Documents link former Romanian Orthodox to anti-Semitic group
AFP Updated: 22/Aug/2007 16:51
EJP | News | Eastern Europe | Documents link former Romanian Orthodox to anti-Semitic group
BUCHAREST (AFP)---The late patriarch of Romania's Orthodox Church,
Teoctist I, belonged in the 1930s to an anti-Semitic group that
attacked synagogues in Bucharest, documents published Wednesday alleged.
The documents, published in the Cotidianul newspaper, echoed similar
accusations made against the recently deceased cleric a few years ago
by two Romanian historians.
"Information gathered in his file shows that (Teoctist) took part in
Iron Guard activities and even participated in the rebellion"
organised by the fascist group in January 1941, according to the
documents, written in 1988 and found in the archives of Romania's
former ruling Communist party.
Some 120 Jews were killed and some 20 synagogues smashed in the rebellion.
Orthodox Church spokesman Costel Stoica rejected the allegations,
calling them an
"attempt to smear a man who can no longer defend himself."
He said the accusations had been made "under pressure" in 1949 by a
priest who was being investigated by political police,
and that later
research had proved them to be mere "fabrication."
Two Romanian historians alleged a few years ago, again citing
documents, that Teoctist had taken part in the sacking of a Bucharest
synagogue.
The news media in Romania is closely examining the past of several
candidates to take over from Teoctist, who died in July at the age of
92 after a heart attack. His successor will be elected on September 12.
More on
Teoctist of Romania:
Teoctist (Arapasu) of Romania - OrthodoxWiki