Confident

Published by The National Herald, August 28, 2005

Patriarch Theophilos Confident that all Problems will be Resolved

BOSTON – The newly elected Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, has close contacts with members of the Greek American Community as well as with the United States Government, as he states in his interview with the National Herald just hours after his unanimous election by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Born in southern Greece in 1952, Theophilos arrived in the Holy Land in 1964 to study theology and was ordained a priest in 1970. In 1986, he became secretary-general of the Holy Synod in charge of foreign relations.

The 53-year-old Theophilos is knows former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar Patric Theros (a columnist for the National Herald), as well as prominent Greek American entrepreneur Alex Spanos of California and "many people," he said.

In the interview, the newly elected Patriarch of Jerusalem said he will make every effort "to restore the prestige of the Patriarchate." Asked about his predecessor, (now former) Patriarch Eirineos I, Theophilos said, "We will take care of all pending matters, and we will act accordingly."

Theophilos also said he does not anticipate any difficulties concerning the formal recognition and approval of his election by the governments of Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. The text of the entire interview follows:

TNH: Your Beatitude, how do you feel with your unanimous election to the Patriarchal Throne of Jerusalem?

THEOPHILOS: I feel that the Monastic Brotherhood of the Holy Land is united. This is the strength of the Brotherhood, and of the Church of Jerusalem, which proved that it can face challenging and difficult circumstances. This message of unity was felt throughout the world, especially in the countries where our flock resides – Jordan, Palestine and Israel. The people felt a great sense of ethical satisfaction because everybody realized that the Brotherhood is united, and that it has all the goodwill and purpose to work towards the fulfillment of the mission of the Church, which is obvious.

THEOPHILOS: The mission of the Church is the salvation of humanity. The work of the Church is salvific, and in order for someone to arrive to that goal, he or she should demonstrate a spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice.

TNH: What were the first thoughts that crossed your mind when the result of the Synod’s vote was announced?

THEOPHILOS: The first thought was that the responsibility is immense and the honor very lofty. Someone feels the heavy burden of the responsibility of the office he assumes, but he always places his hope in the grace of God, because without the grace of God, and of the Most Venerable Tomb of Christ, he can not accomplish anything.

THEOPHILOS: The priorities are all equal in value; there are no first and second priorities. Attention will be given to all areas of concern so that we may restore the prestige of the Patriarchate.

THEOPHILOS: We send our wishes and the blessings of the Most Venerable Tomb of Christ. I fully understand the concerns of our Greek American people for the venerable Holy Land which, first and foremost, has immense ethical meaning for us, and secondly for economic reasons also.

TNH: The Herald has learned that you have contacts within the Greek American Community. Is it so?

TNH: Would you tell us how, and with whom, you have contacts in the United States?

THEOPHILOS: Look, I was in contact with the (former) American Ambassador to Qatar, Mr. Theros, and with others such as Mr. Spanos.

TNH: There is a strong rumor that the American Government helped you to become Patriarch. Tell us, is this true?

THEOPHILOS: I do not understand that, but I always had excellent relations. Mr. Theros and I established the Orthodox Church in Qatar with the help of the American Government. The U.S. Embassy there has been transformed into a church.

THEOPHILOS: Why not? I would do it gladly. I would discuss it first with the Ecumenical Patriarch to get his blessing.

THEOPHILOS: All the particular problems will be resolved with the help of the reverend clergy here, and with the Holy Synod.

THEOPHILOS: We will take care all pending matters, and we will act accordingly.

TNH: What do you expect of your relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Church of Greece?

TNH: Do you anticipate any problem with the formal recognition of your election from the three countries that are involved?

THEOPHILOS: No, none given the fact that we already have received congratulatory messages from Jordan and Palestine, and also informal congratulations from Israel



Volume 7 Number 35 - Tuesday, August 30th, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY