Patriarch of Constantinople visits New Orleans

The visit was scheduled before Hurricane Katrina, but HH Patriarch Bartholomew I said the hurricane added urgency to the trip. Unlike the mayor, he had no divine word on whether God is angry with America or if the city would remain "chocolate." Instead, he imparted words of hope and spiritual uplift:

"Damage will be restored. Life will blossom," the pontiff said. "Let us build
our personal lives according to the will of God; then, we will find happiness
and be truly at peace."

His All-Holiness made his remarks at Holy Trinity Cathedral, the oldest Greek Orthodox parish in North or South America and spiritual home of 500 families.