Ecumenical Patriarch to travel to the Vatican to regain the relics of St. John Chrysostom & St. Gregory the Theologian for the Ecumenical Patriarchate during Feastday of St. Andrew, November 30th
Archons of America to be present
In responding to an official request made by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Vatican issued the extraordinary announcement on Thursday October 21 that the Roman Catholic Church will return to the Archbishop of Constantinople the relics of St. John Chrysostom, the 37th Archbishop of Constantinople (398-404), together with the relics of St. Gregory the Theologian, the 34th Archbishop of Constantinople (379-381), for the Feastday of St. Andrew November 30th. This is a stunning development in the history of the Christian Faith and as Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate we will be present to witness this gesture of Christian unity and reconciliation.
His All Holiness made the request to have the relics of these saints returned to the Ecumenical Patriarchate to His Holiness Pope John Paul II when the two met this past June at the Vatican during an Orthodox Catholic dialogue. In 1204 the 4th Crusaders sacked Constantinople, and removed countless religious and artistic treasures, including the relics of these epic saints which are presently situated in St. Peter�s Basilica at the Vatican. During the same announcement, the Vatican indicated that the 84 year old Pope would not accompany the relics to Constantinople, as originally anticipated due to his frail health. His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will be traveling to the Vatican to accompany the relics to their rightful home in Constantinople.
As Archons of the Great Church of Christ make the commitment to be present during this spectacular event in the history of all Christendom and join our pilgrimage. For further information contact Archon Spiritual Advisor Father Alex Karloutsos (212-570-3500), Pilgrimage Chairman Archon Alex Pritsos (E-mail: apritsos@aol.com) or Cloud Tours (718-721-3808 or 800-223-7880).
Anthony J. Limberakis, MD
Archon Aktouarios
National Commander
October 23, 2004
