for the interests of Hellenism worldwide, and for our brothers and sisters in the United States. Under his inspired guidance, we achieved much on behalf of the Omogeneia. Today, the Omogeneia and Hellenism everywhere feel a great loss."

Speaking to the Herald, Mr. Papathemelis said, "We share the sorrow of the Greek Orthodox Church in America and its faithful. The deceased was a leading figure of the country’s Church. Until the last minute, he defended the national rights of Hellenism, of his birthplace Imvros, of Cyprus, Macedonia and the entire Hellenism with all the creative passion of his soul."



Volume 7 Number 16 - Tuesday, April 19th, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY