The Archbishop Goes To Washington

First, I would like to express my–plus some readers’– positive comments on the Orthodox Observer’s Greek edition. When an Archdiocese is named Greek Orthodox, the Greek language should be part of its culture, which language was–and still is–the go-to source for understanding Christianity’s soul.

The yearly “trek” to Washington on or about Greek independence day, has been a source of pride for Greek Americans. We pride ourselves that we are one of only two ethnicities in America, that have such access to the White House. The other of course, is the Irish, on St Patrick’s day.

Unfortunately, personal agendas, have turned the day into a waste of opportunity, a gathering of the same people, year after year, of dispensing favors to the largest donors, an exercise in non-transparency, which is the go-to attitude of this archdiocese, which non-transparency has raised rumors that allegedly, some people, clergy and laymen, have personally profited by selling the invitation tickets.

Withholding invitations is also a way to “punish” to “get back” at people that are not large enough donors, or have displeased the powerful in the archdiocese. Unless the archdiocese releases its records and the method it uses to dispense tickets, such rumors and allegations are deserved.

Why is it a closely held secret, of who is the “lucky one” to attend each years’ gathering and how were they chosen? What are the criteria? John Katsimatidis and his wife attend every year. Yes, he is a prominent member  of the Greek community, a member of the archdiocesan council and a benefactor, and a billionaire, but other than that, he doesn’t represent  the community. Why not give others the opportunity of attending?

I would suggest that a portion of the tickets, at least one third, are allocated to school students, who have excelled in their studies, who could be inspired by a visit to the center of American power and by meeting the president, who might  be involved politically.in the future.

Another portion should be reserved for Greek-Americans that are not necessarily part of the church, or large donors. Keep in mind that the G.O church has about 150,000 members. There are more than one and a half million Greek-Americans.

Finally, there should be complete transparency on who is responsible in dispensing the tickets and give account of his criteria, to the Greek press and the Orthodox Observer. Enough of the secrecy and darkness.

The other problem is that the archbishop is the leader of the delegation. That is very wrong. He wasn’t elected by us. He should ONLY represent us when visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, attending to the homeless. Christ didn’t visit the powerful. He visited the sick and the poor. Christ did not use such an opportunity to reward his benefactors and punish his adversaries. The archbishop should attend, but only as part of the group, not leading it.

The archbishop’s cringe-inducing speech, which shames our community, such as the sycophantic part “you have personally been the global champion for the cause of Freedom of Religion, ” which is totally untrue, because freedom of religion means ALL religions. Not only the MAGA  version of Christianity.

And the archbishop continued debasing himself, being grateful to Trump for actions that the president has not taken and benefits that were only discussed, such as the opening of the school of Halki, an item that has been on the verge of happening, for the last fifty years, but the school is still closed

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Then he thanked the president for his “”unwavering support of the spiritual mission of our Patriarchate and His All-Holiness, our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,”” Can anyone point out what support has this president provided to the patriarchate’s mission? I can’t think of any.

Then, the archbishop attempted to cram as much as possible into his speech, especially when Trump told him to be brief, because he didn’t have the time to listen to a long winded speech. As a matter of fact, the president did not fail to remind the gathered Greeks of the “favor” he was doing them by attending their celebration, while he is so busy.

So, the archbishop, attempted in a hurried up manner to insert in his speech as many of our national grievances as he could,  such as “justice for Cyprus” and remind him that “Greece stands as a beacon of stability and prosperity in the region.”

Then, the archbishop offered a prayer, in lieu of a gift, as he said, such as the gold cross that he gifted to Trump last year, which gift was crusted in faked stones, the type that rappers wear, because Trump is known to love bling. Not offering a religious object to an irreligious man was certainly an improvement. You can’t help but wonder what Trump did with that cross. For sure, it is not an object of veneration, as it should be.

The strangest “liberty” that the archbishop took was in reciting a prayer of St Basil the Great. I will post it here. I have not seen such a prayer, even anything approximating such wishes. For one, the prayer, according to the archbishop says and I quote “”Make his Presidency strong, and subdue all hostile nations that thirst for war.”” The situation right now is that this president thirsts for war. No nation attacked America. So, why lie to God? God knows the truth. Simply, the archbishop is attempting to portray this president as a wise leader. Then, the prayer continues with attributes, such as “pious” “faithful”, “piety”, “modesty”, which are not grounded in reality, not only with the president, but also with the clergy of the archdiocese.

The prayer in its entirety follows

Remember, O Lord, our pious and faithful President, whom You have allowed to govern on earth, and all those in public service. Equip him with the armor of truth and with the shield of Your good pleasure. Protect him in times of war. Strengthen his arm and exalt his right hand. Make his Presidency strong, and subdue all hostile nations that thirst for war. Grant him  profound and lasting peace. Whisper in his heart good things about Your Church and all Your people, so that he may perform his duties in tranquility, and we may live a serene and peaceful life, in all piety and modesty. Remember, O Lord, our brothers and sisters in government, and all civil servants, and the armed forces. Preserve in Your goodness those who are good; in Your kindness make good those who are evil. For You are the Source of Life and Goodness, and to You we ascribe all Glory. Amen.”

The only way to salvage that “special day” that our nationality enjoys, is to follow the example of the Irish. They celebrate a religious holiday, but they dont send any bishops to represent them. They send their political leaders. Clerics have no business being diplomats. They should ONLY tell the truth. Anything less is a detriment to our interests as a people and a disparagement of our faith.

I invite the clergy to voluntarily give up their annual excursion. Invite the Greek president or prime minister to attend the celebrations. Politicians are the only ones who can and should represent our national interests. Enough with their misplaced leadership. They have failed us. They don’t deserve it. Would they show the maturity to do what’s right? I doubt it. They are full of false pride and selfishness. They love the spotlight. Once you’re addicted to being near power, you don’t give it up. Self sacrifice is not part of this archdiocese’s culture.