GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106 Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0215 Web: http://www.goarch.org Email: communications@goarch.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 2, 2007
Contact: Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos Tel.: (212) 774-0244 Email: frfrank@goarch.org
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
EXPRESSES SYMPATHY ON PASSING OF ROMANIAN PATRIARCH TEOCTIST
Speaking on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the Clergy and Lay Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, expressed his "deep condolences" at the news of the death of His Beatitude Patriarch Teoctist. The spiritual leader of the Romanian Orthodox Church passed away on Monday, July 30, 2007 at the age of 92.
â??The departure of the beloved and late Patriarch Teoctist can be nothing less than a deeply felt wound for the pious Romanian People both here and abroad,â?? said Archbishop Demetrios. "The Patriarchs, as the Spiritual Fathers of our Autocephalous Churches, hold a special significance for the People of God. They look upon these Elders of the New Israel as living touchstones for the communion of God and man. Much like Abraham, Jacob and Moses, they are invested with a unique role that transcends the limits of the individual, and encompasses the spiritual yearning of an entire People. May the memory of Patriarch Teoctist be eternal."
His funeral will be held on Friday, August 3 where many mourners are expected to join the leaders of other Orthodox churches.