wfn.org | STATEMENT GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA ON DEATH OF

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GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
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Email: communications@goarch.org

For Immediate Release
April 2, 2005

Contact: Marissa P. Costidis
732-522-1637

STATEMENT OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
ON THE DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

We participate in the sorrow of the Roman Catholic Church during this 
difficult time of the departure of Pope John Paul II, and we join the world 
in offering prayers knowing that he is now in the world of eternal rest.

The Pope, who began his papacy in October 1978, has guided the Roman 
Catholic Church through transforming years, remaining firm on traditional 
values while offering love, compassion, and forgiveness.  He touched many 
people with his gentle manner and his openness to people of other religions.

During the tenure of Pope John Paul II, the relationship between the Roman 
Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church has improved significantly.  In a 
most recent relevant event last November, Archbishop Demetrios, spiritual 
leader of 1.5 million Greek Orthodox Christians in America, had the 
opportunity to visit and be with the Pope in a special occasion at The 
Vatican.  This was a ceremony during which the Pope, responding to the 
request of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, returned the Holy Relics of 
Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Gregory the Theologian, two of the most 
prominent Fathers of the undivided Church.  The Holy Relics now rest at the 
Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople.

We, as Orthodox Christians, will always remember, among other instances, 
this expression of a desire for reconciliation and unity as we pray for the 
repose of his soul. *************************************** Get your first 
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