OCA Chancery
Syosset, New York
October 1, 1996
His All Holiness, BARTHOLOMEW I
Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch
Istanbul, Turkey
Your All Holiness, dear Brother and Concelebrant,
Only extreme outrage and profound dismay characterized our feelings today when we learned of the violent and unlawful attack against the Ecumenical Patriarchate on September 30, 1996. The unprecedented bombing of St George Cathedral, where I was blessed and honored to visit with Your All Holiness, and collateral damage to monastic quarters in the Patriarchal complex by religious fanatics, must be condemned by the international community.
We can only be thankful today as we celebrate the Feast of the Protection of our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, that She has extended her heavenly veil upon the Phanar and has protected Your All Holiness and members of your staff from injury as a result of this sinful and inane act of violence.
Religious fundamentalism is inherently a sin against God and humanity. It is this same religious fundamentalism that ostensibly leads the Turkish Prime Minister in his drive to turn Hagia Sophia into an operating Mosque. This latest attack against the Ecumenical Patriarchate should signal an alarm throughout the world that enough suffering, harassment and terror have been levied against the Orthodox Christians in Constantinople.
Our office was assured today by the State Department that official condemnation of the attack has been issued by the Government of the United States, and that swift action by authorities in Turkey will lead to the arrest of these violators. Furthermore, some form of protection will be guaranteed for the faithful inhabitants and workers of the Patriarchate against such attacks in the future.
On behalf of the hierarchs, clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, please accept from my unworthiness, our expression of solidarity and love during this difficult time.
Your brother in Christ,
+ THEODOSIUS
Archbishop of Washington,
Metropolitan of All America and Canada