ARCHIEPISCOPAL ENCYCLICAL
Protocol 54/15

April 10, 2015
Ten-Year Memorial of the Repose
of Archbishop Iakovos

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and 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 our Holy Eparchial Synod, I am writing to you in recognition of the ten-year anniversary of the falling asleep in the Lord of our beloved Archbishop Iakovos, late Archbishop of North and South America.

This month is also the 56th anniversary of His Eminence’s enthronement as Archbishop, and we have reflected on his legacy of leadership in the recent events marking the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Selma in which Archbishop Iakovos participated.  In the ongoing ministry of our Holy Archdiocese and in the vitality of our witness of our Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage, we continue to see the work and vision of Archbishop Iakovos through his many years of dedicated service to Christ and His Church.

In memory of his life and service as a faithful shepherd of the people of God, I ask all of our parishes to conduct a ten-year memorial service on Sunday, April 26. In the joy and light of the Paschal Season, may we celebrate his inspiring life.  May we continue to be inspired by the life and leadership of Archbishop Iakovos and honor his memory and example by building on the foundation of Christ a sacred and enduring work of faith and love.

With paternal love in Christ,

† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America