August 18, 2005

NEW YORK, NY – Following the tragic crash of flight 522 on August 14 and the death of all 121 passengers and crew, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America expressed condolences to His Excellency Tassos Papadopoulos, the President of Cyprus. The plane was en route to Athens from Cyprus when it crashed into a mountain north of Athens near the historic town of Marathon.

In a letter to Mr. Papadopoulos, His Eminence stated:

"Being in deep sorrow, I have the painful honor to communicate with Your beloved Excellency in order to express the heartfelt condolences of myself and of the entire flock of the Holy Archdiocese of America for the sudden death of the many people during yesterday's tragic air crash.

Immediately after we received word of the sad occurrence we offered a Trisagion for the repose of the souls of the victims of this unexpected tragedy. We wholeheartedly share in your grief and pray intensely for the blessed memory and eternal repose of the souls of the victims of this terrible accident and for the God-sent comfort and moral support of their families.

As always, you have my warmest wishes and prayers for success in your difficult and indeed great and sacred task and for the well-being of the most beloved Cypriot people."

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the Americas