wfn.org | Metropolitan Herman Sends Condolences on Death of Pope

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MEDIA RELEASE / ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA
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Contact: The Very Rev. John Matusiak
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ORTHODOX ARCHBISHOP, METROPOLITAN HERMAN SENDS CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF POPE 
JOHN PAUL II

SYOSSET, NY [Orthodox Church in America Communications] - On Saturday, 
April 2, 2005, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, Primate of the Orthodox 
Church in America, sent letters of condolence to Angelo Cardinal Sodano, 
Vatican Secretary of State, and Walter Cardinal Kasper of the Pontifical 
Council for Promoting Christian Unity, upon learning of the death of Pope 
John Paul II.

"I greet you with brotherly love in Christ and extend the condolences of 
the Holy Synod of Bishops, Hierarchs, Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of 
the Orthodox Church in America," Metropolitan Herman wrote. "Throughout the 
many years of his service as spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, 
he was a shining example of dedication to the episcopal ministry and to the 
high office to which he was called and a 'good steward of the manifold 
grace of God' [1 Peter 4:10]."

Metropolitan Herman also noted that, in word and deed, the late Pope 
"constantly reminded all humanity of our shared responsibility to defend 
the rights of the poor, the defenseless, and those who have no one to speak 
for them" and remained steadfast "in proclaiming the 'Gospel of Life' and 
in safeguarding the dignity and sanctity of life in all its stages.

"This, perhaps, will be his greatest legacy, not only to the faithful of 
the Roman Catholic Church, but also for all Christians and all people of 
good will," the letter of condolence concluded.

Earlier in the week, upon learning of the Pope's failing health, 
Metropolitan Herman sent a letter of concern to Cardinal Kasper.

During his lengthy pontificate, Pope John Paul II met with several 
hierarchs of the Orthodox Church in America in the Vatican and during his 
visits to North America.

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The Orthodox Church in America traces its roots to the arrival of Orthodox 
missionaries in Alaska in 1794.  Today, the OCA embraces over 700 parishes, 
missions, and institutions across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

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