Επιστολή στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο κ.κ. Δημήτριο

Dear Archbishop Dimitrios

Reading the newspapers, seeing the TV news, and hearing what is going on in Greece , I am very concerned that I have not heard anything coming from the Archdiocese, the Metropolis or the Greek press regarding a plan to help our people in Greece who are suffering. I do see in the press, even in the local secular newspapers and magazines, photographs and stories about Greek citizens searching garbage bins to find food reminding me of World War II. In Athens the church has soup kitchens that feed thousands of people a day. They have found themselves without jobs and no income to support their families. They have a half a million unemployed people in Greece with no money from anywhere to help them out.

There are Greek people all over the world. Why are we Greeks outside of Greece not responding to this tragic situation? Why has there been no word of a plan by our church leaders to pay off the national debt to the EU? A special account could be set up to receive donations directly from each and every Greek Orthodox community throughout the world with every family could participating. Of course we should send help to our people in Greece who are suffering, butI am suggesting a solution to their debt problem.

I would like to know why our Church has been silent on this very important matter. We have always been very generous and we have always had filotimo and agape that has led us to come to the help of different people everywhere, whether responding to fire victims, flood victims, or earthquake. I am sure you are aware that Greece has been among the first countries to send help to others in need throughout the world in emergency situations even though it is a small and poor country.

I am disappointed with the Church right now and being Greek Orthodox it leaves a very bad taste in my mouth, and I blame the Patriarchate, the Archbishops and Metropolitans of every area, whether here in America or in Europe and elsewhere. Our people take their cue from the head of the church and I question what are the heads doing about it now? Imagine how we would stand out in the world if we, united, could accomplish such a miracle?

I am anxious to hear from you regarding my thoughts. If I could be of any assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me either by email or letter.

Respectfully,

Litsa Stathacopoulos