The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-05-22

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Charilaos Florakis Passed Away

By Despina Hristopoulou

The historical leader of the Greek Communist Party (KKE) breathed his last early in the afternoon at his home aged 91. The deceased was born in 1914 at the village of Rachoula in Karditsa. He developed political action from an early age, while being a high-school student in Karditsa, when he joined the Greek Communist Party (KKE) in 1930. He held the office of Secretary General from 1972 until 1989. From 1990 until the present he was the honorary president of KKE. His political activities from responsible posts elevated him to a political leader of wider acceptance, while he was awarded with many international awards for his contribution. Charilaos Florakis always kept tight to his ties with Greece, despite the tough years of forced immigration, imprisonments and exiles. His entire political course was linked to the struggles of the Greek people for democracy, National independence, peace, social progress and socialism. He proudly declared his origin in any chance he was given and always fought for the problems of his hometown.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] "Don't Abandon Your Visions" Prime Minister Proclaimed Honorary Doctor

By Despina Hristopoulou

Twenty three years after his graduation, Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis returned today to Tufts University in Boston, where he was proclaimed honorary doctor of Law at a special ceremony. The Prime Minister was the main speaker of the 149th graduate ceremony and urged all students and graduates to hold on tight during difficult times and always go after high aspirations, like the combat of poverty, justice and the battle against racism. Mr Karamanlis underlined the importance of cooperation between Greece, the EU and the USA for peace in the Balkans. He also referred to the Olympic Games saying that Cassandras were proved wrong and the Athens Games were the most safe and inspired Olympics in history. In his speech, the Prime Minister also referred to Socrates and Plato. Lastly, using Kavafis' poem "Ithaca" he urged all students to travel focusing on the trip and not the destination.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Greek PM in Boston

[03] Patriarch Eirinaios is Expected Shortly Before the Synod in Phanar

By Despina Hristopoulou

Tonight Mr Eirinaios is expected to arrive in Phanar, where the proceedings of the Panorthodox Synod will start tomorrow. The Synod is expected to last until Wednesday and its aim will be to put an end to the crisis that has been afflicting the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The Panorthodox Synod is crucial for Mr Eirinaios' future, as it will decide on both his fate and his future role to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. In the meantime, Holy Sepulchre Brothers claim that Mr Eirinaios is trying to be rescued even at the last minute with fixed opinions. However, Eirinaios stated he is ready, while he also stressed that he wont go to Phanar to stand trial. Archbishop Christodoulos will also travel to Phanar, authorized by the Continuous Holy Synod to handle the stance of the Church of Greece at his own will. From Sidirokastro where he is, Mr Christodoulos expressed the belied that a solution will be reached.

Fever in Phanar

In the morning, the Ecumenical Patriarch performed a memorial service for the recently deceased Archbishop Iakovos, while he also accepted a group of pilgrims from Fthiotida.

At the same time feverish preparations are held in Phanar, where Orthodox Church representatives are already arriving from around the world.

According to information from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, apart from the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandreia, Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens, Metropolitan Bishop Savvas of Warsaw, Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, Metropolitan Bishops Chrisostomos and Ioannis of Efessos and Pergamum respectively, as well as the Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archimandrite Elpidophoros, will also attend the Synod in person.

The Patriarch of Georgia has informed he will send a delegation.

Other Hierarchs who will send delegations are: Patriarch Alexios of Russia, Chrisostomos of Cyprus, Nikolaos of Czechoslovakia, Ignatius of Andiocheia, Theoktistos of Romania, Pavlos of Serbia and Maximos of Bulgaria.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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