Realising the sensitive nature of such expansion into Muslim-majoirty countries, the Patriarch was known to promote mutual respect and understanding between Orthodoxy and Islam.

"The world is tired of religious wars and conflicts," he was quoted as saying. "Christians and Muslims are duty-bound to respect absolutely each other's religious beliefs and overcome antagonistic feelings. We must strive for solidarity if we are to resolve the problems facing the world, for the earth is the common home of all nations wherein we are called to worship the one true God."

The Patriarch was born in Sichari, Cyprus, on Sept. 3, 1949, and entered the monastery of Macheras at the age of 12. He became a deacon at the monastery in 1969 and was sent to Alexandria to serve as deacon to Patriarch Nicolaos VI. He studied at the Theological School in Athens and was ordained a priest in the summer of 1978. Under his leadership, the number of Orthodox Christians pledging their allegiance to Alexandria rose to levels not seen since Roman imperial times.

The helicopter crash occured during the Patriarch's first trip to visit a 1,000-year old santuary in Mount Athos.

Pauline J. Chang
Ecumenical Press