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The National Herald - October 2-3, 1999

letters

In defense of fmr. Archdiocesan Chancellor

To the Editor,

As a subscriber to The National Herald, I was dismayed at an article I read in the September 11-12 edition entitled "Demetrios Finds the Archdiocese in Financial Mess" by Theodore Kalmoukos. I am in full agreement with the replacement of Spyridon because of his horrific deeds, but this letter is in defense of Father George Passias.

It seems that Mr. Kalmoukos has decided to besmirch Father George with his insinuations that he got from and I quote, "well placed sources."

Why? Does he even know Father George? I think not! What is so important about bringing up Fr. George's salary and benefits? His cell phones, credit cards, and car were all necessary for him to perform his duties. What would Mr. Kalmoukos do if his boss told him he must take a position he really didn't want, and he would be paid this much and enjoy these benefits, would he turn it down and vehemently propose that it is way too much?

Fr. George, as Chancellor, has put in 16-18 hours a day, mostly 6-7 days a week traveling to churches all over where he was needed. Does Mr. Kalmoukos mention this? Have his "well placed sources" not told him this? Has Mr. Kalmoukos researched or bothered to ask why Fr. George was, or might not have been, turned down by at least one parish — or haven't his "sources" told him that either?

Fr. George is one of the most passionate, loving, giving, modest and devout people you will ever have the pleasure to know. He would never abuse his position and bring dishonor to the church. His only mistake was to accept the position as chancellor to an unscrupulous Archbishop.

I enjoy reading The National Herald and would like to continue, but I insist it be filled with truths and not hearsay. If you are as objective as I hope, you will print this letter.

Angela Christy
Flushing, N.Y.
9/23/99

[ The National Herald  -  October 2-3, 1999 - p. 2 ]