News

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

VATICAN CITY, MAR 25, 2007 (VIS) - The Solemnity of the Annunciation (which falls every year on March 25, but this year is being celebrated tomorrow because today is a Sunday of Lent), and the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Missionary Martyrs, which falls on March 24, were the central theme of Benedict XVI's remarks before praying the Angelus today.

 

Addressing the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope spoke of the "extraordinary mystery of faith" of the Annunciation, "a humble and unseen event ... that was nonetheless decisive for the history of humanity."

 

"Mary's 'yes'," he explained, "was the perfect reflection Christ's own 'yes' when He entered the world. ... And through the meeting of these two 'yeses,' God was able to assume a human face. ... Mary's reply to the angel is prolonged in the Church, which is called to make Christ present in history, offering her own readiness that God may continue to visit humanity with His mercy."

 

Jesus' 'yes' and Mary's 'yes' are renewed, the Holy Father explained, in the 'yes' of the saints, and especially of martyrs who died for the Gospel. He also recalled that yesterday, March 24 and the anniversary of the death of Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, was the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Missionary Martyrs, "bishops, priests, religious and lay people killed in the course of their mission of evangelization and human promotion.

 

"They," he added, "are the 'hope of the world' because they testify that love of Christ is stronger than violence and hatred. They did not seek martyrdom, but were ready to give their lives to remain faithful to the Gospel. Christian martyrdom is justified only as a supreme act of love to God and to one's fellow men and women."

 

After praying the Angelus, Benedict XVI recalled that next Sunday, Palm Sunday, marks 22nd World Youth Day, the theme of which this year is Christ's commandment: "Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another."

 

The Pope invited young Romans to the penitential celebration he is due to preside on March 29 in the Vatican Basilica. "Those who wish," he said, "will have the opportunity to access the Sacrament of Confession, a true encounter with the love of God, which all mankind needs in order to live in joy and peace."

 

ANG/ANNUNCIATION:MISSIONS/ROMERO                             VIS 070326 (410)

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

Myroslava Rozdols'ka, head of the Public Relations Department of the UGCC Department of Information, asked His Beatitude this question when he was in the US. His Beatitude explained that there are two elements in it: ecclesiastical and personal. “I consider that one of my main tasks is to make spiritual unity. Therefore, I bring people greetings from Ukraine and emphasize that they are for me a part of the Church which I head. That means they are no less dear to me than UGCC faithful in Ukraine, even if they are of a different origin. I address these people in English, but I want them to feel that they are our community,” commented His Beatitude on the ecclesiastical element.

As for the second one, His Beatitude stated: “Here in Florida, there may be a personal element as well. I met many people from my generation, people of my age, whom I have known since the time I lived in the US. I came here 25 years ago on the commission of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj for issues connected with the St. Sophia Society. Now I came with my mission as the head of our Church.”

 

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

VATICAN CITY, MAR 24, 2007 (VIS) - At midday today in St. Peter's Square, the Pope met with more than 80,000 people from 50 countries who are taking part in a pilgrimage organized by the Communion and Liberation association (CL). The event is being held to mark the 35th anniversary of pontifical recognition for the association.

 

The Holy Father began his address to them by recalling how two years ago in the cathedral of Milan he had presided, in the name of John Paul II, at the funeral of Msgr. Luigi Guissani, the founder of CL. "Through him the Holy Spirit inspired in the Church a movement that testifies to the beauty of being Christian, in an age marked by the ever more widespread opinion that Christianity is something oppressive and difficult to practice." Don Giussani used to repeat that only the Lord "is the way towards realizing the desires of the human heart."

 

Pope Benedict recalled that in one of John Paul II's meetings with members of CL, the late pontiff had highlighted how "the original educational contribution of Communion and Liberation lies in the way it re-proposes - in a fascinating way that harmonizes with contemporary culture - the Christian message, considered as a source of new values, ... capable of orienting an entire existence."

 

"Communion and Liberation is a community experience of faith born within the Church, not through an organizational initiative of the hierarchy but originating from a renewed encounter with Christ and thus, we may say, from an impulse that derives in the final instance from the Holy Spirit. Even today it offers the possibility of living Christian faith in a profound and modern way, on the one hand in complete fidelity and communion with Peter's Successor and the pastors who ensure the governance of the Church, and on the other with a spontaneity and freedom that give rise to new and prophetic apostolic and missionary achievements."

 

After reiterating that ecclesial movements "are a sign of the fecundity of the Spirit of the Lord," the Holy Father recalled the words he had used during a recent meeting with pastors of the city of Rome, referring to St. Paul's call "not to extinguish charisms. If the Lord gives us new gifts, we must be grateful even if they are difficult."

 

The Holy Father also recalled John Paul II's parting message to CL members on the occasion of an earlier meeting: "'Go throughout the world to bring the truth, beauty and peace of Christ the Redeemer.' Don Giussani made those words the program of the entire movement, and for Communion and Liberation this was the beginning of a missionary journey that has taken you to 80 countries. Today," he concluded, "I invite you to continue along this path, with profound faith ... solidly rooted in the living Body of Christ, the Church, which guarantees Christ's daily presence among us."

 

AC/.../COMMUNION AND LIBERATION                          VIS 070326 (500)

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

VATICAN CITY, MAR 24, 2007 (VIS) - Benedict XVI today received cardinals, bishops, parliamentarians and other participants in a congress promoted by the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community (COMECE). The event is being held to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome on March 25, 1957.

 

The Pope recalled how over these fifty years the continent has travelled a long journey leading "to the reconciliation of the two 'lungs,' East and West, joined by a shared history and arbitrarily separated by a curtain of injustice." And he referred to the search, "still painstakingly underway, for an adequate institutional structure for the European Union, which ... aspires to be a global player."

 

Benedict XVI noted how Europe has sought to conciliate "the economic and social dimensions through policies aimed at producing wealth, ... yet without overlooking the legitimate expectations of the poor and marginalized. However, in demographic terms, it must unfortunately be noted that Europe seems set on a path that could lead to its exit from history."

 

"It could almost be imagined that the European continent is actually losing faith in its own future," said the Holy Father, and he recalled how in some fields such as "respect for the environment" or "access to energy resources and investments, solidarity finds scant incentives, in both the international and the national fields." Moreover, "the process of European unification is clearly not shared by everyone," because "various 'chapters' of the European project were 'written' without taking adequate account of the wishes of citizens.

 

"What emerges from all this," he added, "is that it is unthinkable to create an authentic 'common European home' while ignoring the identity of the people of our continent. ... An identity that is historical, cultural and moral, more even than geographical, economic or political; an identity made up of a collection of universal values which Christianity contributed to creating, thus acquiring a role that is not only historical but foundational for the continent of Europe."

 

"If, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, the governments of the EU wish to 'get closer' to their citizens, how can they exclude such an essential element of European identity as Christianity, in which a vast majority of that people continue to identify themselves? Is it not surprising that modern Europe, while seeking to present itself as a community of values, seems ever more frequently to question the very existence of universal and absolute values? And does this singular form of 'apostasy' - from oneself even more than from God - not perhaps induce Europe to doubt its own identity?

 

"In this way," he added, "we end up by spreading the conviction that the 'balance of interests' is the only way to moral discernment, and that the common good is a synonym of compromise. In reality, although compromise can be a legitimate balance between varying individual interests," it is bad "whenever it leads to agreements that harm the nature of man."

 

"For this reason it is becoming ever more indispensable for Europe to avoid the pragmatic approach, so widespread today, that systematically justifies compromise on essential human values, as if the acceptance of a supposedly lesser evil were inevitable. ... When such pragmatism involves laical and relativist trends and tendencies, Christians end up being denied the right to participate as Christians in public debate or, at the least, their contribution is disqualified with the accusation of seeking to protect unjustified privileges."

 

Benedict XVI went on to affirm that at this moment in history the European Union, "in order to be a valid guarantor of the State of law and an effective promoter of universal values, must clearly recognize the definite existence of a stable and permanent human nature." This nature is "the source of rights shared by all individuals, including the very people who seek to deny them. In such a context protection must be afforded to conscientious objection" in cases where "fundamental human rights are violated."

 

"I know how difficult it is for Christians to defend this truth. ... But do not tire and do not be discouraged! You know your task is to contribute to building, with God's help, a new Europe, realistic but not cynical, rich in ideals and free of naive illusions, inspired by the perennial and life-giving truth of the Gospel."

 

AC/EUROPE/COMECE                                                                VIS 070326 (740) 

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

President George W. Bush Congratulates Archbishop Demetrios On His 40-Year Anniversary To The Episcopacy And Welcomes The Greek American Community To The White House
 
Washington, DC - President George W. Bush welcomed Archbishop Demetrios of America, spiritual leader of over 1.5 million Greek Orthodox Christians in America, and members of the Greek American community to the White House on March 23 on the occasion of the celebration of the 186th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy 200. (Proclamation text attached.)  Foreign Minister of Greece Dora Bakoyannis, Greek and Cypriot Diplomats, government officials and Greek Americans from throughout the United States attended the ceremony in the East Room of the White House.

In his opening remarks, Archbishop Demetrios noted that this is the seventh time that the President has honored the Greek American community for the celebration of the Anniversary of Greek Independence Day.  The Archbishop acknowledged the similarities between the Greek War of Independence, or Greek Revolution and the American War for Independence or American Revolution, "Both truly world changing revolutions share two basic characteristics:  First, they were dominated by a tremendous passion for freedom, liberty, and independence for individuals, societies, and nations.  Second, they were equally dominated by an intense belief in a God Who is the source of that freedom and independence, and who is at the same time the ultimate and absolute Guarantor of these principles."  (Complete text attached)

In his response, President Bush recognized 2007 as the Archbishop’s 40th Anniversary to the Episcopacy calling him a "man of prayer, vision, and great wisdom."  He spoke of his valued friendship with Archbishop Demetrios referring to him as "a soothing spirit."  The president also emphasized his appreciation to the Greek Nation by acknowledging the attendance of Foreign Minister of Greece Dora Bakoyannis, Greek and Cypriot Diplomats, government officials and other Greek Americans from throughout the United States . "I want to thank all the Greek people," said President Bush, "and the government of Greece because the Truman Doctrine grew out of your own experience."

This year’s Celebration of Greek Independence Day offered an opportunity for additional gatherings and meetings with numerous political leaders. On Thursday, March 22, Archbishop Demetrios met with the newly elected Greek American members of Congress and also held separate, private meetings with the Foreign Minister of Greece Dora Bakoyannis and Greek American Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME). Later in the day Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) hosted a Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol Building and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Fragos Townsend hosted a private dinner at the Blair House, both in honor of honor Archbishop Demetrios’ 40-Year Anniversary.   

Preceding the visit to the White House on Friday afternoon a moving visit was made to Arlington National Cemetery where Archbishop Demetrios laid a wreath in honor of Greek Independence Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

---

Proclamation

Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration
of Greek and American Democracy, 2007

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

The United States and Greece share a long friendship built on common values and an abiding love for freedom. On Greek Independence Day, we underscore the warm ties between our countries, recognize the Greek Americans who enrich our society, and commemorate the anniversary of modern Greece .

The ancient Greeks entrusted their citizens with the right to govern, and they believed in the power of freedom to protect human dignity and basic human rights. Many of America 's Founding Fathers studied Greek history and took inspiration from these democratic ideals as they framed our Constitution. The founders of modern Greece had the strong support of our own young democracy when they declared their independence in 1821, and our nations have stood as allies in the major conflicts of the 20th century. Today, we continue to defend freedom together in the global war on terror, as Greek and American Armed Forces work to lay the foundation of peace for generations to come.

On Greek Independence Day, and throughout the year, we celebrate the universality of freedom and the enduring bonds between Greece and the United States .

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America , by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2007, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH 

---

Remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios
Washington, DC, Friday, March 23, 2007
On the Occasion of the Signing of the Presidential Proclamation for Greek Independence Day

Mr. President,

This is the seventh time that we are together in celebrating Greek Independence Day, honoring the symbolic date of March 25, 1821.  As the Greek Orthodox American community, we are deeply thankful to you for giving us the great honor of hosting once again this auspicious event in the White House, and for offering to us your Presidential Proclamation as a solemn tribute to this day.

As we think about the Hellenic Revolution that started on the 25th of March, 1821, and which ended with the establishment of the independent and sovereign State of Greece, after 4 centuries of Ottoman occupation, we vividly remember the American Revolution and the Declaration of American Independence on July 4, 1776.  Both truly world changing revolutions share two basic characteristics:  First, they were dominated by a tremendous passion for freedom, liberty, and independence for individuals, societies, and nations.  Second, they were equally dominated by an intense belief in a God Who is the source of that freedom and independence, and who is at the same time the ultimate and absolute Guarantor of these principles.

In both cases, the fight was exceedingly difficult.  From a human perspective, the possibility for success seemed very limited.  Pessimistic voices were raised everywhere.  Yet, both revolutions succeeded, and they succeeded brilliantly.  Freedom and independence were born on a ground that offered, in what followed, the best presuppositions for astonishing developments.  These developments projected universally the unparalleled value of freedom and independence as inseparable and integral components of human life worth living on earth.

Today, both the United States and Greece are free, prosperous countries enjoying the fruits of liberty and independence, gained by these two heroic revolutions.  At the same time, throughout the 20th century and up to the present day, both our countries have been champions for the promotion of freedom, liberty, and independence through considerable sacrifices resulting from full participation as allies in two world wars and in other geographically limited conflicts.  Through such sacrifices, not only freedom, liberty and independence, but also democracy, justice, and respect for human rights were established and became part and parcel of the life of numerous nations.  It was in this spirit that President Thomas Jefferson, in 1823, replied to a request from the prominent Greek Adamantios Koraes, who had asked him for advice in drafting the new constitution for the reborn state of Greece .  President Jefferson, in his letter of reply from his home in Monticello, Virginia, on October 31, 1823, offered the following thoughts to Adamantios Koraes:

“There are certain principles in which all [states] agree and which all cherish as vitally essential to the protection of the life, liberty, property, and safety of the citizen: freedom of religion…the well-known law of habeas corpus, trial by jury…the exclusive right of legislation and taxation in the representatives of the people, freedom of the press subject only to liability for personal injuries…I have thus, dear Sir,” continues President Jefferson, “according to your request, given you some thoughts on the subject of national government.  They are the results of the observations and reflections of an Octogenary, who has passed fifty years of trial and trouble in the various grades of his country’s service.”

We are aware, Mr. President, of your predecessors’ commitments to the values of liberty and independence and to the assistance of other nations in need.  We are also aware of your own personal commitment to implementing these ideals for the betterment of our world.  There are formidable difficulties, obstacles, and challenges associated with this task.  This is why we pray unceasingly to the Almighty God for His decisive assistance in your labors.

Allow me to conclude that our celebration of Greek Independence Day this year coincides with the 60th anniversary of two remarkable post-World War II events: the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, both being expressions of assisting the task for democracy and freedom after the horrors of a world war.

Allow me also to mention another symbolic coincidence regarding the prominent two men, President Jefferson and Adamantios Koraes, who were so greatly involved in the two major revolutions and in the organization of their respective countries’ constitutions:  Thomas Jefferson died in 1826 on July 4, American Independence Day; Adamantios Koraes died in 1833 on March 25, Greek Independence Day.  Both men had devoted their entire lives and geniuses to the dawn of such a day.  A day of independence, freedom, and liberty that certainly had a dawn, but, with the help of God, will have no sunset, no end.

Thank you for this honor, Mr. President.

Source: www.goarch.org

Contact: Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos
Tel.: 617.680.7222
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

Father Cantalamessa Calls for Justice for the Hungry

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 23, 2007 (Zenit.org).-The preacher at a Lenten reflection attended by Benedict XVI and his aides invited listeners to reduce the scandalous abyss that separates the poor from the "satiated."

Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the Pontifical Household preacher, made this appeal today in a Lenten reflection offered to the Pope and members of the Roman Curia.

In his third Lenten homily of the season, Father Cantalamessa dealt with the practical application of what the Gospel beatitudes relate about the poor and the hungry.

The homily integrated the statements about the beatitudes in the Gospels according to Luke and Matthew: "Blessed are those who hunger, for they will be satisfied," says the first beatitude; the second speaks of those who have hunger and thirst for justice.

Those who hunger are the poor "considered in the most dramatic aspect of their condition, the lack of food … in a parallel way, the 'satiated' are the rich, who in their prosperity are able to satisfy not only the need for food but also their wants in regard to food," Father Cantalamessa emphasized.

The preacher commented on the Gospel warning to the rich: "They are not condemned simply for being rich, but for the use that they make of their riches."

Modern world

The Capuchin priest showed the contemporary application of the parable of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus, referring to what happens on a global scale between First and Third World countries.

"The greatest sin against the poor and the hungry is perhaps indifference," he said.

The preacher echoed Pope John Paul II's encyclical "Sollicitudo Rei Socialis," saying that to ignore "the immense multitudes of the hungry, the needy, the homeless, those without medical care and, above all, those without hope of a better future … would mean becoming like the 'rich man' who pretended not to know the beggar Lazarus lying at his gate."

We must "cast aside barriers and allow ourselves to be invaded by a healthy unease in the face of the shocking misery that exists in the world," and thus follow the example of Christ, who was filled with compassion at seeing people's needs, Father Cantalamessa added.

"To eliminate or reduce the unjust and scandalous abyss that exists between the satiated and the hungry of the world is the most urgent and vast unresolved task that humanity has taken with it into the third millennium," he said.

And it is "a task in which, above all, religions should distinguish themselves, uniting in a way that goes beyond any type of rivalry," the Capuchin said. He noted that "an undertaking of this dimension cannot be promoted by political leaders or powers, given that they are conditioned by their own national interests, and also -- frequently -- by strong economic powers."

Benedict XVI has given an example of this effort, the preacher said, citing the Pope's invitation last January to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See. "The worsening scandal of hunger," the Pontiff said then, "is unacceptable in a world which has the resources, the knowledge, and the means available to bring it to an end."

Justice

Father Cantalamessa also mentioned "those who hunger and thirst for justice," since to be "at the side of the hungry and the poor is to be involved in the work of justice."

"The justice that God asks of the human person is summarized in the double command of charity," he said. "It is love for one's neighbor that should push those who hunger for justice to worry about those who hunger for bread. And this is the great principle by which the Gospel acts in society.

"Jesus has left us the perfect antithesis of the rich man's banquet: the Eucharist. Therein is fulfilled the perfect 'sharing at the table' … the same food and the same drink in the same quantity for everyone."

But the Capuchin warned of what happens -- "objectively, even if not culpably" -- even "among millions of Christians who, on the various continents, participate in Sunday Mass: … There are those who return to their houses and have everything they could want, and others who lack what is needed to feed their children."

Father Cantalamessa recalled that Benedict XVI's recent postsynodal apostolic exhortation "Sacramentum Caritatis" forcefully asserts that "the food of truth," the Eucharist, "demands that we denounce inhumane situations in which people starve to death because of injustice and exploitation, and it gives us renewed strength and courage to work tirelessly in the service of the civilization of love."

Code: ZE07032307

Date: 2007-03-23