In March of 1998 we received the following letter, addressed to our parish, from a student of St. Tikhon’s Seminary in Pennsylvania. Because it was in somewhat broken English, we have had to make some editorial changes for purposes of clarity.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am a young Romanian who learned of the tragic death of Brother Joseph during his sojourn in Greece in October 1997.
This tragedy has shaken me, although I am aware that God both permits such things to happen in our Orthodox Church, and forewarns us of them through miraculous signs. Still, , the fact is that this horrible crime was most probably committed for earthly gain, by an Orthodox Christian. [If so,] What can we then expect of people of other denominations, in this age of betrayal.
It is my wish that dear Brother Joseph receive a martyr’s crown for his goodness and sacrifice for his brothers.
I am ashamed, and all my life will be ashamed, of what the Romanian nation has made of its civilization at the close of this century….
Nevertheless, one should not despair that such a crime is committed against the people of God. Jesus Christ Himself first endured such a slaughter. As He foretold, if this happened to Him, it would also happen to His people, and at the hands of those closest to them.
This only confirms the truth of our Faith. We should anticipate such an end as well, for the sake of Christ, so that we might rejoice in the Heavenly Kingdom, with all the saints, before the Throne of the Holy Trinity. What a glorious life, what a glorious death, one which leads us to a more complete life, a life with God.
My brothers, on behalf of the Romanian nation I ask your forgiveness for what one of my compatriots has done. Perhaps this young man has realized the gravity of his deeds, and has begun to repent; his road will be most difficult. It is my hope that you, who have suffered deeply over the tragic loss of our ever memorable Brother Joseph, will be able to forgive…. His was an innocent death. Let us follow his example, and live in innocence, loving one another, as we were commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom is due glory, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Stefan Crisbasan
Through the prayers of the Mother of God, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us!