Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia sent a message on the Day of Remembrance of the Genocide of Pontian Hellenism.
The Metropolitan of Zambia stated in his message: “The lives of the people, the honor of the raped daughters of Pontus, the respect of the Faith, the houses, and the possessions will not be returned, but the duty is to never forget so that we do not experience another genocide again.”
He also said, among other things: “Moreover, the recent symbolic recognition of the Armenian genocide by President Biden is instructive and proves that the virtue of patience is a weapon in the hands of those who possess it. The crew of time will soon come to justify the lost Pontian souls.”
Read below the full message of the Metropolitan of Zambia:
It is now extremely clear to those who have dealt, albeit in the slightest, with the history of Pontian Hellenism that the heinous crimes committed against it by the Turks have all the characteristics of genocide, as they systematically, massively, and extremely violently aimed at a complete annihilation of the Hellenism of Pontus from its pre-eternal ancestral homes. The historical evidence is indisputable and the testimonies of those who survived the Neo-Turkish uprising cannot be refuted. The millions of victims – more than 350,000 – demand, not revenge of course, but justice…
The blood of the innocent who watered the blessed Pontian land, sacrifice, and that on the altar of Romiosini, roar and the cry of the “slaughtered lambs” will not find peace and rest until the whole civilized world recognizes this unjust and horrible slaughter. The lives of the people, the honor of the raped daughters of Pontus, the respect of the Faith, the houses, and the possessions will not be returned, but the duty is to never forget so that we do not experience another genocide again.
The Greek State, in the context of the European acquis and, of course, in the international fora, must highlight all aspects of the Pontian genocide, disclose the substantiated and incontrovertible evidence that confirms the commission of the genocide and achieve mass condemnation by all civilized world, this barbaric crime against humanity. The recent recognition of the Genocide committed by the perpetrators themselves, against the long-suffering and peaceful Armenian people, by the USA rekindles hopes for a happy outcome of the Pontian Genocide as well. In addition, the sensitization of the Greek citizens and especially of the new generation can have a catalytic effect on the mass mobilization and the peaceful claim, since oblivion is the great enemy of the genocide of the Pontian Greeks.
The recognition of the Pontian Genocide is not an issue that concerns the Pontians – who obviously must take the lead in the effort of its international recognition – it is an issue that concerns all of humanity and our world. The recognition of the Genocide of the Greeks of Pontus and the return of due honor to the victims will be a step towards the peaceful coexistence of the peoples and the consolidation of respect for the other. It is already too late, it should not take any longer…
Moreover, the recent symbolic recognition of the Armenian genocide by President Biden is instructive and proves that the virtue of patience is a weapon in the hands of those who possess it. The crew of time will soon come to justify the lost Pontian souls. But such a thing requires good coordination and competent diplomatic maneuverings on the part of the political world and especially by the Governments of Greece. In this context, the announcements of the successive Governments of Greece in recent years are important, regarding the promotion of the internationalization of the issue. These proclamations must be put into practice.
In the Orthodox Church we believe that after the Crucifixion comes the Resurrection, we Pontians are “still on the cross” waiting for the Resurrection.
Christ is Risen!
