Your Eminence, beloved brother in Christ,
Archbishop Spyridon of America,
Your Grace, Bishop Iakovos,
Honorable representatives of the Hellenic Foundation,

Ranking among the many, different benevolent and philanthropic institutions active in the Omogenia, the Hellenic Foundation occupies an exalted and special position.   The great city of Chicago acknowledges you with undisputed honor and gratitude.
One only needs to walk in here, to understand the wondrous calm and peace, the unequaled order and decorum, which characterize Hellenic philoxenia.  So it has always been, from ancient times to the present.
Undoubtedly, the services which this institution provides afford a glimpse of these ancient traditions.  These traditions are essential for there to be a flowering of social consciousness.
Inasmuch as we have been afforded to visit Hollywood House, we thought it appropriate to mention the fountainhead of these Orthodox traditions, which are confirmed by the teachings and the words of our Lord.  Great abundance and wealth of material goods are not the only presupposition to true philanthropy.  There is another component.  It requires an active effort to both reduce human suffering and alleviate human needs.
The fundamental proposition of true philanthropy is love.  It is a sense of brotherly connection and of a shared future with others.  Love guides good souls to want to share their earthly blessings with those who lack them, for they believe that their blessings come from God.   In this way, philanthropy is not an act of pride, tainted with indifference and a cold feeling for the person in need.  Rather, it is a rapprochement of souls and an empathetic participation in the pain of your fellow man.  In this way, the benefactor receives more than he gives.  For partaking in the pain of another ennobles the soul.  Empathy purifies the soul and makes it shine beautifully.  It sweetens the countenance.  Empathy forges a strong relationship, while comforting the soul of the one who is suffering.  This solidarity of spirit is more needed in our age than just material assistance.  For those who are starving for a little love and sympathy in their loneliness are often more in number than those who are hungry.
When the heart is filled with such feelings as these, the understanding of a person becomes clear.  He is relieved from unwholesome thoughts shut up within the ego.  His heart beats not only with a natural rhythm, but according to the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who led His earthly life, “healing and performing good works”.  And so it is that true, empathetic love which keeps pace with the needs of others, points to the works of the Hellenic Foundation.
We express our gratitude for this wonderful reception and your love.  This visit has given our Modesty and our synodia, a truly moving manifestation of the magnificent works which the Omogenia is accomplishing in this great country.
We bless all of you, bestowing on you the special blessing of the Mother Church and our paternal and Patriarchal benediction.