Saint Sophia Under Siege

Dear Brother Archons,

Only days out from the Second Archon International Conference on Religious Freedom in Berlin, and we see just how close the dangers are to the Mother Church of Constantinople. As reported in Hurriyet Daily News today, Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç spoke unabashedly of his hope to see Istanbul’s “Hagia Sophia Museum” to be converted into a mosque. He furthered this provocation by in fact calling it the “Hagia Sophia Mosque” as he spoke to reporters. Brother Archons! If there was ever a time that we need to step up to our responsibilities as Defenders of the Faith, it is now.   The Berlin Conference is an extraordinary opportunity for us to get our message out – a message that echoes religious freedom not only for ourselves, but for all people. It is time for all Archons to lift up the cross on our own shoulders and help bear the burden. Every day, the threats against the worldwide and spiritual ministry of His All Holiness increase, and if we are not there to answer, then who will be?   Please take this moment to offer yet again to the Holy Mother and Great Church of Church. If we are to free the Great Church from her long captivity, then initiatives like the Berlin Conference must go forward at the highest levels.

Let us, my friends, take responsibility for the high honor bestowed upon us by the Most Holy Ecumenical Patriarchate, and do all we can to serve Christ and defend His Holy Church. Thank you for your generous support.

In the Service of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,

Anthony J. Limberakis, MD Archon Aktouarios National Commander

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