AP Wires - Reflections of Archbishop Iakovos and Archbishop Cooke on Dr. King's Death

AP31 – King Reaction (24)

Calling Dr. King “The Symbol of the Justified Struggle for Civil Rights” in the United States, Archbishop Iakovos said Dr. King was “very dedicated and never afraid of any opposition or enmity. He believe in his cause, and served it most effectively.”

When newsmen told Archbishop Iakovos King had died, he crossed himself and moved away to tell others attending the reception.

Archbishop Cooke said late he first heard that King had been shot while attending a reception at the Waldorf-Astoria.

He said his reaction was “one of tremendous shock and dismay.”

The Archbishop added, “this is certainly something you would think not possible in America.”

Archbishop Cooke said Dr. King was “a leader in the cause of justice whose ideals for equal opportunities … should be implemented as quickly as possible.”

“He is a martyr and witness to the cause of justice for all,” Archbishop Cooke said.  “I hope we will move on and carry out his ideal.”

AP29 – King Reaction (22)

After [the] two Archbishops went immediately to the small chapel, where Archbishop Iakovos held a brief ceremony welcoming Archbishop Cooke.

The, apologizing for injecting a note of sadness on the Roman Catholic’s installation day, the Greek Primate suggested a prayer for the soul of Dr. King.

As the two Archbishops knelt before a crucifix and several icons, Archbishop Cook recited the Lord’s prayer.

He then commended to God the soul of Dr. King, “who did so much to give leadership in the cause of justice for all.”

Archbishop Cooke added a prayer “that the ideals he gave his life for will be realized so America soon will be truly on and at peace.”

Before Cook’s arrival, Archbishop Iakovos told newsmen he was “terribly shocked” at the news of King’s death.

Archbishop Iakovos recalled that he had marched with Dr. King on the last day of the March from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery, Ala.