Archbishop Demetrios, head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, has encouraged parishes in the New York area to re-schedule Divine Liturgy, if necessary, to allow faithful to attend the March 18 rally at the United Nations demonstrating the use of the word “Macedonia” in negotiations currently underway.
In an encyclical sent tp parishes, churches and organizations under the aegis of the Archdiocese, Archbishop Demetrios called on the community to “mobilize.”
The full text of his encyclical follows:
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I invite you to mobilize and join me in the rally organized by the Pan-Macedonian Association of the USA, the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York and the Hellenic Congress of America, on Sunday, March 18, 2018, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., in the park next to the United Nations Plaza in New York City (Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 245 E 47th St), to proclaim to the leadership and people of the United States as well as to all nation members of the UN that Macedonia is Greek. Let us express in a peaceful yet decisive way our opposition to the unacceptable use of the name of Macedonia by FYROM, the usurpation of Macedonia’s history, culture and symbols, and the expressions of irredentism.
For this reason, it is advisable for those parishes whose Divine Liturgy schedule or other Sunday scheduled events coincide with the rally, to re-schedule so that participation in the Rally may be the greatest possible.
I look forward in seeing you all there.
With paternal blessings and love in Christ,
†DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America
*****
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