The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-02-22
ARCHBISHOP DIoNYsIOs LATAs.
Representative of the Greek Church at
the Parliament Of Religions.

Representative of the Greek Church at
the Parliament Of Religions.
Out of the many unique and interesting
figures of prominence in the great Par
lament of Religions, at Chicago, there
was not one that attracted more atten-
tion, nor was one more worthy of intelli-
gent attention and interest, than the
dignitary OF the Greek Church, whose
portrait accompanies this sketch. The
Archbishop, Dionysios Latas, was present
at the opening session of the Parliament,
and his activity never tagged in the work
of promoting its welfare. OF command
ing physical presence, and with dress and
regalia all unfamiliar to Western eyes, it
is not strange that wherever he appeared,
on street or in hall, all eyes were turned
TO him. But brief glance Is needed at
his life history and his participation in
the work and spirit OF the Parliament to
show how well he was entitled to the
honorable consideration that was given
to him from all who met or heard him.
Before he was Is years OF age he had
begun his studies, secular and theological,
and for nearly 20 years these researches
were continued without interruption. He
IS profound thinker and student. rs might
well be imagined, and his learning is ap-
parent in whatever circle he may be found.
This dignitary of the Eastern Church
was born at Zante, In 1885. His early train
ing, bya pious mother, led his desire to the
church, and when he was but Is years old
he iourneyed TO the Holy Land. During a
stay of three years In Bethlehem, he
studied the Arabic language, and was
adopted by the Metropolitan of the Holy
City. After the death OF the Metropoli-
tan, he was placed In the theological
seminary OF the Holy Cross, by the
Patriarch Of Jeru alem, and after seven
years there he was graduated. lie was then
appointed a deacon ana, within week,
presbyter, a pronounced compliment TO
his faith and his learning. After he had
( tended the theological department OF
the University OF Athens for three years
his eloquence in the pulpit attracted so
much attention that he was sent by the
Mayor OF Athens, at the Mayors own ex-
pense, TO the universities OF Western
Europe. He studied successively at the
universities OF Strasburg, Berlin, Munich
and LEIPZIG, devotlng his attention, dur
ing these three and a half years, TO the
ology and philosophy. He then spent a
year in England and another in Rome, in
each instance learning OF the forms and
doctrines of the church where he was.
IL was not until 1871 that he returned
TO Greece. His great cloquencg soon
made deep impression and he was
appointed by the government a. State
preacher, with that Office visiting and
preaching in every part OF the kingdom
for fifteen years. Al this time he was also
the editor OF a religious paper, which was
SO great an influence for good. that. In
recognition thereof, he was decorated by
the King with the Cross OF the Saviour.
In 1884 he was ordained ~ Archbishop Of
Zante, his birthplace, aud, in the exercise
OF that Office, that city is now his home.
No participant In the Parliament
showed broader conception OF Christian
charity than did this great scholar. priest
and man. His uttcrances were always
attended with respect snd pleasure. and
he as one 81 the iavor'tes oi the casusi
visitor as truly a. of tn most constant
attendant. In "Necly's History OF the