Protocol No. 28/12
February 15, 2012
For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink
Matthew 25:35 – Judgment Sunday
To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Council of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day, Afternoon and the Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod of our Holy Archdiocese of America, I am writing to you, the faithful members of our Holy Orthodox Church here in the United States, this heartfelt appeal for our brothers and sisters in Greece. The financial crisis that has rocked Europe and deeply affected Greece has reached proportions where the suffering of innocents and the ordeal of common people cry out for urgent and substantive help. So many of our families have roots in Greece and many of us have relatives and friends who are now experiencing privation unknown in that country since the time of the harsh occupation of the Second World War.
Cognizant of this harsh reality, we must respond by offering real and tangible assistance to our brethren through trusted Church affiliated humanitarian and philanthropic agencies which will directly assist those most in need. Therefore, as the time of Great Lent approaches, when we are called by the Church to a greater consciousness of the needs of our fellow human beings, I hope that every Christian will generously respond to this special appeal by making a donation to the Relief Fund for the People of Greece of the Archdiocese.
With paternal blessing and prayers for you and your beloved families, that this Lenten Season may be even more spiritually rewarding to you because of your love and generosity, I remain,
With paternal love,
+ D E M E T R I O S
Archbishop of America
ALL contributions should be forwarded to the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075
earmarked for the Relief Fund for the People of Greece