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Macedonian Press Agency - July 31, 1996

New York Mayor Declares July 29 "Archbishop Iakovos Day"

New York mayor Rudolph Gulliani proclaimed July 29 the "Day of Archbishop Iakovos for the State of New York" during last night's farewell dinner honoring the departing Archbishop of North and South America Iakovos, given at New York's famous Gracie Mansion, commonly known since 1788 as the "White House" of the Mayors.

Mr. Iakovos ended his 37-year-old stay in the Greek Orthodox Chruch, by formally submitting his resignation this week.  |His successor is the Metropolitan of Italy, Spyridon.

| Responding to a reporter's question as to whether he is satisfied by the election of Metropolitan Spyridon as his successor, Mr. Iakovos stated that it cannot be doubted that the Mother Church, having taken into consideration many other issues and problems, made the right choice according to her opinion.

When asked to reminisce which of his actions or acts have made him feel proud during his 37-year stay in the pastorate, Mr. Iakovos stated "I have said this and I will repeat it. God helped me and all of you helped me, as well as the people and the communities, to maintain the Archbishopry unitied. An effort which was at times in danger, since there were many reactions both from outside and from within.

"The fact that I am leaving behind a well-organized church makes me want to thank you and God, whom I serve," the departing Archbishop added.

Moreover, Mr. Iakovos was asked if there is something that he had wanted to do but did not. He responded "that which I had wanted to do and did not have time or was not able to accomplish, was to give the people an impetus that will always stay with them, to grant them self knowledge and a more thorough knowledge of our history."

[ Macedonian Press Agency - www.mpa.gr - July 31, 1996 ]