[xsVfF9Em]

Dear Orthodox11,

+irini nem ehmot

The Pope His Holiness certainly did not ex-communicate Fr. Zakarias because of the success of his evangelistic efforts amongst the Muslims; that's just plain silly (and as an aside, the Pope has no authority to ex-communicate anyone in any event; ex-communication is a synodal procedure).

There have been rumours regarding Fr. Zakarias's being ex-communicated, but these relate to ideas (which are, once again rumours as far as I know) that Fr. Zakarias has departed from Orthodox teaching, and not because of anything to do with his activity amongst the Muslims.

Finally, His Holiness has publically renounced support of, or allegiance to Fr. Zakarias with regard to his anti-Islamic campaigns, on account of the manner in which he pursues his evangelistic efforts, and not strictly just to be diplomatic. Fr. Zakarias adopts a zealously aggressive and blunt approach to evangelism, and launches his attacks on Islam publically through every possible medium: T.V., radio etc., which in turn inspires alot of hatred in many Muslims as much as it does conversions. The Church does not advocate such an approach to evangelism; we should win the Muslims over through humility and charity, not through aggressively and bluntly insulting their religion publically on T.V. (regardless of how much such "insults" are based on the truth).

In IC XC
-Athanasius