Orthodox Observer - June/July 2010 by Orthodox Marketplace

JUNE – JULY 2010 • Vol. 75 • No. 1258

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55 Hierarchs Attend Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops

The First Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs of North and Central America at their meeting in New York.

D. PANAGOS

40th Clergy-Laity Congress Successfully Concludes in Atlanta ATLANTA – Following the theme of “Gather My People to My Home, Come and See,” delegates from 299 parishes of the Archdiocese “came and saw” (and learned) of the Church’s progress and work of her ministries at the 40th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress held July 4-8. This year’s congress, held in the Metropolis of Atlanta, ran one day shorter than in past years as a means of making the event more affordable. A different format consisting of a spiritual, legislative and educational program allowed delegates to attend presentations and workshops that showcased the National Ministries of the Church. The sessions provided new perspectives and information on the progress made since the last congress and featured successful parish programs relating to the Ministries. A one-day plenary session on July 7 concluded the work of the congress. Preliminary events Preceding the official opening on July 5, several preliminary activities took place over the weekend. Sunday, the Fourth of July, began with a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy at Annunciation Cathedral officiated by Archbishop Demetrios, with metropolitans of the Holy Synod and several priests and deacons participating. Two visiting hierarchs attended the liturgy and the congress activities – Archbishop Irenaios of Crete, who represented the Ecumenical Patriarchate and, at the invitation of Metropolitan Alexios, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras. Archbishop Demetrios in his homily discussed the Epistle reading from Romans on the various gifts or “charismata”

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Phoos D. PANAGOS

Archbishop Demetrios opens the 40th Clergy-Laity Congress with a doxology on July 5 with nearly 1,100 parish and Philoptochos delegates in attendance.

The first Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs of North and Central America concluded its first series of meetings, held May 26-28 in New York, having laid the groundwork for the establishment of a more cohesive Orthodox Church in North and Central America. (Related story on page 4). The assembly drew 55 of the 65 total hierarchs in the region. Health reasons prevented the others from attending. The meetings took place at the Park Lane hotel. A Divine Liturgy presided from the throne by Archbishop Demetrios at the Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral on May 28 marked the formal end of the gathering. Below is the official statement of the hierarchs issued after the conference. Statement of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs We glorify the name of the Triune God for gathering us at this first Episcopal Assembly of this region in New York City on May 26-28, 2010 in response to the decisions of the Fourth Pre-Conciliar PanOrthodox Conference held at the Orthodox Center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Chambesy, Switzerland, from June 6-12, 2009, at the invitation of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Gathered together in the joy of the Feast of Pentecost, we humbly recognize our calling, in our unworthiness, to serve as instruments and disciples of the Paraclete, who “holds together the whole institution of the Church” (Hymn of Vespers of Pentecost). We honor and express gratitude to the Primates and Representatives of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches who assembled at the Ecumenical Patriarchate from October 10-12, 2008 to affirm their “unswerving position and obligation to safeguard the unity of the Orthodox Church” (Chambésy Rules of Operation, Article 5.1a) and emphasized their will and “desire for the swift healing of every canonical anomaly that has arisen from historical circumstances and pastoral requirements.” (Message of the Primates 13.1-2) We call to mind those who envisioned this unity in this region and strove to transcend the canonical irregularities resulting for many reasons, including geographically overlapping jurisdictions. For, just as the Lord in the Divine Eucharist is “broken and distributed, but not divided” (Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom), so also His Body comprises many members, while constituting His One Church. We are grateful for the gift of the doctrinal and liturgical unity that we already share, and we are inspired by our leaders, the Heads of all the Orthodox Churches throughout the world, who proposed that which we painfully yearn for in this region, i.e., the “swift healing of every canonical anomaly” (Message of the Primates 13.2). We are also grateful that they established a fundamental process toward a canonical direction and resolution.

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A Corner for Young Church Journalists Following a recommendation from the Archdiocesan Council Communications Committee to attract more qualified writers, the Orthodox Observer is developing a network of “special correspondents” consisting of college students majoring in journalism or public relations. This is being accomplished with the cooperation of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), which includes about 4,000 students on college campuses throughout the United States. With the support and cooperation of OCF Development Director Presbytera Shyla Hadzellis, OCF’s online newsletter has included a notice directed at journalism majors at the undergraduate (upper class level) or graduate students in journalism or public relations, and will provide them with the opportunity to enhance their experience by writing for the national newspaper of the Archdiocese. The notice will run periodically each year. The Observer received an immediate response from a journalism student at the University of Denver, who will serve as a special correspondent from the Denver area. Arianna Ranahosseini is a steward of St. Catherine’s Church in Greenwood Village, Colo., and a member of its Philoptochos chapter, is editor in chief of her college newspaper, and is active in OCF, YAL and as a GOYA adviser. Among her many other accomplishments, she has had journalism internships with the Denver Business Journal and Aurora Sentinel newspapers. Arianna will contribute occasional articles for the Observer, beginning with this issue. The Observer invites any upper undergraduate or graduate-level journalism or public relations majors who are active with OCF or YAL to serve as occasional correspondents from their region. E-mail jim@goarch.org for more information.

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Oratorical Festival winners cruise up the Hudson

Junior and senior-level participants in the St. John Chrysostom National Oratorical Festival are treated to a dinner cruise around Manhattan as part of their weekend of activities that surrounded the event. The Empire State Building is visible in the background. For complete coverage, see pages 26-27.

Saint Basil Academy Holds 63 Commencement rd

St. Basil Academy’s 63rd Commencement honored three students for attaining this important milestone and accomplishment in their lives. The three students spoke briefly but offered very poignant remarks about their experiences at the Academy and its importance in their lives. Joseph Coutlis Al-Shanniek came to the Academy from a foster care facility in Boston in 1999 where he had spent 18 months. Now, at age 24, he has been in the “Bridge Program” at St. Basil’s since graduating from high school had this semester earned a Master of Arts from Boston College. Joseph praised St. Basil Academy for providing “support and hope in the most universal ministry of the Archdiocese, helping young kids who have had it rough and been forsaken.” “This place answers the call, it accepts the burden,” he added. “You answer the prayers of a sobbing mother and a hopeless father.” Andreas Spentzos, another Bridge Program student, completed a Bachelor of Science in business administration degree from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He came to St. Basil’s from Chicago where he was “a troubled youth,” along with his two siblings, at age 10. Now, he has been working in the Inside Ticket Sales office at Madison Square

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Garden. He said his experience at St. Basil’s “transformed me into a chameleon of social scenes,” through an education “of random life and its obstacles.” He added, “Fr. Costa (Sitaras) saw a potential in me that I didn’t see.” The third student, Amde Gimzaw, a native of Ethiopia, graduated from a local high school. He will continue his education at Duchess County Community College, studying computer science. Amde thanked Fr. Sitaras and the members of the staff for their support and nurturing from the time he arrived at the Academy when he was 8. Among the speakers was Cyprus Consul General Koula Sophianou, who offered a personal reflection of losing her father at a young age, but was sustained by the Lord’s Prayer, which reminded her that God is Father of all, and urged the Academy children to use the prayer. In his address to the large gathering, the executive director of the Academy, Fr. Sitaras summed up the mission of the Academy in redirecting the lives of trouble youth as “We teach, we heal and we bring the Light of Christ to young lives.” He noted, “Healing is a major part of the work that happens here at St. Basil Academy,” particularly “healing the souls of the newly arrived to help them feel safe and secure.” Fr. Sitaras expressed appreciation for the roles of many individuals and organiza-

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tions in helping the Academy fulfill its mission, including the Philoptochos, AHEPA family, Pan Gregorian Association, young adults and many parishes that provide ongoing financial support. Archbishop Demetrios expressed his delight at the graduates’ brief speeches and also reminisced about his visit to Slovakia earlier in the week. “All spoke in a way that was really a joy to hear,” the Archbishop said. “They went from joy to joy.” He also called for an increase in student numbers and cited the example of the Orthodox in Slovakia who, in a few short years, built 125 churches. “If people who are deprived can do things, we can do things,” he said. He also reflected on the biblical notion of the “Way of the Lord,” with virtue being important to this way of life. “Our missing destiny in life is to be in the Way of the Lord,” he said. “The notion of ‘way’ is not a static thing... Think always that we are people of ‘The Way,’ walking continually until the last step.” He concluded “Loving and serving

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To Contact Us For questions about submitting information and news to the Orthodox Observer: Jim Golding, 212.570.3557, jim@goarch.org. Advertising and Greek sections, Lefteris Pissalidis, 212.570.3555, lefteris@goarch.org.

Upcoming deadline Deadline for submitting information, articles and photos for consideration for the next issue: Thursday, August 26, 2010 Photos should be sent as a large format .jpg attachment (300 dpi or greater). E-mail to: jim@goarch.org Regular mail – Editor, Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075.

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JUNE – JULY 2010

ARCHIEPISCOPAL ENCYCLICAL Give Thanks for Freedom

Archbishop Demetrios addresses the opening session of the 40th Clergy-Laity Congress.

Priest Honored for 50 years Fr. Nicholas J. Magoulias celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination May 1 at an appreciation dinner in conjunction with the 65th anniversary of St. Paul Cathedral in Hempstead, N.Y. Fr. Magoulias served as assistant priest to Fr. George Papadeas for three years before being elevated to proistamenos. He pastored the St. Paul community from 1963 until his retirement in 2006. It was the only parish he served. Both priests were honored at the dinner, along with past parish council and Philoptochos chapter presidents. Fr. and Presbytera Marilyn Magoulias reside in Garden City.

CLERGY UPDATE Ordinations to the Diaconate Dimitrios Kyritsis – Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver – Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, Cheyenne, Wyo. 1/10/10 Paul Tsahakis – Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta – St. Nektarios Church, Charlotte, N.C. 5/09/10 George Politis – Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta – Holy Trinity Cathedral, Charlotte, N.C. 5/30/10 Ordinations to the Priesthood Rev. Dn. Nicholas March – Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus – St. Sophia Church, Strovolos, Cyprus 3/28/10 Assignments Fr. John Cusulos – Holy Trinity Church, Rock Springs, Wyoming 5/23/10 Fr. Peter Adronache – St. Barbara Church, Sarasota, Fla. 6/01/10 Fr. Aristidis Arizi – St. Andrew Church, Miami, Fla. 6/01/10 Fr. Anthony J. Cook – Annunciation Church, Rochester, N.Y. 6/01/10 Fr. Iulian Damian – Holy Trinity Church, Clearwater, Fla. 6/01/10 Fr. Vasilios Bassakyros – St. John the Baptist Church, New York 6/15/10 Fr. Konstantinos Eleftherakis – Annunciation Church, Scranton, Pa. 6/15/10 Fr. Demetrios Sean Govostes – Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church, Plymouth Township. Mich. 6/15/10 Correction: In the last issue of the Orthodox Observer Fr. Chrysanthos Kerkeres was listed as assigned to St. Basil Church, Chicago, as of 2/22/10. The assignment is of a temporary nature. Offikia Fr. Andrew Mahalares – Office of Archimandrite, bestowed by Metropolitan Methodios of Boston 5/02/10 Fr. Nathanael Symeonides – Office

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40th Clergy-Laity Congress Successfully Concludes in Atlanta   from page 1 bestowed by God, such as serving and administrative ability, giving from what one has, seeing and recognizing the needs of the needy, and others. “These are gifts from God,” said the Archbishop, “not hereditary or educationally acquired traits.” He continued, “We have been given a role to contribute to the building of the body of Christ... We are the carriers of the charismata here that people will use to transform life and society.” A doxology service followed in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. After the service, a Southern-style barbecue was held at the Annunciation Cathedral and entertainment from the Cathedral’s own orchestra, which included members from childhood age to senior citizens. Volunteers served hamburgers, hot dogs, “pulled-pork” and a variety of side dishes to the hundreds of persons entering the community center. Later that afternoon, Archbishop Demetrios officially opened the exhibit hall, which featured 70 exhibitors. The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, chaired by Gus Caras, underwrote the exhibit expenses. Philoptochos convenes The National Philoptochos Society began its work on Sunday afternoon with the official opening of the General Assembly by Archbishop Demetrios before 382 delegates in attendance. In his remarks to the organization, Archbishop Demetrios called the Philoptochos “a tremendous powerhouse” for all that they have been able to accomplish in helping those in need and for their “diligent dedication.” His Eminence praised National President Aphrodite Skeadas for her leadership, first as “an outstanding treasurer” for many years before and now as “an outstanding president.” Mrs. Skeadas addressed the meeting

and reported on several projects and accomplishments of the Society over the past two years, including the awarding of some $2.8 million to various philanthropic organizations. She also praised the support of the organization’s spiritual adviser, Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, who received a standing ovation from the entire gathering. Church musicians At the reception of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, Archbishop Demetrios presented the St. Romanos Medallion to Dr. Alexander Lingus, the artistic director A Capella Romana, for his outstanding contributions to Church music. Forum members also honored Presbytera Anna Gallos with a cake for her 90th birthday. One congress workshop relating to the work of the National Forum presented ideas for youth music programs in the parish. Archons The final event of the day was the Archons Reception, where National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis discussed the recent results of a ruling by the European Court that ordered Turkey to return the former orphanage building on the island of Prinkipissos to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Plans call for the conversion of the large building, said to be the largest or second largest wooden structure in Europe, as a center for the development of friendship among people internationally, and to promote the work of saving the environment. Archbishop Demetrios praised the efforts of the Order of St. Andrew “that produced results” through the Congress and various diplomatic and legal channels. For complete information about the 40th Clergy-Laity Congress, including complete texts of speeches of Archbishop

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Delegates at the opening session stand for the singng of the National Anthem.

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this annual observance of Independence Day, we give thanks to God for the spiritual freedom we have in Christ and for the freedom we have in this nation in which we live. As people of faith we are recipients of the grace of God, which frees us from the bondage of sin and death and enables our ascent to restoration and eternal communion with Him. As citizens and residents in the United States of America, we are beneficiaries of a form of government that recognizes both the political and social freedoms inherent to each of us as human beings. One of these freedoms is religious liberty. Over two centuries ago, many of the framers of our political system realized that this was a necessity for the stability and function of the new government and that it was a right belonging to all in relation to freedom of conscience and the pursuit of truth. In the process of establishing the new nation, it was apparent to the framers that the country had many different religious groups. They were well aware of the dangers of adjoining one religious tradition with the power of the state. These modes of governance that were based on coercion often resulting in oppression and exclusion, had led many to leave their homelands and come to America. The framers also believed that freedom of conscience expressed in religious belief, speech and association was not a threat but a right of each and every person and should be protected from the power of government. None of this was an attempt to inhibit the vitality of religion, as in fact many of the framers recognized the moral and communal role of religious faith in contributing to a strong citizenry. The primary motivation was religious liberty—the freedom of each and every person to choose, to believe, to practice and to offer and share with others without fear of the interference or oppression of government. As Orthodox Christians living in this nation, we have and continue to share in this freedom. We gather as communities, worship and minister freely, build churches and schools, and share our faith with others. In addition to our faithfulness to God and our determination to cherish and share what He has given us, religious liberty has contributed to the vitality of Orthodox Christianity in America. May we give thanks for this, and may we use our freedom as an opportunity to participate fully in our faith and to share the Gospel with all. May we also be mindful of those who labor for faith and ministry within societies that have a problem with religious liberty either as a right or as an essential element of a free society. This is the political context that continues to chal-

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JUNE – JULY 2010

55 Hierarchs Attend Assembly of Bishops

  from page 1 We are thankful to almighty God for the growth of Orthodoxy, for the preservation of our traditions, and for the influence of our communities in this region. This is indeed a miracle and a mystery. During our gathering, and in accordance with the rules of operation of Episcopal Assemblies promulgated by the Fourth Pan-Orthodox Pre-Conciliar Conference, we established: A registry of canonical bishops (Article 6.1) A committee to determine the canonical status of local communities in the region that have no reference to the Most Holy Autocephalous Churches (Article 6.2) 3. A registry of canonical clergy (Article 6.3) 4. Committees to undertake the work of the Assembly, among others including liturgical, pastoral, financial, educational, ecumenical and legal issues (Articles 11 and 12) 5. A committee to plan for the organization of the Orthodox of the region on a canonical basis (Article 5.1). In addition to the above, we agreed that a directory would be created and maintained by the Assembly of all canonical congregations in our region. We as Episcopal Assembly understand ourselves as being the successors of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), assuming its agencies, dialogues and other ministries. Moreover, at the formal request of the Hierarchs who have jurisdiction in Canada, the Assembly will submit to the Ecumenical Patriarch, in accordance with the rules of operation (Article 13), a request to partition the present region of North and Central America into two distinct regions of the United States and Canada. Additionally, at the request of the Hierarchs who have jurisdiction in Mexico and Central America, the Assembly will likewise request to merge Mexico and Central America with the Assembly of South America. As Orthodox Hierarchs in this blessed region, we express our resolve to adhere to and adopt the regulations proposed by the Pan-Orthodox Conferences and approved by the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches, and to do everything in our power by the grace of God to advance actions that facilitate canonical order in our region. We confess our fidelity to the Apostolic Orthodox faith and pledge to promote “common action to address the pastoral needs of Orthodox living in our region” (Chambésy, Decision 2c). We call upon our clergy and faithful to join us in these efforts “to safeguard and contribute to the unity of the Orthodox Church of the region in its theological, ecclesiological, canonical, spiritual, philanthropic, educational and missionary obligations” (Article 5.1) as we eagerly anticipate the Holy and Great Council. The Assembly concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Friday, May 28, 2010 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York City. During the Liturgy prayers were offered for the repose of the eleven victims

Archbishop Demetrios opens the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs on May 26 for their first annual meeting.

Photos: D. PANAGOS

of the current ecological disaster in the Gulf Coast, for the consolation of their families, for all those adversely affected by this catastrophe, as well as for all people living under conditions of war, persecution, violence, and oppression. HIERARCHS PRESENT Of the sixty-six Hierarchs in the region, the following 55 were present at this Assembly: Archbishop Demetrios, chairman; Metropolitan Philip, vice chairman; Archbishop Justinian, vice chairman; Bishop Basil, secretary; Archbishop Antony, treasurer. Metropolitan Iakovos, Metropolitan Constantine. Metropolitan Athenagoras, Metropolitan Methodios, Metropolitan Isaiah, Metropolitan Nicholas, Metropolitan Alexios, Metropolitan Nikitas, Metropolitan Nicholas, Metropolitan Gerasimos. Metropolitan Evangelos, Metropolitan Paisios, Archbishop Yurij, Bishop Christopher, Bishop Vikentios, Bishop Savas, Bishop Andonios, Bishop Ilia, Bishop Ilarion, Bishop Andriy, Bishop Demetrios, Bishop Daniel. Bishop Antoun, Bishop Joseph, Bishop Thomas, Bishop Mark, Bishop Alexander, Metropolitan Hilarion, Bishop Iov, Bishop Gabriel, Bishop Peter, Bishop Theodosius, Bishop George, Bishop Ieronim, Metropolitan Christopher, Bishop Maxim. Archbishop Nicolae, Bishop Ioan Casian, Metropolitan Joseph, Metropolitan Jonah, Archbishop Nathaniel, Archbishop Seraphim, Bishop Nikon, Bishop Tikhon. Bishop Benjamin, Bishop Melchisedek, Bishop Alejo, Bishop Irineu, Bishop Irinee, and Bishop Michael.

Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate numbered 28 out of the 55 attending.

Assembly Addresses Key Issues In his keynote address to the Assembly, Archbishop Demetrios outlined several “competencies,” or responsibilities, that the body has been tasked with in the Rules of Operation developed by the Chambesy conference, as well as the issues of “canonical normalcy and regularization” that need to be addressed. The competencies consist of five points: • To safeguard and contribute to the unity of the Orthodox Church of the region in its theological, ecclesiological, canonical, spiritual, philanthropic, educational and missionary obligations. • Coordination and leadership of activities of common interest in areas of pastoral care, catechesis, liturgical life, religious publishing, mass media, religious education, etc. • Relations with other Christian Churches and other religions. • Any obligations of the Orthodox Church in Her relations with security and government. • Preparation of a plan to organize the Orthodox of the region on a canonical

bases. His Eminence noted that “the substance of the work of canonical normalcy and regularization” includes legal issues, financial transparency and accountability issues, clergy behavior and accountability, regulations of parishes and monastic institutions, philanthropic and cultural initiatives, educational institutions, etc. Canonical normalcy The Archbishop noted that issues of canonical normalcy needing to be addressed include, but are not limited to, the following: • The practice of some jurisdictions receiving persons from Roman Catholic and certain Protestant bodies into Holy Orthodoxy by baptism and chrismation, some by chrismation alone and some merely by a confession of faith. • The policy of some jurisdictions of receiving Roman Catholic clergy that convert to Holy Orthodoxy merely be vesting, while others require ordination. • Recognition by some jurisdictions of all marriages performed outside of Orthodoxy as being real marriages (though

not sacramental), whether performed for an Orthodoxy or a non-Orthodox, while others recognize no marriages performed outside of Orthodoxy, whether performed for an Orthodox or non-Orthodox. • The burial of suicides by some jurisdictions under certain circumstances, while others forbid the burial of suicides under all circumstances. • The burial of cremated persons with all funeral rites in a church by some jurisdictions, while others permit only Trisagion Prayers of Mercy in the funeral home, and some forbid any prayers anywhere for a person who was cremated. • The recognition of civil divorce as complete and sufficient for ecclesiastical purposes by some jurisdictions, while others do not recognize civil divorce at all and insist on Ecclesiastical Courts, and, finally, • The practice of some jurisdictions in the past to accept clergy suspended or disposed by other jurisdictions.

Visit www.goarch.org / news/2010congresskeynote for the complete text of the Archbishop’s keynote speech.

JUNE – JULY 2010

His Eminence Discusses Six Events Affecting the Church and Nation ATLANTA, Ga. – In his keynote address at the opening session of the 40th Clergy-Laity Congress on July 5, Archbishop Demetrios spoke at length about six key events that have affected the life of the nation and the Church over the past two years. Three of these events had negative effects, while three were positive influences. Three Negative Events Soon after our Clergy-Laity Congress in Washington in 2008, a very serious economic crisis hit the United States with disturbing repercussions throughout the entire world. The crisis, as naturally expected, had an immediate impact on our parishes, metropolises, national organizations and the whole Archdiocese in many ways The financial crisis, domestically and internationally, is not yet over, and the prospects for resolving it present considerable uncertainties of indefinite dimensions. In fall 2008 and the months and years that followed, we were directly confronted with the threat of dramatically diminishing or even suspending vital aspects of our national ministries as Greek Orthodox Church. This same fate befell many notfor-profit, religious and other organizations in the United States. However, thanks to God’s providence and the astonishing determination and creativity of our faithful, clergy and laity, such a threat did not come to pass in our case. Thanks to gifts given by our generous Orthodox people and with the commitment and assistance of our communities we did not have to cut our ministries. In fact, and despite additional and unexpected financial burdens unfairly imposed on us, we continued the stability and growth of our ministries and financial conditions. How can we thank God for such blessing of growth and progress in the midst of a terrible universal financial crisis. When we met in Washington, our country was involved already, for a number of years, in two deadly wars: in Afghanistan and in Iraq. We hoped then that the wars would soon come to an end. Unfortunately, two years later, Iraq and Afghanistan continue to be places of conflict and death. In addition, the problems in the Middle East, relating specifically to the Israelis, Palestinians and Iranians, and most recently Turks, cause grave concern not only to those in government but also to the average citizen in America. These situations of unresolved wars and conflicts should be present in our consciousness, since our Orthodox faith is a strong bond of connection with people and countries who live in conditions of suffering and violent death. Any agenda of ours, as Orthodox Church, should include an honest care for overcoming wars and establishing peace and reconciliation on earth. The third negative event refers to the

enormous ecological catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico, with the oil still gushing from the bottom of the sea and causing unfathomable destruction to the ecological system of large surrounding areas. This event, or rather this unconscionable accident, was in essence the result of human disrespect for the protection of the environment combined with greed unlimited and worship of money as God by irresponsible human beings. As such, it constitutes a warning for all of us. The Gulf of Mexico, and what happened there, is not something disconnected from our lives. Today this tragedy is happening in the Gulf of Mexico; tomorrow something might happen just outside our front door. Our priorities as Orthodox Christians in terms of action and education must speak to the ever present potential for man-made catastrophic events, where there is no way of reversing the horrible damage. Comments on Three Positive Events Even while fall 2008 brought gloom and doom financially, it also brought a bright and uplifting spiritual event, which illuminated new ecclesiastical horizons. In October 2008, at the extraordinary inspiration and initiative of our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a meeting of all the Heads of the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches of the World, representing approximately 300 million believers, took place in Constantinople at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This Synaxis, as such a meeting is called, was instrumental in enhancing and strengthening the spiritual bonds amongst the Orthodox Churches of the World resulting (a) in the resumption of preparatory work for a Pan-Orthodox Ecumenical Synod, and (b) in the adoption of immediate steps for the solution of the canonical problems in the areas of the so-called Orthodox diaspora to which we as Orthodox in the United States belong. These were indeed monumental decisions that had a tremendous impact on the universal body of Orthodoxy as it became apparent almost immediately. The Synaxis was followed by a five-day Biblical Symposium in Asia Minor, Rhodes and Crete dedicated to St. Paul and his theological and pastoral counsel for the contemporary Orthodox Church. The Symposium was the first of its kind and constitutes a splendid innovation because it offered lectures by top international Biblical scholars specialists on St. Paul to the Heads of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches and their entourage in the very places visited by St.

2010 YEARBOOK Copies of the 2010 Archdiocesan Yearbook are still available. The book includes directories of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Archdiocese and metropolises, parishes and clergy, national ministries, departments, institutions, and related agencies and organizations. Copies can be ordere d from the Dept. of Communications for a discounted price of $12 plus $6 shipping. Call (212) 774-0244.

Paul. Our Archdiocese had the great honor bestowed on us by our Ecumenical Patriarchate, of the academic responsibility for this unique important Biblical Symposium. In fall 2009, we had the uplifting spiritual gift and truly great blessing of the visit of our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the

United States. As you remember, he started his visit with five days in New Orleans, where he presided over the Eighth Ecological Symposium organized by him, this one related to the Mississippi River and its pollution problems. Then he moved for one week to New York, where he visited Parishes, met with State and City authorities and with the secretary general of the United Nations, attended the Archdiocesan Council meeting, attended and spoke at a specially organized concert in his honor, and presided over the Divine Liturgy at the New York Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. At the end of the Liturgy the Patriarch also performed the induction of the new Archons of 2009. Next, we moved to Washington where the Patriarch had the opportunity to meet with President Barak Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. In addition, he gave a lecture at the Brookings Institution and at Georgetown

University. All of this took place within four days, thus setting a record for any high level official visiting Washington. The patriarchal visit as an extraordinary event constitutes an enormous blessing for our Archdiocese. Two months ago a very significant event took place in New York. This was the first Assembly of All Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America. A total of 55 bishops (Archbishops, Metropolitans and Bishops) from the United States, Canada and Mexico participated in a highly meaningful and productive meeting for 3 days. The Assembly of the canonical Orthodox Bishops (one of twelve in various places around the globe) was instituted by the consensus decision of all the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches. This Assembly, therefore, constitutes an officially authorized sacred body which in essence among other functions will continue and enhance the work of SCOBA by assuming oversight of its agencies and activities. Our Archdiocese had the responsibility for organizing the Assembly which will convene once a year and always under the chairmanship of the Archbishop as the senior Hierarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America. This Assembly will definitely enhance the relationships and activities of the various Orthodox presences in the United States, promoting coordination and cooperation in common action, thus improving the effectiveness of the Orthodox witness in America, while fully respecting the unique cultural and spiritual characteristics of each Orthodox presence in the USA which is related to a mother Church abroad.

JUNE – JULY 2010

40th Clergy-Laity Congress Successfully Concludes in Atlanta

  from page 3 Demetrios, plenary session presentations and ministry reports, visit www.clergylaity.org Official opening Archbishop Demetrios opened the congress with a keynote address that addressed major events affecting the life of the nation and the Church, and also discussed the significance of the theme of the 40th Clergy-Laity Congress. (Presented as two separate articles on pages 5, 8; full text online at www.goarch.org) Following the opening session, delegates disbursed into hierarchal sessions each led by a Metropolitan of the Holy Synod. (Metropolitan Maximos could not attend due to illness). The well-attended sessions generated many positive discussions that expounded on the congress theme as it applies to situations in the local parishes and metropolises. Afternoon deliberations on July 5 and 6 included meetings of the Administration and Finance committees and, a first for the congress, strategic forums and strategic planning sessions of the various ministries. The forum topics related to the past history of the Orthodox faith in the United States and the faith in contemporary times. The strategic forum on “Orthodoxy: Yesterday and Today” featured a presentation by Matthew F. Namee, associate director “OrthodoxHistory.org, The Society for Orthodox Christian History in the Americas.” Mr. Namee is the host of the “American Orthodox History” podcast on Ancient Faith Radio. He specializes in the history of Orthodoxy in America from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries. He discussed the early efforts in the mid 19th century to establish Orthodox parishes in the United States and some of the most influential clerics and laypersons in their development. The other strategic forum, “Orthodox Reality in America,” was presented by Alexei Krindatch of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in Berkeley, Calif. His presentation included discussion of the clergy as viewed by laypersons, how social and religious attitudes of parishioners reflect their priests, and various issues dealing with changes and innovations in the Church, Ecumenism and related topics. Tuesday, July 6, again offered the strategic forums in the morning, followed by the strategic planning sessions of the various ministries in the afternoon. Unlike past congresses, which included committee meetings which discussed only the activities of each ministry, this year’s program included presentations by “model parishes” selected by each metropolitan in their metropolis as outstanding examples in a particular ministry under the congress theme of “Gather My People to My Home, Come and See.” Representatives of three parishes within each ministry made 20-minute presentations. Beginning with this issue, the Orthodox Observer will present a summary compilation of the “model parish presentations” offered during the planning sessions, beginning with the Communica-

More than 1,000 parish representatives to the congress and Philoptochos convention delegates listen to His Eminence’s keynote address at the opening session.

tions session. Plenary session The final day of the congress, July 7, began with the Retired Clergy Association breakfast that took place before the plenary session. Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Irenaios of Crete both addressed the gathering of retired priests and presbyteres. The one-day plenary began with a presentation from Dr. Anthony Limberakis, national commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. He first introduced the CBS-TV “60 Minutes” segment on the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and interview with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew by correspondent Bob Simon, then discussed several initiatives currently undertaken by the Archons. The remainder of the plenary consisted of reports from the various ministries of the Church. Administration Committee Chairman Anthony Stefanis offered the first report of the day, giving an overview of the 2010 Clergy Laity Congress. He also outlined the responsibilities of the delegates that include reporting back to their parishes on the highlights of the congress program and the resulting actions to the entire membership. Mr. Stefanis also noted that each parish will receive materials that include information on key accomplishments and a summary of actions, materials from all sessions, videos and audios of all sessions, supplemented by support materials on the GOARCH website. The committee chairman also discussed the sole resolution that was brought before the congress, a proposal from the Metropolis of Denver Clergy-Laity Assembly that called for two laypersons

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Archons National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis discusses several initiatives being undertaken by the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey addresses the National Philoptochos Society convention that was attended by 382 delegates.

JUNE – JULY 2010

The Voice of

Philoptochos

National Convention Launches Plans for New Offices, Distributes Funds by Arianna Ranahosseini*

ATLANTA – The National Philoptochos Society has begun a campaign to raise some $4 million to acquire a building in New York for use as a National Philoptochos Center. So far, more than $560,000 has been raised. The official campaign kicked-off July 7, the final day of the 2010 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention in Atlanta. Some 382 delegates attended, representing the 27,500 members nationwide. The center would house the National offices, which currently are located in space rented from the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. The new center also would be home to resources such as social services. The National Philoptochos Society has never owned its own office space. Prior to the convention, $475,000 was raised, while metropolises, chapters and individuals wrote checks and pledged $85,000 in one day of fundraising. The society will soon begin asking for appeals from members, chapters, organizations and companies. At the convention, delegates passed a resolution to change the per capita amount that National receives to $15, from $10, effective Jan. 1, 2011. The last per capita increase was in 2004 from $7 to $10. The resolution passed in a 189-154 vote. Additional resolutions that passed included changing Metropolis elections to take place during odd-numbered years, while the National Board’s elections remain during even-numbered years, and that metropolises should be represented at the national conventions by the metropolis president and two to four board members. Special presentations to the board were from Saint Basil’s Academy, Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center and Orthodox Christian Fellowship. A reception was held July 6 at the Michael C. Carlos Museum on the campus of Emory University honoring former National President Mimi Skandalakis for her many years of philanthropic services. At the convention, $332,000 was disbursed, with major donations going to OCMC, IOCC and St. Photios Shrine, an Archdiocesan institution dedicated to the first Greek immigrants who came to America in 1768. The convention marked the completion of the National board’s two-year term. Archbishop Demetrios will appoint a new board this summer. * Arianna Ranahosseini is a special correspondent to the Orthodox Observer.

Hundreds of delegates to the National Philoptochos Convention deal with a host of challenging programs and projects.

Photos by D. PANAGOS

National Philoptochos Disbursements to Benefit Many Recipients National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas announced Convention disbursements of $332, 000 that included funds to each Metropolis and the Direct Archdiocesan District for special medical programs to assist families and children as well as financial assistance to Orthodox Christian senior citizens in need. These disbursements bring the total disbursements for the period of Jan. 1 to July 4, 2010.to $937,958, achieving new levels of giving by the organization and the Chapters. 2010 CONVENTION DISBURSEMENTS: Direct Archdiocesan District $15,000 - Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research Inc. Hartford, Conn. – Program – Treating 10 pediatric patients affected by leukemia and similar blood disorders

help for abused children – $5,000 Family Promise, Stroudsburg, Pa. – Food, shelter and support service for homeless families Education/advocacy for at-risk families Metropolis of Boston $20,000 Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Worcester, Mass. Toward $26,570 cost to renovate tub room for more person-centered care Metropolis of Denver $15,000 University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colo. – Purchase of blood pressure units for distribution to heart patients in need throughout Colorado Metropolis of Atlanta $15,000 Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville, Fla. – Toward $34,845 cost of Giraffe Omnibed for newborn ICU

Metropolis of Chicago $15,000 University of Illinois Medical Center/Rush University Medical Center – JH Stroger Hospital, Cook County, Chicago – Pediatric Oncology/Social Work Program

Metropolis of Detroit $15,000 Autism Society of Middle Tennessee, Nashville – Toward $43,704 manpower cost of School Family Partnership Program

Metropolis of Pittsburgh $10,000 Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio – Psychiatric/Psychological

Metropolis of San Francisco $15,000 Banner Health Foundation, Cardons Children’s Medical Center, Mesa,

Ariz. – Pediatric Hematology Oncology Department to help with the medical care of poor, underserved, uninsured children Metropolis of New Jersey $5,000 Lanie’s Angels Foundation, Edison, N.J . – Ongoing support to families of children with cancer and blood disorders – $5,000 Ronald McDonald House of Norfolk, Va. – Support to families with children facing medical changes and programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children – $5.000 St. John the Baptist Orthodox Adult Medical Care Center, Hunt Valley, Md. – Provide financial assistance to senior citizen Orthodox Christians in need Special Ministries and Programs $15,000 OCF $10,000 Blessings in a Backpack $35,000 St. Photios Shrine $12,000 Retired Clergy Benev. Fund $40,000 OCMC $40,000 IOCC $40,000 Support a Mission Priest National Philoptochos also disbursed $2,834,861 for the two year period from Jan. 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009, again reaching new levels of giving. Visit www.philoptochos.org for detailed information.

Nine Receive AGAPE Awards by Christine Karavites

Former National Philoptochos President Mimi Skandalakis (center) was honored at a reception for her many years of service to the society. Those attending included Archbishop Demetrios, Archbishop Irenaios of Crete, Metropolitans Iakovos, Alexios, Methodios, Evangelos and Gerasimos, current National President Aphrodite Skeadas.

The AGAPE Awards (All Generations Accomplishing Philanthropic Endeavors) honor exceptional Philoptochos members and were presented at the 2010 National Convention to the following: Christine Charitis, Direct Archdiocesan District; Georgia Barris, Metropolis of Chicago; Georgia Antinopoulos, Metropolis of Pittsburgh; Diane Colapietro, Metropolis of Boston; Janet Elfter, Metropolis of Denver; Bella Kontinos, Metropolis of Atlanta; Presbytera Eva Paul, Metropolis of Detroit; Clara Nicon, Metropolis of San Francisco, and Dolly Demetris, Metropolis of New Jersey. The presentations were made during a special ceremony at the closing session of the 2010 National Convention where the 400 delegates and friends enthusiastically applauded and cheered as AGAPE Chairmen Elaine Cladis and Maria Stavropoulos

introduced each of the recipients who received a beautiful gift and certificate from National President Aphrodite Skeadas. Philoptochos is truly honored to recognize such inspirational women who devote themselves selflessly to their Church and Philoptochos on a daily basis, helping those in need but also serving as mentors and leaders for their chapter members. Special acknowledgement was given to Clara Nicon of the Church of the Assumption in Seattle, who celebrated her 96th birthday in June and Diane Colapietro of St. George Cathedral, Springfield, Mass. who is 91. Both traveled to Atlanta to receive their awards and serve as exemplary stewards of Philoptochos for all to emulate. President Skeadas presented the AGAPE award recipients to Archbishop Demetrios at a private meeting and also recognized each recipient at the Clergy Laity Grand Banquet on July 7.

Commentaries and Reflections

Archbishop Reflects on the 40 Congress’ Theme th

In the context of the multitude of events that are happening in our world and in our Church, and being mindful and aware of them - we have already noted six of them – let us now turn to the theme of our 40th Clergy-Laity Congress here in Atlanta: “Gather My People to My Home. Come and See.” Over the past two years we have had an intense focus on our sacred calling and duty to gather God’s people to His home. Through reflection on the nature and goal of this calling and through application of this theme in our Metropolises, Parishes and in our national ministries, we have helped many to find healing, peace, meaning in life, and a warm spiritual home in the Orthodox Church. This became particularly noticeable in the case of the increasing number of young adults gathering to God’s home, especially during Holy Week. Many people of our Archdiocese, both clergy and lay, strongly suggested that the theme “Gather My People to My Home,” because of its vital importance, should continue its function and become also the theme of the present 40th Clergy-Laity Congress. This suggestion has been well received. We should continue the emphasis on the gathering the people to God’s home. However, we attached to this theme an additional concept that enriches the original theme and enlarges its scope. The addition is a short phrase coming from the Gospel of John and consisting of three words: “Come and See” (John 1:46). The actual circumstances, in which this brief phrase was used are worth remembering. What happened is this: At the very beginning of His ministry, the Lord Jesus Christ, after calling James and John to follow Him and become His disciples he also called Philip to follow Him. Philip immediately rushed to his friend Nathaniel and said to him: “We found the Messiah in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.” Nathaniel reacted with a certain hesitation and a clear expression of doubt. At that exact point Philip said to him: “Come and see.” Nathaniel’s acceptance of the invitation led him to an encounter with Jesus and a resounding proclamation of faith to Him with the words: “Rabbi you are the Son of God, you are the king of Israel” (John 1:49). With the addition of these three small but significant words, our theme of the present Congress reads: “Gather My People to My Home. Come and See.” Our theme now has two significant parts and two distinct voices. The first part is the voice of God, calling us directly to the work of going out and gathering His people to His home. The second part of the theme is our own voice as we address those whom we want to bring to God’s house with the words “Come and See.” But what precisely was the way Philip used the words “Come and See?” Philip was absolutely convinced that he did not need long theoretical discussions in order to persuade Nathaniel that Jesus was Christ the Son of God. An encounter with Christ would be more than sufficient. Behind the invitation “Come and See”, was a clear and strong faith on the part of Philip. In our case, in order to “gather God’s people to God’s home” beyond any theoretical arguments and discussions, we need to be able to say to people “Come and See”. The question is, if we are to

follow the story of Philip and Nathaniel how strongly convinced are we about our action when we do extend the invitation “Come and See” to the people in need of finding a home in God; and then when our “Come and See” is accepted how do the invited people encounter Christ in our parishes and in our lives. A Further Analysis and Application of the Theme in the Life of Our Church Let us start our further analysis and application of the theme of our Congress with a reminder of what was strongly recommended in our Congress of 2008 in Washington, DC about the theme “Gather My People to My Home.” Then, it was recommended and I quote, that: “Any serious application of the theme must begin with a changing of mentality and attitude. We must change from an exclusive and all absorbing focusing on our parish to an awareness of the existence of people outside of our Parishes. People who have the right to know what we know as the truth of God, to taste the joy of participating in our ecclesial community, and to experience the blessings we experience to be with God as we are by being Orthodox Christians. The area of our focused action should gradually be enlarged by including those who are outside, by being concerned with those who are waiting for the brother or the sister who will bring them home. Offering the shelter of God to the homeless souls should be part of the care and action of our parishes, should be indispensable part of our mentality, attitude and vision, and also should definitely be a central item of the basic education cultivated by the Church.” Then it was also strongly recommended that each parish must appoint a committee which will have the duty of creating a list of the Greek Orthodox people who reside in the vicinity of the parish but are not connected with the Church. The committee should organize the means of contact by using personal visits, phone calls, e-mail, notices of Church events and distribution of the appropriate printed or electronic material. What is our report on this issue? What were the results? Did our communities appoint the appropriate committees? Along the same lines, special care should have been taken for the interfaith families which are not connected to the Church, for the youth and for the “unchurched.” Here again what has been our harvest? We must note, however, that considerable progress has been made in the

areas of the youth ministry. The strength and growth of summer camps all over the country and in the Ionian Village is a good example. Also, we should mention the fact that never in the history of our Church we have offered the considerable amounts and the high quality of scholarships and fellowships to young students as we did in the last years. In addition, there has been a remarkable effort for an expansion of the knowledge of the Bible through a creative cooperation with the American Bible Society. As a result, a series of special editions of the Bible was produced for young people serving in the Army, for children, for campers, etc. We also should not forget the important achievement of publishing the first level of books for learning the Greek language, written exclusively for our children here in America. The books were produced through a very generous donation by the Faith Endowment for Orthodox and Hellenism and were distributed gratis to the thousands of children of all our Day and Afternoon Schools. The theme of this Congress, however, has the additional component in the phrase “Come and See” which introduces a very important item. When our efforts to those not connected to the Church culminate in the invitation “Come and See” and when the people decide to come to the house of God, what do they see? Or, rather whom do they see? Do they see Christ as did Nathaniel when he responded to the invitation of Philip “Come and See?” Do they encounter God in His home? These questions have specific applications in the areas of worship, teaching, pastoral care and philanthropy. Our worship must be a unique opportunity for an encounter with Christ that is both personal and communal. Is it that way? If not, what are the measures to be taken? The teaching activities of our parishes in the forms of catechesis, Sunday School or religious education, must also be centered on Christ and reveal Him. The pastoral care exercised by the parish must be permeated by the healing spirit of Christ, so that those who join the Church they can see Christ the unique healer as did Nathaniel. The philanthropic ministries of the parish, and especially those exercised through our Philoptochos sisterhoods, must be offered in more than just a spirit of humanitarianism; these ministries must represent Christ as the only true benefactor of mankind. All the above constitute exciting challenges for us and they will be centers of strong systematic activities for our Archdiocese in the coming years. The theme “Gather My People to My Home. Come and See, “ however, is not limited to our own Archdiocese with her Metropolises and parishes. This is a pan-Orthodox call and duty. After the very important Assembly of all canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America last May, new avenues are available for action. We as Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America have been granted the initiative and an increased responsibility for making the gathering of God’s people to His Home a dynamic reality for all Orthodox in America. In our sacred task for gathering the people of God to His Home and for inviting every human being to “Come and See” and so eventually to encounter Christ, we

JUNE – JULY 2010

ARCHIEPISCOPAL ENCYCLICAL Give Thanks For Freedom   from page 3 lenge and heavily press our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate and especially His All Holiness our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Governments, commissions, and world leaders have addressed these issues and continue to champion the necessity of religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. However, more must be done. As Orthodox Christians in America and as beneficiaries of religious liberty, many of you have offered warm prayers and precious services to our Ecumenical Patriarchate recognizing its needs as well as the importance of religious freedom. I give thanks to God for your precious contribution and pray for His continued guidance and strength in these efforts. Let all of our faithful throughout the United States, all of us who live in a free society and cherish religious liberty, pray and continue to increase our assistance. Now is a critical time to voice our support, to encourage leaders in government, and to guide awareness into action. May we do this in gratitude for the freedom we have, for the sake of the Church and the Gospel which we are called to share, and for the glory of God. With paternal love in Christ,

† Archbishop DEMETRIOS of America

have a superb model in the ministry of our Ecumenical Patriarchate. This heroic Patriarchate has for seventeen centuries invited people of all ethnicities, cultures and languages to gather to God’s Home, vividly remembering the solemn declaration of the Lord Jesus Christ treasured in the Gospel of John: I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; and I must bring them also; and they will hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, one shepherd (John 10:16) Epilogue With the present 40th Clergy-Laity Congress we enter into a new period of challenges. Challenges that are created by the domestic and the international conditions of increased uneasiness and anxiety related to social, financial, cultural, spiritual, environmental and religious problems that torment the entire humanity. These conditions of uncertainty, pain, confusion and hopelessness necessitate vigorous, real and practical action on our part. Such action should be guided by and focused on what St. Peter the great Apostle emphatically said to the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem: There is no salvation in any one else, and there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved except for the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:10-16). This is in essence our faith proclamation to a tormented world. As Orthodox

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JUNE – JULY 2010

National Ministries Offer Delegates a Look at Their Progress

Clergy-Laity Congress Co-Chairmen Nick Moraitakis (l.) and William Marianes (r.) welcome the delegates to Atlanta.

40th Clergy-Laity Congress Successfully Concludes in Atlanta   from page 6 from each Metropolis and Direct Archdiocesan District to be appointed by the presiding hierarch to the Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council. Since the committees of the Archdiocesan Council are determined by the council itself, the resolution was forwarded to the Archdiocesan Council for consideration at its upcoming fall session. Financial report Finance Committee Co-chairs George Vourvoulias and George Mathews presented a very positive financial report for the National Ministries and the stewardship efforts of the Church. This includes increases in unrestricted contributions, increased income for Ionian Village, and higher total revenue. It was also noted that the Metropolises of Boston, Detroit and San Francisco have fulfilled 100 percent of their commitment to the Archdiocese. Delegates unanimously approved the proposed total operating budgets for the next two years: $22,091,652 for 2011, and $23,107,519 for 2012. Delegates also heard reports on the following National Ministries. Stewardship, presented by Fr. Ted Barbas and Ron Harb; Outreach and Evangelism by Frs. Jim Kordaris and

James Dokos, Family/ Marriage and Interfaith by Frs. Costa Sitaras and Charles Joanides, Youth and Young Adults by Fr. Mark Leondis and Catherine Walsh, Religious Education by Dr. Tony Vrame and Gerry Clonaris. Greek Education by Drs. I Efthymiopoulos and Steve Gounardes, Communications/Internet by Marissa Costidis and Cliff Argue, Social/ Special Ministries by Fr. Dennis Strouzas and Elaine Jaharis, Hellenic College by Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, Leadership 100 by Gus Caras, FAITH Endowment by Peter Kikis, Philoptochos by Aphrodite Skeadas. The Resolutions report was offered by Catherine Bouffides Walsh. At the end of the plenary, Archbishop Demetrios underscored to congress participants the importance of presenting the proceedings of the congress to their parishes. “Make it a point to convey to the communities what happened here,” His Eminence said. “It is not enough to say ‘It was a good meeting.’ Provide the essence and details as to what happened.” The grand banquet later that evening marked the end of the congress, however the clergy held their breakfast with Archbishop Demetrios on July 8. The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians and the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres concluded their meetings on Thursday.

Archbishop Reflects on the 40 Congress’ Theme th

  from page 8 Christians we believe that today, there is no other possibility for salvation of the world except in and with Jesus Christ, Who is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6), and the light of the world (John 8:12). Therefore, our efforts related to the theme “Gather My People to My Home. Come and See,” must be Christ oriented, intensely and passionately focused on Him as the only salvation under heaven. This must be projected to the society and the people surrounding us by every and all possible means. And here we are confronted with a serious challenge: Do we know what we should know about Christ? Are we focused on Him, centered on Him, being serious about our relationship with Him? Are we translating into visible and palpable action our faith in Him? Are we finally thinking

action and not easy talk? Furthermore, are we offering to our adult members of the Church as well as to our young adults and our children the proper education to help them grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ (2 Peter 3:18)? The challenge is truly exciting. And we have to answer it with action, honestly and effectively. I have no better way to close my presentation except by using a beautiful verse from Psalm 132 (Septuagint 131) slightly paraphrasing it: I will not enter my house or get into my bed; I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place of the Lord for all my known and unknown brothers and sisters who are thirsty for Him. It is time for action. Time to gather the people of God to His Home. Always with Christ as His co-workers in sowing the truth, in spreading healing and in promoting life. This is the time for salvation of the world!

These reports are edited from originals prepared by the Ministries of the Archdiocese for the Clergy–Laity Congress delegates. These reports detail the work and responsibilities of the National Ministries and are designed to answer the needs of the communities. For more information contact the Department directly or the Archdiocese headquarters. The Orthodox Observer will continue coverage of the congress workshops and planning sessions in its September issue.

Center for Family Care

The mission of the Center for Family Care is to bring more aspects of the Orthodox Christian faith into the home and to bring more families into the Church. Its current projects include: • Orthodox Family Study - This study examines how Orthodox families in America organize their everyday lives with regard to living their faith and how our Church ministers to them. The results of the study will be used to guide the future of family ministry in the Archdiocese. The study is available online and through the Center. • Table Top Prayer Guide Volume I and II - This guide provides Orthodox prayers and meditations for daily use. It can be used for both personal and family prayer time. Volume II can be ordered from Orthodox Marketplace (www.orthodoxmarketplace.com) and are available online in PDF. • Family Link E-mail Ministry – This monthly e-mail keeps families and parishes informed of current Orthodox resources and give tips for parents and married couples. To sign up for this email ministry, visit www.family.goarch.org. • Family Gospel Lessons - This resource guides the family through the Church year based on each Sunday Gospel Reading. Each lesson contains the reading, brief information, discussion questions, activities, a final quote or story, a prayer, and further resources. Currently available online. • Parish Family Night: Volume I - This 200-page resource includes 12 detailed sessions and information on how to plan a family night at a parish. Copies were mailed to all metropolises and parishes and are available online. • Website (www.family.goarch.org) - This website is a clearinghouse of Orthodox family articles, resources, and information to help parents raise their children in the faith and to assist parishes in their ministry to families. • Family Worship: Creating and Using a Place in Your Home” - This folio gives detailed information on how to create and use a place of worship in the home. Can be ordered from Orthodox Marketplace (www.orthodoxmarketplace.com). The Information also is available online. • Family retreats, seminars and gatherings - The Center for Family Care conducts family retreats, parent seminars and other gatherings throughout the Archdiocese. • Family Connections - The Orthodox Observer offers this space to the Center to help parents educate their children in the faith. • Youth Worker Pulse E-mail Ministry - Through collaboration with the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the Center contributes information of interest to families once a month. To sign up for this e-mail list visit www.youth. goarch.org. • Zine Parent Guide - In collaboration with the Department of Religious Education, the Center created parent guides to supplement certain issues of their popular

`Zine series, a magazine that explores specific topics of our faith for teenagers. • Family Outreach Sunday - In collaboration with the Department of Outreach and Evangelism and Philoptochos Society, the Center promotes Family Outreach Sunday in the parish. Active members of parishes are invited to bring inactive family members and Orthodox Christian friends for a special day of Christian fellowship and spiritual renewal. Projects and programs under development include: • Family Mission Team - In cooperation with OCMC, The Center will train and lead a family mission team to Albania in summer 2011. • Ionian Village Family Camp - In cooperation with Ionian Village, the Center will offer a family camp in Greece the summer of 2012. • Family Podcast - In collaboration with Internet Ministries, the Center will produce a monthly family podcast exploring a variety of topics with priests, theologians and professionals in the field of families. • Parish Family Night: Volume II - The sequel to Volume I will include 12 detailed sessions and information on how to plan a parish family night. • Guidelines for Family Ministry This booklet will outline best practice for running different types of family ministry programs. • Family Brochure Series - A series of brochure packets will be created for parishes to give to parents. Series topics include: Worshiping as a Family, Discipline, Early Childhood (to include, prenatal preparation, birth, 40 days, baptism), and Social Issues.

Department of Family and Marriage

A new section on the Interfaith Marriage Web site, “When Orthodox Marry non-Christians,” is being developed to address challenges and issues those Greek Orthodox encounters that either consider marriage to a non-Christian or marry a non-Christian. This subsection of the Web site outlines the Archdiocese’s position with regard to Orthodox who marry nonChristians, includes a self-examination questionnaire for dating couples who are considering marriage, and provides a pastoral approach to parents whose adult children are either considering marriage to a non-Christian or have entered into a marriage with a non-Christian. Another new section of the Interfaith Marriage Web site helps intermarried parents and children of inter-Christian and intercultural couples when they encounter unique challenges related to their children’s religious and spiritual development. Continuing Education Seminar - A workshop has been developed to assist clergy and lay leaders minister more effectively to intermarried couples and their families. This workshop seeks to help clergy and lay leaders discern the serious nature of the Interfaith Marriage Challenge. Premarital Education Program – Through a grant from Leadership 100 a premarital education program is under development. This program is designed to enhance or replace existing programs and resources. It is decidedly Orthodox and evidenced based. This three stage initiative is currently being piloted in the Boston Metropolis. A couple’s workbook entitled, The Journey of Marriage is in press and will be available soon.

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JUNE – JULY 2010

ORTHODOX OBSERVER photo

Following their clergy breakfast on Thursday, July 8, priests from many parishes gathered with Archbishop Demetrios, Archbishop Irenaios of Crete and other hierarchs before departing for their communities.

Active, Retired Clergy Meet as Part of Congress Events

Graduates of Holy Cross-Pomfret hold a reunion on July 6, which also was attended by other clergy and the Archbishops.

Metropolitan Alexios conducts one of the early morning Divine Liturgy services attended by several faithful.

Priests and their families attend an informal ice cream social event on July 6.

The “Clergy” part of the Clergy-Laity Congress included several meetings and gatherings of the priests of the Archdiocese and their families. Among these were the clergy syndesmos meetings of each metropolis, meetings of the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres, the Retired Clergy, Pomfret Alumni and the traditional clergy breakfast with Archbishop Demetrios at the end of the congress. Priests of each metropolis syndesmos also held their meetings to discuss issues of concern. In his address at the clergy breakfast, the Archbishop spoke of the difference between the functions of priests in the Old Testament, contrasted with those in the New Testament. “One of the functions of the Old Testament priest was to help people distinguish between what was considered ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’ and ‘holy and unholy.’” His Eminence said that, by New Testament times, “there was an excess of this mentality” with as many as 600 cases just dealing with Sabbath observance. “The function of the priest had to be protected from communicating with the non-clean,” he added. The priest’s function also included performing animal sacrifices in the temple, even alone. But the New Testament Apostolic times resulted in a “radical change” in the role of the priest, the Archbishop explained. The need for bloody sacrifices was eliminated, though the Church preserved the memory of this through the Eucharist. In New Testament times, “the priesthood is understood as preaching and proclaiming, not sacrifices,” he said. “We will spend our time in prayer and preaching.” The priestly function is the worship of God, of pastoral care, of serving God, the Archbishop explained. “The Apostolic function is to spread the gospel with a terrific prospect at end. When the fullness of Gentiles comes in, then door is open for the salvation of Israel.” “It gives perspective in what we are doing,” he added. The Archbishop also told the clergy, “Don’t allow a problem to grow to the point where it’s not easy to face. Communicate with your metropolitan before it becomes severe, chronic and, sometimes, incurable.”

Also at the breakfast, the following new officers were named to the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council: Fr. Nicholas Anctil of Holy Trinity Church, New Rochelle, N.Y.; president; Fr. John Kalomas, St. Andrew Church, Chicago, vice president; Fr. John Touloumes, Holy Trinity Church, Pittsburgh; secretary and Fr. Bill Gikas, St. George Church, Trenton, N.J., treasurer. Retired clergy Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Irenaios of Crete also briefly addressed the Retired Clergy Association breakfast on the previous day. “You as retired clergy have a tremendous responsibility to guide the younger priests,” Archbishop Demetrios told the gathering of clergy and presbyteres, and noted that “80 percent of retired priests still serve in parishes. It’s a continuous service that never stops.” Archbishop Irenaios commented on his observation of the relationship between Archbishop Demetrios and the retired clergy. “There is a unity, a spirit existing here and I really like this,” he said. “This is something very, very important. I like experiencing this,” adding, “I wish everyone many, many more years of life and service.” Leadership 100 Chairman Gus Caras also offered brief comments to the group, expressing gratitude “ for all that you’ve done for us as a group and as individuals.” He noted how much the Church has advanced in a few generations because of their efforts “to the forefront of Christianity,” adding that “Leadership is very grateful to the retired clergy.”

JUNE – JULY 2010

A RCHDIOCESE N E WS

Ecumenical Patriarch Makes First Official Visit to Russia Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made a nine-day visit to Moscow – his first official visit since becoming Patriarch - May 22-31 at the invitation of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. His All Holiness was accompanied by a delegation consisting of Metropolitan Michael of Austria, Irinaios of Myriophyton and Peristasis, Emmanuel of France, general secretary of the Holy Synod Archimandrite Elphidophoros, Archimandrite Bessarion, Archdeacon Maximos and several laymen. He was greeted by Patriarch Kyrill, together with other members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as clergy and faithful. Also welcoming His All Holiness were several diplomats, including representatives from the Russian Federation, military contingents, the Ambassador of Greece in Moscow and a representative from the Turkish Embassy. The itinerary included Moscow, the Lavra of the Holy Trinity and St. Sergius, the Monastery of the Transfiguration on Valaam, and St. Petersburg. On Sunday, May 23, on the occasion of Pentecost Sunday, His All Holiness and His Beatitude concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at the renowned Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad. Following the Divine Liturgy, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Kyrill greeted the Russian faithful gathered outside the renowned Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad. On May 24, the Feast of the Holy Spirit and the commemoration day Sts. Cyril and Methodius Equal-to-the-Apostles, the Enlighteners of the Slavs, the Hierarchs celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The day also marks the Name Day of Patriarch Kirill. A festive procession commemorating the saints began from the Cathedral and continued along the embankment of the Moskva River near the Kremlin and ended outside Red Square where opening ceremonies were held for the “Day of Slavic Letters and Culture.” The mayor of Moscow, Yury Luzhkov, also participated in the procession. In the evening, the high guests attended a concert at the State Kremlin Palace and a reception given on behalf of the government of the Russian Federation. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and his delegation visited the Kremlin on May 25 to venerate the holy relics in the Kremlin cathedrals. Patriarch Kirill received the delegation at his residence in Peredelkino in the afternoon. The Ecumenical Patriarch also met President Dmitry Medvedev in the Kremlin. According to an Interfax news report the Russian government attaches great importance to its dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church, President Medvedev said at a meeting with Patriarch Kirill and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. “A lot of changes have taken place recently. And I am very pleased that you will be able to see these favorable changes in the life of the country and the dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the state,” President Medvedev told the Ecumenical Patriarch. “Very complex tasks facing our state and the world as a whole, in light of the economic crisis, can be tackled only through this dialogue. That is why we highly value the constructive and fullfledged dialogue we have had with the Russian Orthodox Church in recent years,” he noted. The visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople to Russia is a “landmark

PHOTOS:N. MANGINAS

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow and All Russia celebrate a Divine Liturgy (above). Below, the two hierarchs greet thousands of Orthodox faithful on the grounds of the Kremlin.

event,” Medvedev said, adding he was confident that this visit “will help strengthen the dialogue that has always existed between these two sister-Churches.” The following day, May 26, His All Holiness met with Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and with the faculty and students of the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Postgraduate and Doctoral School of the Russian Orthodox Church. The guests venerated holy relics of the Moscow churches and monasteries and visited the St. Demetrius College of Nursing. Later in the day, the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was received by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Greece to Russia Michalis Spinnelis. The morning of May 27, the delegation met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleniponentiary of Turkey to Russia Halil Akinci. His All Holiness and the delegation members departed for the Monastery of the Transfiguration on Valaam and stayed there until May 29. The abbot of the monastery, Bishop Pan-

kratiy of Troitsk, welcomed the guests. Also on May 27, the Ecumenical Patriarch, following a meeting with official representatives of the Patriarch of Antioch in Moscow, praised the cooperation of Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin with the Russian Orthodox Church. “I express my gratitude on behalf of the Church of Constantinople, as well as from myself personally to the two great Christian leaders. They did not hesitate to publicly declare their faith and piety,” said Patriarch Bartholomew. He noted that his visit to the Russian Orthodox Church “is developing with great success and proceeding with the blessing of God,” reported the website of the Department for External Church Relations. “This is evidenced by the fact that we have entered a new stage in relations between the Churches of Russia and the Church of Constantinople,” he said, stressing that he believes this is largely merit “of such an energetic person,”

as Patriarch Kirill and the head DECR, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk. “God is with you. With Russia, with its people, its church,” added Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Kronstadt on May 29 and viewed the restoration work at the Naval Cathedral. The guests also visited the State Hermitage and churches and monasteries of St. Petersburg. A reception followed at the St. Petersburg Metropolia. On May 30, the Sunday of All Saints, the two Patriarchs and members of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Isaac’s Cathedral of St. Petersburg. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the restored building of the Holy Governing Synod. A solemn reception in honor of the delegation took place at St. Catherine’s Palace in Tsarskoye Selo. His All Holiness and the delegation departed for Istanbul on May 31.

JUNE – JULY 2010

Vice President Jaharis’ Views on the Church’s Progress

Photos D. PANAGOS

Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Irenaios cut the ribbon for the opening of the congress exhibits. Joining them are (from left) Metropolitans Nicholas of Detroit, Methodios of Boston, Evangelos of New Jersey and Chrysostomos of Patras. At right is Gus Caras, chairman of Leadership 100, which underwrote the cost of the exhibit hall.

William Marianes conducts a very well attended Stewardship Workshop on July 5.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER photos

Metropolitans Alexios of Atlanta (above) and Isaiah of Denver conduct two of the breakout sessions following the Archbishop’s keynote address.

At the official opening of the Clergy-Laity Congress on July 5, Archdiocesan Council Vice President Michael Jaharis offered his assessment of the progress made by the Archdiocese during the past decade under Archbishop Demetrios’ leadership. He noted that the change in the administrative structure of the Archdiocese has resulted in “more information provided faster” and the yearround work of subcommittees in areas such as finance and administration have helped to move the Church forward. Mr. Jaharis added that the restructuring of the National Ministries has resulted in a new method of allocating resources that has “stabilized finances and brought about a restructuring of the financial system.” Additionally, the creation of committees at the Metropolis and Parish levels to address financial and administrative issues has resulted in “a better understanding of the Archdiocese throughout the country. “The parishes have been doing an exceptional job,” Mr. Jaharis said, “but more need to become involved at the Metropolis and Archdiocesan levels.” He said the National Stewardship commission has been developing strong parish stewardship programs that will strengthen the ministries of the metropolis and Archdiocese. The vice president expressed concern that more needs to be done to keep young people in the Church and to help people who convert to Orthodoxy to bet-

Michelle Cassimus of the Metropolis of Atlanta (above) speaks with a visitor about Ionian Village. (Right) Department of Religious Education Director Dr. Tony Vrame

ter adapt to the faith. He noted that, while maintaining the Greek language and cultural programs of parishes are “of paramount importance,” he said worship services must adapt to help those without Greek language skills to better understand and participate in the faith and “must be accessible to all pa-

rishioners.” As part of the effort to encourage young people to stay in the Church, Mr. Jaharis noted that the FAITH Endowment has supported Archdiocese scholarship programs to help Greek Orthodox youth to attend camps that can help them understand the faith.

Michael Jaharis

points out some of the books and Religious Education pamplets in his exhibit.

Members of Orthodox Christian Fellowship gather for a photo at one of the Youth Ministry sessions.

JUNE – JULY 2010

National Ministries Offer Delegates a Look at Their Progress   from page 9

Greek Education

The Department of Greek Education of the Archdiocese provides the teaching, learning and preservation of the Greek language in the United States. The department received new Greek language instruction textbooks sponsored by the FAITH Endowment for distribution to the Greek schools.Since last November, the department has been performing teacher classroom observations in classes of primary instruction that used the Archdiocese’s new books of Greek language instruction. Training Seminars Adequate teacher training was required for the new textbooks to become a highly effective educational tool for schools and student, resulting in a series of teacher-training seminars on the new teaching materials. Cyprus seminar For the fourth consecutive year, the educational seminar for teachers representing Greek Orthodox Archdiocese schools has taken place at the University of Cyprus in Lefkosia. The Ministry of Education of Cyprus and the University of Cyprus, and the Archdiocese serve as seminar sponsors.

District Office of Education

The Archdiocesan District Office of Education mission is to provide assistance to the 57 parochial day and afternoon schools of the District, ultimately benefiting the 5,705 students who are in attendance. The task is enormous and twofold. The District Office is called to facilitate the work of the administrators and teachers of all District schools -- day and afternoon -- which differ in terms of their curricula, objectives, and student needs. Their only common characteristic is the program of Greek studies they offer. Greek studies, however, is just a part of the entire academic curriculum for the parochial day schools.

Inter-Orthodox, Interchurch and Interfaith Relations

This office is responsible for the relations of the Archdiocese with other Orthodox Christian jurisdictions in America, with other Christian Churches and Christian organizations in America, and with other Faith groups in the nation. Inter-Orthodox Relations with other Orthodox Christian jurisdictions have been to date fostered primarily through the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). The director of this department, Fr. Mark Arey, has been serving as general secretary of SCOBA. However, since the emergence of the Assembly of Bishops of Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs in North and Central America, chaired by Archbishop Demetrios, the work of the Director of the Office will shift away from SCOBA to the Assembly. The director served as secretary to the Chairman of the Assembly for its first meeting and will continue to do so. The office has the following responsibilities: Convening the Study and Planning Commission that has been overseeing the work of SCOBA. Arranging SCOBA meetings, recording the minutes, and maintaining the

financial records. SCOBA last met on Sept. 25, 2009. Serving as liaison to the following seven SCOBA Agencies: Orthodox Christian Education Commission, Orthodox Christian Mission Center, International Orthodox Christian Charities, Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Orthodox Christian Network and Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry. The seven agencies employ nearly 200 people and their combined budgets total over $20 million per year. Overseeing the work of the SCOBA Standing Commissions: the Ecumenical Commission, the Social and Moral Issues Commission, the Internet Technologies Commission, and the Orthodox Research Commission. Overseeing the work of those groups endorsed by SCOBA: Project Mexico, Zoë for Life, Orthodox Peace Fellowship (North America), Orthodox Theological Society of America, Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion, Environmental Orthodox Fellowship of the Transfiguration, St. Catherine’s Vision. Creating and maintaining the SCOBA website at www.scoba.us. Maintaining contact with all Canonical Orthodox Bishops under the SCOBA jurisdictions in North America. Additionally, the Office was responsible for coordinating the visit of the Archbishop and the delegation of the Archdiocese of America to the Moscow Patriarchate (May 23 - 28, 2008).

churches are promoted through bilateral dialogues, supported financially by SCOBA and sponsored by its Ecumenical Commission. At present, the Office is engaged in three dialogues, with representatives of the Archdiocese participating in each. The North American Orthodox/Catholic Theological Consultation, which has been meeting twice annually for 42 years, comprised of 12 theologians from each tradition. Funding for this year’s conference was granted from Leadership 100 through the Ecumenical Office. The Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops and: The Joint Commission of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches. Relations with other Christian Churches are promoted primarily through the National Council of Churches of Christ (NCCC) and Church Work Service (CWS), a consortium working in more than 80 countries on a variety of issues centered on the theme of hunger and poverty. Five Greek Orthodox clergy and laity serve on the Board of Directors of CWS. The Archdiocese is also a member of a relatively new entity that includes Roman Catholics, Evangelicals and Pentecostals:

“Christian Churches Together in the USA” (CCT). Interfaith Cooperation with other faith groups, such as Islam and Judaism, has not been formalized in structures, but takes place through various venues, such as the World Conference of Religions for Peace, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, the American Jewish Committee, and the New York City Commission of Religious Leaders, Christians for Middle East Peace, the Religions Alliance Against Pornography, and the National Inter-religious Leadership Initiative. United Nations This Office also oversees the work of volunteers serving as NGO’s at the United Nations and representing the Archdiocesan Council, which has NGO status at the United Nations. These volunteers are Lila Prounis, Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, Stacy Malacos, and . PaulZamora.

Philanthropy

The Department of Philanthropy promotes philanthropic ministries within all the parishes to heighten the sensitivity of

  to page 34

Interchurch Relations with certain Christian

Metropolitan Alexios addresses the grand banquet. At right is Archbishop Irenaios of Crete. (Below) More than 1,000 persons filled the ballroom at the event.

I n

M e m o r i a m

JUNE – JULY 2010

Rev. John A. Limberakis PHILADELPHIA – Fr. John A. Limberakis, 84 a leading priest of the Archdiocese for more than 60 years, died in Philadelphia, with his loving wife Elizabeth and his children and grandchildren at his bedside. Known as a builder of churches, he led four Greek Orthodox parishes (Fresno, Calif., Cranston, R.I., Elkins Park, Pa., and Valley Forge -Jeffersonville-, Pa.,) in building houses of worship. As a senior priest in the Philadelphia area since 1970, he served in various leadership and ecclesiastical capacities for the Church. Fr. John was born Oct. 7, 1925 in Boston, of immigrant parents, Anthony John and Evangeline Karadimitriou Limberakis, who left their homeland of Alatsata, a suburb of Smyrna, Asia Minor in 1922. The eldest of four children, he attended public schools in Somerville, Mass., and at 16, graduated from high school in his junior year. He enrolled in Holy Cross School of Theology then located in Pomfret, Conn. Upon graduation in 1948, he was appointed registrar of the Seminary, serving as executive secretary to the late dean, Bishop Athenagoras Cavadas, who also was bishop of New England. He pursued graduate studies, first in Fresno, Calif., then in Providence, Rhode Island and finally in Philadelphia. He received Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity degrees from Holy Cross School of Theology and a Master of Arts degree from Temple University. Prior to his ordination into the holy priesthood on Nov. 8, 1949, The Feast Day of the Archangels, he married Elizabeth Constantine, a native of Los Angeles. They raised four children, two girls and two boys. Their firstborn, Evangelyn, died at age 11, and is buried in Providence. Their eldest son, Cary, married to Alexis Demetris, is a dentist in Jenkintown, Pa., with four children; Anthony, married to Maria Borden, is a radiologist in Philadelphia, with three children and two grandchildren; and Catherine, married to James T. Tsatalis, is a school teacher by profession with three children, in Dayton, Ohio. Fr. John’s first pastoral charge was in Fresno, where he immediately initiated a church building program resulting with the relocation of the parish and the construction of a new Byzantine Church of St. George in the suburbs. In 1955 he was assigned to the Annunciation in Providence, where once more the parish relocated and erected a new church edifice in the suburb of Cranston. He came to Philadelphia in 1970 and was assigned to the Annunciation in Elkins Park, where the following year construction began on its new Byzantine edifice. In 1990, he retired from the Annunciation and within a week was asked by the Archdiocese to once again, shepherd a parish in need of a house of worship, St. Sophia in Norristown, Pa. Always eager to serve the needs of the church, he accepted this challenge with alacrity and dedication. Upon his arrival at St. Sophia’s a new building program was launched. The parish relocated to the gateway of historic Valley Forge in 1996, not far from the site where George Washington wintered his troops during

FR. JOHN LIMBERAKIS the American Revolutionary War. In each parish Fr. John served, building programs were inaugurated, parishes were relocated and new edifices completed. The church has honored Fr. John with the Byzantine ecclesiastical offikia of Economos, Sakelarios and Protopresvyteros of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He was bestowed the high honor of Crossbearer of the Holy Sepulcher, a title presented by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He served in various capacities of elected office for the clergy locally and at the diocesan and archdiocesan levels. He was active in inter-faith and ecumenical affairs wherever he served, and had often been asked to represent his church at various high-level conclaves. During his active priesthood he worked unceasingly to minister to the needs of his flock. On the feast day of the Archangels, Nov. 8, 2009, Fr. John celebrated his 60th anniversary in the priesthood. Fr. John led some 10 pilgrimages to the Holy Land, often ascending Mount Sinai and continuing on to the spiritual center of world Orthodoxy, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul. In 2004 he witnessed the return of the Holy Relics of St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom to the Ecumenical Patriarchate from the Vatican where they had been held for 800 years since the Fourth Crusade of 1204. With his family and fellow pilgrims he visited some of the most significant monasteries throughout the Holy Land, Greece and Asia Minor. Fr. John A. Limberakis was an exemplary pioneer priest in the Archdiocese, having shepherded four parishes into building houses of worship. A dynamic homilist and liturgist, a devoted husband of 60 years, a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, he always supported and defended the Mother Church of Constantinople, the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His remarkable and pioneering ministry will long be remembered by the thousands of lives and souls who were comforted by his loving pastoral care.

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JUNE – JULY 2010

Chaplains Serve War Zones, Help to Distribute Military Bibles

In his report to the plenary session, Fr.. William Bartz, who holds the rank of captain in the U.S. Navy, noted that over the past two years, the chaplains, along with the Archdiocesan Endorsing Agent Fr. Luke Uhl, Ecumenical Officer Fr. Mark Arey and the director of Internet Ministries and Information Technology Theo Nicolakis, working with the American Bible Society, are helping to distribute a pocket-sized New Testament with Psalms – Military Edition that includes Orthodox prayers, instruction, icons and more. Fr. John Kalantzis deployed to Iraq for eight months in 2008, serving his

troops and providing the sacraments to the Orthodox Christians throughout the theater of war. He was also selected for promotion to the rank of Commander. Fr. Milton Gianulis returned from his two year assignment in Okinawa, Japan and was promoted to the rank of captain in the Navy. Fr. Matthew Streett returned from Iraq in May after a four-month deployment, also serving his troops and providing the sacraments to the Orthodox Christians. Fr. Kevin Milsap, a Tennessee National Guard Chaplain, was mobilized to Iraq for five months and just returned home. Fr. Chris Moody, a Massachusetts National Guard chaplain, has been deployed to Afghanistan. “These priests, these men of God, travel to the far reaches of the earth, risking their lives, in order to serve the men and women of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard,” Fr. Bartz said. “I would like our Church to acknowledge them and their dedicated service, thanking them for what they have done and what they continue to do for our Church and our nation. Let us thank God

ORTHODOX OBSERVER photo

Chaplains meet with Metropolitan Isaiah, the military ordinary for the Chaplains Service. Shown, from left, Fr. Peter Spiro, Fr. Luke Uhl, Fr. William Bartz, Fr. Milton Gianulis, Fr. Mathew Streett and Fr. Louis Noplos.

for this great country that ensures that the Orthodox Christian men and women in uniform, who are in the fight, are provided the opportunity to receive the holy sacraments of our Church for the salva-

tion of their souls.” Delegates approved chaplaincy resolutions recognizing the heroic sacrifices of the men and women serving in the Armed Forces, and of those in the chaplaincy.

National Forum Holds Annual Meeting The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians held its 34th annual meeting during the Clergy-Laity Congress. Delegates representing each metropolis discussed a variety of issues regarding church music in the Archdiocese, including youth involvement in church music, need for Church School hymnology instruction, the need for standard English texts for hymns, choir director and chanter development, and assistance to clergy for congregational singing. At its Church Music Reception during the Congress, National Chairman Dr. Vicki Pappas announced that Dr. Alexander Lingas was the 2010 Recipient of the St. Romanos medallion for distinguished Archdiocesan service in church music. The Forum also approved grants to Cappella Romana and the St. John Koukouzelis Institute of Liturgical Music for recordings, to the Axion Estin Foundation for support of speakers for their annual symposium. and to All Saints Orthodox Church for an Orthodox Music Symposium at Indiana University. Upcoming activities include a Summer Institute on Youth Music in conjunction with the Department of Religious Education.

Members of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians sing at their opening reception.

Children of the clergy families take a break from their play period for a picture with Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Irenaios.

At a meeting of the National Sisterhood of Prevyteres, Stacy Dorrance leads the group in singing a hymn.

JUNE – JULY 2010

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Communications: From Hollywood to the Internet Communications, said Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, the hierarch of the Holy Synod overseeing the Communications Committee of the Archdiocese, “is a means of getting our word out and a means for bringing people in.” To that extent, the Strategic Planning Session dealing with Communications, one of eight such sessions held \July 6, provided participants with an insight into how three select parishes have implemented successful efforts at getting the word out about the faith. In addition, audience members heard from the director of the newly created Office of Church and Society, Bishop Savas of Troas, on his efforts to establish a strong presence for the Church on the various social networks of the Internet and the Blogosphere. Fr. Bill Tragus, assistant pastor of St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, an especially high-profile parish, said his community uses every means available to make the greater LA community aware of its existence. As the only Greek Orthodox church operating in the city of Los Angeles, the parish also takes in the areas of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Glendale and (beautiful downtown) Burbank. He noted that, as these communities are home to the movie industry, the parish has “quite a few people” in various professions associated with the industry – actors, directors, studio executives- who help the parish in its efforts. Among these are Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, who are regular church goers. “Many who help us are trying to make it in Hollywood,” he added, and that Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson help promote the church festival and other events. Fr. Tragus noted that (Cathedral dean) “Fr. John Bakas’ efforts are very well known” in promoting the church and faith through TV shows and has also arranged for some movies to film scenes at the cathedral. This includes appearances of Fr. Bakas in religion-related programs on the Discovery and National Geographic channels. (Fr. Bakas was unable to attend the Congress). “We use all the media available to us to make our church known,” Fr. Tragus said. He added that, “We build relationships with people,” noting that strong contacts are maintained with media that include the Los Angeles Times, and with various politicians and City Hall. “We have a good relationship with the LA Times,”

he noted. Another area where the parish has reached out is the local neighborhood, which has a high percentage Hispanic population, through the creation of the “Byzantine-Latino Quarter” as a means of ministering to the neighborhood. Effective Internet use Two other parishes have developed effective uses of Internet technology. Fr. Rick Andrews of St. George Church in St. Paul, Minn., and Fr. Andrew Barakos of Assumption Church in Scottsdale, Ariz., related how, with the help of the Archdiocese Department of Internet Ministries, they have been successful in setting up websites and list servers that have greatly enhanced their communications efforts. The St. Paul parish also has a community relations effort in connection with its Greek festival to offer free meals for on-duty police officers who stop by. The Scottsdale church features an “I’m New” site on its web page, inspired by the parish in Prescott, Ariz., that provides answers to questions from persons interested in visiting the church or becoming members. Bishop Savas reported that he is preparing to transition from his Facebook site, with nearly 2,500 “friends” to the creation of a soon-to-be-completed blog, “Living in the Blogosphere” that will offer information on current affairs, ecobioethics articles from Fr. John Chryssavgis and an arts and ideas feature the bishop will produce. The new endeavor will allow for input from a wide audience in the blogosphere. Archdiocesan Council Communications Committee Chairman Cliff Argue summed up the progress on the Internet that the parishes have achieved as an example of how local parishes receive direct assistance from the Archdiocese in return for their commitment.

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JUNE – JULY 2010

PEOPLE

Belated medal winner

World War II veteran Louis Stamatakos was awarded a medal for a heroic act during the war 65 years late. He was presented with the Silver Star medal in ceremonies at the Michigan state Capitol in February for saving his plane and crew of 10 as a 19-year-old tail gunner during a combat mission over Germany. He went on to serve as a dean at Texas Western College and the University of WisconsinMilwaukee; was the first dean of students at Grand Valley State University and taught at Michigan State University for 35 years.

Navy honoree Military Officer Magazine, the official publication of the Military Officers Association of America, has recognized Cmdr. Michael G. Kapnas (U.S. Navy retired) of La Costa, Calif., as having been the youngest naval officer of World War II. He was commissioned March 29, 1945 when he was 18 years, 9 months and 5 days. He is the recipient of numerous awards that include the Navy Commendation Medal, the American Campaign Medal, World War II “Victory” medal, and others. Cmdr. Kapnas had enlisted in the Navy on his 17th birthday, June 24, 1943. He is a native of Gary, Ind.

West Pointer Cadet Capt. Alexander Spiegel graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on May 22. Cadet Spiegel and his family are active members of the St. Demetrios parish in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and assigned to the Infantry branch.

Tonsured readers

Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos recently tonsured 12 readers at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Palos Hills, Ill. The candidates tonsured were: Athanasios Argires, Antonios Batson, Fotios Gianakakis, Alexander Haralampopoulos, Anthony Jonas, Helen Irene Jonas, Dionysios Piskopos, Athanasios Stamatoukos, Constantine Tsarouhis, Byron Stylianos Tsokolas, George Vinihakis and Yianni Zigras.

HTSF scholarships The 19 th annual Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund Dinner in New York awarded scholarships to the following: Andrew Bakis of North Carolina, Anna Chrysostomides of Montana, Anna Colby of Hawaii, Christie Moreau of New Hampshire, Angelo Palmer of Ohio, Nicholas Papanikolopoulos of Georgia, Lydia Pappas of Virginia, Alexa Stathis of Connecticut, Maria Terss of Iowa, Constantine Athanitis, Alexandra Courcoulas, Konstantino Dimopoulos, Areti Koularmanis, Steve Kouillias, Sotirios Michalatos, Peter Nicolas, Angelina Pilarinos, Nicolette Scott and Michael Zagralis (all of New York), Jessica Cohen-Kunkle and Patricia Kuvetakis (California) Theodoros Manolatos, Sophia Paraschos and Joseph Petmezis (Massachusetts; Katherine Morgan, Nick Trybul and Samantha Valsamis (Illinois); Ellen Demetrakopoulos, Irene Michailides and Vicky Tsotas (New Jersey).

Correction In the May Parish Profile, Fr. Constantine Rogakos (corrected spelling), associate pastor at Annunciation Cathedral in Norfolk, Va., also holds a Ph.D. in theology from Columbia University.

Community Helped to Nurture Many Successful Priests P A R I S H

profile

Name: St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church Location: Peabody, Mass. Metropolis of Boston Size: about 1,600 members Founded: 1905 Clergy: Rev. Christopher Foustoukos (Holy Cross ’88) E-mail: stvals@shore.net Web: www.stvasilios.org Noteworthy: Priest serves his childhood parish where he was an altar boy. PEABODY, Mass. – Greeks came to this part of the country in the late 1890s for much the same reason they immigrated to the rest of the U.S., to escape the harsh economic conditions that plagued Greece at the time. Boston’s “North Shore” then and well into the 20th century was a thriving center of industry, notably leather goods and shoes. Peabody became famous as the “Leather City” and “Tanner City,” where the first Greek Orthodox immigrants found plenty of jobs in the factories and tanneries. From this humble start, the small community established a church that has become the largest parish in the Metropolis of Boston with an array of ministries and a strong youth program, including several teams in the GOYA intramural basketball league. Early days An extensive parish history lists the first Greeks settling in Peabody as two brothers from Sparta, Dimitrios and George Adrianos, who came by way of Lowell. By 1905, the year the church was established, more than 500 Greeks settled in Peabody and the neighboring towns of Salem, Beverly and Danvers. Most parishioners still reside in these communities. According to the 2000 Census, Peabody’s population of about 48,000 included about 5.2 percent of Greek heritage. Fr. Foustoukos noted that most of the early immigrants came from the Sparta-Kalamata region and the island of Samos. The Greek community held a dance in 1905 that raised about $1,800. With support from seven businessmen, the parish purchased a former fire station from a leather company and established the first church. However, the official founding date is listed as Feb. 23, 1906, when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts granted a charter to the “Hellenic Orthodox Society of Salem and Peabody.” Fire destroyed the church in February 1913 and services were held temporarily in a Methodist church. Land was purchased immediately and the cornerstone for the present church was laid in April 1913 with 2,000 persons in attendance. More land was purchased adjacent to the site for a school. The new church was completed in late 1917 and the first liturgy was cel-

ST. VASILIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ebrated on Jan. 1, 1918. As World War I raged, about 100 young men of the parish served and five were killed. The first to die in battle was Gregory Paleologos. In 1932, the city honored him by changing the name of the street where the church is located, from English Street to its present designation of Paleologos Street. Political upheavals Politics in the 1920s damaged the community. The U.S. government instituted a quota system severely limiting the number of southern Europeans who could come to America, which stopped the community’s growth, and the Royalist-Venizelist conflict in Greece that split the parish into two camps, as it did in many Greek American communities. Two other factors that caused serious divisions were the decision in 1920 of Ecumenical Patriarch Meletios and the Holy Synod to abolish the Julian calendar and adopt the Gregorian calendar, and the introduction of pews. For some, this violated the traditional Orthodox practice of continuously standing and was seen as an effort to “protestantize” the Church. The larger group sided with the monarchists and opposed the new calendar and pews. By March 1926, the parish split apart. The new group took the name Holy Transfiguration and held services at a local Episcopal church. The Great Depression brought hardship to all Greek families and the communities faced the prospect of collapse and dissolution. But three men saved the situation and reunited the factions: Fr. George Economides, a Halki graduate and pastor of the breakaway Holy Transfiguration, the parish President Theodore Fotopoulos; and St. Vasilios’ President Nicholas Batsinelas met secretly over several months and eventually persuaded the warring factions to attend a series of meetings in September and October 1930. The St. Vasilios pastor refused to attend. Reunification came on Oct. 28, 1930 but many years of healing followed. World War II brought community members together and also resulted in 16 members of St. Vasilios falling in battle, which represented 22.5 percent of all casualties from Peabody. New priests In January 1945, the parish received its first priest who was fluent in English, Fr. Nicholas Paleologos, who started the youth program, reorganized the church

school, introduced religious instruction in English, despite opposition from a number of parishioners, and published the first church bulletin. He was transferred to another parish in 1949 and his successors served for relatively brief periods: Fr. Constantine Mager was described in the parish history as “radical progressive” and “liberal,” and Alexander Xanthakis, as a theological conservative who strongly promoted church music. The position of a second priest was added. Among those who served under Fr. Xanthakis were Frs. John Romanides, Harry Magoulias and George Economou. By the early 1960s, the parish council decided the community needed an American-born priest. Fr. Xanthakis “graciously stepped aside” and moved on to Biddeford, Maine. His successor was Lancaster, Pa., native Fr. Stanley Harakas, who arrived Aug. 1, 1961. Among his many accomplishments was reestablishing the parish bulletin, which was renamed “Orthodox Life,” and the construction of a new educational center. His pastoral assistants included Frs. Nicholas Triantafilou, the current president of Holy Cross-Hellenic College, and Fr. George Tsoucalas. Fr. Harakas pursued doctoral studies and transferred to St. Nicholas Church in Lexington, eventually joining the faculty at Holy Cross-Hellenic College where he became professor of Christian ethics until retiring in the mid-1990s. Briefly serving the parish following his departure were Frs. Athanasios Chamberas and Demetrios Constantelos, until Jan. 1, 1968 when Fr. Andrew Demotses arrived and became the parish’s longestserving priest, 39 years. He celebrated his final liturgy at the church on Christmas Day 2006. Succeeding him was the current pastor, Fr. Chris Foustoukos, who grew up in the St. Vasilios Church and was a member of GOYA. He previously served at Transfiguration Church in Lowell. The parish currently consists mostly of American-born Greek Orthodox and some immigrants from the 1970s. Fr. Chris estimates that about 60 percent of the marriages are inter-church. With no assistant priest at present, Fr. Chris serves as both pastor and administrator of the huge community, including conducting Bible studies, and overseeing a number of ministries. — Compiled by Jim Golding

JUNE – JULY 2010

Slovakian University Bestows Honorary Degree to Archbishop NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios made a four-day visit to Slovakia in midJune where the University of Presov honored him with the bestowal of an honorary doctorate. Bishop Savas of Troas and Archdeacon Panteleimon accompanied His Eminence. The group arrived in Presov, Slovakia’s third largest city, at 11 p.m. on June 12, after 17 hours of travel on three airlines. The city of about 91,000 population, which dates from the 8th century, is located in the Carpathian Mountains in eastern Slovakia, near Polish border. The visit began June 13, when Archbishop Demetrios concelebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov and Sts. Cyril and Methodios in the city of Bardejov, with Archbishop Christopher of Prague and all Chechia (Czech Republic) and Slovakia, Metropolitan John of Presov, Bishop Savas of Troas and Bishop Paisios of Goritze (Poland). Following the liturgy, a blessing ceremony for the new church bell tower was held. Later, the mayor of Bardejov, Dr. Boris Hanuscak, warmly welcomed the Archbishop to City Hall, where they held an informative discussion. In the afternoon, Archbishop Demetrios, accompanied by Archbishop Christopher and Metropolitan John, visited the “Wooden Home,” an important local museum and the small chapel there dedicated to the Three Hierarchs, where a local choir performed religious songs and hymns. On June 14, the University of Presov bestowed upon Archbishop Demetrios an honorary Doctorate of Theology during a touching ceremony attended by many members of the academic community of Slovakia, the dean of the School of Theology, Rev. Dr. John Zozulak, other officials, faculty members and many students and guests. That evening, Archbishop Demetrios paid an official visit to Metropolitan John of Presov and Slovakia at the diocesan headquarters. The two church leaders discussed the challenges the Orthodox Churches face in America and in Slovakia. The Archbishop delivered an address on June 15 as part of the Biblical confer-

ence organized by the School of Theology at the University of Presov titled “The Social Work of the Church.” That evening, the Archbishop, at the invitation of Metropolitan John of Presov visited the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky during the vespers service and offered a short address to the congregation. His Eminence, with Bishop Savas and Archdeacon Panteleimon and escorted by Dean John Zozulak and church officials, visited three parishes on June 16 in the towns of Svidnik, Stropkov and Medzilaborce, an area of fierce battles during the Second World War. In Medzilaborce, the Archbishop visited an Orthodox orphanage, which offers a very impressive service to the approximately 80 children enrolled. Upon his return from this trip Archbishop Demetrios expressed his deep appreciation and high esteem for the people of the Orthodox Church in Slovakia who offer a strong witness of the healing and constructive power of the faith, especially in view of the extremely hard times and persecutions they went through for decades. About 1 percent of Slovakia’s 5.4 million population is Orthodox. Nearly 70 percent are Roman Catholic and there are small numbers of Lutherans, Byzantine Catholics and Reformed Christian Church members. The country gained its independence following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia on Jan. 1, 1993. Orthodox Christianity was introduced into the region in the 9th century. According to the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, the area was then known as Great Moravia, which arose around 830 when Moimír I unified the Slavic tribes that had settled north of the Danube. His nephew who succeeded him, Rastislav (846–870), stopped a Frankish attack in 855, and also sought to weaken the influence of Frankish priests preaching in his realm. Rastislav asked Byzantine Emperor Michael III to send teachers who would interpret Christianity in the Slavic vernacular. Upon Rastislav’s request, two brothers, Byzantine officials and missionaries

Presov University officials confer degree University of Presov, Slovakia, Rector Dr. Rene Matlovic and School of Theology Dean Rev. Dr. John Zozulak bestowed upon Archbishop Demetrios an honorary Doctorate of Theology degree on June 14 when His Eminence made a five-day visit to the Central European nation. A Divine Liturgy took place at the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov and Sts. Cyril and Methodios, (below) in the city of Bardejov, where His Eminence participated.

Sts. Cyril and Methodius arrived in 863. Cyril developed the first Slavic alphabet and translated the Gospel into the Old Church Slavonic language. During the Archbishop’s visit, the church services took place in Slavonic. The Archbishop spoke in Greek, which was

translated for the congregation, though 10 of the native clergy attending are fluent in Greek and studied in Greece, and Archbishop Christopher earned a doctorate at the University of Thessaloniki, in the native city of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, as well as of Archbishop Demetrios.

Young Adults Visit Holy Land by Christina Meares

The National Young Adult Pilgrimage to the Holy Land on May 15-24, included 35 young adults led by Bishop Savas of Troas, director of Church and Society and Fr. Mark Leondis, national director of Youth and Young Adults. The first day began with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and some of the most important sites of Jesus’ ministry: the Mount of Beatitudes, the Church of the Seven Springs (where Jesus fed the 5,000), Capernaum, Mount Tabor, and of course, the Jordan River. After journeying to Cana the next morning, our group moved toward the ancient city of Nazareth to the birthplace of the Theotokos and the Church of the Annunciation. Our trip continued to Jerusalem, visiting the Garden of Gethsemane; the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, where we witnessed three liturgies happening simultaneously (Syrian, Coptic, and Greek); the Mount of Olives; the historical site of the Ascension; Thirty-five young adults traveled to Jerusalem as part of their nine-day pilgrimage, led by Bishop Savas of Troas and Fr. Mark Leondis.

  page 30

JUNE – JULY 2010

HC-HC News Hellenic College Dean Retires, Interim Dean Appointed

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DR. LILY MACRAKIS BROOKLINE, Mass. – Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, president of Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology, recently announced the retirement of Dr. Lily Macrakis as dean of the college and the naming of Dr. Demetrios S. Katos as interim dean. Fr. Triantafilou said in a prepared statement, “On behalf of Board of Trustees Chairman Archbishop Demetrios, Vice Chairman Dr. Thomas C. Lelon, The Rev. Dr. Thomas FitzGerald, Holy Cross School of Theology dean, the faculties of both schools, our staff and students, I express publicly deepest gratitude to Dr. Lily Macrakis for her tenure as dean of Hellenic College. Her eight-year leadership will always be marked by her love and care for all students, creative and insightful development of new programs, and wise implementation of disciplines that have been a part of the history of Hellenic College. Her tirelessness and long days of service were brought to the school always with a pleasant smile and a joyous sharing. Dr. Macrakis, in an unprecedented offering of love, served the last six years of her eight year tenure pro bono. Her influences will bear fruit in the life of our college for years to come. “As presiding officer of Hellenic College, I am most pleased to announce that Dr. Lily Macrakis will continue to serve our school as special counselor to the president. Her pro bono diakonia will consist of ambassadorial evangelization of Hellenic College throughout the United States and Greece. Dr. Macrakis will host gatherings in both countries projecting the mission and vision of our beloved undergraduate school. She will have offices at Hellenic

DR. DEMETRIOS KATOS College and in Athens, Greece.” Dr. Katos Named Interim Dean Dr. Katos, associate professor of religious studies and chairman of the Religious Studies Department at Hellenic College, assumed his duties as interim dean July 1. Dr. Katos recently was promoted to the rank of associate professor and awarded tenure by the Board of Trustees at its May meeting. Dr. Katos and his wife, Christina, are the parents of three young children. His academic credentials listed below speak of his educational preparation for his professorial life. His diakonia in the classroom, however, is replete with a vibrant faith, love for his students and an astute ability to transmit a love for learning and a desire to comprehend by his students the depths of material presented. He is also a lecturer in the Department of Theology at Boston College. He was awarded a prestigious Henry Luce III Fellowship for the academic year 2008-09 and recently completed a book, Palladius of Helenopolis: the Origenist Advocate, which studies an author whose work has had a profound impact on understanding Church history and Christian spirituality. Dr. Katos received his B.A. from New York University magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated from Holy Cross School of Theology with an M.Div. and was valedictorian of his class. He also received an M.A in Early Christian Studies and a Ph.D in Greek and Latin Patristic Theology from the Catholic University of America.

Hellenic College reception: Hellenic College–Holy Cross President Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou visits with delegates at Monday, 5th of July reception for the school during the 40th Clergy-Laity Congress.

JUNE – JULY 2010

Συγχαρητήρια στους απόφοιτους της τάξης του 2010

του Ελληνικού σχολείου “Στέφανος και Αρετή Τσερπέλη”, Flushing, New York

Με την Υπομονή και την Επιμονή να προχωράτε πάντα μπροστά. Ολες οι μεγάλες νίκες στη ζωή έρχονται μετά από σκληρό αγώνα, που τον στολίζουν οι δύο αυτές πανανθρώπινες αρετές.

Οικογενειακώς, Στέφανος Τσερπέλης

ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ - ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2010

ΕΤΟΣ 75 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1258

Η ΕΝΑΡΚΤΗΡΙΑ ΟΜΙΛΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ ΚΙΝΗΤΟΠΟΙΕΙ ΤΟΥΣ ΣΥΝΕΔΡΟΥΣ ΤΗΣ 40ης ΚΛΗΡΙΚΟΛΑΪΚΗΣ ΣΥΝΕΛΕΥΣΗΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΤΛΑΝΤΑ ΑΤΛΑΝΤΑ – Η 40 η Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευση της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αµερικής ξεκίνησε επίσηµα τις εργασίες της το πρωϊ, 6 Ιουνίου 2010 στο ξενοδοχείο Marriott Marquis της Ατλάντα. Η Συνέλευση ξεκίνησε µε την κύρια οµιλία του Σεβασµιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αµερικής κ. ∆ηµητρίου προς τους χιλίους και πλέον συνέδρους της Κληρικολαϊκής Συνέλευσης και της Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητος. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ∆ηµήτριος εξήγησε ότι το θέµα της προηγούµενης Κληρικολαϊκής Συνέλευσης «Συναγάγετε τον λαό µου στον οίκο µου» λόγω της ζωτικής σηµασίας του συνεχίζεται και στην 40η Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευση, επαυξανόµενο µε την µικρή προτρεπτική φράση «Έρχου και Ίδε». Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος δήλωσε ότι η φράση «Έρχου και Ίδε» έχει δύο σηµαντικά (αξιοσηµείωτα) µέρη (κοµµάτια) και δύο (σαφείς, ξεκάθαρες) επιταγές. Το πρώτο µέρος είναι η φωνή του Θεού που µας καλεί (ζητά) ευθέως να βγούµε έξω και να συναγάγουµε τον λαό Του στον Οίκο Του. Το δεύτερο µέρος του θέµατος της είναι η δική µας φωνή η οποία προσκαλεί εκείνους τους οποίους εµείς θέλουµε να φέρουµε (συναγάγουµε) στον Οίκο του Θεού µε τις λέξεις «Έρχου και Ίδε». (Το πλήρες κείµενο της κύριας οµιλίας µπορείται να το βρείτε στην ιστοσελίδα www. goarch.org/news/2010congresskeynote). Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ∆ηµήτριος εξ έθεσε σειρά ερωτήσεων και έκανε πολλές παρατηρήσεις για το πως η εντολή της προηγουµένης Κληρικολαϊκής εφαρµόσθηκε σε όλα τα επίπεδα της Εκκλησίας µας ρωτώντας, «Ποιά είναι σοδιά (συγκοµιδή) µας?» Επί πλέον είπε ότι το θέµα , «Συναγάγετε τον λαό µου στον οίκο µου - Έρχου και Ίδε» δεν περιορίζεται µόνο στην δική µας Αρχιεπισκοπή, στις Μητροπόλεις της και τις ενορίες της. Αυτό το θέµα είναι ένα Πανορθόδοξο κάλεσµα και καθήκον». Και τελείωσε, ολοκλήρωσε την οµιλία του λέγοντας ότι «εισερχόµαστε σε νέα εποχή προκλήσεων» και ότι είναι καιρός για πράξεις. Καιρός για συναγωγή των ανθρώπων του Θεού στον Οίκο Του, πάντα µε τον Χριστό ως συνοδοιπόρο του διαδίδοντας την αλήθεια, εξαπλώνοντας την συµφιλίωση και προαγάγοντας την ζωή. Τώρα (Ήρθε) είναι η ώρα για την σωτηρία του κόσµου». Η επίσηµη τελετή ξεκίνησε µε προσευχή, και ακολούθησε το καλωσόρισµα από τους δύο συµπροεδρεύοντες της

 óåë. 24 ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΣ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΗΣ ΒΑΡΘΟΛΟΜΑΙΟΣ: ΙΣΧΥΡΟΙ ΚΑΙ ΑΚΑΤΑΛΥΤΟΙ ∆ΕΣΜΟΙ ΣΥΝ∆ΕΟΥΝ ΤΗΝ ΜΗΤΕΡΑΝ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΙΝ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΝ ΤΗΣ ΡΩΣΙΑΣ  Σελίδα 23

Με επιτυχία ολοκληρώθηκαν οι εργασίες της 40ης Κληρικολαϊκής Συνέλευσης στην Ατλάντα ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΟ ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ 40η ΚΛΗΡΙΚΟΛΑΪΚΗ ΣΥΝΕΛΕΥΣΗ

ΟΛΟΚΛΗΡΩΘΗΚΕ Η 40η ΚΛΗΡΙΚΟΛΑΪΚΗ ΣΥΝΕΛΕΥΣΗ ΕΥΟΙΩΝΑ ΤΑ ΜΗΝΥΜΑΤΑ ΤΩΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΕΩΝ ΣΤΗΝ ΟΛΟΜΕΛΕΙΑ ΑΤΛΑΝΤΑ – Το έργο που ξεκίνησε µε την εναρκτήρια οµιλία του Σεβασµιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αµερικής κ. ∆ηµητρίου και εξελίχθηκε για τρεις ηµέρες στην Ατλάντα µε τις συνεδριάσεις των επιτροπών, τις συσκέψεις στρατηγικού προγραµµατισµού για τα θέµατα εθνικών διακονιών, τις δηµόσιες συζητήσεις, ανταλλαγές απόψεων και προτάσεις για νέες πρωτοβουλίες ολοκληρώθηκε την Τετάρτη 7 Ιουλίου, µε την πολύωρη συνεδρίαση της Ολοµέλειας της Κληρικολαϊκής Συνελεύσεως και την επίσηµη καταληκτική δεξίωση και δείπνο στην οποία παρευρέθησαν 1200 και πλέον σύνεδροι. Η συνεδρίαση της Ολοµέλειας ξεκίνησε νωρίς το πρωί της 7ης Ιουλίου και διήρκεσε οκτώ περίπου ώρες συµπεριλαµβανοµένης µικρής διακοπής για το µεσηµεριανό φαγητό. Οι εργασίες της Ολοµέλειας πραγµατοποιήθηκαν σε κλίµα αγάπης, συνεργασίας και καλοσύνης και µε διάθεση αλληλεγγύης και δηµιουργικότητος. Η οργανωτική δοµή της συνεδριάσεως εστίασε στην ουσία του αποστολικού εκκλησιαστικού έργου και µε τρόπο που αποδείχτηκε αποδοτικός επιλήφθηκε όλων των τοµέων των διακονιών των ενοριών, των Μητροπόλεων, των αρχιεπισκοπικών ιδρυµάτων και της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αµερικής εν γένει. Οι εργασίες και συνεδριάσεις των προηγούµενων

ηµερών (αλλά και µηνών σε πολλές περιπτώσεις) παρήγαγαν 17 συνολικά εκθέσεις που παρουσιάστηκαν και εγκρίθηκαν από την Ολοµέλεια. Κατά σειρά παρουσίασης πρόκειται για τις εκθέσεις των Αρχόντων του Οικουµενικού Πατριαρχείου του Τάγµατος του Αγίου Ανδρέου, της επιτροπής ∆ιοικητικών Θεµάτων, της επιτροπής Οικονοµικών και Προϋπολογισµού, της επιτροπής ∆ιαχείρισης και Λογίας, της επιτροπής Ιεραποστολικού έργου, της επιτροπής Φροντίδος της Οικογένειας, θεµάτων Γάµου και Μικτών Γάµων, της επιτροπής Νεολαίας, της επιτροπής Επικοινωνιών και ∆ιαδικτύου, του Ελληνικού Κολεγίου/Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιµίου Σταυρού, του Κληροδοτήµατος Ηγεσία των 100, του Κληροδοτήµατος ΠΙΣΤΙΣ, για την Ορθοδοξία και τον Ελληνισµό, της Εθνικής Φιλόπτωχου Αδελφότητος και τέλος µια έκθεση της επιτροπής Ψηφισµάτων και ∆ιακηρύξεων της Κληρικολαϊκής. «Είναι η ωραιότερη και ποιό ζεστή Κληρικολαϊκή που µπορώ να φέρω στη µνήµη µου τουλάχιστον για τα τελευταία 25 χρόνια», είπε ο αντιπρόεδρος του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συµβουλίου Εµµανουήλ Τζαχάρης που έλαβε το λόγο πριν τον επίλογο της συνεδριάσεως. Αναλογίστηκε την πρόοδο που επετεύχθη στην Εκκλησία µας τις τελευταίες τρεις δεκαετίες σηµειώνοντας ότι η ποιότητα της συµµετοχής και η δηµιουργική προδιάθεση των συνέδρων αποτελούν στοιχεία θετικής και ευπρόσδεκτης εξέλιξης για τη ζωή της Εκκλησίας. Ο Σεβασµιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αµερικής κ. ∆ηµήτριος ως τελευταίος οµιλητής

Ἱερώτατε Ἀρχιεπίσκοπε Ἀµερικῆς, ὑπέρτιµε καί ἔξαρχε Ὠκεανῶν Ἀτλαντικοῦ τε καί Εἰρηνικοῦ, ἐν Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι ἀγαπητέ ἀδελφέ καί συλλειτουργέ τῆς ἡµῶν Μετριότητος κύριε ∆ηµήτριε, λοιποί Ἱερώτατοι Μητροπολῖται τῶν κατά τόπους ἐν Ἡνωµέναις Πολιτείαις θεοσώστων Ἐπαρχιῶν, Θεοφιλέστατοι Ἐπίσκοποι, Εὐλαβέστατοι Πρεσβύτεροι καί ∆ιάκονοι, Ὁσιώτατοι Μοναχοί καί Μοναχαί, Ἐντιµότατοι Πρόεδροι τῶν Κοινοτήτων καί τῶν ἐπί µέρους ἐκκλησιαστικῶν καί ἐκπαιδευτικῶν Ὀργανισµῶν καί Ἱδρυµάτων, Ἐρίτιµοι κυρίαι τῆς Κεντρικῆς Φιλοπτώχου καί τῶν λοιπῶν Φιλοπτώχων Ἀδελφοτήτων, φερέλπιδες ἐκπρόσωποι τῆς Νεολαίας καί ἁπαξάπαντες οἱ συγκροτοῦντες τήν Τεσσαρακοστήν Κληρικολαϊκήν Συνέλευσιν τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀµερικῆς, χάρις εἴη ὑµῖν καί εἰρήνη παρά Θεοῦ. Μετά πολλῆς πάντοτε στοργῆς καί ὑψηλοῦ ἐνδιαφέροντος παρακολουθοῦντες ἀπό τοῦ µαρτυρικοῦ ἐν Φαναρίῳ Σεπτοῦ Κέντρου τά κατά τάς ἀνά τόν κόσµον θεροφρουρήτους Ἐπαρχίας τοῦ Οἰκουµενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου, ἐν αἷς καί πρώτη ἡ µεγαλώνυµος Ἱερά Ἀρχιεπισκοπή Ἀµερικῆς, µέ ἰδιαιτέραν χαράν ἐπληροφορήθηµεν τά τῆς συγκλήσεως ἀπό γ´ ἕως η´ προσεχοῦς Ἰουλίου, ἐν Ἀτλάντᾳ τῆς Πολιτείας τῆς Γεωργίας, τῆς Τεσσαρακοστῆς Κληρικολαϊκῆς Συνελεύσεως τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀµερικῆς, ἐχούσης ὡς θέµα: «Συναγάγετε τόν λαόν µου εἰς τόν οἶκον µου: Ἔρχου καί ἴδε». Ἀντιλαµβανόµεθα ὅτι τό θέµα τοῦτο ἔρχεται νά συµπληρώσῃ ἐκεῖνο τῆς ἀµέσως προηγουµένης (39ης) διά τῆς προσθήκης τοῦ «Ἔρχου καί ἴδε». Οὐλόλως ἀµφιβάλλοµεν - ἄλλωστε εἴχοµεν τήν εὐκαιρίαν νά τό διαπιστώσωµεν ἰδίοις ὄµµασι κατά τήν εἰς ΗΠΑ ἐπίσκεψιν ἡµῶν τόν παρελθόντα Ὀκτώβριον - ὅτι αἱ ἐργώδεις προσπάθειαι τῆς αὐτόθι ἐκκλησιαστικῆς διοικήσεως καί πάντων τῶν ἐν Κυρίῳ συνεργῶν αὐτῆς ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελικῷ ἔργῳ ἔχουν ἤδη ἀποδώσει ἱκανά θετικά ἀποτελέσµατα ὡς πρός τήν «συναγωγήν» τοῦ λαοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰς τόν οἶκον Του, τήν αὔξησιν τῆς συµµετοχῆς τῶν πιστῶν εἰς τήν ὅλην ζωήν τῆς Ἐκκλησίας, καί εἰς ἀριθµούς καί εἰς βάθος πνευµατικότητος, τήν παραµυθίαν καί βοήθειαν τῶν ἐµπεριστάτων, τήν ἐξάπλωσιν τοῦ εὐαγγελικοῦ µηνύµατος, τήν διακράτησιν τῶν ἱερῶν ἑλληνορθοδόξων παραδόσεων καί ἀξιῶν, τήν ποικίλην πληροφόρησιν τῆς αὐτόθι ἐκκλησιαστικῆς διακονίας! Ταῦτα ἐπιµαρτυροῦν καί οἱ κατά καιρούς παρεδρεύοντες τῇ Ἁγίᾳ καί Ἱερᾷ Συνόδῳ ἐν Φαναρίῳ ἐκεῖθεν Ἱερώτατοι ἀδελφοί, µάλιστα δέ οἱ κατά τήν διαρρεύσασαν ἐνδιάµεσον διετίαν

 óåë. 22

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ - ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2010

Με επιτυχία ολοκληρώθηκαν οι εργασίες της 40ης Κληρικολαϊκής Συνέλευσης στην Ατλάντα ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΟ ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ 40η ΚΛΗΡΙΚΟΛΑΪΚΗ  óåë. 21

Ο Αρχοντας του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου Τζέιμς Φούντας στα πλαίσια της 40ης Κληρικολαϊκής προσφέρει δώρο στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής Δημήτριο εκ μέρους του Τάγματος των Αρχόντων σε ένδειξη ευγνωμοσύνης για την προσφορά και τη βοήθειά του στο Τάγμα του Αγίου Ανδρέα.

 óåë. 21 και στο πλαίσιο των συμπερασματικών του παρατηρήσεων, παρότρυνε του συνέδρους «να μεταφέρουν στις ενορίες και κοινότητες τους με λεπτομέρεια την ουσία και τα συμπεράσματα των εργασιών της Κληρικολαϊκής» ώστε όσο το δυνατόν περισσότεροι πιστοί να μετάσχουν στο ιεραποστολικό έργο που μηνύματος της Κληρικολαϊκής που εμπεριέχει το θέμα Συναγάγετε τον Λαό Μου στον Οίκο Μου. Έρχου και Ιδέ. Επιπλέον, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ζήτησε από τους συμμετέχοντες να συμβάλλουν με κάθε δυνατό μέσο και τρόπο ώστε να εξαλειφθεί το φαινόμενο ορισμένων ενοριών οι οποίες λόγω μικρότερου μεγέθους ή πληθυσμιακών αλλαγών δεν μπορούν για οικονομικούς λόγους να διατηρήσουν σε μόνιμη βάση ιερέα. «Είναι ανάγκη οι ναοί μας να λειτουργούν και να λειτουργούνται αδιαλείπτως», είπε χαρακτηριστικά ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος. Μια σειρά διακηρύξεων και ψηφισμάτων παρουσιάστηκε από την αρμόδια επιτροπή. Τα ακόλουθα ψηφίσματα εγκρίθηκαν από την Ολομέλεια: 1) Διακήρυξη σχετικά με την Οικολογική καταστροφή από την πετρελαιοκηλίδα της BP στον κόλπο του Μεξικού, η οποία καλεί τον πιστό λαό να φροντίσει με κάθε τρόπο για την διατήρηση και προστασία του πλανήτη και του φυσικού περιβάλλοντος ώστε να μην επαναληφθεί ποτέ παρόμοια οικολογική καταστροφή 2) Διακήρυξη για την παύση των πολέμων και των εχθροπραξιών και επικράτηση της Ειρήνης στον κόσμο 3) Ψήφισμα στήριξης και ευαρέσκειας για την πρόσφατη Επισκοπική Συνέλευση Κανονικών Επισκόπων Βορείου και Κεντρικής Αμερικής που πραγματοποιήθηκε στη Νέα Υόρκη 4) Ψήφισμα που αναγνωρίζει την προσφορά και τη θυσία των ενόπλων δυνάμεων στην υπεράσπιση των αρχών της ελευθερίας και δικαιοσύνης και ιδιαίτερα δε τη διακονία των ορθοδόξων ιερέων που υπηρετούν στις ένοπλες δυνάμεις, τα σώματα ασφαλείας, τα νοσοκομεία κτλπ. 5) Ψήφισμα ευαρέσκειας, το οποίο ανα-

γνωρίζει το έργο και τη μαρτυρία πίστεως και αγάπης της 40ης Κληρικολαϊκής η οποία προσφέρει στη κοινωνία μας την ανοιχτή ευαγγελική προτροπή και πρόσκληση «Έρχου και Ίδε». Το βράδυ, στη μεγάλη αίθουσα τελετών του ξενοδοχείου Marriott Marquis, παρετέθη η καθιερωμένη δεξίωση και το εορταστικό δείπνο. Οι συμπρόεδροι της διοργανωτικής επιτροπής της Κληρικολαϊκής Βασίλειος Μαριάνης και Νικόλαος Μωραϊτάκης ήταν οι παρουσιαστές της προγράμματος. Ο δρ. Κωνσταντίνος Κοκίνης έψαλε τον Ελληνικό Εθνικό Ύμνο και η Ελιάνα Μωραϊτάκη τον Εθνικό Ύμνο των Η.Π.Α. Η κ. Αφροδίτη Σκιαδά, πρόεδρος της Εθνικής Φιλόπτωχου Αδελφότητος στο χαιρετισμό της ανακοίνωσε ότι τα μέλη της Φιλόπτωχου ενέκριναν πρόταση του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου για την αγορά κατάλληλου κτιρίου στο Μανχάταν και τη δημιουργία Φιλανθρωπικού Κέντρου της Φιλόπτωχου. Γραπτό μήνυμα του πρέσβη της Ελλάδος στην Ουάσιγκτον Βασιλείου Κασκαρέλη διάβασε ο πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στην Άτλαντα Βασίλειος Γουλούσης και ο πρέσβης της Κύπρου στις Η.Π.Α. Ανδρέας Κακουρής απηύθυνε χαιρετισμό στον οποίο αναφέρθηκε και στη συνεχιζόμενη κατοχή του 38% της Κύπρου και ζήτησε τη συμβολή όλων για μια δίκαιη λύση του Κυπριακού. Ο π. Βασίλειος Μπαρζ, αξιωματικός και στρατιωτικός ιερέας στο Αμερικανικό Ναυτικό μίλησε με πολύ θερμά λόγια και συγκινητικές αναμνήσεις για το Ιονικό Χωριό, το κατασκηνωτικό πρόγραμμα της Αρχιεπισκοπής στην Ελλάδα και προλόγισε ένα αφιερωματικό ντοκυμαντέρ για τα 40 χρόνια λειτουργίας του Ιονικού Χωριού. Χαιρετισμούς και μηνύματα απηύθυναν ο εκπρόσωπος του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη Αρχιεπίσκοπος Κρήτης κ. Ειρηναίος, ο Μητροπολίτης Άτλαντας κ. Αλέξιος, ο κ. Εμμανουήλ Τζαχάρης και έκλεισε με λίγα αποχαιρετιστήρια λόγια ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος ο οποίος και τίμησε τους δύο συμπροέδρους της διοργανωτικής επιτροπής της Κληρικολαϊκής Βασίλειο Μαριάνη και Νικόλαο Μωραϊτάκη με το Μετάλλιο του Αποστόλου Παύλου.

Για ερωτήματα σχετικά με τον Κανονισμό για θέματα επιλήψιμης σεξουαλικής συμπεριφοράς κληρικών της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής ή για σχετικές καταγγελίες καλέστε χωρίς χρέωση τον ειδικό αριθμό (877) 554-3382 Όλες οι καταγγελίες θα ληφθούν σοβαρά υπ’ όψιν και θα διερευνηθούν πλήρως και με απόλυτη αμεροληψία. Μπορείτε να μιλήσετε Αγγλικά ή Ελληνικά σε εθελοντή ή εθελόντρια.

παρεδρεύσαντες Ἱερώτατοι Μητροπολῖται Ντένβερ, Ἀτλάντας καί Ντητρόϊτ. Δόξα τῷ Θεῷ. Εἴμεθα βέβαιαοι ὅτι καί ὁ ἀποστελλόμενος ὡς Πατριαρχικός ἡμῶν Ἀντιπρόσωπος Ἱερώτατος Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Κρήτης κύριος Εἰρηναῖος, ἐρχόμενος αὐτόθι θά «ἴδῃ» καί θά θαυμάσῃ καί θά συγχαρῇ μεθ ὑμῶν τόν πλούσιον ἀμητόν τῆς ἐνεργείας τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος καί τῆς ἰδικῆς σας φιλοτίμου προσπαθείας. Ἡμεῖς ἔχομεν μόνον νά εἴπωμεν μετά τοῦ Ἀποστόλου Παύλου: «Παρακαλοῦμεν δέ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, περισσεύειν μᾶλλον»! (Α´ Θεσ. 4:10). Ὅσα καί ἄν ἐργασθῶμεν, ὅσα καί ἄν ἐπιχειρήσωμεν ἐπιτελοῦντες, μέ ὅσας διαθέτομεν δυνάμεις καί χαρίσματα ἕκαστος, διά τό ἔργον τοῦ καταρτισμοῦ τῶν Ἁγίων, τῆς οἰκοδομῆς τοῦ Σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ, τῆς συναγωγῆς τῶν πολλῶν εἰς τό ἕν τῆς Εὐχαριστιακῆς κοινωνίας, τῆς φανερώσεως τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐπί τῆς γῆς, θά εἶναι πάντοτε ὀλίγα καί ἀνεπαρκῆ! Ὅμως ὀφείλομεν νά μή ἀποκάμωμεν, κοπιῶντες θυσιαστικῶς καί θηρεύοντες ἀνενδότως τήν ἀτέλεστον τελειότητα! Τοῦτο εἶναι τό ἔργον τῶν εἰλικρικῶς ἀγαπώντων τόν Θεόν καί τόν ἄνθρωπον. Ἡ δέ Θεία Χάρις, «ἡ πάντοτε τά ἀσθενῆ θεραπεύουσα καί τά ἐλλείποντα ἀναπληροῦσα» ἀναλαμβάνει τά περαιτέρω καί πληροῖ δαιτυμόνων θεοειδῶν τήν μεγάλην αἴθουσαν τοῦ Κυριακοῦ Δείπνου! Ἡ Ἱερά Ἀρχιεπισκοπή Ἀμερικῆς μέ τάς

ἐπί μέρους Μητροπόλεις τῆς μεγάλης Ἀμερικανικῆς Συμπολιτείας εἶναι μία πολύφωτος ἐκκλησιαστική λυχνία, τήν ὁποίαν ὁ Θεός διά τῆς ἐν Κωνσταντινουπόλει Ἁγιωτάτης καί καλλιγόνου Μητρός Ἐκκλησίας ἤναψεν εἰς τό Δυτικόν Ἡμισφαίριον διά νά ἐξαυγάζῃ εἰς τόν Νέον Κόσμον φωτισμόν θεογνωσίας, φωτισμόν ἀληθείας, φωτισμόν ἱερᾶς καί σωστικῆς παραδόσεως, φωτισμόν καλῶν ἔργων, φωτισμόν πάσης ἀρετῆς καί ἁγιότητος! Ἡ κατά Θεόν πρόοδος καί αὔξησις αὐτῆς καί τῶν τέκνων της ἀποτελεῖ καλλιανθῆ στέφανον ἐπί τῆς πολιᾶς μητρικῆς Κεφαλῆς, ἔπαινον τῆς ἁγιοτόκου Μεγάλης τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν Κωσνταντινουπόλει Ἐκκλησίας, δόξαν καί τιμήν τοῦ καθ’ ἡμᾶς Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχικοῦ Θρόνου! Διά τοῦτο καί εὑρίσκεσθε πάντοτε εἰς τό κέντρον τῶν προσευχῶν μας, ποιμένες καί ποιμενόμενοι, κλῆρος καί λαός, ἄρχοντες καί διακονηταί, μικροί καί μεγάλοι, ἅπαντες, οὐδενός ἐξαιρουμένου! Εἶσθε ὀστοῦν ἐκ τῶν ὀστέων καί σάρξ ἐκ τῆς σαρκός ἡμῶν καί διά τοῦτο ἡ ἀγάπη, ἥν ἔχομεν πρός ὑμᾶς, οὐδέποτε ἐκπίπτει! Ταῦτα λέγοντες καί διαβεβαιούμενοι ἀπό τῆς ἱερᾶς τῆς Μητρός Ἐκκλησίας Καθέδρας, συγχαίρομεν ἅπαντας ἐπί τῇ συγκλήσει τῆς Τεσσαρακοστῆς Κληρικολαϊκῆς Συνελεύσεως, εὐχόμεθα πλήρη ἐπιτυχίαν τῶν ἐργασιῶν αὐτῆς καί αἴρομεν χεῖρας εὐλογίας, ἐπευλογοῦντες εἰς τό ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρός καί τοῦ Υἱοῦ καί τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος πάντας ὑμᾶς καί τά θεάρεστα ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν ὑμῶν.

ἀδελφός ἐν Χριστῷ καί διάπυρος εὐχέτης † Ἀγαπητός ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ ΒΑΡΘΟΛΟΜΑΙΟΣ Ἐλέῳ Θεοῦ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Κωνσταντινουπόλεως καί Οἰκουμενικός Πατριάρχης

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Ο ΔΙΑΣΗΜΟΣ ΗΘΟΠΟΙΟΣ JAMES BELUSHI ΣΤΟ ΦΑΝΑΡΙ ôïõ Íéêüëáïõ Ìáããßíá

Την ευχή του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίου έλαβε ο διάσημος Αμερικανός ηθοποιός James Belushi με την οικογένειά του στο Φανάρι. Ο γνωστός ηθοποιός προσκύνησε στον Πατριαρχικό Ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου τη Δευτέρα 28 Ιουνίου, αφού πρόκειται για Χριστιανό Ορθόδοξο πιστό Αλβανικής Καταγωγής, γεννημένο στο Σικάγο. Τα δε δύο του παιδιά έχουν βαπτιστεί από τον Αλβανικής καταγωγής Επίσκοπο Ηλία Κάτρε της Ορθόδοξης Αλβανικής Επισκο-

πής της Αμερικής, υπό την δικαιοδοσία του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου. Ο δημοφιλής ηθοποιός ασπάστηκε θερμά και με συγκίνηση το χέρι του Πατριάρχου. Αναχωρώντας από το Πατριαρχείο, έλεγε πόσο ξεχωριστή ημέρα ήταν γι’ αυτόν η συνάντηση με τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη και ότι ήταν το πιό ευχάριστο και σημαντικό γεγονός στο ταξίδι του στην Ευρώπη. Ο James Belushi έχει πρωταγωνιστήσει σε πολλά θεατρικά, κινηματογραφικά και τηλεοπτικά έργα. Αδελφός του ήταν ο επίσης γνωστός ηθοποιός John Belushi.

ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ - ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2010

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΣ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΗΣ ΒΑΡΘΟΛΟΜΑΙΟΣ: ΙΣΧΥΡΟΙ ΚΑΙ ΑΚΑΤΑΛΥΤΟΙ ΔΕΣΜΟΙ ΣΥΝΔΕΟΥΝ ΤΗΝ ΜΗΤΕΡΑΝ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΙΝ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΝ ΤΗΣ ΡΩΣΙΑΣ ôïõ Íéêüëáïõ Ìáããßíá

Η ενότητα της Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας κυριάρχησε στις συζητήσεις και αναφορές του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου και του Πατριάρχου Μόσχας και πάσης Ρωσσίας Κυρίλλου κατά την παραμονή του Προκαθημένου της Ορθοδοξίας στην Ρωσσία. Την τελευταία μέρα της επίσκεψης του Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου στην Αγία Πετρούπολη, Κυριακή 30 Μαϊου, παρατέθηκε από τον Πατριάρχη Μόσχας Κύριλλο αποχαιρετιστήριο δείπνο προς τιμήν του στην Αίθουσα των Κρυστάλλων των Θερινών Ανακτόρων της Μεγάλης Αικατερίνης. Κατά τη διάρκειά του Ο Πατριάρχης Κύριλλος σε ομιλία του αναφέρθηκε στην ενότητα της Ορθοδοξίας, στη συμβολή της Εκκλησίας Κωνσταντινουπόλεως προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση, στην αλληλεγγύη μεταξύ των δύο Εκκλησιών, και ότι το τελευταίο αυτό δείπνο, το οποίο και χαρακτήρισε ως «μυστικό δείπνο», δεν θα είναι το τελευταίο. Από την πλευρά του ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος αναφέρθηκε στους ακατάλυτους δεσμούς μεταξύ των δύο Εκκλησιών και στην αναγκαιότητα της ενότητος της Ορθοδοξίας. Στο δείπνο παρέστησαν τα μέλη της Ιεράς Συνόδου της Ρωσσικής Εκκλησίας, οι Ιεράρχες και τα άλλα μέλη της Πατριαρχικής Συνοδείας, εκπρόσωποι των τοπικών και στρατιωτικών αρχών, οι Γενικοί Πρόξενοι Ελλάδος, Τουρκίας και Κύπρου και άλλοι επίσημοι. Ο Πατριάρχης Μόσχας τόνισε σχετικά: "Πιστεύω ότι η ενότητα της Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας σήμερα είναι έτσι όπως ποτέ άλλοτε. Πιστεύω ότι εσείς ως διάδοχος και ως φορέας δύο χιλιάδων ετών ιστορίας της Εκκλησίας Κωνσταντινουπόλεως με τις προσευχές των Πατέρων, των Ιερομαρτύρων και των Μαρτύρων, όπως και η Ρωσσική Εκκλησία με την τραγική της ιστορία, όμως με την έντονη πνευματική της εμπειρία, μαζί μπορούν να προσφέρουν πολλά στον κόσμο και μπορούμε να πούμε ο ένας στον άλλο πολλά, να υποστηρίξουν ο ένας τον άλλο στις δύσκολες στιγμές της ζωής μας. Να στρέψουμε την προσοχή μας προς την ενότητα χωρίς να μας ενοχλεί και να εμποδίζει απολύτως τίποτα. Σήμερα είναι το τελευταίο δείπνο πριν την αναχώρησή σας, όμως δεν είναι ο τελευταίος «Μυστικός Δείπνος» στις δικές μας σχέσεις. Η ίδια η φύσις σήμερα χαίρεται με τη δική σας παρουσία εδώ, αυτή η χαρά αντικατοπτρίζεται και στην ανακαινισμένη αίθουσα αυτή και σε όλο το ανάκτορο. Πόσο χαίρονται όλα τα μέλη της Συνόδου και όλων των ανθρώπων του Ορθοδόξου κόσμου παντού. Θα ήθελα να σας ευχηθώ μακρά έτη στην ζωή σας επ΄αγαθώ της Εκκλησίας. Πολλές φορές να επανέλθετε στην Αγία Ρωσσία να μας υποστηρίζετε με τις προσευχές σας, να μας μεταφέρετε την σοφή εμπειρία της Εκκλησίας της Κωνσταντινουπόλως και εμείς μαζί με εσάς θα προσπαθήσουμε ώστε όλα να γίνουν καλύτερα από ότι ήταν πριν. Αυτός δεν είναι ένας απλός στόχος, σε αυτή την οδό θα υπάρξουν πολλοί πειρασμοί, επικυνδυνότητες και λάθη, γι' αυτό όμως σε αυτήν την πορεία μας και σε αυτές τις προσπάθειές μας ο Θεός θα μας περιτοιχίζει". Σε άλλο σημείο της ομιλίας του ο Πατριάρχης Κύριλλος, σε μια εκ βαθέων αναφορά του προς τον Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο, αναφερόμενος στην μετάβαση απο τον αθεϊσμό στην ελεύθερη πίστη, είπε χαρακτηριστικά: «Μιλάω από την καρδιά μου, πρέπει πολύ να προσευχηθούμε, πρέπει να συνηθίσουμε στην δύναμη και την χάριν του Θεού. Αυτό στην Ρωσσία το γνωρίζουμε πολύ καλά και το αισθανόμαστε. Νικήσαμε και

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Θερμή υποδοχή επεφύλαξε ο Πρόεδρος της Ρωσικής Ομοσπονδίας Ντμίτρι Μεντβέντεφ στον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο, με τον οποίο συναντήθηκε στο Κρεμλίνο, παρουσία του Πατριάρχη Μόσχας Κυρίλλου. Στην προσφώνησή του προς τον Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο, αφού εξέφρασε τη μεγάλη του χαρά που επισκέπτεται τη Ρωσία, επεσήμανε ότι θα έχει τη δυνατότητα να δει από κοντά τις αλλαγές στις σχέσεις Κράτους- Εκκλησίας. Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης, από την πλευρά του, ευχαρίστησε τον Ρώσο Πρόεδρο για την υποδοχή στο Κρεμλίνο και εξέφρασε τη χαρά του διότι έχει στο πλευρό του τον αδελφό Πατριάρχη Κύριλλο. βγήκαμε απο τον αθεϊσμό ο οποίος υπήρχε στη εξουσία και νικήσαμε όχι χάρη στις ένοπλες δυνάμεις, όχι χάρη στις πολιτικές δυνάμεις, όχι χάρη στις δυνάμεις κάποιων οργανισμών, όχι χάρη στην βοήθεια των διανοουμένων ούτε στην βοήθεια κάποιων πολιτικών κομμάτων, αλλά χάρη στις προσευχές και στις θυσίες των μαρτύρων, έχοντας πάρει μεγάλο μάθημα απο το παρελθόν. Να πιστεύετε ότι η προσευχή στην Ρωσσία ποτέ δεν σταμάτησε, είναι η προσευχή η οποία προήλθε από το αίμα των μαρτύρων, από τα παθήματα του λαού μας, αυτά τα παθήματα άνοιξαν την δυνατότητα να δούμε πολλά πράγματα». Στη συνέχεια ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος αναφερόμενος στους ισχυρούς δεσμούς μεταξύ των δύο Εκκλησιών είπε: «Κατά τας ημέρας αυτάς επιβεβαιώσαμε και πάλιν και πολλάκις τους ισχυρούς και ακαταλύτους ιερούς δεσμούς, οι οποίοι συνδέουν από χιλιετίας και πλέον την Μητέρα Κωνσταντινούπολιν με την Εκκλησίαν της Ρωσσίας. Κλήρος και λαός εκατέρωθεν γνωρίζουν, γνωρίζομεν άπαντες, ότι είμεθα πάντες εν εν Χριστώ! Μέλη και κύτταρα του αυτού Σώματος, του παναγίου Σώματος του εκ νεκρών Αναστάντος, εν δόξη εις ουρανούς Αναληφθέντος και αιωνίως μετά του Πατρός και του Αγίου Πνεύματος ζώντος και συμβασιλεύοντος Κυρίου και Θεού και Σωτήρος ημών Ιησού Χριστού! Είμεθα γνήσιοι αδελφοί, ομομήτριοι και ομογάλακτοι, το εν φρονούντες, την άπαξ τοις Αγίοις παραδοθείσαν πίστιν κρατούντες και ομολογούντες εν ενί στόματι και μια καρδία, τον αυτόν δρόμον της ευαγγελικής αρετής τρέχοντες, τον αυτόν αγώνα κατά του διαβόλου, της αμαρτίας και των δυνάμεων του σκότους αγωνιζόμενοι, εν μια και βεβαία ελπίδι αιωνίου ζωής και βασιλείας χαίροντες, της αυτής θείας ειρήνης κληρονόμοι, εν αγάπη ανυποκρίτω αλληλοπεριχωρούμενοι! Δόξα τω Θεώ πάντων ένεκεν!», σημείωσε στην ομιλία του ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης ο οποίος αναφέρθηκε στη σημασία του μηνύματος της ενότητας σε μια εποχή που η κοινωνία διέρχεται κρίση. «Σύγχυσις φρενών και αξιών, ψύξις της αγάπης, εγωκεντρισμός, προσήλωσις εις την ύλην, βουλιμική υπερκατανάλωσις, θεοποίησις της ηδονής, άρνησις οιουδήποτε σταυρού, κατάχρησις της δημιουργίας, ασέβεια προς το πρόσωπον του πλησίον, αμνημοσύ-

νη θανάτου, λήθη Θεού! Αυτά έφεραν την “κρίσιν”» συνέχισε ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος και πρόσθεσε: «Το Οικουμενικόν Πατριαρχείον και το Πατριαρχείον Μόσχας, και όλαι αι επί μέρους αγιώταται Αυτοκέφαλοι Εκκλησίαι, έχομεν ιεράν υποχρέωσιν το παν να πράξωμεν και ουδέν να παραλείψωμεν, τόσον μεμονωμένως όσον και από κοινού, ώστε να βοηθήσωμεν τους συνανθρώπους μας να εύρουν την Οδόν και την Αλήθειαν και την Ζωήν, να στηρίξουν τας ελπίδας των εις την μόνην ακαταίσχυντον ελπίδα, ήγουν την φιλάνθρωπον Πρόνοιαν του Θεού, να αντιστούν ερρωμένως εις τον πειρασμόν της απογνώσεως και να γευθούν την χρηστότητα του Κυρίου!» ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΟ ΣΥΛΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΟ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΓΙΑ ΠΕΤΡΟΥΠΟΛΗ Την Κυριακή 30 Μαίου τελέστηκε Πατριαρχικό συλλείτουργο τστον επιβλητικό Καθεδρικό Ναό του Αγίου Ισαακίου στην Αγία Πετρούπολη. Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος και ο Πατριάρχης Μόσχας Κύριλλος έφτασαν στο Ναό εν πομπή και με τη συμμετοχή πλήθους κόσμου. Με το συλλείτουργο ολοκληρώθηκε ουσιαστικά η δεκαήμερη επίσημη επίσκεψη του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου στην Ρωσία, της οποίας το κύριο μήνυμα προς πάντας ήταν η ενότητα μεταξύ των Ορθοδόξων Εκκλησιών. Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος έμεινε ιδιαίτερα ικανοποιημένος από την επίσκεψη που πραγματοποίησε στην Ρωσία προσκεκλημένος του Πατριάρχη Μόσχας Κυρίλλου. Σε σύντομο χαιρετισμό του στο Μετόχι του Πατριαρχείου Αντιοχείας στη Μόσχα, παρουσία του εκπροσώπου του Ρώσου Πατριάρχη, Μητροπολίτη Βολοκολάμσκ Ιλαρίωνα, πρεσβευτών χωρών με ορθοδόξους πιστούς και πλήθους πιστών, ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος τόνισε ότι η επίσκεψή του «διεξάγεται υπό τας καλυτέρας δυνατάς συνθήκας και με μεγάλη επιτυχία». Όπως είπε χαρακτηριστικά πρόκειται για «σημεία εκδήλωσης της νέας εποχής των σχέσεων Κωνσταντινουπόλεως και Μόσχας. Και αυτό οφείλεται εν πολλοίς στη δυναμική και ισχυρή προσωπικότητα του Πατριάρχη Κυρίλλου». «Συναντήθηκα με τον Πρόεδρο της Ρωσικής Ομοσπονδίας, ο οποίος είχε την καλοσύνη να παραθέσει και επίσημο

γεύμα προς τιμή μου, και προχθές συναντήθηκα με τον Πρωθυπουργό της χώρας, και εάν μπορώ να συνοψίσω τα όσα ελέχθησαν μεταξύ μας θα έλεγα με δυο λέξεις ότι ενδιαφέρονται αμφότεροι διά την επαναφοράν των χριστιανικών αξιών και των παραδόσεων του ρωσικού έθνους εις την σημερινήν κοινωνίαν», σημείωσε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης, και συνέχισε λέγοντας ότι οι δύο πολιτικοί ενδιαφέρονται για την πανορθόδοξη ενότητα και συνεργασία «υπό την συντονιστικήν κατεύθυνσιν του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου» καθώς και για την ζωή και την πορεία της Εκκλησίας της Κωνσταντινουπόλεως. «Σε αυτόν εδώ τον Ιερό χώρο εκφράζουμε την ευγνωμοσύνη της Εκκλησίας μου και εμού προσωπικώς προς τους δύο μεγάλους χριστιανούς ηγέτες, οι οποίοι, όπως είπα και στους ίδιους, δεν έχουν καμίαν δυσκολίαν να εκφράζουν δημόσια την χριστιανική των πίστη», πρόσθεσε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης. Ανάλογη ήταν η αναφορά του και κατά την συνάντηση που είχε με εκπροσώπους των Ομογενειακών Σωματείων. «Και ο πρόεδρος και ο πρωθυπουργός της Ρωσίας μας εδέχθησαν με ιδιαίτερη τιμή, εγκαρδιότητα και σεβασμό. Γνωρίζουν και οι δύο τα προβλήματα που αντιμετωπίζουμε εις την έδραν μας και υποσχέθηκαν ότι θα είναι πάντοτε στο πλευρό του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου». Σημειώνεται ότι κατά την συνάντησή του με τον Ρώσο πρόεδρο Ντμίτρι Μεντβέντεφ, ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης του προσέφερε μια εικόνα του προστάτου του Αγίου Δημητρίου, ενώ στον Πρωθυπουργό Βλαδιμήρ Πούτιν προσέφερε εικόνα του Αγίου Βλαδιμήρου, οι οποίες αγιογραφήθηκαν στο Άγιον Όρος. Αναφερόμενος στις σχέσεις του Οικουμενικού Θρόνου με το Πατριαρχείο Αντιοχείας επισήμανε ότι αυτές είναι περισσότερο από αδελφικές: «Οι σχέσεις Κωνσταντινούπολης και Αντιόχειας βυθίζονται στα βάθη των αιώνων και σήμερα οι σχέσεις μας είναι περισσότερο από αδελφικές, η δε συμβολή προσωπικώς του Μακαριωτάτου Πατριάρχου Αντιοχείας κυρίου Ιγνατίου του Δ' εις την Πανορθόδοξον ενότητα και συνεργασία του σήμερα είναι ουσιαστικής και αποφασιστικής σημασίας». Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης επισκεύθηκε επίσης τον Καθεδρικό Ναό των Θεοφανείων, στο εσωτερικό του οποίου βρίσκεται ο τάφος του μακαριστού Πατριάρχου Μόσχας και πάσης Ρωσίας Αλεξίου Β’ προκειμένου να τελέσει τρισάγιο στη μνήμη του. Ο Ναός είχε κατακλυστεί από δεκάδες πιστούς. Αμέσως μετά το τρισάγιο ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος, απευθυνόμενος στον ιερατικό προϊστάμενο του Ναού, που τον υποδέχθηκε με θερμά λόγια, σημείωσε ότι θέλησε να προσευχηθεί στην μνήμη του μακαριστού Πατριάρχη: «Ήθελα να έλθω να τιμήσω την μνήμη του Μακαριστού Πατριάρχου Αλεξίου και να προσευχηθώ μαζί σας για την ανάπαυση της ψυχής του. Ήταν ένας μεγάλος Πατριάρχης ο οποίος επατριάρχευσε σε δύσκολα χρόνια για την Ρωσία και την Εκκλησία. Και είχαμε συνεργαστεί κατά καιρούς. Δεν ήμασταν πάντοτε σύμφωνοι, αλλά αυτά υπάρχουν στην διοίκηση της Εκκλησίας. Τιμούμε την μνήμη του πάντοτε, και τους αγώνες του για να προστατέψει την Εκκλησία του κατά τα δύσκολα εκείνα χρόνια. Να εύχεστε πάντα για την ανάπαυση της ψυχής του. Να εύχεστε και για μένα και για το Οικουμενικό μας Πατριαρχείο. Όλοι σας. Ας έχουμε την ευχή του». Το βράδυ της ίδιας ημέρας ο πρέσβης της Ελλάδος στην Μόσχα Μιχαήλ Σπινέλης, παρέθεσε δείπνο προς τιμήν του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη.

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ - ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2010

ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ Ἡμέρα Ἀνεξαρτησίας Πρός τούς Σεβασμιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Κοινοτικῶν Συμβουλίων, τά Ἡμερήσια καί Ἀπογευματινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυμον πλήρωμα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς.

Φωτογραφίες: ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Στιγμιότυπο από τις εργασίες της Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου στα πλαίσια της 40ης Κληρικολαϊκής συνέλευσης στην Ατλάντα.

Η ΕΝΑΡΚΤΗΡΙΑ ΟΜΙΛΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ ΚΙΝΗΤΟΠΟΙΕΙ ΤΟΥΣ ΣΥΝΕΔΡΟΥΣ ΤΗΣ 40ης ΚΛΗΡΙΚΟΛΑΪΚΗΣ ΣΥΝΕΛΕΥΣΗΣ  óåë. 21 Συνέλευσης τον κ. Βασίλειο Μαριάνη και τον κ. Νικόλαο Μωραϊτάκη. Αμέσως μετά, ο Μητροπολίτης Ατλάντα κ. Αλέξιος απευθύνθηκε στους συνέδρους και τίμησε επισκέπτες από την εναρκτήρια τελετή, αναπέμποντας λέξεις ποιμαντικής αγάπης και ενδιαφέροντος. Με το σχόλιό του, ο αντιπρόεδρος του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου κ. Μιχαήλ Τζαχάρης, έκανε μια λεπτομερή εκτιμηση, αποτίμηση, αξιολόγηση για τα «αξιοπρόσεκτα, εντυπωσιακά επιτεύγματα των τελευταίων 10 ετών» και αναφέρθηκε στην δυνατότητα για την «συνεχιζόμενη ενδυνάμωση και ανάπτυξη της Εκκλησίας μας». Ο κ. Τζαχάρης είπε ότι πιστεύει ότι «η μοναδική μεγαλύτερη πρόκληση που αντιμετωπίζουμε είναι το πως να διατηρήσουμε του πιστούς –ειδικά τους νέους – να τους κρατήσουμε το ενδιαφέρον και ενεργούς στην Εκκλησία. Η ανάπτυξη και το μέλλον της Εκκλησίας μας στην Αμερική εξαρτάται από την ικανότητά μας το κρατήσουμε τους νέους μας ενεργά απασχολημένους και πιστούς στην Εκκλησία μας και την κοινότητά μας και επίσης η ικανότητά μας να υποδεχτούμε εκείνους που επιθυμούν να προσηλυτιστούν στην Ελληνική Ορθοδοξία ως πνευματικό τους μονοπάτι.» Η κ. Αφροδίτη Σκιαδά, Πρόεδρος της Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητος εξέφρασε χαιρετισμό εκ μέρους των 25, 000 γυναικών που αντιπροσωπεύνονται σ’ αυτὀν τον ζωτικό, φιλανθρωπικό οργανισμό της Εκκλησίας μας στην Αμερική. Ο εκπρόσωπος του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου Αρχιεπίσκοπος Ειρηναίος Κρήτης μετέφερε τους πατρικούς και πα-

O Αρχιεπίσκοπος Κρήτης Ειρηναίος (α) μετέφερε τους πατρικούς και πατρι-αρχικούς χαιρετισμούς.

τριαρχικούς χαιρετισμούς και ευλογίες του Παναγιωτάτου Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου κ. Βαρθολομαίου και διάβασε το Μήνυμα του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου στη Συνέλευση. Ο Παναγιώτατος μετέφερε τις προσωπικές του παρατηρήσεις κατά τη διάρκεια της επισκέψεώς του στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες τον περασμένο Οκτώβριο. «Παρακολουθήσαμε την αυξανόμενη συμμετοχή των πιστών στην συνολική ζωή της Εκκλησίας, και σε αριθμό αλλά και σε πνευματικό βάθος, την παρηγοριά και βοήθεια στους χρήζοντας βοηθείας, η εξάπλωση του μηνύματος του Ευαγγελίο, η διαφύλαξη των ιερών Ελληνικών Ορθοδόξων εθίμων και αξιών και οι πολλαπλοί τρόπι της Εκκλησίας στην Αμερική έχει εκπληρώσει την εκκλησιαστική της διακονία». Επίσης επισημαίνει ότι «η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής έρχεται πρώτη μεταξύ των Επαρχιών του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου και εκφράζοντας την πατρική του αγάπη, δηλώνει: «Είστε οστούν απ’ τα οστά μας, και σάρκα απ’τη σάρκα μας και επιπλέον η αγάπη που αισθανόμαστε για σας δεν μικραίνει! (Πλήρες κείμενο στην ιστοσελίδα www.goarch. org/news/congresspatriarchaladdress) Αμέσως μετά οι Μητροπολίτες της Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συνόδου πραγματοποίησαν χωριστές συνεδριάσεις στις οποίες το θέμα της Κληρικολαϊκής συζητήθηκε εκτενέστερα και ανελύθη δίνοντας την ευκαιρία στους συνέδρους να ανταλλάξουν απόψεις και καινούργιες ιδέες και να επωφεληθούν από τις συμβουλές των ιεραρχών. Κατά την διάρκεια της ημέρας πραγματοποιήθηκαν διάφορες συνεδριάσεις των οποίων: Γενική Συνέλευση της Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου, Συνεδρίαση Πρωτοσυγγέλων, συνεδριάσεις του γραφείου του Σωματείου κοινωνικών απολαβών των Κληρικών της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής, των Εκκλησιαστικών Μουσικών, της αδελφότητος Πρεσβυτέρων, Διοικητικής Επιτροπής καθώς και δύο στρατηγηκής σημασίας δημόσιες συζητήσεις για την Ορθοδοξία και την Ορθόδοξη πραγματικότητα στην Αμερική. Αργότερα το βράδι οι συμμετέχοντες είχαν την μοναδική ευκαιρία να επισκεφθούν και να περιηγηθούν στο φημισμένο ενυδρείο της Τζόρτζια. * Εκτενέστερο ρεπορτάζ από τις εργασίες της 40ης Κληρικολαϊκής Συνέλευσης που πραγµατοποήθηκε στην Ατλάντα, στο φύλλο του Σεπτεµβρίου.

Ἀγαπητοί Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Στόν ἐτήσιον αὐτόν ἑορτασμό τῆς Ἡμέρας Ἀνεξαρτησίας, εὐχαριστοῦ-με τόν Θεό γιά τήν πνευματική ἐλευθερία τήν ὁποία ἔχουμε ἐν Χριστῷ καί γιά τήν ἐλευθερία τήν ὁποία ἀπολαμβάνουμε στό ἔθνος αὐτό στό ὁποῖο ζοῦμε. Ὡς ἄνθρωποι πίστεως, εἴμεθα ἀποδέκτες τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ ὁποία μᾶς ἀπελευθερώνει ἀπό τά δεσμά τῆς ἁμαρτίας καί τοῦ θανάτου καί μᾶς βοηθεῖ στήν πορεία ἀποκαταστάσεως καί αἰώνιας κοινωνίας μέ τόν Θεό. Ὡς πολίτες καί κάτοικοι τῶν Ἡνωμένων Πολιτειῶν Ἀμερικῆς, εἴμεθα ἀποδέκτες μιᾶς μορφῆς διακυβερνήσεως ἡ ὁποία ἀναγνωρίζει τήν πολιτική καί κοινωνική ἐλευθερία, πού εἶναι ἐγγενεῖς τῆς ἀνθρώπινης φύσεώς μας. Μία ἀπό τίς ἐλευθερίες αὐτές εἶναι ἡ θρησκευτική. Πρίν ἀπό δύο καί πλέον αἰῶνες, πολλοί ἀπ’τούς ἐμπνευστές τοῦ πολιτικοῦ συστήματός μας διεπίστωσαν ὅτι ἡ ἐλευθερία αὐτή ἀποτελοῦσε ἀναγκαιότητα γιά τή σταθερότητα καί λειτουργία τῆς νέας διακυβερνήσεως καί δικαίωμα τό ὁποῖο ἀνῆκε σέ ὅλους ἐν σχέσει μέ τήν ἐλευθερία συνειδήσεως καί τήν ἐπιδίωξη τῆς ἀληθείας. Στή διαδικασία ἱδρύσεως τοῦ νέου ἔθνους, οἱ ἐμπνευστές γνώριζαν ὅτι στήν χώρα ὑπῆρχαν πολλές καί διαφορετικές θρησκευτικές ὁμάδες. Εἶχαν πλήρη ἐπίγνωση τοῦ κινδύνου υἱοθετήσεως ἀπό τό κράτος μίας συγκεκριμένης θρησκευτικῆς παραδόσεως. Τά μοντέλα διακυβερνήσεως τά ὁποῖα βασίζονταν στόν ἐξαναγκασμό καί κατέληγαν στήν καταπίεση καί τόν ἀποκλεισμό καί εἶχαν ἀναγκάσει πολλούς νά ἐγκαταλείψουν τίς πατρίδες τους καί νά ἔλθουν στήν Ἀμερική. Οἱ ἐμπνευστές πίστευαν, ἐπίσης, ὅτι ἡ ἐλευθερία συνειδήσεως ἡ ὁποία ἐκφράζεται μέ θρησκευτική πίστη, τόν λόγο καί τίς συνάξεις δέν ἀποτελοῦσε ἀπειλή ἀλλά μᾶλλον δικαίωμα ἑκάστου καί ὅλων τῶν ἀνθρώπων καί θά ἔπρεπε νά προστατευθεῖ ἀπό τόν κίνδυνο τῆς κυβερνητικῆς παρεμβάσεως. Τίποτε ἀπό τά ἀνωτέρω δέν ἀποτελοῦσε ἀπόπειρα παρεμποδίσεως τῆς ζωτικότητος τῆς θρησκείας, καθώς, στήν πραγματικότητα, πολλοί ἐκ τῶν ἐμπνευστῶν ἀνεγνώρισαν τόν ἠθικό καί ἑνωτικό ρόλο τῆς θρησκευτικῆς πίστεως ὡς συμβολῆς στή δημιουργία ἰσχυροῦ συνόλου πολιτῶν. Τό πρωταρχικό κίνητρο ἦταν ἡ θρησκευτική ἐλευθερία - ἡ ἐλευθερία ἑκάστου ἀτόμου νά ἐπιλέγει, νά πιστεύει, νά ἀκολουθεῖ, νά προσφέρει καί νά μοιράζεται μέ ἄλλους χωρίς φόβο παρεμβολῆς ἤ καταπιέσεως ἀπό τό κράτος. Ὡς Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί οἱ ὁποῖοι ζοῦμε σ’ αὐτό τό ἔθνος, ἔχουμε καί ἐξακολουθοῦμε νά ἀπολαμβάνουμε αὐτή τήν ἐλευθερία. Συγκεντρωνόμεθα ὡς κοινότητες, λατρεύουμε καί διακονοῦμε ἐλεύθερα, κτίζουμε ἐκκλησίες καί σχολεῖα, καί μοιραζόμεθα τήν πίστη μας μέ ἄλλους. Ἐκτός ἀπό τήν πίστη μας στόν Θεό καί τήν ἀποφασιστικότητά μας νά ἀπολαμβάνουμε καί νά μοιραζόμεθα αὐτά τά ὁποῖα Ἐκεῖνος μᾶς χάρισε, ἡ θρησκευτική ἐλευθερία ἔχει συνεισφέρει στή ζωτικότητα τοῦ Ὀρθοδόξου Χριστιανισμοῦ στήν Ἀμερική. Ὀφείλουμε νά εἴμεθα εὐγνώμονες στόν Θεό καί νά χρησιμοποιοῦμε τήν ἐλευθερία μας ὡς εὐκαιρία πλήρους συμμετοχῆς στήν Ἐκκλησία μας καί στή διάδοση τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου σέ ὅλους. Ὀφείλουμε, ἐπίσης, νά μήν λησμονοῦμε καί ἐκείνους οἱ ὁποῖοι ἐργάζονται γιά τήν ἐλευθερία καί τή διακονία μέσα σέ κοινωνίες οἱ ὁποῖες παρουσιάζουν πρόβλημα σχετικά μέ τήν ἐκκλησιαστική ἐλευθερία εἴτε ὡς δικαίωμα εἴτε ὡς οὐσιαστικό στοιχεῖο τῆς ἐλεύθερης κοινωνίας. Αὐτό ἀκριβῶς εἶναι τό πολιτικό πλαίσιο τό ὁποῖο συνεχίζει νά προκαλεῖ καί νά πιέζει ἀσφυκτικά τό ἀγαπημένο Οἰκουμενικό Πατριαρχεῖο μας καί ἰδιαιτέρως τόν Παναγιώτατο Οἰκουμενικό Πατριάρχη μας κ.κ. Βαρθολομαῖο. Κυβερνήσεις, ἐπιτροπές καί ἡγέτες χωρῶν ἔχουν ἀσχοληθεῖ μέ τά ζητήματα αὐτά καί συνεχίζουν νά ὑπεραμύνονται τῆς ἀναγκαιότητος γιά θρησκευτική ἐλευθερία τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου. Ὅμως, χρειάζεται νά γίνουν περισσότερα. Ὡς Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί στήν Ἀμερική καί ὡς ἄνθρωποι πού ἀπολαμβάνουμε θρησκευτική ἐλευθερία, πολλοί ἀπό σᾶς ἔχετε προσφέρει θερμές προσευχές καί πολύτιμες ὑπηρεσίες στό Οἰκουμενικό Πατριαρχεῖο μας, ἀναγνωρίζοντας τίς ἀνάγκες του καθώς καί τήν σπουδαιότητα τῆς θρησκευτικῆς ἐλευθερίας. Εὐχαριστῶ τόν Θεό γιά τήν πολύτιμη συνδρομή σας καί προσεύχομαι γιά τήν συνεχῆ καθοδήγηση καί δύναμή Του σ’ αὐτές τίς προσπάθειες. Εἴθε ὅλοι οἱ πιστοί μας σ’ ὁλόκληρη τήν ἐπικράτεια τῶν Ἡνωμένων Πολιτειῶν, ὅλοι ἐμεῖς οἱ ὁποῖοι ζοῦμε σέ μία ἐλεύθερη κοινωνία καί ἀπολαμβάνουμε τό ἀγαθό τῆς θρησκευτικῆς ἐλευθερίας, νά προσευχόμεθα καί νά προσφέρουμε διαρκῶς περισσότερα. Τώρα εἶναι ἡ κρίσιμη ἐποχή νά δηλώσουμε τήν ὑποστήριξή μας, νά ἐνθαρρύνουμε τούς πολιτικούς ἡγέτες καί νά θέσουμε σέ δράση τίς καλές μας διαθέσεις. Εἴθε νά τό πράξουμε αὐτό ὡς κίνηση εὐγνωμοσύνης γιά τήν ἐλευθερία τήν ὁποία ἀπολαμβάνουμε, πρός χάριν τῆς Ἐκκλησίας καί τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου τό ὁποῖο καλούμεθα νά μοιρασθοῦμε καί πρός δόξαν Θεοῦ. Με πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη,

† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

JUNE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; JULY 2010

Chicago Metropolis Holds 29th Annual Junior Olympics PALOS HILLS, Ill. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; On May 28-30, nearly 2,000 youngsters ages 7-18 representing 33 parishes, participated in the 29th annual Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics. Parishes from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota were all represented during this joyous event of Christian Athletic Fellowship. The Junior Olympics were hosted, once again, by the community of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills. With the assistance of more than 150 volunteers, the 29th annual Junior Olympics was another success. Glory be to God! The Opening Ceremonies were held early on May 29 and God truly shined brightly in the spirit of the participants and spectators gathered. It was a fabulous sight to see all 33 parish teams enter the field proudly holding their colors and sharing in the spirit of Christian fellowship and competition. His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago officially began the Olympics with prayer and his blessings. The ceremonies featured many of the traditions of the ancient Olympic games, an archery exhibition commemorating our veterans for Memorial Day, and concluding with the lighting of the torch saluted by fireworks and music and balloons. Participants competed in several different sports on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including basketball, volleyball,

swimming, soccer, tennis, softball, track and field, 10K run, chess, checkers, backgammon, bowling, wrestling, table tennis and more. Approximately eight hundred medals were awarded. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy celebrated on Sunday the announcing of the winners of the Olympic scholarships took place which saw four very worthy young people, namely Evangelos Theodoropoulos and Anastasia (Tasia) Malliaras of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, Palos Hills and Emily Kolyvas and Polixeni Kapsalis of St. Spyridon Church, Palos Heights, Ill. who each received $500 scholarships. Planning for the 30th annual Junior Olympics will begin toward the early portion of 2011. For more information regarding the Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics, contact your local Greek Orthodox Parish or Chris Avramopoulos, Director of Registration at (773) 626-5400 or Tom De Medeiros, director of publicity and volunteers; Jim Stavrou, director of operations or Fr. Nicholas Jonas, spiritual adviser, at (708) 974-3400. Also visit us on the web at www.stconstantinehelen.org/jrolympics.html for picture galleries and more information. Sts. Constantine and Helen Church is located at 11025 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, Ill. Submitted by Tom DeMedeiros

JUNE – JULY 2010

Direct Archdiocesan District Hosts National Oratorical Festival The 27th annual St. John Chrysostom Archdiocese Oratorical Festival took place June 5 in New York for the first time since its inception in 1984 when it was held in conjunction with the Clergy-Laity Congress. Eighteen finalists, representing all the metropolises and the hundreds of other youth at the 213 parishes who participated in the 2010 Oratorical Festival, arrived on June 4 with their parents for the weekend activities at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral. Events surrounding the festival included a paraklesis service and dinner social on Friday, a bus tour of Manhattan and a dinner cruise around the island on Saturday and a farewell reception on Sunday. Awards luncheon Following the Saturday morning round of junior and senior division speeches, the awards luncheon took place in the Cathedral Center with emcee Mike Emanuel, Fox News White House correspondent, who had participated in the Oratorical Festival when he was a youth in his home parish of Holy Trinity in Westfield, N.J. The awards luncheon also included a surprise appearance by former American Idol contestant and Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis, who made a brief appearance to sing the National Anthem prior to leaving for his performance in the Broadway musical, “Rock of Ages.” The 18 finalists and their parishes were: (Junior Division) Alexandra Walsh, St. George Cathedral, Hartford, Conn.; Elias Selimos, St. Demetrios, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Alexa Kassos, St. Spyridon Cathedral, Worcester, Mass.; Jannike Papas Heide, Assumption, Madison, Wis.; Spencer Zeiler, St. Dionysios, Overland Park, Kansas; Andrea E. Tsatalis, Annunciation, Dayton, Ohio; Samantha Rafalowski, Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral, Richmond, Va.; Nicholas Bilotto, Kimisis tis Theotokou, Aliquippa, Pa.; and Alicia Gavrilis, Assumption, Modesto, Calif. (Senior Division) Eleni Efstathiadis, Archangel Michael, Port Washington, N.Y.; Christopher Lloyd, Sts. Markella and Demetrios, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Anastasia Kourtis, St. Demetrios, Weston, Mass.; Rebecca Morris, St. Demetrios, Libertyville, Ill.; Anne Elise Dimas, Annunciation; Kansas City, Mo.; Clint Montgomery, Annunciation, Memphis, Tenn.; Emanuel Anagnostiadis, St. George, Bethesda, Md.; Emmanuel Maginas, Kimisis tis Theotokou, Aliquippa, Pa.; and Arianna Aram, Sts. Constantine and Helen, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Calif. Also in attendance were Archbishop Demetrios, Bishop Philotheos of Meloa, Dr. Anton C. Vrame, director of the Department of Religious Education, Consul General of Greece in N.Y. Evangelos Kyriakopoulos, Archons National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, and Minerva Stergianopoulos who, along with the late Ernest Villas, established the Oratorical Festival Program for the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education. The top speakers Emmanuel Maginas was the first place speaker in the Senior Division (grades 10-12) and a recipient of a $2,000 college scholarship. Anne Elise Dimas placed second and received a $1,500 college scholarship. Clint Montgomery finished third place and won a $1,000 college scholarship. Placing first in the Junior Division (grades 7-9) and winning a $2,000 college scholarship was Alexandra Walsh. Second place and a $1,500 college scholarship was awarded to Elias Selimos. Third place and a $1,000 college schol-

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(Alexandra Scuro photos)

Participants in the Senior Division (above) and Junior Division (below) flank Archbishop Demetrios. Also shown (from left) Archdiocese Co-chairs Fr. John and Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos, Dr. Tony Vrame, and NY festival Co-chairs Presbytera Haidee and Fr. Frank Marangos.

(Alexandra Scuro photos)

White House correspondent Mike Emanuel (left) emcees the luncheon. (center) Archbishop Demetrios displays a copy of the program from the first festival in 1984. (Right) Constantine Maroulis performs the National Anthem at the luncheon.

JUNE – JULY 2010

Junior, Senior Oratorical Festival Winners’ Speeches Alexandra Walsh Junior Division • Topic #5 St. George Cathedral Hartford, Conn. In the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14) we see that the prayer of the Publican was pleasing to God. Discuss the importance of humility in our prayers and in our daily lives. “…For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” That verse, from the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee in the 18th Chapter of the Gospel of Luke, reflects one of the Lord’s most famous teachings. In this parable, two men enter the Temple. One, a Pharisee, proceeds to the front and the other, a publican, or tax collector, stands far away. The Pharisee exclaims, “God, look at me! I fast and give ten percent of my profits to the poor. I follow the teachings of the Jews and do all I am supposed to do. I give thanks that I am worthy and not like the tax collector sitting at the back of the temple.” Simultaneously, the Publican, who will not even lift up his eyes, prays, “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Although the Pharisee was a wealthy and respected man, it was the Publican’s prayer that was most pleasing to God. During the March 25 celebration at my parish, I was asked to lead the Greek School in singing “Ti Ipermaho.” I received a great deal of praise and I was full of pride for knowing the hymn when my classmates didn’t. Rather than focusing on honoring the Theotokos, the Mother of God, I was thinking about my own accomplishment. I was the Pharisee. During Lent, the special time of year given to us by the Church for repentance, we all need to focus on how much we are really like the Pharisee, so full of pride and so far from the humble nature God wants us to have. How often have we patted ourselves on the back for doing a good deed, or for making a charitable contribution, or even for attending Church? In this world, we are pressured to be successful. Success and power, however, can be grave spiritual dangers. They can drag us away from God and our Orthodox Faith, as pride fills our minds and hearts. Because of our trivial achievements, we often forget the humble way of life God

(Orthodox Observer)

The junior and senior division winners Alexandra Walsh and Emmanuel Maginas.

wants us to lead. We proclaim our accomplishments aloud, hoping that someone will notice. Stop! Why do we even worry about who finds out? Is it to make someone jealous? Is it to make others feel inferior? Do we think that we, rather than God, are responsible for the gifts He has given us? Sometimes, we show off by wearing expensive clothes, and name brands, even to Church events. Does wearing that pair of Hollister jeans or an Abercrombie T-shirt make us any better? It is not our brothers and sisters we should be hoping to impress! In everything we do, especially in acts involving charity and kindness, we should be discreet. The right hand should not know what the left is doing. God is the only one who should know—and He always DOES know. Don’t hope for others to notice. That, without a doubt, is the opposite of being humble. Living a Christ-centered life is our goal, not the knowledge that other people have discovered the good deeds we have done. Rather than focusing on our accomplishments and gifts, all of which come from God, we should keep the humble words of the Publican in our hearts and minds throughout the year and, particularly during Great Lent. The words spoken by him should remind us of the importance in our lives of the prayer of the heart, “Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.” In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Emmanuel Maginas Senior Division • Topic #4 Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church Aliquippa, Pa. St. John Chrysostom closes his Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans (Homily 32) with the following words: “Paul was a human being, sharing the same human nature with us and having everything else in common with us. But because he has shown a great love for Christ, he surpassed heaven and stood with the angels…. Let us then not only be amazed at and admire him but imitate him.” In what sense can we imitate St. Paul? “None of you girls and young ladies are called to be the Mother of the Messiah. That’s already taken care of. None of you guys are called to be John the Baptist. That’s taken care of. But there are things in the 21st century that have to be taken care of.” These words were spoken by Fr. Thomas Hopko on June 24, 2009, during the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. He was addressing young people who were seeking guidance in their lives. What did Fr. Hopko mean when he said that none of us is called to be the Theotokos or St. John the Baptist? What is there in the 21st

National Oratorical Festival Held at Archdiocesan Cathedral arship went to Nicholas Bilotto. The remaining participants received Honorable Mention certificates and $500 savings bonds. The Rev. Dr. Frank and Presbytera Haidee Marangos co-chaired the 22-member host committee that organized the weekend events. The Festival received support from many contributors, including individuals, parishes and church organizations. In a first for the Oratorical Festival, the speech presentations were broadcast live over the Internet. In conjunction with the festival, 15 alumni finalists from previous years were invited to attend and introduced the 2010 speakers. In comments after his homily, Archbishop Demetrios praised the participants and expressed his desire for increased participation by more parishes.

Among them was Michael Goodfriend, the Junior Division first place speaker from the first Oratorical Festival in 1984. Now an actor and radio program producer of programs on Sirius XM Radio. He said in brief comments to the participants that the festival “made me aware of the importance of words. It helped me to appreciate the power of words.” He also noted that the Church “has been a pillar of strength all my life.” The awards luncheon program included the invocation and the presentation of the flags by the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting. After Constantine Maroulis’ rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, three Metropolitan Youth Choir members sang the Greek national anthem. Following the Sunday morning Hierarchical Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Demetrios at the Cathedral, the farewell reception took place in the Cathedral Ballroom.

Many supporters and contributors The festival received support from numerous benefactors and contributors, including: (Grand Benefactors) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jaharis, Nicholas J. Bouras, the Archdiocesan Cathedral Philoptochos, Peter Rezos, Thalassa Restaurant and the Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral. Grand supporters Nicholas J. Bouras and Stephen and Areti Cherpelis. Supporters Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos Board, Dora and Fred Salusbury, Archangel Michael Church Port Washington, N.Y., Peter and Dimitra Manis, James and Stella Pantelidis, Holy Trinity Philoptochos, New Rochelle, N.Y.; and Philoptochos of Church of Our Savior in Rye, N.Y. Patrons Antonia Antonopoulos, Harry G. Kaptalos, Theodore P. Kingos and

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century that has to be taken care of? The Saints of the Orthodox Church are those whom we know are in Heaven with God. They intercede with Him for us. The saints are real people who are alive in Christ. They had real bodies and walked on the earth. It is helpful for us to imitate the saints and pattern our lives after their holiness. They are models for us of ordinary people who lived for God and loved him wholeheartedly. One saint whom I would like to focus on particularly is St. Paul the Apostle. We often hear in church, “The reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to” an early Christian community. But do we really know anything about who the Holy Apostle Paul is and what his life means? St. Paul wasn’t just a bald, bearded Jew who lived 2000 years ago and wrote a bunch of letters. He was a Jew-become-Christian who preached to Jews and Pagans alike, and wrote letters to church communities. But that is not his whole life story by any stretch of the imagination. The Holy Apostle Paul was a normal human being just like each one of us who became holy through his love for God. In the words of St. John Chrysostom, “Because he [showed] a great love for Christ, he surpassed heaven and stood with the angels.” To paraphrase Fr. Hopko, none of us is called to be the Holy Apostle Paul. But that doesn’t mean we’re not called to be like him. What is the best way to imitate St. Paul in the 21st-century? In the Ladder of Divine Ascent, St. John Climacus says the following: “To admire the labors of the saints is good; to emulate them wins salvation; but to wish suddenly to imitate their life in every point is unreasonable and impossible.” St. John here is telling us that we are called to imitation of the saints’ holiness, not mindless mimicry. In the words of one of my friends, “Don’t be a wanna-be.” St. Paul was called the Apostle to the Gentiles. While all the Holy Apostles had a zeal for the Gospel and preached to many people in many different cultures, St. Paul exceptionally fulfilled the command of the Lord to “Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). St. Paul undertook three missionary journeys to young churches and wrote many Epistles. Only 14 appear in the Bible but doubtless he wrote countless others. One way in which we can imitate St. Paul is by not being afraid to evangelize by showing our Faith. I don’t mean flaunting it ostentatiously; rather, for example, not being ashamed to make the sign of the Cross before a meal in public or not being embarrassed to wear a cross outside our shirt. If someone asks us what we believe, we can articulate the fundamental truths of Holy Orthodoxy; if someone visits our church, we can welcome them, show the love of Christ to them, and invite them back. The Holy Apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1 NJKV). Let us heed this exhortation and look at him as an archetypal Christian who followed Christ to the best of his ability. We need not imitate St. Paul in the details of his life and death, but rather in his zeal for the Holy Orthodox Faith and for the salvation of the world. If we do this sincerely from our hearts, we will be able to say with him, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (II Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV).

JUNE – JULY 2010

Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos On Aug. 1, the Church embarks on the 14-day fasting period before the Feast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary on Aug. “In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions.” – Apolytikion of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (First Tone). The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is one of the 12 major feasts of the Church. The feast commemorates the “kimisis,” or “falling asleep” of the Mother of Jesus Christ. Here are some ideas for preparing youth for the fast and involving them in this major feast day: 1) Talk about Fasting: It is important to spend time talking about the spiritual discipline. Ask your parish priest to attend a small fireside chat before the fasting period to answer any questions and offer pastoral guidance. 2) Learn the Paraklesis Service: With the help of the priest and choir director, the youth group can learn how to chant this beautiful service. Check the links below for text and music that you might use as teaching tools. 3) Attend Paraklesis Services: Most parishes will have a Paraklesis service multiple times throughout the fasting period. So youth groups can select a day where they will worship together. After the service, youth can share a Lenten meal and a small discussion. 4) Schedule a group service project: Youth groups can schedule a time to work on a philanthropic project. Offering to give oneís time and talent to serve others seems a fitting tribute to the one who accepted Godís will and became a vessel for our Lord and Savior. 5) Schedule a small day retreat: The Feast of the Dormition is also a wonderful time to gather youth for a mini-retreat, discussing the entire life of the Theotokos and her significance in our own lives. The Theotokos serves an example of faith, humility, beauty, and ultimate dedication for all Christians. Check the additional resources below for other major Feasts of the Theotokos.

The Karate Kid: Review and Discuss In 1984, a generation grew up with catch phrases like “wax on, wax off” and tried to catch house flies with a pair of chopsticks. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita originated the now iconic roles of Daniel and Mr. Miagi in The Karate Kid Trilogy. Now, in 2010, the story is being revived by Jaden Smith, who plays “Dre” and Jackie Chan, who plays “Mr. Han.” The premise of the story is the same... simple, positive messages about strong role models, discipline, maturity, restraint, and respect. In this revival, Dre relocates with his mother to China from Detroit. Detroit is literally and figuratively worlds apart from China and its culture. So it becomes difficult for Dre to integrate into his new community. Dre encounters a neighborhood bully and his buddies who make life difficult for Dre. After a while, Dre befriends Mr. Han who is the maintenance man in his neighborhood. Mr. Han sees the struggles that Dre faces and decides to help Dre learn the art of self-defense. All of Dre’s work culminates into a large self-defense competition. Dre takes the skills and discipline that Mr. Han has given him to face his opponents. Finally,

Dre faces his neighborhood nemesis who has been instructed by his master to destroy Dre. Even though his opponent delivers a few painful blows to his leg, Dre is able to draw strength and inspiration to defeat his opponent and win the tournament. As a result of his resilience, character and hard work, Dre gains the respect of his opponent and the other bullies. The Karate Kid, yesterday and today, offers a message to which any Orthodox Christian can relate. Many times, Orthodox Christians are the “odd man out.” In other words, it is not uncommon to be the only Orthodox Christian among school friends, co–workers or in the neighborhood. And sometimes, being different than others makes one an easy target to be picked on or scrutinized. But with proper Orthodox Christian training, discipline, strong Christian role models, and a solid support system, it is possible to rise above the temptation and negativity. In fact, being strong in your faith and belief in God can teach others about Orthodoxy and show your integrity. So what can one take from the movie

The Karate Kid? Here are a few questions you can use to discuss with your friends, family, and youth group: 1) Mr. Han becomes a teacher and mentor to Dre. As an Orthodox Christian, who can you look to as an Orthodox Christian mentor? In what ways do they help you stay on Christ’s path? 2) As he was learning about selfdefense, Dre had to train, learn the basic teachings of self-defense, and become more disciplined. In what ways do we “train” as Orthodox Christians? Do we every stop training to be strong Christians? 3) In what ways can our Orthodox Christian “training” also influence those around us? 4) Dre had to deal with bullies that made his life difficult. What are some of the “bullies” or challenges we face as Orthodox Christians? 4) Even when it seemed like he was defeated, Dre built the courage and strength to push through the difficulties and defeat his opponent. When sin and temptation try to keep us down, what are the ways the Church helps us rise above them?

2010-2011 Ecclesiastical PLANNER “Come and See” Available NOW!

daily focus on Christ with Scriptural readings, fast days, prayers, saints of the day, and inspiration from the Fathers. The Planner follows the Ecclesiastical (church) year beginning in September and ending in August. Spiral bound and digital versions are available. To order, visit www. orthodoxmarketplace.com or call the Department of Religious Education at (800) 566-1088.

National Young Adult Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Travel Blog

The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is pleased to announce that the 2010-2011 Ecclesiastical Planner is available for order. Use The Planner to keep track of all your schedules. Keep a

In May, 37 young adults from across the U.S., joined by Bishop Savas of Troas and Fr. Mark Leondis, embarked on an incredible pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

F.Y.I. For Your Inspiration! “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) All too often, the newsworthy information we receive about the youth tends to be about crime, rebellion, promiscuity, or substance abuse. Of course, these are some of the realities that youth face in today’s world. However, there ARE inspirational kids or teens that are trying to make positive changes in a world full of challenges. Zach, a young man featured on Oprah’s Angel Network website (www.oprahsangelnetwork.org), wanted to make a big difference for other young people who are homeless. In his message on Oprah’s Angel Network website Zach writes, “My name is Zach and I started walking to help homeless youth two years ago. November 2007 was the first ever National Homeless Youth Awareness month and I wanted to do something huge that would bring a lot of awareness to the 1.3 million homeless kids living in this country. I decided to walk from my hometown in Florida, 280 miles, to the capital of Tallahassee. It was a huge success and I raised $25,000 in cash and supplies that I was able to use to help the Katrina victims.” He continued his efforts, raising money for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Zach goes on to say that he hopes “to be a positive role model to kids who are interested in community service.” Regardless of age, all Orthodox Christians are called to follow in Christ’s footsteps. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us that He came “not be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Zach is a great example of giving your time, talent, and treasure to show love to your neighbor. A challenge: How can we serve our brothers and sisters here and throughout the world?

Did You Know? Did you know that there are more than 50 Orthodox Christian camps throughout the U.S. and Canada? There are 19 in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese alone! Visit www.orthodoxcamps. org for links to the various camps. Did you know you can still help people in your community over the summer? Get a group of teens together to cut the grass and clean the landscape for some of the elderly people and shutins of your parish! Talk to individuals who can help donate some of the supplies and tools. Would you like to read about the Young Adult Pilgrimage to the Holy Land? Would you like to see pictures at the Jordan River, Mt. Sinai, Cana, and the Holy Sepulcher? You can share their once-in-a-lifetime journey by checking out the Young Adult Pilgrimage Travel Blog. Read their day-today experience and view beautiful photos from many of the sites. Visit www.orthodoxyouthministry.blogspot.com today.

JUNE – JULY 2010

Faith and Practice in the Church’s Ministry

by Fr. Sebastian Skordallos

The Ministry of the Church belongs to all her members. Being the Body of Christ, Clergy and Laity together have the responsibility to minister/serve the people of God. Analyzing the concept of ministry in the Church, it is helpful to present a brief Biblical and theological view of Orthodox Ministry, and to examine and reflect how both clergy and laity have shared this ministry. Orthodoxy/Orthopraxia: Orthodox Ministry We call ourselves Orthodox because we believe that our Church has ‘”OrtheDoxa” (correct belief-doctrine) about God. We rely for our faith not only on the Bible, but also on the Holy Tradition of the Church, how the saints of the Church lived their faith and expressed it in the Ecumenical Councils. Therefore, faith (Orthodoxy) and practice (Orthopraxia) in the Church are seen as one and the same thing, and one cannot exist without the other. St. James in his letter says, “But someone will say, ‘one person has faith, another has actions.’ My answer is, ‘show me how anyone can have faith without actions.’ I will show you my faith by my actions. Do you believe that there is only one God? Good! The demons also believe- and tremble with fear. You fool! Do you want to be shown that faith without actions is useless? How was our ancestor Abraham put right with God? It was through his actions, when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. Can’t you see? “His faith and his actions worked together; his faith was made perfect through his actions.” Since faith and practice are inseparable, then ministry (Diakonia) is the witness and the validation of our faith. The responsibility to serve others is not only a responsibility of the clergy but of all Christians. St. John Chrysostom says: “I cannot myself believe it possible for anyone to be saved who never works for the salvation of his neighbor.” Our salvation then depends on whether we serve others. If that is the case what is then the role of the Church community? Its role is to facilitate in an organized fashion the service to others. St. Chyrsostom speaking about the Christian leader adds: “The most basic task of the Church leader is to discern the spiritual gifts of all those under his authority, and to encourage those gifts to be used for the full for the benefit of all.” St. Paul commenting further says that every member of the Church has a specific ministry that he or she is called by God to fulfill. He says: “All of you, then, are Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it. In the Church, then God has appointed first

apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues.” Therefore whatever gifts we have, they need to be contributed to the unity of the faith and the building of the body of Christ. The many gifts of the Holy Spirit and the many ministries and Sacraments of the Church derived from the same Grace of God. When God blesses us with them, we have a responsibility to share those blessings with others. For instance, when the priest is ordained, he is asked to serve the sacraments and take care of his flock. When someone is baptized he or she is asked to live a Christian life, “walk in newness of life,” and become a light that shines upon people’s lives. When the union of a couple is blessed by God, we ask God to bless them with every blessing which, in turn, they need to share with others so that “having a sufficiency of all things for themselves, they may abound in every good work.” Furthermore, when we are united with the Holy Body and Precious Blood of our Lord we are asked to live holy lives and go out to the world and bear fruit. Metropolitan Kallistos Ware writes: “Let us go forth in peace” is the last commandment of the Liturgy. What does it mean? It means, surely, that the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy is not an end but a beginning. Those words, “Let us go forth in peace,” are not a comforting epilogue, they are a call to serve and bear witness. In effect, those words, “Let us go forth in peace,” mean the Liturgy is over, the liturgy after the Liturgy is about to begin. While in recent years we have seen a greater willingness in laity to become involved in the matters of the Church they still struggle to figure out their role. More often, laity see their role as “secular” taking care of the business side of the Church, while they see the priest’s role as “spiritual,” taking care of the spiritual needs of the people. According to this notion, the laity is responsible for the money and the housekeeping business of the church, and the priest is responsible for the spiritual matters (the sacraments, the visitation of the sick and the faithful, etc.). The fallacy in this notion is that it denies the spiritual responsibility of every Christian including the parish council members to serve one another. If we accept this notion it will mean that only clergy are called to care and that laity do not have that responsibility. But this is not the case according to what we have seen previously from the words of St. Paul and St. John Chrysostom. Both clergy and laity need to realize that they have a spiritual role to fulfill and that they need to assist in “building up the Body of Christ.”

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A RCHDIOCESE N E WS

JUNE – JULY 2010

Young Adults Visit Holy Land   from page 18

Archbishop Demetrios presents his address on Hellenism and Orthodoxy at St. Vladimir’s Symposium.

The Connection Between Hellenism and Orthodox Christianity CRESTWOOD, N.Y. – As part of St. Vladimir Orthodox Seminary’s “Hellenism & Orthodoxy” symposium, held on the campus June 10–12, Archbishop Demetrios delivered the keynote address on June 11 titled “Hellenism and Orthodoxy: A Linguistic and Spiritual Journey.” On June 12, Archimandrite Elpidophoros Lambriniadis, chief secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate gave a keynote on “Greek Orthodoxy, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Church in the U.S.A. The Archbishop discussed the meaning of Hellenism as it is understood today and as it was in ancient Greece and how if facilitated the acceptance of Christianity in the Roman world. He said that, in contemporary English usage, it is thought to pertain to ancient Greek culture, the imitation or adoption of Greek language, customs, art and other characteristics, including Greek culture as expressed in the Hellenistic period of history. His Eminence noted that Greek was the “lingua franca” – the commonly used language in the Roman world that facilitated the spread of the Christian faith from Palestine to the far reaches of the empire. Archimandrite Lambriniadis outlined the development of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the growth of the Christian Church that brought about changes in the administrative structure of the institution as the centuries progressed to the present

day and that the ethnic subdivision of the Church is contrary to that which is called for canonically that is necessary for one unified Church. Archbishop Demetrios noted that, “At its core, Hellenism is concerned with the Greek language, alphabet, idiomatic forms of expression and its literature. His Eminence noted that scholars define the term as pertaining to ancient Greek culture or ideals, the imitation or adoption of Greek language, thought, customs, and art, the characteristics of Greek culture, especially after the time of Alexander the Great and the civilization of the Hellenistic period. He said the definitions “capture the sense of the word Hellenism as it is used in modern English. But they leave out the true and original sense of the word as it came to us from ancient Greek. And this true sense, it to be found back in the Greek language itself.” He cited the important role played by the Greek language in the context of the Epistle reading from Galatians 4:4, which notes that when the “fullness of time” came, God then sent his Son into the world. “The fullness of time came in an era when the lingua franca, the commonly understood language, was Greek,” the Archbishop said. “This meant the Apostles could bring the language of the Gospel in a single language. “This was an important point of encounter between Hellenism and Orthodoxy,” he said.

Saint Basil Academy Graduation Held   from page 2

is the ultimate absolute destiny for any human life.” Also speaking was National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas. She told the students to “Enjoy the advantages of your youth and the benefits of your contemporary lifestyle offered in this high-tech period of facebook, twitter and texting and whatever is the du

CLERGY UPDATE   from page 3 of Archimandrite, bestowed by Archbishop Demetrios of America 5/09/10 Fr. Efstathios Varvarelis – Office of Confessor, bestowed by Metropolitan

jour item; however, do so constructively, responsibly and ethically. “Proceed forward cautiously with learned knowledge, with confident security, with passionate understanding and with God’s blessings. Live your dreams royally and practice your Orthodoxy with faith and accountability. Be NOT a spectator. BE a doer. All doers stumble or sometimes even collapse; but doers rise with humility and continue their mission. BE A DOER. YOU will succeed. Alexios of Atlanta 5/30/10 Receptions Fr. Paul Fedec - April 20, 2010 (from the Orthodox Church in America/OCA) Suspensions Rescinded V. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Karambis 5/12/10 Returned to status of Layman Rev. Fr. Nicholas Kasemeotes 5/03/10 New Monastic Communities Direct Archdiocesan District All Saints Monastery, Calverton, N.Y.

the Wailing Wall; and the highlight of our day, the Church of the Nativity. Following our day in Jerusalem, young adults returned to the hotel for dinner and a presentation from IOCC staff in Jerusalem about their amazing work and ministry in this region. The next stop was a two-day excursion to St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai in Egypt. The group participated in vespers lead by Bishop Savas, visited the world-renowned museum of beautiful icons and rare texts, venerated the relics of St. Catherine, and had an opportunity to see the burning bush. The next morning, half of the group endured a 1:30 a.m. departure for a three-hour ascent of Mount Horeb, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, while the others participated in a beautiful early morning hierarchical liturgy at the monastery. Pilgrims spent the remaining days in and around the old city of Jerusalem, including a private audience with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.

The group walked through the Lion’s Gate into the city, visiting the Pools of Bethsaida, the Stations of the Cross, the Praetorian, and finally, a tour of the Holy Sepulcher. Our final day in Jerusalem was a fitting end to the trip, as young adults were privileged to experience a Patriarchal Liturgy for Pentecost at the Holy Sepulcher. The church was packed with Orthodox Christians worshipping from around the world–it was truly an amazing blessing and experience for the participants. For more information about young adult opportunities across the United States, visit www.youngadult.goarch.org. If you would like to read more about the National Young Adult Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the trip was documented on the blog www.orthodoxyouthministry. blogspot.com. Christina Meares is national programs and special projects coordinator for the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

S t u d e nt s Ta ke Pa r t i n ‘M at h i t i a d a’ JAMAICA, N.Y. – Two students from the St. Demetrios Day School participated in the 8th annual “Mathitiada Olympics” program in the mountainous region of Serres, Greece during the week of May 6-13. This year the program consisted of 870 Greek students from all 52 districts of Greece and from 35 countries all around the world. In total there were over 1,000 students who took part and competed in the Olympic Games. The program unites and brings together Greek students from different parts of the world, not only to compete against one another in athletic games, but to get to know one another, and learn about each others’ different cultures and traditions. Each school exhibited its own booth which represented its culture and was decorated with products and reading material of the country or region they were from. The Jamaica school, which represented New York, was decorated with pictures of

the state, essays and poems written by the students in Greek and English describing their life here in America, as well as drawings of famous sites in New York. The opening ceremony began with a parade of countries and regions of Greece around the stadium, and the Olympic torch was lit by Olympic basketball player Frangiskos Alvertis. There were 34 Olympic athletic events and 14 Special Olympic events that were available for the athletes to compete. The Jamaica students, Pantelis Zioulis from the 8th grade, and John Ades from the 7th Grade, competed in target shooting, swimming, triathlon, badminton, soccer, basketball and field hockey. The boys formed teams for soccer, basketball and field hockey with students from other countries, who were also small in number. The students won the gold medal in field hockey. For more information visit the website: www.mathitiada.com.

St. John Chrysostom National Oratorical Festival   from page 27 Philoptochos of St. Demetrios Church, Jamaica, N.Y. Friends Justin Bozonelis, Daniel Marten DeVeers, Athanasia Gregoriades, Demetra Kristy, Dena Sarris, St. Paul Cathedral Church School, Hempstead, N.Y.; Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, West Nyack, N.Y.; Three Hierarchs Church Philoptochos, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Kyriaki Christiania, Richard and Athena Economou, Katherine Kaye, M.D., Mary Makrogiannis, Bill Yialamas, Holy Trinity Church, Bridgeport, Conn.; Prophet Elias Church Philoptochos, Yonkers; and Sts. George Cathedral Philoptochos, Hartford, Conn.; and (other) Gregory and Elaine Stamoulis. Committee members The following persons served on the Host Committee for the Oratorical Festival: Antonia Antonopoulos, Fr. Vasilios Bassakyros, Effie Butler, Herbert Butler, Carol Contos, Angela Giannopoulos, Jim Golding, Steve Hantzarides, Karen Kalkines, Eleni Karatzas, Ted Klingos, Pauline Kotsilimbas, Kirsten MacDonald, Catherine Moutoussis, Stella Pangelidis, Yanni Paulus, Dorothy Poli, Antoni Saravanos, Alexandra Scuro, Eleni Thomas, Viola Valvis, and Christina Zachariadis. Seven Judges The following served as judges

for the Junior Division: Eleni Daniels, president of DanielsMedia public relations and corporate communications firm and the executive producer of the Hellenic radio program “All Things Greek; Dorie Klissas, director of media relations at New York University’s Langone Medical Center; Dr. Themistocles Protopsaltis, MD, clinical assistant professor of orthodopedic surgery at Langone Medical Center; and the Very Rev. Sebastian Skordallos, chief secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese, and a former president of the Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy Council. Senior Division judges were Dora P. Kontogiannis, Ed.D., principal of Tenafly High School, New Jersey; James Mallios, former attorney, now general manager of Michelin-rated Resto restaurant; the Very Rev. Nathanael Symeonides, Ph.D., pastor of Annunciation Church in Manhattan, adjunct professor of ethics and bioethics at St. Vladimir Orthodox Seminary, and a former deacon to Archbishop Demetrios. An eighth person, Anthoula Katsimatides, host of a biweekly radio program “Color Yourt Life” and a Sunday School teacher at St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, was to have served as a judge but a family emergency prevented her from doing so.

JUNE – JULY 2010

Books

ORTHODOXY W RLDWIDE

Bringing Christ to an Impoverished Nation Luke A. Veronis, Go Forth: Stories of Mission and Resurrection in Albania Ben Lomond, California Conciliar Press, 2009 pp. 225 • $18.95 by Rev. Dr. Stanley S. Harakas

Here you will find one of the most interesting and engaging collections of real–life personal experiences. The stories engage you with all of the drama and pathos of a contemporary struggle against the real and violent forces of evil and for the astounding rebirth of an almost extinguished Christian community in a small nation of southeastern Europe–Albania. Most Orthodox Christians are unaware of the rich history of missions in their Church. An even more closed door is the actual life of Orthodox missionaries. What in fact do Orthodox missionaries do? Well, if you are curious enough to find out, I heartily recommend to you this book, which is a collection of very human, very inspiring, very interesting and very attention–grabbing missionary stories. After reading this book, you will have most of your questions answered, and will have entered into the real–life experiences and reflections of a modern–day Orthodox missionary. Perhaps the reason for most Orthodox Christian indifference to Orthodox Christian missions is that, following the 15th century, most Orthodox Churches found it almost impossible to do what Jesus Christ told us to do: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). The reason for this lack of mission sensitivity was the stifling conditions of the Muslim oppression of the Church that reached to the beginnings of the 19th century. When, at long last the Ottoman Empire came to an end, there was, with the exception of Orthodox Russia, an almost total lack of comprehension of anything related to missions by Orthodox Christians. Four centuries in the self-preservation mode had left the Orthodox, clergy and laity, without a missionary consciousness. All this began to change radically about 50 years ago in the minds and hearts of a small number of clergy and laity in Greece.

One of the leading figures in this tiny movement was a young Greek clergyman, Anastasios Yannoulatos. He and his associates began a revival of Orthodox mission consciousness with the publication (at first mimeographed and only later printed) of a magazine titled Porefthendes. The periodical was also issued in English, with the title, Go Ye! which essentially is also the title of this book, Go Forth! In one sense, Fr. Veronis’ book is a fruition of the aspirations of that first effort in rekindling Orthodox interest in missions. Fr. Luke, son of one of the most distinguished missionary minded priests of the Archdiocese, Fr. Alexander Veronis, has moved forward in advancing the sense of mission in the Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada. In Go Forth he provides a beautiful, moving and truly inspiring collection of personal stories describing both the triumphs and successes, as well as the painful failures and disappointments of a modern day missionary. It is almost impossible to stop reading these stories, one after another, that describe realistically his missionary experiences. Page after page describes real-life efforts, real human encounters, real suffering, real victories and real experiences of God in the mundane realities of a dirt–poor nation struggling to overcome and realize a spiritual reawakening. Fr. Veronis became interested in Orthodox missions as a student at Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Mass. Soon after graduation he responded to the missionary calling by serving as a missionary in Africa where he got to know Archbishop Anastasios. Later, in 1994, he followed the Archbishop to Albania. The Albanian Orthodox Church, along with all religious expression, had been almost exterminated by four decades of ruthless, atheistic communist rule of Enver Hoxha. With the end of the communist rule in 1992, the resurrection of the Church commenced. Hence the sub-title of this engaging book, Stories of Mission and Resurrection in Albania. One of the most inspiring characteristics of this volume is how effortlessly and unobtrusively Fr. Veronis garners spiritual lessons from the multitude of authentic stories of the struggles and ordinary yet courageous and uplifting relationships of his and his family’s life as missionaries. You will not be able to put this book down easily once you start reading. A number of photographs adorn the volume giving it a concrete and human context. On the cover of the book is a photograph of Fr. Veronis’ offering the Paschal light at a Resurrection service held outdoors at one of the main boulevards of the capital city of Tirana with 20,000 people joyfully receiving the light of the resurrection with the candles in their hands. If you look very carefully at the front cover, pictured in the bottom corner there is a woman receiving the light. She is smiling with radiant joy in sharing in Christ’s Resurrection. I predict if you read this book, you will share in that same joy. Fr. Stanley S. Harakas is the Archbishop Iakovos Professor of Orthodox Theology Emeritus, and a former dean of Holy Cross School of Theology. He is currently the priest of Christ the Savior Church of Hernando County, Fla.

Photo courtesy of Steven Papadatos

A Triumph of Orthodoxy The new Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana, Albania is currently under construction. At far left is the five-story Synod Building that will house the administrative oﬃces of the Church of Albania. The cathedral was designed by Papadatos Partnership LLP of New York after winning an international design competition in 2001. The new house of worship is the end result of decades of hardship and persecution of everyday Orthodox Christians, of the Herculean eﬀorts by Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres and All Albania who basically had to re-establish the Orthodox Church after decades of atheism’s drive to extinguish the faith, along with the hard work, sacrifice, devotion to God and love shown to the Albanian people by such missionaries as Fr. Luke Veronis, Fr. Martin Ritsi and many others.

I n

JUNE – JULY 2010

M e m o r i a m

Fr. Constantine Xirouthakis UNION, N.J. – Fr. Constantine Xirouthakis, 73, died June 30. He had served parishes in New Jersey and New York for the past 30 years. He was born in Patras Greece in March 1927. He was married to Anna Tzamarias of Crete. They had four children, Katherine, Elias, John and Konstantinos. He enrolled at the theological school of Hanion, Crete and graduated from the Halki Theological School. He was ordained a deacon and a priest in January 1960 in Athens, Greece. He moved to Australia and served the parish in Perth for many years before coming

to the United States in 1978. He was assigned as assistant priest at St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, N.Y., in September 1978. From September 1979 to July 1981, he served as pastor of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Jackson Heights, Queens, N.Y. Fr. Xirouthakis was assigned to St. Demetrios Church in Newark, N.J. in August 1981. In 1995, he went to St. Eleftherios Church in Manhattan, serving until 2003. He then was assigned to St. Phanourios in Elizabeth, N.J., where he served until this year.

Theodore Prounis NEW YORK – Theodore O. Prounis, a former president of the Archdiocesan Council and the Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral Board of Trustees, and an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, died May 23 at age 84. Mr. Prounis graduated from Stuyvesant High School and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, flying B-17 and B-29 bombers in the South Pacific and the Philippines, where he was stationed at Clark Air Base. After the war, he enrolled at Columbia University and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1949 and a master’s from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business. In college, he was president of Sigma Nu fraternity and vice president of the PNYX Hellenic Society. He later earned a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University and practiced law for more than 35 years. He also owned management consultant businesses. In later years, he was a founding member of the Hellenic Studies Program at Columbia. He also had worked for the federal government in Washington during the Cold War era, and was the recipient of many awards, including the Distin-

guished Service Medal. Prounis served as president of the Cathedral trustees for 10 years, from 1984-94. During his tenure, he successfully negotiated a 99-year lease for a parking lot that adjoined the cathedral, which was developed into the Cathedral tower that contains several rental units and the cathedral center. He also was an Archon Depoutatos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Prounis’ wife, Lila, whom he met at Columbia where she was majoring in international law and relations, had worked for the Voice of America in Washington during the period of his service to the government. Mrs. Prounis broadcast programs to the Middle East, South Asia and Africa. She also served as president of the Cathedral Philoptochos Society for many years. She currently is a member of the National Philoptochos Board and represents the Archdiocese as a Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations. In addition to Mrs. Prounis, survivors include two children, Othon, a partner in the Ropes and Grey law firm, and Amelia, a senior vice president at Merrill Lynch, and four grandchildren. Funeral services took place June 1 with Archbishop Demetrios officiating.

Faith and Practice in the Church’s Ministry   from page 29 Sharing the Ministry of the Church As Christians who serve our Holy Church, we need to be careful not to deal from non-negotiable positions, but rather respond to the needs of the people as the situation requires, without sacrificing our conscience. St. John Chrysostom wisely tells us that the leadership of the priest “must be many-sided. I say many-sided not as a charlatan, as a flatterer, or a hypocrite; but absolutely open and frank of speech, able to condescend to good purpose, when the situation requires and to be alike kindly or severe... Great condescension and great strictness are both needed. And all these different methods look to one object: the glory of God and the edification of the Church. We need to realize that our ministry in the Church is not to control every single aspect of the parish life but rather to demonstrate leadership that is grounded in our Orthodox Christian faith and on the

needs of our people. In order to do that, clergy and laity need to be open to influence and be influenced. In that effort, the first and foremost priority should be the fulfillment of the Mission of the Church and not our personal wishes or likes and dislikes. Having established that rule, then we need to be able to dialogue and reach consensus. Only in this manner the Church community can move forward as a unified body.. As servant leaders who model our lives after the life of Jesus Christ we should be loving, caring and ready to give our life to others. The contribution of clergy and laity in this respect is to demonstrate that the Church community cares as a whole, not just the priest, and that one can find in our Church a culture of love, unity and gratitude, that our Orthodoxia is also Orthopraxia that we a living organism of the Body of Christ. Very Rev. Fr. Sebastian Skordallos is the Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod.

Missions Center Board Elects New Officers by Alex Goodwin

ST. AUGUSTINE – Board members of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) recently elected new officers at their spring meeting. The annual meeting took place at the Archbishop Anastasios and Archbishop Demetrios Missionary Training and Administration Building dedicated in May 2009. Fr. George Liacopulos, pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Egg Harbor Township, N.J., was elected president. Formerly the board secretary, Fr. George holds a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary and is the author of Lights of the Modern World: Orthodox Christian Mission and Evangelism in the United States published by Light and Life, along with numerous academic papers. He also lectures frequently and has taught at several academic institutions. Fr. Lou Christopulos of St. Catherine Church in Greenwood Village, Colo., serves as vice-president. William O. Birchfield III of Jacksonville, Fla., continues as treasurer. The new secretary is Dr. Gayle Woloschak of Chicago. John Hrapchak of Columbia, Md., was elected to the board. They will continue the work undertaken by the board’s previous officers led by Clifford Argue. Over the course of Mr. Argue’s two terms as board president, the OCMC saw the adoption of a five-year strategic plan, a further articulation of the OCMC vision to make disciples of all nations; the design, construction and opening of the new Mission Center – the first permanent structure ever built for an agency of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA); and the addition of an associate director. Each of these major accomplishments helped expand OCMC’s base of supporters, raise awareness of missions among the faithful in North America and encourage an increasing number of Orthodox Christians to answer their call to missions through service as long-term missionaries or short-term mission team members. Prior to the election, the Strategic Planning Committee met on April 19 under the chairmanship of retiring board member and Vice President Fr. Chad Hatfield, chancellor of St. Vladimir’s Seminary. The committee worked to restate and clarify OCMC’s vision, mission, and values as a basis for preparing an updated and revised strategic plan.

This work will continue in the months ahead for eventual review and adoption by the full board. At the general board meeting sessions, Mr. Argue reflected on his tenure as president and acknowledged the board and staff for working in support of the Great Commission. OCMC Executive Director Fr. Martin briefed the board on the progress the staff had made on the organization’s 2010 operational plan. Highlights from Fr. Martin’s report included the deployment of two new long-term missionaries, Charita Stavrou and James Hargrave, to Tanzania and the record number of volunteers (117) that have been approved to serve on OCMC mission teams. Board members also reviewed and adopted the 2009 financial results presented by the Audit/Finance Committee and the 2010 first quarter statement. OCMC financial reports can be found at www.ocmc.org. The board also discussed the need for continued emphasis on and participation in development opportunities including annual giving, major gifts, Friends of Missions, Support-A-MissionPriest, AGAPE canisters and special events such as Mission Sunday, local and regional dinners, book-signings, golf tournaments, and mission walks. A benefit banquet took place April 20 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, Fla., which was attended by more than 100 people. OCMC’s first executive director, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, opened and closed the evening with prayer. During the banquet, Fr. Martin spoke on the storied history of Orthodox missions in North America. He also shared some of the work that the OCMC has been doing around the world. Mr. Argue was recognized for his years of service as board president with the gift of a mounted icon of the Great Commission. In spite of a persistently perilous global economic environment, the OCMC continues to proclaim the Gospel of Christ around the world. The new OCMC board officers will face challenges in the coming years, but emboldened by the Holy Spirit and equipped with a deepening understanding of missions the OCMC will strive to welcome an increasing number of people into the Body of Christ on behalf of all Orthodox faithful. For more information, visit to www.ocmc.org, or call 1-877-GOFORTH (877-463-6784).

$650,000 Grant to Retire Missionary Training Center Mortgage ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) received a $650,000 two-year grant from an anonymous donor on June 10 to retire the mortgage on the Archbishop Anastasios and Archbishop Demetrios Missionary Training and Administration Center. With this gift, OCMC will continue

to develop its ministries that extend the Orthodox Christian Church’s mission to parts of the world that still long for the hope of salvation in Christ. This significant contribution further illustrates the intent of Orthodox Christians in North America to make disciples of all nations.

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Why Me?

Family

for your priest to remember in prayer and add to any prayer list your parish may have.

Connections

by Melissa Tsogranis

“The Lord is powerful enough to always console us. But continuous consolation will harm us–just as if the sun were to always shine and rain to always pour down, then everything would burn up or be trampled down. It is good that they take turns.” – St. Anatoly It was a beautiful summer day; the weather was not too hot and there was just enough of a cool breeze blowing. A mother sat on the patio, in a rare moment of relaxation, watching her two children, Nicholas, 8, and Angie, 6, playing together. They were chasing each other and Nicholas turned to his little sister and said, “You can’t catch me!” The mother watched her son take off, leaving Angie behind. Then she looked at Angie, who had stopped and was trying to catch her breath. She couldn’t catch her brother or her breath so she reached into her pocket and pulled out her inhaler and took in a deep puff. Once she regained her breath, she wandered over to her mother with a look of utter despair. “Why can’t I run like Nicholas and all the other kids? It’s not fair! Why did God give me asthma?” Tears were rolling down her cheeks by this time, and her mother was trying to hold back her own. She held little Angie close in her lap and kissed her head. She didn’t know what to tell her. In her mind, she wondered the same– why did God give this to her child? Suffering (in a big or small way) can be a difficult thing to comprehend on a spiritual level but it becomes even more difficult when trying to help a young child comprehend it. When suffering or sacrifice enter a child’s life, he will learn how to react from witnessing others’ patience and trust in God. This concerns minor irritations as well as great trials. Being faithful in small, or relatively small, trials prepares us for great trials (Luke 16:10). We do not necessarily make everything easy for a child. Certainly we are there to give relief and assistance; we

show where comfort and help are readily to be found. But sometimes we also try to make forbearance easier for the child by our encouragement. This is important in cultures where children are used to instant gratification.(from Conversations with Children by Sister Magdalene). But how do we, as parents, help our children when we ourselves still struggle with suffering in our own lives? Before we begin, there is one thing we have to remember as parents–it is OK to say, “I don’t know.” As parents we want to have all the answers for our children but this is neither realistic nor helpful to them. It is much healthier for them to learn that life is a state of constant learning no matter what age we are. This is especially true when it comes to the topic of God and His will for our life. As difficult as it can be at times, we must have hope and trust that whatever difficulties challenge us, it is not because God has forgotten nor abandoned us. When the crowd asked Jesus whether the man born blind was that way because of his own sin or his parents, He replied that neither was the case. His condition was intended to manifest God’s glory (John 9). This is why when we deal with suffering it can be difficult to understand and convey why things are happening. St. Paul writes of suffering (and remember, he suffered a lot), “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18). This can be difficult to remember or to find consolation from when we are in the midst of trials. We will all suffer at some point in our lives–physically and emotionally. Whether it is the countless scrapes and bruises experienced through their growing years, a conflict with a best friend, or something much more serious, our children too will suffer no matter how hard we try to prevent it. St. Paul reminds us “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:2) Here are some

practical things you can do to begin helping your child deal with suffering. Talk a Little Listen a Lot When our child comes to us with frustration–no matter what age they are– we need to listen to them. To really listen means we give them our undivided attention at that moment or set a time when we can do so. Although it is tempting as parents to try to fix their problems, there are instances when this is not helpful and other times where no matter our best efforts, we can’t make it better. We need to be mindful of our desire to fix things because it can often get the way of just listening to our child. If they are angry, sad, or scared we shouldn’t try to talk them out of it–we should just be present with them and their feelings, loving them no matter what. When we listen, we are helping our children sort out their world and make sense of things that are confusing, scary, and difficult. While listening, we will need to talk as well–remember less is more. The point of your words should be to help your child make sense of their feelings and reassure them that they are loved. It is not important that your child understand the entire theology of suffering in the grand scheme of man’s salvation. However, it is very important that they know that God loves them and is there for them in their pain. You can look at the examples of the saints and how many of them were made perfect through immense suffering. Pray More, Both with and for Your Child How often throughout our day do we pause and ask God to guide us as we raise our children? When we turn to God for answers, we recognize that He is the answer for us and our children. So before you talk with your child, spend time in prayer. Elder Porphyrios advised, “Whatever you want to say to them [your children] say it with prayers… When you want to say something to your child, say it to the Mother of God, and she will do the work. Your prayer will become a spiritual hug which embraces your child and captivates them.” It is equally important that we teach our children to turn to God in prayer for all things. Just as your child runs and jumps into your lap when they are upset, we need to then teach them to run and jump in their heavenly Father’s lap for reassurance. Help them write a prayer to God about their frustration. Teach them that God always answers prayers for our good, even if we can’t see the answer right away. Even if they are angry at God–yes, this may be the emotion you hear–they still need to talk to Him. Help them understand what we mean when we pray “thy will be done.” Don’t forget to ask others to pray for your child and your family as well. Give family names

Seek Support and Counsel In society today, we are more isolated from one another. We were not created to live in isolation and handle all of our difficulties ourselves. In the Old Testament we read: “Two are better than one. Because they have a good reward for their labor. “For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) Look to family, friends, and especially your parish for support during struggles. Seek guidance from your parish priest or even a professional counselor if the sufferings of your child or your family are too great for you to handle. He allows even bad things to happen to us as He did to His own Son because He is at work in our lives testing us, strengthening us, molding us, making us, and preparing us for eternity. (Taken from Daily Vitamins for Spiritual Growth Volume I, by Fr. Anthony Coniaris). May God’s love and mercy be felt by all of His families in times of suffering and wellness. Melissa Tsongranis is the associate director of the Center for Family Care in Garrison, N.Y. Her background and education is in early childhood special education and family education from California State University in Sacramento.

Resources for Learning • For the Sick and the Suffering: Prayers and Meditations, compiled by Fr. Thomas Hopko – Prayers, meditations, Scripture readings for the sick and the suffering, including a section on thoughts about sickness. Published by St. Vladimir’s - Seminary Press. • Meaning of Suffering and Strife and Reconciliation by Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev – Helps us to accept suffering with quiet hope instead of bitter despair, because it gives birth to sweet fruit. Published by St. Xenia Skete Press.

Hymn from the Paraklesis to the Theotokos For those in great sorrow you are joy, and for the oppressed, a protection, and for the hungry, their food, comfort unto those estranged; you are a staff to the blind, visitation of all those sick, and to those held by pain. Shelter and a comforting, and to the orphaned, an aid; Mother, of our God in the highest, You who are the Spotless One, hasten, Save your servants from their sin, we ask of you.

Table Top Prayer Guide: Volume II Prayer joins us with God and is the first and most essential step in connecting our families to the Church. The second volume of this guide once again provides families with a collection of Orthodox prayers and meditations for daily use. It can be used for both personal and family prayer time. Stand it on your kitchen table or another place where your family regularly gathers. To order a copy, visit the Orthodox Marketplace www. orthodoxmarketplace.com.

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National Ministries Offer Delegates a Look at Their Progress   from page 13 the faithful to their sacred calling to not be simply hearers. The Department also coordinates the response of the Archdiocese and the Office of the Archbishop to the many requests received for assistance both at home and from abroad. The department has been involved with the following over the past few years: Retired Clergy-Widowed Presbyteres Benevolence Fund, Greek Fire Relief Fund, National Philoptochos, IOCC, National Emergency Planning and Preparedness Program.

Religious Education

The Department has stepped up the production of materials for junior high and high school age students. “Zines” (from “magazine”) have replaced “textbooks” for these classes, providing flexibility to teachers, but also presenting the Faith in a new way to young people. The Department has produced four more “zines” since the last congress. They are: For to Us a Child is Born (junior high) Heaven on Earth: The Divine Liturgy (junior. high) Of Your Mystical Supper: The Eucharist (sr. high) A Lamp to My Feet: An Introduction to the Bible (junior high). Each “zine” has a pupil text and teacher’s guide with 4-6 lessons for classroom use. In the coming two years, the Department intends to create additional “zines,” with tentative titles are the following: First among Equals: The Ecumenical Patriarchate (junior. high) Seeing is Believing: Icons in the Church (sr. high) • Journey through Great Lent (junior. high) • On Wealth, Poverty, and Stewardship (sr. high) PRAXIS Magazine Since the last Clergy-Laity Congress, PRAXIS has published the following issues: Fall 2008 - Early Childhood Education, Winter 2009 - The Arts in the Orthodox Church, Spring 2009 - Summer Church Camp, Fall 2009 - Green Christianity (a special printing was also done for the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew), Winter 2010 - Teaching Difficult Topics, Spring 2010 – Prayer. St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival National Finals The Department, with the assistance of National Co-chairs Fr. John and Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos, plans and coordinates this program throughout the year. Since the last Congress, the Department has worked to release the topics for the Festival in September – rather than late December. This allows Church school teachers and advisors to promote the program earlier and include the topics in lessons, well before the time of the Festivals themselves. The 2011 National Festival will be hosted by the Metropolis of Denver, June 3-5. Increasing the number of parishes that participate in the Oratorical Festival is an ongoing goal of the Department. New Resource Catalog (2010) A new resource catalog with more than 800 resources has been published. It will be mailed to more than 17,000 clergy, Church school directors/teachers, and individuals on the Department’s mailing list. The Department intends to produce the catalog annually, although with fewer changes from catalog to catalog. The Department also has begun mailing smaller flyer-like brochures, highlighting seasonal items to parishes and other customers. Metropolis Directors of Religious Education The Department held a meeting of the

Metropolis DREs in January 2009 as part of the Youth Directors training on the Youth Protection Manual. Summer Institute In the non-Congress years, the Department sponsors a “Summer Institute.” This was held July 29-Aug. 1, 2009, at Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology. Director’s Activity The Director of the Department is available for workshops and presentations to Metropolis programs or parish programs

Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism

The department has undertaken the following projects and programs. Stewardship Resource Packet The Stewardship booklet and the materials that accompany it are directed to parish leadership throughout the Archdiocese as part of an ongoing effort to provide practical and inspirational ministry resources. Stewardship Ministries, in coordination with the other national ministries of the Archdiocese, offers these resources under the unified theme of Gather My People to My Home: Come and See. Efforts will be focused on expanding the scope of these resources and delivering the core resource packet in a timely manner through the mail and posting to the Stewardship website. National Stewardship Commission Stewardship Ministries is supported by the National Stewardship Commission, made up of clergy and laity from each Metropolis and the Archdiocesan District. The Commission meets on a regular basis. Commission members encourage and support stewardship ministry at the local level Travel Team The National Stewardship Commission includes a Travel Team which offers Stewardship Seminars, and has initiated a program to train stewardship teams in each metropolis/district which will then train local parish stewardship teams. Planned Giving Resources are being developed by the Stewardship Commission’s Committee on Planned Giving. The initial resource will be a brochure/handout and poster that encourages people to consider whether they have included the Church in their estate planning, and to speak to their priest for guidance. Parish Management Software The Stewardship Commission has established a Committee on Parish Management Software. Committee goals are to evaluate Parish Management Software programs currently available and to make recommendations to the parishes on the most suitable programs for their needs. Additional benefits might include favorable pricing due to number of users, greater ease of reporting to the Metropolis and Archdiocese through compatible formats, and better support through improved communication between parishes and software providers. Parish Welcome Folder To assist and encourage the parishes in reaching out to new members and to inactive members who may be returning to church for a service or sacrament, the department has developed a Welcome Folder that may be personalized by each parish with local information, directories, letters and more. Natural Church Development The department is piloting a program for objectively evaluating, assessing, and measuring church health using a process called Orthodox Natural Church Development. In existence for almost 20 years, the program’s implementation among Orthodox Christian parishes here in North

America is increasing. Outreach to Inactive Orthodox The Department is piloting a program designed to reach out to inactive Orthodox Christians – baptized Orthodox who have fallen away from the Church for a variety of reasons. The program was presented to a group of parish clergy for review, suggestions and implementation. More recently, the program was sent to clergy of the Direct Archdiocesan District. Sometimes referred to as “Inreach,” this ministry uses a variety of resources to find, contact and encourage these individuals to return to active life as members of the Body of Christ. Parish Leadership and Personal Contact in Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism The Director has made presentations to San Francisco, Boston and New York District Clergy-Laity Assemblies emphasizing the importance of parish leadership and personal contact in Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism. Outreach to People with Disabilities The Department supports parish outreach to people with disabilities, also known as Inclusion Programs. This effort includes sharing of information on appropriate language and etiquette, outlines of successful parish programs, accessibility issues and more. Visitor Cards & Display The parish Visitor Card Display incorporates the visitor card on a display welcoming the visitor to the parish. A supply of 100 personalized visitor cards is included with the display. Cooperative Initiatives Family Outreach Sunday Research has shown that 96 percent of unchurched individuals in America would attend church if invited. The Outreach Sunday program encourages active parishioners to invite inactive family members and Orthodox Christian friends for a special day of fellowship and spiritual renewal. Family Outreach Sunday was been developed in cooperation with the Philoptochos and the Center for Family Care at Saint Basil Academy. Low-Cost Bibles for Outreach The Department is working cooperatively with the Department of Religious Education to provide low-cost Bibles to the parishes for outreach ministry. DRE is able to offer certain Bibles from their inventory at a price that allows the parishes to give them to inquirers as part of their parish outreach ministry Parish Council Training The Department of Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism is working with the Administration Committee in the development of a national Parish Council training program including revision of the Parish Council Handbook. This program is being rolled out throughout the Archdiocese, with seminars having been held in the Atlanta and Boston Metropolises and the New York Direct Archdiocesan District. The Department has also edited an abridged version of the program to serve as a Parish Council Candidate Seminar as required by the Uniform Parish Regulations.

Office of Parish Development

The Archdiocese introduced the Office of Parish Development at the July 2004 Clergy-Laity Congress in New York. The office has offered direct support to parishes in need of information and assistance in the area of parish development. Parish Development Mission • Educates and assists the faithful in strategic planning, stewardship, capital campaigns, endowments/planned giving, and grant research. • Strengthens commitment (in terms

of time, talent and treasure) to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. • Assists and promotes existing and future ministries at all levels of the church, using personal, written and mass media avenues. • Provides individual parish and regional development workshops. • Provides fundraising information and assistance for expansion/renovation of parish facilities and new capital campaigns. • Provides information and assistance in planned giving and the development of endowments.

Youth & Young Adult Ministries

The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries coordinates the work of the national church with the metropolis youth directors by providing resources and training. The department accomplishes its mission through the following activities and organizations: Archdiocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry Team, Archdiocesan Council Youth Committee, Orthodox Christian Fellowship campus ministry, Young Adult Ministry, youth worker training, Youth Protection Manual, Youth Ministry and theological associations, Office of Camping Ministries. Department resources include the e-mail ministry, the Challenge page of the Orthodox Observer, The Planner, Daily Calendar and Resource Guide, teen video series DVD sets, sessions and retreats, ministry curriculum, the Youth Ministry website, national GOYA and Young Adult Ministry Face book page and The Ladder online blog. Visit www.youth.goarch.org • e-mail: youthoffice@goarch.org Ionian Village Ionian Village aims to bond the youth of the “Omogenia” to Greece fostering within them a life-long appreciation of Greece, Orthodoxy, and Hellenism. Goals of Ionian Village are to: cultivate a deepened sense of the Greek Orthodox faith, enrich participants’ knowledge and experience of Greek civilization, Greek language and Greek culture, bring its participants into meaningful contact with the people, customs and culture of contemporary Greece and ignite a life-long love for Greek Orthodoxy and Greece. The current objectives of Ionian Village are to renovate and upgrade the Ionian Village facility, increase the number of participants, make the programs more affordable for participants from middle and low-income families and to enrich the existing programs with more formalized and results-oriented curriculum. Faith Scholarships For the third consecutive year, FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, offered scholarships to Ionian Village to assist families. New Website The Ionian Village website has been redesigned and displays a fresh, new look. The new site went live on Dec. 17, 2009 on the feast day of St. Dionysios (one of the patron saints of the camp).

Communications

The Department of Communications coordinates the work and planning of the communications offices of the Archdiocese and their directors, including the Office of News and Information, GOTelecom and the Orthodox Observer, and works with the Department of Internet Ministries to review news content for the web site. The department strives to assist the hierarchs, clergy, parishes, departments, organizations, institutions and programs in receiving and communicating timely information.

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Archdiocesan Council Communications Committee, a GREEN version of the Orthodox Observer has been distributed to those who have expressly requested to be removed from the mailing list and only receive a digital version of the national newspaper. Beginning with the May 2010 issue the flip page version has received many positive comments.

Hundreds of delegates (above and below) listen to the reports presented at the plenary session on July 7.

As a result of a 2007 audit by a public relations firm, the department has implemented several recommendations, including: initiated weekly key staff meetings to discuss upcoming events and issues pertaining to Communications, continue to reach out to the metropolises to solicit information for the Orthodox Observer, offers more links within the Observer articles, updated and streamlined distribution lists, increased fax and e-mail distribution lists. Ongoing tasks and projects of the department include the following: steward listing-mailing list, listserv project, parish ecclesiastical calendars, pocket calendars, news releases, the yearbook, clergy-laity congress journals and other projects.

GOTelecom Programs and Projects Over a 20-year period, GOTelecom has produced more than 230 programs and have received awards from many organizations including two EMMY Awards. In the past two years the following major video presentations and projects have been produced: Pascha: The Resurrection of Christ, Ionian Village – 40th Anniversary Presentation, Archbishop Michael Documentary, Synaxis and Pauline Symposium, Athenagoras Human Rights Award Video Presentations, Parish Council Training Seminar, Clergy-Laity Congress, the video archiving, audio archiving and video production and coordination of the 2010 Clergy Laity Congress.

GOTelecom

Following a recommendation at last November’s Archdiocesan Council Communications Committee meeting to attract more writers for the newspaper, the Orthodox Observer is developing a network of volunteer “special correspondents” consisting of college students majoring in journalism or public relations who will cover general news from their particular region. This is being accomplished with the cooperation of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF). The Orthodox Observer also has enhanced its coverage of youth-related activities, including the

Greek Orthodox Telecommunications, is the television ministry of the Archdiocese. GOTelecom’s mission is three-fold: 1) internally – to archive the activities of the Archdiocese and the Archbishop, 2) to produce in-house programs that educate the faithful about the National Ministries and, 3) to produce quality programs for national distribution on television and through video (full-length programs and public service announcements).

Orthodox Observer

St. John Chrysostom National Oratorical Festival, the dance festivals in the Atlanta, San Francisco and New Jersey metropolises and the Junior Olympics weekends in various metropolises and the Direct Archdiocesan District. It has also boosted its coverage of YAL and OCF activities. Circulation boost With the coordination of staff and the Department of Administration and Department of Information Technology, the Orthodox Observer mailing list increased from 123,000 to 165,000 names and addresses. Stewardship was collected from all parishes for a merging of addresses with the present list. This was a very detailed process and took more than 18 months to complete the acquisition of mailing lists. From September through December 2009 a complete merge was undertaken to combine the new mailing list with the old mailing list. The merge was completed in December that resulted in an increase of more than 42,000 names. The mailing list reaches beyond parish membership and the goal must be to increase the number of people interested in the Faith. A primary use of the list will be to increase the number of households receiving the Orthodox Observer. “Green edition” Upon the recommendation of the

Index project Another effort under way is the indexing of the Orthodox Observer issues, which has never been undertaken. The Orthodox Observer’s administrative assistant began the project in January. This is expected to take a few years as it involves issues going back to October 1971.

Press Office

The Archdiocese Press, News and Media Relations Office cultivates relationships News Media organizations in the United States and abroad. The Press Office responds and answers journalist’s inquiries, writes, edits and distributes press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, press packets or media kits, initiates and develops feature stories in print and electronic media, arranges and organizes and supervises press conferences, news briefings, media interviews, photo opportunities, visits and public events, coordinates photo coverage and dissemination of photos and video to the Press, cultivates new relationships and monitors and nurtures existing ones with national, ethnic and international media, keeps up-to-date with current national and international issues, situations and public opinions. Monitors, researches and evaluates news and maintains press clippings, coordinates media contact with the Metropolises, offices, departments and ministries of the Archdiocese, and maintains media lists and databases.

JUNE – JULY 2010

N.J. Metropolis Assembly Honors Parish Leaders and Volunteers GARFIELD, N.J.– The 2010 Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly and awards banquet took place May 16-18 under the theme “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; for You are my rock and my fortress. For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth.” (Psalm 70: 1, 3, 5) Metropolitan Evangelos opened the assembly on May 17 and appointed James Fountas, Metropolitan Council vice president, as chairman. In his keynote address, the Metropolitan spoke to the need for a rededication of the Metropolis as a diverse family within the larger Church. “Our goal as a Metropolis is to create a spiritual oasis for our people, to welcome them into our bosom as a loving mother does her child, and to lead them to living fountains of waters. (Revelation 7:17) We must collectively strive, as a Church and as individuals, to continuously offer to our Orthodox Faithful, and those seeking for the Truth, every possible spiritual aid and practical service, as Christ our Shepherd has commanded us. When we accomplish these things and the American Nation becomes an Orthodox Nation we will truly have fulfilled the Gospel of Christ.” New organization Metropolitan Evangelos announced the creation of a new federation within the Metropolis, the St. Andrew Eastern Orthodox Law Enforcement Federation. This much-needed ministry is dedicated to ministering to those in the law enforcement, ensuring that, as protectors of the local communities, they receive the care and love which they need to remain faithful Orthodox Christians. Retired New Jersey State Police Maj. Alexander Peters made a presentation to the assembly relating to the law enforcement community. Citing a significant achievement of his ministry, the establishment of the Metropolis headquarters, Metropolitan Evangelos stated, “As I reflect on these last seven years since my enthronement...we have truly labored together to fulfill the Great Commandment of Christ, preaching the Gospel to all. Our new spiritual home has become a shinning jewel throughout the Metropolis of New Jersey. This gift from God, has signified the beginning of a new era as well as opened the path for increased resources and capacity for our Holy Metropolis to operate and serve the spiritual and administrative needs of our parishes and those who in the future will become a part of them.” Tuesday’s proceedings began with the continuation of the Plenary Session and discussion of the financial affairs of the Metropolis, and concluded with nominations and elections for the Metropolitan Council. It was made sufficiently clear that although much has been accomplished, much more support is needed in order for the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey to be able to meet its ongoing expenses, especially now with the addition of the New Metropolis headquarters. Awards banquet Following the first-day’s session, the sixth annual awards banquet on May 17 drew more than 700 faithful Orthodox Christians and visitors. Participants and honored guests included Metropolitan Paisios of Tyana, Bishop Philotheos of Meloa, honored for his 60 years of dedicated service and love to the Church; Bishop Vikentios of Apameia, Ambassador Aglaia Balta, consul general

of Greece, honored for her service in the United States, and especially the Metropolis. She spoke of the need for remembering Greece, especially in this time of global economic need and crisis. Other officials present included Koula Sophianou, consul general of the Republic of Cyprus, Jim Fountas, and Kyriaki Agathoklis, president of the Metropolis Philoptochos; National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas, Metropolis Clergy Syndesmos President Fr. Louis Noplos; and Dr. Anthony Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons-Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. Metropolitan Evangelos presented each honoree with an icon-plaque of St. John Chrysostom, patron saint of the Metropolis, and inscribed with a personalized inscription of thanks for their service to Christ’s Church and their communities. He also honored Philoptochos and GOYA members chosen for their service to their respective parishes. Those honored are as follows: Bishop Philotheos of Meloa, Ambassador Balta, V. Rev. Archimandrite Chrysanthos Zois, St. Demetrios Church, Jersey, City; Fr. Constantine Xirouhakis, St. Fanourios Church, Elizabeth; Fr. Demetrios Tsigounis, St. John the Theologian Cathedral, Tenafly; Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, Annapolis, Md., Fr. Kosmas Karavellas, pastor; Marcus Chacona, parish council president; Venetian Catering (Demetrios Kougelis, Christos Goumos and Michael Kourgelis); Jack and Dolly Demetris, St. Luke Church, Broomall, Pa.; William Crane of Nicholas Bouras Industries; Nicholas and George Chatzopoulos (posthumously). GOYA Honorees - Northern New Jersey Region: David Peter Athenson, Holy Trinity, Westfield; Thomas Barrett, St. Andrew, Randolph; George Kamaratos, St. George, Asbury Park; Holy Trinity Church, Westfield; Vasilios Kaousias, St. George, Clifton; Stephanie Kubu, St. Anna , Flemington; Alexander Malandrenias, St. Demetrios , Union; Alexis Marinos, Kimisis Tis Theotokou, Holmdel; Chloe Palaibelos, St. George, Trenton; Christos Panagiotopoulos, St. Athanasios, Paramus; Arete Pappas, Ascension, Fairview; Victoria Rivera, St. Demetrios, Perth Amboy; Louisa Michelle Sirimis, St. George, Piscataway; Elena Thomopoulos, St. John the Theologian, Tenafly; Anthony Vlahos, Sts. Nicholas-Constantine and Helen, Orange; Theo Vlahos, St. Barbara, Toms River; and Eva Manuel Zymaris, St. Nicholas, Wykoff. Philoptochos Honorees - Northern New Jersey Region: Eleni Andronikou, St. George, Piscataway; Xanthi Athanasenas, St. John the Theologian Cathedral; Helen Calagias, St. George, Trenton; Angela Ferreira, St. Anna, Flemington; Kizoula Halkias, Evangelismos, Jersey City; Angela Hondros, St. Demetrios, Union; Mary Koutsaftes, Sts. Nicholas-Constantine and Helen, Orange; Paraskevi Lappas, Ascension, Fairview; Cindy Lobman, St. Barbara, Toms River; Barbara Manos, Holy Trinity, Westfield; Eugenia Manuel, St. Nicholas, Wyckoff; Andrianna (Ann) Mumtzis; St. Athanasios, Paramus; Alice Nicas, St. George, Asbury Park; Stavroula Perdikaris, Kimisis Tis Theotokou, Holmdel; Anna Sakellakis, St. George, Clifton; Diamando Siolou, St. Demetrios, Jersey City; Helen Stamatos, St. Andrew, Randolph; and Helen Suravlas. St. Demetrios, Perth Amboy. Community Honorees - Northern New

Metropolitan Methodios, Georgia Lagadinos and Diane Stamatopoulos serve meatloaf and other menu items at the Pine Street Inn in Boston.

Boston Philoptochos Supports Social Service Program BOSTON – Metropolitan Methodios of Boston and Metropolis Philoptochos Board Members visited the Pine Street Inn social service organization in early May to feed the guests. A long standing project of the Philoptochos Board, it includes the cooking of the meals at the Hellenic College-Holy Cross cafeteria and serving the Pine Street Inn guests at dinner time. On May 5, Metropolitan Methodios, Georgia Lagadinos, a steward at St. John in Boston, and Diane Stamatopoulos, a steward at St. George in Lynn, served meatloaf and all the trimmings.

Pine Street Inn began its journey four decades ago, offering approximately 200 men suffering from alcoholism a safe alternative to the streets of Boston. Since then, it has expanded to serve more than 1,300 men and women each day, providing a comprehensive range of programs and services, including housing, outreach, shelter and job training. The Pine Street Inn, the Philoptochos Women and the philanthropic ministry of the Metropolis of Boston share the goals of fostering a community of respect and hope for those in need.

Michigan Church Raises Funds for Hunger Project GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – Assumption Church recently hosted the 31st CROP Hunger Walk to raise funds for Church World Service’s efforts against hunger and poverty. Participants walk distances of either one or five miles and receive donations through pledges. The acronym “CROP” stands for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty. The CROP Hunger Walk supports the work of Church World Service by helping to alleviate the causes of hunger. CWS also helps in emergency situation Jersey Region: Theophanis Antzoulides, St. Fanourios, Elizabeth; Anastasia Arvanites, Sts. Nicholas-Constantine and Helen, Orange; Savas Charitonidis, Kimisis Tis Theotokou, Holmdel; Thomas Christie, St. Barbara, Toms River; Evangelos Gregos, St. George, Asbury Park; Mary Hadjiyerou, St. Andrew, Randolph; Rea Hunter, St. Nicholas, Wyckoff; Katina Kehayas, St. George, Piscataway; Gus Kramis, St. John the Theologian, Tenafly; Vasilios Panageas, St. Anna, Flemington; Theodoros Perides, Ascension, Fairview; Linda Piniat Holy Trinity, Westfield; Helen Rafalides, St. Demetrios, Jersey City; Mary Rodda, St.. George, Trenton; Tina Stames, St. George, Clifton; Pavlos Toronidis, St. Athanasios, Paramus; Fotios Vardakis, Evangelismos, Jersey City; and Alexandra Velmahos, St. Demetrios, Perth Amboy.

such as Port-au-Prince, Haiti where the devastating earthquake occurred. Every year hundreds of local walkers put on their CROP Walk t-shirts and tennis shoes and walk either one or five miles. Together they walk to help combat hunger and poverty here in the community and around the world, through self-help initiatives. Seventy-five percent of the funds raised are distributed by Church World Service and 25 percent of the funds raised in the Grosse Pointe/St Clair Shores Area CROP Walk will be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank www.gcfb.org. For the past two years the walk has been hosted by First English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe Woods. Some 17 local churches and organizations participated in last year’s walk that raised more than $30,000. “We are glad to join our new host, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, for the 2010 CROP Walk,” said Pastor Elsholz of First English. Walkers and donors in the Grosse Pointes and St. Clair Shores churches have given selflessly and generously when hosting the walk in 2008 and 2009 and are glad to be a part of the walk again. “We are hopeful that new congregations/individuals will join the walk this year.” Fr. Michael Varlamos of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church encourages everyone to attend.

JUNE – JULY 2010

Metropolitan Iakovos Officiates at Chicago’s New Chapel Opening

DES PLAINES, Ill. – St. John the Baptist Church held the official opening of its new Guardian Angel Chapel on June 15 with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago on June 20. The Liturgy was immediately followed by a prayer for the placing of the cross on the dome of a new chapel. The recently completed Byzantinestyle chapel seats more than 300 people under a raised, barrel-vaulted ceiling with a dome. “Our goal, from the beginning, was to provide an environment conducive to worship for our school age children, and we thank our loving God for this day,” said Fr. John Rallis, protopresbyter of St. John the Baptist Church. “One of the petitions in our Orthodox worship services reads, ‘Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy temple….’ That petition has assumed a profound and new meaning for St. John stewards, who prayed and toiled for the completion of this chapel. The whole experience of building a chapel truly speaks to the majesty of God, and with God, all things are possible.” The $1.8 million Guardian Angel Chapel was completed in the spring and comprises the second phase of the community’s major construction and renovation project. A new education and ministry building housing the Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School opened in 2008. St. John the Baptist Church was established in 1959 to serve the Northwest Chicago suburbs. The church ministers to more than

1,300 people through its God-given liturgical, philanthropic and educational ministries. Its community center was completed in 1964, the main church in 1971, and its education and ministry building in 2008. “It gives us some kind of comfort and flexibility in our operation, teaching and worship,” Fr. Rallis said. The dedication of the chapel was the culmination of events brought about by the Sept. 13, 2008 flood, the worst that Des Plaines had witnessed in about a decade. A large portion of the church’s facilities were devastated by spillover from a swollen Des Plaines River. A recently built elevated addition housing the parish day school and youth ministry was spared any damage. The church’s chapel, originally built in 1965, was deluged under more than three feet of water that turned the church parking lot into a lake, forcing parishioners to use canoes to shuttle food and equipment as they worked to safeguard what they could, focusing on the main church. “That night people slept on the pews of the church,” Fr. Rallis told a local newspaper, the Daily Herald, about the people who were working to keep the water out. When the floodwater receded 24 hours later, it left soggy carpets and all imaginable filth and muck behind. Floors and walls throughout much of the church had to be gutted to remove mold, and the facilities disinfected, Fr. Rallis said. The building is raised 46 inches, similar to the school addition, and is handicap accessible. The chapel will continue to be used for the church’s youth ministry and for baptisms.

Metropolitan Evangelos Blesses Land for New Church RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. - St. Anna Church (formerly The Greek Orthodox Parish of Hunterdon County) recently held a land dedication and blessing ceremony at the site of their future church and community center at 85 Voorhees Corner Road in Raritan Township. Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, presided over Divine Liturgy May 16. at the Allerton United Methodist Church in Annandale, (where the parish has been worshiping since 2006) and then proceed to the 12-acre property where he blessed the site and unveiled the sign “Future Home of St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church.” St. Anna is the newest of 25 Greek Orthodox Parishes in New Jersey. The Metropolitan announced this name for the parish in January in honor of the deceased wife of one of the parish’s grand benefactors. St. Anna is the mother of the Virgin Mary. In June 2009, the Raritan Township Planning Board approved the two-phase site plan for the church complex to include multi-functional spaces in which to conduct religious, educational, social, and recreational activities. The first phase will include construction of a church with seating for approximately 200, administrative offices, classrooms for the Greek language school and Sunday School, and a community hall. The hall will be used for social gatherings and will have the ability to convert to a basketball or volleyball court for recreational purposes. The second phase will include construction of a larger, approximately 300seat church with a dome which is indicative of Byzantine architecture and converting the first phase church into a chapel and more educational spaces. The community

is conducting a capital campaign to raise the funds necessary to begin construction of phase one of their site plan. Currently, the meetings and activities of the parish are held either at the Allerton United Methodist Church, public meeting spaces like the Hunterdon County Library, or rented space at local schools. St. Anna has hosts an annual food and cultural festival, annual dinner dances, and many gatherings at a banquet center on Route 12 in Kingwood Township. Their annual OPA! Big Fat Greek Festival, attracts over 5,000 people each year and has helped bring a Taste of Greece to western New Jersey. This year, the festival expanded from a two-day to a three-day event. For more information about St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, visit their new website at www.StAnnaGOC.org .

Southern California Orthodox teens take part in “Hunger Strike – an Orthodox Christian Fast for Change.”

Southern Cal. Teens go on ‘Hunger Strike’ IRVINE, Calif. - For 60 Southern California young people this past spring, it was their desire to feed the hungry and bring hope to children on the other side of the globe. This aspiration drew them to forgo food and other comforts for 30 hours to raise funds and awareness for the plight of millions of children around the world. These inspiring teens participated in “Hunger Strike – an Orthodox Christian Fast for Change.” During Hunger Strike, teens went without food for 30 hours to experience true hunger, identify with the poor, and learn great lessons of compassion for those that live in harsh conditions in developing countries. In addition, participants learn about their Orthodox Christian faith in a more personal and engaged way through activities and lessons given by lay people and priests alike. Before the retreat weekend the teens found sponsors for the number of hours they were going to fast. On March 20-21, teens from five Greek Orthodox and Antiochian Orthodox parishes gathered at St. Paul’s Church in Irvine to “Strike for Change.” The teens heard many statistics throughout the weekend but none more impactful then the 16,000 children that die every day from hunger alone. To gain perspective of that number the participants “planted” a garden of 667 forks representing the number of children that die from hunger every hour. Everyone is shocked by these figures and a teen growing up in suburban California might not understand the implications of poverty, hunger or lack of clean water until faced with such raw data. The “fork field,” as many dubbed it, brought the lesson of lost lives into focus and gave a real visual display to their cause. Participants divided into five “villages” with two to three adults as “village chiefs.”. The teens were then given passports depicting Orthodox Christian children from Tanzania. The passports showed the photograph of an Orthodox

child in Tanzania and offered a description of their life including their home, school, health, and chores. These passports were a result of previous mission trips to Tanzania by St. Paul’s “Mission is Possible” outreach committee in which interviews and photographs were taken of the children. The passports helped our young participants open a window into the lives of these African children and brought to life the harsh reality of living in a third world country. The “villages” competed against one another in a spirit of fun and learning. The activities emphasized the need for clean water, adequate food, and energy in developing countries. Each activity began with a talk given by clergy and lay leaders about a specific topic and what the teens could do to change the world. They ran relays, made prosphoron, played games, prayed in Church, and collected canned food from the neighborhood surrounding St. Paul’s to be given to Project Mexico/St. Innocent’s Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. Father Martin Ritsi, the director of the OCMC, was present for the weekend and made a presentation on Orthodox mission work going on in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Sunday morning, the participants attended Liturgy. Instead of the sermon, the Hunger Strike participants spoke about what they had learned and what the weekend meant to them. They also demonstrated the impact of the weekend with picket signs, posters, and a well rehearsed Swahili song. More than $6,000 was raised during Hunger Strike 2010. Money raised from this year’s event went to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) and will help provide medical aide to children and their families in Tanzania. It also will go toward helping the newly baptized Turkana people of Kenya. For more information about Hunger Strike e-mail OCHungerStrike@yahoo.com Submitted by Carolyn Kouracos

Brooklyn Church to Host Holocaust Tribute BROOKLYN, NY – A memorial service to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the 1922 Asia Minor Holocaust will take place Sept. 19 at Three Hierarchs Church in Brooklyn after the Divine Liturgy. Guest speaker will be Panos Stavrianidis, past president of the Pan Pontian Federation of the USA and Canada. The Holocaust Memorial Observance

Committee, chaired by Basilios Theodosakis of Brookllyn, is the event sponsor. The Asia Minor Holocaust claimed the lives of an estimated 3.5 million Greek Orthodox Christians and others in Asia Minor, including Pontos, and Thrace. For more information, contact Mr. Theodosakis at 1104 E. 17th St., Brooklyn, NY 11230, or call (718) 377-4656

JUNE - JULY 2010

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JUNE – JULY 2010

Seattle Parishioners Visit Holy Land, Ecumenical Patriarchate JERUSALEM – Parishioners of St. Demetrios Church in Seattle, led by their pastor, Fr. Photios Dumont, recently made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. According to information from Theodora Dracopoulos Argue, their trip also included a visit to St. Katherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai, Egypt. The met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and with Archbishop Demetrios in Istanbul, and with Patriarch Theofilos III of Jerusalem. While in Istanbul, the group attended a Divine Liturgy and visited the Theological School in Halki, along with several Orthodox churches and monasteries. On their tour of the Holy Land, the group went to the church and tomb of St. George, the Garden of Gethsemane, where they prayed at the rock that Jesus prayed the night of His arrest, the church housing the tomb of the Virgin Mary, the Chapel of the Ascension, the Church of the Nativity in

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Boston Metropolis Religious Educators Hold ‘DOXA’ Conference CONTOCOOK, N.H.– Metropolis of Boston Religious Educators - DOXA: giving Glory to God - held recently their spring conference at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center on Friday. “Keeping Youth Connected” was the theme of the Conference which was also attended by Dr. Anton Vrame, the director of the Archdiocesan Department of Religious Education and the Rev. R. Andrew George, pastor of Annunciation Church in Cranston, R.I. who is the chairman of the Metropolis of Boston Religious Education Committee. Guest speakers included Michael

Sintros, the director of the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center, and Mica Hirschy, the youth director of the Transfiguration Church in Lowell, Mass. Michael Sintros has worked with the Metropolis of Boston Camp since 1995. He holds Master of Divinity degree and Master of Social Work degrees. Micah Hirschy, also a graduate of Holy Cross, has been involved in the Metropolis of Boston Camp since 2001. He has served as a pastoral assistant in Memphis, Tenn., and as a youth worker at the Taxiarchae parish in Watertown, Mass.

Downtown Church Raises the Dome on New Byzantine Sanctuary COLUMBIA, S.C.- Downtown Columbia’s skyline saw a major change on June 11 when Holy Trinity Church raised the 45-ton dome for its new Byzantine style sanctuary. The contractor for the project built the dome on the ground, incorporating all the structural elements including 20 windows that are each over 8 feet tall. More than 12 years in the planning, the sanctuary will accommodate more than 500 worshipers in the 9,500 square foot main building that reaches 60 feet high from the ground to the top of the dome. The architect, CJK Design Group of San Francisco, based the design on the traditions of the ancient church. Combining 6th century Christian

architecture with state of the art technology and design standards, the new sanctuary recalls early Byzantine architecture where the central dome was a focal point. A prominent gold-leafed Justinian Cross will eventually sit atop the metallic dome. The building’s exterior will be cast stone masonry and stucco. “The dome raising represents a major milestone in the life of our church community and takes us one step closer towards realizing our dream of a new sanctuary,” said Fr. Michael Platanis, pastor. Construction began in November 2009 and is expected to be completed in early 2011. The project will also include an attached chapel, front plaza and landscaping.

JUNE – JULY 2010

25 Parishes Compete in Direct Archdiocesan District Olympics BRENTWOOD, N.Y. – The Direct Archdiocesan District’s annual Youth Olympics drew more than 1,100 JOY and GOYA athletes who competed in three days of events on Memorial Day Weekend at Suffolk County Community College. The Olympics this year included the new categories of kickball and 3/3 basketball, played by three players on a team. The standard swimming and GOYA

basketball events kicked off the activities. The opening ceremonies on Saturday, May 29, included the awarding of scholarships to three Goyans – Nikitas Tampakis, Maria Sigalas and Leonidas Vasilakos. The athletes represented the following 25 parishes. Connecticut was represented by Annunciation parish in Stamford. The remaining communities are all in New York. Sts. Constantine and Helen, West Nyack;. St. Paraskevi, Greenlawn, Church of Our Savior, Rye; Sts. Constantine and Helen, Brooklyn; St. Nicholas, Whitestone; Holy Cross, Whitestone; St. John the Baptist, Blue Point; Holy Cross, Brooklyn; St. Sophia, Albany; Kimisis, Port Jefferson; Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas, Staten Island; St. Demetrios, Astoria; Resurrection, Brookville; Kimisis tis Theotokou, Brooklyn; Holy Trinity, New Rochelle; Zoodochos Peghe, Bronx; Holy Trinity, Hicksville; St. Demetrios, Jamaica; Archangel Michael, Port WashingtonRoslyn and Kimisis, Southampton. Boys relay team winners: Greenlawn won the gold, Kimisis of Brooklyn won silver and West Nyack won bronze.

Kickball was one of the new sports introduced this year at the Olympics.

Athletes competed in a wide range of events including relay races, high jumping, softball, soccer, chess, broad jumping and the basketball throw. Below, the girls high jump winners with Alex Constantinou, Olympics co-founder and executive committee chairman.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER PHOTOS