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The National Herald - March 6, 2004

SPYRIDON SPEAKS HIS MIND IN TARPON SPRINGS

By Dimitris Papayiannakis

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Special to The National Herald

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - Former Archbishop of America Spyridon visited the city where he grew up on last week and gave a series of interviews. The Archbishop made the trips to Tarpon Springs to visit his friend Michael Kantounias.

Speaking to The National Herald, Archbishop Spyridon stated that he is currently spending his time “studying, reading and gathering his thoughts.”

“I believe that is the way I will maintain the relations I have in America,” he said. “By dedicating my time towards such causes as Hellenic language, culture and education.”

He also commented on the recent confrontation between the Patriarchate and the Church of Greece over the New Lands.

“I was one of those who warned of the problems the New Lands would cause,” he said. “During many discussions, I said that this problem should be dealt with as soon as possible. There is no doubt that the Patriarchate has historic rights to the New Lands and any organization wants to preserve what they feel is rightfully theirs," he said, adding that this feud has weakened the Patriarchate.

He also doesn’t support the adding of new Metropolises in the United States.

"I do not think that creating Metropolises is the solution to ecclesiastic problems in the United States," he said. "I don’t think the numbers of our faithful justifies having ten metropolises, and I think it will put a burden on finances, because where there was once one youth office, now there are 11. These offices need desks, personnel and funding. Also, splitting the Archdiocese in ten hurts its unity."

Archbishop Spyridon conducted interviews on WICT 48 TV station and on the radio on WPSO 1500 and 1520. The interview was conducted by Angelos Aggelatos and Justine Fragouli, who is the author of the book, "The Lonely Part of Integrity."

Speaking about Orthodoxy, Archbishop Spyridon said, "When we speak about Orthodoxy, we speak about a pure Orthodoxy, an Orthodoxy as we live it in traditional dance. I belong to those that believe that Orthodoxy has not adapted to the times. I believe that operating methods and approaching young people need an adjustment. But the depth of Orthodoxy does not need to be changed at all."

He also spoke about the future of Greek education.

"I don’t know if there is a future or not, but it is our duty to ensure one," said Archbishop Spyridon. "But the way things are today I am not very optimistic. The general picture of the Hellenic schools and the whole effort of the preservation of the Hellenic youth is not encouraging."

On Sunday morning, the former Archbishop attended the Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Church. He was greeted warmly by those in attendance who expressed their love by shouting “Axios.” Many of the Archbishop’s friends traveled from New York, Chicago and other areas of the country.

[ The National Herald - March 6, 2004 ]