News from Asia

Published by the Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, October 24, 2005

News from the Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia

His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia represented His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the World Religious Leaders Colloquium, hosted by the Dharma Drum Mountain Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan (October 20 - 23, 2005). The theme of the symposium was "From the Inner Heart to Global Vision".

Metropolitan Nikitas offered the paper "Sickness and Sin - the Basis of Global Problems". The paper dealt with the role religious leaders and faith traditions play in addressing world problems. His Eminence spoke of the human being and sin as the basis of many of the problems the world faces. He explained how the inner issues, problems and sins are often realized on the outer world. Metropolitan Nikitas joined a panel of esteemed religious leaders from various faith traditions from around the world. The following statement is taken from the paper of Metropolitan Nikitas:

"Our world is not in need of good people. Our world is in need of holy people, who can guide and lead society on the proper path. The holy person, or rather the person who strives to lead this sort of life, also attempts to keep things in balance on all levels. His is no longer himself, but rather the transfigured and changed person, who allows Christ to live in him. He sees Christ in all things, just as he gives Christ to all people. This he lives, shares and offers to all who come into contact with him, directly or indirectly. The world of fallen nature is not part of him, as the real and natural world live in him. It is these people who offer the solutions to the problems, illnesses and sins that plague our world. Now, we must find the, imitate them and follow them".

Metropolitan Nikitas was able to participate in group discussions, as well as other venues which allowed the participants to better understand the Eastern Orthodox faith. He also shared the paternal love and blessings of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with those attending the symposium.

The small Orthodox community in the Lahore (Pakistan) area has joined other teams in offering relief to the suffering people of Pakistan.

The Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia has been in touch with the faithful and is financially supporting the work in Pakistan. IOCC is also working with the Metropolitanate in providing additional services, supplies and other materials. Metropolitan Nikitas continues to have contact with the faithful, although communication has not been easy. When speaking to members of the community, he heard their pleas for help, in the name of those suffering. Both John and Andrew (Orthodox Christian community leaders in Pakistan) have reiterated the need for blankets and supplies, especially as winter approaches.

The work, service and efforts of the Orthodox serve as a witness to the greater society of the concern and love of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for all those who suffer. Anyone wishing to support the efforts may donate to IOCC or directly to the Metropolitanate. Checks should be made payable Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia and sent to 704 Universal Trade Centre, 3 Arbuthnot Road, Hong Kong.



Volume 7 Number 43 - Tuesday, October 25, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY