wfn.org | NCC General Secretary Bob Edgar on the death of Archbishop Iakovos

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

NCC General Secretary Bob Edgar on the death of Iakovos

Generations of Americans were inspired by the presence of Archbishop 
Iakovos on all the frontlines of our history.

Born on the small island of Imvros in the Aegean Sea, as the Archbishop and 
spiritual leader of his American flock he continuously celebrated its gifts 
and encouraged it to fulfill its full potential in the landscape of America.

He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1965 in Selma, Ala., and 
was a fervent and outspoken champion for the cause of civil rights. His 
commitment to that cause was exemplified in the 1990's when he lent his 
support to a National Council of Churches USA campaign to raise funds for 
burned African American churches.

Under his leadership, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese grew from a small 
ethnic church community into a strong and vibrant church with a powerful 
voice for Christian ethics and values.

Archbishop Iakovos stood with Christians from many cultures and backgrounds 
to further the ideal of Christian unity. His deep belief in ecumenism was 
demonstrated by his strong support of ecumenical councils as well as his 
historic challenges to them. He was a president of the World Council of 
Churches and introduced Elenie K. Huszagh, Esq., immediate past president 
of the NCC, to ecumenism. He established dialogues with Protestant and 
Roman Catholics and carried his witness into the oval offices of nine U.S. 
presidents. All who knew him were gratified when he received the nation's 
highest civilian honor in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter bestowed upon 
him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

His Eminence, Archbishop Iakovos was a tireless servant of God who leaves a 
towering legacy of faith, justice and unity not only for all who knew and 
worked with him -- but for all who will benefit from his endeavors.
May his memory be eternal!