wfn.org | GOAA - Ecumenical Patriarch did not confer the Order of St.

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
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Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0215
Web: http://www.goarch.org
Email: communications@goarch.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2004

Contact:  Anthony J. Limberakis, MD
Archon Aktouarios & National Commander
212/570-3550

ARCHON LEADER REFUTES RUMOR:
"CASTRO NOT AN ARCHON"

New York, NY - Contrary to widely circulated reports, His All Holiness
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew did not confer the Order of St. Andrew
upon the President of Cuba, Fidel Castro, nor did he present him with the
Cross of St. Andrew.  According to Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National
Commander of the Order of St. Andrew, who accompanied the Patriarch on his
recently concluded historic trip to Cuba, "His All Holiness gave to the
Cuban leader a simple cross bearing the seal of the Patriarchate, as an
expression of gratitude to the people of Cuba for the return and
reconstruction of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Havana."  The Patriarch
traveled from Constantinople (Istanbul) to Cuba last month for the
consecration of the Cathedral, which took place on Sunday, January 25,
2004.  "The Order of St. Andrew is bestowed upon individuals of proven
Orthodox Christian character, after a process of nomination and
comprehensive review," Dr. Limberakis continued.  "Fidel Castro, despite
his government's recent act of generosity to our Orthodox Church, does not
espouse the Christian faith, and was never considered for this high honor."

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