Rabbis, priests and ministers will take the stage both in Denver, where the Democrats convene this week, and in Minneapolis-St. Paul, where the Republicans will gather the week after.As might be expected, the clergy members chosen to speak tend to be close to the party that’s hosting the convention. Most clergy go to one convention or the other. But there is one clergyman who will speak at both: Archbishop Demetrios, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church of America.
God, I pray he has some influence over both…
Demetrios mentioned that he stands ready to offer not only prayers but guidance to the major party candidates. He met in June at his New York offices with Republican John McCain and is expected to meet there soon with Democrat Barack Obama as well.
Demetrios has an understanding of Orthodox Christianity that might be valuable to both men. Many of the nations that have emerged from communism are reasserting their Orthodox heritage. In fact, the leaders of both the Russian and Georgian churches have been important in promoting peace after the recent military clashes between the two nations.
3 Comments
‘L, I give it my tentative blessin’, cuz I credit His Eminence with tryin’ to be neutral, but the GOA’s messin’ ’round with the DC Duoparty always give me th’ heebie-jeebies, fir some reasun. Whin he starts givin’ pastoral advice t’ the likes of Paul and Buchanan, thin I’ll be more encouraged.
Seems-ta me, if’n-ere’s an episcopal hero of late, it’s Abp. Charles Chaput, ‘n not any bishop from Orthurdox ranks.
Snaggley’s got a good point, Chaput has been great this week. Too bad the press didn’t cover his pro-life rally at all.
I have to admit, I pray for the best from His Eminence Abp. Demetrios’s efforts, but I have a bit of the ‘heebie-jeebies fir some resun’ too.
Chaput had a nice response to Pelosi’s nonsense earlier this week. I’m curious to see if His Eminence makes any public comments.