April 6, 2005
The Pious and Reverend Pastors
of the Holy Metropolis
of Denver
Beloved in the Lord,
Your parishes are frequently contacted by those in need of assistance for various reasons. We of course have an obligation in accordance with the command of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and to visit those who are sick and in prison.
In helping others, we are also called to exercise good judgment and prudence to ensure that the right kind of help is provided.
Sadly, from time to time individuals abuse the charity offered by churches and occasionally they do so using the name of our Church, our parishes, and/or our clergy.
In this regard, it was recently brought to my attention that a man representing himself to be a friend of Father Nicholas Katinas and of Father Anthony Savas has requested funds from several parishes in the East. He also represented himself as an employee of the parish who had not been paid. In fact, he is none of the above.
Prudence obviously dictates that whenever someone gives a reference, that source should be contacted and the reference verified. Should someone approach you or your Philoptochos for assistance, representing himself as described above, please call Father Anthony Savas to verify the facts.
With Paternal Blessings,
+Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver