Voithia - April 5, 1998

Voithia: This letter is translated from the original Greek.

World Pan Arcadian Congress
Founded in Tripolis, 1986

September 22, 1997

His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
8 East 79th Street
New York, New York, 10021

Your Eminence:

I know very well that you do not want to split the Greek Orthodox Church of America. But the directives, decisions and measures you have taken will lead to a division.

We are currently living in the U.S.A., where we respect each other. Not only does the climate of America, but also of the climate of Greece, our motherland, not tolerate such high handed decisions -- regardless of the supposed purpose of correcting situations.

I fought for Greece against the Italians, against the Germans and against Communists in order to defend the ideals in a society which honors our fellow man. My brother served as a member of the parish council and my son served as secretary and president of the council. Their ideas were respected. They were free to express their opinions. No priest made a decision without asking for lay opinions.

I sincerely hope that you will rescind the transfer of the three priests and the president of HC/HC. I sincerely hope that you will enforce the decisions of the disciplinary committee concerning the scandal which took place at the school just prior to the Great Lent this year.

In this manner, you will again gain the respect and support of the faithful of the Church who will truly believe they have a spiritual father who admits to having made a mistake. In my opinion, I believe I bring the opinions of the Pan Arcadian Congress of the USA and also of Arcadians all over the world. May the Lord enlighten us and have mercy on us.

I kiss your right hand,
With respect,

{ signed }

Evangelos Constantouros
Former Supreme President, World Pan Arcadian Congress

[ Voithia - www.voithia.org/content/qmppanarcadian.htm - April 5, 1998 ]