February 12, 1999

President William Jefferson Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

I take this opportunity to write to you from Greece, where I have had the great joy of making my first official visit as Archbishop of America. I pray that this letter finds you and your beloved family in good health and enjoying every spiritual blessing from our merciful God.

This evening I was informed of the news that the Senate trial is over and that your Presidency may continue on its progressive and constructive course. May I offer to you and your family my personal best wishes and blessings, so that you and your loved ones may resume your family life with the dignity and privacy you deserve.

Although this has most certainly been a difficult and grueling ordeal, I believe that by seeking forgiveness and by offering forgiveness to others, you shall bring to your family and the nation the healing we all desire. I have no doubt that your outstretched hand of reconciliation will be blessed by God.

Please be assured of my prayers for you, your family and the Nation that you lead. By God's grace, may you be blessed to lead the whole American family into the new millennium in a spirit of unity and national purpose.

Most faithfully in
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

† SPYRIDON
Primate
of the Greek Orthodox Church
in America

[ The Church Messenger - February 21, 1999 - p. _ ]