wfn.org | NCC Welcomes Hard-Fought Recognition of Jerusalem Patriarch

["Carol Fouke" <cfouke@ncccusa.org>]

For Immediate Release

NCC WELCOMES HARD-FOUGHT RECOGNITION OF JERUSALEM PATRIARCH

January 27, 2004, NEW YORK CITY - The National Council of Churches U.S.A.
today welcomed the news that after a struggle of more than two years, Israel
finally has recognized the canonical election of His Beatitude Irenaios, the
Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The NCC's General Assembly in November 2002 and again in November 2003 called
on the State of Israel to recognize Patriarch Irenaios' election.  Without
the Israeli government's recognition of the patriarch, the Patriarchate -
legally responsible under Israeli law for many Christian Holy Sites along
with schools, hospitals and other institutions - was unable to exercise its
responsibilities.

"The Greek-born patriarch was elected by a synod of bishops in August 2001,
but was not initially accepted because of his reported warm ties with the
Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat," reported the Geneva, Switzerland-based
news service, Ecumenical News International.  On Sunday, Jan. 25, Israel
recognized Patriarch Irenaios' election, ENI reported.

"Finally," commented Elenie K. Huszagh, Esq., a Greek Orthodox laywoman who
served as the NCC's President in 2002-2003.  "It appears that all of the
'pressure' finally brought about results."

-end-

NCC Media Contact: 212-870-2252; news@ncccusa.org

---
Send E-mail address changes to: nccc_usa@ncccusa.org