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Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-10-26Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Archbishop Christodoulos returns to AthensArchbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos returned to Athens at noon on Friday after staying for 70 days in Miami, in the United States, where his scheduled liver transplant operation at the Jackson Memorial Hospital was aborted after it was ascertained that his cancer had spread to his abdomen.The transplant would have been carried out by renowned transplant surgeon Andreas Tzakis. The Archbishop was welcomed at Athens airport by Education and Religion Minister Evripidis Stylianidis, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Health and Social Solidarity Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, members of the Holy Synod and other dignitaries. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his wife Natasha sent him a bouquet of flowers and a card wishing him well. Speaking on his arrival, Archbishop Christodoulos said that "I am with you once again, with the people who have loved me so much and whom I have loved." The Archbishop said that as of Monday the first phase of therapy advised for him by doctors will begin. "I feel very well and according to my internal disposition I will preoccupy myself with the issues of the Church's administration and with my duties. With the support of all, God will provide what is best. I hope so," he added. After the official reception, the Primate of the Greek Church headed for his home in the Athens suburb of Psychiko where he was welcomed by crowds of wellwishers. "I have returned to continue the struggle that I have started. I have the support of all of Hellenism in this struggle of mine. I thank all of you for your feelings towards me, that give me courage to continue a struggle that is difficult. I hope, however, that I will win it. I wish to thank all, starting from the Greek government which went out of its way and secured for me all the necessary facilities in Miami. Then the Hierarchy, the Holy Clergy and all the pious people who expressed their interest with their letters and their wishes," he said. CAPTION: Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos waves to people on arrival at Athens airport on Friday, October 26, 2007. ANA-MPA/HOLY SYNOD/CHRISTOS BONIS. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |