The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-02-15
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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, thnn 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 COM
manding physical presence, and with
dress aud regalia all unfamiliar to West
ern eyes, it is not strange that wherever
he appeared, on street or in hall, all eyes
were turned to him. But q brief glance
is needed at his life history and his par
ticipation in the work and spirit OF the
Parliament to show how we'll he was en-
titled 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 q profound thinker and student as 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 1886. His early train
ing, by pious mother, led his desire to the
church, and when he was but ID years old
he journeyed to the Holy Land. During
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 Jerusalem, and after seven
years there he was graduated. He was then
appointed deacon, and, within q week,
pres sbyter, pronounced compliment to
his faith and his learning. After he had
attended 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 SUCCESSFULLY at the
universities of strasburg, Berlin, Munich,
and LEIPZIG, devoting his attention,
during these three and half years, to
theology 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. II was not until 1871 that he re-
turned to Greece. His great cloquence
soon made deep impression, and he was
appointed by the government as State
preacher, with that Office visiting and
preaching In every part of the kingdom
for fifteen years. At this time he was also
the editor of 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 rs Archbishop of
Zante, his birthplace, and, 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 utterances were always
he was one of the favorites of the casual
visitor as truly as of the most constant
attendant. In "Neely's History of the
Parliament of Religions" his addresses
are given in practical completeness.
They include his denial of the supersti-
tious belief existing among certain ignor-
ant persons that the Jewish people sacri-
fee Christian children on their affairs. 1t
is due to Christianity's own good repute,
as he truly says, that he and all other Chris
tians shonld rebuke this horrible and
foundationless charge. His chief address
on the foundation Of the orthodox Greek
Church and his address on the opening
day, one of the most inspiring OF all, are
also included in the work.
The History of the Parliament OF Re-
ligions is sold by The NEWS for $3.50 Gin
fun sheep binding ~. Discount to cier-
gymen.
whiskers that are prematurely gray or faded