Poochigian Legislation Grants Permit for Burial of
Greek Orthodox Church’s Metropolitan Anthony
Gergiannakis at Fresno’s St. Nicholas Monastery

Hellenic News of America
February 4, 2005

SACRAMENTO – Urgency legislation by Senator Chuck Poochigian
(Republican – Fresno) permitting the burial of Metropolitan Anthony
Gergiannakis at St. Nicholas Monastery in Fresno County has been
signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Metropolitan Anthony was the
spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco,
with jurisdiction over seven western states.

On December 25, 2004, Metropolitan Anthony died, five weeks after he
was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. Metropolitan Anthony wished to
be buried at St. Nicholas Monastery, which he helped found in Fresno
County.

There is currently no cemetery designated on the church grounds. The
monastery will be seeking a county permit to designate the monastery
as a cemetery in the next few months, though this process typically
takes a minimum of 6 months.

In an effort to fulfill Metropolitan Anthony’s wish, Poochigian’s
Senate Bill 28 allows the County of Fresno to issue a permit allowing
for his burial.

`Metropolitan Anthony was a distinguished and beloved spiritual leader
of the Greek Orthodox Church, and his legacy will live on,’ said
Senator Poochigian. `I am honored to have been able to help
accommodate Metropolitan Anthony’s wish to be laid to rest at St.
Nicholas, one of many religious establishments that he helped to found
during his years of service.’

SB 28 is the first bill to be signed in the 2005-06 legislative
session.

Visit the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco for Background on
Metropolitan Anthony.

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