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GOARCH - August 18, 1999
OFFICIAL NEWS

Archbishop Spyridon Expresses Hopes
for the New Ecclesiastical Year and Concern over Earthquake Devastation

New York, NY - The Office of the Archbishop has released the following statement from His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon:

"The tragic devastation of this past week in and around Constantinople has occasioned an immense outpouring of sympathy and concerns for the victims by the Greek Orthodox People of America. Their phone calls and messages, telegrams and letters, express their eagerness to help.

I myself am anxious to assess firsthand how this terrible earthquake has affected the Greek Orthodox Community and the Churches of the Patriarchate. Toward this end, I am hopeful of visiting the Mother Church in the near future. The Archdiocese is mobilizing its efforts so that it may more effectively serve the needs of our brothers and sisters.

"This calamity so close to the Mother Church has deeply moved me. Having spent the last month reflecting on my recent dialogues at the Phanar, I am resolved that the exhortations of the Mother Church are of tremendous benefit to and in the best interest of the Archdiocese of America. With the paternal guidance and help of His All Holiness, the Archdiocese will embark upon a new beginning in concert with the Members of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the governing boards of the Archdiocese.

"I am confident that the new Ecclesiastical year will commence with a renewed spirit of close cooperation and unity among the hierarchy, the clergy and all the laity of the Holy Archdiocese of America to the glory of God and the edification of the Body of Christ."

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   ecclesiastical-year-and-concern-over-earthquake-devastation
   August 18, 1999 ]