Greek Orthodox Tells Why Papal Visit Was OK'd

ATHENS, Greece, MAR. 23, 2001 (Zenit.org).- The head of the Greek Orthodox Church decided it will welcome John Paul II for a visit because he showed "serious signs of repentance" for "the first time after centuries of Vatican intransigence."

Archbishop Christodulos, leader of the Greek Orthodox, said the Vatican must still take "many steps" of repentance. His comments were seen as a response to nationalist Orthodox who strongly oppose the visit, which is scheduled for May 4-5.

Eustachios Kolas, president of the Association of Greek Clergy, representing 8,000 Orthodox parish priests, referred to John Paul II as the "grotesque, two-headed monster of Rome" and a "wolf dressed in sheepskin."

Zenit - The World Seen From Rome
23. mars 2001