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"It's not a debate on rights, because rights are a gift from God. We're all fallible. We need proper criteria, a new atmosphere, and a proper way of addressing problems within biblical, traditional Orthodoxy."

In any event, Hopko believes Demetrios is an excellent choice. "He's an authentic, virtuous man. He'll humbly, slowly, gently bring intelligent, goodwilled people together. I believe he'll be a catalyst for others and help change the atmosphere to one of humility and love."

INTERCHURCH RELATIONS: Many also hope that the new archbishop will help smooth relations among Orthodox jurisdictions. There had been a growing movement toward a pan-Orthodox church in America. That effort was restrained when Bartholomew removed Greek Orthodox Archbishop Iakovos, who worked toward unity in America. As Iakovos's replacement, Spyridon seemed to favor a return to Hellenism and stronger ties to the ecumenical patriarchate in Istanbul.

Bartholomew issued a statement to be read from all the pulpits soon after Demetrios's official appointment, which said, "We paternally exhort you from the depths of our heart … to be united around him as with one soul and one heart, to accompany him in his difficult task, forgiving and committing to oblivion anything in the past which may have upset or dismayed or separated any members of the Archdiocese from one another."

Archbishop Demetrios is scheduled to be formally enthroned September 18 by retired Archbishop Iakovos, soon after his arrival, in a ceremony at New York's Holy Trinity Cathedral.

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October 4 1999, Vol. 43, No. 11