Bush mourns Orthodox Church of Greece leader

WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush on Monday sent their condolences over the death of the 69-year-old leader of Greece's Orthodox Church, Archbishop Christodoulos.
"Laura and I offer our condolences to the people of Greece at this time of mourning," the president said in a statement. "Our prayers are with the people of Greece and all those who followed his spiritual guidance."
One of the most popular archbishops in Greek history, Christodoulos died in his home at about 5:00 am Monday (0300 GMT), after a battle against liver cancer, his office said.
"The late Archbishop was well known as an articulate voice of the Orthodox faith, for his engagement in inter-religious dialogue, and for his promotion of social programs to help the vulnerable," said Bush.
ok/ddl

01/28/2008 19:32 GMT