APRIL 2012 • Vol. 77 • No. 1274
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PATRIARCHAL ENCYCLICAL
Holy Pascha: The Feast of Feasts
He became the first–born among the dead. (Easter Apolytikion, 3rd tone) Beloved children in the Lord,
If Christ’s Resurrection referred to Himself, then its significance for us would be negligible. The Church proclaims, however, that, the Lord did not arise alone. Together with Himself, He also resurrected all people. This is how our predecessor, St. John Chrysostom, proclaims this great truth in thunderous language: “Christ is risen, and none are left dead in the grave; for in being raised from the dead, he became the first-fruits of all who were asleep.” This means that Christ became the first-fruits of the resurrection of all who have fallen asleep and who will fall asleep in the future, as well as of their transition from death to life. The message is a joyful one for us all because, with His Resurrection Christ abolished the power of death. Those who believe in Him await the resurrection of the dead and are accordingly baptized in His death, rise with Him and live on
í BARTHOLOMEW By the Mercy of God Archbishop of Constantinople–New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch To the Plenitude of the Church Grace, Peace and Mercy from the Savior Christ, Risen in Glory
in life eternal. The world that is alienated from Christ endeavors to amass material goods because it bases its hopes for survival on them. It unwisely imagines that it will escape death through wealth. Deceived in this way to amass wealth, supposedly to extend their present life, human beings disperse death among others, too. They deny others the financial possibility of survival, often even violently depriving others of life, in the hope of preserving their own life. How tragic! What a huge deception. For life is only acquired through faith in Christ and incorporation in His body. The experience of the Orthodox Church assures us that those united with Christ live even after death, coexist with the living, are in dialogue with them, can hear them and are often even capable of miraculously fulfilling their requests. This means that it is no longer necessary to search for the “fountain of immortality.” Immortality exists in Christ and is offered by Him to all.
There is no need for some nations to be destroyed in order for other nations to survive. Nor is there any need to destroy defenseless human lives so that other human beings may live in greater comfort. Christ offers life to all people, on earth as in heaven. He is risen, and all those who so desire life may follow Him on the way of Resurrection. By contrast, all those who bring about death, whether indirectly or directly, believing that in this way they are prolonging or enhancing their own life, condemn themselves to eternal death. Our Risen Lord Jesus Christ came into the world in order that all people “may have life and life in abundance” (John 10:10). We deceive ourselves if we believe that prosperity in the world can come from destroying one another. Christ raises the dead and invalidates their killing. Christ has the power to transcend death. Moreover, the fact that he conquered death confirms His contempt of death. Christ leads to life; He re-bestows life, which happens to be
interrupted, because He is “our life and our resurrection.” This is why we, the faithful, do not fear death. Our strength lies not in the invulnerability of our existence but in its possibility for resurrection. Christ is Risen! We, too, shall arise! Therefore, beloved brethren and children in the Lord, let us follow the Risen Christ in all His works. Let us come to the assistance of those deprived of the means for survival so that their life may be preserved. Let us proclaim to all those who are ignorant of Christ’s Resurrection that, through this, death was abolished and, as a result, they too may share in His Resurrection by believing in Him and following His way. Our own resurrection is only possible when it is offered for the resurrection of others, of our brothers and sisters. Then alone will the triumphant proclamation that “Christ is Risen!” refer to the salvation for all of humanity. Let it be so!
HOLY PASCHA 2012
í BARTHOLOMEW
of Constantinople
Your fervent supplicant for all
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To contact the National Ministries
APRIL 2012
Clergy Retreat
Archives 212.570.3517 ncalles@goarch.org Communications 212.774.0244 communications@goarch.org Greek Education 212.774.0233 greekeducation@goarch.org Information Technologies 212.774.0240 theo@goarch.org Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations 212.570.3593 ecumenical@goarch.org Marriage & Family 845.424.8175 familycare@goarch.org Parish Development 847.825.1432 jminetos@goarch.org
Dimitris Panagos photo
Clergy of the Direct Archdiocesan District held their annual Lenten Retreat March 5-6 in Huntington, Long Island.
National Oratorical Festival Taking Place in June by Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos
so finalists can get better acquainted. Saturday morning begins with a 7:30 a.m. departure for breakfast at the church. The festival will begin after an orientation session. In attendance will be Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Evangelos, Dr. Anton C. Vrame, director of the Department of Religious Education, Fr. John and Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos, Oratorical Festival Archdiocese co–chairpersons, as well as other dignitaries. The luncheon and awards ceremony will take place at the Congressional Country Club. Finalists will receive a certificate personally signed by Archbishop Demetrios, a plaque recognizing their achievements and a scholarship.
After returning to the hotel for a quick change, participants and their families will tour the Capitol, and have dinner and a bus tour of Washington. Sunday morning will include an early morning departure for St. George Church where a hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated. The weekend quickly comes to an end with a farewell luncheon and tearful goodbyes bringing to a close another successful Oratorical Festival year. Even though only 18 Oratorical Festival participants make it to the national level, this does not diminish the success and congratulations that each parish participant deserves. Through their involvement, this worthwhile program continues to impact and inspire others.
Religious Education 617.850.1218 religioused@goarch.org
BETHESDA, Md. – St. George Church will host the June 8-10 National Archdiocese Oratorical Festival weekend where they will welcome the 18 Metropolis finalists and their families. Under the chairmanship of Fr. Dimitrios Antokas, the host committee is working to ensure that the weekend will be a memorable one. After families arrive at the Bethesda Marriott Suites, they will depart for Vespers and a welcome reception at the St. George Church with Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, Fr. Dimitrios Antokas, parish priest, and other host committee members. The evening will include fun activities
Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism 646.519.6160 stewardship@goarch.org
Ionian Village’s Spiritual Odyssey Program Offers College Credit
Youth and Young Adult Ministries 646.519.6180 youthoffice@goarch.org
NEW YORK – Participants in this year’ s “Ionian Village Spiritual Odyssey: Cyprus and Constantinople” will have the opportunity to earn 1.5 college credits at their home university in conjunction with Hellenic College. Students may register for the Hellenic College course “Introduction to Orthodox Christian Spirituality,” offered by Fr. Christopher Flesoras, Ph.D. Young adults who opt to participate in this course will benefit not only from the spiritual aspects of the program but will also be challenged to reflect critically upon
Philanthropy 212.774.0283 bishopandonios@goarch.org Public Affairs 212.774.0400 fralex@goarch.org Registry 212.570.3558 frmichael@goarch.org
NEXT DEADLINE
Deadline for submitting information, articles and photos for consideration in the May 2012 issue: Friday., April 20. Photos should be sent as a large format .jpg attachment (300 dpi min.). E-mail to: jim@goarch.org Regular mail: Editor, Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075.
Change of Address To submit a change of address: Contact Soula Podaras at 212.774.0235 – e-mail: spodaras@goarch.org – fax: 212.774.0239. Or regular mail to: Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075. Be sure to include old address, new address and name of parish. EDITOR IN CHIEF Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) GREEK SECTION EDITOR Eleftherios Pissalidis
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In 2012, published monthly except February–March and July–August by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Editorial and Business Office: 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 TEL.: (212) 570–3555 FAX (212) 774–0239
their experiences through additional readings, written reflections and discussions, and best of all, earn college credit towards graduation while deepening their faith and learning more about their spiritual heritage. “Spiritual Odyssey: Cyprus and Constantinople” takes place from May 30 to June 9 and features visits to sites of historical and religious importance including the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Registration is currently open online via www.ionianvillage.org. The course option is offered at an ad-
PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING Eleftherios Pissalidis GRAPHIC ARTIST Abel Montoya ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Soula Podaras BUSINESS MANAGER Marissa P. Costidis CONTRIBUTING CORRESPONDENT & PHOTOGRAPHER:
Nicholas Manginas
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Subscription rates are $12 per year. Canada $25. Overseas Air Mail, $55 per year. $1.50 per copy. Subscriptions for the membership of the Greek Orthodox Church in America are paid through their contribution to the Archdiocese. Of this contribution, $5 is forwarded to the Orthodox Observer. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ORTHODOX OBSERVER, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075
ditional cost of $750. Hellenic College is a fully accredited college and its courses are eligible for transfer anywhere in the United States. Students are responsible to determine in advance with their home institution whether this course will fulfill their particular graduation requirements. Interested students can obtain additional information including course syllabus, assignments, and registration details by contacting the Office of Ionian Village at (212) 570-3536 or ionianvillage@ goarch.org.
Corrections In the Feb–March issue St. Photios Shrine coverage, the correct amount for a Wall of Tribute donation listing is $2,000. Also, in the board meeting article, Angelo Koukoulis is the correct name for the Shrine trustee.
To Contact Us For questions about submitting information/news to the Orthodox Observer: Jim Golding, 212.570.3557, jim@goarch.org. Advertising & Greek section, Lefteris Pissalidis, 212.570.3555, lefteris@goarch.org.
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Archbishop Emphasizes Need to Support Greece at Annual White House Celebration by Stavros H. Papagermanos
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden on March 22 welcomed at the White House Archbishop Demetrios and the GreekAmerican community for the annual Greek Independence Day Celebration. This was the 26th consecutive celebration at the White House and honored the 191st anniversary of the start of the Greek War for Independence of March 25, 1821. President Barack Obama and VicePresident Joe Biden met in private with Archbishop Demetrios in the Green Room, just prior to the public event, which started in the East Room of the White House at 7 p.m. Archbishop Demetrios, in his address which began the program, thanked the President for graciously hosting the annual event and spoke of the religious importance of March 25th to Orthodox Christians as the Feast of the Annunciation and the ethnic significance of the anniversary “when with the help of the almighty God the victorious revolution for independence of the Greek Nation started in 1821.” The Archbishop pointed out “a dramatic change in the life of the Greek people,” which came about in the last two years and said that “various factors have contributed to the creation of a very dismal financial situation with extremely negative consequences on the life of the people of Greece,” and he added that, in this circumstance, “there is an urgent need for substantial assistance.” His Eminence recognized with gratitude the support of the President and his administration “for issues for which our American Greek Orthodox Community is deeply concerned and named the issues of religious freedom for our Ecumenical Patriarchate, the resolution of the problem of the re-unification of Cyprus, and the proper closing of the Macedonian issue.
Dimitris Panagos photo
President Obama, flanked by Vice President Biden and Archbishop Demetrios, addresses the audience of several prominent Greek Americans.
“Thus, we are fully justified in counting on the continuation and dramatic enhancement of your strong support also in the case of the present ordeal of the people of Greece. Our country, our USA, the universal beacon of democracy, liberty and justice, can offer substantial relieving assistance to Greece, the birth place of democracy in her serious financial distress. Yes! We can! We can, when our America has you as President. “We reiterate our wholehearted thanks to you, our thanks that are accompanied by our prayers to God for you, Mr. President for your noble family, for our great country
and for heroic and suffering Greece. Our fervent prayers and efforts for Greece are based on our unwavering belief that the Cross is always followed by the Resurrection.” Vice President Biden spoke next and said that even though Greece has faced daunting challenges before, has always prevailed because of the courage of its people and presented President Barack Obama saying that the President himself is an example of such courage. President Obama started his remarks in Greek with the word “Kalispera” (good evening) and welcomed the Archbishop saying he is a model of piety and faith, but also a man of great humor and great warmth, adding that he is proud to call His Eminence a friend. The President welcomed Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Dimitris Dollis, the Ambassadors of Greece Vassilis Kaskarelis and of Cyprus Pavlos Anastasiadis, many members of Congress who were in attendance and the many guests and representatives of the Greek American Or-
thodox Community. The President also said that as we celebrate the 191st Anniversary of the start of the Greek War of Independence we are showing the bond that we share and we are honoring the enormous impact that Greeks have had on the life of the nation, but also the ideas that move the world. Later in his remarks the President emphasized that even though the connection between our two nations was established long ago, the values and the ideals we share can only deepen over time and that is why we continue to stand with our Greek allies and friends as they work to recover from very difficult economic times. President Obama said he wants to thank all of his Greek friends and all the Greek people for their friendship and their contributions to the United States. Following the White House celebration, Archbishop Demetrios and other dignitaries attended a March 25th Anniversary reception at the Embassy of Greece in Washington.
Archbishop Convenes Meeting of Greek American Leaders to Coordinate Relief by Stavros H. Papagermanos
Musical students
ORTHODOX OBSERVER photo
A group of first-and second-year students from the Musical High School in Larissa, Greece, traveled to New York in March and paid a visit to Archdiocese headquarters on Friday, March 23. Archbishop Demetrios, who had just returned from Washington, spoke to them in the Chapel of St. Paul. The young people and their chaperones also marched in the Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue.
CLERGY UPDATE
Ordinations to the Diaconate George Malanos – Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta – Holy Trinity Church, Charleston, S.C., 10/09/11 Tikhon (Jason) Cobb–Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta–Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Cathedral, Birmingham, Ala., 12/18/11 Thomas Alatzakis–Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos–St. Demetrios Church, Libertyville, Ill., 02/19/12 John Codis–Bishop Andonios of Pha-
siane–Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Southampton, N.Y., 02/26/12 Peter Gikas–Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago–Annunciation Cathedral, Chicago, 03/25/12 Assignments Fr. Michael Sitaras–Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, Cardiff–by–the–Sea, Calif., 02/01/12 Deacon Thomas Alatzakis–St. Mary’s Church, Minneapolis, 03/01/12
NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios on March 30 presided over a meeting of 17 leaders and representatives of GreekAmerican organizations, federations and associations to coordinate action and exchange information regarding relief efforts and immediate economic assistance to the suffering people in Greece. The two-hour meeting at Archdiocese headquarters was also attended by the Consul General of Greece in New York George Iliopoulos and Consul General of Cyprus Koula Sofianou. With the crisis and the suffering facing the people in Greece still unfolding and given the willingness of the Omogeneia to offer real and tangible assistance to our brethren there, many relevant new ideas and actions were presented for an effective coordination of all efforts between the various Greek-American organizations and the Archdiocese. Archbishop Demetrios reported to the participants onPhotos: the actions of thePanagos ArchdioDimitrios cese and the status of the Relief Fund for
the People of Greece of the Archdiocese, which, as he said, had collected to that moment $200,000 from the collections of the parishes, the offerings through the internet and other funds directly sent to the Archdiocese, emphasizing that the fundraising effort continues. The Archbishop also said that the National Philoptochos has already sent through International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), a $25,000 emergency donation for immediate assistance for needy families. His Eminence explained that, during these hard times, the enormous task of providing relief to those in need, falls for the most part on the Church of Greece which provides on a daily basis food rations, operates soup kitchens, offers clothing and shelter and has recently announced the creation of special pharmacies for the needy. The Archbishop added that the Archdiocese intends to direct most of its help through the Church of Greece, to support these specific philanthropic endeavors.
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Wishing you a joyful Pascha, Mary & Michael Jaharis
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PASCHA ENCYCLICAL
Christ Is Risen!
Abolished the Power of Death
Save the Date July 1 - 5, 2012
Come, on this auspicious day of the Resurrection, let us partake of the new fruit of the vine of divine gladness and of the Kingdom of Christ, praising Him as God unto the ages. (Hymn of the Canon of Holy Pascha) 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,
Christ is Risen! As we gather to celebrate this great Feasts of Feasts, and together we experience the joy and promise of Holy Pascha, we offer our praise to God for His abundant grace and for the triumph of our Savior Jesus Christ over the power of sin and death. In a magnificent revelation of His invincible might, our Risen Lord has defeated all that corrupts and destroys our human existence. Through His compassionate sacrifice and Holy Resurrection, He has reconciled us to our Creator. By trampling down death by death and dispelling its darkness with the light of true life, He leads us to salvation and eternal communion with God. On this day and in the celebration of Holy Pascha, we are blessed in so many ways. We are called by the canon of the feast to “partake of the new fruit of the vine of divine gladness and of the Kingdom of Christ.” The Holy Resurrection of our Lord affirms that as the True Vine, He is the source of life. He has made it possible and now guides us in being connected to His presence and the power of His Resurrection through faith. The Resurrection of Christ has also blessed us with the light of the absolute truth. The bondage to falsehood and error has been vanquished by the power of the Gospel of truth. False ideologies, wrong philosophies, and evil machinations have been discredited and dispelled by the brilliance of divine wisdom. The deceptions of this world of sin and corruption have been exposed by the illumination of our minds with the sacred, holy, and eternal truth revealed by Christ. These blessings, this fruit of Pascha that is produced in our lives as the Risen Lord is in our midst, are not for us alone. They are a witness of the grace and power of God through our worship, and they are blessings we are called to share with all of humanity. In the joy and light of this day, our hearts are so filled with gladness that we cannot but speak of things we have seen and heard. Our attitudes, words, and actions, our response to the needs of others reveals a source of strength, love and peace. Our lives are a witness of Pascha, guiding all around us to encounter a Risen and Redeeming Christ. On this most sacred of days, this Feast of Great and Holy Pascha, I wish you and your families the fullness of the joy and blessings that are offered to us by God through our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. May this fullness of joy fill your hearts and may the light of grace and truth shine through your lives offering to all a witness of the transforming power of Christ’s Resurrection.
Chosen and appointed by God to Go and bear fruit you did not choose me but i chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.
(John 15:16)
Ὁ Θεός μᾶς διᾶλεξε κᾶι μᾶς ὥριςε νᾶ πόρευΘόυμε κᾶι νᾶ φερόυμε κᾶρπόυς όὐχ ὑμεῖς με ἐξελέξασθε ἀλλ’ ἐγώ ἐξελεξάμην ὑμᾶς καί ἔθηκα ὑμᾶς ἵνα ὑμεῖς ὑπάγητε καί καρπόν φέρητε. (Ἰωάν. 15:16)
With paternal love in the Risen Lord,
† Archbishop DEMETRIOS of America
Leadership 100 Grant Helps Youth to Attend Church Camps by George Schira
Charles H. Cotros, chairman of Leadership 100, announced that the Executive Committee has unanimously approved additional grant support of $270,000 to enable Greek Orthodox youth who do not have the financial means to attend Church summer camp in 2012 in order to share in Christian fellowship with other campers. With the action, new grants for 2012 total $686,250, total grant distributions for 2012 will total $1,742,850, and grant distributions since the inception of Leadership 100 will reach $33,025,686. Cotros presented the check for $270,000 to Archbishop Demetrios March 27 to support the Archdiocese
Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Summer Camping Programs with $30,000 each for the Direct Archdiocesan District and for the eight Metropolises for the sole purpose of the participation of youth in need. Summer camping programs have played an integral role in the life of the young people in the Archdiocese for more than 50 years. The grant support continues an initiative in 2011 by Constantine G. Caras, then chairman of Leadership 100, which enabled more than 2,000 young people to attend summer camps. “In providing this opportunity for our youth, we build a better future for them and for our shared values and
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Phoenix Desert riDge
PHOENIX, AZ More information to come in future issues of the Orthodox Observer!
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APRIL 2012
The Voice of Philoptochos
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Bishop Sevastianos Named New Spiritual Advisor
BISHOP SEVASTIANOS OF ZELA
ATLANTA – National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas announced that Archbishop Demetrios appointed Bishop Sevastianos of Zela as the organization’s new advisor at the spring National Board meeting here March 16 in conjunction with the Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos “Open the Doors” Luncheon to benefit the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. President Skeadas welcomed Bishop Sevastianos and expressed gratitude to Bishop Andonios of Phasiane who served as
National Philopotochos advisor for 10 years. A native of Cyprus, Bishop Sevastianos served in Athens, Greece and Nottingham, England before assuming parishes in Birmingham and Huntsville, Ala., Marietta, Ga., and Tarpon Springs, Fla. Bishop Sevastianos, who serves as chief secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod, addressed the Board on the importance of Lent, “Though we are caught up in the business of life, we must take time for prayer, alms giving and renewal of our minds and hearts.” Metropolitan Alexios addressed the National Board and reminded the members that, “Philoptochos is part of the Church and you are doing the work of the Church. You must spread the message of the good works and the Philoptochos mission.” President Skeadas said the Appeal for the Welfare of the People of Greece has raised $48,000 to date and encouraged continued support for this important endeavor. Additionally, National Philoptochos disbursed $25,000 from the General Emergency Fund to IOCC. for the shipment of medical supplies and food packages for Greece. She also announced major donations for the annual Vasilopita of about $72,000 from the following chapters: Annunciation Cathedral, Houston – $24,567.68; Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta - $15,000; Holy Trinity, Dallas – $11,000; St. Nicholas, Detroit – $5,700; Annunciation, Dayton, Ohio – $5,500; Annunciation, Cranston, R.I. – $5,200; Sts. Constantine and Helen, Merriville, Ind. – $5,032 and the Metropolis of Chicago $37,000.
President Skeadas’ Pascha Message Beloved National Board Members, Chapter Presidents and Dear Members of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were afraid. 6But he said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid Him.” (Mark 16: 1-6) I greet you with this glorious passage because it speaks to our heart in a simple and pure way. The faithful women went very early in the morning on the day of the Resurrection because they understood their sacred and pious duty to anoint the precious body of Jesus. They went to the tomb knowing they may be arrested and even mocked and not fully sure how they would move the huge stone that was placed as a seal to the tomb of Jesus. As believers we must remember that none of this deterred these women because they were on a mission of faith and love. The women’s dilemma of who would
move the stone away from the tomb was no longer a concern because miraculously “the stone had already been rolled back.” Seeing the passage cleared, they entered the tomb to anoint the precious body of our Lord and Saviour. Instead of seeing the body of the crucified Jesus, they were greeted by a holy angel and were the first to hear the words that changed the entire creation forever: “He has been raised; He is not here.” My beloved Philoptochos Sisters, it is so important for us all to enter into the mystery of the Resurrection of Christ as did the myrrh bearing women, the first to discover the Resurrection. An important aspect of this mystery is that the Lord Himself moved the stone allowing the women access to the tomb to hear the words of the Resurrection. The work was already done by the Lord. All we have to do is approach Him and make the sincere effort to serve Him. It is the message of agape. This is the model for our lives as Philoptochos servants, as mothers and daughters, sisters and aunts and grandmothers and godmothers, to approach our sacred role as women of faith. The obstacles and the huge stones that at times stand in our way throughout our life will be removed by Christ as we approach Him in faith and in service. We fret, as the myrrh bearing women did, as to how the task of moving the stone will occur. We learn from the Resurrection
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(from left ) Demitra Savvides, Helen Snyder, Aphrodite Skeadas, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, Anne Michals, and Elizabeth Alexopoulos, four honorees of Chapter 1015 of Sts. Constantine and Helen, Annapolis, Md., at the luncheon.
NJ Philoptochos Raise $100,000 for Center of Philanthropy EDISON, N.J. – More than 500 guests gathered Feb. 4 for the successful Agape Luncheon under the patronage of Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, with cochairs Evellyn Tsiadis and Bessie Drogeris. The event honored 235 Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos women who served the Church and Philoptochos for 50 years. Metropolitan Evangelos was joined by National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas and Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos President Anne Michals to recognize 75 of the honorees at the luncheon with “Fifty–Year Service Awards.” Special awards were also presented to the Katsifis family of the Pines Manor for their generous underwriting of the entire
luncheon in honor of their wife, mother and grandmother Georgia and to Dr. Zenon Christodoulou for the printing of all luncheon materials. These donations, sponsorships and donations from guests brought the total Metropolis total for the Center to $100,000. Metropolitan Evangelos expressed thanks for the successful event and especially the demonstration of love and support for the vital work of Philoptochos. National President Skeadas offered sincere gratitude to Metropolitan Evangelos, Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos President Anne Michals and the entire Metropolis for this outstanding accomplishment and their commitment to Philoptochos and its mission to assist those in need.
Honoring Our Leaders National Philoptochos celebrates ’80 Years of Philanthropy’ with a series of vignettes recognizing our Past National Philoptochos Presidents. We proudly honor the eighth National Philoptochos President Mimi Skandalakis, and thank her for her service and the following reflections on her tenure as National President from 1994 through 1998. Archbishop Iakovos appointed Mrs. Skandalakis as national president in 1994. She led this philanthropic organization of the Church that she and her late, beloved husband, Dr. John Skandalakis served all their lives. Her goal was to expand the service offered by Philoptochos and to ensure inclusion so that everyone became engaged in the organization. Mimi traveled often on early morning flights from Atlanta to the National Philoptochos Office in New York to oversee the multiple presidential responsibilities and traveled throughout the country visiting each diocese and many chapters. She raised awareness of critical social issues including presentations at the National Philoptochos Convention with special educational speakers and videos and promoted the enhanced role of women. During her tenure, National Philoptochos pledged $100,000 for the Archbishop Iakovos Library and Resource Center at Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, Mass., donating in total more than $170,000. National Philoptochos
MIMI SKANDALAKIS
also initiated the Awards Program during her presidency that honors the excellent philanthropic works of the Philoptochos chapters nationwide as well as participated in the International Year of the Family. Following the retirement of Archbishop Iakovos in 1996, Mimi served under Archbishop Spyridon offering valuable support throughout her tenure. Mrs. Skandalakis encourages all members to continue the good work of Philoptochos and is proud of the continuing legacy with her daughter Vicky Scaljon who serves on the National Board and her granddaughter Mimi Godwin.
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Commentaries and Reflections
A HIERARCHAL REFLECTION
Smaller Parishes Need More Outreach in Order to Grow by Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver
Looking across our vast nation, we can say that our Orthodox Church has seen incremental growth, especially in the developing urban areas. On the other hand, we realize that some of the smaller parishes of our Archdiocese are either not growing or are losing numbers of parishioners. For example, the once-thriving Holy Trinity parish in Grand Island, Nebraska, is no longer in existence. While it is an exception, unfortunately, Holy Trinity is not unique. In regard to those parishes which are not increasing in membership, there has been very little, if any, outreach by the Church, due to lack of funding or lack of interest. In some cases, priests have been provided periodically through the year and for Holy Week services, but it is clear that this is merely a band-aid approach to a greater problem. Those parishes can grow if we make a concerted effort to assist them. We see from among Christians of different denominations who are leaving their congregations, or whose churches are ceasing to exist, that there is a good percentage who seek another church. We can be optimistic that the Holy Spirit is leading those who seek authentic Christianity to our Orthodox faith whose Church has preserved the Apostolic teachings which we are blessed to follow. There will continue to be a growing number of people who leave the non-denominational and other Protestant congregations which have radically changed their basic beliefs and follow all sorts of heresies and false teachings. Among them, as mentioned, there are those who have heard of Orthodox Christianity, those who realize that ours is the Church of the first millennium which has preserved the teachings of the undivided Church. A good number of people, formerly of other Christian traditions have already gravitated to the OCA and to the Antiochian Archdiocese because of their
u Congress theme hits homet Editor, Not being Greek, though a happy and contended member of the Clearwater Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, I tend to skip over many articles in the Observer, thinking they don’t apply to me. However, when I
THE ORTHODOX OBSERVER? WELCOMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM OUR READERS 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 Fax:(212) 774 - 0239 E-mail: observer@goarch.org jim@goarch.org
nearly exclusive use of the English language in worship. Due to our title, Greek, many of these people do not initially realize that our parishes also use English. Even so, we can say about ourselves that we have an unconscious tendency, based on self–preservation, to be a closed entity, and thus giving the false impression that we are concerned only for ourselves. One reason for this false notion is that our faith appears to be strongly connected to nationalism and not to the catholicity of our Apostolic faith and traditions. We know that this perception among many non-Orthodox is very strong in the major cities of our nation where our Greek culture appears to be strongly nationalistic. They do not see us as being under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, which officially carries no ethnic name, but simply preserves the original language of the New Testament. The positive side of this reality is that more and more people who seek the true faith of Apostolic Christianity are realizing that the fact we still use New Testament Greek in our services is a witness to the truth of our faith and the accuracy of our translations. Because of this, it is essential for our clergy and the laity, especially in the smaller parishes, to be sensitive to the fact that an increasing number of people are looking to see if they should join us. If those people, who, we can say, are led by the Holy Spirit, do not come into our parish family, the smaller parishes will ultimately close their doors, as the parish in Grand Island did. In all of this, when we do see converts coming into our parishes, some of our core or cradle members appear to be threatened because they see themselves as losing control. Control of what? The Church belongs to Christ, not to us. Unfortunately, this biased attitude is not new in the life of the Church. In the Book of Acts we read in the sixth chapter that the Christian Hellenists (the Greeks) were complaining that their widows were
neglected in the daily food distribution, while the Jewish Christian women were given better care. Fortunately, through the power of the Holy Spirit, this problem was corrected. Yet, today we see this same attitude of one-sidedness existing in some Orthodox parishes which grow to a certain point in membership and then stop. It is like a closed society or club in which new members seem to be a threat. In reality, we should desire to see our parishes continually growing in numbers, and in some places we are. This is the spirit of missions which the Holy Spirit is developing. Likewise, we are also seeing the establishment of new parishes. In order for new and smaller parishes to grow and to flourish, it is imperative for all of us, clergy and laity, to accept the responsibility of sharing our great treasure of Orthodox Christianity with those who are searching for Christ and His true Church. As our ancestors received our holy faith from the Jewish Christians in the days of the Apostles and thereafter, so too, they who seek Christ and His Church should receive this holy treasure from us. This divine faith is not for us to hold only for ourselves, but to share with those people of goodwill who are seeking the true Christ and His holy Church, the only Church He established by the Holy Spirit on the great day of Pentecost. It is, in fact, time to do something more, as we witness unexpected, radical events taking place throughout the world. Facing natural and man-made calamities on a regular basis, the message of the Church is so very important and applicable. It is therefore most imperative that we share the good news of our salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ and His coming Kingdom with those who are coming to our doors, thirsting for His unchanging truths and for their salvation.
saw “Chosen and appointed by God to go and bear fruit,” it kind of hit home, as they say. Fr James Rousakis, often speaks the same, in our weekly Bible study, of our obligation to God and His Church. Are we fulfilling that obligation? The title does not just say He’s chosen us, but we were “Chosen and Appointed By God, To Go and Bear Fruit.” Remember, we, each one of us, is an individual, chosen by God, and we and only we, are responsible for what we do and what we don’t do. If eternity with Him, is our goal, then we must do as He say’s and go forth and bear fruit for Him and His church. Many times we say, we already do this or help with that, and that’s enough, but is it truly enough to please Him, and do what He asks of us, when we claim to be His children? However, after reading the article and knowing the scripture, are we really going forth and bearing fruit for Him? Do we give of our” time and talent,
as well as the first fruits of our labors?” If Christ was seated next to us in us church, would He thank us for our first fruits, or would He know, He got what was left, after our own needs were met? He’s got to be number one in our lives and not an afterthought. When this life is finished and we face eternity, will He smile and welcome us into His heavenly Home, or will He say “why didn’t you have time to go forth and bear fruit, since I gave you a lifetime to do so?” We actually owe Him our very existence, as without Him and His love for mankind, we would be among those (left at the gate) and heaven would not be our final destination, as we all hope for, as His followers. So let’s make up our minds from this day forward, “to go forth and bear forth fruit for Him, as He’s personally chosen each one of us as His own.” What an honor He’s given us? Fran Glaros–Sharp Clearwater, Fla.
APRIL 2012
Archbishop Convenes Meeting to Coordinate Relief Efforts for Greece u u from page 3 He also said he has called Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece to discuss the issue of support and intends to visit him in Athens in the near future. During his visit, the Archbishop will have the opportunity to be informed in more detail about the assistance programs for the needy operated by the Archdiocese of Athens, the Metropolises of Greece and the local parishes of the Church of Greece. He will present to Archbishop Ieronymos the first installment from the Archdiocese Relief Fund for the People of Greece in order for the funds to be used for these specific assistance programs of the Archdiocese of Athens. His Eminence added that Andonios of Phasiane, chancellor of the Archdiocese, has been assigned to coordinate relief efforts between the Archdiocese and the GreekAmerican organizations. During the meeting, all the officials and representatives of the organizations and federations spoke and reported on the initiatives they have already undertaken or are planning in the immediate future. The views and ideas presented, were not only related to the immediate and urgent need of support for those suffering in Greece, but touched upon relevant issues such as immigration policy, offers of employment in Greece and the U.S., visas for new scientists and young professionals, internships and short term employment, tourism, investments, access to capital for small businesses, medical and pharmaceutical care. There was special interest for the experiences of several organizations that have already started initiatives for Greece and have either distributed food and clothing or sent relief funds to philanthropic entities in Greece. Participants expressed their satisfaction and praise for the initiative of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to convene this coordination meeting, and agreed that it is very important to be on the same page and plan jointly. They all expressed their willingness to work together in a spirit of unity, with the Archdiocese as the coordinator of this endeavor. The following representatives took part in the meeting: Jimmy Kokotas, AHEPA; Nick Larigakis, American Hellenic Institute; Andrew Manatos, National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes; Peter Papanicolaou, Cyprus Federation of America; Dimitrios Filios, Pan-Arcadian Federation of America; George Kalyvas, Pan-Messenian Federation of USA & Canada; Nicholas Poulis, Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of New Jersey and Chian Federation; Elias Tsekerides, Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York; Kostas Kellas, Hellenic American Bankers Association; Michael Theodorobeakos, Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce; Stamatis Ghikas, Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce; Stella Kokolis, Hellenic American Teachers Federation of the USA; Michael Hartofilis, Hellenic Lawyers Association; Dr. Nikolaos Mezitis, Hellenic Medical Society of New York; Stelios Taketzis, Hellenic Relief Foundation; George Stamas, National Hellenic Society; and George Antoniou, Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of New Jersey.
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41 Clergy-Laity Congress st
Theme: ‘Chosen and Appointed by God to Go and Bear fruit’ Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our reflections on the theme for our 41st Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, “Chosen and appointed by God to go and bear fruit,” lead us to consider how we fulfill the commission we have received from Him. He has chosen and appointed us (John 15:16) to go to all who need the saving and transforming presence of Christ and to bear fruit by offering a witness of divine grace, by strengthening faith, and by guiding others into a sustained and growing relationship with Him. To accomplish this sacred work, it is essential that we recognize those who need to connect or reconnect with God. In the previous article we examined our calling to go to those who are searching for God and seeking answers in the midst of the questions and challenges of life. In this article we address our ministry to people who have had some connection with the Orthodox Church in the past, but currently, they are not active participants in a parish. The first priority in going to our own “unconnected” people is identifying who they are. This necessitates an awareness of those who are part of the community but have not attended in some time, those who identify as members but have limited engagement in worship and parish activities, or those who have active family members but their participation is limited. We need to recognize that these people need our prayers and our consistent efforts to reconnect them with the life of faith and with God. When you organize and participate in outreach programs through your local parish, you are fulfilling the command of God to go, and you are creating the potential for great, spiritual fruit to be produced in the lives of others. Outreach is not just a part of pastoral ministry. While our clergy are called to seek those who are not active participants in the community of faith and to guide them back into communion with God, this calling is also extended to every Christian. Each one of you is chosen and appointed by God, and through all of us laboring together, His work is broadened and the fruit is multiplied as more people find healing, peace, fellowship, and salva-
tion through our witness. This fruit will be produced in their lives when you go to them—when you go and engage with the lives of those who are disconnected, offering friendship, comfort, and the love of God, and inviting them to come and experience grace and joy in the worship and fellowship of the Church. Fruit will be produced through the renewal and recommitment of those who find forgiveness and restoration in Christ. It will be produced through patient and compassionate ministry to interfaith families, guiding them into worship and service together. It will be produced through our gracious persistence with those who struggle with God’s call to return to Him, and through our readiness to respond in the love of Christ to the challenges and needs in their lives. As you answer the call to go to those who are disconnected from the life of faith and the community of believers, may you find assurance in knowing that you are chosen and appointed by God for this great work. Through prayer and communion with Him, you will have an attitude of outreach and an awareness of the spiritual needs of those around you. Our Lord’s presence will guide you in what to say and do, so that others encounter His grace and receive His call to return to a saving and transforming relationship of faith and abundant life. In your preparations for our 41st Clergy-Laity Congress, July 1-5 in Phoenix, I ask you to examine your lives and the work of your communities in the light of our theme, “Chosen and appointed by God to go and bear fruit.” Evaluate your efforts to reach those who are disconnected from our communities and consider the means and resources you need to reach them. Certainly, our attention to this theme will encourage you to strengthen your work of ministry. May it also lead you to consider how the coordination of our work and resources at all levels of the Church in America can bear great fruit in the lives of more and more people by reconnecting them with God. With paternal love in Christ, †DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America
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HCHC NEWS
Memories of Holy Cross by Fr. Alexander Goussetis
My experience at Holy Cross was not what I anticipated. As a graduate of Drexel University with a degree in accounting, I had grown accustomed to the sequence of classroom lectures, followed by tests and term papers, and concluding with a final grade. When I prepared to enter Holy Cross, I expected the same format to apply. Instead I experienced a broader, fuller, and life-changing adventure at the “school on the hill.” Of course, lectures and tests awaited us as students. Yet class work made up only a fraction of the formation of students. What made life at Holy Cross extraordinary was the diversity of learning; engaging mind, body, and soul. The school emphasized a wholistic approach, including a regular liturgical schedule, opportunities for ministry and service to the Church and community, spiritual direction from discerning and caring elders, and relationships with fellow students that last a lifetime. It was not enough to simply learn about the Orthodox faith; rather we were encouraged to fully experience the treasure of Orthodoxy.
The memory most imbedded in my heart from my seminary years was the presence of Bishop Gerasimos, of blessed memory. Each service, His Grace would walk through a side door of the chapel, sit in a chair off to the side of the sanctuary, reverently offer the sign of the Cross, and then prayerfully participate in the worship. His demeanor was always humble and awestruck at the glory of God. After morning chapel we would all walk to the cafeteria for breakfast. Following our meal and fellowship, the students would head for classes. Bishop Gerasimos would return to his campus apartment and continue his education through reading and writing on faith issues. He inspired everyone through his discipline, piety, and affirmation that we are all perpetual students of the Lord, even wise and brilliant hierarchs like himself. My prayer is that every Orthodox Christian visits the school and perhaps enrolls for a semester or two. I encourage you to “come and see” the beauty of our faith as expressed in our beloved “scholi.” Rev. Dr. Alexander Goussetis, Class of 1992, is pastor of Annunciation Church in Lancaster, Pa.
Learning process
DIMITRIS PANAGOS photo
Holy Cross seniors spent several days at the Archdiocese headquarters in New York during the last week in March for the annual orientation visit for seminarians. They received briefings on the workings and activities of the various departments and ministries from directors and staff, including administration, communications, Leadership 100, Philoptochos, the Archons and others. (Above) Students gather with Archbishop Demetrios, Bishop Andonios of Phasiane (left) and (at right) Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, chief secretary of the Holy Synod. (Below) Bishop Andonios, the Archdiocese chancellor, gives the opening presentation to seminarians. Their visit also included stops at St. Basil Academy, St. Vladimir Orthodox Seminary and Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral.
ORTHODOX OBSERVER photo
Holy Cross Professors Teach in Alaska Two professors from Holy Cross School of Theology spent their spring break recess in Kodiak, Alaska, offering a week-long seminar to students at St. Herman’s Orthodox Seminary regarding the importance of missions and pastoral care. St. Herman’s Seminary is an Orthodox seminary which trains mostly Yupik, Aleut, and Thlingit native Alaskan seminarians to serve the more than 90 Orthodox churches throughout the villages of Alaska. While there has been a historic and ongoing relationship between St. Herman’s Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Seminary, this was the first opportunity for Holy Cross faculty members to teach at St. Herman’s. They were invited to Kodiak to help facilitate the seminary’s unique vision to develop leadership for the Church in Alaska. Fr. Luke Veronis, a veteran OCMC missionary to Albania and East Africa, director of the Mission Institute of Orthodox Christianity and adjunct in-
structor at Holy Cross, presented “The Missiology of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania,” in which he emphasized the priority of missions in Orthodox Christian life. Especially meaningful was Fr. Luke’s account of Archbishop Anastasios’ thoughts when he was considering ministry in Africa after his ordination to the priesthood in the early 1960s, although everyone around him counseled him to stay in Greece to meet the needs of his own countrymen: “I went to the monastery on the island of Patmos and prayed about the possibility to enter into missionary activity. The question formed in my mind: What about the dangers you will face? Then came the response: Is God enough for you? If God is enough for you, go!” Fr. Luke encouraged the seminarians to ask that same question as they prepare to enter the challenging prospects of ministry in Alaska: “Is God enough?”
u u to page 26
75th Year Begins with ‘75th at the Pops’ Concert BROOKLINE, Mass. - The Hellenic College Holy Cross 75 th Anniversary Celebration is under way with preparations throughout the country to recognize this important milestone for the theological school. The premiere celebratory event will be a special “75th at the Pops Concert” on Saturday, May 12, 8 p.m. at Symphony Hall in Boston. The concert features Maestro Keith Lockhart conducting a George Gershwin program. Archbishop Demetrios, the president, trustees, faculty, staff and students of Hellenic College Holy Cross invite parishes, alumni, friends and supporters of the school to attend. The
75th at the Pops Committee chairmen are Alexis Lelon and Presbytera Diane Triantafilou. Seating is limited and seats are available at Symphony Hall for the orchestra, main floor and balcony sections. There is also an opportunity to sponsor a ticket for a seminarian/ student. For ticket information, contact Patricia Dukakis 508.545.2471. To make a donation and have one’s name listed in the 75th at the Pops Program Book, contact Dorothy Sophocles at dasoph@ yahoo.com. For more information: www.hchc. edu, or call 617.731.3500.
PA N- ORT HODOX N E WS
APRIL 2012
Stewardship “You’re Dying in 6 Days” by Bill Marianes
“I am very sorry, but you only have six days to live.” If this was your diagnosis, what would you do for those last six days? Take out a sheet of paper and make a list right now. Don’t wait, because the clock is ticking. I’ll wait for you to finish your list. OK, what’s your plan for “getting your affairs in order.” If you’re like most people, you will want to prepare a Last Will and Testament and decide who will get your possessions. They won’t be yours anymore soon, and taking them with you is pointless. Imagine that. All that great “stuff” you once coveted, and worked so hard for, really won’t matter much anymore. Perhaps you’ll second guess the time you spent fretting about those “things.” You will likely also be saying “thank you” to lots of people. All kinds of folks who unselfishly helped you, or who meant so much to you, will finally become the beneficiaries of your gratitude. Probably before the “Thanks” will come the “I love you’s.” You’ll want to express your love to so many family members and close friends who were there for you. And now you have so much to tell them, and so little time. The flood gates will likely open with all the sentiments, advice, expressions of joy and admiration. You might even make some requests for forgiveness. And then you will understand how important it is to constantly tell people how much you love them. And speaking of acts of contrition, guilt will inevitably set in. All the missed opportunities, all the “I’ll get around to it later” and “I don’t have enough time right now” memories will have you second guessing your previous priorities. Maybe you will become angry that you only have six days and counting down. You had so much you could (or should) have done, and there is no way to get it all done in less than a week. OK, God created everything in six days, but you are a mere mortal. You’ll probably think, “It just isn’t fair.” And then you will remember the many people who asked you, “Who said life was fair?” And as you realize you have less than six days left, you’ll conclude that there is no time for bitterness or regrets or feelings of unfairness or self pity. That’s not how you’ll want to be remembered. You need to get some really important work done before you rest, permanently. The one unanswered question you will keep coming back to is: “Why?” Prayer will probably become a lot
more important than it ever was before. You find yourself now doing what you didn’t do before your death sentence, namely praying “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me a sinner.” (I always add: “And remember me when You enter into Your kingdom.”) You will pray, and everyone will tell you that they will pray for you. You’ll wonder if anyone prayed for you before, and why you didn’t pray more? And then you will understand how important prayer really is. And the clock never stops ticking, and time never stops passing, until it does. And then it’s too late. An old Chinese proverb says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” So if you’re “to do” list for the last six days of your life is different from what you did today, then make a change and make a difference. Start today! Thankfully, most of us will have more than six more days left, although the exact number is uncertain. Perhaps it’s time we better prepare ourselves and our souls for our day of judgment. You can’t change what you didn’t do in the past. You can only change what you will do from now on. Since I believe: “Stewardship is what you do with the gifts God gave you” take this moment to reflect on what your stewardship legacy will be. In his powerful book, Halftime, Bob Buford suggests that we spend the first part of our life trying to be successful and the second part trying to be significant. The time in between is “halftime.” During halftime, we figure out what our stewardship calling of significance is. So I ask you, who’s life did you help save? What church ministry did you devote yourself to? What acts of kindness did you extend to those who needed help? To what church work did you give your most valuable asset, your time, so that the mission of Christ’s church on this earth could be realized? It may be halftime for you. It might be your last six days. So what’s your plan, and what will you do now (and from now on)? Your parish, metropolis, Archdiocese, Patriarchate and Christ’s Church needs you now more than ever before. Your stewardship of the 4 T’s (your time, talents, treasures and tithes) is more critical in these uncertain times then ever before. And yes, the clock keeps ticking, and time never stops passing, until it does. Do something today in gratitude for Christ’s redeeming love and to help prepare your soul for salvation! God bless you as you pursue your own unique stewardship calling. SOTPAETJ (stay on The Path, and enjoy the journey.)
President Skeadas’ Pascha Message u u from page 7 narrative that the huge stones we face in our life will never prevent us from approaching the merciful Christ because He will have already moved them even before we encounter them. We must offer exactly what the holy women offered: faith and the will to serve Him. As we confront the difficult moments of our life and observe the huge stones that impede our progress towards Him, all will be cleared as it has been for centuries because the greatest gift for us is that He is Resurrected from the dead. This Pascha let us find strength to
meet all challenges. Let us go forward serving our families, all those in need and our Holy Church with the courage and faith of these pious women, always knowing that the Lord has cleared the way before us. Let us reflect and accordingly respond to the immeasurable love of God. Rejoice in the proclamation of the Resurrection and in your calling to go forward into the world to make this good news known to the disadvantaged, to the disenfranchised and to all people. Christ Is Risen! Truly He Is Risen! With love in the Resurrected Christ, Aphrodite Skeadas
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APRIL 2012
Christ Is Risen Truly He is Risen Leon & Robyn Andris
National Hellenic Society
2012 AHEPA Journey To Greece The 7th Annual AHEPA / University of Indianapolis
Journey to Greece Program
Incorporating the Nemean Games and a special visit to The Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople The Order of AHEPA has produced this program with the University of Indianapolis.
The Journey to Greece will run in three sessions in 2012: • Session 1: June 22 - July 6, 2012 • Session 2: June 29 - August 1, 2012 • Sessions 1 & 2: June 22 - August 1, 2012 Visit the AHEPA Web site to download application form & detailed program
www.ahepa.org
or for questions please contact program director:
Dr. James F. Dimitriou
jfdplato@aol.com AHEPA Headquarters: 1909 Q Street, NW. Suite 500 Washington, DC 20009 • (202) 232-6300
Orthodoxy in Washington Washington’s Hercules by Andrew Manatos
WASHINGTON – Millions of Orthodox Christians have seen him on national television programs broadcast from Washington but few realized by the sound of his name, Reince Priebus, that he is a Greek Orthodox Christian whose middle name is Hercules. Greek Orthodox Christians who have met Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), have found him to be proud of his Church and heritage. He shares our community’s deep concern about issues like religious freedom for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew or the division of Cyprus. The maiden name of Reince Hercules Priebus’ mother, Dimitra, was Pitsiladis. Reince visited Greece while growing up and identifies closely with his Hellenism and Orthodoxy. He is a native of Wisconsin and a lifelong member of Kimisis tis Theotokou Church in Racine. Living up to the origin of his middle name, his success at the RNC has been Herculean. When Reince took over, the RNC was in debt by $20 million and sinking deeper with each passing month. Although in office for a relatively short period of time, Reince has already paid off that debt and started building a significant war chest. In doing so he set many records. For example, none of his predecessors in the RNC’s 155–year history, that has included such dignitaries as former President George H. W. Bush and former
Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, raised more funds in a non–election–year month of August than has Reince. Having a Greek American in a high profile position like the head of the RNC can be helpful to our causes. My office, working closely with the Archdiocese and the Archons, tried to get all senators to sign a letter to the President urging religious freedom for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in 2006. That year only 58 percent of the Republican senators supported our petition. This year with the help of the conservative American Center for Law and Justice and Reince 90 percent of Republican senators signed. Reince personally secured the senator that put us over the 90-senators mark. Watching Reince handle the gotchatype questions from some of America’s toughest national journalists, one realizes that God has blessed him with extraordinary articulateness. I predict that whichever path he chooses to follow after his stint as RNC chairman, Reince will climb even higher in America’s hierarchy. Some of his predecessors have gone on to the post of governor, U.S. senator, cabinet member and, in one case, president. We’ll have to wait and see where Reince’s career will take him. But with a name like Hercules, the sky is the limit. Andrew Manatos is president of Manatos & Manatos and the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes. His articles are non-partisan, Greek Orthodox–focused. He served as assistant secretary of commerce under President Jimmy Carter.
IOCC News IOCC and NY Parochial Day Schools in Joint Text Book Initiative International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and the New York Direct Archdiocesan District Parochial Day Schools joined forces to distribute over $350,000 of brand new current text books to the parochial schools of the Direct Archdiocesan District. The McGraw-Hill books are provided by the Brother’s Brother Foundation and are distributed to educational programs through IOCC. Additional books are expected to be distributed through parochial day schools in Northridge (Calif.), and Roseville (Calif.), as well as other IOCC partners throughout the country. Since 2006, IOCC has delivered millions of dollars worth of textbooks annually in the US. “Cognizant of the fact that education is an important element in the well-being and success of young people, we are thankful for the opportunity to deliver over 10,000 new textbooks, in cooperation with the Brother’s Brother Foundation, to the Greek Orthodox Parochial Day Schools in the New York City area and through them, to other educational programs in their respective areas,” stated Daniel Christopulos, IOCC’s country representative. “We are hopeful that we will continue this newly formed collaboration with Orthodox schools in the future, not
only in New York, but throughout the country and are thankful to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism for their assistance in this activity.” The New York District effort was implemented by Maria Makedon, director of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education and Anastasios Koularmanis, principal of St. Demetrios Greek-American School of Astoria, N.Y. Nearly all the parochial schools of the district participated in the program. “The Greek Orthodox parochial day schools in New York City are known to local educational authorities for their excellent academic program, despite tight budgets in recent years” said Ms. Makedon. “IOCC’s donation of textbooks for the elementary grades will definitely supplement and enhance their program of studies while easing their budgets. Our schools welcome such noble endeavors, and I thank IOCC on their behalf.” International Orthodox Christian Charities was established in 1992 as the official international humanitarian organization of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the
u u to page 32
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APRIL 2012
Direct Archdiocese District Assembly Supports Greek Relief Resolution by Jim Golding
BRONX, N.Y. – Delegates to the Direct Archdiocese District Clergy-Laity Assembly on March 11 at the Church of Zoodochos Peghe passed a general resolution “urging and encouraging all members of the Church to assist the Greek Relief Fund” in response to the economic crisis in Greece. His Eminence noted that, according to recent information he received, that the Archdiocese of Athens has been feeding 12,000 people on a daily basis for months. “I am amazed that they can cope with that,” the Archbishop said. He added that the churches throughout Greece feed about 250,000 persons daily. He earlier announced that an anonymous pledge of $500,000 had been made for the fund. In his opening remarks to the Assembly, the Archbishop noted that the District has for the first time attained 100 percent of its stewardship allocation. “This is the place we should be as the Direct Archdiocese District,” he stated. The Archbishop also said that the church complex of the Resurrection parish in Port Washington church is nearing completion and Kimisis tis Theotokou parish in Southampton is endeavoring to build a new church. In welcoming the delegates to his parish, the Very Rev. Sylvester Berberis said that the community’s famed parochial school, the Greek American Institute, was observing its 100 th anniversary and that youth of the school
Chancellor Bishop Andonios of Phasiane.
Photos: DIMITRIOS PANAGOS
Archbishop Demetrios addresses delegates at the Direct Archdiocese District Clergy–Laity Assembly at Zoodochos Peghe Church.
have raised more than $1,000 for assistance to Greece. Keynote on Leadership Recently ordained Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, the first Cypriot-born hierarch in the Archdiocese who serves as secretary to the Holy Eparchial Synod, gave a presentation on leadership and discussed characteristics and attitudes a good leader must have to serve the Church. Among these are leading by example, inspiring others, mentoring, taking a positive approach, being truthful, listening, and having principles, knowledge and credibility. Bishop Sevastianos noted that the leadership role of a hierarch is to “help us discover God’s kingdom by defining the local expression of this vision” highlighted by a shared vision and consensus building. He said that leadership involves synergy, “working together with God so salvation will become real in our lives,” adding that “Leadership without love is self-serving and non-Christian,” His Grace said, citing a teaching in the First Epistle of John. Chancellor’s comments In his report, Bishop Andonios noted the continuing success of the District’s St. Paul Summer Camp, with 500 children expected to attend. The camp has grown progressively from a one-week session when it started in 2004 to its current four one-week sessions. The bishop noted that three of the four sessions were already closed and that the fourth would soon also have its maximum number of registrants. The camping program has been so successful that Fr. Elias Villas, the director, later made a motion to discontinue the annual line item $500 donation that parishes had agreed to several years before until the facility could sustain itself. Bishop Andonios also announced the District has launched a new website at:
The hierarchs and Fr. Berberis with Goyans of Zoodochos Peghe who volunteered their time to help with the Assembly preparations.
http://ny.goarch.org/ Nicholas Sialmas of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., gave the finance report and discussed the allocation program, budget stewardship and the parish management software initiative. Council members elected Delegates elected clergy and lay representatives to the Direct Archdiocese District Council and to the Archdiocesan Council District Council representatives for the 2012-14 term are Fr. George Anastasiou, Transfiguration of Christ Church, Corona, N.Y; the Very Rev. Sylvester Berberis, Church of the Zoodohos Peghe, Bronx, NY; Constantinides, Fr. Evagoras Constantinides, District Youth Director,
u u to page 32
Keynote speaker Bishop Sevastianos of Zela.
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APRIL 2012
May the Love, Peace and Joy of the Resurrection live in your hearts now and forever
Christos Anesti! Advancing Orthodoxy & Hellenism in America
Charles H. Cotros, Chairman George S. Tsandikos, Vice Chairman Kassandra L. Romas, Secretary Argyris Vassiliou, Treasurer Paulette Poulos, Executive Director
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APRIL 2012
Pan-Orthodox
Χριστός ᾽Ανέστη ᾽Αληθῶς ᾽Ανέστη Christ is Risen Truly He is Risen
Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops: Year in Review In today’s secular society, which is often filled with meaningless rhetoric, it is encouraging to report that the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America is progressing toward its stated goals. Recent achievements include the Assembly’s official incorporation on Oct. 18, 2011 as the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America (ACOB). (It was formerly known as the “Episcopal Assembly” of North and Central America.) In December, a historic teleconference of Assembly committee chairmen brought together representatives of all Orthodox jurisdictions in North America. The Secretariat–which holds monthly teleconferences–held its second annual face-to-face meeting Jan. 24–25 in Riverside, Calif., hosted by Fr. Josiah Trenham of St. Andrew’s Church. Those attending included Bishop Basil (secretary of the Assembly of Bishops), Archbishop Antony (treasurer), Bishop Andonios, Bishop Maxim, Fr. Mark Arey, Fr. Nicholas Ceko, Hierodeacon Benedict (Armitage), Protodeacon Peter Danilchick, and Messrs. Alexei Krindatch, Alex Machaskee, and Eric Namee. A highlight was “Conversations with Our Bishops,” a series of audio interviews of the Assembly’s 53 member hierarchs conducted by Fr. Trenham, which was warmly received. The interviews provide a broad swath of perspectives to the Church-at-large on the Assembly’s significance and work. This far, 17 interviews have been completed and new interviews are regularly available at www.assemblyofbishops.org. At the Secretariat meeting’s conclusion, much excitement was generated by the idea that the Assembly consider planning an event in the near future to encourage all ACOB agencies (IOCC, OCMC, OCF, and others) to hold their annual meetings simultaneously at the same venue with the Assembly. This would include a major youth event and a concelebrated Liturgy as a major celebration of Orthodoxy to vividly demonstrate unity for Orthodox Christians. Four committees–Financial Affairs, Youth, Pastoral Practice, and Canonical Regional Planning–have all held recent meetings. Of particular note is the Committee for Youth’s Jan. 24–25 meeting at the Antiochian Village Heritage and Learning Center, in Bolivar, Pa. The committee met in conjunction with the annual Camp and Youth Worker Conference that drew youth workers of many jurisdictions. By developing models for cooperative youth activities and programs, the committee hopes to maximize participation by our youth in the full life of the Church. The Committee sees its work as a pathway to transforming our youth to lead their lives in service and witness to Christ. While some of the other committees report slower progress, all are committed to accelerating, in 2012, accomplishment of the charges they have been given through their Terms of Reference. ACOB recently elicited positive responses from clergy and laity for its “Record of Protest Against the Infringement of Religious Liberty by the Department of Health and Human Services.” In this ruling by HHS, religious hospitals, educational institutions, and other organizations would be required to pay for the full cost of contraceptives (including some abortion-inducing drugs) and sterilizations for their employees, regardless of
the religious convictions of the employers. The Assembly’s priority issues in 2012 include formal adoption of the By–Laws. The By–Laws have been drafted and are currently under review; all member bishops will soon be given an opportunity to comment on them. At present, the Assembly does not have an established mechanism for endorsing Orthodox organizations. A process for endorsement is under development. A “statement of principles” is also being created to define the relationship between the Assembly and endorsed organizations. In 2012, the Assembly committees have a goal to host “town hall meetings” for the public. These open forums would be led by the committees’ bishops and clergy/lay consultants; they would provide an opportunity for clergy and laity to ask questions about the Assembly and the work of the committees. The Assembly implores all Orthodox to take an interest in its work and asks that they encourage their bishops to become engaged and active in its mission. Financial donations are also greatly welcome in order to fund the activities of the Assembly. Donations can be made by mail or through the Assembly’s website, www.assemblyofbishops.org. For detailed reports of the committees making significant progress, such as Financial Affairs, Canonical Regional Planning, and Pastoral Practice, consult the website. The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America was formed by the 4th Pre-Conciliar Pan–Orthodox Conference in Chambesy, Switzerland in June, 2009. It is one of 12 worldwide assemblies that were formed. The Assembly replaces the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of America (SCOBA) and has assumed all of its agencies, dialogues and other ministries. The Assembly is comprised of all active, canonical Orthodox bishops of North and Central America of every jurisdiction. Its purpose is “to preserve and contribute to the unity of the Orthodox Church by helping to further her spiritual, theological, ecclesiological, canonical, educational, missionary and philanthropic aims.” To accomplish this, the Assembly has as its goals: • The promotion and accomplishment of Church unity in North and Central America; • The strengthening of the common pastoral ministry to all the Orthodox faithful of this region; and • A common witness by the Church to all those outside her. In addition, the Assembly has an expressed goal of organizing the Church in North and Central America in accordance with Orthodox ecclesiological and the canonical tradition. The 13 committees under the Secretariat are responsible for canonical affairs, canonical regional planning, church and society, clergy affairs, ecumenical relations, financial affairs, legal affairs, liturgy, military chaplaincy, monastic communities, pastoral practice, theological education, and youth. The ACOB committee chairmen will meet on Wednesday, May 30, in South Bound Brook, N.J., hosted by Archbishop Antony. The 2012 full Assembly meeting is scheduled for Chicago in September. This report was prepared by ACOB’s Program for Communications: Alex Machaskee, Senior Consultant, Chrysanthe Loizos, Nikki Stephanopoulos, and Sharon Rubis.
Wishing you a Joyful Pascha!
ARCHANGEL MICHAEL CHURCH, CAMPBELL, OHIO
archangelmichael.oh.goarch.org
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The Very Rev. Strongylis mentors seminarians at the Cathedral Office.
Boston Cathedral Gives Seminarians Practical Experience BOSTON – In an effort to better prepare them for their future roles as clergymen, along with the most valuable education they are getting from Holy Cross School of Theology, three seminarians are gaining great experience at the Annunciation Cathedral of New England. Peter Romanovsky, William Smith and Kevin Cochran have been regularly assisting during the Divine Liturgy and the sacramental life in general, getting involved in various community events and programs, and meeting the stewards as part of their comprehensive training for the priesthood. Additionally, Fr. Cleopas Strongylis, dean of the cathedral, also meets once a week with the seminarians at the Cathedral Office in Brookline, to talk about how to handle issues from a pastoral perspective. During these weekly meetings, the students
actively participate in discussions on topics such as the responsibilities and challenges of being a priest, various contemporary issues facing the Church and society, and certain administrative affairs of the church. As they become familiar with the many aspects of their upcoming clerical duties through these dialogues and their participation in Church, they are effectively acquiring the essential background knowledge and experience that they will need for their ministries. The Cathedral is extremely enthused to welcome the three seminarians and it expresses its gratitude and high praises to them for their devotion, loyalty, and service to the Cathedral community. Their commitment to the faithful is deeply moving and inspiring, and it wishes them the very best as they embark on their sacred endeavors.
Albany Women Sponsor Cooking Class, Other Initiatives ALBANY, N.Y. -- A Greek cooking class, brown bag lunches for the homeless, and children making Christmas décor for those less fortunate are but a few of the new activities that the St. Sophia Philoptochos has undertaken in the past few months. In March, they held their first cooking class and 42 participants from outside the church community responded. The groups were divided into groups and rotated around six cooking areas where they saw demonstrations of some of our more popular Greek recipes. One of the more popular demonstration areas featured play dough. Each participant had real hands-on work with phyllo pastry— separating, layering, and buttering the phyllo so as to gain confidence in working with this dough. The cooking class was so successful that a group of four women from a non-Greek church came, observed, took notes, bought our Philoptochos Treasured Greek Recipes cookbook, and then went and held a special Greek dinner as a highly profitable fundraiser for their church. These neophytes made our homemade dolmathes, spanakopita, pastichio, and baklava, all based on our cooking class and cookbook recipes. And all four have signed up for our second cooking class to be held this spring. Proceeds from the cooking class have been used to fund their “brown bag lunch” program. Volunteers gather in the church kitchen once a month to make 50 bag lunches to help supplement service to the most destitute of the homeless through
an organization known as HAC. The Albany “Homeless Action Committee” not only operates a shelter for the homeless, but also operates a van seven days a week that makes the rounds of areas where street people, some of them war veterans and many with mental health issues, choose to live in abandoned buildings, vehicles, and even cardboard boxes. The van offers free food, blankets, hats, gloves, and other basic necessities for those looking to survive in some of the harshest living conditions imaginable. The HAC volunteers have reported that our lunches (especially the hot meatball subs) have been greatly appreciated. Another initiative has been a new focus for the annual St. Barbara’s Day party for the children. In addition to entertainment and refreshments, the children usually made a holiday craft to take home. In imparting the spirit of giving, the children now make a gift for those in need of holiday cheer. For two years, the children decorated over one hundred tabletop Christmas trees with ribbons and ornaments that were delivered to shelters and nursing homes. This past year, they decorated more that seventy wreaths that were delivered to grateful shut-ins, seniors, and nursing home residents. Parents and teenagers helped the very young with their projects while a group of seniors colored homemade Christmas cards that were later delivered to veterans at the local VA hospital. All in all, it was a “goodfeeling” party for young and old, and one that everyone is looking forward to again.
ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2012
ΕΤΟΣ 77 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1274
Α Ρ Χ Ι Ε Π Ι Σ ΚΟ Π Ι Κ Η Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ Ι ΟΣ
Ἅγιον Πάσχα: Ἡ Ἑορτή τῶν Ἑορτῶν Δεῦτε τοῦ καινοῦ τῆς ἀμπέλου γεννήματος, τῆς θείας εὐφροσύνης, ἐν τῇ εὐσήμῳ ἡμέρᾳ τῆς ἐγέρσεως, βασιλείας τε Χριστοῦ κοινωνήσωμεν, ὑμνοῦντες Αὐτόν, ὡς Θεόν εἰς τούς αἰῶνας. Ὕµνος τοῦ Κανόνος τοῦ Ἁγίου Πάσχα Πρός τούς Σεβασµιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί ∆ιακόνους, 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. Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ,
Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Καθώς συγκεντρωνόμεθα γιά νά γιορτάσουμε αὐτή τήν μεγάλη Ἑορτή Ἑορτῶν ζοῦμε τήν ὑπέρτατη χαρά τοῦ Ἁγίου Πάσχα καί προσφέρουμε δοξολογία στόν Θεό γιά τήν ἀπέραντη χάρη Του καί τό θρίαμβο τοῦ Λυτρωτοῦ μας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐπί τῶν δυνάμεων τῆς ἁμαρτίας καί τοῦ θανάτου. Σέ μιά θαυμάσια φανέρωση τῆς ἀκατανίκητης δυνάμεώς Του, ὁ Ἀναστάς Κύριός μας θριάμβευσε ἐπί ὅλων ἐκείνων πού διαφθείρουν καί καταστρέφουν τήν ἀνθρώπινη ὑπόστασή μας. Μέσα ἀπό τήν εὐσπλαγχνική θυσία Του καί τήν Ἁγία Ἀνάσταση, μᾶς συμφιλίωσε μέ τόν Δημιουργό μας. Θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας καί διαλύοντας τό σκότος τοῦ κακοῦ μέ τό φῶς τῆς ἀληθινῆς ζωῆς, μᾶς ὁδηγεῖ στή σωτηρία καί τήν αἰώνια κοινωνία μέ τόν Θεό. Τήν ἡμέρα αὐτή πού ἑορτάζουμε τό Ἁγιο Πάσχα δεχόμεθα πλῆθος εὐλογιῶν. Καλούμεθα μέσα ἀπό τόν ὑμνολογικό κανόνα τῆς ἑορτῆς νά κοινωνήσουμε τοῦ καινοῦ τῆς Ἀμπέλου γεννήματος τῆς θείας εὐφροσύνης καί τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἡ Ἁγία Ἀνάσταση τοῦ Κυρίου μας ἐπιβεβαιώνει ὅτι Ἐκεῖνος, ὡς Ἀληθινή Ἄμπελος, εἶναι ἡ πηγή τῆς ζωῆς. Σ’ Ἐκεῖνον ὀφείλουμε τά πάντα καί τώρα μᾶς ὁδηγεῖ στήν ἕνωση μαζί Του καί στή δύναμη τῆς Ἀναστάσεώς Του διά τῆς πίστεως. Ἡ Ἀνάσταση τοῦ Χριστοῦ μᾶς ἔχει εὐλογήσει ἐπίσης μέ τό φῶς τῆς ἀπολύτου ἀληθείας. Τά δεσμά τῆς ἀπάτης καί τῆς πλάνης ἔχουν ὑπερνικηθεῖ ἀπό τήν ἰσχύ τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου τῆς ἀληθείας. Ψευδεῖς ἰδεολογίες καί φιλοσοφίες καί πονηρές μηχανορραφίες ἔχουν ἀπαξιωθεῖ καί διαλυθεῖ ἀπό τή λαμπρότητα τῆς θείας σοφίας. Οἱ ἀπάτες αὐτοῦ τοῦ κόσμου τῆς ἁμαρτίας καί τῆς διαφθορᾶς ἔχουν ἐκτεθεῖ σέ ὅλη τήν κακότητά τους χάρις στόν φωτισμό τοῦ νοῦ μας μέ τήν ἱερή, ἁγία καί αἰώνια ἀλήθεια τήν ὁποία ἀπεκάλυψε ὁ Χριστός. Αὐτές οἱ εὐλογίες, αὐτός ὁ καρπός τοῦ Πάσχα πού παράγεται στίς ζωές μας καθώς ὁ Ἀναστάς Κύριος εὑρίσκεται ἀνάμεσά μας, δέν προορίζονται μόνο γιά μᾶς. Ἀποτελοῦν μαρτυρία τῆς χάριτος καί τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ Θεοῦ μέσῳ τῆς λατρείας μας, καί εἶναι εὐλογίες πού καλούμεθα νά μοιρασθοῦμε μέ ὁλόκληρη τήν ἀνθρωπότητα. Μέσα στή χαρά καί τό φῶς αὐτῆς τῆς ἡμέρας, ἡ καρδιά μας γεμίζει μέ τέτοια ἀγαλλίαση ὥστε νά εἶναι ἀδύνατο νά μή μιλήσουμε γιά πράγματα πού ζήσαμε, εἴδαμε καί ἀκούσαμε. Ἡ στάση στή ζωή μας, οἱ λόγοι, οἱ πράξεις μας, καί ἡ ἀνταπόκρισή μας στίς ἀνάγκες τῶν συνανθρώπων μας φανερώνει μιά πηγή δυνάμεως, ἀγάπης καί εἰρήνης. Ἡ ζωή μας ἀποτελεῖ μαρτυρία τοῦ Πάσχα, ἡ ὁποία καθοδηγεῖ ὅλους τούς γύρω μας σέ συνάντηση μέ τόν Ἀναστάντα καί Λυτρωτή Χριστό. Σέ αὐτή τήν κλητή καί Ἁγία Ἡμέρα, τήν Ἑορτή τοῦ Μεγάλου καί ἱερωτάτου Πάσχα, εὔχομαι σέ σᾶς καί τίς οἰκογένειές σας τό πλήρωμα χαρᾶς καί τῶν εὐλογιῶν πού μᾶς προσφέρει ὁ Θεός διά τοῦ Ἀναστάντος Κυρίου μας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Εἴθε τό πλήρωμα αὐτό τῆς χαρᾶς νά γεμίζῃ τίς καρδιές σας καί εἴθε τό φῶς τῆς χάριτος καί ἀληθείας νά λάμπῃ στή ζωή σας προσφέροντας σέ ὅλους τήν μαρτυρία τῆς μεταμορφωτικῆς δυνάμεως της Ἀναστάσεως του Χριστοῦ.
Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ Ἀναστάντι ἀγάπη,
† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος
Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ
Ο ομογενής επιχειρηματίας Στέφανος Τσερπέλης (αριστερά) συνάπτει χειραψία με τον πρόεδρο των ΗΠΑ Μπαράκ Ομπάμα, κατά τη διάρκεια των εκδηλώσεων που διοργάνωσε ο Λευκός Οίκος για την Ημέρα της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας, στην Ουάσιγκτον.
Την ανάγκη στήριξης της Ελλάδας τόνισε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος στο Λευκό Οίκο ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý
ΟΥΑΣΙΓΚΤΟΝ – Ο Πρόεδρος Μπαράκ Ομπάμα και ο αντιπρόεδρος Τζο Μπάϊντεν υποδέχθηκαν στις 22 Μαρτίου τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο και την Ελληνοαμερικανική Ομογένεια για τον εορτασμό της Εθνικής Παλιγγενεσίας της 25ης Μαρτίου 1821 που πραγματοποιείται στο Λευκό Οίκο για 26 συνεχή χρόνια. Ο πρόεδρος Μπαράκ Ομπάμα και ο αντιπρόεδρος Τζο Μπάϊντεν συναντήθηκαν ιδιαιτέρως με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο για δεκαπέντε περίπου λεπτά
στο Green Room λίγο πριν από την δημόσια τελετή, η οποία άρχισε στις 7 μ.μ. Η τελετή άρχισε με την ομιλία του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου στην οποία ο Σεβασμιώτατος αρχικά ευχαρίστησε τον κ. Ομπάμα για την φιλοξενία και «για την μεγάλη τιμή προς την Ορθόδοξη Ελληνοαμερικανική κοινότητα». Στη συνέχεια αφού μίλησε για την σημασία του εορτασμού της 25ης Μαρτίου αναφέρθηκε ιδιαίτερα στη ζοφερή οικονομική κατάσταση που επικρατεί στην Ελλάδα. «Τα τελευταία δύο χρόνια έχει επέλ-
Σελίδα 18
Στήριξη στο δοκιμαζόμενο ελληνικό λαό ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý
ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Την Παρασκευή 30 Μαρτίου στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής στο Μανχάταν, υπό την προεδρία του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερική ς κ. Δημητρίου, πραγματοποιήθηκε συνεδρίαση 17 ηγετών και εκπροσώπων ομογενειακών Ελληνοαμερικανικών οργανισμών, ομοσπονδιών και ενώσεων με σκοπό την αλληλοενημέρωση και τον συντονισμό των ενεργειών και προσπαθειών για οικονομική αλληλεγγύη και στήριξη προς τον δοκιμαζόμενο Ελληνικό λαό. Στη συνεδρίαση που διήρκεσε δύο περίπου ώρες συμμετέσχον επίσης ο Γενικός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στη Νέα Υόρκη κ. Γιώργος Ηλιόπουλος, η Γενική Πρόξενος της Κύπρου κ. Κούλα Σοφιανού. Η συνεδρίαση είχε διαπιστωτικό και συντονιστικό χαρακτήρα. Με δεδομένη την δύσκολη κ ατάσταση που αντιμετωπίζουν συνάνθρωποί μας στη
γενέτειρα και την διάθεση της Ομογένειας να συμπαρασταθεί και να βοηθήσει, έγινε σύντομη αναφορά σε μέχρι σήμερα σχετικές ενέργειες και συζητήθηκαν τρόποι για την καλύτερη και συντονισμένη δράση της Αρχιεπισκο-
ΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΙΚΗ ΣΥΝΕΡΓΑΣΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΕΝΟΤΗΤΑ ΥΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΑΙΓΙΔΑ ΤΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ ΧΑΡΑΚΤΗΡΙΣΑΝ ΤΗΝ ΣΥΝΕΔΡΙΑΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΟΜΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΩΝ ΦΟΡΕΩΝ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΠΡΟΣΠΑΘΕΙΑ ΑΡΩΓΗΣ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΟΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΛΑΟ πής και των ομογενειακών οργανώσεων ώστε να μεγιστοποιηθεί η προσφορά των προσπαθειών με ουσιαστικά αποτελέσματα. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος ενημέρωσε τους παρευρισκόμενους για τις ενέργειες της Αρχιεπισκοπής και το
Σελίδα 19
18
ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ
ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2012
Εορτασμός της Εθνικής Παλιγγενεσίας στο Λευκό Οίκο Σελίδα 17 θει μια δραματική αλλαγή στη ζωή του Ελληνικού Λαού. Διάφοροι παράγοντες έχουν συμβάλει στη δημιουργία μιας πολύ ζοφερής οικονομικής καταστάσεως με εξαιρετικά αρνητικές συνέπειες στην ζωή των Ελλήνων», σημείωσε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος και τόνισε ότι στις παρούσες συνθήκες «υπάρχει η άμεση ανάγκη για ουσιαστική βοήθεια». Στην συνέχεια ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος λέγοντας ότι υπολογίζει στη συνέχιση της στηρίξεως του Προέδρου και του Αντιπροέδρου αναφέρθηκε στα θέματα των θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου στις συνεχιζόμενες προσπάθειες λύσης του προβλήματος της επανένωσης της Κύπρου και στην αρμόζουσα διευθέτηση του Μακεδονικού. Και ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος κατέληξε λέγοντας: «Η χώρα μας, οι Ηνωμέ-
νες Πολιτείες της Αμερικής, ο παγκόσμιος φάρος της Δημοκρατίας, της ελευθερίας και της δικαιοσύνης μπορεί να προσφέρει σημαντική βοήθεια προς ανακούφιση της Ελλάδος, του λίκνου της δημοκρατίας, στην συγκυρία αυτή της σοβαρής της οικονομικής δυσχέρειας. Ναι! Μπορούμε, ασφαλώς μπορούμε κύριε Πρόεδρε, όταν η Αμερική μας έχει εσάς Πρόεδρο. Επαναβεβαιώνουμε τις ολόψυχες μας ευχαριστίες προς εσάς, τις οποίες συνοδεύουν οι προσευχές μας στο Θεό για εσάς Κύριε Πρόεδρε και την αξιότιμη οικογένεια σας, την μεγάλη μας χώρα και την ηρωική και δοκιμαζόμενη Ελλάδα. Οι θερμές μας προσευχές και προσπάθειες για την Ελλάδα βασίζονται στην ακλόνητη πίστη ότι την Σταύρωση ακολουθεί πάντα η Ανάσταση». Στη συνέχεια το λόγο πήρε ο αντιπρόεδρος Τζο Μπάϊντεν ο οποίος είπε ότι αν και η Ελλάδα αντιμετωπίζει μεγάλες δυ-
σκολίες, έχει και στο παρελθόν αντιμετωπίσει πολλές και μεγάλες αντιξοότητες και πάντα τις υπερνίκησε λόγω του θάρρους που χαρακτηρίζει τους ανθρώπους της. Αμέσως μετά παρουσίασε τον Πρόεδρο Μπάρακ Ομπάμα λέγοντας ότι και ο Πρόεδρος αποτελεί παράδειγμα τέτοιου θάρρους. Ο Πρόεδρος Ομπάμα ξεκίνησε και φέτος τον χαιρετισμό του με τη λέξη «καλησπέρα» στα Ελληνικά και καλωσορίζοντας εγκάρδια τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο είπε ότι αποτελεί υπόδειγμα ευσέβειας και πίστεως και ο ίδιος είναι υπερήφανος να τον αποκαλεί φίλο του. Ο Πρόεδρος καλωσόρισε επίσης τον υφυπουργό εξωτερικών της Ελλάδος κ. Δημήτρη Δόλλη και τους πρέσβεις της Ελλάδος κ. Βασίλη Κασκαρέλη και της Κύπρου Παύλο Αναστασιάδη, τα παρόντα μέλη του Κογκρέσου και όλους τους εκπροσώπους της Ελληνοαμερικανικής κοινότητος.
Είπε ακόμη ότι καθώς γιορτάζουμε την 191η επέτειο της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας αναγνωρίζουμε τους δεσμούς που μοιραζόμαστε με την Ελλάδα και τιμούμε την τεράστια επίδραση των Ελλήνων στη ζωή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών αλλά και στις ιδέες που διαμόρφωσαν τον κόσμο. Σε άλλο σημείο της ομιλίας του ο Πρόεδρος Ομπάμα τόνισε ότι αν και οι δεσμοί μεταξύ του Ελληνικού και Αμερικανικού έθνους είναι παλιοί, οι αξίες και τα ιδανικά που μοιραζόμαστε βαθαίνουν με τον χρόνο και γι’ αυτό συνεχίζουμε να βρισκόμαστε στο πλευρό των Ελλήνων συμμάχων και φίλων μας καθώς αγωνίζονται να ανανήψουν από μια δύσκολη οικονομική περίοδο. Μετά το τέλος της τελετής του Λευκού Οίκου, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος παρέστη στην εορταστική δεξίωση της Ελληνικής Πρεσβείας στην Ουάσιγκτον.
ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΗ ΑΠΟΔΕΙΞΙΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΩ ΑΓΙΩ ΠΑΣΧΑ † ΒΑΡΘΟΛΟΜΑΙΟΣ ΕΛΕΩ ΘΕΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΕΩΣ – ΝΕΑΣ ΡΩΜΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΣ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΗΣ ΠΑΝΤΙ Τῼ ΠΛΗΡΩΜΑΤΙ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ, ΧΑΡΙΝ, ΕΙΡΗΝΗΝ ΚΑΙ ΕΛΕΟΣ ΠΑΡΑ ΤΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞΟΣ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΝΤΟΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ
Πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο (Ἀναστάσιμον ἀπολυτίκιον γ΄ ἤχου)
Τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά, Ἐάν ἡ Ἀνάστασις τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἀφεώρα μόνον εἰς Αὐτόν, ἡ σημασία της δι’ ἡμᾶς θά ἦτο μηδαμινή. Ἀλλά ὁ Χριστός δέν ἀνέστη μόνος. Συνανέστησε μεθ’ Ἑαυτοῦ καί πάντας τούς ἀνθρώπους. Βροντοφωνεῖ σχετικῶς ὁ ἐκ τῶν προκατόχων ἡμῶν Ἱερός Χρυσόστομος: «Ἀνέστη Χριστός, καί νεκρός οὐδείς ἐν τῷ μνήματι, Χριστός γάρ ἐγερθείς ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἀπαρχή τῶν κεκοιμημένων ἐγένετο». Ἀπαρχή δηλονότι τῆς ἀναστάσεως πάντων τῶν κεκοιμημένων καί τῶν ἐφεξῆς κοιμηθησομένων, καί τῆς μεταβάσεως αὐτῶν ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου εἰς τήν ζωήν. Τό μήνυμα εἶναι χαροποιόν δι’ ὅλους, διότι ἡ Ἀνάστασις τοῦ Χριστοῦ κατήργησε τήν δύναμιν τοῦ θανάτου. Οἱ πιστεύοντες εἰς Αὐτόν προσδοκοῦν ἀνάστασιν νεκρῶν καί διά τοῦτο βαπτίζονται εἰς τόν θάνατον Αὐτοῦ, συνανίστανται μετ’ Αὐτοῦ, καί ζοῦν ζωήν αἰώνιον. Ὁ μακράν τοῦ Χριστοῦ κόσμος προσπαθεῖ νά συσσωρεύσῃ ὑλικά ἀγαθά, διότι στηρίζει ἐπ’ αὐτῶν τήν ἐλπίδα τῆς ζωῆς του. Ἐλπίζει ἀκρίτως ὅτι διά τοῦ πλούτου θά ἀποφύγῃ τόν θάνατον. Καί ὁ πλανώμενος ἄνθρωπος διά νά συσσωρεύσῃ πλοῦτον, ἐπιμηκύνοντα δῆθεν τήν ζωήν του, σκορπίζει τόν θάνατον εἰς τούς ἄλλους. Ἀφαιρεῖ ἀπό αὐτούς τήν οἰκονομικήν δυνατότητα τῆς ἐπιβιώσεως, καί πολλάκις διακόπτει βιαίως τό νῆμα τῆς ζωῆς των, ἐλπίζων ὅτι οὕτω θά διασώσῃ τήν ἰδικήν του ζωήν. Ἀλλά, ἀλλοίμονον! Ἡ πλάνη του εἶναι μεγάλη. Ἡ ζωή κερδίζεται μόνον διά τῆς πίστεως εἰς τόν Χριστόν καί διά τῆς εἰς Αὐτόν ἐνσωματώσεως. Ἡ ἐμπειρία τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Ἐκκλησίας βεβαιοῖ ὅτι οἱ ἑνωθέντες μετά τοῦ Χριστοῦ ζοῦν καί μετά θάνατον, συνυπάρχουν μετά τῶν ζώντων, συνδιαλέγονται μετ’ αὐτῶν, ἀκούουν αὐτούς καί πολλάκις ἱκανοποιοῦν θαυματουργικῶς τά αἰτήματά των. Δέν χρειάζεται πλέον ἡ ἀναζήτησις τοῦ μυθολογικοῦ «ἀθανάτου ὕδατος». Ἡ ἀθανασία ὑπάρχει ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ, καί προσφέρεται δι’ Αὐτοῦ πρός ὅλους. Δέν χρειάζεται νά ἐξολοθρεύωνται λαοί διά νά ἐπιβιώσουν ἄλλοι λαοί. Οὔτε χρειάζεται νά ἐξολοθρεύωνται ἀνυπεράσπιστοι ἀνθρώπιναι ὑπάρξεις διά νά ζήσουν ἀνετώτερον ἄλλαι ἀνθρώ-
πιναι ὑπάρξεις. Εἰς ὅλους ὁ Χριστός προσφέρει τήν ἐπίγειον καί τήν ἐπουράνιον ζωήν. Ἀνέστη, καί ὅσοι ἐπιθυμοῦν ἀκολουθοῦν Αὐτόν εἰς τόν δρόμον τῆς Ἀναστάσεως. Ἀντιθέτως, ὅσοι ἐμμέσως ἤ ἀμέσως σκορπίζουν τόν θάνατον, νομίζοντες ὅτι οὕτω θά παρατείνουν ἤ θά διευκολύνουν τήν ἰδικήν των ζωήν, καταδικάζουν ἑαυτούς εἰς τόν αἰώνιον θάνατον. Ὁ Ἀναστάς Κύριος ἡμῶν Ἱησοῦς Χριστός ἧλθεν εἰς τόν κόσμον ἵνα πάντες οἱ ἄνθρωποι ζωήν ἔχωσι καί περισσόν ἔχωσιν. Ἀποτελεῖ μεγάλην πλάνην ἐάν πιστεύωμεν ὅτι θά προέλθῃ εἠμερία εἰς τό ἀνθρώπινον γένος διά τῶν ἀλληλοσπαραγμῶν. Ὁ Χριστός ἀνιστᾷ τούς νεκρούς καί ἀκυρώνει τήν θανάτωσιν αὐτῶν. Ἔχει τήν δύναμιν τῆς ὑπερβάσεως τοῦ θανάτου. Τό γεγονός δέ ὅτι ἐνίκησε τόν θάνατον, ἐπιβεβαιοῖ τήν ἀπέχθειαν Αὐτοῦ πρός αὐτόν. Ὁ Χριστός ὁδηγεῖ εἰς τήν ζωήν, καί ἐπαναχορηγεῖ αὐτήν, τυχόν διακοπεῖσαν, διότι Ἐκεῖνος εἶναι «ἡ Ζωή καί ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν». Διά τοῦτο οἱ πιστοί δέν φοβούμεθα τόν θάνατον. Ἡ δύναμις ἡμῶν δέν ἔγκειται εἰς τό ἄτρωτον τῆς ὑπάρξεώς μας ἀλλά εἰς τό ἀναστάσιμον αὐτῆς. Χριστός ἀνέστη! Καί ἡμεῖς θά ἀναστηθῶμεν! Ἄς ἀκολουθήσωμεν, ἀδελφοί καί τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά, τόν Ἀναστάντα Χριστόν, εἰς πάντα τά ἔργα Αὐτοῦ. Ἄς βοηθήσωμεν τούς στερουμένους τῶν μέσων τῆς ἐπιβιώσεως νά συντηρηθοῦν εἰς τήν ζωήν. Ἄς διακηρύξωμεν εἰς τούς ἀγνοοῦντας τήν Ἀνάστασιν τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὅτι δι’ αὐτῆς κατηργήθη ὁ θάνατος καί ὅτι συνεπῶς δύνανται καί αὐτοί νά μετάσχουν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως Αὐτοῦ, πιστεύοντες εἰς Αὐτόν καί ἀκολουθοῦντες τά ἴχνη Του. Ἡ ἰδική μας ἀνάστασις τότε μόνον εἶναι δυνατή, ὅταν προσφέρηται διά τήν ἀνάστασιν τῶν ἄλλων ἀδελφῶν μας. Τότε μόνον ἡ νικητήριος διακήρυξις «Χριστός Ἀνέστη» θά ἐνεργῇ σωστικῶς δι’ ὅλην τήν ἀνθρωπότητα. Γένοιτο!
† Ὁ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως
διάπυρος πρός Χριστόν Ἀναστάντα εὐχέτης πάντων ὑμῶν
Ἅγιον Πάσχα 2012
† Ὁ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως Βαρθολομαίος Ἀναγνωσθήτω ἐπ’ ἐκκλησίας κατά τήν Θείαν Λειτουργίαν τῆς ἑορτῆς τοῦ Ἁγίου Πάσχα, μετά τό Ἱερόν Εὐαγγέλιον.
ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2012
19
ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER
ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΝ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΕΙΟΝ
Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ
Υπό την αιγίδα του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής Δημητρίου πραγματοποιήθηκε συνεδρίαση 17 ηγετών και εκπροσώπων ομογενειακών οργανισμών, ομοσπονδιών και ενώσεων στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής.
Στήριξη στο δοκιμαζόμενο ελληνικό λαό Σελίδα 17 «Ταμείο Αρωγής για τον Ελληνικό Λαό» το οποίο, όπως είπε, είχε συγκεντρώσει μέχρι εκείνης της στιγμής το ποσό των 200 χιλιάδων δολαρίων από συνεισφορές των ενοριών, προσφορές μέσω του διαδικτύου και απ’ ευθείας εμβασμάτων προς το Ταμείο και τόνισε ότι η προσπάθεια και συλλογή χρημάτων συνεχίζεται. Ανέφερε ακόμη ότι η Εθνική Φιλόπτωχος Αδελφότης Κυριών της Αρχιεπισκοπής έχει ήδη συνεισφέρει ως πρώτη έκτακτη δόση 25 χιλιάδες δολάρια μέσω του οργανισμού IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities - Οργανισμός Διεθνούς Ορθοδόξου Χριστιανικής Φιλανθρωπίας). Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος τόνισε ότι ένα μεγάλο έργο ανακούφισης αυτών που έχουν ανάγκη γίνεται αυτή την περίοδο, από την Εκκλησία της Ελλάδος και απαρίθμησε τους διάφορους τομείς δράσεως όπως τα καθημερινά συσσίτια, την προσφορά ένδυσης και στέγης και την πρόσφατη αναγγελία για την δημιουργία κοινωνικών φαρμακείων, σημειώνοντας ότι η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής έχει σκοπό να κατευθύνει το κύριο μέρος της βοήθειας μέσω της Ελλαδικής Εκκλησίας προς τους τομείς αυτούς. Επίση ς ανακοίνωσε προς τους συμμετέχοντες στη συνεδρίαση ότι είχε ήδη τηλεφωνική συνομιλία για το όλο θέμα συμπαραστάσεως με τον Μακαριώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αθηνών και πάσης Ελλάδος κ. Ιερώνυμο και ότι κατόπιν συνεννοήσεως μαζί του θα τον επισκεφθεί συντόμως στην Αθήνα. Κατά την επίσκεψή του ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος θα έχει την ευκαιρία να ενημερωθεί για τα προγράμματα βοηθείας των δεινοπαθούντων, τα οποία λειτουργούν στην Αρχιεπισκοπή Αθηνών, στις Μητροπόλεις της Ελλάδος και στις κατά τόπους ενορίες της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος, και θα επιδώσει στον Μακαριώτατο εκ μέρους της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής την πρώτη δόση από τα χρήματα που εξακολουθούν να συλλέγονται στο «Ταμείο Αρωγής για τον Ελληνικό Λαό», προκειμένου να χρησιμοποιηθούν στα συγκεκριμένα προγράμματα βοηθείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αθηνών. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος είπε ακόμη ότι ανετέθη στον Θεοφιλέστατο Επίσκοπο Φασιανής κ. Αντώνιο, Πρωτοσύγκελλο
της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής, η ευθύνη του συντονισμού της προσπάθειας αυτής και στο εξής, οι ομογενειακοί φορείς μπορούν να απευθύνονται σ’ αυτόν για τις εξελίξεις στις διάφορες προσπάθειες και το συντονισμό των ενεργειών. Κατά την δίωρη συνεδρίαση πήραν το λόγο όλοι οι εκπρόσωποι των οργανισμών και οργανώσεων που παρευρίσκονταν και παρουσίασαν τις πρωτοβουλίες που ήδη έχουν αναλάβει ή που προτίθενται να πραγματοποιήσουν. Παρουσιάστηκαν πολλές απόψεις και νέες ιδέες όχι μόνο στον άμεσο και ειδικό τομέα που αφορά στην αλληλεγγύη προς τον δοκιμαζόμενο Ελληνικό λαό, αλλά και σε σχέση με μια σειρά άλλων σχετικών θεμάτων όπως η μεταναστευτική πολιτική, η προσφορά εργασίας στην Ελλάδα και εδώ, το θέμα της βίζας για νέους επιστήμονες και η προσωρινή εργασία, ο τουρισμός, οι επενδύσεις, η χρηματοδότηση μικρών επιχειρήσεων, η ιατροφαρμακευτική περίθαλψη, κ.α. Με ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον ακούσθηκαν τα στοιχεία που παρουσίασαν οι φορείς που ήδη έχουν αναλάβει πρωτοβουλίες, και μάλιστα έχουν επισκεφθεί την Ελλ άδα για διανομή τροφίμων, ρουχισμού και έχουν ήδη αποστείλει χρήμ ατα σε φιλ ανθρωπικούς φορείς στην Ελλάδα. Όλοι οι ομιλητές εξέφρασαν την ικανοποίηση τους για την πρωτοβουλία της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής να συγκαλέσει την κοινή συνεδρίαση των ομογενειακών φορέων τονίζοντας ότι ο κοινός προγραμματισμός, ο συντονισμός ενεργειών και η αλληλοενημέρωση είναι καθοριστικής σημασίας. Εκφράσθηκε η προθυμία όλων να συνεργαστούν με πνεύμα ενότητος και με την Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή ως το συντονιστικό όργανο για την προσπάθεια. ΟΙ ΦΟΡΕΙΣ Στη συνεδρίαση έλαβαν μέρος οι εξής εκπρόσωποι ομογενειακών φορέων: Δημήτριος Κοκότας – Ελληνοαμερικανική Εκπαιδευτική Προοδευτική Ένωση (AHEPA), Νικόλαος Λαρυγκάκης – Ελληνοαμερικανικό Ιστιτούτο (AHI), Άντριου Μανάτος – National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH), Πανίκος Παπανικολάου – Κυπριακή Ομοσπονδία Αμερικής, Δημήτριος Φίλιος – Παναρκαδική Ομοσπονδία Αμε-
Σελίδα 21
Φωτογραφία: ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑΣ
Ἡ Α.Θ.Παναγιότης, ὁ Πατριάρχης, τήν πρωΐαν τῆς Παρασκευῆς, 16 Μαρτίου, ἐχοροστάτησεν, ὡς εἴθισται, ἐν τῷ Ἱερῷ Ναῷ Παναγίας τῶν Βλαχερνῶν, κατά τήν Ἱεράν Ἀκολουθίαν τῆς Γ´ Στάσεως τῶν Χαιρετισμῶν πρός τήν Ὑπεραγίαν Θεοτόκον, συμπροσευχηθέντων τοῦ Ἐντιμ. κ. Νικολάου Ματθιουδάκη, Γενικοῦ Προξένου τῆς Ἑλλάδος ἐν τῇ Πόλει, ὁμίλων προσκυνητῶν ἐκ τοῦ ἐξωτερικοῦ καί μαθητῶν ἐκ τοῦ 14ου Γενικοῦ Λυκείου Θεσσαλονίκης, τοῦ 12ου Γυμνασίου Θεσσαλονίκης, τοῦ 16ου Γενικοῦ Λυκείου Θεσσαλονίκης, τοῦ 1ου Γυμνασίου Ἀριδαίας, τοῦ Γενικοῦ Λυκείου Ἀφάντου, τοῦ 5ου Γυμνασίου Καβάλας καί τῶν ἐν Θεσσαλονίκῃ Ἐκπαιδευτηρίων Μαντουλίδη. Αναμνηστική φωτογραφία των προσκυνητών μετά του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου. ης
Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος: «Χωρίς μεμψιμοιρίαν και χωρίς φοβίες και πάθη, συνεχίζουμε» ôïõ Íéêüëáïõ Ìáããßíá
Στο αγωνιστικό φρόνημα και την σταθερή πίστη του ολιγαρίθμου μεν, εξόχως δυναμικού δε, πληρώματος της Μητέρας Εκκλησίας στην Κωνσταντινούπολη αναφέρθηκε πρόσφατα ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος. Ο Προκαθήμενος της Ορθοδοξίας, μιλώντας στην αποχαιρετιστήρια εκδήλωση για τον αποχωρούντα Πρέσβη της Ελλάδος στην Άγκυρα Φώτη Ξύδα, τον ευχαρίστησε για την προσφορά του, «εκ μέρους των πιστών Χριστιανών μας, οι οποίοι κατ’ αριθμόν έχουν μεν συρρικνωθή, αλλά κατά πνεύμα παραμένουν ισχυροί και ικανοί να διακονήσουν τα εδώ προσκυνήματα και κειμήλια της πίστεώς μας και να διατηρήσουν ζωντανάς τας παραδόσεις μας και την ιστορίαν μας». Σε άλλο σημείο της ομιλίας του, ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης σημείωσε ότι «ο πανίερος Οικουμενικός Θρόνος και το περί αυτόν εδώ “μικρόν ποίμνιον”, που χωρίς μεμψιμοιρίαν και χωρίς φοβίες και πάθη συνεχίζει την παράδοσιν των πατέρων του γρηγορούν εις τας ιεράς επάλξεις, εφ ὧν ετάχθη φρουρός και φύλαξ». O Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος ανέφερε μεταξύ άλλων: «Τά χρόνια, οἱ μῆνες, αἱ ἡμέραι, ὁ χρόνος μέ μίαν λέξιν, παρέρχονται τόσον γρήγορα καί παραδίδονται εἰς τήν αἰωνιότητα, ὅπως ἀκριβῶς καί τά κύματα τῆς θαλάσσης εἰς τήν παραλίαν τοῦ αἰγιαλοῦ, μηδέποτε ἐπιστρέφοντα. Ἔτσι ἀκριβῶς παρέρχεται καί ἡ ζωή τῶν ἀνθρώπων εὐρύτερον, ἐνεργότερον ὅμως καί ἐμφανέστερον ἐκείνων πού ἐκλήθησαν νά διακονοῦν διαχρονικούς θεσμούς, τούς ὁποίους ἔχει καθιερώσει ἡ ἱστορία καί ὁ χρόνος. «Σεῖς, κύριε Πρέσβυ, ἐκλήθητε νά διακονήσητε ἕν Ἔθνος καί ἕνα πολιτισμόν καί
μίαν παράδοσιν, εἰς κατηξιωμένους χώρους τῆς καθ᾿ ἡμᾶς Ἀνατολῆς, ὅπως εἶναι ἡ Πόλις αὐτή τοῦ Κωσταντίνου καί ἡ πρωτεύουσα τῆς Χώρας Ἄγκυρα. Καί αἱ δύο θητεῖαι σας ὑπῆρξαν σημαδιακαί, καθοριστικαί καί πλήρεις ἀγλαῶν καρπῶν, οἱ ὁποῖοι καρποί καί ἐπιτεύγματα ἀσφαλῶς δέν θά ἦτο δυνατόν νά περιγραφοῦν εἰς μίαν σύντομον ἀναφοράν τοῦ ὁμιλοῦντος, εὑρισκομένου, ὡς ἐκ τῆς ἡγετικῆς θέσεως αὐτοῦ ἐπί κεφαλῆς τοῦ ἱερωτάτου θεσμοῦ τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου, τῆς Μητρός Ἐκκλησίας, καί ἐκείνης τοῦ Ποιμένος καί ποδηγέτου καί συντονιστοῦ καί τῶν τῆς ἐνταῦθα Ὁμογενείας πραγμάτων, τοῦ ἐναπομείναντος “μικροῦ λήμματος”, εἰς θέσιν νά κρίνῃ καί νά ἀξιολογήσῃ τήν προσφοράν, τούς καρπούς καί τά ἔργα ἐκείνων οἱ ὁποῖοι ἐκλήθησαν εἰς καιρίας στιγμάς τῆς ἱστορίας νά ἀντιμετωπίσουν καταστάσεις καί εὐθύνας, καί μέ μίαν λέξιν νά ἀνθέξουν τό χρέος τῶν πολλῶν». Σε άλλο σημείο του χαιρετισμού του, ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχη τόνισε πως «διό καί ἰδιαίτερον ἀπευθύνομεν τόν λόγον πρός τόν τιμώμενον καί προπεμπόμενον ἀπόψε ἀπό μέρους τοῦ Ἱεροῦ τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας Κέντρου καί τοῦ ἐνταῦθα λαοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ κ. Φώτιον Ξύδαν καί συγχαίρομεν καί εὐχαριστοῦμεν αὐτῷ ἐκ μέρους τῶν πιστῶν Χριστιανῶν μας, οἱ ὁποῖοι κατ᾿ ἀριθμόν ἔχουν μέν συρρικνωθῆ, ἀλλά κατά πνεῦμα παραμένουν ἰσχυροί καί ἱκανοί νά διακονήσουν τά ἐδῶ προσκυνήματα καί κειμήλια τῆς πίστεώς μας καί νά διατηρήσουν ζωντανάς τάς παραδόσεις μας καί τήν ἱστορίαν μας. Ἡ συμβολή σας, Ἐξοχώτατε, εἰς τάς προσπαθείας ταύτας, τάς ἐντόνως καταβαλλομένας κατά τά τελευταῖα ἔτη, ἀναγνωρίζεται ὑφ᾿ ὅλων τῶν κληθέντων διά τῆς ψήφου τῆς
Σελίδα 21
20
ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ
ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2012
Οι ομογενείς τίμησαν τους αγωνιστές της 25ης Μαρτίου 1821 στην 5η Λεωφόρο Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ
25 Μαρτίου Ἑορτή τοῦ Εὐαγγελισμοῦ Ἡμέρα Ἐθνικῆς Ἀνεξαρτησίας Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Ἐπί δύο σχεδόν αἰῶνες ὁ ἑορτασμός μας τῆς Ἡμέρας τοῦ Εὐαγγελισμοῦ τῆς Θεοτόκου ὡς Ἑλληνορθοδόξων Χριστιανῶν ἔχει συνδεθεῖ μέ τή μνήμη τῶν ἀγώνων τῶν προγόνων μας στήν Ἑλλάδα γιά ἀνεξαρτησία, ἀγώνων οἱ ὁποῖοι ξεκίνησαν τόν Μάρτιο 1821. Αὐτοί οἱ δύο ἑορτασμοί ἦταν καί συνεχίζουν νά εἶναι πολύ σημαντικοί γιά μᾶς διότι ἀντιπροσωπεύουν τήν βαθειά σύνδεση τῆς Ἐκκλησίας καί τῆς κληρονομιᾶς μας, τῆς πίστεως καί τῆς ζωῆς, ἡ ὁποία προσφέρει μοναδική μαρτυρία στόν κόσμο. Ὅταν σκεπτόμεθα καί τιμοῦμε τήν Ἑορτή τοῦ Εὐαγγελισμοῦ, ἔχουμε νά κάνουμε μέ ἕνα ἱερό γεγονός κατά τό ὁποῖο ὁ Θεός ἀπεκάλυψε τήν ἀγάπη Του γιά μᾶς καθώς καί τό θεῖο σχέδιό Του γιά τήν ἀνακαίνιση τῆς ζωῆς καί τῆς κοινωνίας μας μαζί Του. Στόν Εὐαγγελισμό, κατά τρόπο πού προκαλεῖ δέος, ὁ Θεός ἀνήγγειλε στήν Παρθένο Μαρία διά τοῦ Ἀρχαγγέλου Γαβριήλ ὅτι θά ἐγεννᾶτο καί θά ἐρχόταν στόν κόσμο μέσῳ ἐκείνης ὡς Θεός καί ἄνθρωπος. Τό θαυματουργό αὐτό γεγονός στήν ἱστορία τῆς πίστεώς μας εἶναι αὐτό πού ἑορτάζουμε κάθε χρόνο. Ἑορτάζουμε διότι ὁ Εὐαγγελισμός ἀποτελεῖ ταυτοχρόνως ἀρχή καί πραγματοποίηση. Εἶναι ὁ χρόνος καί ὁ τόπος ὅπου ὁ Χριστός ἀνέλαβε νά σώσῃ τήν ἀνθρωπότητα ἀπό τήν ἁμαρτία, τό κακό, τήν ἐνοχή καί τό θάνατο. Ἐπί αἰῶνες, πολλοί ἤλπιζαν ὅτι θά ἐρχόταν ἡ ἡμέρα κατά τήν ὁποία ὁ Θεός θά συνῆπτε νέα διαθήκη μέ ὁλόκληρη τήν ἀνθρωπότητα, διαθήκη χάριτος καί πίστεως. Αὐτό ἀκριβῶς συνέβη τήν Ἡμέρα τοῦ Εὐαγγελισμοῦ. Ἡ Ἑορτή τοῦ Εὐαγγελισμοῦ συνδέεται, ἐπίσης, καί μέ τόν ἑορτασμό τῆς Ἡμέρας Ἐθνικῆς Ἀνεξαρτησίας τῆς Ἑλλάδος ὄχι μόνον λόγῳ τῆς ἡμέρας τῆς 25ης Μαρτίου, ἀλλά μᾶλλον ἐπειδή τό κάθε γεγονός παρουσιάζει σημαντικά θέματα τά ὁποῖα συνδέουν τήν πίστη καί τή ζωή μας, ὅπως καί τήν ταυτότητά μας ὡς Ἑλλήνων Ὀρθοδόξων Χριστιανῶν, μέ τήν Ἑλληνική κληρονομιά μας. Ὁ ἀγώνας γιά ἀνεξαρτησία τῶν πατέρων καί μητέρων μας γεννήθηκε ἀπό τήν ἐπιβεβαίωση τοῦ δικαιώματος τοῦ κάθε ἀνθρώπου γιά ἐλεύθερη βούληση καί ἐκλογή ἑνός δικαιώματος τό ὁποῖο χάρισε ὁ Θεός. Αὐτό, σέ συνδυασμό μέ τήν ἐπιθυμία γιά ἐλευθερία καί αὐτοδιάθεση ἐνέπνευσε τούς Ἕλληνες τό 1821 ν’ ἀναζητήσουν τήν ἀπαλλαγή των ἀπό τήν καταπίεση αἰώνων καί νά ἐπαναδιεκδικήσουν τόν ἔλεγχο τῆς ζωῆς καί τῆς μοίρας των. Ἐπιπλέον, αὐτοί οἱ ἴδιοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι γνώριζαν ὅτι ἡ ἀπόφασή των γιά ἀνεξαρτησία σήμαινε μεγάλες θυσίες. Παρ’ ὅλα αὐτά, ἡ θυσία αὐτή ἀποτελοῦσε προσφορά τῆς ζωῆς των χάριν τῆς δικαιοσύνης,
τῆς ἀξιοπρεπείας καί τῆς ἐλευθερίας. Ὁ ἀγώνας τῶν Ἑλλήνων γιά ἀνεξαρτησία ἀπετέλεσε ἐπίσης ἀρχή καί πραγματοποίηση. Ἦταν ἡ πραγματοποίηση τῆς ἐλπίδος ἐκείνων οἱ ὁποῖοι ἔζησαν καί πέθαναν ὑπό καθεστώς καταπιέσεως, καί τό ὅραμα τῆς εἰρήνης καί τῆς εὐτυχίας τό ὁποῖο πολλοί ἐπιθυμοῦσαν γιά τά παιδιά καί τούς ἀπογόνους των. Ἀπετέλεσε, ἐπίσης τήν ἀρχή μιᾶς νέας ἐποχῆς, τήν ἀνανέωση ἑνός ἔθνους καί λαοῦ. Διά τοῦ ἀγῶνος δόθηκε ἡ δυνατότητα γιά ἀνοικοδόμηση καί ἀνακαίνιση τῶν κοινοτήτων καί τῆς ζωῆς αὐτῶν, καθώς καί γιά ἐλεύθερη καί ἄφοβη ἐπιβεβαίωση τῆς κληρονομιᾶς των ὡς Ἑλλήνων καί Ὀρθοδόξων Χριστιανῶν. Ἡ σχέση αὐτῶν τῶν δύο ἑορτασμῶν τήν Ἡμέρα αὐτή μᾶς δίδει τήν εὐκαιρία νά ἑορτάσουμε τήν Ἡμέρα τοῦ Εὐαγγελισμοῦ τῆς Θεοτόκου καί τήν Ἡμέρα τῆς Ἐθνικῆς Ἀνεξαρτησίας τῆς Ἑλλάδος μέ τόν κατάλληλο τρόπο. Προτεραιότη-
τά μας εἶναι ἡ προσφορά λατρείας μας στό Θεό καί ἡ ἔκφραση εὐγνωμοσύνης καί δοξολογίας γιά ὅσα μᾶς ἀπεκάλυψε καί γιά τό ὑπέροχο ἔργο Του τῆς σωτηρίας μας διά τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Τόν εὐχαριστοῦμε καί προσφέρουμε τήν εὐλάβειά μας στήν εὐλογημένη Θεοτόκο γιά τήν ἀφοσίωσή της στό θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ἑορτάζουμε τό γεγονός τῆς δημιουργίας μας κατ’ Εἰκόνα Θεοῦ, ἑνός γεγονότος πού εἶχε ὡς συνέπεια τήν δημιουργία μιᾶς ἀνθρωπότητος ἡ ὁποία ἔχει εὐλογηθῇ καί ἁγιασθῇ ἀπό τόν Χριστό ἔτσι ὥστε νά δύναται ν’ ἀποκαταστήσῃ τήν κοινωνία της μέ τόν Θεό διαμέσου τῆς πίστεως. Πηγή ἐμπνεύσεως ἀποτελεῖ, ἐπίσης, καί ἡ συνειδητοποίηση τῆς ἐλευθερίας καί τῆς ἀνθρωπίνης ἀξιοπρεπείας ἡ ὁποία μᾶς ἀποκαλύπτεται ἀπό τόν Θεό, καί σέ ἀνάμνηση, τιμοῦμε τούς πολλούς ἀνθρώπους πού θυσιάσθηκαν ἔτσι ὥστε νά μποροῦμε σήμερα ἐμεῖς
Φωτογραφίες: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ
νά χαιρόμεθα μιά ὑπέροχη κληρονομιά ἐλευθερίας καί πίστεως. Αὐτήν ἀκριβῶς τήν κληρονομιά ἑορτάζουμε σήμερα. Τιμοῦμε τούς ἀγῶνες καί τήν ἀνεξαρτησία τῶν προγόνων μας καί ὅλων τῶν ἐλευθέρων ἀνθρώπων. Ἐπιβεβαιώνουμε, ἐπίσης, ὅτι ἡ συνειδητοποίησή μας αὐτῆς τῆς ἐλευθερίας καί τῶν ὑψηλοτέρων ἰδανικῶν τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος προέρχονται ἀπό τόν Θεό. Εἴθε νά συνεχίζουμε νά προσφέρουμε στόν κόσμο, διά τῆς μαρτυρίας πίστεως καί ἀληθείας, τήν ὁλοκλήρωση τήν ὁποία ἀνακαλύπτουμε σ’ Αὐτόν καί τήν ἀπαρχή μιᾶς αἰωνιότητος κοντά Του, αἰωνιότητος πλήρους καί ἀπολύτου ἐλευθερίας, ἀνείπωτης χαρᾶς καί περίσσειας ζωῆς. Μετά πατρικῆς ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπης, † ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀµερικῆς ∆ηµήτριος
APRIL 2012 ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2012
«Χωρίς μεμψιμοιρίαν και χωρίς φοβίες και πάθη, συνεχίζουμε» uΣελίδα 19 Ὁµογενείας νά διακονοῦν τά κοινά, ἀλλά καί ὑπό τῶν πολλῶν ἀνωνύµων, οἱ ὁποῖοι µέ τό ἀλάνθαστον αἰσθητήριον καί κριτήριον τοῦ Ρωµηοῦ γνωρίζουν νά τιµοῦν κατ᾿ ἀξίαν ἐκείνους πού διά τῆς προσφορᾶς καί διά τοῦ φωτεινοῦ παραδείγµ ατος αὐτῶν συντελοῦν εἰς τήν συνέχισιν καί διαιώνισιν τοῦ Ὡραίου, τοῦ Μεγάλου καί τοῦ Ἀληθινοῦ, τό ὁποῖον ἐξεπροσώπησεν ἱστορικῶς καί συνεχίζει καί σήµερον νά µαρτυρῇ ὁ πανίερος Οἰκουµενικός Θρόνος καί τό περί αὐτόν ἐδῶ “µικρόν ποίµνιον”, πού χωρίς µεµψιµοιρίαν καί χωρίς φοβίες καί πάθη συνεχίζει τήν παράδοσιν τῶν πα-
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ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ
τέρων του γρηγοροῦν εἰ ς τά ς ἱερά ς ἐπάλξεις, ἐφ᾿ ὧν ἐτάχθη φρουρός καί φύλαξ». «Μέ τά αἰσθήµατα αὐτά, τά καρδιακά καί εἰλικρινῆ, σᾶς ἀποχαιρετοῦµεν, κύριε Πρέσβυ, καί σᾶς κατευοδώνοµεν ἀπό τῆς Μητρός Ἐκκλησίας, τῆς σεπτῆς Ἱεραρχίας αὐτῆς, τῶν ρωµηῶν τῆς Πόλεως καί προσωπικῶς, εἰς τήν ὡραίαν γενέτειράν σας, τήν Μυτιλήνην, καί σᾶς εὐχόµεθα νά ἔχετε ὑγείαν καί εὐηµερίαν µαζί µέ τήν σεβαστήν µητέρα σας καί νά συνεχίσετε νά εἶσθε καί ἐκεῖθεν κοντά µας, µέ τήν σκέψιν καί τήν προσευχήν σας, καί νά µᾶς ἐνισχύετε εἰς τήν διακονίαν µας πρός τήν κληροδοσίαν τῶν πατέρων µας».
Συνεδρίαση ομογενειακών φορέων υπό την προεδρία Αρχιεπίσκοπου Δημητρίου για την προσπάθεια αρωγής προς τον ελληνικό λαό
uΣελίδα 19 ρικής, Γεώργιος Καλύβας – Πανµεσσηνιακή Οµοσπονδία Αµερικής και Καναδά, Νικόλαος Πούλης – Οµοσπονδία Ελληνοαµερικανικών Σωµατείων Νέας Ιερσέης και Χιακή Οµοσπονδία Ταµείο Βοηθείας της Χίου, Γιώργος Αντωνίου – Οµοσπονδία Ελληνοαµερικανικών Σωµατείων Νέας Ιερσέης, Ηλίας Τσεκερίδης – Οµοσπονδία Ελληνικών Σωµατείων Μείζονος Νέας Υόρκης, Κώστας Κέλλας – Ελληνοαµερικανική Ένωση
Τραπεζιτικών (ΗΑΒΑ), Μιχαήλ Θεωδοροµπεάκος – Ελληνοαµερικανικό Εµπορικό Επιµελητήριο, Σταµάτης Γκίκας – Ελληνοαµερικανικό Εµπορικό Επιµελητήριο, Στέλλα Κόκκολη – Ελληνοαµερικανική Οµοσπονδία Εκπαιδευτικών Η.Π.Α., Μιχαήλ Χαρτοφύλλης – Ελληµ οαµ ερικ ανική Ένωση ∆ικηγόρων, Νικόλαος Μεζίτης – Ιατρικός Ελληνικός Σύλλογος Νέας Υόρκης, Στέλιος Τακεντζής – Ίδρυµα Ελληνικής Ανακούφισης, Γεώργιος Στάµας – Εθνική Ελληνική Εταιρεία (NHS).
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Hartford Goyans Help the Homeless
2012 YEARBOOK
of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Includes general information, Metropolis and parish listings, Archdiocese departmental and institutions information and other valuable resources.
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Call 212.774.0244 to purchase your copy with a credit card ORTHODOX OBSERVER SEEKS PART-TIME ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT The Orthodox Observer, the nation’s largest Greek Orthodox national monthly publication with a circulation of 165,000, is seeking a motivated advertising sales consultant to start immediately. The position is part-time and home-based with visits to national headquarters as necessary. Responsibilities include developing and cultivating new advertisers and agencies, working with current clients, maintaining effective and revenue-generating relationships, assisting in implementation of sales packages and ensuring high levels of service to clients. The candidate must also meet quarterly and annual revenue goals and assist in developing local and national marketing initiatives. Requirements: Bachelors degree, advertising sales experience, strong written and oral interpersonal skills. Print media experience is also required. Excellent negotiation and customer service skills a must in order to close new business and grow existing accounts. Strong knowledge of national and international Greek American market. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. If you are motivated to think outside the box, are success orientated and self motivated, want to work hard in order to ensure personal and organizational success and have a love for the Greek Orthodox Church, we want to hear from you! Salary – Commission based No personal visits or calls please. Please email your cover letter and resume to: gotel@goarch.org
HARTFORD, Conn. – The GOYA of St. George Cathedral recently undertook a project to help serve neighbors in their surrounding community. They started off the year by making a memorable dinner for more than 130 homeless men, women and children living at the South Park Inn in Hartford. GOYA families donated pasta, homemade sauce, meatballs, salad, and dessert and prepared the meal in the kitchen of the homeless shelter. The women and children were served first followed by the men and many experienced their first taste of Greek baklava. Fr. George Zugravu, cathedral dean, said it was a “very humbling experience for all of us, adults and children alike.” He added: “To be able to reach out to those in need or less fortunate puts everything in perspective. We, as Orthodox Christians, should live the Word of God by example.” The idea originated with 16-year-old Jamie O’Flarity at a GOYA meeting and was enthusiastically supported by Fr. Zugravu, fellow GOYA members and advisors. GOYANs who volunteered at the shelter included Jamie O’Flarity, Alex Loukellis, Elias Kapetanopoulos, Katerina and Costas Bouzakis, Maria Zugravu, Theone and Paul Kardos, Nicole and Alex Andrews, Christopher Augustinos, and Alexandra Walsh. February also marked GOYA’s second visit to the FoodShare warehouse in Hartford’s Regional Market where the Goyans sorted and bagged over 9,480 pounds of onions and apples which the food bank then distributes to shelters and community programs throughout the state. Commenting on
both experiences, Fr. Zugravu said “the best part was the overwhelming response of our youngsters and the commitment of the St. George community in playing an active role in helping those in need.” The St. George Hartford GOYA is looking forward to initiating additional service opportunities in the coming year. Volunteers at FoodShare included Costa Bouzakis, Christopher Augustinos, Yianni Mantziaras, Jordan Augustinos, Elias Kapetanopoulos, Eric Mantziaris, Katerina Bouzakis, Maria Zugravu, Konstandina Hatzikostantis, Effie Makris, and
Serving dinner at the South Park Inn
Vasoula Papageorge, George Zugravu, Alexandra Walsh, Stephanie Dantos, Alex Loukellis, Maria Rigas, and Evyenia Papageorge.
Palos Hills Church Honors Its Athletes PALOS HILLS, Ill. – Sts. Constantine and Helen Church honored its athletes on March 11 at the end of Divine Liturgy that included boys and girls, ages 12-18 in the G.O.A.L. Basketball League comprised of teams from parishes of the Metropolis of Chicago. Fr. Tom De Medeiros addressed the athletes and congregation, highlighting the great commitment to their Church and their sport that was taken by these young people. Especially highlighted were the
graduating senior boys of the high school team that brought the team to victory in the city-wide championships. To cap off the event, the players of the three teams, Grade School Boys, High School Boys and Girls teams, received trophies. For more information please contact, Frs. Nicholas Jonas, pastor; Byron Papanikolaou, protopresbyter or Tom De Medeiros, presbyter, at (708) 974-3400.
APRIL 2012
METROPOLIS NEWS
Photo: TERRI LALLI
Hundreds of faithful assemble in front of the new church as Metropolitan Evangelos conducts the Thyranixia service.
New Jersey Church Holds Thyranixia Service
OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey presided at the Thyranixia (door opening service) of the newly constructed St. George Church and complex on April 1, assisted by parish priest Fr. Andrew Eugenis and Fr. Nicholas Rafael. Hundreds gathered outside the doors for the Orthros and Agiasmos including local civic leaders, representatives from the Metropolis, Greek American organizations, members of the building committee, parish council members, the parish family and guests. After the Agiasmos, a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy was held followed by a Lenten reception in the ballroom-cultural center. “We are grateful to Metropolitan Evangelos for his love and guidance as we celebrate this glorious day for our St. George family.” said Fr. Eugenis. The complex occupies more than six acres with the church at its center. Additional buildings include a chapel, three-story administration and educational building, regulation-size gym and a ballroom/cultural center. The parish hopes to become a vibrant part of the entire area, hosting events and opening its doors not only to members but to the community at large. “Our parish’s goal is become a beacon of love and Orthodox witness to our neighbors. The dream of building this complex, which began in the mid 80’s, would never have come a reality without the contributions of all of our members and most importantly, let’s give the highest Glory to God for giving us the vision and the strength to complete this task in His name.” said George Moutis, Building Committee
Photo: DIMITRIOS PANAGOS
Metropolitan Evangelos presides at the Divine Liturgy inside the spacious church.
member and parish council vice president. The community of St. George has been located in Asbury Park since 1929, when the first official church service was held in the basement of the Asbury Park Library. In 1949 the Church held its first service at 700 Grand Avenue, where it has remained. In 1996 land was purchased in Ocean Township that would enable to community to expand its ministry. Since then funds continued to be raised, plans were made, and June 2009, and with the blessings of God, construction on the new church and complex began. This new location and facility will serve the growing needs of a growing Greek Orthodox community.
Photo: ANTONIA LYONS
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APRIL 2012
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, The evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
Χριστός Ανέστη Αληθώς Ανέστη
www.faithendowment.org
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APRIL 2012
IS youR PARISh... Ready to expand parish participation? Seeking funds for a building project? Wishing to promote Planned Giving?
Assistance is Available! The office of Parish Development offers guidance to parishes through:
Metropolitan Isaiah, the Clergy, the Monastics, and the Laity of the Metropolis of Denver greet all the readers of
The OrThOdOx Observer
with the joyful and triumphant Apostolic salutation:
Christ Is Risen! Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and those in the tombs He has granted life.
Strategic Planning Workshops: For greater involvement in your parish Capital Campaign Planning Studies: Assessing your project’s fundraising potential Capital Campaign Management: Planning and coaching from beginning to end
Stewardship Assistance: Inspiring greater giving in your parish Parish Planned Giving Programs: Guidance in cultivating planned gifts Grant Proposal Research & Writing: Help throughout the grant proposal process
Want More Information?
Contact us to discuss your Goals & Needs and allow us to explain how we might be of help. Greek orthodox Archdiocese of America office of Parish Development 3 South Prospect Avenue, Ste. II Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone: (847) 825-1432 Email: jminetos@goarch.org
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APRIL 2012
Obituaries
Χριστός ᾽Ανέστη! ᾽Αληθῶς ᾽Ανέστη
Very Rev. Jeremiah Monios MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - The Very Rev. Archimandrite Jeremiah Monios passed away at his home on Feb. 23 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He was 73. Funeral services were held Feb. 28 at St. John the Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach, where he was the first full-time priest from 1992-97. Fr. Monios was born April 25, 1938 in Alexandria, Egypt, and entered the United States in July 1958. He attended Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon, and earned a BA degree in theology and history, then entered Holy Cross School of Theology and earned a BD in theology in 1966. He was ordained a deacon in September 1965 by Archbishop Iakovos, who also ordained him to the priesthood in October 1965 in New Britain, Conn. In addition to Myrtle Beach, he had also served the parishes of St. George in Bangor, Maine; Assumption in Flint, Mich.; Annunciation in Little Rock, Ark.; St. George, Hollywood, Fla.; St. Nicholas in Waco, Texas; Holy Cross in Wichita Falls, Texas; and Assumption in Pocatello, Idaho. In 1980, he was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite. From 1980-87, Fr. Monios served as chancellor of the Atlanta Diocese. He went on medical leave in July 1997 and retired in June 2002. Memorials may be sent to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 330133rd Ave Ext. N., Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29577.
Christ has Risen! Truly He has Risen Χρόνια Πολλά! Dr. Gregory & Stellee Papadeas Venetia, Ioanna, Nicolia & George Assumption of the Theotokos Cathedral Denver, Colorado
Fr. Demetrios Demopulos
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SANTA FE, N.M. – Fr. Demetrios Demopulos, 60, died March 17 at his home after a long struggle with cancer. He had served as pastor of St. Elias the Prophet Church in Santa Fe from September 2004 to October 2010. He was born in Chicago on June 8, 1950, and attended Holy Cross from 19891993, earning an M.Div. degree. He previously attended Grinnell College in Iowa where he received an A.B. degree in philosophy, Iowa State University, earning a master’s in plant breeding, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he received a Ph.D. in genetics. He married Meredith Dunham Dodge of St. Louis in May 1993. He was ordained a deacon and a priest in January 1994 at Assumption Church in Denver by Bishop Isaiah of
Denver. He served the parish of Holy Trinity in Fitchburg, Mass from February 1994 to January 2004, and Annunciation in Nassau, Bahamas in 2004 before his assignment to Santa Fe. Funeral services took place March 26 at St. Elias Church
Fr. Anastasios Bandy PHILADELPHIA – Fr. Anastasios Bandy, 91, died Feb. 25 of pneumonia at Hahnemann University Hospital. In addition to serving as a parish priest, he had been a classics lecturer at Villanova University from 1984-1990 and head of the Classics Department at the University of California-Riverside from 1968-71. He was born Aug. 9, 1920 in Philadelphia and graduated from Holy Cross in Pomfret, Conn., in 1945, earning a certificate in Greek and theology. He married Anastasia Kirtilis of Springfield, Mass., in July 1945 and was ordained a deacon at St. Nicholas Church in Clinton, Mass., in August 1945 by Bishop Athenagoras Kavadas, and a priest at St. George church in Philadelphia by Bishop Germanos Ierapoleos in October of that year. Fr. Bandy had also earned an MA in Greek and a Ph.D., in Greek and Latin from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor degree in philosophy from LaSalle University in Philadelphia. He studied at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens on a Fulbright scholarship in 1958-59. He served the parishes of St. Sophia in San Antonio, St. John the Divine in Jacksonville, Fla.; St. George Antiochian Church in Philadelphia and had various temporary appointments in California. He spent most of his academic career at the University of California Riverside campus and served as Classics Department instructor, acting chairman and chairman. He also published several works. Fr. Bandy earned a Dumbarton Oaks visiting fellowship and received a Humanities Institute Award from the University of California. He also was a member of Delta Phi Alpha, the national German honorary fraternity, and Pi Delta Phi, the national French honor society. Fr. Bandy retired in 1981. In addition to his presbytera, he is survived by a brother and nieces and nephews. Funeral services took place Feb. 29 at St. George Cathedral in Philadelphia.
Professors Teach in Alaska u u from page 10 Dr. Philip Mamalakis, assistant professor of pastoral care and director of field education, led a seminar on Orthodox Christian pastoral care, marriage and parenting, and addictions. His presentation addressed the specific challenges people experience in Alaska, where alcoholism, suicide, and marital problems are rampant. Considering the need for strong marriages among the clergy as well as the laity, the St. Herman’s staff and students were excited about the prospect of sharing his presentation with the clergy of the diocese in the future. Accompanying the speakers were two Holy Cross seminarians, James Tsikouris and Steve Sarigiannis, who experienced hospitality from the seminary, interacted
with their fellow seminarians, visited the Holy Resurrection Cathedral where they venerated the relics of St. Herman, and made a pilgrimage to Spruce Island. The Holy Cross contingent also spent an evening at St. Innocent’s Academy, a unique ministry for at-risk youth, especially those with addictions. Since its opening 12 years ago, 250 at-risk youth have passed through this academy and many have gone on to live spiritually healthy lives. Fr. Luke and Dr. Mamalakis offered words of encouragement to this community, as they enjoyed an evening of fellowship. Before their departure, Fr. Luke and Dr. Mamalakis discussed areas of possible future collaboration with the seminary dean, Archpriest John Dunlop and Associate Dean of Academics Deacon Irenaios Anderson.
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Youth News
‘Sights & Sounds’ a Success by Marissa Costidis
The dark overcast sky gave way to bright sunshine for the annual Sights & Sounds competition hosted held on March 3. Holy Trinity parish in Westfield has hosted the invitational event since 1971. Volunteer Irene Panagakos has served at the event since about 1978 and is thrilled now to watch the generations of young people participate. Her granddaughter, Alex, performed in the American singing competition for Westfield, and helped them capture 1st place for their medley of songs highlighting areas around the USA. The group of nine dressed as stewardesses and a pilot, expertly harmonizing their voices. Senior Ryan Kiel led the group to their win, while also participating in other categories including individual singing, monologue, instrumental solo and American play. Although he is graduating from high school and GOYA this year, Ryan is grateful to the church and to Sights and Sounds for the opportunity to be recognized for his God-given talents while learning more about his Greek Orthodox faith, “Faith plays a big role in my life. My involvement in music and the choir has made me more faithful and this has changed my life. I love this.” Greek Dance, the most prestigious category, showed 16 churches participating. “The competition gets more intense each year,” says Co- Chair Eugene Gentile. With his wife Pam, they will begin working on next year’s event very soon. “We strive to make this day something the youth enjoy
being a part of. It touches me that after they compete they come out of the room so happy, with a sense of community with their own church and also with all the churches involved.” Eugene and Pan coordinate volunteers, entries, advisors, refreshments and awards for more than 650 people, all with love in their hearts for the youth that they serve. They are indebted to the hardworking advisors who offer intense and focused service to the young people in their community. Tenafly advisor enjoys Sights & Sounds each year. She was inspired by watching a Greek Monologue performed by a 4th generation Greek American, Anastasia Lallos. “The purpose is to keep the love of the church, Greece and each other with these young people.” Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey paid a visit again this year to the event. He spoke to the youth saying, “This is one of the most delightful visits I make during the year.” He told the youth to be proud of their Greek American heritage and thanked the yiayias, papous, parents and advisors for offering their children to the church so that they may continue to offer their faith and heritage to society. He addressed the children directly saying, “Although only some of you will be recognized with trophies, you are all the best of the best!” For a complete list of awards log on to: www.goarch.org/special/sightssound2012 Parishes participating included: St. George, Clifton; Ascension, Fairview; St. Anna, Flemington; St. Demetrios, Perth Amboy; Sts. Nicholas, Constantine and
Sights and Sounds 2012 featured hundreds of young people from parishes throughout New Jersey who took part in dancing, singing and performing. Here, St Andrew of Randolph Goyans take center stage in the Greek Dance category.
Helen, Roseland; St. George, Trenton; St. Demetrios, Union; St. Nicholas, Wyckoff First through eighth place winners were: St. Andrew Church, Randolph (8th); St. Barbara Church, Toms River (7th); Holy Trinity,
Westfield (6th); Kimisis tis Theotokou, Holmdel (5th); St. George, Asbury Park (4th); St. George, Piscataway (3rd); St. Athanasios, Paramus (2nd) and St. John the Theologian, Tenafly (1st place).
St. Athanasios of Paramus Goyans practice their Greek dance routine before going on stage.
(Right) Kimisis Tis Theotokou from Holmdel Greek dancers are ready for their close-up.
Photos by Marissa Costidis
Holy Trinity of Westfield singers placed first in the American Singing category with their selection of songs highlighting areas around the country.
Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey with (from left) organizing committee members Notis Kotsolios, Yianni Kourounis, Stamati and Anita Kartalopoulos, Co-chairs Eugene and Pam Gentile, Metropolis Youth Director George Tomczewski, and Fr. Peter Delvizis.
(Right) St. George of Asbury Park finished in first place in the Religious Singing category. More than 22 singers comprised the group.
St. John the Theologian Cathedral of Tenafly GOYA members celebrate their 1st place overall win.
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APRIL 2012
METROPOLIS NEWS
SF Metropolis Clergy–Laity Assembly Focuses on Unity by Kristen Bruskas
DUNLAP, Calif. – The 2012 Metropolis of San Francisco Clergy-Laity Assembly held Jan. 16-17 focused on the theme of unity and collaboration titled “Weaving a Tapestry of Faith.” Nearly 150 clergy and lay leaders from West Coast parishes gathered at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center for two days of inspirational presentations and informative deliberations to strengthen the Metropolis in its ongoing development and expansion of ministries and programs that provide year-round resources for our parishes. The Assembly began with an opening prayer service led by Metropolitan Gerasimos, assisted by the new chancellor, Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis. Immediately after the service, Metropolitan Gerasimos offered his keynote address that highlighted the many levels of connectivity within our work as a Church. The theme for this year’s Assembly focused on the quote, “The more one is united to his neighbor, the more he is united to God,” by St. Dorotheos of Gaza. The Metropolitan spoke on collaborative strength we have as an Archdiocese with departments, such as Internet Ministries and Religious Education, that are essential to our parishes. He also emphasized the need to move away from extreme individualism and to focus on our unity as a body of believers.
“We belong to the Body of Christ. We are the people of God. We need one another. We are stronger together than we are alone,” Metropolitan Gerasimos said. The societal influences which promote individualism are also adversely affecting the way in which young people view religion, and thus directly impact their personal commitment to Christ and their regular participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Guests speakers were Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology. President Fr.Nicholas Triantafilou, and Theo Nicolakis, director of the Department of Information Technologies. Fr. Triantafilou emphasized our unity as Orthodox Christians, explaining that baptism defies geography and chronology, but rather brings us into the oneness of life and faith. Through Fr. Nick’s many years of experience, he also explained that the synergy between clergy and laity is a blessing and should be carefully and lovingly cultivated. Rather than dwell on the challenges faced by parishes, Fr. Nick cautioned the Assembly to “pray over issues that unite rather than fight over issues that divide.” Theo Nicolakis’ presentation on the vast resources offered by the Department of Internet Ministries was enthusiastically received, and was also very illuminating for many of the clergy and lay delegates. Theo’s interaction with the Assembly and his clear, concise demonstration of many valuable resources brought forth a tremendous
Metropolitan Gerasimos with Fr. Nick Triantafilou.
amount of interest and served as a tangible example of the many ways the Archdiocese provides for the needs of our local parishes. Many of these resources including Bulletin Builder, Iconograms, Daily Scripture Readings, Parish Listservers, website hosting, iPhone apps, and the award–winning Archdiocese website were all provided as examples of free resources which enable our parishes to enhance their communication within their respective communities, and foster a more engaging approach to parish ministry and outreach. Video presentations of Metropolitan Gerasimos’ address, and the presentations of Fr. Triantafilou and Mr. Nicolakis are available for viewing in their entirety
on the Metropolis website: www.sanfran. goarch.org. On Tuesday, Jan. 17, the delegates began the day in worship at the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring Monastery for the Feast of St. Anthony the Great Liturgy, followed by a seven–year memorial for Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory. Assembly deliberations were led by Vice-President Theofanis Economidis. Delegates received reports on the Metropolis ministries and programs, including information on Religious Education, Youth Ministry, Family Wellness, Missions and Evangelism, Metropolis Philoptochos, and Greek Educa-
u u to page 30
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Going Toward Easter
(To be used on Pascha and the 40 days after. The family stands in prayerful silence around their table upon which there are two unlit candles.)
by Janice Bidwell
Great Lent came and went, and I’m still traveling toward Pascha at a steady lumbering pace. My life is a series of peaks and valleys between the seasons, but my route never varies. This rhythm is unchanging, and yet different each year. This is the path I travelled as a child, and now I’m on this same Paschal path of my ancestors with my own children. The century is new, but the ancient pattern is timeless. As we conclude this Paschal celebration it’s time for me to store away the Easter decorations, but I must keep my Paschal spirit right at the center of my heart. The pace and beauty of Holy Week brightens my faith, and keeping this light bright throughout the year is the focus of my journey toward God. The seed of Pascha is now planted in my soul, but I must nourish this seedling throughout the year. The joy of the Christ’s Resurrection is the central theme of Christianity, and of our life as a family. Our life extends beyond today; our journey is toward eternal life. . . . “The center, the day, that gives meaning to all days and therefore to all time, is that yearly commemoration of Christ’s Resurrection at Easter. This is always the end and the beginning. We are always living after Easter, and we are always going toward Easter” (Alexander Schmemann, Easter in the Liturgical Year, 1963). Living every day on a journey toward forever Easter is unnatural in the world today. It was unnatural for me as a child, and it’s unnatural for my children today. The rays of light which feed this Paschal seed help it grow deeper roots all year long, when it’s exposed to this steady light. Life within the Orthodox Church is also life at home, and Pascha does not end as I exit the doors of the church. My children must see the joy of Pascha live on within me and within our Orthodox community. This is the hope of our Faith and our hope as a family on this journey toward Easter. From Sunday to Sunday throughout the year the light of Pascha must shine, and each Sunday is a little Easter as we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. A Living Spirit of Pascha The joy of Pascha is there hiding within the smaller points of everyday living. It’s not in the wrapping of the package, but throughout the inside of life. If every moment of my life is a movement toward forever Easter, then I must be conscious of each movement reflecting this joy of Christ’s Resurrection. Every minute is a gift (even if some moments I would rather exchange), and seeing this joy is a central theme of life from Pascha to Pascha. Capturing the energy of Pascha within the smaller moments of my life passes this spirit of Orthodox living along through the generations and extends beyond the church on Holy Pascha, to each moment of living in the world. “The only real thing, especially in the child’s world, which the child accepts
PASCHAL PRAYER FOR MEALTIME Blessed are You, Lord our God, who raised up Jesus from the tomb and has gathered all of us around this table. As the light of God overcame the darkness of death, may these candles we now light be for us a sign of the flame of life that burns within our hearts. (Candles are lit.) As these Pascha candles call us to the feast of this our table, may the light of Christ, call us to Your eternal feast. May these candles delight our eyes and splendor to our meal.
easily, is precisely joy. We have made our Christianity so adult, so serious, so sad, so solemn that we have almost emptied it of that joy. Yet Christ Himself said, ‘Unless you become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of God,’ To become as a child in Christ’s terms means to be capable of that spiritual joy of which an adult is almost completely incapable” (Alexander Schmemann, Easter in the Liturgical Year, 1963). As I experience the presence of God in the shadows of my life, I nourish this Paschal brightness. The seed of Pascha rests in the soul and continues growing throughout the seasons with this steady light. Sharing and nourishing the Paschal seed is seeing this brightness every day,
even on cloudy stormy days. Reflecting this light towards my family guides us along the lumbering path toward Easter, and seeing this brightness in the world reflects my love for others and for God. The reflection of this light of God’s love is the spirit of Orthodoxy I learned from the generations of Orthodox Christians in my family, and is also the tradition within the broader community of the Orthodox Church. Love within the heart of one, moves the hearts of others all around. Going toward Easter, is going toward a loving God shining in the light of the world. – This article was first published in www. Antiochian.org and is reprinted with permission.
Living the Resurrection Challenge When the Myrrh-bearing Women came to the tomb of Jesus on the third day, the angel said to them, “He is not here, but is risen!” and they quickly brought the good news to the Apostles. Likewise, on the road to Emmaus, Christ joined two of His disciples and revealed Himself to them after He had broken bread with them. They, too, returned to Jerusalem and joyfully proclaimed that, “The Lord has risen indeed!” In the Orthodox Church we are blessed to have the beautiful tradition of the Paschal Resurrection service. After we receive the light of Christ from the priest and proclaim, “Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!” some of us will remain until the end of the Resurrection service to receive Holy Communion, and to experience the “glory” and “splendor” of the “new and Holy Pascha.” Sadly, however, many will instead return home early carrying our lit candles, and conclude this “Feast of feasts” by merely keeping the tradition of making a cross in the doorway of our home and enjoying the delicious Paschal food. What are some ways we as families can keep the flame from the light of the Resurrected Christ burning in our hearts after the Paschal celebrations have ceased? How can we continue to imitate the joy
of the Myrrh bearing Women and the disciples who were visited by the Risen Lord? Here are some challenges: Focus on the fact that the Resurrection doesn’t end on Pascha—the Church gives us 40 days to celebrate it. We sing “Christ is Risen” in our daily prayers and we light our Pascha candle as a physical reminder of Christ’s coming out of darkness. We also continue to proclaim “Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!” every time we greet someone. If finding time to read the Bible hasn’t been easy, this is a great time to start. For your daily readings from Pascha until Pentecost you can follow the lectionary of the Church who, in Her wisdom, has chosen to focus on the Gospel of John and the Book of Acts. For younger children, you can read one of the many children’s Bibles or try to make the original more understandable at their level.’ More than just with words, Christ spoke with His actions. Make Pascha a time for you and your family’s own “Paschal resolutions.” As a family, create a list of simple things you want to change or improve, but make it fun by creating a reward chart for parents as well as children. Make sure you hold each other accountable, but don’t forget to have fun!
With great joy, we come to our Paschal dinner as we continue our celebration of the ever-newness of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the resurrection of spring, as birds, flowers and fields come alive after the long sleep of winter. May we, in this Paschal meal, share with them the great joy of life. May the taste of goodness in this food be a promise of the eternal Paschal meal we shall all share together with our Risen Lord. May this Paschal dinner be a sacrament of springtime, peace and eternal happiness. May God’s blessing rest upon this table and each of us. Amen. Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! (Close by singing Christ is Risen) – Adapted from Prayers for the Domestic Church by Edward Hays. Bringing the light of Christ home means continuing all the good habits we have established through Lent and giving the “light” out to others. By continuing to pray, serve the needy, and witness to others in our daily activities, we keep the light of Christ bright. --Taken from the Journey through Holy Week parent companion. To view the complete companion visit: www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/family/ holyweekguide.
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APRIL 2012
Koraes School Competes in Illinois Regional Science Fair PALOS HILLS, Ill. -- Several students from Koraes Elementary School of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church took part March 10 in the Illinois Junior Academy of Science Regional Science Fair competition. The students were among more than 600 from the Southern Cook County and DuPage County area; the top 199 projects qualify for the Illinois State Science Fair competition in May.
The following science projects received an outstanding award and will compete in the state science fair competition: eighth grade student Michael Marx’s project, “Eggsperiment” in the chemistry category, seventh grade student Arris Pano’s project, “Can the Elodea Plant Save Our Environment?” in the botany category, and seventh grade student Alexa Tsiakopoulos’ project “The Color of Taste” in the behavioral science category.
The Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the West Coast gather on the solea at St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles to read the Synodicon (Affirmation of Faith) following the Procession of Icons on the Sunday of Orthodoxy.
West Coast Bishops Gather for Sunday of Orthodoxy by Kristen Bruskas
Alaska celebration Sunday School and Greek School children of Holy Transfiguration parish in Anchorage participated in the celebration of Greek Independence Day at Evangelos’ Restaurant in Wasilla, Alaska, hosted by Evangelos and Dialekti Lambernakis. Children of the parish presented traditional poems and songs. The program concluded with the children performing traditional Greek dances.
NJ GOYA Basketball Tournament Creates Fellowship by Melody Simmons
JESSUP, Md. – Players on five basketball courts were in constant motion for much of the weekend Feb. 11-12 as youth from all corners of the New Jersey metropolis gathered for what has become an amusing rite of winter: the GOYA basketball tournament. Sponsored by the St. Nicholas Church GOYA in Baltimore, the roundrobin event in Jessup drew nearly 500 people – 300 teenaged players and their parents – to a gigantic sports barn, the Maryland Junior Sports Center, just off Interstate 95. The first tip-off was at 8 a.m. and games ran non-stop through 5 p.m. on Saturday, beginning again on Sunday after Divine Liturgy for the championship rounds. “It’s a chance to create fellowship,” said George Tomczewski, director of youth and young adult ministries for the Metropolis of New Jersey. “They come together regardless of the skill level.” Tomczewski said GOYA basketball tournaments are held this time of the year in many cities including Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Denver, Boston, Richmond, and Wilmington, Del. Teams of young men and women sporting a rainbow of colorful uniforms
and high-tops fill the courts for the intense games that last 16 minutes a half. “We hope that through basketball, they are learning good sportsmanship that will help them in life down the road,” Tomczewski said. “This is their chance to build relationships that we’re hoping that will last forever.” Tomczewski, 28, from Baltimore, said he became involved in GOYA while in high school in order to play basketball. The tournaments are a fundraising vehicle for local GOYAs, with many boasting ad books filled with local businesses. Registration fees of $45 per player also help defray costs of gym rentals, food and a DJ for the dance. The tournament t-shirt is always a unique and treasured gift. Besides the games, the tournaments offer opportunities for parents and their children to share good will with other Orthodox parishioners as well as the always plentiful buffets for breakfast and lunch. Next to Gatorade and water bottles, the coffee urn is always full. “These were incredible events to go to – the weekends were for playing basketball and going to dances. I got to meet lots of people,” said Tomczewski. “I come back to these tournaments and see the same players who are grown – and some are now coaching.”
For the fifth consecutive year, the Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the West Coast gathered in prayer and fellowship to celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy. This year’s event began on Saturday, March 3 with a Pan-Orthodox Retreat hosted by Bishop Maxim of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America), where Bishop Michael from the OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey served as the featured speaker. Parishioners from Southern California Orthodox churches participated in both the retreat and Great Vespers service held at St. Stephen Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Alhambra, Calif. A youth rally was also coordinated to bring together the young people from the various parishes to celebrate their common faith and the Triumph of Orthodoxy. The Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 4, took place at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles with more than 800 faithful in attendance. Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco led the congregation in worship, along with Archbishop Joseph (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Diocese of Los Angeles
and the West); Bishop Maxim (Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America); and Bishop Benjamin (Orthodox Church in America, Diocese of the West). Bishop Michael accepted Metropolitan Gerasimos’ invitation to offer the homily. He reminded the faithful that the Sunday of Orthodoxy is “Our return not only to the correct veneration of our Lord Jesus Christ, His Ever-virgin Mother and His Saints through the holy icons, but to the true teaching of the one Church.” The bishop reminded the congregation that at each Divine Liturgy “we are called to cast aside all external factors that divide us and return to the chalice for the Body and Blood of Christ which unites us.” Archons of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle participated in the procession of icons at the end of the service. Upon returning to the solea the Hierarchs recited, in unison, the Synodicon (Affirmation of Faith) as a unified statement of our oneness as a Body of Christ. In addition to the annual celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the West Coast presented an annual Pan-Orthodox clergy retreat for priests serving the West Coast Orthodox communities.
SF Metropolis Clergy–Laity Assembly Focuses on Unity u u from page 28 tion and Culture and others. In addition, committees on real estate, insurance, and arts and architecture reported on their work and collaboration with parishes to assist them with their development and growth. In addition, Mr. Economidis summarized the current work of the Metropolis Council that met immediately preceding the convening of the Assembly. Delegates also participated in elections for eight clergy and eight lay members of Metropolis Council. The following clergy were elected for the term that begins after the Clergy-Laity Congress: (clergy) Frs. Andrew Barakos, V. Rev. John Constantine, Theodore Dorrance, Luke Palumbis, James Retelas, Peter
Salmas, Anthony Savas, Peter Stratos, (laity) John Buzas, Gregory Kyritsis, Ted Laliotis, Chris Pallis, George Psihogios, Paul Sogotis, Dr. Olympia Tachopoulou, and Dr. Eve Tibbs. Elected to the Archdiocesan Council were Fr. Aris Metrakos, Isidoros Garifalakis, and Valerie Roumeliotes. Eight additional members will be appointed in the coming months by Metropolitan Gerasimos. After the Assembly, Metropolis clergy remained at for a retreat where they discussed pastoral issues and heard an inspirational presentation from Fr. Triantafilou. Kristen Bruskas is the Metropolis of San Francisco director of development and administration and regular contributor to the Orthodox Observer.
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Culture & Heritage Exhibit Presents Transition in Byzantine History by Jim Golding
NEW YORK -- A relatively little-known era of Byzantine history is the subject of a new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. ”Byzantium and Islam: Age of Transition,” opened March 14 and highlights the transition from the world of Byzantium to the emerging Islamic era of expansion from the 7th to the 9th centuries in the southern provinces of the empire. The exhibition contains more than 250 artifacts and works loaned by museums and institutions in more than a dozen countries, including the Department of (Top) Map showing the southern provinces of the ByzAntiquities of the Kingantine Empire that are the focus of the exhibit. (Metrodom of Jordan, The Metpolitan Museum). (Left) Large panels at the entrance to ropolitan and Brooklyn museums, The Louvre in Paris, the Dumbarton Oaks the exhibition illustrated in Greek and Arabic texts. (D. Panagos) Research Library in Washington, Vatican City, the Republic of Georgia, Yale University, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Benaki Islamic Museum in Athens, the Berlin Byzantine museum and others. The collection includes mosaics, icons, liturgical objects, stone and wood carvings, texts such as medical journals, various Jewish, Coptic, Syriac and Islamic manuscripts, pottery, textiles, and sculptures. “It was a period of great change, a transition from one political and religious dominance to another,” said the exhibition organizer, Helen C. Evans, the Mary and Michael Jaharis Curator of Byzantine Art at the Metropolitan Museum during a press preview. “It’s interesting that the exhibit covers the area of the “Arab Spring,” Ms. Evans observed, as it relates to the current political climate in Syria, Yemen, Egypt His Eminence and exhibition curator Helen Evans with Michael and Mary and Libya. Jaharis at the private showing. (D. Panagos) She noted that the transition was a gradual development with communities that were predominantly Christian that continued to exist and prosper for centuries after the Arab conquest, and that Greek served as the language of commerce and culture during much of that period. The period is highlighted by the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius’ decisive victory over the Persians in the mid-seventh century and recovery of the True Cross of Christ they had taken after their conquest of Jerusalem, the Iconoclastic controversy of the eighth century, and the spread of Islam. In the late 7th century, Arab armies had advanced as far as Constantinople but suffered a string of devastating defeats at the hands of Byzantine armies and During his visit to the exhibition, Archbishop Demetrios studies the various never again threatened the heartland of the empire. chalices that depict Christ and various saints, which had been used at the A central theme of the exhibition is the dialogue Church of St. Stephen in the village of Attarouthi in what is now Syria. One between established Byzantine and evolving Islamic chalice depicts St. George killing a dragon. He was venerated by both Christians styles and culture demonstrated though works of art, and Muslims in the early Islamic era. (D. Panagos) religion and trade, the curator noted. Byzantium and Islam is organized around three empire’s southern provinces in the first half of the seventh themes: the secular and religious character of the century, the continuity of commerce in the region even as the political base was transformed, and the emerging arts of the new Muslim rulers. Work on the exhibition began in 2006. Major support for the exhibition has been provided by Mary and Michael Jaharis, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Hagop Kevorkian Fund, along with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities. The exhibition, located in the Cantor Exhibition Hall on the museum’s second floor, will run through July 8 and includes a symposium, gallery programs, documentary films, a teen program, a K–12 educator program, programs and services for visitors with disabilities, an audio guide and website and library resources. More information: contact the museum Communications Department (212) 570-3951; or the website: Examples of tunics and other clothing from the Islamic era. (D. Panagos) www.metmuseum.org
A basalt relief found in Syria of a stylite saint, thought to be Symeon the Elder, who drew devout pilgrims including Arab Christians. It dates from the 5th or 6th century. (Orthodox Observer)
A visual means the museum used to depict the transition from the Byzantine to the Islamic eras was the construction of archways from each historic period. (Orthodox Observer)
An ivory carving of St. Mark Preaching to a crowd of people before the walls of a city, possibly in Egypt or the Eastern Mediterranean, from the 7th– 8th century. (Orthodox Observer)
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Χριστός ᾽Ανέστη
Christ is Risen
Direct Archdiocese District Assembly Supports Greek Relief Resolution u u from page 13 ew York; Fr. Evangelos Evangelides, Annunciation Church, Stamford, Conn.; Fr. John Lardas, Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y; Fr. Nicholas Petropoulokos, Holy Trinity–St. Nicholas Church, Staten Island, N.Y; Fr. John Vlahos, Church of the Holy Resurrection, Brookville, N.Y; Fr. George Zugravu, St. George Cathedral, Hartford, Conn; Brigis, Anthony Brigis, Church of the Holy Resurrection, Brookville, N.Y; Stella Capiris, Holy Trinity Church, Bridgeport, Conn; Stephen Cherpelis, Holy Trinity Cathedral, New York; Dr. Constantine Flokas, Prophet Elias Church, Yonkers, N.Y; James Gabriel,
Church of the Holy Resurrection, Brookville; Ted Germanakos, Zoodohos Peghe, Bronx; Harry Raptakis, St. Paul Cathedral, Hempstead; Nicholas Sialmas, Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Those elected to the Archdiocesan Council were: Fr. Nicholas Anctil, Holy Trinity Church, New Rochelle; Stephen Cherpelis, Holy Trinity Cathedral, New York; and Harry Raptakis, St. Paul Cathedral, Hempstead. The following were appointed as trustees of St. Michael’s Home in Yonkers: Symeonides, V. Rev. Nathanael Symeonides, Annunciation Church, New York, and Constantine Rogdakis, Archangel Michael Church, Port Washington, N.Y.
IOCC and NY Parochial Day Schools in Joint Text Book Initiative u u from page 12 Americas (SCOBA). For the past 20 years, IOCC has worked through local Orthodox churches around the world to distribute assistance in many forms. With new book budgets in the New York area schools in the range of $2,000-$10,000 per year, this program is a blessing for our parochial school teachers and students. With the success
Thyranixia April 1st, 2012 Celebrated by
His Eminence
Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey We are grateful for God’s Blessing to celebrate Pascha this year in our new St. George Church
of this initial effort, it is hoped that this will become an annual program. In addition to providing books for our parochial day schools, the books also become a tool for outreach to other faith-based schools and after school programs in their neighborhoods. Extra books not needed by our schools may be distributed to other schools and programs that are able to put them to good use. In that way, our schools are sharing the blessing of this gift.
Second IOCC Cross–Country Bicycle Race Slated Ten years ago, five determined and dedicated IOCC supporters cycled their way across the U.S. to celebrate IOCC’s 10th anniversary of service providing humanitarian assistance worldwide. The “Race to Respond” riders raised funds for those in need and put IOCC on the map with the new Orthodox Christian supporters they encountered through cities and towns across California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Lead rider, Jim Angelus, is ready to repeat this feat and is seeking a crew chief to drive the pursuit vehicle and two cross-country cyclists to join him again in honor of IOCC’s 20th anniversary of humanitarian service. This time, the cross-country route will take the cyclists along the northern tier of the country from Seattle, Washington, through Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, covering approximately 3,000
miles in 33 days. Cyclists must have prior experience in training and participating in strenuous long distance events. Much like the 2002 ride, cyclists will have to endure the psychological and physical demands of approximately 33 days of continuous cycling at approximately 90 miles per day. The tentative timeline for this crosscountry cycling event is June 26–July 31. This timeline includes travel and time prep time in Seattle. Cyclists will be responsible for costs incurred on this cross-country trek, approximately $4,000. This includes travel expenses, equipment, accommodations and food, as well as the shared cost for a crew chief that will be providing SAG (support and gear). Those interested should contact Jim Angelus at jamesangelus@verizon.net for more information. For more information about how you can get involved in the Race to Respond Program, please contact relief@iocc.org or toll free at 1-877-803-4622
L–100 Grant Helps Youth Attend Camp
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
1033 West Park Ave., Ocean Township, NJ 07712 ( formerly Asbury Park, NJ)
u u from page 5 heritage in America,” Cotros said. Other grants made to date to the Archdiocese for 2012 included $81,750 to the Department of Religious Education; $95,000 to the Department of Internet Ministries; $100,000 to the Center for Family Care; $21,500 to the Department of Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism; and $18,000 to the Department of Stewardship, Outreach
and Evangelism. In addition, the Metropolis of Boston received a grant of $100,000 for “Emerging Leaders Ministry” to establish a contemporary professional ministry program. Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology will receive the second $500,000 installment on the $1 million annual support for seminarian scholarships and the fourth installment of $50,000 on a $250,000 grant for Vocation Ministry during 2012.
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NYC’s Greek Independence Day Parade 1
Dimitris Panagos photo
Leading the parade
Archbishop Demetrios with the Grand Marshal, New Jersey’s U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (right) and Elias Tsekerides, president of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, led the 74th annual Greek Independence Day Parade that included 109 units and 46 floats.
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Orthodox Observer photos 1) Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey leads a large contingent of parishes from his Metropolis. Joining him was Consul General of Cyprus in New York Koula Sophianou, who, over the course of the three-hour-long parade, had earlier marched at the head of the Cyprus groups and later with the Thessalians. 2) St. Markella in Wantagh, Long Island, made their first appearance at the parade.
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3) The float from St. Demetrios Church in Merrick, Long Island, reflected the feelings of many of the marchers. 4) Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Annapolis was among those from other states who marched. Others included a youth group from Virginia and students from the University of Maryland.
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5) A large number of students from the Aristotle University of Greece traveled to New York to march. 6) and 7) Among the hundreds of Goyans from many parishes were these marchers from Holy Cross in Brooklyn, and St. Athanasius in Paramus, N.J.
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8) Annunciation from Manhattan’s Upper West Side. 9) Holy Trinity in Bridgeport represented Connecticut.
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10) One of many regional federations was Sterea Hellas 11) The large Spryopoulos Greek American Day School of Flushing. 12) Marching for the first time in the parade were many Serbian Orthodox Christians of the New York area. The Armenian Christians, who march each year, had one of the parade floats. 13) The Cypriot contingents included several individuals from the town of Asgata in southeastern Cyprus.
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To view the hundreds of other photos from the 2012 Greek Independence Day Parade, visit www. panagos.com, or the new website of the Direct Archdiocesan District: http://ny.goarch.org
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APRIL 2012
OBSERVER’S CLASSIFIEDS Archbishop Demetrios of AmericA the first DecADe 1999-2009
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his beautifully produced book presents a full spectrum of the activities in the life of the Greek Orthodox Church in America from the years 1999-2009, the first ten years of Archiepiscopal Ministry of Archbishop Demetrios of America. The 368-page hard cover book contains 537 photographs, all taken by the Official Photographer of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Dimitrios Panagos, and masterfully compiled & edited by Revekka Papadopoulou. Chapters include: Biography, Enthronement, Archpastoral Ministry, Education & Youth, Ecumenical Patriarchate, Official trips, Welcoming Visitors, At the Nation’s Capital, Omogeneia & Cultural Events, Sep. 11-2001, Ecumenical Relations & SCOBA, 40th Anniversary of Episcopacy, and Honors & Degrees.
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35
APRIL 2012
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Remembering the Resurrection… Everyday!
by Eva Kokkinos
Take a moment to think about a joyous occasion in your life. Some of those moments happen only once in a lifetime, so we do a lot of things to remember those special events. We take pictures, we hold on to souvenirs, we reunite with people from that special day, or we return to the location of that special event to reminisce. Ultimately, we never want the memory of that joyous event or moment to fade in our minds and hearts. On April 15, Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate the most joyous event of the year… the glorious Resurrection of our Lord! With a powerful and emotional voice, each one of us proclaimed “Christ is Risen” to announce the Good News that Jesus Christ “trampled death by death… bestowing life to those in the tombs.” Nothing compares to that moment when we lift up the candle and sing. Unfortunately, Bright Week comes along and we are ALREADY back to “life as usual.” We get back to work, school, sending emails, text messages, posting on Facebook, gossip, jealousy,
Proclaim the Resurrection Around the World According to many different resources, there are approximately 300 million Orthodox Christians throughout the world. During the period between Pascha and Ascension, Orthodox Christians forgo the usual greetings of “Hi” or “Hello.” Instead, Orthodox Christians greet each other with “Christ is Risen” and respond “Truly He is Risen.” It is our joyous proclamation of the Lord’s Resurrection to those we meet. Here are just a few ways that this greeting is shared throughout the world: ENGLISH Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! GREEK Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! ARABIC Al-Masih-Qam! Hakkan Qam! ROMANIAN Hristos a enviat! Adeverat a enviat! RUSSIAN Khristos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese! FRENCH Le Christ est ressuscité! Vraiment Il est ressuscité! GERMAN Christus ist auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden! ITALIAN Cristo e risorto! E veramente risorto! JAPANESE Harisutosu fukkatsu! Jitsu ni fukkatsu! SPANISH Cristo ha resucitado! Verdaderamente, ha resucitado! SWAHILI Kristo Amefufukka! Kweli Amefufukka!
arguments… If Pascha is the most joyous event of our lives as Orthodox Christians, how are we keeping that joy in our hearts and minds? How can we remember the Resurrection EVERYDAY? Here are just a few simple ways that we can remember this feast throughout the year and keep the joy of the Resurrection alive in our hearts. REMEMBER THE RESURRECTION by attending Divine Liturgy Sometimes we forget that we have an opportunity to celebrate and remember the Resurrection of Christ every week through the Divine Liturgy in our Churches. What better way to remember the joyous Resurrection than by going back weekly to the place where we celebrate it every year! From beginning to end, the prayers, hymns, and Holy Scriptures guide our hearts and minds toward the Resurrection. REMEMBER THE RESURRECTION by Keeping an Icon of the Resurrection We often have pictures of those special moments in our lives. We keep
photo albums and framed photos to remind us of those occasions. An excellent way to remember the Resurrection of our Lord is to keep an icon of the Resurrection with you. Start by having an icon of the Resurrection in your room… at your desk, on your wall, or on your nightstand. You will begin and end your day by seeing an icon that reminds us of Pascha. You might also choose to keep a laminated icon in your school bag, locker, or your car. In times of joy or sorrow, you will always have the joyous Resurrection with you. REMEMBER THE RESURRECTION by Serving and Loving Your Neighbor We know that Christ gave His life willingly, so that we may be free and we can inherit eternal life. The Resurrection of our Lord is a result of His selflessness and unconditional love for every single person in the world. One way that we can remember the Resurrection every day is to love our neighbor and to give to those in need. We can donate food, clothing, monetary assistance to the poor, donate our time at school and church, help out a
friend by listening to their concerns, and much more. Ultimately, giving of our time and our resources in even the smallest ways for our friends AND foes honors the sacrifice that God made for all mankind. Eva Kokinos is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit. She received a Masters of Theological Studies in 2003 from Holy Cross School of Theology.
36
APRIL 2012
The Metropolis of Pittsburgh at a Glance
Editor’s note: The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, consists of more than 500 parishes in the United States and the Bahamas, apportioned within eight metropolises and the Direct Archdiocesan District. The Metropolis of Pittsburgh, led by Metropolitan Savas, extends from the Delaware River and New York state border to midway across Ohio and south to the Appalachian region of southern West Virginia. The area once formed the nation’s major coal and steel-producing region, thus accounting for the concentration of parishes in eastern Pennsylvania, the upper Ohio Valley, northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. It contains the most monastic communities of any metropolis and has a large Orthodox population of several ethnic groups, including Serbian, Carpatho-Russian, Romanian and Russian. The American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A., for which Archbishop Demetrios currently serves as locum tenens, is headquartered in Johnstown, Pa.
General Information Number of parishes: 52
(Source: Archdiocese Yearbook, Metropolis website and Metropolis officials)
Geographic entities: The Metropolis includes Pennsylvania (except for the Philadelphia metropolitan area), the eastern half of Ohio and all of West Virginia. Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh
Approximate area: about 89,000 square miles. Largest parish: Annunciation, Columbus, Ohio. Mission Parishes: St. James Greek Orthodox Mission, Belpre, Ohio Monastic Communities: Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery, Saxonburg, Pa., Holy Protection Monastery, White Haven, Pa., St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Monastery, Cleveland, St. Theodore Monastic House, Galion, Ohio, Entrance of the Theotokos Skete, Hayesville, Ohio; and St. Gregory Palamas Monastery, Perrysville, Ohio. Chancellor: Archdeacon Ryan Gzikowski
Major Ministries The largest functioning ministry is Youth Ministry which includes summer camp, spring and fall GOYA retreats, JOY retreats, GOYA Basketball, Volleyball, St. John Chrysostom Oratorical festival; Other Ministries include Greek Education, Philoptochos, St. John Chrysostom Clergy Syndesmos, Byzantine choirs (Pittsburgh, Oakmont, Bethlehem.) Religious Education (a full-time paid Religious Education director, and a Religious Education Commission), a joint choir federation with Detroit Metropolis known as MEFGOX the Mid – Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians and Social Media. The Illuminator – out of print for the past few years but documented more than 25 years of metropolis and parish life; Religious Education, Mount Tabor Ministries, Stewards of St. Photios.
Contact Information
Address: 5201 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232, Tel. (412) 621-5529 e-mail: metropolis@pittsburgh.goarch.org • web: www.pittsburgh.goarch.org
Source: Archdiocese yearbook (Note: Numbers indicate the cities and towns with Greek Orthodox parishes. The following cities have more than one parish: Pittsburgh (indicated by the star, site of Metropolis headquarters and three parishes: Holy Cross, Holy Trinity and St. Nicholas Cathedral); Canton, Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio.
List of Parishes (All Saints), 21. Ambridge (Holy Trinity Church), 22. Aliquippa (Kimisis tis Theotokou), 23. New Castle (St. George), 24. Farrell (Evangelismos), 25. Erie (Kimisis tis Theotokou).
Pennsylvania
1.Scranton (Annunciation), 2. WilkesBarre (Annunciation), 3. Stroudsburg (Holy Cross), 4. Easton (Evangelismos), 5.Bethlehem (St. Nicholas), 6. Blandon (St. Matthew), 7. Reading (Sts. Constantine and Helen), 8. Lancaster (Annunciation), 9. Camp Hill (Holy Trinity Cathedral), 10. York (Annunciation), 11. Altoona (Holy Trinity), 12. Johnstown (St. Mary’s), 13. Vandergrift (Sts.Constantine and Helen), 14. New Kensington (Annunciation), 15. Oakmont (Dormition of the Theotokos), 16. East Pittsburgh (Presentation of Christ), 17. McKeesport (Annunciation), 18 Clairton (St. Anthony), 19. Monessen (St. Spyridon), 20. Canonsburg
30.Wheeling (St. John the Divine), 31. Weirton (All Saints).
West Virginia
26. Morgantown (Assumption), 27. Clarksburg (St. Spyridon), 28 Charleston (St. John), 29. Huntington (St. George),
Ohio
32. Martins Ferry (Zoodochos
Peghe), 33. Steubenville (Holy Trinity), 34. Campbell (Archangel Michael) 35. Youngstown (two parishes – St. John, St. Nicholas), 36. Warren (St. Demetrios) 37. Cleveland (Annunciation, Sts. Constantine and Helen, St. John of Kronstadt), 38. Rocky River (St. Demetrios) 39. Lorain (St. Nicholas), 40. North Royalton (St. Paul), 41. Akron (Annunciation), 42. Canton (two parishes – Holy Trinity, St. Haralambos), 43. Massillon (St. George), 44. Mansfield (Sts. Constantine and Helen) 45. Columbus (Annunciation).