top

GOARCH - July 2, 1999
OFFICIAL NEWS

Archbishop Spyridon
Expresses Condolences for His Holiness Karekin I

New York, NY - Today His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of America, expressed his heartfelt condolences along with those of the Greek Orthodox Faithful of America for the passing of His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

In a letter sent to Archbishop Karekin Nercessian, Vicar, and to all the Faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church, Archbishop Spyridon wrote:

"His Holiness will be cherished in memory as a dear friend of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and as a staunch advocate for religious freedom for all people. He will forever be known and praised as a tireless worker for the cause of Christian unity worldwide. His deep pastoral interest in healing the rifts within the family of Christian Churches made him one of this century's leading churchmen in the process of inter-Christian dialogue. His love for Armenia, its people and luminous culture is a testimony to the resilience of spirit that characterizes the Armenian People. In his memory, the suffering of your noble people and the memory of the awful Genocide live on and are redeemed through the act of testimony. Please know that as we stand in solidarity with you in this the hour of your loss, we stand with you as well in witness to the Genocide that the world must never forget.

"Dear brothers and sisters, His Holiness will always be remembered as your beloved spiritual father, one who cared profoundly for his flock and stood with you as a watchful and loving shepherd."

In June 1998, Archbishop Spyridon visited with His Holiness at the St.Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City.

[ GOARCH
   www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-spyridon-expresses-condolences-for-his-holiness-karekin-i
   July 2, 1999 ]