September 11, 2002

To the Venerable Hierarchs, Reverend Clergy, Monastics and Faithful
of the Orthodox Church in America



Dearly Beloved in the Lord:

On September 11, 2001, the citizens of the United States experienced the unthinkable. Not since the attack on Pearl Harbor have Americans had to face such calculated acts of violence and terror that claimed the lives of thousands. A new day of infamy has been etched into the collective memory of the American people. A new day of infamy continues to inflict pain and sorrow upon those who struggle to hold onto the cherished memories of lost loved ones. As we remember the events of September 11th, we pray for the thousands of innocent people whose lives were taken from them by senseless acts of terror. In this moment of remembrance we also stand with those who mourn and offer them the support of fervent prayer which binds the living and the departed to the eternal memory of God.

For Orthodox Christians, prayerful remembrance is ceaselessly joined to the path of the Cross. It is the Cross which ensures that our words and deeds in no way express reckless anger and unjust retribution. We follow the way of the Cross for it alone leads to reconciliation and lasting peace. We uphold the Cross for it is the only banner which transcends all divisions as it beckons everyone to universal unity in the person of the Crucified and Risen Savior. And we embrace the Cross for it is the only weapon whose power transforms death into life.

The horrific events of September 11th mark a turning point in our lives and in the lives of so many throughout the world. With zeal and conviction we must work together in reassuring ourselves and the world that these events do not have the last word. As Orthodox Christians we are compelled by the Gospel to respond to the violence, the hostility, and the cruelty of this fallen world with the true and final word of the Cross. For only the word of the Cross is able to overcome the wisdom and power of sinful men. Only the word of the Cross can bring joy to all who mourn and suffer.

As we remember and pray for both the living and departed victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks, let us turn with confidence to the Crucified and Risen Lord who, through the Cross, has lifted up our fallen nature and restored all mankind. May He console us in our sorrow and strengthen us in our common task of proclaiming the good news of His victory over the powers of darkness.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+ HERMAN
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada