GREECE: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP

UNCLAS ATHENS 001563 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/ES-CR, S/ES-O, AND EUR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ODPC OVIP GR SUBJECT: GREECE: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP HIERONYMOS II TO PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA REF: STATE 118942 ¶1. Hieronymous II, the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, has sent a congratulatory letter to President-elect Obama. The original letter was sent by pouch today to S/ES-CR (registration number 5697438),but a copy of the text is provided in paragraph 2 below. ¶2. BEGIN TEXT Athens, 7 November, 2008 Protocol Number 3590/2008 H.E. Barack Obama President-Elect of the U.S.A. c/o H.E. Daniel V. Speckhard, Ambassador of the U.S.A. In Athens Your Excellency, The news of your election to the Presidency of the United States of America filled us with joy and anticipation. Joy, because a young man with fresh ideas will take over the steering-wheel of a mighty nation on January 20. Anticipation, because you have been elected at a critical time for international decision making on issues like the keeping of peace and the protection of the environment. We understand that, in spite of the powers the votes of the U.S. citizens has entrusted you with, the shoulders of one person alone may not sustain if it is not for God to invigorate this person. For this reason, we pray to the Lord that he makes you partaker of his divine wisdom and enables you to cope successfully with any political issue that may arise during your presidency. Wishing you a healthy and fruitful service to the American people and to international community, in general, and every divine gift to your family and colleagues, we remain. All-prayerful to the Lord for Your Excellency. Hieronymos II Archbishop of Athens and All Greece END TEXT SPECKHARD