Statement On The Death of Pope John Paul II
April 4, 2005
JOHNSTOWN, PA - The Bishop, clergy and faithful of the American
Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese (Ecumenical Patriarchate) join Bishop Joseph
Adamec, the priests and religious, and the faithful of the Diocese of
Altoona/Johnstown and members of the Roman Catholic Church world-wide in
mourning the passing of + Pope John Paul II. We pray for the soul of this great
Bishop.
We were touched by the display of faith demonstrated by tens of thousands in
Rome and millions around the world, praying for this good Christian leader of
our Catholic brethren during his passage from this life to Paradise. During
those days, a cynical world was given a prospect of faith and hope, and a
Christian testimony of the meaning of life and death. Pope John Paul II was
surrounded by a unified family, a peaceful, pious and prayerful "choir" of
millions who prayed for him in the moment of the Lord taking his soul to
Paradise.
Metropolitan Nicholas, bishop of the Diocese, had the great privilege to be
in the presence of Pope John Paul twice in Rome over the years, which has
provided unforgettable memories.
During his Papacy, the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the
Orthodox Church has significantly improved. The most recent event was this past
November when a delegation of Orthodox Christians led by His All-Holiness,
Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople took part in a moving ceremony at the
Vatican at the invitation of Pope John Paul. During this historic ceremony, the
relics of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Gregory the Theologian, two prominent
Fathers of the undivided Church, were returned to the Patriarchate of
Constantinople.
The Orthodox Church will remember this, as well as other expressions of a
desire by Pope John Paul for reconciliation and unity.
