Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/aoiusa/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sexybookmarks/public.php on line 388
Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/aoiusa/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sexybookmarks/public.php on line 394
Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/aoiusa/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sexybookmarks/public.php on line 400
Met. Theoliptos - Ranking hierarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
Metropolitan Theoliptos also wrote “Truly where are we going? Where has our wretched Orthodox Church been led? Where has the Church been led by the conscienceless shepherds? How can we want the faithful to believe us and to follow us when we do not practice what we preach?”
Metropolitan Theoliptos, one of the most prominent hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate also said in his letter that “If he (Archbishop Demetrios) is not in apposition to help two orphan boys ten years old, then it is bad that he remains in his position.”
The National Herald reported on January 15, 2010 on the plight of two Congolese boys who were not allowed to join St. Basil’s Academy by Abp. Demetrios of the GOA (See: Archbishop Demetrios’ Handling of Request to Help Two Orphans Creates Crisis). The boys, born of a Greek father and Congolese mother, recently lost their father and their mother is dying of cancer. Having no relatives in the Congo, relatives in America approached the Archdiocese to see if the children could live at St. Basil’s. The answer according to the National Herald was no.
It was a no heard round the world, at least in Greek circles, and soon newspapers were buzzing with the alleged cold-heartedness of Abp. Demetrios. New York lost no time at damage control (See: Archdiocese Statement on Case of Orphaned Children):
The two boys who need a home
Saint Basil Academy never refused to accept the children and has been in communication with the family over the past seven months. There was never any question of financial resources in accepting the children. The Academy has been informed by the family that they are currently working toward securing guardianship of the children in order for them to be placed at Saint Basil. Both the Archdiocese and the Academy look forward to receiving Kostakis and Demetris as soon as possible.
[…]
To portray the Archdiocese of America, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, or Saint Basil Academy as being anything but willing and eager to assist this family is irresponsible and reprehensible. It is a shame and shameful that anyone would exploit the tragedy of any child, especially ones orphaned of a parent, through exaggeration, misstatement and accusation.
You would think the problem would be resolved there. Someone made a wrong decision, something fell through cracks, fix it and move on. But there is more here than meets the eye.