(Bishop Marinos Statement On The Appointment)

With gratitude to Almighty God and with feelings both of joy and unworthiness. I have accepted the appointment as Archbishop of Atlanta. To Our Holy Father Pope John Paul II I express my profound gratitude for this confidence which he has placed in me. On this occasion I renew my filial devotion and loyalty to him as Successor to St. Peter and Vicar of Jesus Christ.

My first words to the people of the Church of Atlanta are an urgent plea for your prayers that I may faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your midst. I come among you joyfully as one sent to serve and not to be served. Together let us continue to build the community of faith, hope, and love in northern Georgia.

It is to my family that I owe the greatest debt of gratitude. My parents gave me life and initiated me into the life of Jesus Christ. They formed a loving home in which my sisters, brother and I experienced the love of God, and in which I could discover and follow the Lords call.

My Josephite family fashioned me into a minister of Christ and, after the beautiful example of St. Joseph, taught me how to love and serve Gods people with great generosity.

For twenty-three years the Archdiocese of Washington was my home. It will not be easy for me to leave the place where I have served as an Auxiliary Bishop for almost fourteen years. The people, the priests, the religious, and especially Cardinal Baum and Archbishop Hickey have taught me so much about the Love of God manifested in Jesus Christ. I hope to share with the people of Atlanta the benefit of these years and the many rich gifts that others have given us. I look forward to many happy years of service among you as your Archbishop and your friend and fellow worker.

May Mary the Mother of God and Our Mother protect and be with us always.