Harry J. Pappas

1 March 2000

TO MEMBERS OF THE ARCHDIOCESAN COUNCIL

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

I regret that I cannot attend the meeting scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 3 & 4, 2000.

At first, a trip that had been scheduled nearly a year ago to Europe overlapped with dates for the Council meeting. Last Thursday, I canceled my plans for the Europe trip and anticipated that I might fly to New York for the meeting.

Yet, on Sunday, February 27, a lightening-caused fire at one of our Company's most important transmitter sites resulted in a catastrophic destruction of our premises and facilities.

Thus, despite my earnest intentions, it is simply not feasible that I participate with you this weekend.

I enclose a letter dated December 13, 1999, which I hand delivered on that same date to his Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. I also enclose a letter sent today to His Eminence detailing my most grave concerns.

I humbly and respectfully request your serious and diligent consideration of the matters and issues broached in my letter. It is not too dramatic to state that abdication of our duties and responsibilities at this juncture may result in very adverse, even catastrophic consequences for Greek Orthodox Christianity in the United States. I never expected that I would ever have to write such words but, under the circumstances, no reasonable person can conclude other than that our Church is at grave risk.

It is difficult for each of us to even contemplate mild criticism of our hierarchs. We were taught by our parents to be extremely defferential to our clergy. Certainly I mean no disrespect to any person, but I do mean to express... and not avoid... real, serious problems.

Best wishes to you all.

Sincerely,
[ SIGNED ]
Harry J. Pappas

[ Orthodox Truth | www.orthodox-truth.bugs3.com/art_07.html  March 1, 2000 ]