[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF ST. IRENE CHRYSOVALANTOU

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 1998

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a historic 
event that started to heal a schism that began 27 years ago and divided 
the Greek Orthodox Church in America from the Orthodox Church elsewhere 
in the world.
  The dispute related to a 13-day discrepancy between the Gregorian 
calendar and the old Julian calendar to which Orthodox traditionalists 
adhere. The reconciliation, approved by the Synod in Constantinople on 
April 7, was simple. Neither group would have to give up its calendar 
but the Old Calendrists of churches such as St. Irene Chrysovalantou 
would be accepted under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
  St. Irene Chrysovalantou was named a patriarchal monastery as a 
result of this agreement. Its Old Calendrist clergy were re-ordained 
last month. The sacraments that they had celebrated, as well as the 
countless weddings and baptisms, were deemed retroactively proper.
  Archbishop Spyridon, who endorsed the plan, led a moving ceremony 
celebrating the event on May 3, 1998. He was joined by the founders of 
St. Irene, His Excellency Metropolitan Pasisios of Tyana, Abbot of the 
Monastery and Bishop Vikentios of Apameia. Amid the airs of a brass 
band, the ringing of church bells, sonorous Byzantine incantations, and 
the jubilant salutes of a thousand faithful, the community turned out 
in strength to rejoice over this historic reconciliation.
  To further commemorate the reconciliation, on May 23, 1998, His All 
Holiness Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and 
Ecumenical Patriarch, will visit the Sacred and Patriarchal Monastery 
of St. Irene Chrysovalantou.
  Since this is the first time that His All Holiness will visit 
Astoria, his visit is eagerly anticipated. This historic event will be 
celebrated by thousands of faithful who will come to welcome him and to 
attend the Patriarchal Great Vespers.
  Mr. Speaker, these events in Astoria mark the beginning of a healing 
process that I hope will reunite a people long divided. This 
reconciliation should give hope to others living amid conflict.

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