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.
Comments (2)
What a beautiful remembrance. Ours was similar:
UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA
OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
PRESS RELEASE
His Eminence Archbishop Antony Sends Letters of Condolence on Death of Pope John Paul II
South Bound Brook, NJ
4/2/2005
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O
n the third Saturday of Great Lent of 2005, the day of commemoration of Holy Martyrs of Sabbas, His Eminence Archbishop Antony, the President of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, sent letters of condolence to His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, the Vatican Nuncio to the United States and Bishop William S. Skylstad, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, upon learning of the death of Pope John Paul II.
His Eminence Archbishop Antony wrote:
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T
he spiritual children – the venerable clergy, monastics and devout Christ-loving faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, join with His Beatitude Metropolitan Constantine, His Eminence Archbishop Vsevolod and myself, in assuring Your Eminence and through you, the people of God of the Ancient Church of Rome of our prayers for the repose of the soul of His faithful servant John Paul II, Bishop and Servant of the servants of God.
John Paul II’s unswerving fidelity to the risen Christ and his unambiguous proclamation of the Gospel of life have imprinted upon the world the seal of his unique apostolate. As Bishops exercising various ranks and responsibilities in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, we were blessed on several occasions to share a moment in time with one who sincerely viewed us as brothers united by Word and Sacrament.
We are confident that Almighty God, Who honored him with the dignity of priest, bishop and shepherd in this life, will accept the spiritual fruits of his labors on His Heavenly and Noetic altar and reward him with eternal life.
May Christ our true God, Who rules over the living and the dead, rest the soul of His faithful servant John Paul II in the region of the living. May He open for him the gates of Paradise and make him a citizen of His heavenly kingdom, for he loved Him greatly.
May his memory be eternal!
Thank you for sharing that!