Statement of the Metropolis of Chicago
Clergy Syndesmos
During the course of the last few weeks, our hierarchs and the Metropolis of Chicago have come under attack by a series of letters and media articles designed to paint them as incompetent and blind shepherds of the truth.
We, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Clergy Syndesmos, find this correspondence disappointing and not reflecting the spirit of Christ.
During this Lenten period in which we prepare for, and anticipate, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we stand united as Clergy Syndesmos in unequivocal support of our father and shepherd, Metropolitan IAKOVOS of Chicago, and Bishop DEMETRIOS of Mokissos, our Chancellor.
We condemn the slander and hate-filled messages directed toward our leadership by those cloaked in the anonymity of the Internet.
Let us remember the words of our Lord when he uttered, “Let he who has no sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7). In this age, it is relatively convenient to unleash personal attacks against those with whom we disagree or with whom we are angry.
Instead, let us come together as one body in Christ, unified in our love for Him, and in accordance with the ethos of the Church, not to judge one another but to fulfill His high-priestly prayer to the Father: “That they may be one even as We are one” (John 17:22).
Further, the Prayer of St. Ephraim states, “Lord and Master of my life, grant me to see my own faults and not to condemn my brother.”
In the next few weeks, we will all chant the triumphant hymn, “Christ is Risen.” As we receive the Paschal Light which overtakes any darkness, let us, in this spirit of oneness, uphold one another and pray for one another, never forgetting the true purpose of Christ’s sacrifice and the goal for which we all strive: a true relationship with Jesus Christ together as the Body of the Church.
As your Metropolis of Chicago Clergy, we pray for you and express our love in Christ’s Name. Wishing you all a blessed Pascha we remain,
Your Brothers in Christ,
Metropolis of Chicago Clergy Syndesmos
