Patriarch Theofilos III: Greek Orthodox Church recovering from moral crisis

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The top Greek Orthodox clergyman in the Holy Land says his church is gradually recovering from a moral crisis. The church has been shaken by scandal in recent years. It was embroiled in secretive real estate deals and an ugly leadership battle. Patriarch Theofilos III said in an interview this week that he is trying to bring greater transparency to church business. The church is the second largest landowner in the Holy Land. Theofilos also says that a recent scuffle between Greek Orthodox and Armenian Christians at Christianity's holiest shrine was based on a misunderstanding. Tensions are still running high, though. There is concern they could erupt again during Saturday's Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.