Dear Brother Archons and Friends,
Under the leadership of Communications Chair Archon Rocky Sisson and the creative talents of Archon John Mindala, the Order has developed two new cards for you to use as an aid in your mission to raise awareness of the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarch. The cards feature Hagia Sophia and its conversion from a museum to a mosque. Each card features a quote from the Ecumenical Patriarch about Hagia Sophia.
The first focuses on Hagia Sophia as a place of coexistence between Christianity and Islam. This card was designed to be handed out to those who may not necessarily be of our faith, but value freedom of thought and religion. As our goal is to educate as many people as possible of the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the persecution of Christians in Turkey and around the world, we hope to bring the action taken by the Turkish government before others in this fashion, so that they can support our cause regardless of whether or not they support our faith.
The second card features a quote stating that the only use of Hagia Sophia that respects its mission and history is as a Christian house of worship. This card is targeted towards the Orthodox faithful, and we hope it serves to inspire and educate them.
The back of both cards details the history of Hagia Sophia and shows images of the interior with the icons covered, as it appears today.
As Archons, part of our mission is to educate as many people as possible about the persecution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. We engage others in conversation and discussion on the issues facing His All-Holiness and the Christians of Turkey. These cards, like the five issue cards, are a tangible way to practice and promote our mission.
Please get into the habit of keeping a supply of these cards with you. Distribute them as you engage people in discussion on the persecution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the conditions His All-Holiness must endure.
To request cards, please contact Christa Pourou in the Archon office at cpourou@goarch.org or 212-570-3550 with your shipping address. The Order will send a pack of 10 cards of each quote (20 cards total), unless otherwise instructed.
In the Service of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
Anthony J. Limberakis, MD
Archon Aktouarios
National Commander
