Euroasian Jewish News

Dialog with the Greek Orthodox Church. Sydney, Australia, February 2003

Archbishop Stylianos, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, met with leaders of the Australian Jewish Community in his office in Sydney.
The Jewish delegation, which consisted of Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) General Council member, Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) president, Jeremy Jones, Rabbi Raymond Apple of the Great Synagogue, Sydney, and ECAJ Honorary Secretary, Josie Lacey, had sought the meeting in the light of concern in the Jewish community at sections of the Archbishop's 2002 Christmas message which made reference to the Jewish people.
The atmosphere in the meeting was warm and positive.
The Jewish community representatives outlined their community's concerns at sections of the Christmas message. After hearing the Archbishop's explanation concerning the wording of the message, it was acknowledged that it was written in the spirit of self-criticism for people who share the message of the Bible.
The Archbishop reiterated his friendship with distinguished members of the Jewish community, and also his deep solidarity with traditional Jewish spirituality.
The participants agreed that it is important for the Greek Orthodox and the Jewish community to continue discussions on matters of mutual concern and to take advantage of many decades of friendship to resolve any issues, which may concern either of them.

EAJC Public Relations and Media Department