Republican presidential nominee (that’s right, I’m dropping the “presumptive” tag, pretty sure it’s in the bag) paid a visit to the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church of America and met with Archbishop Demetrios (he’s the guy on the left). It’s the second meeting between the two, after a June visit last year. They continued a dialogue on religious freedom, particularly Turkey’s efforts to restrict Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, according to the archdiocese.
“As Saint Paul says in his First Letter to Timothy, ‘let supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all people: kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.’ Well, in America we have no kings, but we do have elected leaders and representatives of government. As Archbishop, I feel a responsibility to pray for all our leaders and to encourage our Greek Orthodox Faithful to do likewise, as they participate in the political process granted to all Americans by our Constitutionally protected freedoms. Senator McCain is an honorable American who has demonstrated his heroism and love for this country.”
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has 1.5 million members, according to the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. But remember folks, be wary of round numbers.