Orthodox Observer - September 2012 by Orthodox Marketplace

SEPTEMBER 2012 • Vol. 77 • No. 1278

$1.00

www.observer.goarch.org • e-mail: observer@goarch.org

E CUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE

ARCHDIOCESE OF A MERICA

Indiction for New Ecclesiastical Year

Beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year

+ BARTHOLOMEW By the Mercy of God Archbishop of Constantinople New Rome And Ecumenical Patriarch To the Fullness of the Church Grace and Peace from the Creator and Sustainer of All Creation Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ Beloved brothers and children in the Lord, Our God, who created the universe and formed the earth as a perfect dwelling place for humanity, granted us the commandment and possibility to increase, multiply and fulfill creation, with dominion over all animals and plants. The world that surrounds us was thus offered to us as a gift by our Creator as an arena of social activity but also of spiritual sanctification in order that we might inherit the creation to be renewed in the future age. Such has always been the theological position of the Holy Great Church of Christ, which is the reason why we have pioneered an ecological effort on behalf of the sacred Ecumenical Throne for the protection of our planet, which has long suffered from us both knowingly and unknowingly. Of course, biodiversity is the work of divine wisdom and was not granted to humanity for its unruly control. By the same token, dominion over the earth and its environs implies rational use and enjoyment of its benefits, and not destructive acquisition of its resources out of a sense of greed. Nevertheless, especially in our times, we observe an excessive abuse of natural resources, resulting in the destruction of the environmental balance of the planet’s ecosystems and generally of ecological conditions, so that the divinelyordained regulations of human existence on earth are increasingly transgressed. For instance, all of us – scientists, as well as religious and political leaders, indeed all people – are witnessing a rise in the atmosphere’s temperature, extreme weather conditions, the pollution of ecosystems both on land and in the sea, and an overall disturbance – sometimes to the point of utter destruction – of the potential for life in some regions of the world. Inasmuch as the Mother Church perceives and evaluates the ensuing dangers of such ecological conditions for humanity, already from the time of our blessed predecessor, Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios, established September 1st of each year as a day of prayer for the natural environment. Yet, we are obliged to admit that the causes of the aforementioned

u u to page 8

Dimitris Panagos photo

Τhe Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America.

Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops Meets in Chicago CHICAGO – The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America held its third annual meeting for all member hierarchs, that is, all active canonical bishops in its region. The meeting was held from Sept. 10-12, at the Chicago O’Hare Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. Forty-three bishops were in attendance. The first plenary session opened on Monday morning, and began with prayer, followed by an address to the assembled hierarchs by the Chairman of the Assembly, Demetrios, Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (his address is posted on the Assembly website). The Archbishop expressed the sorrow of all present for the loss of Metropolitan Constantine of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the U.S., who fell asleep in the Lord since the last meeting of the Assembly. He also noted the absence of two brother bishops who had recently retired, Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh and Metropolitan Jonah of Washington, D.C. Moreover, he welcomed the new bishops joining the Assembly since May

2011, the time of its last meeting: Bishop Sevastianos of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, Bishops Anthony, John, and Nicholas of the Antiochian Archdiocese, Bishop Daniil of the Bulgarian Diocese, Bishop Alexander of the Orthodox Church in America, and the newly-consecrated Bishop Pankratij of the Metropolis of Mexico. Archbishop Justinian, the administrator of the parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the US and second vicechairman of the Assembly, also addressed the hierarchs, reminding his brethren of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the southernmost Russian settlement in North America, Fort Ross in California, with its Orthodox Christian chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity. With the legal incorporation of the Assembly, one of the chief items on the agenda was the adoption of By-Laws for its governance. A draft was provided by a provisional By-Laws Committee, working in concert with the Committee for

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We begin this new ecclesiastical year in worship of our Almighty God offering Him praise and thanksgiving for His great mercy. In our hymns and prayers on this day, we ask for all that we need for life and service, seeking to walk in communion with Him. Through our commitment to prayer, our participation in the commemorations and observances of the Church, and our offering for the work of His kingdom, we find renewed hope in an abundant life in Christ.

Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment

lims in these parts of the world must be overcome by promoting love for one’s neighbor as the peaceful expression of the bond uniting every human being. Furthermore, the Ecumenical Patriarchate is deeply concerned about the future of the people of Syria, as well as for the future of Christianity in that country. Therefore, we are calling on all parties involved in this conflict to lay down their weapons, especially given the urgency of the humanitarian situation. The solution to such conflicts requires dialogue above all else. Dialogue constitutes more than merely a better understanding or toleration of our differences, indeed, dialogue is the essence of reconciliation and transformation. Therefore, religious

On this feast we ask our Lord, “Bless the crown of this year with Your goodness” (Psalm 65:11). We know that His goodness is true and enduring. His goodness is rooted in His love for us, and in this goodness He nurtures and sustains our lives. Through our trust in God, our lives are filled with His goodness, making us witnesses of the joy we have in Him. We also ask Him to keep us in peace. While we know that peace is a cherished condition for tranquil and secure lives in this world, we also recognize that this peace is often temporary or frequently challenged. Certainly, we seek peaceful times, but we also affirm that true peace comes from Christ. Our Lord said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). It is in His goodness and peace that we also ask our Lord to bless all of our endeavors in the coming year, both at their inception and conclusion, and to “guide the work of our hands.” Following His direction in all that we do ensures that

u u to page 8

u u to page 3

u u to page 31

Communique from the Ecumenical Patriarchate The Ecumenical Patriarchate expresses profound concern about the resurgence of violence currently spreading throughout the world. From America to Africa and throughout Europe and Asia, continents are confronted with the phenomenon of intolerance that not only undermines world stability and peace, but also constitutes a denial of human dignity. Racial murders, genocide, ethnic cleansing, anti-semitism, destruction of places of worship etc, constitute barbaric acts that must be denounced publicly, particularly when they are masked with the veil of religion in an effort to justify them. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is particularly concerned about the situations in the Middle East, as well as in Nigeria and Sudan. Clashes between Christians and Mus-

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

A RCHDIOCESE N E WS

SEPTEMBER 2012

To contact the Archbishop’s Prayer Book Now Available in English Speaking to God National Ministries by Archbishop Demetrios of America

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

Released in print and digital editions in September 2012. Published by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America ISBN: 978-1-58438-024-5 (print) 978-1-58438-035-1 (e-book) Price: $12.95 Speaking to God is a collection of over seventy prayers written by Archbishop Demetrios. In its third edition in Greek, the book has been recently translated into English and will be released in print and digital editions in September by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The prayers emphasize the priority of speaking to God in all of the circumstances and conditions of our lives. They reflect the challenges and triumphs, struggles and joy, weaknesses and strengths of our human condition in a manner that affirms the priority of faith and the presence and love of God. The book has five sections or cycles: (1) asking God to teach us how to pray; (2) talking to God about ourselves and our

problems; (3) singing the praises of His glory and majesty; (4) entreating Him on behalf of our brothers and sisters; and (5) addressing the need for a true approach to the Gospel. Speaking to God is a great resource for daily prayer. You will find strength and inspiration through prayers that help you converse with God and find in Him the love, wisdom, and peace you need in all of life’s experiences. Some excerpts: “We should speak to God. We should present our problems to Jesus. We should set in front of Him our hard times and our disappointments. We should place our plans, our worries, and desires in His hands. This is the meaning and message that this book wishes to bring to the world.” (From the Introduction) “My God, conversation with You is something simple. But at the same time it is also difficult. A dialogue with You, I feel, constitutes the highest art, the most profound science, and the most authentic life.” (Page 10) “My God, make me a prayerful person. Connect me through prayer with my eternal well.” (Page 15) “On my knees…I lift up my hands to

You, I raise my heart to sing to You about Your great glory and about Your immeasurable power.” (Page 83) Speaking to God is available through the www.orthodoxmarketplace.com

Parish Development 847.825.1432 jminetos@goarch.org

St. Michael’s Home to Host Annual Name Day Gala

Philanthropy 212.774.0283 bishopandonios@goarch.org

YONKERS, N.Y. – St. Michael’s Home will hold its annual name day gala on Nov. 11 at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. Held in conjunction with the Nov. 8 feast day of the Archangels, this event is an opportunity to herald the quality care that is being offered to the Greek Orthodox community and to raise critically needed funds for the expansion of the facility. Following the reception at 4 p.m.. the awards ceremony, dinner and dancing will take place at 5 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Panos Chrysovergis and band. Trustee Efthalia Katos serves as event chairman. The Home will also continue in its annual tradition of honoring a distinguished member of the Greek Orthodox community who embodies and promotes the finer

Public Affairs 212.774.0400 fralex@goarch.org Registry 212.570.3558 frmichael@goarch.org Religious Education 617.850.1218 religioused@goarch.org Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism 646.519.6160 stewardship@goarch.org Youth and Young Adult Ministries 646.519.6180 youthoffice@goarch.org

NEXT DEADLINE

Deadline for submitting information, articles and photos for consideration in the October 2012 issue: Monday, September 24. 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.

How to Contact Archdiocesan Institutions, Metropolises and Related Agencies and Organizations Direct Archdiocesan District 212.570.3500; www.goarch.org Metropolis of Chicago 312.337.4130; www.chicago.goarch.org Metropolis of Boston 617.277.4742; www.boston.goarch.org Metropolis of Denver 303.333.7794; www.denver.goarch.org Metropolis of Atlanta 404.634.9345; www.atlmetropolis.org Metropolis of Detroit 248.823.2400; www.detroit.goarch.org Metropolis of Pittsburgh 412.621.5529; www.pitssburgh.goarch.org Metropolis of San Francisco 415.753.3075; www.sanfran.goarch.org Metropolis of New Jersey 908.301.0500; www.nj.goarch.org Archdiocesan Institutions Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Tel. 212.288.3215; www.thecathedralnyc.org EDITOR IN CHIEF Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) GREEK SECTION EDITOR Eleftherios Pissalidis

USPS 412340

ISSN 0731–2547

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

qualities and traditions of the heritage of the faith with the Archangel Michael Award. This year’s recipient is Argyris (RJ) Vassiliou, who has served as a dedicated board member and treasurer of St. Michael’s Home for the past decade. During his term he demonstrated through his time, talent, and efforts his commitment to serving the elderly community with excellence. He continues to devote his time and energy in service to myriad philanthropic endeavors, as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, treasurer of Leadership 100, active member of AHEPA, and board member of Anatolia College in Thessaloniki, Greece. After graduating from Cooper Union with a degree in civil engineering, he continued his studies at Princeton University for his graduate degree. A successful

PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING Eleftherios Pissalidis GRAPHIC ARTIST Abel Montoya ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Soula Podaras BUSINESS MANAGER Marissa P. Costidis CONTRIBUTING CORRESPONDENT & PHOTOGRAPHER:

Nicholas Manginas

Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology 617.731.3500; www.hchc.edu Saint Basil Academy 845.424.3500; www.stbasil.goarch.org St. Michael’s Home 914.476.3374; www.stmichaelshome.org St. Photios National Shrine 904.829.8205; www.stphotios.com Other key organizations and services National Philoptochos 212.977.7770; www.philoptochos.org Internet Ministries: www.internet.goarch.org • Orthodox Jobs: www.orthodoxjobs.com • Orthodox Marketplace: www.orthodoxmaketplace.com • Online Store for Parishes: www.goarch.org/ freebookstore • Orthodox Children’s Bible Reader Online: cbr.goarch.org

Periodicals’ postage paid at New York, NY 10001 and at additional mailing offices. The Orthodox Observer is produced entirely in–house. Past issues can be found on the Internet at: www.observer.goarch.org • e–mail: observer@goarch.org Articles and advertising do not necessarily reﬂect the views and opinions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which are expressed in ofﬁcial statements so labeled.

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

entrepreneur he is President of Acme Pallet Company and DiCor Industries. Along with his wife, Ann, and two children, they are parishioners of Church of the Archangels in Stamford, Conn.. To purchase tickets, sponsorship opportunities, raffle information, or to include a message in the commemorative journal published in conjunction with the event, contact 914-476-3374 or visit www. stmichaelshome.org/gala.html. About St. Michael’s Home Since its opening in May 1958 the mission of St. Michael’s Home has been to provide the elderly of our Greek Orthodox community with a home-away-from-home where they can live out their “golden” years with love, dignity, and quality care in a Greek Orthodox environment. As the only residential adult care facility as an institution of the Archdiocese, the Home is a unique facility offering a loving environment where residents are treated as family members and are accorded the appropriate physical and spiritual care they need.

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, th 8 E. 79 St., New York, NY 10075-0192 Be sure to include old address, new address and name of parish.

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.

SEPTEMBER 2012

ARCHDIOCESE OF A MERICA

Metropolitans Methodios, Nicholas Offer Prayers

u u from page 1

at Conventions NEW YORK – Metropolitan Methodios of Boston and Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit represented the Archdiocese at the recent Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Metropolitan Methodios offered the prayer at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 29, immediately following the acceptance speech of vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan. Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit gave the invocation at the opening session of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Sept. 4. Archbishop Demetrios had been invited to deliver the invocation in Charlotte and to give the benediction in Tampa, but was unable to attend because of previous travel commitments and meetings at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He asked the Metropolitans to offer the prayers at the conventions. Metropolitan Methodios also met with several officials of the Republican Party including the Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, who is Greek Orthodox, an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and a member of Kimisis Church in Racine, Wis. Texts of prayers appear on page 5.

Church of Greece Officials Report on Relief Efforts NEW YORK –Archbishop Demetrios received two officials of the philanthropic organization of the Archdiocese of Athens “Apostoli,” on July 23: Bishop Gabriel of Diavleia, vice-president; and Constantine Dimtsas, its director general. Others at the meeting included Archdiocese Chancellor Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, International Orthodox Christian Charities Executive Director Constantine Triantafilou and his colleague Pascalis Papouras. Participants presented and discussed the Church’s philanthropic efforts to provide relief to the suffering people of Greece and coordinate some aspects of the assistance from the Archdiocese, the National Philoptochos and IOCC. Bishop Gabriel of Diavleia, chief secretary of the Church of Greece, conveyed the thanks of Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece and the gratitude of the suffering people for the support extended by their brethren in the United States in this severe economic crisis. The Apostoli director detailed the various Church outreach programs and philanthropic work in supplying food, medical and pharmaceutical services to those with the most need. In light of the projected long duration of the crisis, Archbishop Demetrios said that efforts for assistance will continue, to the degree it is possible. Later in the day, the two Apostoli representatives met with National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas and thanked her for the recent support.

A RCHDIOCESE N E WS

9/11 Memorial Dimitris Panagos photo

Archbishop Demetrios Presides Over 9/11 Memorial At The Assembly Of Canonical Orthodox Bishops.

CHICAGO – At the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America taking place on Sept. 10-12, Archbishop Demetrios presided at a memorial prayer service for the victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and offered a prayer for the

health and well being of their families and the survivors. The Memorial was held following the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral with the participation of many members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops.

CLERGY UPDATE Ordinations to the Diaconate Dimitrios Tobias – Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos – Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Glenview, Ill. 06/29/12 Ordinations to the Priesthood Ordinations to the Priesthood: Dn. Thomas Alatzakis – Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago – St. Mary’s Church, Minneapolis 06/24/12 Dn. Demetrios Kazakis – Bishop Andonios of Phasiane – Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Brooklyn, N.Y. 06/30/12 Dn. John Eric Wallace – Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta – St. Nektarios Church, Charlotte, N.C. 07/29/12 Dn. John Codis – Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta – St. Demetrios Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 08/05/12 Dn. Jason Houck – Bishop Andonios of Phasiane – Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, Washington 08/19/12 Assignments Dn. Dimitrios Tobias –Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Glenview, Ill. 06/29/12 Fr. Spiros D. Bobotas – St. Sophia Cathedral, Miami 07/01/12 Fr. John Codis – St. Demetrios Church, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 07/01/12 Fr. Andrew Walsh – Holy Trinity Church, Fort Wayne, Ind. (interim) 07/01/12 Fr. Robert Stephen Lawrence – St. Luke Church, Mooresville, N.C. 07/15/12 Fr. Kevin Millsaps – Holy Cross/Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, Huntsville, Ala. 07/15/12 Fr. John Eric Wallace – St. Nektarios Church, Charlotte, N.C. 07/15/12 Fr. Michael Diavatis – Holy Trinity Church, Asheville, N.C. 08/01/12 Fr. Andrew Cadieux – St. John Church, Blue Point, N.Y. 08/27/12 Fr. Alexander Chetsas – St. Philip Church, Nashua, N.H. 09/01/12 Fr. Thomas Chininis – Transfiguration Church, Lowell, Mass. 09/01/12 Fr. Christopher Moody – Holy Trinity Church, Holyoke, Mass. 09/01/12 Fr. Catalin Mot – Annunciation Church, Rochester, N.Y. 09/01/12 Fr. Kakhaber Kurtanidze – St. Nicholas Church, Atlantic City, N.J. 09/15/12 V. Rev. Fr. George Nikas – St. Demetrios

Church, Union, N.J. 09/15/12 Fr. Peter Papanikolaou – Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Frederick, Md. 09/15/12 Fr. Michael Stearns – St. Spyridon Church, Sheboygan, Wis. 09/16/12 Appointments Fr. Michael Stearns–Consultant, St. Iakovos Camp & Retreat Center, Town of Brighton, Wis. 09/17/12 V. Rev. Fr. Constantine Mersinas–Chancellor of the Metropolis of New Jersey 07/15/12 Archdeacon Ryan Gzikowski – Director, Office of the Metropolitan and Registrar, Metropolis of Pittsburgh 07/16/12 Offikia Fr. George S. Callos – Office of Protopresbyter, bestowed by Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh 06/04/12 Fr. George Livanos – Office of Protopresbyter, bestowed by Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh 06/10/12 Fr. Frank Milanese – Office of Protopresbyter, bestowed by Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh 06/17/12 Fr. Vasile Catalin Tudora – Office of Protopresbyter, bestowed by Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver 07/15/12 Offikion Rescinded Fr. Andrew Eugenis –Offikion of Economos rescinded by Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey 06/14/12 Retired Priests Fr. Harry S. Vulopas 06/01/12 Priests on Loan V. Rev. Fr. Christodoulos Papadeas (from the Archdiocese of New Zealand 07/03/12 Reception Fr. Gregory Trakas (from the Church of Greece) 08/29/12 Releases Dn. Gustavo Gregory Alfonso (to the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America) 07/10/12 Suspension Fr. James Iliou 06/08/12

we will produce great spiritual fruit in our lives and the lives of others. Dedicating ourselves to Him keeps our hearts and minds in His will and fills our actions and words with His holiness and grace. When we acknowledge Christ in all our ways, our goals and intentions are pure, lives are transformed, and He is glorified. It is also on this feast that we observe the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment. This day has been established by our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate in recognition that the goodness, peace, and guidance of God extend to all of the created order and to our stewardship of it. In goodness our Creator made everything and proclaimed that it was good (Genesis 1:31). Into a fallen world groaning under the burden of corruption, He has brought true peace. He has shown us the way of peace, so that we may live in proper relationship with our natural environment and with each other awaiting the deliverance into the “glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21). Our Lord also gives us guidance in our stewardship and care of all that He has made. By His example and teaching, we know that the life of grace includes the natural world, and He directs us to protect and preserve it in love. As we begin this ecclesiastical year together in worship and fellowship, I pray that the Lord will bless you, your families, and your parish with a year filled with His goodness and peace. With paternal love in Christ, †DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

Orders Accepted for 2013 Calendars NEW YORK – The Archdiocese Department of Communications is accepting orders for the 2013 Parish Ecclesiastical Calendars. The 12–month wall calendar features full-color icons, the names of saints in Greek and English, a fasting guide, daily Scripture readings and commemorations following the liturgical protocol of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The calendar includes thumbnail icons on major feast and saint days, fasting symbols, resources found on the Archdiocese website and an Internet Guide for Orthodox Christians. Calendars feature a “backer” that can be customized with the name, logo, and contact information of the parish, and the name, logo, and contact information of a calendar sponsor. The calendar can be mailed in standard 9 x 12 mailing envelopes. Calendars will be shipped to parishes by December. To preview a sample of the January 2013 calendar page and to download an order form, visit the Department of Communications calendar site at www. goarch.org/en/archdiocese/departments/ communications/parishcalendars For information about placing an order, sending digital art, and the placement and size of the parish and sponsor information, please download the Calendar Fact Sheet from the site above or contact the Department of Communications via e–mail at calendars@goarch.org or by phone at 212-774-0244. Parishes that ordered calendars last year will receive by mail a proof of their 2013 layout together with an order form and the calendar fact sheet. Corrections and/or updates can be made to the proof and sent with the order form.

SEPTEMBER 2012

YO U T H M I N I S T R Y

The Best Summer of Your Life… Ionian Village 2012 by Christina Loridas

The sun peeks slowly over the tiny white chapel, gently breathing life into a gray morning, slowly giving warmth to all it touches. I close my eyes and allow it to scorch my skin, kissing my soul. I drink in the smell of the sweet Ionian Village air, a mix of peace, of hope. Of His presence. A touch of oregano and sea breeze, of olive trees blowing softly in the wind. I relish in the quiet, for soon I know I will hear the scamper of feet, coming in all directions. Old Navy flip flops, and Adidas shoes will cover the small area outside our chapel and the beautiful sound of young voices will carry softly through the air, down towards the kitchen, where Kyria Sofia is preparing our morning meal, made always with love. Voices chanting the morning Orthros, heads bent gently over little blue hymn books in preparation for the day ahead. No, the quiet won’t last. Because today we are headed to Kalavrita to Mega Spilaion to see an icon of the Panagia, made with mere tree sap centuries before. Where we will go to the church of the Kimisis Tis Theotokou to hear a 90–year-old priest speak of the Greek massacre that occurred in that very village years before. Where we will learn a hymn whose lovely melody will bring our camp together each evening as we gather before bed. Or perhaps today we find ourselves on Aegina, venerating Agios Nektarios, the saint’s footsteps heard with one ear pressed gently against his grave, which encases mere relics. Maybe the ferry will carry us across beautiful blue waters to the island of Zakynthos, to the patron saint of forgiveness and of Ionian Village itself, Agios Dionysios. Today could be the day we board the buses and traverse the dusty roads for our two-day venture on Kerkyra, to attend liturgy at the church of Agios Spyridon, tucked away on a side street amongst tiny shops filled with preserved sweets in bright colored bottles. No matter where we go, we will go together; always a family, always as one. And each day, I learn something more. That the life bestowed upon us is the most valuable possession we own. That each day is one more to live to the fullest, yet another chance to love until we feel we can burst. That our ability to live and to love, is our thanks to our Him. That our Lord is the reason we breathe and with every breath He wants us to live His words. Simply to love. I begin to see our dear campers with

Participants of the Summer Travel Camp at Ionian Village. With 202 campers and 48 staff members, it was the largest group to attend in more than 10 years. Ionian Village Director Fr. Evagoras Constantinides is in the foreground. (Below) Campers at Vespers, and visiting a monastery.

bright smiles and happy eyes, as they too realize this. As they find peace, and slowly find their beating hearts filled with life once more. As they cease to feel pain, confusion, fear. As they venture past the rocks, feet cut and blistered, souls tired. As they continue on bended knees towards the light. As they begin to feel our Lord guiding them. Yes, today was wonderful but wait until tomorrow. You’ll see, I tell them. The sun is slowly setting; the cross atop the chapel becoming less illuminated as the light gradually vanishes. The brightness of the tiny church is dimming. Wait until tomorrow, it whispers, you’ll see. I already know, I reply back. Christina Loridas of Needham, Mass., is a 2010 Suffolk University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in communication and journalism. She has served several times as a counselor at the Metropolis of Boston camp, and spent this past summer as an Ionian Village staff member.

A RCHDIOCESE N E WS

SEPTEMBER 2012

ENCYCLICAL

Dimitris Panagos photos

Commemorating the Asia Minor Holocaust

Indiction signing – Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago signs the Indiction book at the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Sept. 1, start of the Ecclesiastical New Year.

Democratic National Convention The text of the prayer delivered by Metropolitan Nicholas at the Democratic National Convention: O God most pure and Author of all creation; As you spoke to us of old, Speak to our hearts anew; You who had fellowship with Abraham and Sarah, Come and stay in our midst; As You led your people through the wilderness, Lead us now, as the Democratic National Convention opens its deliberations for the benefit of the people and the land of these United States; You have brought us here from every place on earth, that Native Americans and Immigrant Americans, People of Color and of every Tongue, might find not just hope, but a land which seeks life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Grant to all here a deep and abiding respect for the task at hand, so that our common efforts will perfect our desire that law and government be for, by and of the people. Assist us to set aside personal differences, so that our unity of purpose will rise above us all as an enduring symbol of freedom. Let freedom reign in our hearts so that we would never fear to lead the oppressed to freedom; never fear to give shelter to the homeless and displaced; never fear to treat our neighbor as our selves; to give dignity and opportunity, as in Detroit and elsewhere in America, to the struggling unemployed and less fortunate brothers and sisters in this great land. Let us never be afraid. While our prayers and assistance are with those affected by Hurricane Isaac, we trust in You, O Lord, that your gracious love will be with our President, Barack Obama, with our Vice-President, Joseph Biden; with all of our public officials and those who serve the good of this Nation. We ask also that You preserve and protect those who stand in harm’s way, as they defend and serve for the benefit of all. Come and be with us, O Mighty God, as fortress and deliverer, so that through You, and by the faithful and strong leadership of our government, we shall rejoice knowing that our children and our children’s children will know peace and every blessing. To You be glory forever. AMEN.

burned, and thousands were forced to flee with limited hopes of escape. This specific tragedy of immense proportions was part of a long series of similar tragedies inflicted upon the Greeks and other Christian populations of Asia Minor. Millions were forced to leave their ancestral homes. Through mass executions and the constant threat of violence, their security and well-being was disrupted and their freedom destroyed. Beloved Brothers We commemorate this Holocaust and Sisters in Christ, today in our parishes because we share a In our regular gatherings of worship, heritage of faith and culture with so many fellowship, and ministry, we as Greek Or- who died or endured this horrible tragedy thodox Christians emphasize the necessity and because the impact of it continues of remembrance. We do so in our com- today in the lives of families, communities, memorations of Martyrs and Saints and of and nations. We also remember as Orthosignificant events in the life of the Church. dox Christians, as people of faith, that we We remember our fathers, mothers, broth- have a vital role in addressing the injustices ers, and sisters who have gone before us in our world. Following the example of in the faith. We mark those many places in the Apostles, Martyrs, and Saints, we have our heritage where our faith and culture, a calling to recognize the challenges of our our identity and communities endured tre- human condition, speak to the ills of our mendous challenges, tragedy, and triumph. world that destroy life and peace, and bring On this occasion we do this in our com- solace to those who are the victims of hate memoration of the Asia Minor Holocaust. and violence. Ultimately, we look to Christ This Sunday has been chosen because the who revealed grace and forgiveness under month of September in the year 1922 was the worst conditions, who condemned evil the peak of years of massacres and forced while teaching peace and love, and who expulsions. During this month of 1922, the showed compassion for the ordeals and Greeks of Smyrna were brutally attacked, tragedies of the people by offering healing their homes, businesses, and churches and salvation. With paternal love in Christ,

† Archbishop DEMETRIOS of America

Annual Archon Weekend Slated Oct. 19-21 NEW YORK – The annual Archon Weekend and Assembly of the Order of Saint Andrew on Oct. 19–21 will feature the presentation of the Athenagoras Human Rights Award to The Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Andreas Dracopoulos, director and co-president, will accept the award on behalf of the Niarchos Foundation at the Order’s Oct. 20 banquet at the Hilton on Avenue of the Americas, where the Archon meetings

and other events will take place. On Oct. 19, at the Archon Dinner Dance, the Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Stewardship will be presented to James C. Fountas and John Halecky Jr. (see related story on page 13). The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Investiture of new Archons by Archbishop Demetrios will take place Oct. 21 at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral to conclude the weekend’s events.

National Forum Elects New Chairman The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians’ annual meeting in Phoenix elected Maria Keritsis, a member of Sts. Constantine Cathedral in Richmond, Va., as the new national chairman. Her tenure began Sept. 1. She succeeds Dr. Vicky Pappas, who has served as chairman for 30 years and who announced her retirement at the National Forum meeting in July. Dr. Pappas continues her involvement with the National Forum. Mrs. Keritsis grew up in an extended family in the church where her grandfather was a psalti, her aunts and sister all were choir members, and she began singing in the choir at 16. Her love for Church music led her toward becoming involved in leadership positions not only within her own choir, but also in her Metropolis and with the National Forum. Her first experience with the National Forum was in 1976 while she was attending the Biennial National Philoptochos Convention in Philadelphia, where it was

established. For eight years, she served as secretary of the Eastern Federation of Church Musicians in the Metropolis of New Jersey. After her election as vicepresident of the Federation, she became president by the untimely passing of Dennis Spyros and served as the Eastern Federation’s president for seven years. She remains involved on the Federation board as Scholarship Committee chairman. Mrs. Keritsis has also been an active member of the National Forum for many years, working on projects, and served as the Forum’s Standing Committee chairman on administration until her election. In addition to her church music work, she has served as Philoptochos chapter president, seven years as parish council president, and currently is its vice president. She has also been board chairman the third largest school division in Virginia and has held other community and civic positions. She is the widow of Gus Keritsis, a research chemist, and has two daughters and three granddaughters.

Indiction signing – Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh also representing the Archdiocese, places his signature in the Indiction book along with other hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne.

Republican National Convention The text of the prayer delivered by Metropolitan Methodios at the Republican National Convention: Let us pray, “O Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth Who is ever present and fills all things, the Treasure of all blessings and source of life, we beseech you to dwell in our hearts” as we hold in prayer our brethren who suffer the ravages of Hurricane Isaac. Embrace them in your love and keep them safe. Enable us to reach out to them in acts of philanthropy and generosity. As we close this evening’s program, we pray that You bless and inspire the delegates of this Republican Convention to be Your devoted servants and dedicated citizens of our great country. They have nominated two of your faithful sons, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, to serve the highest offices of this beloved land, a nation which has always opened its embrace to welcome “the tired, the poor and the huddled masses, all the tempest tossed to breathe free” a nation that has always been a model of peace, justice and the rule of law. Shine in the hearts of the nominees of this convention the radiant light of Your divine will. Imbue them and Chairman Reince Priebus, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with insight, wisdom, and boldness, with courage, compassion and competence. Tonight, we remember the intrepid members of our armed forces who place themselves in harm’s way in defense of our freedom, and like our Founding Fathers, are steadfast in keeping America the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. May every American be more sensitive: To the neglected and forgotten To those who have been victims of discrimination and crime To those who are hungry and homeless To those with no jobs and little hope Help us, Lord, to break down the walls of enmity and distrust, and show us the way to a new era of peace, equality and opportunity. Strengthen the hand of America as it reaches out to clasp the hands of our brethren throughout the world to build bridges of understanding. May we rediscover the path that leads one to another, and all to You. Amen.

Metropolis News

SEPTEMBER 2012

NJ Church Marks10th Year with ‘Wishing Tree’, Gala Event

Metropolis of San Francisco Church Music Federation members after the Archieratical Divine Liturgy for the Clergy-Laity Congress in Phoenix, shown with Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitans Soterios of Toronto and Gerasimos of San Francisco. (photo credit: Alexander Christ)

SF Choir Federation Holds Summer Conference Archieratical Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral to commence the congress The choir was under the musical direction of Federation President Katherine Loukatos Meck, music director at St. Spyridon Church in San Diego. Ms. Meck has served as federation president since 2007. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music, and a master’s in cross–cultural education. Christopher Yokas served as the organist for the federation conference, and is the organist at St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, a position he has held for 34 years. Yokas has served as the guest organist for several federation conferences throughout the United States, as well as for the 1986 Clergy–Laity Congress, the 1991 National

GOYAL Conference, and the 1997 Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in Los Angeles. Mr. Yokas works at the University of Southern California. Choir members also participated in a special workshop to present new Liturgical music to further enhance the music ministry in their parishes. Federation members visited the Musical Instrument Museum, touring this extensive facility featuring musical exhibits from more than 250 countries.

Hurricane Isaac Spares Metropolis of Atlanta Parishes

in Haiti, which was among the Caribbean countries that were hard-hit. (Related story on page 37). After making landfall in the U.S. on Aug. 28, Isaac moved up the Mississippi Valley dumping large amounts of rain in the Central Midwest within the Metropolis of Chicago.Metropolis officials said that, other than the heavy amounts of rainfall received, no damage or injuries were reported from the communities.

by Elizabeth Levy

PHOENIX – The Metropolis of San Francisco Church Music Federation held its annual summer conference, “A Musical Oasis,” June 29–July 1, prior to the start of the 41st Clergy–Laity Congress. Several Metropolis church musicians were honored at an awards banquet for their contributions to the Federation and their years of service to their local choirs. The music for the Archieratical Divine Liturgy was arranged by Dr. Frank Desby, Dr. Tikey Zes and Steve Cardiasmenos. More than 110 singers, joined by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, joined voices to sing for the

ATLANTA – Hurricane/Tropical Storm Isaac, which made landfall along the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama in late August, spared the metropolis parishes in its path from injuries or damages Metropolis Philoptochos President Dee Nicolaou told the Observer that after holding several calls with parish officials in

the affected area, including New Orleans, it was determined that no assistance would be needed in those communities. “None needed help,” Mrs. Nicolaou said. The Metropolis Philoptochos and the International Orthodox Christian Charities were taking steps to provide aid if it was required. The IOCC did respond to victims

Elizabeth Levy is vice president of the Metropolis Church Music Federation and choir director at Resurrection Church in Castro Valley, Calif.

FLEMINGTON, N.J. – St. Anna Church unveiled the cross on top of their new church on Sept. 22 and also dedicated a “Wishing Tree” and prayer garden on the church complex as part of their new philanthropic support of Make-A-Wish® New Jersey. “Our community has seen its wish come true in building our new church and community center through the philanthropy, faith and hard work of many,” Fr. Anastasios Kousoulas commented on the significance of this relationship. “Our patron saint, Anna, the mother of the Theotokos, considered children a precious gift from God. It is only fitting that we commemorate our 10-year anniversary by doing something that will make a difference in the lives of children.” The prayer garden will serve as a place of respite and reflection for the entire community and features an icon of the children saints of St. Sophia (Pistis, Elpis & Agape) dedicated to the children of Make-A-Wish. The “Wishing Tree” is a Cornelian Cherry, native to regions of Greece and grown in monastery gardens across continental Europe throughout the Middle Ages. St. Anna parish on Oct. 13 will celebrate its first decade with a “Granting Wishes Gala” at the Short Hills Hilton that will raise funds for Make-A-Wish New Jersey and the church (as construction continues at the church-community center). Thirty percent of the net event proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish New Jersey to fund wishes granted to children between the ages of 2½ and 18 years with life-threatening illnesses. Mike Emanuel, FOX News chief con-

  to page 28

Assumption Church of Seattle Dedicates New Parish Hall by Cliff Argue

SEATTLE – A long-time dream came true for members of the Church of the Assumption with the dedication in June of the new parish hall. Following Great Vespers, Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco officiated at the Thyranoixia service, assisted by Fr. Dean Kouldukis, Metropolis Chancellor Fr. Apostolos Koufallakis, and other visiting clergy. The new three-story building contains a large social hall and modern kitchen, offices, meeting rooms, bookstore, library, and a unique atrium connecting to the adjacent church. Designed by architects and parishioners Vassos Demetriou and his daughter Michelle Cozza, the facility replaces a former center that had been in use for over 60 years. Archon Jerry Costacos who has served the parish in various capacities over many years was master of ceremonies for the gala banquet. The evening’s theme was “Honoring the Past and Present – Acknowledging the Vision for the Future.” Parish Council President Ted Dimitriou welcomed the large gathering of clergy, parishioners and visitors. Aristedes Phoutrides, son of the church’s founding priest (the late Fr. Stephanos Phoutrides) reminisced about the early years; Fr. Kouldukis spoke on

challenges facing the community; and Metropolitan Gerasimos gave the keynote address. Fr. Kouldukis urged his parishioners to expand the ministries the parish offers by adding another full-time staff member. To help pay for the new position, he said there needs to be a commitment to pay off the $1.5 million loan as quickly as possible. Further, Fr. Kouldukis expressed that “Our parish should be a center for healing for all who are in need,” by providing space, leadership, and prayer to local groups dealing with mental illness, alcohol, bereavement, and other issues. Finally, he called for the construction of a parking garage to allow the church to be full every Sunday and for other events. The Metropolitan congratulated the parish on its perseverance and achievement, and especially its goal for growth, and echoed Fr. Kouldukis’ thoughts by noting, “To grow this community, you must continue to realize your mission as a community that serves. The rooms of this new center are not meant to be empty, but to be filled with people on a regular basis, where they will come to hear and to learn the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Orthodox Christian Faith and Way of Life.” “Your vision to expand educational opportunities, community building, and fellowship, and expand your outreach will

Metropolitan Gerasimos oﬃciates at the dedication of the new hall at Assumption Church, assisted by parish priest Fr. Kouldukis (right), Fr. Koufallakis (left) and visiting clergy. (Photo by Kosta Koeman)

be achievable when these rooms are filled to capacity. The work of the Church is not the building of buildings, but the building up of God’s people, transforming lives.” The Metropolitan also paid special tribute with a certificate of appreciation to Clara Nicon who celebrated her 98th birthday the day before the event. Mrs.

Nicon has been an active part of the parish since its establishment in 1939. Musical selections were provided by Christopher and Elissa Kouldukis, son and daughter of Fr. Dean and Presbytera Valerie, and the evening concluded with the parish Levendya dance groups performing for the nearly 300 guests in attendance.

SEPTEMBER 2012

The Voice of Philoptochos

Bishop Sevastianos of Zela Greets Convention Delegates Bishop Sevastianos of Zela offered blessings and prayers to the 2012 Philoptochos Convention as the new National Philoptochos spiritual advisor. Bishop Sevastianos presented a most inspiring, interactive leadership program titled “The

Character of the Christian Leader and the Authenticity of Leadership.” The delegates thanked His Grace for his spiritual guidance, his wise counsel and for presenting the following prayer to be shared at all Philoptochos gatherings.

Philoptochos Prayer Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society ‘O Lord Jesus Christ, we bow our heads before You, and with humble hearts we give thanks to You for the abundant blessings, which You have poured forth upon us. We praise You for gathering us together as members of the Ladies Philoptochos Society in the service to Your Holy Church. We bless You for the selfless sacrifice of countless generations of women who have faithfully fulfilled the philanthropic mission entrusted to them. Through Your ineffable wisdom and Your Divine power, You have enabled us to minister to those who are in need of Your love, Your comfort, and Your care. Make us instruments of Your peace and of Your hope, O Lord. Where there is pain and suffering, may we bring Your healing and comfort. Where there is loneliness and isolation, may we bring the fellowship of Your Holy Church. Where there is despair and discouragement, may we inspire hope and faith in You. Where there is hatred and strife, may we be peacemakers producing the fruits of love and reconciliation. ‘We also ask You, O Lord, to guide our deliberations, our decisions, our fellowship, and all our labors, so that in all we do, or say, we may bring glory to Your Holy Name, of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’

New Level of Giving Reached, Over $2.9 Million Donated National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas announced at the 2012 National Philoptochos Convention that $1,479,825 was donated in the 2011 calendar year from the National Philoptochos Ministries and Special Collections and an additional $1,204,702 was donated from Jan. 1– July 3. In addition, National Philoptochos disbursed $228,000 in grant funds at the Convention to programs nationwide that support health, education, continuing care and wellness and special assistance. Grant funds were distributed as follows: Direct Archdiocesan District –

$42,000; Metropolis of Chicago – $32,000; Metropolis of Boston – $47,000; Metropolis of Denver – $17,000; Metropolis of Atlanta – $17,000; Metropolis of Detroit – $17,000; Metropolis of Pittsburgh – $22.000; Metropolis of San Francisco – $17,000; Metropolis of New Jersey, $17,000. National Philoptochos also disbursed $160,000 from a Special Appeal for Aid for the People of Greece. Gratitude is extended to all the metropolises, chapters and Philoptochos supporters who generously respond to the call and make it possible for Philoptochos to achieve this record of donations.

Chapters Present Exemplary ‘Chapter Challenge’ Initiatives by Christine Karavites

National President Aphrodite Skeadas designated the following chapters as the Chapter Challenge recipients at the 2010 National Philoptochos Convention. Through the past two years the chapters designed and developed a unique service project that impacts the chapter and the entire community. The chapters created materials for their presentation at the 2012 National Philoptochos Convention that were thoughtfully and professionally organized and are available so that other chapters throughout the country may replicate a similar project. Kudos to all the chapters for their outstanding, inspirational presentations. Direct Archdiocesan District – Church of the Archangels, Stamford, Conn., “Kids in Crisis.” The chapter worked with the local charity as a community service project. Metropolis of Chicago – St. Nicholas, St. Louis, Mo. – “I’m So Little, How Can I Help?”

The chapter created a children’s book as a Kid’s A to Z Guide for helping and giving. Metropolis of Boston – St. Athanasius, Arlington, Mass. – “Springtime in Blossom” for the Children’s Home for grieving children and teenagers and their families. The chapter offered flowers and other services to the children and families. Metropolis of Denver – Annunciation, Kansas City, Mo. – “Gift Card Collection Project.” The chapter provided $5 gift cards to local charities. Metropolis of Atlanta – Holy Trinity, Maitland Orlando, Fla. – “Cardiac Huggy Pillow”. The chapter created the pillows for the patients. Metropolis of Detroit – Annunciation, Memphis, Tenn. –“ Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.” The chapter engaged the entire community with fundraising, education and service related to these diseases. Metropolis of Pittsburgh – Holy Cross, Pittsburgh. “Natrona Heights Transition Home.” The chapter provided assis-

u u to page 28

Dimitris Panagos photos

Delegates view a presentation by Loukoumi the Lamb at the Convention.

Nick Katsoris, Loukoumi Team Up with National Organization Author Nick Katsoris presented his story about the creation of the Loukoumi books to the delegates at the 2012 Convention. As a follow up, National Philoptochos and Mr. Katsoris are teaming up to support literacy awareness and are also partnering for the Make-A-Difference with Loukoumi Campaign. Mr. Katsoris will donate $4 to the National Philoptochos for every book sold through Chapter Loukoumi Literacy

Fundraisers and donate one book to the Philoptochos Chapter’s local charity of choice for each book sold. National Philoptochos and Mr. Katsoris are also partnering for the Make–A –Difference with Loukoumi Campaign from Oct. 21-28. For information to hold a Loukoumi Literacy Awareness Fundraiser, and/or to participate in Make–A–Difference with Loukoumi Day in your chapter, visit www. philoptochos.org or call 212-977-7770.

Chapters and Metropolises Honored at National Convention by Christine Karavites

National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas and the National Awards Committee recognized chapters and metropolises at the 2012 National Convention for their outstanding performance and unique projects that enhance the Philoptochos mission. Convention delegates applauded the creativity and dedication and welcome ideas for new projects The following chapters received awards in the following categories: New & Innovative Concepts: Sts. Constantine and Helen, Palos Hills; Assumption, Orland Park; Holy Cross, Justice; St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn; St. Spyridon, Palos Heights, Ill.; Holy Trinity Cathedral, New York; Holy Apostles, Westchester, Ill.; Holy Trinity, Clearwater, Fla.; St. Sophia Elgin, Ill.. Metropolis Membership Growth and Participation: the Metropolises of New Jersey and San Francisco. Chapter Membership Growth and Participation: St. Nectarios, Covina, Calif.; St. Demetrios, North Wildwood, N.J.; Holy Trinity, New Rochelle, N.Y.; St. Anthony, Pasadena, Calif.; Annunciation Cathedral, Houston; St. Elizabeth, Gainesville, Fla.; St. Demetrios, Camarillo, Calif.; St. George, Clifton, N.J.; St. Vasilios, Peabody, Mass.; Holy Trinity Cathedral, New Orleans; St. George Cathedral, Springfield, Mass. Most Impressive Internet Newsletter: Metropolis of Chicago. Most Innovative Environmental Project: Holy Trinity/St. Nicholas, Cin-

cinnati; Sts. Nicholas/Constantine and Helen, Roseland, N.J, and the Metropolis of Atlanta. Special Awards for Exemplary Presentation: Annunciation Cathedral, Baltimore; Assumption, Town and Country, Mo; St. Andrew, Chicago; Sts. Constantine and Helen, Cardiff by the Sea, Calif.; Sts. Constantine and Helen, Middletown, Ohio; St. Katherine, Redondo Beach, Calif. Most Outstanding Outreach Project: Holy Trinity Cathedral, New Orleans; St. George, Knoxville, Tenn.; St. Paul, North Royalton, Ohio; St. Sophia Cathedral, Miami and the Metropolis of San Francisco. Most Outstanding Youth Project: St. George, Knoxville; Holy Trinity Cathedral, Charlotte, N.C.; and the Metropolis of Atlanta. Most Notable Membership Project: Annunciation, Memphis, Tenn., and St. Sophia, Elgin, Ill. Most Innovative Website Communique: Elkins Park, Pa.; Holy Trinity Cathedral, New York, and the Metropolis of Atlanta. Most Successful Fundraiser Project: Holy Trinity Cathedral, New Orleans, Kimisis Tis Theotokou, Aliquippa, Pa., and St. Katherine, Melbourne, Fla. Nearly 300 chapters were recognized for 100 percent support of the National Ministries. Dee Nicolaou served as the awards program chairman, assisted by Pam Argyris, Evangeline Mekras Scurtis and Joanne Stavrakas. Visit www.philoptochos.org to view the Awards Program Booklet.

SEPTEMBER 2012

ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE

Dimitris Panagos photo

Panagia Soumela Service - Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presides at the annual Dormition of

the Theotokos service at the Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Pontos. More coverage in Greek section.

Indiction for the New Ecclesiastical Year   from page 1 ecological changes are not inspired by God but initiated by humans. Thus, the invocation and supplication of the Church and us all to God as the Lord of lords and Ruler of all for the restoration of creation are essentially a petition of repentance for our sinfulness in destroying the world instead of working to preserve and sustain its ever-flourishing resources reasonably and carefully. When we pray to and entreat God for the preservation of the natural environment, we are ultimately imploring God to change with mindset of the powerful in the world, enlightening them not to destroy the planet’s ecosystem for reasons of financial profit and ephemeral interest. This in turn, however, also concerns each one of us inasmuch as we all generate small ecological damage in our individual capacity and ignorance. Therefore, in praying for the natural environment, we are praying for personal repentance for our contribution – smaller or

greater – to the disfigurement and destruction of creation, which we collectively experience regionally and occasionally through the immense phenomena of our time. In addressing this appeal, petition and exhortation from the sacred Center of Orthodoxy to all people throughout the world, we pray that our gracious Lord, who granted this earthly paradise to all people dwelling on our planet, will speak to the hearts of everyone so that we may respect the ecological balance that He offered in His wisdom and goodness, so that both we and future generations will enjoy His gifts with thanksgiving and glorification. May this divine wisdom, peace and power, which created and sustains and guides all creation in its hope for salvation in the kingdom, always maintain the beauty of the world and the welfare of humanity, leading all people of good will to produce fruitful works toward this purpose. And we invoke His grace and mercy on all of you, particularly those who respect and protect creation. Amen.

Communique from the Ecumenical Patriarchate   from page 1

Oriental carpet & area rugs

Ceramic tile & grout cleaning

Upholstery & fine fabrics

Headboards & bed frames

Drapery & shades

Fabric walls

Marble & stone cleaning

Leather furniture

Serving the Tri-State Area 212.777.4040 fabracleen.com fabracleenstoneandtilecare.com

leaders should be working together, through dialogue, to affirm God’s peace in the world. We, as religious leaders, have a moral obligation to resist war and promote peace as a vital and fundamental necessity for all humanity. Religion cannot and should never be a basis for war and conflict, nor should it be used as an instrument of fundamentalism and fanaticism for purely political motives and ends. With great resolve, we have repeatedly emphasized that any crime in the name of religion is a crime against religion. In this respect, dialogue is the only hope for attaining peace.

Finally, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Ecumenical Patriarchate express their solidarity with and compassion to all communities affected by violence, addressing a fervent appeal to all autocephalous Orthodox Churches, all Christian Churches and religious communities, as well as to international organizations and states, as well as every person of good will, to contribute to the triumph of peace over war and hatred. At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, August 14, 2012 The Chief Secretariat of the Holy and Sacred Synod

SEPTEMBER 2012

TALES FROM L.A. The Juvenilization of American Christianity by Fr. John S. Bakas

The house lights go down. Spinning, multicolored lights sweep the auditorium. A rock band launches into a rousing opening song. “Ignore everyone else, this time is just about you and Jesus,” proclaims the lead singer. The music changes to a slow dance tune and the people sing about falling in love with Jesus. A guitarist sporting skinny jeans and a soul patch closes the worship set with a prayer, beginning, “Hey God…” The spotlight then falls on the speaker, who tells entertaining stories, cracks a few jokes, and assures everyone that “God is not mad at you. He loves you unconditionally.” After worship, some members of the church sign up for the next mission trip, while others decide to join a small group where they can receive support on their faith journey. If you ask the people here why they go to church or what they value about their faith, they’ll say something like, “Having faith helps me deal with my problems.” I wish I could claim credit for writing these words. But they were written by Thomas E. Bergler in a recent article in Christianity Today, titled “When are we going to grow up? The Juvenilization of American Christianity;” is an article worth reading. Evangelical teenagers were coming to describe the Christian life as falling in love with Jesus and experiencing the “thrills” and “happiness” of a romantic relationship with Him. Perhaps because they believed so strongly in a personal relationship with Jesus outside of the formal church as the center of Christianity, they didn’t question what might be lost when that relationship was equated with an erotic, emotional attraction to a teen idol (Jesus Christ Super Star). Although white evangelicals have been the most aggressive juvenilizers, other branches of American Christianity, are not far behind, including young Roman Catholics who are artificially combining traditionalist faith and youth culture styles. Everything from mariachi to tango masses to liturgical dance to rock band energized youth liturgies. These Catholic teenagers say that they like the intense experience” that serves as a stress reliever” and they “love the music.” Still, churches new to juveniliization would do well to consider its unintended consequences. Juvenilization tends to create a self-centered, emotionally driven, an intellectually empty faith. In their landmark National Study of Youth and Religion, Christian Smith and his team of researchers found that the majority of American teenagers, even those who are highly involved in church activities, are inarticulate about religious matters. They seldom used words like faith, salvation, sin or even Jesus to describe their beliefs. Instead, they return again and again to the language of personal fulfillment to describe why God and Christianity are important to them. The phrase “feel happy” appeared over 2,000 times in 267 interviews. Today many Americans of all ages not only accept a Christianized version of adolescent narcissism, they often cel-

ebrate it as authentic spirituality. God, faith, and the church all exist to “help me with my problems.” Religious institutions are bad; only my personal relationship with Jesus matters. If we believe that a mature faith involves more than good feelings, vague beliefs, and living however we want, we must conclude that juvenilization has left many individuals mired in spiritually immaturity. As strange as these notions and trends are to us, Orthodox Christians, the fact is that many of our young people are exposed to such church services by their school friends and neighbors. It starts out when they are invited to the XYZ church youth social event and it goes from there. I have had some of these young Greek Orthodox young people who tasted the “rotten fruit” of these kinds of experiences say to me; “Father why doesn’t the Orthodox church introduce “Bouzouki youth liturgies into our youth ministry. I know you will pack the church with young people.” I started to chuckle at the notion. In response with tongue and cheek I said; “In that case, I suppose we could also give out koulourakia instead of antidoron at the end of the service.” Not sensing the ridiculous humor in that comment, one youngster replied; “that’s not a bad idea.” I think he was actually serious.As crazy as all this sounds, it is a reality our young people are influenced by a lost heretical American multi-denomination Christianity, wishing to be hip. As a wise cleric once said, “He who marries the spirit of the age is soon left a widower.” These so called “Bible–believing churches” have forgotten the words of St. Paul. Words regularly taught and articulated at the nearly all regional and national meetings by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios who as recently as the 41st National Clergy–Laity Congress in Phoenix taught us from scripture to grow and mature in faith and bear good fruit. St. Paul for example instructed his young disciple Titus in his Epistle; “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age.” He tells the Corinthians in his first Epistle: Brethren, do not be children in understanding, however, in malice be babes, but in understanding, be mature. To the “trendy” Romans he instructs; “my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God but it is not enlightened. For being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” To the Thessalonians he tells them in his second Epistle: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” May God protect our Holy Orthodox faith and have mercy on us! Fr. Bakas is dean of St. Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles and a faculty member of Loyola Marymount University, School of Theology.

DO YOU LIKE THE ORTHODOX OBSERVER? HAVE YOU SOMETHING TO SUGGEST? SEND US A FEW LINES...

8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075

Fax:(212) 774-0239 E-mail: observer@goarch.org

ΜΕ

ΠΑ

ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – ΑΘΗΝΑ Με επιστροφή

από

860

* Δεν υπάρχουν άλλες επιβαρύνσεις

*Η τιμή συμπεριλαμβάνει επιβάρυνση καυσίμων, φόρους αεροδρομίων και ασφαλείας 11ης Σεπτεμβρίου. Περιορισμένος αριθμός θέσεων.

Σας πάμε στην Ελλάδα από όλες τις πολιτείες των ΗΠΑ. NUMBER ONE TO GREECE

MAIN OFFICE: 55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022 Tel.: 212-753-1100 e-mail: info@homerictours.com

OTHER OFFICES: •ASTORIA •HICKSVILLE, LONG ISLAND •STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT •ATHENS, GREECE

NATIONWIDE TOLL FREE 1-800-223-5570

info@HomericTours.com • www.HomericTours.com www.facebook.com/HomericTours

Denver Camp Features Two Weeks of Spiritual Activities

SEPTEMBER 2012

YO U T H M I N I S T R Y

by Arianna Ranahosseini

DENVER – Have you considered having Jesus Christ in your life? Do you consider Him in everything you do? These questions were posed to more than 150 campers, ages 11-18, at the Metropolis of Denver’s Camp Emmanuel this summer. The two one-week sessions of Camp Emmanuel took place June 10-23 at the Manzano Mountain Retreat center outside of Albuquerque N.M. Campers came from Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming to grow in their faith together. Pahno Georgeton, 15, from Houston, Texas said, “Camp gives me a chance to meet fellow Orthodox Christians who I can be completely myself around. Camp is a place where all these kids from around the country take off the mask of society for a week and where your relationship with God is enriched through everything you do.” Alexa Pappas, 18, from Salt Lake City, Utah said, “Camp Emmanuel is such an amazing camp to attend because you get

Metropolitan Isaiah with senior girls at the camp during one of the sessions.

to meet other Greek Orthodox youth who are going through the same things and can share the same experiences with you. They’re just like you and can relate to all the struggles of daily life as an Orthodox Christian. It’s awesome to be able to build a family outside of your own, made up of all the wonderful people you meet - fellow campers, counselors, and priests too.”

The theme of camp this year was “Considering” – the first part of a three-cycle series that began in 2008, which asks campers to explore their relationship with Christ and challenge the culture of today’s youth. And that challenge for greater spiritual formation starts in the registration process. Prior to attending camp, participants are asked to write a 1-2 page reflection giving an example of a time in their life where they put their faith into action. The series will continue the cycle of themes next year, with “Committing to Christ,” followed by “Walking With Christ.” George Hantzopoulos, 18, from Albuquerque, said, “I learned that to get where we want to go in life, we need to consider Christ in what we do and remember He loves us no matter how we look or what we do - follow His commandments, listen to your heart, and keep close to the church. I love camp because I’m able to spend time and have fun with people who have the same beliefs as me and won’t judge me but love me.” Camp Emmanuel is led by Dn. Paul Zaharas and Fr. Evan Armatas. Dn. Paul has been the youth director for the Metropolis of Denver since 2000 and Fr. Evan has been the program director for Camp Emmanuel for nine years and is the priest at St. Spyridon’s Church in Loveland, Colo. The theme “Considering Christ” is

prevalent within every aspect of the camp program, which layers more spiritual activities each year – including two Orthodox Life sessions and the Daily Word, which offers a reflection and break-out session related to the day’s Gospel reading. Other activities included water day, spirit night, “Camp Emmanuel’s Got Talent” and “Stump the Priest.” “Camp isn’t somewhere that I go to recharge my spiritual battery. It’s not like I try to live a life in which only one week of the year is focused on being a true Christian. Instead, Camp Emmanuel gives me hope that I can make something out of my life, and that, by God’s grace, I can do it in a Christian manner,” said Jenny Stasinopoulos, 23, a staff member from Tulsa, Okla. Each day, campers participate in orthros and vespers services and two Orthodox Life sessions led by Metropolis clergy. Cabins are given feast days, such as Dormition, Palm Sunday and Pentecost, for their names, which they incorporate in their themes throughout the week. Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver joined the senior-session campers mid-week and led the camp in an evening paraklesis service under the stars and Divine Liturgy the following day. The volunteer staff, consisted of par-

u u to page 28

Everybody (almost) into the pool! One of the many recreational activities available at the camp.

SEPTEMBER 2012

Clergy-Laity Congress Follow-Up

PA N- ORT HODOX N E WS

by Fr. Luke A. Veronis

Retired Clergy Elect New Board Retired Clergy Association members elected new officers during their meetings held in conjunction with the Clergy-Laity Congress. RCA President Fr. Nicholas Soteropoulos concluded his term and elections took place with new officers to assume their duties Sept. 1. The following new officers are: Fr. Joel McEachen, president; Fr. Constantine Eliades, treasurer; Fr. John Maheras, treasurer and Fr. Theoharis Theoharis, secretary. The RCA held its breakfast meeting on July 3 that was also attended by Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Sotirios of Toronto and Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “Whatever retirement means, I don’t think any of you fit that profile,” Metropolitan Gerasimos told the group. You’ve given to the Church and you are still giving. You’re a priest for life.” He cited the continuous work of Fr. John and Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos in organizing each year’s St. John Oratorical Festival program. “How can you say, ‘They’re retired?’” “We are very proud of our retired priests. They work more than a normal serving priest would,” said Archbishop Demetrios. “This group is one of the most progressive groups in the Archdiocese,” he said of the RCA. The Archbishop noted the examples of Fr. George Papadeas of blessed memory, Fr. Soteropoulos who refurbished a dilapidated church, Fr. Peter Chamberas, and also mentioned Fr. John and Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos’ work with the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. Fr. Papadeas “served as an example to others,” he said. “Following his retirement he served at four communities and left behind three new churches.” Fr. Soteropoulos was appointed to the church of St. Peter in the Bronx that had been in a deteriorating condition, “It’s like a shack,” the Archbishop remarked. But Fr. Soteropoulos instituted a remodeling program and a thyranoixia for the newly refurbished church will take place in September. The Archbishop continued, “Fr. Chamberas is serving as chaplain at

Holy Cross and is doing a marvelous job” while the Orfanakoses have directed the Oratorical Festival program for 29 years. His Eminence, whose high school principal had written books until he passed away at age 107, told him that his outlook on life had been, “When I get up in the morning I know I have a purpose and a mission to fulfill that day.” Archbishop discussed the importance of the presbyteres in their husbands’ ministries. It is very important that they are the wives of our priests. “She’s untied to her husband and sharing in the sacrament of the priesthood by being together,” he said. Thank you for what you are and what you continue to be.” The difficulty in transitioning to retirement when a priest has been the proistamenos for many years, also was addressed by His Eminence. “It is not easy to disengage from activity after 50 years; it’s not easy to disconnect,” he said. “Somehow you might feel you have a role and the young priest does something different you don’t like. “You might have issues like that; please be patient; remember how you felt when you started. He added that, “statistically, a successor may not be as friendly or cooperative” and that the retiring priest should” teach and offer advice in constructive way.” Bringing any issues to the attention of the metropolitan can also be helpful, he said. Leadership 100 Chairman Charles Cotros also addressed the group, stated that he feels “privileged and honored to be among you and convey to you the profound gratitude for the service to our church and families. “You continue to contribute by your very presence in our life,” he continued. “Leadership 100 is honored to support the Retired clergy over the years. He recalled the influence of his parish priest in Memphis, Tenn., of 35 years, Fr. Nicholas Vieron, who “was and is still a wonderful inspiration. “I feel very close to this group as he was my leader for many years,” Mr. Cotros added.

Dimitris Panagos photo

Delegates listen to one of the reports been given at the Plenary Session on July 4.

From left Presvytera Cynthia Paleologos (past president/advisor), Presvytera Pauline Pavlakos (vice president), Presvytera Alice Noplos (president), Presvytera Anastasia Cassis (treasurer), Presvytera Nicole Keares (corresponding secretary) and Presvytera Jeannie Monos (recording secretary).

National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Reports Election of Officers The National Sisterhood of Presvyteres elected new officers and marked their 30th anniversary during the Clergy Laity Congress in Phoenix. The NSP’s beginnings date back to the 1980 congress in Atlanta, where Archbishop Iakovos gave his blessing to presvyteres in attendance to form an organization for mutual support. The NSP’s role consists of promoting the spirit of Christian love among the presvyteres of the Archdiocese; providing opportunities for presvyteres to get acquainted with one another and holding regular meetings to discuss mutual concerns and develop outreach programs. Each Metropolis has a representative who is an active board member and, while

support remains in the forefront in the NSP, the organization has branched out into many different committees and ministries. The standing committees are: TLC (The Listening Connection); Sister-to-Sister (a welcoming committee for new presvyteres); Caregivers (a support for sister presvyteres who are caregivers); Clergy Family Concerns; Historian and Website. In partnership with the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council, the NSP continues to maintain a benevolent fund to help fellow priests and presvyteres in financial need. Two memorial funds (The Gregory Paleologos Memorial Fund and The Presvytera Stella Constantelos Memorial Fund) were set up to help widowed presvyteres.

More Reports from the Congress The Clergy-Laity Congress presentations also included reports from the departments of Communications, Internet Ministries, Interfaith Marriage and Religious Education. The Department of Communications includes Greek Orthodox Telecommunications (GOTelecom), the Orthodox Observer, and the Press Office, News and Media Relations. Each year, the department produces the pocket calendar, the yearbook, the ecclesiastical calendar, books and brochures. GOTelecom projects and programs have included the St. Nicholas Church Ground Zero archive; the IOCC 20th Anniversary Video, the Christ is Risen! Resurrection Service & Divine Liturgy of Pascha video; the Philoptochos Center for Philanthropy – web videos and the Hellenic College Holy Cross 75th Anniversary video. The Orthodox Observer, with a circulation of more than 165,000, has expanded its coverage of metropolis and youth-related news, and coverage of metropolis clergylaity assemblies, special events such as Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 20th anniversary, the annual Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America and as well as standard coverage of National Philoptochos, Family Ministry and other Church-related news. The Press Office, News & Media Relations cultivates relationships of the Archdiocese with press and media organizations and assists parishes in gaining news coverage of events and activities in their local area. The office responds to inquiries from press and parishes, issues press releases from the Archdiocese and its departments

and institutions. The department also is in the process of developing an Orthodox News Network web site. The Department of Internet Ministries offers the online chapel, daily Bible readings mobile app, bulletin builder in e-mail and web versions, iconograms, Orthodox Marketplace, Orthodox Jobs, Children’s Bible Reader online, provides web hosting, e-mail listservers and live internet broadcasting for parishes, and Face book pages for various departments and other organizations of the Archdiocese. The Department of Marriage and Family consists of the Center for Family Care and the Office of Interfaith Marriage. Although these two parts of the department collaborate, they have essentially functioned as two separate entities up until recently. The department recently added a new dimension regarding clergy and seminarian couple care, with Presbytera Kerry Pappas, MA, LMFT, leading this effort. In his keynote address at the 2002 Clergy–Laity Congress in Los Angeles, Archbishop Demetrios presented a bold new initiative for the Greek Orthodox Church of America. He announced that the Church would begin an intense effort of focusing on the needs of families. Under the direction of Fr. Constantine L. Sitaras and through the generous financial grants from Leadership 100, a dedicated group of volunteers worked to make the vision of the Center for Family Care a reality. Complete reports from all presentations can be viewed on the Archdiocese website: www.goarch.org/archdioceseofamerica/clergy-laity.

SEPTEMBER 2012

Planned Giving Making it Easier to Say Good-bye: Do You Have a Plan? “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek that city which is to come.” Hebrews 12:13 The Stewardship Subcommittee on Planned Giving has developed resources to assist the faithful in their estate planning and end-of-life concerns while encouraging them to remember the Church in their plans. These resources outline both the temporal and eternal importance of including the Church in one’s financial and estate planning. The following is the first installment of an article that will help you to develop a plan. Contact your parish for additional information or visit www.Stewardship. goarch.org and click on “Planned Giving.” Death is something that awaits all of us and our loved ones – yet we often wish to avoid thinking about it. As Orthodox Christians, we know that “Christ is risen from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20) and understand earthly death both as an encounter with the Risen Christ and the door to what the Lord Jesus calls “eternal life” (John 3:16). In this sense, for believers, death is not the end but a new beginning. Christians, as St. Paul writes, “do not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). It is important to recognize this and plan for passing. You should consider preparing a will and a “Living Will.” Your wishes must be communicated to those that will carry them out and it is important that all recognize the uniqueness of Orthodox Christian customs and traditions. If you do not signify your wishes with the appropriate documents, your wishes may not be carried out and important Orthodox traditions may not be followed. As part of your planning, you will likely prepare a will and a ‘Living Will.” You will consider loved ones and important organizations and causes in your life. For all of us, the Church has played an important roll in our lives. It is where we find ourselves in the most joyous and most sorrowful times of our lives. Throughout your life you have committed faithfully to support the various ministries of your church. You probably participated in numerous efforts to support special needs, such as building the church, iconography or paying off the mortgage. Each gift you’ve made is an expression of

your love for the Church and your thankfulness for God’s Blessings in your life. As you plan, we ask you to consider joining the Eternal Light Society. Through the Eternal Light Society you can continue to support your Church for years and even generations to come. To join the Eternal Light Society of your parish or to receive more information, contact your parish priest or a member of the parish’s Planned Giving Committee. LIVING WILLS: When doing your estate planning it is common to also include a “Living Will.” This deals with how medical care will be provided if you can’t give the instructions yourself. In your living will, you designate a “Health Care Agent” to be your representative and make the decisions you can’t make yourself. For our Orthodox faithful, is important that the Living Will reflect an Orthodox perspective. There are many prayers and observances that can give great comfort to the patient and family. These may be missed if the Living Will doesn’t reflect an Orthodox perspective. The Stewardship Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has prepared an Orthodox Living Will that can be filled in and reviewed by your family, doctor and legal advisor. We urge you to contact your priest for guidance. HOW WISHES ARE COMMUNICATED: It is critical that you make your wishes and plans known to your loved ones. Our world today requires that many of these wishes be documented in a will or trust. Also, a living will and burial instructions can be prepared so there is no confusion at a time when it is easy to overlook important Orthodox traditions because stress and emotions are running high. The Stewardship Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has prepared an Orthodox Living Will that can be filled in and reviewed by your family, doctor and legal advisor. It is important, and we urge you to seek competent legal and financial advice and also the advice of your parish priest. We also ask that consider joining the Eternal Light Society of your local parish and that you remember the Church in your will. This article is a joint effort of Fr. Steven Tsichlis, Fr. Anastasios Gounaris, Fr Jim Kordaris and Lazaros “Lou” Kircos and is available under “Planned Giving” at www. Stewardship.goarch.org.

Ways of the Lord

The_latest_book_by_His_Eminence_Archbishop_Demetrios_of_America_ includes_his_Keynote_Addresses_from_his_first_Clergy-Laity_Congress_in_ Philadelphia_in_July_2000_through_his_address_in_Washington,_DC__ in_July_2008._Also_included_are_addresses_given_in_Athens,_Greece,_ Cyprus,_Fordham_University_and_Brookline,_MA_plus_others. The_texts_presented_in_this_book_constitute_an_humble_effort_to_ contribute_to_such_a_task,_which_is_the_sacred_but_also_demanding_work_ of_sharing_the_Gospel_with_the_people_of_today;__hence,_the_subtitle__ of_the_book_‘Perspectives_on_Sharing_the_Gospel_of_Christ.’” To_purchase_your_copy_of_“Ways_of_the_Lord”_($24.95_per_+_$6_S&H)*_ please_call_212-774-0244,_or_email_gotel@goarch.org,_or_comple_the_ order_form_below_and_mail_it_to_GOTelecom,_8_East_79th_Street,_New_York,_NY_10075.

ALL_PrOCEEDS_TO_BENEFIT_“ArCHBISHOP_DEMETrIOS_BENEvOLENT_FUND.” Name:__________________________________________ Enclosed_is_my_check_for:_$_________________or Address:________________________________________ I_authorize_GOTelecom_to_charge_my: City:__________________State:______ _Zip:_ _________ Exp._date:______ Phone:__________________________________________ Card_No.:_______________________________________ Name_on_Card:_________________________________ Email:__________________________________________

Yes,_I_want_to_order_______copies

SEPTEMBER 2012

Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Archons Fountas, Halecky to Receive Bouras Award by John Mindala

NEW YORK – The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle has announced that Archons James C. Fountas, national treasurer, and John Halecky Jr., national secretary, have been nominated as recipients of this year’s Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship. A special tribute dinner dance will be held at the New York Hilton on Oct. 19, as part of the Order’s annual three-day assembly, Oct. 19-21. Archon George Safiol, Awards Committee chairman, said, “Archons Fountas and Halecky have exemplified tremendous stewardship of time, talent and resources in support of the Mother Church of Constantinople, the Orthodox Christian Church throughout the United States, and to the mission of the Order of St. Andrew in which all Christians should be granted religious freedom rights. “Our committee deemed it appropriate to recognize their efforts and name them as recipients of this prestigious Award in recognition of the extraordinary service exemplified by National Vice Commander Bouras.” Archon Fountas of Holy Trinity Church in Westfield, N.J., was invested as an Archon in 1981 and conferred with the offikion Depoutatos. He has served on the National Council and as treasurer of the Order for the last 15 years. Serving the Church locally and nationally, he has been a parish council member since 1977, served two terms as parish president and eight years as parish secretary and treasurer. Archon Fountas was awarded the Archdiocesan Medal of St. Paul in 1980. He has co-chaired the annual Holy Trinity Golf Classic since its inception, which marks its 30th anniversary this year. Proceeds from the event are donated to local charities and philanthropic institutions. He has served as vice-chairman of the Metropolis of New

James C. Fountas

John Halecky Jr.

Jersey Council for the past eight years and is a member of the Archdiocesan Council since 2000. He was also appointed a member of the New Jersey Hellenic American Heritage Commission by the governor of New Jersey in 2009. Archon Fountas retired from the United States Gypsum Company in 1998 after 45 years as an executive, managing manufacturing facilities on the East Coast and in positions at the corporate offices in Chicago and division offices in New York. He was activated for military service during his employment and served as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army with service in Korea. He and his wife, Jean, will celebrate their 53rd wedding anniversary in November. They have a son, Christopher. Archon Halecky, of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (Carpatho–Russian Diocese) in Elizabeth, N.J. was invested as an Archon

in 1982 and conferred with the offikion, Ekdikos. He has also served on the Order’s National Council over the past 15 years and as national secretary since 1998. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew selected him as a member of the official delegation for the reception of the relics of St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom from the Vatican during the Thronal Feast of St. Andrew in 2004. For 25 years, he served as a member of the Diocesan Board of Trustees and financial secretary of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese and as a trustee of Christ the Savior Seminary, in Johnstown, Pa. He also served as a trustee and president of his parish council, and previously as parish council president and choir director of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Bayonne, N.J. Archon Halecky was on the

advisory committee of the Monastery of the Annunciation in Tuxedo Park, N.Y., and is a recipient of the “Bohorodica” (Theotokos) Award for outstanding service to the Carpatho-Russian Diocese by laymen. He is also a member of St. Demetrios Church in North Wildwood, N.J. During his business career, Archon Halecky’s focus has been in finance having served as executive vice president, chief financial officer and as a director of Comstock Group, an industrial services company; president of Elkcom Leasing; chief operating officer of Fischbach Corporation and principal of Peninsula Associates, a management-consulting firm. He is a graduate of Rutgers University. Archon Halecky and his wife, Sonia, have been married for 53 years and reside in Avalon and Summit, N.J. They are parents of John Halecky III and Nadine, wife of Silvio Quaglia, M.D., and have four grandchildren: Justin, Amanda, Jennifer and Cassandra. Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order, stated, “These two men have been intimately involved in virtually all the major initiatives of the Archons for a quarter century. They have played major roles as organizers and participants in the groundbreaking International Archon Religious Freedom Symposium held in November 2010 at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium and are assisting in preparations for the 2013 Symposium slated to be held in Berlin. Their contributions of time, talent and treasure for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Order of St. Andrew have earned them as worthy recipients of this prestigious Award. Axios! Axios! Axios!” The Nicholas J. Bouras Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary and incomparable stewardship to the Order, enabling Archons to vigorously pursue securing religious freedom for the Mother Church of Constantinople. The Award is named after Nicholas J. Bouras, current national vice commander, who himself has demonstrated remarkable leadership as a faithful son of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Archon George D. Behrakis received the first Bouras Award in 2011.

Regional Commanders Named for Detroit, Boston Metropolises National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate-Order of St. Andrew has appointed new regional commanders for the Metropolises of Boston and Detroit. Drake G. Behrakis, Archon Maestor, is the Metropolis of Boston Archons regional commander and Lazaros Kircos is regional commander of the Metropolis of Detroit Archons Drake Behrakis joins fellow regional commander Archon Gregory G. Demetrakas of the Boston Metropolis. “Archon Behrakis will infuse energy and dynamism to the Archons of New England in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, said Dr. Limberakis. “Archon Drake possesses the extraordinary commitment to the Orthodox Faith, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and our Hellenic Heritage that is emblematic of his beloved father and first recipient of the Nicholas J. Bouras Award for Extraordinary Archon Stewardship, Archon George D. Behrakis.” Drake Behrakis is president of Marwick Associates, a real estate investment and development company located in Lexington, Mass. He is also active in the Behrakis Foundation, the family’s philanthropic vehicle. Prior to establishing Marwick, Archon Behrakis held various positions with

Muro Pharmaceutical Inc., and the Gillette Company. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Boston College and an MBA from Northeastern University. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Boston College; Leadership 100 Endowment Fund and is a volunteer for Sudbury Youth Basketball. He is also a Board of Overseers member at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital and serves on the Orthodox Studies Advisory Council at Fordham University. In 2011 he was invested into the Order of St. Andrew. In 2001, he established the Maria E. and Drake G. Behrakis Endowment Funds at Boston College; in 2007 sponsored the Behrakis Family Classical Studies Symposium; and The Behrakis Family Professorship in Hellenic Political Studies in 2011. Mr. Behrakis resides with his wife, Maria, and three children, George, Zoe, and Demetri, in Sudbury, Mass. “Archon Kircos has been an exceptional member of the Order of Saint An-

drew offering his time, talent and treasure to his local parishes, the Metropolis of Detroit, and to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,” said Dr. Limberakis said. “His commitment to the Holy Mother Church of Constantinople is exemplary, and has demonstrated ongoing leadership in support of the sacred mission of the Order of St. Andrew.” Archon Kircos, who was born in Florina, Greece, came to Michigan at age 2. He grew up in the Detroit area and graduated from the University of Michigan with a BBA. He became a CPA for Coopers & Lybrand and then joined the NYSE-traded Handleman Company where he rose through the ranks to become chief financial officer at age 34 and then president of a major division overseeing multinational operations. He also served as CEO of Torontobased Quality Dino Entertainment, a NASDAQ-traded company before a brief

stint as president of an internet–based company in 2000-01. After a reflection of what the future may hold, he decided to work in a business he jointly owned with his brother since 1981–Sophia’s Bakery, a wholesale bakery that produces pocket pita, Greek flat bread and pita chips for major food retailers and restaurants in the Midwest. This choice allowed him to devote more time to volunteer activities of the Church. His service to administrative affairs of the Church began when he was 23 years old on the parish council of St. George Church Southgate, Mich., where he was elected president at the age of 28 and has served almost continuously since that time as an officer or committee chair. His father, Angelo, has served there as a chanter since 1970. Archon Kircos has served as president of the Deaconess Senior Citizens Housing Corp for 22 of the last 30 years, a position he continues now. Deaconess is a lowincome HUD subsidized housing project sponsored by St. George Church. He also is a member of two other churches, Assumption Church in St. Clair Shores, Mich. and Sts. Constantine & Helen Church in Westland, Mich., where he currently serves on the parish council and as chairman of two committees.

SEPTEMBER 2012

Commentaries and Reflections Run the Race Set Before Us, as in the Olympics by Fr. Nicholas G. Bacalis

For two weeks, the focus for most of the world was distracted from the many ills that affect the global community and focused on that international event that takes place every four years, namely the Olympics. It is somewhat a relief to not be focusing on the international monetary crisis, the ever–rising death toll in Syria, the gaining influence of the nefarious Al–Qaida, and, last but not least, the negative campaigning for the upcoming elections, although there were many television commercials to that end that took advantage of the Olympics audience. Every four years, since the days of the ancient Greeks and following a long interruption until the games were again resumed, originally city-states and now nations would stop conflicts and come together not only for athletic competition, but originally for religious celebration and today for cultural and social interaction. Even in the last century, when the ascent of Germany under Hitler occurred, the games went on (except for the interruption of World War II). So what did we witness this year? There were outstanding athletic performances. For each athlete that excelled, there was a long period of training to prepare him or her for their performance. Training is necessary to accomplish a goal. Is that not also true in our Christian calling so that we can accomplish our goals: peace and harmony in Christ in this life and the ultimate reward of inheriting God’s heavenly Kingdom in the life to come? You might not think that the Bible has much to say about athletic competition, but you will be surprised. St. Paul in his second epistle to Timothy (2:5) writes that “If anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” The Church has given us her rules and if we are to fulfill our Christian calling, we must follow these guides of fasting, praying, partaking of the sacraments, showing charity, et al. In his first epistle to the Corinthians (9:24-27), St. Paul writes: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown... But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.” In being temperate in all things and bringing our body to subjection, St. Paul

tells us in his epistle to the Ephesians (6:12) that “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” He continues in the same passage to tell us to use the whole armor of God to withstand the evil influences: the virtues of truth and faith, the gospel of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. And finally, as in the marathon or the triathalon, which are among the most exhausting events, St. Paul says (Hebrews 12:1) “...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...”. No matter what challenges we face in life, we have to endure in our faith in Christ to receive the ultimate reward. Getting back to some observations from the Olympics, we witnessed mainly good sportsmanship among the athletes, although there are always a few sore losers and egotists, universal human frailties. There were moments of affection via hugs between both teammates and competitors. It was uplifting to see American, Russian, European, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern athletes embracing, smiling, exchanging mementos, and having fun together. Why can the world not be like that? Our Lord teaches us throughout His gospel to love our neighbors, and even to love our enemies. Jesus further emphasizes peace in His gospel message. These are the true goals to pursue, not the temporal ones of setting a record in this Olympics only to have it broken in the next. There was a lot of joy not just in winning, but also in competing. You have to love the smiles showing those big white teeth of the competitors, be it among the teenage winners who were somewhat awestruck, or the wily veterans such as the NBA stars watching and cheering during the swimming or other events. St. Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord, and it is good to have moments in life to experience true joy. Many athletes expressed their thanksgiving to God in various ways, feeling blessed to be able to perform as they did. And so the spectacle has ended and we have now returned to the challenges of everyday life. But at least for many, the 2012 Summer Olympics provided a welcome distraction that brought about some meaningful moments to contemplate not just the athletic competition, but how they relate to life. Fr. Bacalis is dean of Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Richmond, Va.

A Dark Night: the Batman Movie Shootings by Fr. Angelo Artemas

Every night is dark due to the absence of light, but July 20 was dark due to the presence of evil. Shortly after the midnight showing of “Batman: The Dark Night Rises” began in an Aurora, Colo. cinema, James Holmes shot 70 people, killing 12. There were no superheroes to prevent this tragedy. Once again America was asking “Why?” Most commentators respond by asserting that we may never know the answer, but that is not true. Why did this and many other massacres occur - because evil is real! Perhaps because we are so safe and

sheltered in this country, we sometimes forget that this is a fallen world riddled with sin and suffering. It is important during times like these to remind our children that they are safe when they go to the movies, and they are safe in almost everything else that they do. But we must not neglect to instruct them that there are many lost souls among us, and that some of these souls are capable of horrific acts. The question we should be asking is not why, but “Can we do anything to prevent such atrocities from happening?” In the fictional world of Gotham City, Bruce Wayne is a tortured soul who was

  to page 28

Encyclical The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life–Giving Cross But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14) To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America. Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, we join with the heavenly hosts and all creation in glorifying Christ and venerating the Cross by which He has brought us healing, restoration, and triumph of life over death. As we experience in the hymns and prayers of this feast, it is a day of great joy and celebration. It is an occasion upon which the Church throughout the world lifts up a symbol of power, love and faith, and Orthodox Christians call every person to look upon the Cross and encounter our Lord in the magnitude of His unsurpassed and absolute love. The challenge for many in this encounter and their contemplation of the meaning of the Cross continues to be how an instrument of torture and death can be the cause of celebration. How do we find glory in a means of suffering and shame? How can we claim victory in an event that ended in defeat? How can we celebrate life in death? These are not new questions. They have been asked down through the ages, and they have been answered by the constant witness of God’s people through the testimony of the power of the Cross in our lives. The Apostle Paul addresses these questions and the challenge of the Cross in his first Epistle to the Corinthians (1:21-24). He emphasizes that through the Cross, Christ revealed the power and wisdom of God. The Passion of our Lord revealed that the power of God was a spiritual and eternal power, much greater than the temporal power of physical might and authority. Our redemption through His Crucifixion accomplished a divine plan that embraced all aspects, needs, and potential of our humanity with God’s grace. It is also by the power and wisdom of God that through the Cross and Christ’s death came true life. The way of the Cross led to Jesus’ Resurrection and to our resurrection. We who were dead in our trespasses were made alive together with Christ, having our sins forgiven. All that was against us and destroying us was nailed to the Cross. (Colossians 2:13-15) Through the Cross and our faith in Christ, we are able to put off corruption and be renewed for the purpose and potential of our existence.We are able to turn from falsehood and deception unto truth. We are able to leave behind the old that leads us to death and embrace the new that leads

to life, to holiness and to righteousness. Because of this we glory in the Cross, and we are in a position to proclaim with Saint Paul, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Feast of the Precious and LifeGiving Cross is also a day on which we support the mission and ministry of our beloved Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. This year we have the blessed opportunity to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of Holy Cross in 1937 under the leadership of the then Archbishop Athenagoras of blessed memory. We also offer our gratitude and prayers of remembrance for the many faculty, students, alumni, trustees, staff, and benefactors who have given generously and faithfully of their resources and abilities. Through their legacy, Holy Cross together with Hellenic College has contributed to the growth and ministry of our Holy Archdiocese through nurturing the faith of our future clergy, offering them an environment of learning and spiritual development, and enriching them with the qualities of leadership and guidance in service. Our School has also been a place where many have and continue to experience the meaning and way of the Cross. In worship and theological study they engage with the power and wisdom of God as revealed in the Crucified and Risen Lord. Through prayer, fasting and spiritual growth, through carrying the Cross, students strengthen their relationship with God, meet the challenges of life with faith, and strive for holiness and righteousness that will prepare them for their calling of service and sharing the Gospel. As we celebrate this feast, may we offer our prayers and support for Holy Cross and for the preparation of the future servants of God and His Church. May we also be joyful as we lift up the invincible standard of our faith and proclaim a victory by which Christ has brought us peace and life without end. With paternal love in Him, †DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

SEPTEMBER 2012

HCHC NEWS

Dimitris Panagos photos

(Left) Senior seminarians following the rassoforia presentation at the chapel. (Right) Holy Cross seminarians with their new crosses bestowed by Archbishop Demetrios.

HCHC Statistics for the New Academic Year BROOKLINE, Mass. – According to information from Director of Admissions Greg Floor, Hellenic College Holy Cross has 60 new students enrolling for the 2012-13 school year. The break-down is as follows:

Total Incoming students to both schools: 60 Domestic:55 International: 5 (3 Greece; 1 Uganda; 1 Australia) Jurisdictions represented: (OCA, Antiochian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Albanian, Coptic, Uganda, Greece, Russian, Episcopalian) Hellenic College: 20 Women: 13; men: 7; married: 1; single: 19 Total GOA seminarians: 3 Total by Metropolis: Atlanta: 3; Boston: 5; Chicago: 1; Direct Archdiocese District: 0; Denver: 0; Detroit: 1; New Jersey: 1; Pittsburgh: 1; San Francisco: 2; Other jurisdictions: 6 Holy Cross: 40 Women: 4 Men: 36 Married:11 Children: 6 Single: 29 Total GOA MDiv. Seminarians: 22 Other Jurisdiction MDiv. Seminarians: 4 Total Non-Seminarians: 14 Total Holy Cross Incoming Students by Metropolis: Atlanta: 4; Boston: 5; Chicago: 5; Direct Archdiocese District: 2; Denver: 1; Detroit: 4; New Jersey: 2; Pittsburgh: 2; San Francisco: 5; Other jurisdictions: 10

The Fillo Factory is proud to partner with Nick Tsiros and Yiayia’s to offer Old World Treats and Greek products produced with Yiayia’s family recipes. We use only the finest ingredients and everything is handmade like Yiayia used to make it. We offer great discount to Church Festivals and large Community functions. Mention this ad for special discounts. For information regarding spanakopita*tyropita*baklava*Melomacarona*Kourabiethes*kataifi*fillo*

Call 800.653.4556 The Fillo Factory

PO Box 155, Dumont, NJ 07628 www.fillofactory.com e-mail: denise@fillofactory.com

GG & T Corporation Yiayia’s Greek Foods www.yiayiafoods.com e-mail: ggtcorp@aol.com

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.

Only $18, plus $5 shipping and handling First day of school. New students, family members, faculty and administrators at the Holy Cross Chapel on Sept. 14 after the hierarchical Divine Litrugy for the Feast Day of the Holy Cross.

Call 212.774.0244 to purchase your copy with a credit card

SEPTEMBER 2012

YO U T H M I N I S T R Y

Metropolis of New Jersey’s Camp Good Shepherd Draws Record Attendance More than 370 campers take part in “Camp Good Shepherd” in Branchville, NJ.

(Left) Arts and Crafts brings out the creativity in these kids. (Right) These young people pose with their “Camp Good Shepherd” T-shirts. by George Tomczewski

WESTFIELD, N.J. – Camp Good Shepherd, the official summer camp of the Metropolis of New Jersey, experienced a record number of participants with an increase of more than 100 campers from last year. Since the program’s relocation within the boundaries of the Metropolis, Camp Good Shepherd has

grown from 17 campers in 2005 to more than 370. The three-week summer camp was held July 8-14 for JOY and July 15-21 and July 22-28 for GOYA at the Linwood MacDonald YMCA Center in Branchville, N.J. In addition to all of the campers, over the course of three weeks more than 75 clergy and counselors from throughout the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey at-

tended the camp including many current seminarians and students from Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology. Some of the activities that the campers enjoyed during the week included swimming, canoeing, hiking, wall climbing, archery, soccer, dodge ball, arts and crafts, Greek dancing, creative writing, Byzantine chanting, and a zip line that sent the campers soaring across the lake.

Daily Orthodox Life sessions were led by clergy from throughout the Metropolis. The cabin counselors led the youth in discussions during their sounding boards and evening devotionals. Campers participated in various religious services throughout the week including orthros and vespers, agiasmos service, paraklesis, artoklasia and the divine liturgy which was celebrated on Thursday each week. Clergy were available to offer the Sacrament of Confession throughout the week. Their presence also provided a unique opportunity for young people to receive guidance and spiritual direction for assistance with issues affecting their lives. On Thursday of each week, the campers and staff welcomed Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey along with parents, siblings and friends of the campers for a Family Barbeque Night that was hosted in their honor. During the barbeques the campers had an opportunity to interact with the Metropolitan. Camp director was Fr. John Theodosion of St. Andrew Church in Randolph, and the assistant camp director was Fr. Anastasios Bourantas, of St. George Church in Media, Pa. For more information about this youth ministry call the Metropolis Youth Office at 908-301-0500. The 2013 dates for the camp will be announced in the near future.

ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2012

ΕΤΟΣ 77 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1278

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ

Μνήμη Ὁλοκαυτώματος τῆς Μικρᾶς Ἀσίας

Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Παγκόσμια Ὕψωση τοῦ Τιμίου καί Ζωοποιοῦ Σταυροῦ

Πατριαρχικό Προσκύνημα στην Παναγία Σουμελά

ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΗ.– Τὸ ἑσπέρας τῆς Παρασκευῆς, 17ης Αυγούστου, ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης, ὁ Πατριάρχης ἡµῶν ἐπέστρεψεν ἐκ Τραπεζοῦντος ὅπου ἐπραγµατοποίησε τὸ τρίτον κατὰ σειρὰν προσκύνηµα Αὐτοῦ εἰς τὴν ἱστορικὴν Ἱερὰν Μονὴν Σουµελᾶ καὶ ἐτέλεσε τὴν Θείαν Λειτουργίαν ἐπὶ τῇ ἑορτῇ τῆς Κοιµήσεως τῆς Θεοτόκου ἐν µέσῳ πολυπληθοῦς ἐκκλησιάσµατος ἐκ διαφόρων χωρῶν. Κατὰ τὴν ἐκεῖ παραµονήν Του ὁ Πατριάρχης ἐπεσκέφθη ἐθιµοτυπικῶς τὸν Ἐξοχ. κ. Νοµάρχην Τραπεζοῦντος καὶ τὸν

Ἀγαπητοί Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Στήν εὐλογηµένη αὐτή Ἑορτή τῆς Παγκόσµιας Ὑψώσεως τοῦ Τιµίου καί Ζωοποιοῦ Σταυροῦ, συναντόµεθα µέ τά οὐράνια ἀγγελικά τάγµατα καί ὅλη τήν κτίση γιά νά δοξάσουµε τόν Χριστό καί νά προσκυνήσουµε τόν Σταυρό. Τόν Σταυρό, µέσῳ τοῦ ὁποίου ὁ Χριστός µᾶς προσέφερε ἴαση, ἀποκατάσταση καί θρίαµβο τῆς ζωῆς ἐπί τοῦ θανάτου. Στό ἄκουσµα τῶν ὕµνων καί τῶν προσευχῶν αὐτῆς τῆς ἑορτῆς, νοιώθουµε ὅτι πρόκειται γιά ἡµέρα ἀγαλλιάσεως καί µεγάλου ἑορτασµοῦ. Τήν ἡµέρα αὐτή ἡ ἀνά τόν κόσµο Ἐκκλησία ἔχει τήν εὐκαιρία νά ὑψώσῃ ἕνα σύµβολο δυνάµεως, ἀγάπη ς καί πίστεως, καί οἱ Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί µποροῦν νά καλέσουν ὅλους τούς ἀνθρώπους νά κοιτάξουν τόν Σταυρό καί νά συναντήσουν τόν Κύριό µας µέσῳ τῆς ἀσύγκριτης καί ἀπέραντης ἀγάπης Του. Κέντρο τῆς προκλήσεως πού νιώθουν πολλοί σ’ αὐτή τήν συνάντηση καί ὅταν στοχάζονται τήν σηµασία τοῦ Σταυροῦ παραµένει τό ἐρώτηµα

uΣελίδα 18

ôïõ ΝΙΚΟΥ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑ

Ἐντιµ. κ. ∆ήµαρχον Ματσούκας (Maçka), εἰς τὴν περιοχὴν τῆς ὁποίας κεῖται ἡ Ἱερὰ Μονή. Ἐπίσης ἐπεσκέφθη µετὰ τοῦ Σεβ. Μητροπολίτου Ἀλεξανδρουπόλεως κ. Ἀνθίµου καὶ τῶν ἐκ Γεωργίας προσκυνητῶν τὴν Ἁγίαν Σοφίαν Τραπεζοῦντος, διὰ τὴν ὁποίαν ἐρωτηθεὶς σχετικῶς ὑπὸ τῶν δηµοσιογράφων, ἐξ ἀφορµῆς τῆς µελετωµένης µετατροπῆς αὐτῆς ἀπὸ µουσείου εἰς τέµενος, ἐδήλωσεν ὅτι εἶναι ὑπὲρ τῆς διατηρήσεως τοῦ σηµερινοῦ καθεστῶτος αὐτῆς. Τὴν Πέµπτην, 16ην ἰδίου, ὁ Πατριάρχης,

uΣελίδα 18

Ετήσια Συνάντηση Κανονικών Ορθοδόξων Επισκόπων Βορείου και Κεντρικής Αμερικής ΣΙΚΑΓΟ.- Η Συνέλευση των Κανονικών Ορθοδόξων Επισκόπων της Βορείου και Κεντρικής Αµερικής πραγµατοποίησε την τρίτη ετήσια συνεδρίασή της για όλους τους ιεράρχες µέλη της, δηλαδή, όλους τους ενεργούς κανονικούς Επισκόπους που υπάγονται στην περιοχή δικαιοδοσίας της. Η συνάντηση πραγµατοποιήθηκε το τριήµερο 10 µε 12 Σεπτεµβρίου στο ξενοδοχείο Hilton Chicago O’Hare στο Σικάγο της Πολιτείας του Ιλλινόι. Σαράντα τρεις Επίσκοποι ήταν παρόντες. Ο Σεβασµιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αµερικής κ. ∆ηµήτριος, στα πλαίσια της δεύτερης ηµέρας των εργασιών τηε συννελεύσεως ετέλεσε ειδική επιµνηµόσυνη δέηση υπέρ αναπαύσεως της ψυχής των θυµάτων των τραγικών γεγονότων της 11ης Σεπτεµβρίου 2001 και ειδική δέηση υπέρ υγείας και παραµυθίας των οικογενειών και των συγγενών τους. Το µνηµόσυνο ετελέσθη προεξάρχοντος του Αρχιεπισκόπου ∆ηµητρίου αµέσως

µετά την Θεία Λειτουργία στον Καθεδρικό Ναό της Αναστάσεως στο Σικάγο, της Σερβικής Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας Βορείου και Νοτίου Αµερικής, µε τη συµµετοχή πολλών εκ των παρόντων Ορθοδόξων Επισκόπων. Η πρώτη σύνοδος της ολοµέλειας άνοιξε το πρωί της ∆ευτέρας, και ξεκίνησε µε προσευχή, ενώ ακολούθησε η κύρια οµιλία προς τους συγκεντρωµένους ιεράρχες του Σεβασµιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αµερικής ∆ηµητρίου, Εξάρχου του Οικουµενικού Πατριαρχείου και προέδρου της συνελεύσεως. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος εξέφρασε την λύπη του σε όλους τους παρευρισκόµενους για την απώλεια του Μητροπολίτου Κωνσταντίνου της Ουκρανικής Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας στις ΗΠΑ, ο οποίος κοιµήθηκε εν Κυρίω από την τελευταία συνεδρίαση της Γενικής Συνέλευσης. Ο Σεβασµιώτατος σηµείωσε, επίσης, την απουσία των δύο

uΣελίδα 20

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. Ἀγαπητοί Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Στίς συναντήσεις µας λατρείας τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀδελφοσύνης καί διακονίας ὡς Ἕλληνες Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί, τονίζουµε τήν ἀναγκαιότητα τῆς ἱστορικής µνήµης. Ἡ µνήµη αὐτή ἀποτελεῖ ἤδη πράξη µας ἀναφορικά µέ τούς Μάρτυρες, τούς Ἁγίους, καί σηµαντικά γεγονότα στή ζωή τῆς Ἐκκλησίας. Μνηµονεύουµε ἐν πίστει τούς πατέρες, τίς µητέρες, τούς ἀδελφούς καί τίς ἀδελφές µας πού ἔζησαν πρίν ἀπό ἐµᾶς. Ἐνθυµούµεθα τούς τόπους ἐκείνους τῆς κληρονοµιᾶς µας ὅπου ἡ πίστη καί ὁ πολιτισµός, τό Γένος µας καί οἱ κοινότητές µας βίωσαν τεράστιες προκλήσεις, τραγωδίες καί θριάµβους. Στήν προκειµένη περίπτωση, µνηµονεύουµε τό Ὁλοκαύτωµα τῆς Μικρᾶς Ἀσία ς. Ἐπελέγη αὐτή ἡ Κυριακή διότι τόν µήνα Σεπτέµβριο τοῦ 1922 κορυφώθηκαν οἱ σφαγές καί ἡ βίαια ἀπέλαση πολλῶν ἐτῶν. Στή διάρκεια τοῦ µηνός αὐτοῦ, οἱ Ἕλληνες τῆς Σµύρνης δέχθηκαν βάρβαρες ἐπιθέσεις, τά σπίτια, οἱ ἐπιχειρήσεις καί οἱ ἐκκλησίες τους παραδόθηκαν στίς φλόγες, καί χιλιάδες ἐξ αὐτῶν ἀναγκάσθηκαν νά φύγουν µέ ἐλάχιστες ἐλπίδες σωτηρίας. Ἡ συγκεκριµένη αὐτή τεραστίων διαστάσεων τραγωδία ἀπετέλεσε µέρος µιᾶς µεγάλης σειρᾶς παρόµοιων τραγωδιῶν πού διεπράχθησαν ἐναντίον τῶν Ἑλλήνων καί ἄλλων Χ ρ ι σ τ ι αν ικ ῶ ν πλ η θ υ σ µ ῶ ν τ ῆ ς Μικρᾶς Ἀσίας. Ἑκατοµµύρια ἐξαναγκάσθηκαν νά φύγουν ἀπό τίς πατρογονικές ἑστίες τους. Μέ τίς µαζικές ἐκτελέσεις καί τόν συνεχῆ φόβο τῆ ς βί α ς, ἡ ἀ σφ ά λ ει α κ αί αἴσθηση εὐηµερίας των διαταράχθηκε καί ἡ ἐλευθερία των καταστράφηκε. Μνηµονεύουµε αὐτό τό Ὁλοκαύτωµα σήµερα στίς ἐνορίες µας διότι µοιραζόµεθα µιά κληρονοµιά

uΣελίδα 20

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2012

Πατριαρχικό Προσκύνημα στην Παναγία Σουμελά

uΣελίδα 17 συνοδευόµενος ὑπὸ τῶν Σεβ. Μητροπολιτῶν Νεαπόλεως καὶ Σταυρουπόλεως κ. Βαρνάβα καὶ ∆ράµας κ. Παύλου, τῶν Γεωργιανῶν προσκυνητῶν καὶ τοῦ ἐν Τραπεζοῦντι Προξένου τῆς Γεωργίας, ἐπεσκέφθη τὴν Σάνταν, τὴν Κρώµνην καὶ τὴν Ἵµεραν καὶ προσεκύνησεν εἰς τοὺς ἐκεῖ σωζοµένους πολυαρίθµους ναούς, µαρτυροῦντας τὴν εὐσέβειαν τῶν ποτε Χριστιανῶν κατοίκων αὐτῶν, εἰς τοὺς ὁποίους ἔψαλε διαφόρους ὕµνους καὶ ἐδεήθη ὑπὲρ ἀναπαύσεως τῶν ψυχῶν τῶν ἐκεῖ ἀναπαυοµένων πατέρων καὶ ἀδελφῶν ἡµῶν, τῶν τε εἰρηνικῶς κοιµηθέντων καὶ τῶν µαρτυρικῶς τελειωθέντων. Τέλος, τὴν ἑποµένην, Παρασκευήν, ἀνῆλθεν εἰς τὴν Ἱερὰν Μονὴν Ἁγίου Γεωργίου Περιστερεώτα, δυστυχῶς ἐν ἐρειπώδει καταστάσει, συνοδευόµενος ὑπὸ τῶν ὡς ἄνω καὶ ὁµίλου προσκυνητῶν ἐξ Ἑλλάδος, ἐν τῇ ὁποίᾳ ὡσαύτως προσηυχήθη ὑπὲρ τῶν κτιτόρων αὐτῆς (8ος αἰών) καὶ τῶν κατὰ καιροὺς ἡγουµένων, µοναχῶν, ὑποστηρικτῶν καὶ προσκυνητῶν αὐτῆς, ἐπικαλεσθεὶς τὴν χάριν τῆς Παναγίας καὶ τοῦ Ἁγίου Γεωργίου ἐπὶ τοὺς συµπροσκυνητὰς Αὐτοῦ. Οὕτως ἔληξε καὶ τὸ ἐφετεινὸν Πατριαρχικὸν προσκύνηµα εἰς τὸν Πόντον, ὅπου ἡ τέλεσις τῆς Θείας Λειτουργίας κατὰ τὴν µεγάλην θεοµητορικὴν ἑορτὴν κατέστη δυνατὴ ἀπὸ τριετίας χάρις εἰς τὴν καλὴν διάθεσιν καὶ τὴν πρὸς τὰς ἐνταῦθα µειονότητας ὁλονὲν καὶ περισσότερον θετικὴν προσέγγισιν τῶν ἁρµοδίων κυβερνητικῶν ἀρχῶν, τὰς ὁποίας καὶ ηὐχαρίστησε καταλλήλως ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης. Ὁµιλία Οἰκουµενικοῦ Πατριάρχου Κατά τη διάρκεια της οµιλίας του προς το Χριστεπώνυµο πλήρωµα της Εκκλησίας, ο Οικουµενικ΄ςο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολοµαίος τόνισε µεταξύ άλλων: ∆εκαπενταύγουστος!... Πάνδηµος Θεοµητορικὴ πανήγυρις!... Συναγερµὸς γῆς καὶ οὐρανοῦ!.. Ἡ Παναγία. Παραδίδει τὸ πνεῦµα στὰ πανάγια χέρια τοῦ Υἱοῦ

της καὶ ἐµπιστεύεται τὸ χοϊκὸν σῶµα Της εἰς τὸ οἰκεῖον χῶµα τῆς Γεθσηµανῆ. Καταπαύσεως ἡµέρα δι’ Ἐκείνην ποὺ ἐβάστασεν ἐν Ἁγίῳ Πνεύµατι τὸ µοναδικὸν βάρος τῆς Θεογονίας, τὴν εὐθύνην τῆς συνεργασίας τοῦ κτίσµατος µὲ τὸν Κτίστην διὰ τὴν ἀνάπλασιν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου καὶ τὴν σωτηρίαν τοῦ κόσµου. Ἀναπαύσεως ἡµέρα δι’ Ἐκείνην ποὺ ἐχάρισε τὴν ἀνάπαυσιν καὶ τὴν χαρὰν εἰς τὴν ἀνθρωπότητα. Τελειώσεως ἡµέρα δι’ Ἐκείνην ποὺ µᾶς ἄνοιξε τὴν ὁδὸν τῆς ἐν Χριστῶ τῷ Υἱῷ Της τελειώσεως. ∆ιαβάσεως ἡµέρα «ἐκ θανάτου πρὸς ζωὴν καὶ ἐκ γῆς πρὸς οὐρανόν», Ἐκείνης ποὺ ἔκαµεν οὐρανὸν τὴν γῆν διὰ τοῦ ἀχράντου τόκου Της καὶ ἐγένετο «γέφυρα µετάγουσα τοὺς ἐκ γῆς πρὸς οὐρανόν». Πάσχα ἱερὸν καὶ ἅγιον δι’ Ἐκείνην ποὺ ἔπιε µέχρι τελευταίας ρανίδος τὸ ποτήριον τοῦ Πάθους, τοῦ Σταυροῦ καὶ τοῦ τριηµέρου θανάτου τοῦ Υἱοῦ Της καὶ διῆλθε τὴν καρδίαν Της ροµφαία, ἀλλὰ καὶ πρώτη κατόπιν ἐδέχθη τὸν εἰρηναῖον καὶ χαροποιὸν τοῦ Ἀναστάντος ἀσπασµὸν καὶ πρώτη ἐφωτίσθη ἀπὸ τὸ ἀπρόσιτον φῶς τῆς Ἀναστάσεως! Καµπάνες µεγαλόφωνες εἰς ὅλον τὸν κόσµον δονοῦν τοὺς αἰθέρας καὶ συνεγείρουν τοὺς πιστοὺς εἰς πανήγυριν δηµοτελῆ, καὶ εὐφροσύνην ἑόρτιον! Εἰς τὸν ἱερὸν συναγερµὸν ποὺ κηρύσσουν µὲ ἕνα στόµα οἱ θεῖοι Πατέρες τῆς Ἐκκλησίας χάριν τῆς µεγαλυτέρας τῶν Θεοµητορικῶν ἑορτῶν ὑπακούοντες καὶ ἡµεῖς, ἐβαδίσαµε µακρὰν ὁδὸν διὰ νὰ ἔλθωµεν εἰς τὸν Πόντον, «σῆ Παναΐας Σουµελᾶς ἐδῶ τὸ µοναστήριν, πρῶτον σὴν πίστιν, σὴν χαράν, σὸν πόνον τῆ πατρίδας», ὅπου µυστικῶς ἤδη ἀκούοµεν µὲ τὰς ἀκοὰς τῆς ψυχῆς «νὰ κρούγνε χίλια σήµαντρα καὶ µύρια καµπάνας», πρὸς δοξολογίαν καὶ αἴνεσιν τῆς Μεγάλης Κυρίας τοῦ Πόντου καὶ ὅλης τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας, τῆς Βασιλίσσης τῶν οὐρανῶν καὶ τοῦ κόσµου παντός. Περάσαµε «τῆ Παναΐας τὸ ποτάµ» καὶ ἀνεβήκαµε διὰ τρίτην φορὰν ἐφέτος εἰς τὶς κορυφογραµµὲς τῆς ὀρεινῆς καὶ δασώδους Ματσούκας, εἰς τὸ ἐπιβλητικὸ καὶ ὑποβλητικὸ φυσικὸ περιβάλλον τοῦ

Ὄρους Μελᾶ, ἐδῶ «ψηλὰ σὰ ἐπουράνια», ταπεινοὶ προσκυνηταὶ τοῦ σιωπηλοῦ Θεοµητορικοῦ τούτου Σεµνείου. Ἤλθαµε εἰρηνικοὶ καὶ φιλικοὶ πρὸς πάντας, ὅπως ἁρµόζει εἰς ἀληθινὰ τέκνα τῆς Θεοτόκου. Ἤλθαµε σκιρτῶντες ἀπὸ συγκίνησιν καὶ χαρὰν ὡς ἐπισκεπτόµενοι τόπον ἱερὸν καὶ ἅγιον, τὸν ὁποῖον ἐσέµνυνεν ἡ ἀρετή, ἡ πίστις, καὶ ἡ πρὸς τὴν Τρανέσσα Παναΐαν εὐλάβεια τῶν πατέρων µας, ἐπὶ πολλοὺς αἰῶνας. Τόπον πλήρη χάριτος καὶ εὐλογίας, ὅπου εὕρισκεν ἀνάπαυσιν καὶ παρηγορίαν ἡ ψυχὴ τοῦ πιστοῦ ποὺ κατέφθανε δεόµενος: «Συµέλα Παναΐα µ’, ποίσον τὸ θάµα Σ’, Χριστέ µ’, δεῖξον τὴν δύναµίν Σ’»! Καὶ γνωρίζοµεν ὅτι πράγµατι ἡ µεγαλοδύναµος Σουµελιώτισσα ὑπήκουε προθύµως εἰς τὰς δεήσεις τῶν πονεµένων, καὶ ἦτο τὸ Μοναστήρι Της πάντοτε τόπος θαυµάτων καὶ σηµείων ὑπερφυῶν! Ἤλθαµε διὰ νὰ Τὴν δοξάσωµεν εἰς τὴν ἔνδοξον Κοίµησίν Της καὶ νὰ Τῆς ἀφιερώσωµεν τὰ πλέον εὐώδη ἄνθη τῆς εὐλαβείας καὶ τῆς εὐγνωµοσύνης µας. Ἤλθαµε διὰ νὰ προσευχηθοῦµε εἰς τὸν σεβάσµιον τοῦτον οἶκον Της διὰ τὴν σωτηρίαν µας, διὰ τὴν ὑγιείαν µας, διὰ τὴν εἰρήνην τοῦ κόσµου, διὰ τὴν φιλικὴν συνύπαρξιν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, διὰ τὴν εὐλογίαν τοῦ τόπου καὶ διὰ κάθε καλὸν καὶ εὔφηµον ἀνθρώπινον αἴτηµα. Ἤλθαµε διὰ νὰ µνηµονεύσωµεν τοὺς µακαρίους κτίτορας καὶ τοὺς ἀνὰ τοὺς αἰῶνας ἀδελφοὺς τῆς Μονῆς, διὰ νὰ ἀνάψωµεν ἕνα κερὶ ἀγάπης καὶ µνήµης δι’ ὅλους τοὺς προαπελθόντας Ποντίους, καὶ ἐκείνους ποὺ ἀπέθανον µακρὰν τῆς γλυκυτάτης πατρίδος των καὶ ἐκείνους ποὺ ἀπεβίωσαν ἐδῶ: «Ἀποθαµµὲν θὰ ἀποµέν᾿ ἀδὰ ὅπου ἐτάφαν, χιλιάδες χρόνια φύλακες καὶ µέρες µυριάδες». Ἤλθαµε νὰ κάνουµε ἕνα ταξίδι εἰς τὸν χρόνον καὶ τὴν ἱστορίαν. Ἤλθαµε διὰ τὸ σηµερινὸ µεγάλο παναΐρ τῆς Ἀθωνιώτισσας – Σουµελιώτισσας. Εὐσεβεῖς συµπανηγυρισταί! Ἄς ἔλθωµεν ἤδη εἰς τὴν ὑπόθεσιν τῆς ἑορτῆς, ἡ ὁποία µᾶς ἔφερεν ἐδῶ εἰς Ὄρος ὑψηλὸν καὶ ἅγιον, µεταξὺ οὐρανοῦ καὶ γῆς! Ἄς σιγήσῃ κάθε βέβηλος φωνή! Ἄς παύσῃ

κάθε ἁµαρτωλὴ παραχορδία! Ἄς σταµατήσῃ κάθε µαταιόσπουδος κίνησις! «Σχολάσατε καὶ γνῶτε» οἱ πάντες, τῆς µακαρίας Παρθένου τὴν ἔνδοξον ἀναχώρησιν! Ἀνοίξατε τὰ ὄµµατα τῆς ψυχῆς καὶ τὰ ὦτα τῆς καρδίας διὰ τῆς πίστεως, προκειµένου νὰ λάβετε αἴσθησιν τοῦ µεγαλείου τῆς Παναγίας! Ἡ δόξα Αὐτῆς, πάντοτε «εὐκλεής, θεοφεγγέσιν ἐκλάµπουσα χάρισι», σήµερον, εἰς τὴν Κοίµησίν Της, κορυφοῦται ἀπείρως• θαµβώνει τὸν ἥλιον! ∆ιάχρυσον καὶ θεαυγὲς τὸ Θεοδόχον σῶµα, καταστόλιστον µὲ τὸ σύνολον τῆς ἀνθρωπίνης ἀρετῆς, παραδίδεται ἐπισήµως πάντιµον, µαζὶ µὲ τὴν ἁγίαν καὶ ἀξιόθεον ψυχὴν τῆς Μαριάµ, εἰς τὸν ἐπιθυµήσαντα τοῦ κάλλους Της Βασιλέα τῶν ὅλων. Εἶναι ἀληθὲς καὶ ἀναντίρρητον ὅτι «νενίκηνται τῆς φύσεως οἱ ὅροι» εἰς τὴν µοναδικὴν περίπτωσιν τῆς Παναγίας. «Παρθενεύει γὰρ τόκος καὶ ζωὴν προµνηστεύεται θάνατος». Σήµαντρα γλυκύλαλα συναθροίζουν ἤδη τὸν θεόφρονα λαὸν εἰς σύναξιν λειτουργικήν, καὶ κοινωνίαν χάριτος καὶ εὐλογίας Θεοµητορικῆς, εἰς κάθε γωνίαν τῆς γῆς! Ἄνθρωποι καὶ Ἄγγελοι συγχορεύουν µυστικῶς, προσκυνοῦν ἀπὸ κοινοῦ τὴν κοινήν των Κυρίαν καὶ ∆έσποιναν, καὶ λιτανεύοντες «τὸ θεοδόχον καὶ ἀκραιφνέστατον σῶµα προπέµπουσιν» εἰς τὸν ξενοδόχον τάφον, γεµᾶτοι ἀπὸ δέος! Ἐδῶ εἰδικῶς εἰς τὸν ἁγιοτόκον καὶ ἁγιοτρόφον Πόντον, εἰς τὴν σηµερινὴν Θεοµητορικὴν λιτανείαν, «κ’ ἡ Σουµελᾶ κι ὁ Βαζελώντς κι ὁ Περιστερεώτας, πάγνε ἰµπροστὰ καὶ εὐλογοῦν, πάγν’ ἀπὸ πίσ’ καὶ κλαῖγνε»! Φωναὶ ἱεραὶ ὕµνων ἐξοδίων καὶ λυρικῶν τεχνουργηµάτων τῆς πίστεως ἀπευθύνονται ἀπὸ χείλη κεκαθαρµένα καὶ ἁγιασµένα πρὸς τὴν πανύµνητον Παντάνασσαν! Ρητόρων θεολόγων στόµατα ρητορεύουν θεοµητροπρεπῆ ἐγκώµια. Ὄµµατα εὐσεβῆ ἀτενίζουν µὲ θάµβος ἐπάνω εἰς τὸν νεκρικὸν κράββατον τὴν εὐρυχωροτέραν τῶν οὐρανῶν. Γόνατα εὐλαβείας κάµπτονται προσκυνητικῶς ἐνώπιον τῆς Ὑπερµάχου Στρατηγοῦ,

uΣελίδα 19

Α Ρ Χ Ι Ε Π Ι Σ ΚΟΠ Ι Κ Η Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ uΣελίδα 17 πῶς ἕνα ὄργανο βασανισµοῦ καί θανάτου µπορεῖ νά ἀποτελῇ αἰτία ἑορτασµοῦ; Πῶς βλέπουµε δόξα στή θέα ἑνός µέσου πόνου καί ντροπῆς; Πῶς µποροῦµε νά θριαµβολογοῦµε γιά ἕνα γεγονός τό ὁποῖο ἔληξε σέ ἦττα; Πῶς µποροῦµε νά ἑορτάζουµε τή ζωή στόν θάνατο; Αὐτά δέν εἶναι καινούργια ἐρωτήµατα. Ἡ ἀπορία αὐτή ἐπαναλαµβάνεται σέ γενεές γενεῶν καί ἔχει ἀπαντηθεῖ ἀπό τήν συνεχῆ ὁµολογία τῶν ἀνθρώπων τοῦ Θεοῦ µέσα ἀπό τήν µαρτυρία περί τῆς δυνάµεως τοῦ Σταυροῦ στίς ζωές των. Ὁ Ἀπόστολος Παῦλος ἀπαντᾶ στά παραπάνω ἐρωτήµατα καί στήν πρόκληση τοῦ Σταυροῦ στήν πρώτη πρός Κορινθίους Ἐπιστολή του (1:21-24). Τονίζει ὅτι διά τοῦ Σταυροῦ, ὁ Χριστός φανέρωσε τήν δύναµη καί τήν σοφία τοῦ Θεοῦ. Τό Πάθος τοῦ Κυρίου µας ἀπεκάλυψε ὅτι ἡ δύναµη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἦταν πνευµατική καί ἀιώνια δύναµη, πολύ µεγαλύτερη ἀπό τήν πεπερασµένη δύναµη τῆς φυσικῆς ἰσχύος καί ἐξουσίας. Ἡ λύτρωσή µας διά τῆς Σταυρώσεώς Του ἐπέτυχε ἕνα θεῖο σχέδιο τό ὁποῖο, µέ τήν χάρη τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀγκάλιασε ὅλες τίς πτυχές, τίς ἀνάγκες καί τό δυναµικό τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος. ∆ιά τῆς δυνάµεως καί σοφίας τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐπίσης, ἐλάβαµε τήν ἀληθινή ζωή µέσα ἀπό τόν Σταυρό καί τόν θάνατο τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἡ ὁδός τοῦ Σταυροῦ ὁδήγησε στήν Ἀνάσταση τοῦ Ἰησοῦ καί στήν δική µας ἀνάσταση. Ἐµεῖς πού εἴµασταν νεκροί µέσα στά παραπτώµατά µας, ἀναγεννηθήκαµε καί πάλι διά τοῦ Χριστοῦ, καί οἱ ἁµαρτίες µας συγχωρήθηκαν. Ὅ,τι ἦτο ἐναντίον µας ἦλθε Ἐκεῖνος καί τό ἐναπόθεσε ἐπί τοῦ Σταυροῦ (Κολ. 2:13-15). ∆ιά τοῦ Σταυροῦ καί τῆς πίστεώς µας στόν Χριστό, εἴµεθα σέ θέση νά ἀκυρώσουµε τήν διαφθορά καί νά ἀναγεννηθοῦµε γιά νά ἐκπληρώσουµε τόν σκοπό καί τις δυνατότητες τῆς ὑπάρξεώς µας. Εἴµεθα σέ θέση νά περάσουµε ἀπό τό ψεῦδος καί τήν ἀπάτη στήν ἀλήθεια. Εἴµεθα σέ θέση νά ἀφήσουµε πίσω µας τόν παλιό τρόπο ζωῆς πού µᾶς ὁδηγεῖ στόν θάνατο καί νά ἀνοίξουµε τήν ἀγκαλιά µας στό νέο τρόπο ζωῆς πού ὁδηγεῖ στή ζωή, τήν ἁγιότητα καί τήν δικαιοσύνη. Γι’ αὐτό τόν λόγο καυχόµεθα γιά τόν Σταυρό, καί εἴµεθα σέ θέση νά διακηρύξουµε µαζί µέ τόν Ἀπόστολο Παῦλο, Χριστῷ συνεσταύρωµαι· ζῶ δέ οὐκέτι ἐγώ, ζῇ δέ ἐν ἐµοί Χριστός· ὅ δέ νῦν ζῶ ἐν σαρκί, ἐν πίστει ζῶ τῇ τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ἀγαπήσαντός µε καί παραδόντος ἑαυτόν ὑπέρ ἐµοῦ (Γαλ. 2:20).

Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Ἡ Ἑορτή τοῦ Τιµίου καί Ζωοποιοῦ Σταυροῦ εἶναι ἐπίσης ἡµέρα κατά τήν ὁποία προσφέρουµε τή στήριξή µας στήν προσφιλῆ µας Θεολογική Σχολή τοῦ Τιµίου Σταυροῦ. Ἐφέτος ἔχουµε τήν εὐλογία νά τιµοῦµε τήν 75η ἐπέτειο ἀπό τῆς ἱδρύσεως τοῦ Τιµίου Σταυροῦ τό ἔτος 1937 ὑπό τήν ἡγεσία τότε τοῦ ἀειµνήστου Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Β. Ακί Ν. Ἀµερικῆς καί µετέπειτα Οἰκουµενικοῦ Πατριάρχου Ἀθηναγόρου. Ἐκφράζουµε ἐπίσης εὐγνωµοσύνη καί προσευχόµεθα γιά τά πολλά µέλη τοῦ διδακτικοῦ προσωπικοῦ, σπουδαστές, ἀποφοίτους, ἐπιτρόπους, µέλη προσωπικοῦ καί εὐεργέτες οἱ ὁποῖοι ἔδωσαν γενναιόδωρα καί µέ πίστη ἀπό τά ὑπάρχοντα καί τίς ἱκανότητές τους. Μέ τήν σπουδαία συµβολή τους, ὁ Τίµιος Σταυρός µαζί µέ τό Ἑλληνικό Κολλέγιο ἔχει συντελέσει στήν ἀνάπτυξη καί διακονία τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς µας διά τῆς καλλιεργείας τῆς πίστεως τῶν αὐριανῶν κληρικῶν µας, προσφέροντας σ’αυτούς περιβάλλον µαθήσεως καί πνευµατικῆς ἀναπτύξεως, καί ἐµπλουτίζοντάς τους µέ ποιοτικά χαρακτηριστικά ἡγεσίας καί καθοδηγήσεως στόν τοµέα τῆς διακονίας. Ἡ Σχολή µας, ἐπίσης, ἀποτελεῖ χῶρο ὅπου πολλοί βίωσαν καί συνεχίζουν νά βιώνουν τήν σηµασία καί τήν ὁδό τοῦ Σταυροῦ. Μέ τήν λατρεία καί τήν θεολογική µελέτη ἐπικοινωνοῦν µέ τήν δύναµη καί τήν σοφία τοῦ Θεοῦ ὅπως ἀποκαλύπτεται στόν Σταυρωθέντα καί Ἀναστάντα Κύριο. Μέσα ἀπό τήν προσευχή, τήν νηστεία καί τήν πνευµατική ἀνάπτυξη, µέσα ἀπό τήν φυσική ἐπαφή µέ τόν Σταυρό, οἱ σπουδαστές ἔρχονται πιό κοντά στόν Θεό, ἀντιµετωπίζουν τίς προκλήσεις τῆς ζωῆς µέ πίστη, καί ἀγωνίζονται γιά τήν κατάκτηση τῆς ἁγιότητος καί τῆς δικαιοσύνης ἡ ὁποία θά τούς προετοιµάσει γιά τήν κλήση τους στή διακονία καί στό κήρυγµα τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου. Καθώς ἑορτάζουµε αὐτή τήν ἑορτή, ἄς προσφέρουµε τίς προσευχές καί τή στήριξή µας στόν Τίµιο Σταυρό καί στήν προπαρασκευή τῶν µελλοντικῶν ὑπηρετῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τῆς Ἐκκλησίας Του. Ἐπίσης, ἄς ὑψώνουµε µέ πολλή χαρά τό ἀήττητο λάβαρο τῆς πίστεώς µας καί ἄς διακηρύξουµε τήν ἐπί τοῦ Σταυροῦ νίκη διά τῆς ὁποίας ὁ Χριστός µᾶς χάρισε εἰρήνη καί ζωή αἰώνιο.

Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη,

† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2012

uΣελίδα 18 ποὺ κρατεῖ διαχρονικῶς ὀρθὴν καὶ ζῶσαν τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ εὐσεβοῦς Γένους τῶν Ὀρθοδόξων. Ἄνθη ἀµώµου εὐσεβείας κατατίθενται ἐνώπιον τῆς ζωαρχικῆς σοροῦ τῆς Κεχαριτωµένης. Λαµπάδες ὀρθοδόξου φρονήµατος ἀνάπτονται φαιδραὶ ἐµπρὸς εἰς τὴν σεβασµίαν εἰκόνα τῆς ἀθανάτου Κοιµήσεως. Θυµιάµατα ἀφοσιώσεως καὶ µύρα ἐλπίδος ἀκαταισχύντου εὐωδιάζουν εἰς τὴν νεκροποµπὴν τῆς Θεόπαιδος. ∆άκρυα διφυῆ, χαρᾶς καὶ λύπης ἐξ ἴσου, θερµὰ καὶ καρδιοστάλακτα, καταχέονται εἰς τοὺς ἀχράντους πόδας τῆς Μητέρας τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ ὁποία εἶναι καὶ ἰδική µας Μητέρα. Καὶ δὴ δισσῶς, Μητέρα ἡµῶν καὶ τοῦ Γένους µας, σύµφωνα µὲ τὸν πονεµένον ποιητήν, ὁ ὁποῖος Τὴν θέλει: «Μάννα τοῦ Πλάστη µιὰ φορά, καὶ δυὸ φορὲς δική µου. Γιατὶ ἔχεις δυὸ φορὲς παιδὶ ἐκεῖνον ὁποὺ κλαίει»! Καὶ ἡ Ρωµηοσύνη ἔχει πολὺ κλαύσει εἰς τὸ παρελθὸν καὶ ἐξακολουθεῖ νὰ ἔχῃ πολλοὺς λόγους νὰ κλαίῃ!... Μυστικοὶ ψιθυρισµοὶ αἰτηµάτων πολλῶν ἀπευθύνονται ἀπὸ κατανενυγµένας καρδίας πρὸς τὴν Μεσίτριάν µας πρὸς τὸν Θεόν, µὲ ἀσφαλῆ τὴν ἐλπίδα τῆς φιλοστόργου ἀπὸ µέρους Της ἀνταποκρίσεως. Παντοῦ «ἦχος καθαρὸς ἑορταζόντων» θεοφρόνων, ποὺ συναντῶνται σήµερον µὲ τὸ Μυστήριον τῆς πολυυµνήτου Θεοτόκου, ἡ ὁποία καὶ καθ’ ἑαυτὴν συνιστᾶ οὐσιαστικῶς µίαν τρανωτάτην φανέρωσιν τοῦ µεγάλου Μυστηρίου τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Θεοῦ διὰ τὸν ἄνθρωπον, καὶ τοῦ εἰς αὐτὴν ἀνταποκρινοµένου ἀνθρώπου διὰ τὸν Θεόν. Ἀδελφοὶ καὶ τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ! Τὸ µυστήριον τοῦτο προσκυνοῦντες µὲ πίστιν καὶ εὐλάβειαν σήµερον, ἄς χαροῦµε πνευµατικῶς τὴν µεγάλην ἑορτήν µας. Ἄς ἀφήσουµε τὴν καρδιά µας νὰ ἀγρυπνήσῃ δίπλα εἰς τὴν ζωοπάροχον νεκρικὴν κλίνην τῆς Παναγίας καὶ νὰ καταφιλήσῃ τοὺς ἀχράντους πόδας Της µὲ ἄπειρον εὐγνωµοσύνην καὶ λατρευτικὴν ἀγάπην καὶ ἀφοσίωσιν, ψάλλουσα: «Χαῖρε ἡ µεταστᾶσα πρὸς τὰ ἄνω βασίλεια!... Κεχαριτωµένη, χαῖρε, µετὰ Σοῦ ὁ Κύριος, ὁ παρέχων τῷ κόσµῳ διὰ Σοῦ τὸ µέγα ἔλεος»! Ἄς Τὴν παρακαλέσωµεν δι’ ὅ,τι ὁ καθένας νοµίζει καλλίτερον καὶ χρησιµώτερον καὶ πρὸς ψυχικήν του σωτηρίαν λυσιτελέστερον. Ἄς Τῆς ζητήσωµεν νὰ σκέπῃ πάντοτε κραταιῶς τὴν σεβασµίαν Μητέρα µας, τὸ Οἰκουµενικὸν Πατριαρχεῖον, τὴν Μεγάλην τοῦ Χριστοῦ Ἐκκλησίαν καὶ τὰ ἀνὰ τὸν κόσµον πολυάριθµα τέκνα Της• τὴν πλησιόχωρον ἁγιωτάτην Ἐκκλησίαν τῆς Γεωργίας ἀντιπροσωπεία τῆς ὁποίας εὑρίσκεται σήµερα µαζί µας ὑπὸ τὸν Ἱερώτατον Μητροπολίτην κ. Πέτρον• ὅλον τὸ εὐσεβὲς Γένος ἡµῶν τῶν Ὀρθοδόξων καὶ κάθε ἄνθρωπον καλῆς προαιρέσεως καὶ θελήσεως. Ἄς Τῆς ζητήσωµεν νὰ γίνεται καθηµερινῶς, ὅπως Ἐκείνη ξέρει, γέφυρα συνεννοήσεως, καταλλαγῆς, φιλίας καὶ δηµιουργικῆς συνεργασίας µεταξὺ τῶν θρησκειῶν καὶ τῶν πολιτισµῶν καὶ τῶν λαῶν, καὶ ἰδιαιτέρως τῶν ἐντεῦθεν καὶ ἐκεῖθεν τοῦ Αἰγαίου, λαµβανοµένου ὑπ’ ὄψιν ὅτι ἀνέκαθεν ἡ Μεγαλόχαρη Σουµελιώτισσα ἐχάριζε τὴν παρηγορίαν τῶν θαυµάτων Της καὶ εἰς τοὺς Χριστιανοὺς καὶ εἰς τοὺς Μουσουλµάνους ποὺ Τὴν ἐπεκαλοῦντο. Θερµὴν εὐχαριστίαν καταλήγοντες ἀπευθύνοµεν πρὸς τὰς ἐντίµους τουρκικὰς ἀρχάς, τόσον τὰς ἐν Ἀγκύρᾳ κυβερνητικὰς ὅσον καὶ τὰς ἐπιτοπίους, διὰ τὴν προφρόνως καὶ πάλιν παρασχεθεῖσαν ἄδειαν διὰ νὰ λειτουργήσωµεν τὸ Μοναστήρι µας καὶ δι᾿ ὅλας τὰς διευκολύνσεις καὶ τὴν εὐγένειάν των. Ἡ ἄδεια αὐτὴ εἶναι «ἀναγνώρισις τοῦ δικαιώµατος τῆς θρησκευτικῆς ἐλευθερίας, τὸ ὁποῖον ἀποτελεῖ κανόνα διεθνοῦς ∆ικαίου, ἀνεγνωρισµένον ἀπὸ ὅλα τὰ πολιτισµένα κράτη τοῦ κόσµου». Ὁλοκάρδιον εὐλογίαν Πατριαρχικὴν καὶ εὐχὴν Πατρικὴν ἀπευθύνοµεν πρὸς ὅλους τοὺς εὐσεβεῖς συµπανηγυριστάς,

uΣελίδα 20

ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚO MHNYMA Πατριαρχικόν Μήνυµα ἐπί τῇ Ἑορτῇ τῆς Ἰνδίκτου +ΒΑΡΘΟΛΟΜΑΙΟΣ ΕΛΕΩ ΘΕΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΕΩΣ ΝΕΑΣ ΡΩΜΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΣ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΗΣ ΠΑΝΤΙ Τῼ ΠΛΗΡΩΜΑΤΙ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΧΑΡΙΝ ΚΑΙ ΕΙΡΗΝΗΝ ΠΑΡΑ ΤΟΥ ∆ΗΜΙΟΥΡΓΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΣΥΝΤΗΡΗΤΟΥ ΠΑΣΗΣ ΤΗΣ ΚΤΙΣΕΩΣ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΘΕΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΗΜΩΝ ΙΗΣΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ Τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά, Ὁ Θεός, ὁ δηµιουργήσας τὸ Σύµπαν καὶ διαµορφώσας τὴν γῆν εἰς τέλειον κατοικητήριον τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἔδωκεν εἰς αὐτὸν ἐντολὴν καὶ δυνατότητα νὰ αὐξάνηται καὶ νὰ πληθύνηται καὶ νὰ πληρώσῃ αὐτὴν καὶ νὰ κυριεύσῃ αὐτῆς καὶ πάντων τῶν ἐν αὐτῇ ζῴων καὶ φυτῶν (Γεν. α΄ 28). Ὁ περιβάλλων ἡµᾶς κόσµος ἐχαρίσθη ἡµῖν ὑπὸ τοῦ ∆ηµιουργοῦ ὡς στάδιον κοινωνικῆς δραστηριοποιήσεως, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἁγιασµοῦ, πρὸς κληρονοµίαν τῆς ἀνακαινισθησοµένης ἐν τῷ µέλλοντι αἰῶνι κτίσεως. Τὴν τοιαύτην θεολογικὴν θέσιν ἔχει καὶ βιοῖ ἀείποτε ἡ Μήτηρ Ἁγία τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μεγάλη Ἐκκλησία, διὸ καὶ ἡ ἡµετέρα Μετριότης ἐτέθη, ὡς γνωστόν, ἐπὶ κεφαλῆς τῆς ἀναληφθείσης παρὰ τοῦ καθ’ ἡµᾶς πανιέρου Οἰκουµενικοῦ Θρόνου οἰκολογικῆς προσπαθείας διὰ τὴν προστασίαν τοῦ πολλὰ ταλαιπωρουµένου ὑφ ἡµῶν ἐν ἐπιγνώσει καὶ ἀνεπιγνώστως πλανήτου µας. Ἡ βιοποικιλότης, ἡ ὁποία εἶναι τὸ ἔργον τῆς πανσοφίας τοῦ Θεοῦ, δὲν ἐδόθη ἀσφαλῶς εἰς τὴν ἀνεξέλεγκτον ἐξουσίαν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. Κατακυρίευσις τῆς γῆς καὶ τῶν ἐν τῇ γῇ ὑπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου σηµαίνει ἔλλογον χρῆσιν καὶ ἀπόλαυσιν τῶν προσφεροµένων ἀγαθῶν καὶ ὄχι καταστρεπτικὴν ἐκ πλεονεξίας ἀντλησιν καὶ κάρπωσιν ἢ καταστροφὴν τῶν πόρων αὐτῆς. Ἐν τούτοις, ἰδίᾳ ἐπὶ τῶν ἡµερῶν µας, παρατηροῦµεν µίαν ὑπερβολικὴν ἐκµετάλλευσιν τῶν φυσικῶν πόρων, µὲ συνέπειαν τὴν καταστροφὴν τῆς περιβαλλοντικῆς ἰσορροπίας τῶν οἰκοσυστηµάτων καὶ γενικώτερον τῶν περιβαλλοντικῶν συνθηκῶν, εἰς τρόπον ὥστε οἱ ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ τεταγµένοι ὅροι διαβιώσεως τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς νὰ γίνωνται δυσµενέστεροι δι’ αὐτόν. Ἐπὶ παραδείγµατι, ὡς παρατηροῦµεν ἅπαντες, ἐπιστήµονες, ἐκκλησιαστικοὶ καὶ πολιτικοὶ ἄρχοντες καὶ ἐν γένει ἡ ἀνθρωπότης, αὐξάνεται ἡ θερµοκρασία τῆς ἀτµοσφαίρας, ἐκδηλοῦνται ὑπερβολικαὶ βροχοπτώσεις, µολύνονται ἐπίγεια καὶ θαλάσσια οἰκοσυστήµατα, καί, γενικώτερον, διαταράσσεται, ἐνίοτε δὲ καὶ καταστρέφεται πλήρως, ἡ δυνατότης συνεχίσεως τῆς ζωῆς εἰς ὡρισµένας περιοχάς. Βλέπουσα καὶ ἐµπειρικῶς ἀξιολογοῦσα τοὺς ἐκ τῆς τοιαύτης ἐξελίξεως τῶν περιβαλλοντικῶν συνθηκῶν κινδύνους διὰ τὴν ἀνθρωπότητα, ἡ Μήτηρ Ἐκκλησία καθιέρωσεν ἤδη ἀπὸ τῆς ἐποχῆς τοῦ προκατόχου ἡµῶν ἀοιδίµου Πατριάρχου ∆ηµητρίου τὴν πρώτην Σεπτεµβρίου ἑκάστου ἔτους ὡς ἡµέραν προσευχῆς διὰ τὸ περιβάλλον. Ἀλλ’ ὀφείλοµεν νὰ παραδεχθῶµεν ὅτι τὰ αἴτια τῶν δυσαρέστων περιβαλλοντικῶν ἀλλαγῶν δὲν εἶναι θεοκίνητα ἀλλὰ ἀνθρωποκίνητα καί, ἑποµένως, ἡ παράκλησις καὶ ἡ προσευχητικὴ δέησις τῆς Ἐκκλησίας καὶ ἡµῶν πρὸς τὸν Θεόν, τὸν Κύριον τῶν κυρίων καὶ Κυβερνήτην τοῦ παντός, πρὸς βελτίωσιν τῶν περιβαλλοντικῶν συνθηκῶν, εἶναι οὐσιαστικῶς αἴτηµα µετανοίας τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος διὰ τὸ ἁµαρτηµά της νὰ καταστρέφῃ τὰ ἐν τῇ γῇ, ἀντὶ νὰ καρπῶται µετὰ λόγου καὶ προσοχῆς διὰ τὴν διατήρησιν τῆς ἀειφορίας τοὺς πόρους αὐτῆς. Προσευχόµενοι καὶ αἰτούµενοι παρὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν διατήρησιν τοῦ περιβάλλοντος τῆς γῆς καταλλήλου διὰ τὴν ἐν αὐτῇ ζωὴν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, κατ’ οὐσίαν παρακαλοῦµεν ὅπως ὁ Θεὸς ἀλλάξῃ τὸν λογισµὸν τῶν ἰσχυρῶν τῆς γῆς καὶ φωτίσῃ αὐτοὺς νὰ µὴ καταστρέφουν τὸ γήϊνον οἰκοσύστηµα διὰ λόγους οἰκονοµικοῦ ὀφέλους καὶ συµφέροντος παροδικοῦ. Τοῦτ’ αὐτὸ ὅµως ἰσχύει καὶ διὰ πάντα ἄνθρωπον ἐξ ἡµῶν, διότι καὶ ἕκαστος ἐξ ἡµῶν ἐν τῷ µέτρῳ τῶν µικρῶν δυνατοτήτων του ἐπιφέρει τὰς µικρὰς περιβαλλοντικὰς καταστροφάς, τὰς ὁποίας ἡ ἀφροσύνη του τοῦ ἐπιτρέπει. Ἑποµένως, προσευχόµενοι ὑπὲρ τοῦ περιβάλλοντος, προσευχόµεθα ὑπὲρ τῆς µετανοίας ἑνὸς ἑκάστου ἐξ ἡµῶν διὰ τὴν µικρὰν ἢ µεγάλην συµβολήν µας εἰς τὴν βλάβην καὶ καταστροφὴν τοῦ περιβάλλοντος, τὴν ὁποίαν βιοῦµεν συνολικῶς ὡς ἄθροισµα µερικωτέρων ἐπιζηµίων ἐπεµβάσεων διὰ τῶν κατὰ τόπους καὶ χρόνους µεγάλων καὶ καταστροφικῶν καιρίων φαινοµένων. Τὴν ἔκκλησιν, προσευχὴν καὶ προτροπὴν ταύτην ἀπευθύνοντες ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἱεροῦ Κέντρου τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας πρὸς τὴν οἰκουµένην καὶ πρὸς συνόλην τὴν ἀνθρωπότητα, δεόµεθα ὅπως ὁ ἀγαθοδότης Κύριος, ὁ χαρισάµενος εἰς ἡµᾶς πάντας τοὺς ἐπὶ τοῦ πλανήτου γῆ οἰκοῦντας τὸν γήϊνον παράδεισον, λαλήσῃ ἀγαθὰ εἰς τὰς καρδίας ὅλων τῶν ἀνθρώπων, διὰ νὰ σεβώµεθα τὴν περιβαλλοντικὴν ἰσορροπίαν, τὴν ὁποίαν Οὗτος ἐν τῇ πανσοφίᾳ Του καὶ τῇ ἀγαθότητί Του µᾶς παρέδωκεν, ὥστε καὶ ἡµεῖς καὶ αἱ ἐπερχόµεναι γενεαὶ νὰ ἀπολαµβάνωµεν τὰς δωρεὰς τοῦ Θεοῦ µετ’ εὐχαριστίας καὶ δοξολογίας. Αὐτῆς τῆς Σοφίας, τῆς Εἰρήνης καὶ τῆς ∆υνάµεως τοῦ Θεοῦ, τῆς δηµιουργησάσης καὶ συντηρούσης καὶ κατευθυνούσης τὴν ἀποκαραδοκοῦσαν τὴν σωτηρίαν αὐτῆς κτίσιν πρὸς τὰ ἔσχατα, δεόµεθα ὅπως διαφυλάττῃ τὸ περιβάλλον ἀειφόρον καὶ προσφέρον συνεχῶς εἰς τὴν εὐηµερίαν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου καὶ ὁδηγῇ καρποφόρως τὰ ἀγαθὰ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἐργαζοµένων πρὸς τοῦτο συνανθρώπων, καὶ ἐπικαλούµεθα τὴν Χάριν καὶ τὸ ἄπειρον Ἔλεος Αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, µάλιστα τοὺς σεβοµένους τὴν δηµιουργίαν καὶ φυλάσσοντας αὐτήν.

,βιβ΄ Σεπτεµβρίου α΄

† Ὁ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως ∆ιάπυρος πρός Θεόν εὐχέτης πάντων ὑµῶν

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

Προσκύνημα

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ uΣελίδα 17 πίστεως κ αί πολιτισµοῦ µέ τόσους ἄλλους πού πέθαναν ἤ βίωσαν αὐτή τήν φοβερή τραγωδία καί διότι οἱ ἐπιπτώσεις της συνεχίζουν νά ἐπηρεάζουν τίς ζωές οἰκογενειῶν, κοινοτήτων καί ἐθνῶν µέχρι καί τίς ἡµέρες µας. Ἐνθυµούµεθα ἐπίσης ὡς Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί, ὡς ἄνθρωποι πίστεως, ὅτι ἔχουµε ἕνα σηµαντικό ρόλο στήν ἀντιµετώπιση τῶν ἀδικιῶν στόν κόσµο µας. Ἀκολουθώντας τό παράδειγµα τῶν Ἀποστόλων, τῶν Μαρτύρων καί τῶν Ἁγίων, καλούµεθα νά δοῦµε τίς προκλήσεις τῆς ἀνθρώπινης καταστάσεώς µας, νά µιλήσουµε γιά τίς κακίες τοῦ κόσµου µας πού καταστρέφουν τή ζωή καί τήν εἰρήνη, καί νά ἀνακουφίσουµε ἐκείνους πού εἶναι θύµατα τοῦ µίσους καί τῆς βίας. Τελικά, προσβλέπουµε στόν Χριστό πού ἀπο-

κάλυψε τή χάρη καί τή συγχώρηση ὑπό τίς χειρότερες συνθῆκες, πού κατεδίκασε τό κακό διδάσκοντας ταυτοχρόνως τήν εἰρήνη καί τήν ἀγάπη, καί πού ἔδειξε συµπόνοια γιά τίς δοκιµασίες καί τραγωδίες τῶν ἀνθρώπων προσφέροντας ἴαση καί σωτηρία. Μέ αὐτό τό πνεῦµα καί γιά νά προσφέρουµε τήν πρέπουσα ἀναγνώριση στήν τραγωδία τῆς Σµύρνης καί τῆς Μικρᾶς Ἀσίας, ζητοῦµε ἀπό τίς ἐνορίες τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς νά τιµήσουν τήν 23η Σεπτεµβρίου ὡς ἡµέρα µνήµης τοῦ Ὁλοκαυτώµατος τῆς Μικρᾶς Ἀσίας καί νά προσφέρουν προσευχές µνηµοσύνου γιά τούς πολλούς πού ἡ ζωή τους ὑπέστη ριζική ἀλλαγή. Ἐπίσης ἐνθαρρύνουµε τίς κοινότητές µας νά ὀργανώσουν καί νά προγραµµατίσουν εἰδικές ἐκδηλώσεις πού αὐξάνουν τήν ἐνηµερότητα ἀναφορικά µέ τέτοια γεγονότα καἰ ἄλλες πα-

ρόµοιες βδελυρές πράξεις, καί νά ἀνακαλύψουν εἰρηνικούς τρόπους γιά τήν ἐπίλυση διαφορῶν καί τήν καλλιέργεια πνεύµατος ἀνοχῆς καί κατανοήσεως στόν σύγχρονο κόσµο µας. Ἀκόµη, ἄς συνεχίσουµε νά καλλιεργούµε τήν εὐθύνη πού ἔχου µε νά ἐνθυ µού µεθα τό ἱστορικό παρελθόν µας, νά ἐπιδεικνύουµε συµπόνοια γιά τούς ἀπανταχοῦ τῆς γῆς συνανθρώπους µας, νά προσφέρουµε τήν ἀλήθεια µέ ἀγάπη καί ν’ ἀναζητοῦµε τίς εὐλογίες τῆς ζωῆς, τῆς ἀσφάλειας καί τῆς ἐλευθερίας γιά ὅλους.

Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη,

† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

Ετήσια Συνάντηση Κανονικών Ορθοδόξων Επισκόπων Βορείου και Κεντρικής Αμερικής uΣελίδα 17 αδελφών Επισκόπων, του Μητροπολίτη Πιτσιβούργου Μάξιµου, ο οποίος συνταξιοδοτήθηκε τον Αύγουστο του 2011, και του Μητροπολίτη Ιωνά της Ουάσιγκτον. Επίσης, καλωσόρισε τους νέους Επισκόπους οι οποίοι λαµβάνουν µέρος στη Συνέλευση από την προηγούµενη τελευταία συνεδρίασή της το Μάιο του 2011, τον Επίσκοπο Σεβαστιανό της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής, τους Επισκόπους Anthony, John, και Nicholas της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αντιοχείας, τον Επίσκοπο ∆ανιήλ της Βουλγαρικής Επισκοπής, τον Επίσκοπο Αλέξανδρο της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας στην Αµερική, και τον προσφάτως χειροτονηθέντα Επίσκοπο

Pankratij από την Ιερά Μητρόπολη Μεξικού. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Ιουστινιανός, διαχειριστής των ενοριών του Πατριαρχείου Μόσχας στις ΗΠΑ και δεύτερος αντιπρόεδρος της Συνέλευσης, απευθύνθηκε επίσης τους ιεράρχες, υπενθυµίζοντας τους αδελφούς του για την 200ή επέτειο από την ίδρυση του νοτιότερου ρωσικού οικισµού στη Βόρεια Αµερική, Fort Ross στην Καλιφόρνια, µε ορθόδοξο χριστιανικό παρεκκλήσι, αφιερωµένο στην Αγία Τριάδα. Ενα από τα κύρια θέµατα της ηµερήσιας διάταξης ήταν η έγκριση του Καταστατικού της. Παρουσιάστηκ ένα σχέδιο από την επιτροπή Καταστατικού, σε συνεργασία µε την Επιτροπή Νοµικών Θεµάτων. Μετά από

ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2012

κάποια συζήτηση από τη Συνέλευση να εξασφαλίσει ότι το Καταστατικό υπόκειται στους νόµους του πολιτικού και του κανονικού δικαίου εγκρίθηκε οµόφωνα από τους επισκόπους. Μια πρόταση παρουσιάστηκε στους Ιεράρχες από τον Μητροπολίτη Βοστώνης κ. Μεθόδιο, πρόεδρο της επιτροπής Κανονικών Υποθέσεων, για ένα ολοκληρωµένο κατάλογο όλων των Ορθοδόξων κληρικών στην περιοχή µας, σύµφωνα µε το άρθρο 6 του Κανονισµού Λειτουργίας. Το δεύτερο στοιχείο, το οποίο απασχόλησε την Συνέλευση κατά τη διάρκεια ολόκληρης της συνεδρίασης ήταν η κανονική οργάνωση της Εκκλησίας στις Ηνωµένες Πολιτείες.

uΣελίδα 19 τοὺς ἀπὸ διαφόρων χωρῶν συνελθόντας, καὶ πρὸς κάθε Πόντιον ὅπου γῆς καὶ ἄν ζῇ καὶ κινεῖται! Καὶ εἶσθε πολλοί, ἀγαπητοὶ Πόντιοι, καὶ εἰς τὴν Ἑλλάδα καὶ εἰς τὶς παρευξείνιες χῶρες καὶ εἰς τὴν διασποράν. Καὶ εἶσθε ὅλοι προκοµµένοι, γιατὶ γνωρίζετε «τὶ θὰ πεῖ προκοπή, τὶ θὰ πεῖ τιµή, τὶ θὰ πεῖ ἀρχοντιά, τὶ θὰ πεῖ πίστη καὶ ἀγώνας», ὅπως θὰ ἔλεγεν ὁ Σεφέρης ὁ Μικρασιάτης. Καὶ ὅλους σᾶς διακρίνει ἡ παραδειγµατικὴ ποντιακὴ εὐσέβεια, ὅσα χρόνια κι᾿ ἂν ἔχουν περάσει ἀπὸ τὸν ξερριζωµὸν τῶν πατέρων σας ἀπὸ αὐτὰ ἐδῶ τὰ ἁγιασµένα χώµατα µὲ τὰ πανύψηλα βουνὰ καὶ τὰ ἱστορικὰ µοναστήρια, τὰ γραφικὰ χωριά, τὰ λυγερόκορµα δένδρα, τοὺς γκρεµούς, τὶς ρεµατιές, τὴν ὀργιώδη βλάστησι, τὰ ραχία καὶ τὰ παρχάρια, αὐτὴν τὴν γῆν ποὺ τὴν ἐχαρακτήριζεν ἡ γνησία Ὀρθόδοξος παράδοσις τῆς Ἀνατολῆς, καὶ ποὺ ἀνέδειξε προσφάτως δύο νέους Ἁγίους τῆς Ἐκκλησίας µας, τὸν Ἅγιον Γεώργιον τὸν Καρσλίδην καὶ τὴν Ὁσίαν Σοφίαν Χοτοκουρίδου, τὴν διὰ Χριστὸν σαλήν. Εἴχαµε τὴν εὐλογίαν καὶ τὴν τιµὴν νὰ προστῶµεν τῶν ἑορτασµῶν τῆς ἁγιοκατατάξεώς των εἰς τὴν ∆ράµαν καὶ εἰς τὴν Καστοριάν, ἀντιστοίχως, καὶ νὰ ἀπολαύσωµεν τὴν χαρὰν καὶ τὸν ἐνθουσιασµὸν τῶν ἐκεῖ Ποντίων ἀδελφῶν µας ἀλλὰ καὶ ὅλων τῶν κατοίκων τῶν δύο πόλεων καὶ τῆς Μακεδονίας ὁλοκλήρου. Εὐχαριστοῦµεν, λοιπόν, τὸν Πόντον ποὺ ἐµπλούτισε τὸ ἁγιολόγιον τῆς Ἐκκλησίας καὶ µᾶς προσέφερε δύο νέους µεσίτας καὶ πρεσβευτὰς πρὸς τὸν Θεόν. Εἴθε ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων µας νὰ µᾶς ἀξιώσῃ καὶ τοῦ χρόνου νὰ ἑορτάσωµεν τὴν Κοίµησιν τῆς Παναγίας µας εἰς αὐτὸ τὸ προπύργιον τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας καὶ τοῦ Γένους, τὴν ἱστορικὴν Ἱερὰν Μονὴν Σουµελᾶ. Ἀµήν.

ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2012

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ΤΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΜΟΥ

Επιμορφωτικό Εκπαιδευτικό Σεμινάριο στην Κύπρο ΛΕΥΚΩΣΙΑ.– Πραγµατοποιήθηκε και φέτος µε την ευλογία του Αρχιεπισκόπου ∆ηµητρίου, για έκτη συνεχή χρονιά, το εκπαιδευτικό επιµορφωτικό σεµινάριο για τους οµογενείς δασκάλους της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αµερικής στην Κύπρο. Το σεµινάριο αυτό οργανώθηκε από το Γραφείο Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αµερικής µε την συνεργασία του Παιδαγωγικού Ινστιτούτου του Υπουργείου Παιδείας και Πολιτισµού της Κύπρου και συµµετείχαν σε αυτό 17 δάσκαλοι από τα σχολεία της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αµερικής. Όλη η φιλοξενία των δασκάλων, συµπεριλαµβανοµένων των εισιτηρίων, της διαµονής σε ξενοδοχείο και των φαγητών, καλύφθηκε από το Υπουργείο Παιδείας της Κύπρου, ενώ το Γραφείο Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής προσέφερε τρία επίσηµα δείπνα στους δασκάλους καθώς και τους καθηγητές του Παιδαγωγικού Ινστιτούτου και άλλους επισήµους. Οι επιµορφούµενοι παρακολούθησαν διδακτική της ελληνικής γλώσσας, της Ιστορίας και του Πολιτισµού, αλλά και πρακτικές εφαρµογές διδασκαλίας από τη σειρά των βιβλίων της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αµερικής «Τα Ελληνικά µου». Παράλληλα, είχαν την ευκαιρία να παρουσιάσουν οι ίδιοι σχέδιο µαθήµατος από την ύλη της σειράς αυτής και να εφαρµόσουν τις νέες µεθοδολογικές και πρακτικές τεχνικές που είχαν διδαχθεί. Πέραν των µαθηµάτων, το σεµινάριο ήταν εµπλουτισµένο µε πολλές πολιτιστικές δραστηριότητες. Οι δάσκαλοι είχαν την ευκαιρία να επισκεφτούν µοναστήρια και ιστορικά µνηµεία της Κύπρου και να ξεναγηθούν σε µουσεία και αρχαιολογικούς χώρους. Επισκέφτηκαν τη Μονή του Κύκκου και τον τάφο του Αρχιεπισκόπου Μακαρίου, τη Μονή του Αγίου Νεοφύτου, τη Μονή του Μαχαιρά και το κρησφύγετο του Γρηγόρη Αυξεντίου, τη Μονή της Παναγίας της Τρωαδίτισσας, τη Μονή της Παναγίας της Τρικουκιώτισσας και τη Μονή του Αγίου Ηρακλειδίου. Κατά την επίσκεψή τους στα Φυλακισµένα Μνήµατα και τον Τύµβο της Μακεδονίτισσας, γνώρισαν από κοντά την νεότερη ιστορία της Κύπρου. Στο χωριό Πεδουλάς, όπου έµειναν ένα βράδυ, ξεναγήθηκαν στο Περιβαλλοντικό

Κέντρο του Παιδαγωγικού Ινστιτούτου, ενώ δέχθηκαν τη ζεστή φιλοφενία των τοπικών παραγόντων. Στη ∆ερύνεια είχαν την ευκαιρία να δουν από µακρυά την πολιτείαφάντασµα της Αµµοχώστου και ενώ ο ∆ήµαρχος τους παρέθεσε γεύµα. Έγιναν δεκτοί από τον Μακαριώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Κύπρου κ. Χρυσόστοµο, τον Πρόεδρο της Κυπριακής ∆ηµοκρατίας, Εξοχώτατο κ. Χριστόφια, τη ∆ιευθύντρια του Υπουργείου Παιδείας της Κύπρου, ∆ρ. Στυλιανού, τον Πρύτανη του Πανεπιστηµίου της Κύπρου, κ. Χριστοφίδη και άλλα µέλη των Πρυτανικών Αρχών. Ο ∆ιευθυντής Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αµερικής ∆ρ. Ι. Ευθυµιιόπουλος που συνόδευε τους δασκάλους, µετέφερε τις ευχές, την αγάπη και τις ευχαριστίες του Αρχιεπισκόπου Αµερικής κ. ∆ηµητρίου για την πραγµατοποίηση αυτού του ιστορικού σεµιναρίου. Στις επισκέψεις αυτές το Παιδαγωγικό Ινστιτούτο εκπροσωπούσε η διευθύντριά του κ. Μιχαηλίδου. Τη σηµασία αυτού του σεµιναρίου τόνισε και ο Πρόεδρος της Κυπριακής ∆ηµοκρατίας κ. Χριστόφιας λέγοντας στους δασκάλους που τον επισκέφτηκαν στο Προεδρικό Μέγαρο «...η δουλειά που κάνετε είναι πολύ σηµαντική, γιατί συνεχίζετε τη διάδοση της ελληνικής γλώσσας, της ιστορίας, και του πολιτισµού, των ελληνικών ιδεωδών και των ελληνικών παραδόσεων. Οφείλουµε, λοιπόν, και εµείς µε τη σειρά µας να σας βοηθήσουµε στο έργο σας αυτό. Αλλά και εσείς µπορείτε να µας βοηθήσετε, προβάλλοντας τα δίκαια της Κύπρου στην Αµερική και ενισχύοντας την θέση µας στα κέντρα αποφάσεων...» Από την πλευρά της Αρχιεπισκοπής ο ∆ρ. Ευθυµιόπουλος ανέφερε ότι το σεµινάριο αυτό είναι ένα προσκύνηµα στην µαρτυρική Κύπρο και εξέφρασε τις θερµές ευχαριστίες του προς την ηγεσία της Κυπριακής ∆ηµοκρατίας, το Υπουργείο Παιδείας της Κύπρου και το Παιδαγωγικό Ινστιτούτο που είχε και την ευθύνη της πραγµατοποίησης του επιµορφωτικού αυτού προγράµµατος στην Κύπρο, καθώς και όλους τους φορείς της Κύπρου για τη ζεστή φιλοξενία τους. Το σεµινάριο θα επαναληφθεί για την επόµενη χρονιά τον Ιούλιο του 2013.

Πρώτο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 1Α

Με την ευλογία και καθοδήγηση του Σεβασµιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αµερικής Δηµητρίου, τη χορηγία του κληροδοτήµατος FAITH και την επιµέλεια του Γραφείου Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής, εκδόθηκαν τα βιβλία της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά µου», τα οποία διδάσκονται στα ελληνικά κοινοτικά σχολεία, όπως και σε σχολεία άλλων φορέων. Τα βιβλία 1Α & 1Β επανεκδόθηκαν τον Ιούλιο του 2011 σε βελτιωµένη έκδοση και χρησιµοποιούνται για την 1η και 2α τάξη για τη διδασκαλία των Ελληνικών ως δεύτερης/ξένης γλώσσας. Τα δύο αυτά βιβλία αντικατέστησαν το Τεύχος 1 του πρώτου επιπέδου που είχε χρησιµοποιηθεί τις χρονιές 2009-11. Το τεύχος 2 του πρώτου επιπέδου που εκδόθηκε τον Ιούλιο του 2010 αποτελεί τη συνέχεια των δύο προηγούµενων βιβλίων και διδάσκεται µετά την ολοκλήρωσή τους, δηλαδή καλύπτει µέρος της Δευτέρας τάξης και συνεχίζεται στην Τρίτη. Το τεύχος 1 του δευτέρου επιπέδου της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά µου», εκδόθηκε τον Ιούλιο του 2011 και διδάχθηκεγια πρώτη φορά την περσινή σχολική χρονιά. Καλύπτει τις ανάγκες της Τρίτης και Τετάρτης τάξης. Το τεύχος 2 του δευτέρου επιπέδου της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά µου», εκδόθηκε τον Ιούλιο του 2012 και διδάσκεται για πρώτη φορά τη φετινή σχολική χρονιά. Καλύπτει τις ανάγκες της Πέµπτης τάξης.

Πρώτο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 1Β

Πρώτο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 2

Δεύτερο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 1

Δεύτερο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 2

Tα βιβλία διατίθενται δωρεάν από τα Γραφεία Παιδείας όλων των Μητροπόλεων της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής. • Ειδικότερα, για την Άμεση Αρχιεπισκοπική Περιφέρεια Νέας Υόρκης τα βιβλία διατίθενται από την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Ευαγγελία Ζήνω-νος, τηλέφωνο 718-728-1718. • Για την Μητρόπολη της Νέας Ιερσέης τα βιβλία διατίθενται από την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Ιωάννη του Θεολόγου στο Τεναφλάι. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Άννα Μέγαρη, τηλέφωνο 201-567-5072. • Για την Μητρόπολη Ατλάντας από την Κοινότητα Αγίας Τριάδος στο Σάρλοτ, Βόρειας Καρολίνας. Υπεύθυνος επικοινωνίας είναι ο π. Μιχαήλ Βαρβαρέλης, τηλέφωνο 704-334-4771. • Για τη Μητρόπολη Ντιτρόιτ από τα γραφεία της Μητρόπολης. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Χάριετ Στούκας, τηλέφωνο 248-823-2400. • Για τη Μητρόπολη Ντένβερ από τον Καθεδρικό Ναό του Ευαγγελισμού. Υπεύθυνος επικοινωνίας είναι ο κ. Νικόλαος Ιωαννίδης, τηλέφωνο 303-9091-694. • Για τη Μητρόπολη του Αγίου Φραγκίσκου από την Κοινότητα του Τιμίου Σταυρού στο Μπέλμοντ. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Θεοδώρα Κουναλάκη, τηλέφωνο 650-200-6930. • Για τη Μητρόπολη Βοστώνης από την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Νεκταρίου στο Ροσλιντέιλ. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Θεοδώρα Χρονοπούλου, τηλέφωνο 617-327-1983. • Για τη Μητρόπολη Πιτσβούργου από την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Νικολάου, Πιτσβούργου. Υπεύθυνη επικοινωνίας είναι η κ. Μαρία Σταμούλη, τηλέφωνο 412-874-4422.

Η ολοκλήρωση του παιδαγωγικού έργου της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά μου» αναμένεται να πραγματοποιηθεί με τη συγγραφή και έκδοση των δύο τευχών του τρίτου επιπέδου μέχρι το 2013-2014, καλύπτοντας έτσι όλα τα επίπεδα του ελληνικού σχολείου για τη διδασκαλία και εκμάθηση της Ελληνικής ως δεύτερης / ξένης γλώσσας. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες απευθυνθείτε στο Γραφείο Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής 8 Ε 79 Street, New York, NY 10075, μέσω ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου: ioannise@goarch. org, mteleiopoulou@goarch.org, daisytsitouridou@goarch.org ή στα τηλέφωνα 212.774.0233 και 212.774.0417.

SEPTEMBER 2012

Reflections on the Metropolis of Chicago’s ‘Fanari Camp’

YO U T H M I N I S T R Y

by Aliki Nicolau

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)

For the past five years, Fanari has been a light in my life, a highlight of my summer and will continue to shine in my soul. Growing up I would watch my Baba get so excited at Church or social events when he would see people he knew from his Fanari days. I would wonder, what was so special about this place? Now I know and I am so glad that I continued the tradition in my family. Living and keeping the traditions of my Greek Orthodox faith is important to me. It can be difficult living as a teenager in a suburb where I have few Greek Orthodox friends. Fanari has expanded my circle of friends to include those from St. Louis to Lincolnshire. While I have been teased by my parents about going to “camp” with air-conditioning and living in hotel rooms, I think the chance to be away from the city and closer to nature really helps to remind me of God’s magnificence. I keep the picture of the sunrise at Green Lake on my last day of Fanari as my background on my phone. After returning from Fanari, even though I was back home with my family, I felt I was missing family. It was a strange feeling not seeing everyone. It was a drastic change returning home. I missed seeing and living with all of these special people that I had shared so many experiences with and become so close to. This is the great beauty of Fanari. It brings young people together from so many different parishes from throughout the Metropolis. It expands our Orthodox experience and truly makes you feel like

Participants in the Metropolis of Chicago’s Fanari Camp are all smiles.

one great family. I am grateful to those who dedicate their time to plan and direct us for the week. Now Fanari would not truly be a Greek Church camp without the food and the relationships that happens when we break bread. In my last days of camp, I realized how many campers were sitting around the table eating and creating bonds. We truly have a unique way of coming together and celebrating our oneness. At night in the cabin, campers and counselors would pile in together to share a laugh and eat a late night snack. This brings us to the theory of sleep. That is for when you get home. How can you sleep when you are with your friends laughing, joking, and having in-depth conversations that you will never forget? From Mr. D’s Bible studies and stories, to Orthodox Life, Fanari has given me the tools to understand and work my faith into my everyday life. Fanari has taught me many life lessons as well as deepened my spiritual life. Most notably I was taught “The Jesus Prayer,” which sticks with me and reminds me how powerful the entreaty of the Lord’s name can be. I loved making all the crafts in Diakonia, however the one that was most notable to me was from 2008 when

we all put together our “My Bedside Orthodox Prayer Book.” This book has helped me become closer to God, as I use it to guide me in my prayers. The prayers in the book take me back to Fanari, and remind me what I and all of us should really

Metropolis News

Texas Church Celebrates ‘Door Opening’ Event EULESS, Texas – St. John the Baptist Church, founded in 1980 in this suburb of Dallas, held its “thyranixia” (door opening service) on July 14. The new Byzantine church with a 65-foot-high dome captures the spirit of Byzantium using modern building techniques. The barrel-vaulted narthex topped by a bell tower, the handcrafted copper dome as well as the many arches, apses and pendatives are all defining elements of Byzantine architecture. Prior to the Thyranixia, Metropolitan Isaiah, along with local clergy, altar boys, choir, chanters, parishioners and many on-

lookers took the short walk from the old church across the parking lot to the new. Prior to entering, the Metropolitan blessed the church with holy water, then proceeded inside where he blessed the interior. The members of St. John’s have waited a long time to hold Divine Liturgy in their new home – some have waited 32 years. The congregation’s priest, Fr. Vasile Tudora, received the offikion of protopresbyter for his leadership and dedication in making the church become a reality. St. John the Baptist Church got its start in 1980 with a handful of Orthodox

Christian families meeting at various locations between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. Membership grew and by 1983 the parish was able to purchase nearly four acres of land with a three-bedroom ranch house in the city of Euless, Texas. The living and dining rooms served as the church while the bedrooms became classrooms. In 1988, a multi-purpose building was erected that would house the church and parish hall. As the ‘90s progressed, church membership steadily increased. Finally, in 2007, under the direction of St. John’s parish council and Fr. Tudora, plans got under way for the Byzantine–style church.

be striving for in life; a closer connection to Christ and His Holy Church. Aliki Nicolau is an 11th grader and a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Des Plaines, Ill.

When’s Orthodox Easter? To answer an FAQ (frequently asked question) that pops up shortly after Christmas, Orthodox Easter (Pascha) 2013 will occur on Sunday, May 5, more than a month after Western Easter on March 31. Therefore, Lent begins on Clean Monday, March 18, the Feast of the Ascension is Thursday, June 13, and Pentecost falls on Sunday, June 23. Other ecclesiastical events affected by the date of Pascha: the beginning of the Triodion, Sunday, Feb. 24; Meatfare Sunday, March 10; and Cheesefare Sunday, March 17.

SEPTEMBER 2012

People AHEPA Elects Officers

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS Offered to Communities, Organizations, Church festivals and all other functions. Kontos Foods famous for its POCKET-LESS PITA, is proud to present its original products once again.

Fillo Kataifi Delicious, traditional products made

Spanakopita Tyropita with the highest quality ingredients

Courteous Service • WE SHIP EVERYWHERE in the US & CANADA

Exclusive Distributor for USA & CANADA of TRIKOMITES HALOUMI KONTOS FOODS, INC • EVRIPIDES KONTOS, President

BOX 628, PATERSON, NJ 07544

(973) 278-2800 • Fax: (973) 278-7943

LAS VEGAS – Delegates of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), re-elected Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides Jr., at its 90th annual Supreme Convention. Dr. Grossomanides, who hails from Westerly, R.I., is a member of Rose of New England Chapter 110, in Norwich, Conn. He has served AHEPA in numerous leadership positions, including two terms as supreme vice president and supreme secretary. Dr. Grossomanides earned both his undergraduate and Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Rhode Island. He is a member of Holy Trinity Church, Norwich, Conn. The supreme president is newly married to the former Anna-Helene Panagakos, Brooklyn, N.Y., who was elected Grand Vice President of the Daughters of Penelope at their convention. Other officers elected for 2012-2013 include: Supreme Vice President Anthony Kouzounis, Houston; Canadian President George Vassilas, Montreal, Quebec; Supreme Secretary Phillip T. Frangos, East Lansing, Mich.; Supreme Treasurer Anthony Drakos, Ambridge, Pa.; Supreme Counselor George Loucas, Brecksville, Ohio; and Supreme Athletic Director Ike Gulas, PSP, Birmingham, Ala. The eight supreme governors are: Region I: Dalton Respass, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Region II: Ed Guminski, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Region III: James Kokotas, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Region IV: John Tanionos, East Sandwich, Mass.; Region V: Socrates Kolitsos; Region VI: Nick Kavadas, Schererville, Ind.; Region VII: James Peros, Denver; and Region VIII: Chris Mellas, Yorba Linda, Calif. Re-elected to positions on the Board of Trustees were: John Galanis, Elm Grove, Wis., and Constantine Calliontzis, Dedham, Mass. Christopher Gallas, Brooklyn, N.Y., was re-elected to the Board of Auditors.

Georgia Vithoulkas. Vithoulkas played a leading role in the effort that established Henrico, Va. as an official mailing address with the U.S. Postal Service in October 2008. The addresschange initiative is saving the county more than $5 million annually in tax revenues that previously had been misdirected to other localities.

Hospital Names Kastanis as President, CEO

Other AHEPA Family organizations elected the following. Joanne Saltas, Salt Lake City, Utah, as Daughters of Penelope grand president; Michael Michalopulos, Norman, Okla., Sons of Pericles supreme president; and Angela Armstrong, Chandler, Ariz., Maids of Athena grand president.

PHILADELPHIA -- John N. Kastanis has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Temple University Hospital where he as been serving as interim CEO since Dec. 19, 2011. As president and CEO, Kastanis has responsibility for the strategic direction, operational effectiveness, and financial health of Temple University Hospital – including Temple Main, the Episcopal and Northeastern Campuses, the TUH Bone Marrow Transplant Program located at Jeanes Hospital, and the Temple Transport Team. He works closely with Health System, Hospital, and medical staff leadership to invest in medical services and technologies, grow market share, and continue the recruitment of top-notch physicians. He also works with the executive leadership teams of Temple’s healthcare enterprise and the University to formulate the hospital’s long-range goals and plans. Kastanis is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), earned his MBA from Baruch College-Mt. Sinai School of Medicine’s Health Administration Program, and his B.A. in Political Science from Queens College. John most recently held transitional contractor / Interim CEO positions at Quincy Medical Center, in Quincy, Mass.; Caritas Health Care, part of Brooklyn-Queens Health Care, Inc., in Queens, N.Y; and Southampton Hospital, in Southampton, N.Y. He was also President and CEO of the Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute, in New York City, from 1996 to 2005. He is a member of Holy Trinity Church in New Rochelle, N.Y., St. Nicholas, Flushing and Kimisis Tis Theotokou in the Hamptons.

New County Manager

Fr. Spiro honored

John A. Vithoulkas, a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Richmond, Va., recently was named county manager for Henrico County, Va. He previously served as deputy county manager for administration. He also served in other administrative positions with counties in North Carolina and Virginia. Henrico County has a population of 350,000. Vithoulkas has been a key contributor to fiscal policies that have enabled Henrico to balance its budget throughout the recession and the lingering problematic economy –the county has absorbed revenue declines of more than $92 million the last two years– without laying off employees, cutting services or raising taxes. He was the architect of a series of bond sales during the recession that yielded $17.7 million in debt-service savings for the county. In August 2011, Henrico was the first locality nationwide to have its debt reaffirmed as triple-AAA –the highest available for a governmental entity– by the three international credit-rating agencies following the historic downgrade of U.S. government debt by Standard and Poor’s. Mr. Vithoulkas, 44, was born in Athens, Greece and is a naturalized U.S. citizen. He immigrated to the United States as an infant with his parents, George and

AURORA, Ill. – Parishioners of St. Athanasios Church in Aurora and local dignitaries honored the Rev. Dr. Peter J. Spiro upon completion of his 15th year in the priesthood, his 10th year as pastor of the church, his doctorate in ministry and for being made an honorary colonel in the U.S. Army’s 75th Division for his contributions to the military. On hand to honor him were state Sen. Chris Lauzen, Mayor Tom Weisner of Aurora, Mayor Kevin Burns of Geneva, Sheriff Patrick Perez of Kane County, Undersheriff David Wagner of Kane County, their families, and the community of St.Athanasios. Each Mayor read and presented separate proclamations stating that June 17th was declared Rev. Dr. Peter J. Spiro Day in both Aurora and Geneva.

AHEPA Family Elections

Scout Awards Presented The Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting, an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, has awarded national scholarships to the following recipients: Abreana Bardossas of Parker, Colo., (first place) a member of St. Catherine Church, Greenwood, Colo.; and Nicholas E.

  to page 25

SEPTEMBER 2012

YO U T H M I N I S T R Y

SF Metropolis Camps Offer Learning Experience, Spiritual Growth by Kristen Bruskas

DUNLAP, Calif. – Each year the Metropolis of San Francisco offers two youth programs at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center for the spiritual and cultural growth of its young people. The Greek Village Camp (Elliniko Horio), coordinated by the Committee on Greek Education and Culture, held its third year of one-week immersion camps for children ages 7–14, June 23–30. Since its inception in 2010, the Greek Village Camp has developed into a popular creative and educational immersion program to bring children closer to their Hellenic heritage through instruction in language, customs, traditions and the Orthodox faith. This program has experienced increased enrollment each year. The ranch and retreat center, a 230–acre facility, includes recently renovated lodging facilities as well as hiking trails, apple orchards, historic barn and lake that provide the aura of a traditional Greek village to further enhance a truly cultural environment. “The experience of an immersion camp provides these youth with the opportunity to spend a week learning about their faith and culture in a creative way and thus strengthening the ties to their ancestral lineage,” stated Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “I am grateful to the committee which works tirelessly throughout the year to plan such an in-depth educational program, as well as to the Kallins Family Foundation for their continued support of this ministry.” A team of skilled professional instructors from the Metropolis and Greece led classes in language, cooking, geography, mythology, music, dance, theater and other activities. Children also attended daily worship services and observed the monastic life at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life–Giving Spring adjacent to the ranch. Arts and crafts, swimming, basketball, volleyball and canoeing were just a few of the many extracurricular activities included in the campers’ daily schedule, plus evening campfires, storytelling, folk dancing and singing. For more information, visit www. ourgreekvillage.org Summer Camp Summer Camp, coordinated by the Metropolis Youth Office and St. Nicholas Ranch, offered four one-week sessions from July 9–Aug. 3 to more that 250 teens and pre-teens. Participating campers came from Arizona, California, Hawaii and Oregon, and some from as far as Pennsylvania and Athens, Greece. Following the theme “I am an Icon,” the program focused on each person being made in the image and likeness of God. Campers were challenged to realize their full spiritual and physical potential by following Christ’s example and living a life following God’s com-

Young people at the third session of the St. Nicholas Ranch-Metropolis of San Francisco youth camp. (photos courtesy of St. Nicholas Ranch) Below: Participants in the Greek Village Camp at ranch. (Photo courtesy of Lydia Alexander.)

mandments and exemplifying His love in their daily interactions with others. For the second consecutive year, the Metropolis was the grateful recipient of a grant from Leadership 100 to assist campers with defraying the cost to attend camp. “Providing our youth with a fulfilling Summer Camp experience is of paramount importance to the Metropolis of San Francisco,” Metropolitan Gerasimos said. “Motivating them to be living icons of Christ reminds them of their obligation as Orthodox Christians to follow His teachings and to maintain a life that will inspire good in others. This year’s program was innovative and uplifting for the campers, and I am grateful to the staff whose care and compassion for youth ministry was evidenced in the success of Summer Camp.” Each morning began with Orthros and breakfast, followed by activities that included arts and crafts, swimming, Orthodox Life, theater, archery, sports and canoeing. Daytime activities also included the

Camp Olympics and a trip to nearby Kings Canyon Sequoia National by the high-school campers In the evenings, campers attended vespers services and took part in various activities including campfires, a luau and a more prayerful “Night with God” in preparation for Divine Liturgy the next morning. Several clergy led the daily services and provided spiritual guidance for staff and campers. They were: Frs. Joseph Chaffee (St. George, Bakersfield, Calif.); Ion Coman (St. Nicholas, San Jose, Calif.); Dimosthenis Paraskevaidis (Holy Trinity Cathedral, Portland, Oregon), Panayiotis Sotiras (Holy Cross, Belmont, Calif.); Silviu Stanculescu (St. Andrew the Apostle, San Luis Obispo, Calif.); and Tom Zaferes (Ascension Cathedral, Oakland, Calif.). St. Nicholas Ranch Director Michael Pappas led the summer program, assisted by coordinator Michelle Hawe, the Youth and Young Adult Ministries director at St. Anna Church in Roseville, Calif., and by Paul Gikas, the Metropolis of San Francisco Youth and Young Adult Ministries director.

People   from page 24 Wardner of Ann Arbor, Mich. (runner up), a member of St. Nicholas Church in Ann Arbor. Abreana attends the University of Denver, studying hospitality management. Nicholas attends the University of Michigan, majoring in engineering. The EICS program is offered to high school seniors who are Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts who are members of the Orthodox Christian Church.

‘Today’ Show Intern

Eleni Lazares, a senior at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, majoring in Communications, has been selected as an intern for Today show host Matt Lauer. She will serve from January to June 2013 and currently serves as anchor for the Ohio University news network. Eleni is the daughter of John and Patricia Lazares of Maineville, Ohio, and granddaughter of Vasili and Eleni Patsios of Watertown, Mass.

SEPTEMBER 2012

Metropolis News Buffalo Community Celebrates Its Centennial BUFFALO, N.Y. – Annunciation Church celebrated its 100th anniversary Sept. 7-9 weekend with a series of events and a visit by Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit. It was the Archbishop’s first visit to Buffalo. Fr. Christos Christakis, pastor, said that the Archbishop and Metropolitan arrived on Sept. 7 and blessed the church’s 30-acre site of a Family Life Center, which will host youth activities when built. That evening, Archbishop Demetrios delivered a lecture at the Albright-Knox Gallery, a noted modern art museum, where he spoke on “Life After Death-a Christian Perspective” to an audience of more than 400. The museum organized a Greek cultural exhibit in honor of the Archbishop’s visit. On Saturday, Sept. 8, the hierarchs and 13 other clergy, including past priests of the community, celebrated the Nativity of the Theotokos Liturgy. A youth rally followed that was attended by more than 300 persons, including about 150 children. A centennial banquet took place that evening at the Statler City hotel with more than 350 in attendance. Fox News Congressional Correspondent and Archon Mike Emmanuel served as master of ceremonies.

A hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning concluded the centennial celebration events with 18 priests participating. Immediately following the Liturgy, the Philoptochos Society hosted a reception.

Annunciation Church was one of the founding centers of the ecumenical movement in Buffalo and played an important part in the United States government’s recognition of the Orthodox religion in the 1940s. The first Greeks arrived in Buffalo

in 1871, according to church historical records. In 1912, the area’s first Greek Orthodox Church opened on Oak Street in downtown Buffalo. The current home of the church was purchased in 1952 from a Presbyterian Church.

Dimitris Panagos photos

Top Children of Annunciation parish with Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Nicholas and other clergy following the service of the Nativity of the Theotokos.

Above left Airport greeting – Dominic Cervi and Angelica Christakis, with Fr. Christakis, welcome Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Nicholas to Buffalo. Above right Clergy participating in the hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sept. 9, including former pastors of Annunciation Church. Left Hundreds attend the centennial celebration banquet on Sept. 8.

SEPTEMBER 2012

by Fr. Jason Roll

The artist Jack Johnson sings a great song titled “We Are Going to Be Friends.” It captures all too well the feeling of September and all that it brings. It begins: “Fall is here, hear the yell Back to school, ring the bell Brand new shoes, walking blues Climb the fence, books and pens I can tell that we are going to be friends Yes, I can tell that we are going to be friends.” Have you purchased your new shoes for school, new clothes, new backpack and school supplies? If we are beyond

‘We are going to be friends’ the years of elementary school it’s not hard to imagine the feeling of fall that Jack Johnson is describing here. The weather begins to change, the days slowly begin to end earlier, and homework and school projects begin to take over. Some of you may have moved into a dorm ready to embark on your college experience. Some may be working on your resume or beginning a new career. We may be wondering if there will be new students joining our class. Perhaps you have met a new and wonderful friend.

I’ve spent the past few weeks moving from California to New York as I begin a new job. With the blessing of Archbishop Demetrios, I have been appointed as your new National Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and have been working hard to outline a plan for the future of the department. The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries has a goal: To strengthen the relationship between God and the Greek Orthodox youth through supportive Christ-centered resources aimed to

What’s on TV? ‘The American Bible Challenge’ When you think of “game shows,” what shows come to your mind? There are the classic game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. There are also the modern-day “reality show” competitions, like Survivor and American Idol, which have taken over primetime TV spots. But on the Game Show Network (GSN), there is a new… and unique show that has a greater purpose! GSN just launched a new competition called “The American Bible Challenge.” On the show, hosted by famous comedian Jeff Foxworthy, teams vie for a chance to win money for their charity or cause by answering quiz questions about the Bible. The charities range in purpose/mission: children’s hospitals, to “Locks of Love” organizations, food pantries, disaster relief, and even to organizations that fight to stop human trafficking.

The show has drawn an extraordinary amount of support, but has also drawn some criticism. Many sources in print and online praise the show for offering good, positive, and “family-friendly” entertainment to television. Apparently, the public also really is interested in this new

concept. In fact, the numbers don’t lie. In a press release by GSN, the premiere episode of “American Bible Challenge” brought in 2.3 million total viewers for the night — the largest in the network’s 17-year history. But not all of the reviews are positive… Some critics feel the show is just commercializing the Holy Scriptures. Even though the participants are playing for charity, they believe the show does very little to promote the Christian faith. Instead, critics lament that the show just waters down the Bible into another resource for trivia. Either way, it is hard to deny that this televised competition offers such a refreshing change from the cut-throat, thrill-seeking, materialistic competitions on television now. The “American Bible

OCF Spearheads College Student Sunday

The 2012–13 Planner Is Now Available Use The Planner to keep track of all your schedules. Keep a daily focus on Christ with Scriptural readings, fast days, prayers, saints of the day, and inspiration from the Fathers. The Planner follows the Ecclesiastical (church) year beginning in September and ending in August. Pick up your copy today at Orthodox Marketplace (www.orthodoxmarketplace.com) OR download the digital version of The Planner at http://www.goarch.org/chapel/planner.

Orthodox Christian students have settled in on college campuses throughout the U.S. and the Orthodox Christian Fellowship is in high gear, organizing resources and programs to help students stay connected to Christ and His Church. On Sept. 16, parishes across North America observed College Student Sunday and recognized college students in their communities. OCF’s mission is to support fellowships on college campuses, where members experience and witness the Orthodox Christian Church through community life, prayer, service to others and study of the Faith. Through events such as College Student Sunday, this mission to reach out and connect with students can become a mission of every parish as a way to become involved and support this effort. Through OCF and its many leaders, clergy, student advisors, supporters and volunteers, young people are not only staying connected to the Church, but their faith and commitment to Christ is deepened and strengthened. From www.ocf.net, “OCF is delighted to share with you evidence of this bounty, which confirms that OCF students are making their way from college to parishes and contributing in tangible ways. A recent survey of students and alumni found that 94 percent of the OCF alumni respondents described themselves as ‘active’ and ‘in-

volved’ in their parishes. Amazingly, close to 100 percent of the graduates attend liturgy regularly and over 70 percent receive confession, make regular financial contributions and volunteer in parish ministries. Additionally, 90 percent of students agree that they have a deeper spiritual and prayerful life as a result of their OCF experience. Through OCF, students continue to come together as the body of Christ, maturing as adults and as Orthodox Christians making the church their own.” For more information and resources regarding College Student Sunday and how parishes can get involved, visit this link: www.ocf.net/wikis/programs/collegestudent-sunday.aspx. Visit www.ocf.net for more information, including a list of chapters, resources, and a calendar of events.

sustain youth leaders as well as Orthodox individuals. What does this mean for you? In the coming months, you will see the development of an online and live resource center for Orthodox youth, young adults, parish youth leaders and parents. This robust new website will allow you to access information and materials relevant to your lives in the church and contemporary moral issues that we face everyday. The new website is just a small sample of what’s to come. I hope that you will take this journey of change with the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. As we start a new academic and ecclesiastical year, a new career or new job I hope that you will look to the department as a new friend in your life. I hope you will look to us to listen to your needs and to provide for you the tools necessary to aid you in your spiritual journey. Fr. Roll is national director of the Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and was formerly the assistant priest at St. Nicholas in Northridge, Calif. Fr. Jason has more than 20 years of camp and youth ministry experience including serving as Ionian Village director from 2009-11. Challenge” offers a different message… Through knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, people are raising money for the charities and the organizations they believe in. This show reminds us that it is more important to help OTHERS rather than winning cash or prizes for ourselves. For more information about “The American Bible Challenge” game show, visit their official website: http://gsntv. com/shows/the-american-bible-challenge/

FOR PARENTS AND YOUTH WORKERS • NEW RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE! There are Bible studies, new topics for the Orthodox Teen Survival Guides, a new edition to the Orthodox Youth Bible, even a new website for youth workers to find resources! For more information, visit THE WELLSPRING! www.youthworker.goarch.org. • Are you on FACEBOOK? If you are a member of Facebook, you can visit us on our GOYA and Young Adult Ministries fan pages! These fan pages have information about GOYA and Young Adult Ministries events from throughout the Archdiocese. Also, fans are connecting and talking about different issues regarding faith and life! Just search for GOYA – Greek Orthodox Youth of America or Greek Orthodox National Young Adult Ministries and BECOME A FAN TODAY! • Don’t forget to sign up for the YOUTH WORKER PULSE! This is the weekly listserv of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Subscribers will receive valuable tips, tools, and resources for creating a successful and transformative youth ministry experience. Sign up today at www.youth. goarch.org.

SEPTEMBER 2012

The Order of AHEPA celebrates 90 years of service to the community. With more than 400 active chapters worldwide, AHEPA, as a fraternal organization in the spirit of brotherhood, is dedicated to fulfilling our mission to promote the ideals of: Hellenism, education, PHilantHroPy, civic resPonsibility, and Family & individual excellence AHEPA was established in 1922 by eight visionary Greek Americans to confront prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination found at the hands of the KKK and to help new immigrants from Greece assimilate into American society. Today, AHEPA has grown to become the largest membership-based grassroots association for Greek Americans and Philhellenes in the world. We invite every Hellene across America to attend our 90th Annual AHEPA Family Supreme Convention in Las Vegas, July 22-27, 2012 at the Monte Carlo Resort Hotel. Information for reservations can be found at www.ahepa.org Don’t be left out. Join AHEPA Today. It is fast and easy. Simply click on the “Join Now” button found at www.ahepa.org. This is not your papou’s AHEPA.

We welcome you to join the thousands of proud AHEPA members in support of our worthy mission and programs.

AHEPA Headquarters 1909 Q Street, NW., Suite 500 Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-6300

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:

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

A Dark Night: the Batman Movie Shootings   from page 14 orphaned as a child due to evil. He is referred to as “The Dark Knight” because his evil impulses of anger and hatred push him to seek revenge, but he desires to protect and defend others much like a medieval knight defended his nation or lord. The appeal of this fictional superhero is that he seems to teeter on the brink of caving to his evil urges, but manages to rise above his dark nature in order to prevent others from suffering such loss. And Batman manages to serve the citizens of Gotham without the superhuman strength typical of other superheroes, and without guns, which he refers to as instruments of the devil. In our non-fictional world, do we notice the pain and loneliness that others are suffering? Do we cause it? Do we ignore or dismiss loners? Are we bullies? Do we use our wealth exclusively for ourselves? Why are we not better servants of one another? Shouldn’t we be doing more? At the end of the day we cannot possibly keep tabs on everyone, even in the age of social media. The only person responsible for this Colorado tragedy was James Holmes, as he willfully decided to dance with the devil in that pale moonlight.

But what is most unusual is that there were no accounts of heroism during this shooting. Sure, the gas canisters confused or disoriented the crowd, but why didn’t anyone tackle this guy? An open exit door, a gas mask, bullet-proof vest, gas containers, guns, there were some signs. In the face of evil we must rise up and not be spectators. The response of the police and the medics saved lives, but one person in the theater could have made a big difference, even though it could have cost his or her life. Mass murderers are extremely rare, but evil is around us in many forms. In our own sinfulness, we are called to rise above our fallen human nature and do superhuman things. The Dark Knight Rises may be compelling movie-going, but we must rise up against the darkness in our world. The Lord said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Our sisters and brothers are waiting for us. Fr. Artemas, a former director of the Archdiocese Department of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, is pastor of Annunciation Church in Milwaukee.

Denver Metropolis Youth Camp   from page 10 ents, adults and college students – with the majority being previous campers. “No matter how many years I go to Camp Emmanuel, I always come away feeling at peace with myself and my faith,” said Arianna Gazis, 22, a staff member and alumna camper from Houston. “There is always something to gain and I learn so much about myself

during my favorite two weeks out of the year.” The camping ministry has been a part of the Metropolis of Denver since the 1970s, but in 1998, campers voted on the name “Camp Emmanuel.” Since then, Camp Emmanuel has been held in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. Registration for Camp Emmanuel will begin in the spring. For more information, visit www.Youth.Denver.Goarch.org.

Chapters Present Exemplary ‘Chapter Challenge’ Initiatives   from page 7 tance to the homeless residents. Metropolis of San Francisco – Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Long Beach, Calif. “Ladies of the Military” The chapter provided services to women at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. Metropolis of New Jersey – St.

George, Asbury Park, N.J.. “Shine a Light”. The chapter goal was to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease in the parish and in sister Philoptochos chapters of Tom’s River, Holmdel and Westfield. Visit www.philoptochos.org to view the power point presentations for each of the wonderful projects noted above.

NJ Church Marks10 th Year   from page 6 gressional correspondent, will serve as master of ceremonies. The event will include a tribute to Anna K. Bouras (the late wife of the parish’s grand benefactor, New Jersey businessman and philanthropist, Nicholas J. Bouras) and special presentations to honor individuals who personify a philanthropic spirit and have helped the Greek–American community, including Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, senior judge of the U.S. Court of International Trade and an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The community will also recognize

Pastor Lynn Mears and the Allerton United Methodist community for sharing their house of worship with St. Anna for the past seven years. Entertainment will inlcude dance performances by the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey and the Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of New Jersey. For tickets, donations and business sponsorship information for the Granting Wishes Gala, visit http://bit.ly/GrantingWishesGala or call the parish office at (908) 782–9741. For more information about the progress of St. Anna Church and their construction efforts, visit www.StAnnaGOC.org

SEPTEMBER 2012

YO U T H M I N I S T R Y Florida Church Holds 12th Annual Summer Camp BOCA RATON, Fla. – St. Mark’s Church recently completed its 12th annual summer camp. “Greek Week,” as it has come to be known, has grown from 28 children participating in 2,000 to over 150 of the parish’s young people (ranging from 4-year-olds to teens) this past summer. With a volunteer staff of over 30 young adults and adults (including a medical staff led by an on-site pediatrician), it is now the largest day camp in the Metropolis of Atlanta. “Keeping our young people connected to the Church is our top priority during the week,” noted camp Director Mike Gonedes. “We offer our young people the opportunity to live the Orthodox life to its fullest through fasting, prayer, service, fellowship and fun.” Each day begins with Morning Prayers in the Sanctuary, followed by religious instruction. This year, Fr. Mark Leondis, the parish priest, led Orthodox Life discussions

Participants in “Greek Week” at St. Mark’s Church in Boca Raton

on the persons of the 12 Apostles and the meaning of the Apostles’ Fast. Following Orthodox Life, campers participated in a structured schedule of arts and crafts, rides, rock wall climbing, slides,

petting zoo, ping-pong, pool, Greek Dancing, water slides, sports, Greek American Idol Contest, and even a charter bus trip to the Lion Country Safari Park and bowling. Campers were fed scrumptious “fasting”

Greek lunches throughout the week. Fr. Mark observed that “It is a great experience to spend much needed quality time with the young parishioners of St. Mark.”

Illinois Teens Build House for Mexican Family GLENVIEW, Ill.-Eight high school seniors from Sts. Peter and Paul Church spent June 19-25 on a spiritual journey to build a home in the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico. Led by Christy Gouletas, they set up tents at St. Innocent Orphanage, attended daily prayer services, showered with a bucket and befriended the orphans. Along with 40 other participants, the group built two houses as part of the St. Innocent Orphanage’s Orthodox Basic Training mission trip program. As their caravan crossed the border into Mexico, the teens were greeted by dirt roads, broken houses and extreme poverty. by Emily Walker

After eight years of construction, the new Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, the main temple of the Albanian Orthodox Church opened June 24. It is the third largest Orthodox Church in Europe. The date also marked the 20-year anniversary of the enthronement of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania. Those attending the celebration included Archbishop Demetrios, Albania’s President Bamir Topi, representatives from various foreign embassies. Archbishop Nikon of the Orthodox Church in America, Diocese of New England and Albanian Archdiocese, and OCMC Execu-

OCMC News

Cathedral in Albania Completed tive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi. They were joined by many other religious leaders. Reflecting on the opening, Fr. Martin shared, “It is remarkable and truly miraculous to see that after only 20-years the Church in Albania has returned with glory and splendor. We are thankful that the Orthodox faith, once suppressed, is

now able to share Christ’s message of love and the hope of salvation with the people of Albania.” The cathedral, once in the heart of Tirana, was moved to a remote area and then shut down altogether during communist rule. The new Cathedral has been rebuilt

When they arrived at the site to meet the family whose home they would build, their living conditions were squalid. The family of seven lived in a one-room trailer. The house built for them was a timely blessing, as the family was about to be evicted from their trailer. The youth leveled grounds, mixed cement, poured a sturdy foundation, framed walls, protected the frame with chicken wire and stucco, and constructed a waterproof roof, all this without the use of power tools. In the end, they provided the family with a roof over their head and a cement floor to protect them from the elements. in the central square of Tirana - a true symbol of the triumph of the Church. The celebration of the Church reclaiming its place in Albania’s center included an Opening of the Doors service. Thousands of believers attended the event to see the beautiful Cathedral that honors Christ, the Orthodox faith, Tirana and the nation of Albania. The cathedral complex consists of a cultural and conference center, an amphitheater and library. The cultural center hosted a concert on the evening of the Cathedral’s opening that featured the Orchestra of the National Theater of Opera and Ballet, the Cathedral Choir, the Byzantine Choir, the Theological Academy choir and the Children’s Home of Hope youth group.

SEPTEMBER 2012

YO U T H M I N I S T R Y Archdiocesan District Camp St. Paul Grows 10-Fold in Seven Years LITCHFIELD, Conn. – Camp St. Paul, the Direct Archdiocesan District Summer Camp hosted a record turnout for its 2012 season - 450 campers in four one-week sessions. It is the first year that Camp St. Paul has offered four sessions. “They were sold out in less than a month,” noted Fr. Elias Villas, camp director. He added there were some 45 to 50 young adults serving as staff members. “We had an incredible staff of young adults; “he said. “They were very enthusiastic about donating four weeks of their summer to this ministry. Without the staff there is no camp.” Located on the shore of Bantam Lake in Litchfield, the site offered the peacefulness and tranquility of nature, and a full-service facility equipped with everything from a vibrant waterfront and a ropes course to family style meals and a warm sense of hospitality. With the help of the Direct Archdiocese District Youth Office, and a team of

dedicated individuals, Fr. Elias kicked off Camp Saint Paul in the summer of 2005. The program was one week and had 45 registered campers. It has attained 10 times that number in seven years. Fr. Elias said future goals include having weekend camps

Hundreds of children in four sessions have an enjoyable experience at Camp St. Paul in Connecticut, taking part in religious, cultural and recreational activities. Campers also received visits from Archbishop Demetrios, who, along with Fr. Elias, led several young people for a walk in the woods.

Dimitris Panagos Photos

during the winter, and expanding the summer program to five weeks by 2014. Fr. Elias also serves as pastor of Church of Our Saviour in Rye, N.Y. Archdiocesan Chancellor Bishop Andonios of Phasiane and National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas also visited one of the camp sessions. For more information, contact www.campsaintpaul.org or districtyouth@goarch.org

SEPTEMBER 2012

Dimitris Panagos photos

Scenes from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America.

Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops Meets in Chicago   from page 1 Legal Affairs. After some deliberation by the Assembly to insure that the by-laws conformed both to civil and canon law, they were unanimously approved by the bishops. A proposal was presented to the hierarchs by Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, the chair of the Committee for Canonical Affairs, for a comprehensive directory of all Orthodox clergy in our region, in accordance with Article 6 of the Rules of Operation. This would augment the Assembly’s already existing directories of bishops, parishes, monastic communities, and theological schools. The second item, which occupied the Assembly during the whole of its business session on Tuesday, was the canonical organization of the Church in the United States. Archbishop Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas, the chair of the Committee for Canonical Regional Planning, presented the findings of his committee on the chief issues involved. The assembled hierarchs were asked to discuss with one another important questions about the future structure of the Church in North America, models of administration, its organization geographically, as well as its relationship with the Mother Churches. This it did together as a body as well as in small groups. In this continuing process, designed to prepare a plan for presentation to a future Great and Holy Council of the entire Orthodox Church worldwide, there was consensus on the part of all bishops that the canonical norms of the Church must be observed and that all canonical anomalies in North America must be resolved, so that the witness and mission of the Church of Christ might be strengthened and increased. The Chairman, Archbishop Demetrios, stressed that this work is not about fixing past mistakes. The current canonical situation in North America, inappropriate though it is, came about on account of immigration from the Old World and various

historical circumstances. This work should be seen as a positive, and necessary, progression down the path of Orthodoxy in this country. The Assembly directed the Committee for Canonical Regional Planning to continue its work and resolved to continue earnest discussion of this issue. While the Assembly realized that it is impossible to provide a definite time-frame, it nevertheless recognized that it is incumbent upon them to have a plan prepared to present to the Most Holy Autocephalous Churches. All of the deliberations of the Assembly were characterized by sincere and open discussion and brotherly affection and amity among the bishops. The Assembly also approved a budget for the coming year that lays primary emphasis upon the work of the various committees and the Secretariat. It adopted a policy to govern its relationship with the former SCOBA agencies and endorsedorganizations as well as important guidelines governing the delegation of legal and financial authority within the Assembly. It was announced that an external audit would be conducted by the Assembly after the end of this calendar year. On the second day of meetings, the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, the hierarchs gathered at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago, where they prayed the liturgy together, commemorating the Beheading of the holy Baptist and Forerunner John (according to the Old Calendar), and partook in the unity of the Eucharist through shared fellowship in the holy Body and precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Church and only Source of unity. The Liturgy was served by Fr. Radovan Jakovljevic and Deacon Nikolaj Kostur and was presided over by Bishop Longin of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Following the Liturgy, Archbishop Demetrios led all present in a memorial service for those who died in the aforementioned terrorist attacks as well as prayers for mercy for the survivors and the families of all those who perished that day.

SEPTEMBER 2012

Prison Ministry

Fares Begin at...

299

ONE WAY

480

plus tax

‘F’ – The Scarlet Letter

plus tax

rOuNd trip £∂§∂∆∂ to athens or thessaloniki º£∏¡∞ from new York ∂π™π∆∏ƒπ∞ RESTRICTIONS DO APPLY • SPACE IS LIMITED • CALL TODAY Lowest HoteL & Car Fares avaiLabLe

∂¶π∫√π¡ø¡∏™∆∂ ª∞∑π ª∞™ ™∆√ π¡∆∂ƒ¡∂∆

Contact: Eleni & Ari Poulos WEB: www.eleni.com • E-mail: elenistours@yahoo.com

by Fr. Steven Powley

LOWES priCES t tHE MAr iN KEt

∂�›ÛË˜·Ó·�·Ì‚¿ÓÔ˘ÌÂ ¢È·‚·Ù‹ÚÈ·Î·È™˘Ì‚Ô�·ÈÔÁÚ·ÊÈÎ¿ (¶�ËÚÂÍÔ‡ÛÈ·,ªÂÙ·ÊÚ¿ÛÂÈ˜, ¶ÈÛÙÔ�ÔÈËÙÈÎ¿,Î.�.�.)

NoN stop flight us air from

1-800-989-4733

5 Bayberry Drive, Broomall, PA 19008

Call Now and Begin Saving Money with Eleni Tours, Inc.

phila to atheNs

aNd coNtiNue to thessaloNiKi

610-355-7730 • Fax: 610-355-0823

Three generations of Yiayia’s, one recipe, capturing the essence of Greece An Assortment of Yummy Sweets Delicious, Beautifully boxed & bowed! Perfect for any occasion gift giving, or just to enjoy yourself! Complimentary shipping

Visit us at:

www.sweetsbystella.com info@sweetsbystella.com 914-708-0096

“I Was In Prison And You Came To Visit Me” (Matthew 25:36)

John was 20 years old when the judge told him that he would spend the next five years in prison as a result of the felony for which he had just been convicted. From that day forward, John was branded a FELON. Though the “F” was not physically branded on his forehead, he knew it was there and his family knew it was there. His life would never be the same nor would his family’s life for they seemed to carry the same “F” with them. John came from a great family who were all very active in their Orthodox Church. John had served in the altar until he was 16. He was a good boy who had made a couple of horrible decisions while away at college. The only thing good the family could find in this entire nightmare was that John went to school out of state. The other members of the church didn’t know about John’s crime or of his conviction; just the family and a few very, very close friends, who were sworn to secrecy. Oh, they did tell their priest and he said he would pray for John, but he didn’t think it would do any good to go visit him. He promised total confidentiality. After all, this was too shameful for anyone else to know about. If members of the parish council found out, the family felt certain the mother would be asked to step down. If their church found out, they were sure they would have to quit coming to Divine Liturgy. If others found out, they would gossip. After all, what would people think of the “F” that branded their family; it was too very shameful to even imagine. The family would simply say that John was taking some time off school to travel and work abroad. No shame in that. This was a secret that the family must maintain; after all, they were such a fine upstanding family. So it was that John went off to prison with no one to really help him. Emotionally and spiritually he was abandoned. He felt that he no longer was loved by either his family or his Church. As all students of psychology know from the very basics of Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs,” every person needs to “belong” and it was no different for John. If he no longer belonged in his family or church, then he would find some other group in which he could be accepted. The gangs within prisons are looking for just that kind of young man. They would gladly take John under their wing and be there for him. Over my years of being a prison chaplain and now in my work with Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry, I can assure you that this is a very real scenario. This situation or something so very similar happens more often than you can possibly imagine. Orthodox men and women find themselves in prison with no one to support them emotionally or spiritually. Their family and their Church have abandoned them. I was once at a prison in a large city and was told that a man from the Orthodox faith would like to see me if possible. He had been in that prison for over one year. There was a large Orthodox Church just a few blocks from that prison. He had

written the Church and the priest several times and even had people on the outside called the church. No one ever answered his letters or returned those phone calls. If ever there was a time when a person needs their family and their church to stand with them, it is in the midst of having to serve a prison sentence. That person needs to know that their family and their church still loves them and will be there for them. Many years ago, it was rare that you would actually know someone who was in prison. Today, the United States has the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world. Yes, we are number one in that sad category. According to statistics of the International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS) from December 2011, the USA had an incarceration rate of 730 people per 100,000 population. The odds have greatly increased that each of you readers likely knows someone who either is or has been in prison. In case you are wondering about the incarceration rate for some other countries: Mexico-201; Turkey-168; Lebanon-122; China -121; Greece-111. That really puts the 730 for the USA in perspective. You can see all the countries at: www.prisonstudies.org/info/worldbrief/ wpb_stats.php?area=all&category=wb_ poprate Part of the reason our incarceration rate is so very high is that a majority of people return to prison within three to five years after they are released. Often times, these are the very people that were abandoned by their family and by their church when they first went into prison. If that rate of incarceration is to come down, then we need to embrace our Orthodox brothers and sisters who find they are going to prison. As I speak at Orthodox churches and gatherings around this country, inevitably someone will come up to me afterward and tell me about a loved one in prison. Far too often it is said with a whisper and a look of shame. That shame is often nothing more than our own foolish pride. That “perfect, fine, upstanding” family has a blemish. Unless every member of your family can walk on water, I would suggest to you that no family is perfect. What makes the family truly wonderful is an unconditional love for each other. The key word is unconditional. We continue to love and support each other no matter what. As for the Church, do you really truly believe that your church family is going to abandon you because your family member is heading to prison? If it were someone else and you found out, would you abandon them or would you be there to help them? A felon in the family is not the source of the proverbial “Scarlet Letter” that gets branded on our foreheads. Rather, it should be the source of an outpouring of love from our spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ. We as Orthodox need to love each other in that same manner as a family should love each other: Unconditionally. If someone you love is heading for prison or is already in prison, tell your priest. Ask him for his spiritual help. Don’t be afraid to ask others for prayer. Do contact Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry. Your loved one can receive an

u u to page 33

SEPTEMBER 2012

IOCC News IOCC Completes Response Agency Assists Victims of ‘Isaac’ for Greek Wildfire Aid

BALTIMORE - Verdant young olive groves and new red tiled roofs cover the hills and valleys of the Peloponnese where just five years ago, 500,000 acres of land were charred black and dozens of villages were razed by wildfires that swept through the region. Today, as the land is renewed through ongoing recovery efforts, farmers living in the villages of five Peloponnese communities stand better prepared to protect their homes and their farms against future fires with new high–capacity water tanks, equipment and firefighting support provided through a prevention program established by International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). With generous support from the Archdiocese, the IOCC program has taken a proactive approach in the recovery of the region. IOCC Executive Director Constantine Triantafilou, met recently with Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece in Athens, and then traveled to the Peloponnese to see the completion of the wildfire response efforts. Five-ton and 10ton water tanks were placed throughout 19 villages at high-risk for future blazes because of their remoteness and proximity to nearby pine forests. Protective gear such as gloves, helmets and masks was provided for the 80 volunteers who also received training from local expert firefighters on how to operate and maintain the water tanks, as well as how to maximize the use of the personal protective equipment and firefighting tools. All the equipment, from water tanks to

fire helmets, were purchased from Greek merchants. This latest effort concluded the $4 million GOA-sponsored humanitarian response to the 2007 Greece wildfires. A young farmer expresses his gratitude to IOCC Executive Director Constantine Triantafilou for the new water tank that sits vigil over his village in the Peloponnese. The fire protection program marks the final step in the five-year recovery plan. The new level of preparedness has also renewed the spirits of local farmers like Nikolas, 75, who ended up in the hospital for three months from severe burns to his hands and body while trying to save his home and livestock from the destructive flames. He regards the presence of the new water tank with great relief and gratitude to the Archdiocese. “I would like to thank the donor, it was necessary. It is something that was missing from the village ... if we had such a water tank, we might have been able to catch the evil.” IOCC is initiating new and creative ways to assist working-class Greek families and small businesses that are struggling to survive in the country’s current economic decline. “Our goal is to take a holistic approach with our relief efforts – address the immediate needs and continue to assist with recovery in a manner that will, in words expressed to me by Archbishop Ieronymos, preserve the respect and dignity of those we endeavor to serve.”

Cyclists Complete USA Tour by Constantine M. Triantaﬁlou

BALTIMORE – On July 31, Jim Angelus and two fellow Orthodox Christians, Konstantin Kanelis and Brett Mckey, reached Seaside Park, N.J., completing their 3,000mile, 37-day cycling trek across the USA to bring attention to the plight of the world’s poor and support to the global humanitarian work of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). This marks the second time that Jim Angelus and Konstantin Kanelis have cycled coast-to-coast to help those in need. Though the “Race to Respond” team’s bike journey has come to its conclusion, the work that inspired them to make the

long, arduous trek continues. As the team marks the end of their road trip, please join me in congratulating them on their perseverance by making a gift of $50 or more to support their efforts to make a difference for families around the world. The life-saving work of IOCC depends on the support and commitment of generous people like Jim, Konstantin and Brett. Contributions to IOCC can help save lives, alleviate suffering and extend a loving hand to neighbors in need around the world. Constantine M. Triantafilou is executive director and CEO of International Orthodox Christian Charities.

Prison Ministry u u from page 32 Orthodox Study Bible, an Orthodox Prayer Book, icons, correspondence courses, devotional books, newsletters, and they can even begin writing an Orthodox person for spiritual support and guidance. If at all possible, OCPM will help find an Orthodox priest near that prison to visit your loved one. Almost every one of the priests we have contacted has been excited and willing to get involved with a ministry to someone in prison. I know a man who was very much like this made up John. He had been an altar boy and later found himself very much a part of the violence of prison life. By God’s great mercy, he was brought back into the Orthodox Faith, back into a good relationship with his family, and back into

a good relationship with his Church. When he left prison, all of them were there for him and it made all the difference in his life. Perhaps God is calling you to make a difference in the life of a person in prison. Contact OCPM as to how to become involved. Together we can help erase the “F” from their foreheads. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN PRISON MINISTRY Post Office Box 468, Fleetwood, PA 19522-0468 Fr. Stephen is pastor of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Pueblo, Colo., and is the assistant director for Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry. He served as a prison chaplain for almost 26 years before retiring in August 2010.

BALTIMORE – Tropical storm Isaac’s unleashing of wind and water on Haiti on Aug. 25 left more than two dozen people dead, washed away precious food crops, and destroyed the tents that still house hundreds of thousands of survivors of the 2010 Haitian earthquake. The tropical storm tore through tents and makeshift homes offering no protection from torrential downpour and the renewed threat of highly-contagious waterborne diseases like cholera. Two years after the country was rocked by an epic earthquake, more than 390,000 homeless Haitian still live in cramped makeshift camps and tent cities around the capital of Portau-Prince. Many of the families are forced to remain in the camps because they have nowhere else to go. They represent the most vulnerable citizens of Haiti – those who are unemployed or too elderly or infirm to repair the quake damaged homes they once lived in. “The passage of this storm leaves Haiti again with many more victims who need the solidarity of all,” said Fr. Gregoire Legoute, an Orthodox priest in Haiti. IOCC is in contact with Orthodox Church partners in Haiti and is working with them to assess the immediate and long-term needs of the survivors. Moving westward, Hurricane Isaac made landfall Aug. 29 in the U.S. with winds of up to 75 miles an hour and producing drenching rains that will span the Florida panhandle to the eastern coast of Texas. The slow-moving storm hovered over the Louisiana coast where the prolonged downpour combined with high tides caused significant coastal flooding. The low–lying town of Plaquemines, La., was hardest hit with

surging Mississippi River waters spilling over the town’s levee and submerging homes in as much as 12 feet of water. Another 500,000 Louisiana residents were without electricity. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) along with its Emergency Response Network monitored the storm’s progress and stood ready to assist once the storm moves past the Gulf Coast. Orthodox Christian volunteers from Alabama to Texas stepped forward to offer a helping hand to hurricane survivors. “We are blessed to have numerous trained IOCC Frontline clergy volunteers ready to step up and deploy if the need arises as well as faithful IOCC supporters who know that, especially during disasters like Hurricane Isaac, the most effective humanitarian contribution that an individual can make is with a monetary gift,” said Daniel Christopulos, IOCC’s U.S. country representative.

Orthodox Youth Build Homes, Form Friendships HOUSTON (IOCC) — The sound of power saws and nail guns mingle with easy laughter and conversation as IOCC Orthodox Action Team volunteers work side by side, building homes and friendships at volunteer home-builds in Houston and Minneapolis. They traveled from Maryland, Virginia, Georgia and New York to help build homes for families left homeless by hurricanes in Houston and tornadoes in Minneapolis. Four home building teams have already completed their one-week commitment, with four more summer builds and critical home repairs slated for Minneapolis, Houston, and Minot, N.D., which lost an estimated 1,600 homes to flooding last summer. The 2012 team efforts began in March with a pairing of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) college students and veterans of previous IOCC builds. The next three building projects, including the first–ever home built by IOCC volunteers in Minneapolis, also brought together a mix of Orthodox youth with older volunteers. Generation gaps vanished and friendships flourished among the IOCC Action Team members as they quickly bonded over shared triumphs of raising walls and roofs together. Kathy Hallas, advisor for the Maryland youth

group, says it was gratifying to witness the unwavering enthusiasm among her young volunteers. “Sister Nektaria from India wrote, ‘We have to witness our faith through the actions of love.’ What more would an action of love be than providing shelter for someone who lacks it?” says Kathy. “This was such a great experience that we plan on making it an annual event for the youth of our parish.” The camaraderie carried over to the Orthodox families who opened their homes and their hearts to the young humanitarians. Parishioners from St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston, as well as St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis hosted the IOCC Action Team members, while parishioners from many local parishes in both cities have participated in the builds and offered hospitality. IOCC has provided more than 600 volunteers and thousands of man-hours since the devastating hurricanes in 2005 to help families rebuild their lives by building new homes or providing critical repairs to storm-damaged homes.

SEPTEMBER 2012

OBSERVER’S CLASSIFIEDS Archbishop Demetrios of AmericA the first DecADe 1999-2009

REAL ESTATE

TRANSLATION SERVICES

FOR SALE in PALLINI - ATHENS

Certiﬁed Translations: GREEK-ENGLISH-GREEK

Pallini, Vakalopoulo (suburb of Athens close to MacArthur Central Mall, Athens Zoo, short distance from National Road, 15 minute drive to the airport and 20 minutes away from the Port of Rafina) 3,500 m2 (37,674 sq. feet), section of land included in the city plan of Pallini. Largest lot in area, available for commercial or residential developmet, with 35 meters facing Marathonos Avenue. A unique opportunity for an immediate residential or commercial development , in a rapidly growing suburb of Athens. Tax value is 2,3 million Euros and sale price to be discussed with serious buyers. Contact Eliana Eliopoulos - Camacho at+30.695.676.7086

HOUSE for SALE

HOUSE for SALE in BATSI, Andros Island, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, foyer, veranda, on one strema of land, walk to the beach. Call 610.691.7934

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.

“A must for every Greek Orthodox parish & home in America.” To order your copy of this book ($75 per copy + $10 S&H) please call 212-774-0244, or email gotel@goarch.org, or complete this order form and mail it to: GOTelecom, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075.

All proceeds to benefit

“Archbishop demetrios benevolent fund.”

Yes,_I_want_to_order_______copies Enclosed_is_my_check_for:_$_______________________ or_I_authorize_GOTelecom_to_charge_my: Exp._date:___________ Card_No.:_________________________________________________ Name_on_Card:____________________________________________ Name:_________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________State:_________Zip:________ Phone:________________________________________________________ Email:_____________________________________________________

Your Ad Here

ADVERTISE IN THE ORTHODOX OBSERVER

observer@goarch.org

Tel: (212)570-3555

REAL ESTATE BROKERS

NAPLES FLORIDA REAL ESTATE Vicky Lewis Broker-Associate

Book & Autobiography Writing in Both Languages Legal Translations • Fast service • Reasonable prices

Tel.: 646.460.0470 • Fax: 917.210.3487 • e-mail: leotaurina@yahoo.com PHOTO SERVICES-VARIOUS

Dimitrios

Photography & Video

To Purchase Photos from all events visit www.panagos.com You can find us on Facebook

CALL NOW ( 516) 931-2333 GREEK ARTS & CRAFTS

Experience the difference... the difference is experience

239.777.4904

Vicky@TheNaplesExperience.com www.TheNaplesExperience.com Μ ΙΛ Ω Ε Λ Λ Η Ν Ι Κ Α D O W N I N G - F RY E R E A LT Y, I N C .

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.

Only $18, plus $5 shipping and handling

Call 212.774.0244 to purchase your copy with a credit card

Advertisement Disclaimer ORTHODOX OBSERVER does not endorse, support, sanction, or verify the information or material printed as advertisement unles otherwise specifical y indicated. ORTHODOX OBSERVER has no affiliation with any of the organizations/companies/advertisers, listed in, described on or printed, and it makes no representations or war anties whatsoever with regard to those organizations or any other organization, entity or person. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER reserves the right o edit, categorize, revise, or refuse any display or clas ified advertisement. In addition, the ORTHODOX OBSERVER has the right to terminate any ad at any time for any reason. Parties posting ads are responsible for the accuracy and content of their ads. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER wil not be liable for any damages arising out of errors or omissions. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER wil not be held liable for any damages of any kind relating to any ad.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING PHOTOGRAPHS 1) Conventional photographs: We accept Color or Black & White photos, printed on photographic paper. Photographs should be sharp and clear. Pictures printed on color printers, either Inkjet or Laser and photocopies or clippings of previously published photos are NOT accepted. 2) Digital photographs: We accept digital pictures if they conform to the following specifications: • Minimum resolution 1600 pixels wide x 1200 pixels high (approx. 2 mega pixels, digital cameras should be set to high resolution, high quality. If you scan a standard photograph -usually 4x6”- use a minimum of 300 dpi. We discourage scanning your own photos, send the actual photo.) • File format JPEG or TIFF (JPEGs are smaller files and easier to e-mail, TIFFs are better quality) • Color mode RGB, color depth minimum 8-bit. • Image files placed within any word-processing file or any other application are not accepted. • Digital pictures can be submitted by e-mail, DVD/ CD-ROM, (Disks can not be returned). • E-mail to: observer@goarch.org • lefteris@goarch. org. In the subject line write only the word “photos”

VERY IMPORTANT: Attach the image files and do not include them in the body of the e-mail or they will not be usable.

3) Please include information about the photo(s); place, time and event as well as the names of all persons shown, left to right.

IF YOU ARE MOVING Mail this coupon to the Orthodox Observer 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 AND Ask your parish to forward your name and new address to the Observer in order for you to continue receiving the newspaper IF you move but your new home is located in the district of the same parish, then list your new address below: NAME ___________________________________________ ADDRESS ______________________________________ CITY___________________ STATE ______ ZIP________

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR OLD LABEL

SEPTEMBER 2012

Direct Archdiocesan District

Kimisis Tis Theotkou, Southampton, NY• Archangel Michael Church, Port Washington, NY•Annunciation Church, New York, NY•Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, New York, NY•SS Anargyroi Church, New York, NY•St. Barbara Church, New York, NY•St. Eleftherios Church, New York, NY•St. George-St. Demetrios Church, New York, NY•St. George Tropeoforos Church, New York, NY•St. Gerasimos Church, New York, NY•St. John the Baptist, New York, NY.•St. Demetrios Cathedral, Astoria, NY•St. Nicholas Curch, West Babylon, NY•St. John’s, Blue Point, NY•Zoodohos Peghe Church, Bronx, NY•Kimisis tis Theotokou, Brooklyn, NY•Holy Cross Church, Brooklyn, NY•SS Constantine & Helen Cathedral, Brooklyn, NY•Three Hierarchs Church, Brooklyn, NY•Transfiguration of Christ Church, Corona, NY•St. Nicholas Shrine Church, Flushing, NY•St. Paraskevi, Greenlawn, NY•St. Paul Cathedral, Hempstead, NY•St. Demetrios Church, Jamaica, NY•Holy Trinity Church, New Rochelle, NY•Assumption Church, Port Jefferson, NY•Church of Our Saviour, Rye, NY•Holy Trinity Church, Staten Island, NY•Prophet Elias Church, Yonkers, NY•St. Sophia Church, Albany, NY•St. George Church, Kingston, NY•St. Nicholas Church, Newburgh, NY•Kimisi tis Theotokos, Poughkeepsie, NY•St. Constantine & Helen, West Nyack, NY•St. George Church, Schenectady, NY•St. Basil Church, Troy, NY•Assumption Church, Windham, NY•Transfiguration Church, Mattituck, NY•Holy Trinity Church, Hicksville, NY•Holy Resurrection, Brookville, NY•Holy Cross Church, Whitestone, NY•Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Island Park, NY•St. Petros Church, Bronx, NY•Holy Cross Church, Middletown, NY•Holy Trinity Church, Bridgeport, CT•Assumption Church, Danbury, CT•St. George, Norwalk, CT•St. Barbara Church, Orange, CT•Annunciation Church, Stamford, CT•Archangels Church, Stamford, CT•Holy Trinity Church, Waterbury, CT•St. George Cathedral, Hartford, CT•St. Demetrios Church, Bristol, CT•Saint Basil the Great Church, New Haven, CT•St. George Church, New Britain, CT•St. Sophia Cathedral, Washington, DC•SS Constantine & Helen, Washington, DC•Annunciation Church, Nassau, NP, Bahamas.

Metropolis of Chicago

St. Demetrios Church, Chicago, IL•Assumption Church, Chicago, IL•Holy Trinity Church, Chicago, IL•St. Andrew Church, Chicago, IL•St. Basil Church, Chicago, IL•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Palos Hills, IL•St. George Church, Chicago, IL•St Spyridon Church, Palos Heights, IL•Holy Taxiarhai, Niles, IL•St. Athanasios Church, Aurora, IL•Three Hierarchs Church, Champaign, IL•Assumption Church, Orland Park, IL•St. Demetrios Church, Elmhurst, IL•Annunciation Church, Decatur, IL•St John the Baptist Church, Des Plaines, IL•Assumption Church, East Moline, IL•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Swansea, IL•St. George Church, Dekalb, IL•SS. Peter & Paul Church, Glenview, IL•Assumption Church, Hegewisch, IL•All Saints Church, Joliet, IL•Annunciation Church, Kankakee, IL•St. George Church, Rock Island, IL•St. Nicholas Church, Oak Lawn, IL•All Saints Church, Peoria, IL•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Rockford, IL•St. Anthony Church, Springfield, IL•Holy Cross Church, Justice, IL•St. Demetrios Church, Libertyville, IL•Holy Apostles Church, Westchester, IL•St. Nectarios Church, Palatine, IL•Saint Sophia Church, Elgin, IL•Annunciation Cathedral, Chicago, IL•Ascension of Our Lord Church, Lincolnshire, IL•St. George Church, Schererville, IN•SS Constantine & Helen Cath, Merrillville, IN•St. Demetrios Church, Hammond, IN•St. Andrew Church, South Bend, IN•St. Iakovos Church, Valparaiso, IN•St. John the Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, IA•St. George Church, Des Moines, IA•St. Elias The Prophet Church, Dubuque, IA•Transfiguration of our Lord Church, Mason City, IA•Holy Trinity Church, Sioux City, IA•St. Demetrios Church, Waterloo, IA•The Twelve Holy Apostles Church, Duluth, MN•St. Mary’s Church, Minneapolis, MN•Holy Anargyroi Church, Rochester, MN•St. George Church, St. Paul, MN•Assumption Church, Town & Country, MO•St. Nicholas Church, St. Louis, MO•St. Luke the Evangelist Church, Columbia, MO•St. Nicholas Church, Appleton, WI•Holy Trinity Church, Fond Du Lac, WI•Assumption Church, Madison, WI•Annunciation Church, Milwaukee, WI•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Wauwatosa, WI•Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Racine, WI•St. Spyridon Church, Sheboygan, WI.

Metropolis of Boston

Holy Trinity Church, Danielson, CT•Saint Sophia Church, New London, CT•Holy Trinity Church, Norwich, CT•St. Nicholas Church, Enfield, CT•St.

THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA and the Finance Committee of the Archdiocese extend their gratitude to all of the parishes listed which have faithfully supported and completed the 2011 NATIONAL MINISTRIES COMMITMENT PROGRAM as of January 15, 2012

George Church, Bangor, ME•St. Demetrios Church, Saco, ME•Holy Trinity Church, Lewiston, ME•Holy Trinity Church, Portland, ME•St. Athanasius Church, Arlington, MA•Annunciation Cathedral, Boston, MA•St. John The Baptist, Boston, MA•Annunciation Church, Brockton, MA•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Cambridge, MA•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Chicopee, MA•St. Nicholas Church, Clinton, MA•St. Demetrios Church, Fall River, MA•Holy Trinity Church, Fitchburg, MA•Holy Apostles Peter and Paul Church, Haverhill, MA•Holy Trinity Church, Holyoke, MA•St. George Church, Centerville/Hyannis, MA•Assumption Church, Ipswich, MA•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Andover, MA•St. Nicholas Church, Lexington, MA•Assumption Virgin Mary Church, Dracut, MA•Holy Trinity Church, Lowell, MA•St. George Church, Lowell, MA•Transfiguration Church, Lowell, MA•SS. Anargyroi Church, Marlboro, MA•St. George Church, Dartmouth, MA•Annunciation Church, Newburyport, MA•St. Demetrios Church, Weston, MA•St. Vasilios Church, Peabody, MA•St. George Church, Pittsfield, MA•Dormition of the Virgin Mary, Somerville, MA•St. George Church, Southbridge, MA•St. George Cathedral, Springfield, MA•Taxiarchae Church, Watertown, MA•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Webster, MA•Annunciation Church, Woburn, MA•St. Catherine Church, Braintree, MA•St. Nectarios Church, Roslindale, MA•St. Luke Church, East Longmeadow, MA•Panagia Greek Orthodox Church, Cohasset, MA•St Greogory Theologian, Mansfield MA•Holy Trinity Church, Concord, NH•Annunciation Church, Dover, NH•St. George Church, Keene, NH•Taxiarchai Church, Laconia, NH•Assumption Church, Manchester, NH•St. George Cathedral, Manchester, NH•St. Nicholas Church, Manchester, NH•St. Philip Church, Nashua, NH•St. Vasilios Church, Newport, NH•St. Nicholas Church, Portsmouth, NH•Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church, Somersworth, NH•St. Spyridon Church, Newport, RI•Assumption Church, Pawtucket, RI•Annunciation Church, Cranston, RI•Dormition of the Mother Of God, Burlington, VT.

Metropolis of Denver

Archangel Michael Church, Colorado Springs, CO•Assumption Cathedral, Denver, CO•St.Nicholas Church, Grand Junction, CO•St. John The Baptist Church, Pueblo, CO•St. Spyridon Church, Loveland, CO•SS. Peter & Paul Church, Boulder, CO•St. Catherine Church, Greenwood Village, CO•St. John the Baptist Church, Craig, CO•Assumption Church, Pocatello, ID•St. Dionysios Church, Overland Park, KS•Holy Trinity Church, Wichita, KS•St. George Church, Shreveport, LA•Annunciation Church, Kansas City, MO•Annunciation Church, Missoula, MT•SS Constantine & Helen, Great Falls, MT•St. John the Baptist Church, Omaha, NE•Assumption Church, Bridgeport, NE•All Holy Spirit Church, Omaha, NE•St. Elias the Prophet Church, Santa Fe, NM•St. George Church, Albuquerque, NM•St. George Church, Oklahoma City, OK•Holy Trinity Church, Tulsa, OK•Transfiguration Church, Sioux Falls, SD•St. John the Prodromos Church, Amarillo, TX•St. Nicholas Church, Corpus Christi, TX•Holy Trinity Church, Dallas, TX•St. Demetrios Church, Fort Worth, TX•Assumption Church, Galveston, TX•Annunciation Cathedral, Houston, TX•Assumption Church, San Angelo, TX•Saint Sophia Church, San Antonio, TX•Holy Cross Church, Wichita Falls, TX•St. Nicholas Church, Waco, TX•St. Andrew Church, Lubbock, TX•St John the Baptist Church, Euless, TX•St. Nicholas Church, El Paso, TX•Transfiguration Church, Austin, TX•Saint Basil The Great Church, Houston, TX•St; John the Theologian, Webster, TX•Transfiguration Church, Ogden, UT•Assumption Church, Price, UT•Holy Trinity Cathedral, Salt Lake City, UT•Holy Trinity Church, Casper, WY•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Cheyenne, WY•Holy Trinity Church, Rock Springs, WY.

Metropolis of Atlanta

Holy Trinity/Holy Cross Cathedral, Birmingham, AL•Holy Cross/Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, Huntsville, AL•Annunciation Church, Mobile, AL•Annunciation Church, Montgomery, AL•Holy

Trinity Church, Clearwater, FL•St Demetrios Church, Daytona Beach, FL•St, Demetrios Church, Fort Lauderdale, FL•St John the Divine, Jacksonville, FL•Annunciation Church, North Miami, FL•Holy Trinity Church, Maitland/Orlando, FL•St Stefanos Church, St. Petersburg, FL•Holy Mother Church, Tallahassee, FL•St. John the Baptist Church, Tampa, FL•St. Nicholas Cathedral, Tarpon Springs, FL•St. Catherine Church, West Palm Beach, FL•SS. Markella & Demetrios Church, Ft. Walton Beach, FL•St. John The Theologian Church, Panama City, FL•Annunciation Church, Pensacola, FL•St. George Church Church, Hollywood, FL•St. Barbara Church, Sarasota, FL•St. Elizabeth Church, Gainesville, FL•St. Andrew Church, Miami, FL•St. Katherine Church, Melbourne, FL•Annunciation Church, Ft. Myers, FL•St. Mark Church, Boca Raton, FL•St. Michael the Archangel Church, Inverness, FL•St. George Church, New Port Richey, FL•Holy Trinity Church, Saint Augustine, FL•St. Katherine Church, Naples, FL•St. Sophia Church, Winter Haven, FL•Christ the Savior Church, Brooksville, FL•Holy Trinity Church, Port Charlotte, FL•SS Raphael & Nicholas Church, Palm Harbor, FL•St. John Chrysostom Church, Hobe Sound, FL•Greek Orthodox Mission, Ocala, FL•Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta, GA•Holy Trinity Church, Augusta, GA•St. Paul Church, Savannah, GA•St. Philothea Church, Watkinsville, GA•Holy Cross Church, Macon, GA•SS Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Church, Cumming, GA•Holy Transfiguration Church, Marietta, GA•Holy Transfiguration Church, Columbus, GA•St. Christopher Church, Peachtree City, GA•Holy Trinity Church, Asheville, NC•Holy Trinity Cathedral, Charlotte, NC•St. Barbara Church, Durham, NC•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Fayetteville, NC•Dormition of the Theotokos Church, Greensboro, NC•St. George Church, High Point, NC•Holy Trinity Church, Raleigh, NC•Annunciation Church, Winston, Salem, NC•St. Katherine Church, Burlington, NC•St. Nektarios Church, Charlotte, NC•St Luke’s Church, Mooresville, NC•Holy Trinity Church, Charleston, SC•Holy Trinity Church, Columbia, SC•Transfiguration Church, Florence, SC•St. George Cathedral, Greenville, SC•St. Nicholas Church, Spartanburg, SC•St. John Baptist Church, Myrtle Beach, SC•Holy Resurrection Church, Hilton Head, SC•St. George Church, Knoxville, TN•Holy Trinity Church, Baton Rouge, LA•SS Constantine & Helen, Monroe, LA•Holy Trinity Cathedral, New Orleans, LA•Holy Trinity Church, Biloxi, MS.

Metropolis of Detroit

Zoodochos Peghe Church, Hot Springs, AR•Annunciation Church, Little Rock, AR•Holy Trinity Church, Carmel, IN•Holy Apostle Church, Indianapolis, IN•Panagia Pantovasilissa Church, Lexington, KY•Assumption Church, Louisville, KY•St. Nicholas Church, Ann Arbor, MI•Annunciation/ Agia Paraskevi Church, New Buffalo, MI•St. George Church, Bloomfield Hills, MI•Annunciation Cathedral, Detroit, MI•Assumption Church, St. Clair Shores, MI•SS Constantine & Helen, Westland, MI•St. Nicholas Church, Troy, MI•Holy Cross Church, Farmington Hills, MI•Holy Trinity Church, Grand Rapids, MI•Holy Trinity Church, Grand Rapids, MI•Annunciation Church, Kalamazoo, MI•Holy Trinity Church, Lansing, MI•St. George Church, Southgate, MI•Assumption Church, Marquette, MI•Annunciation Church, Muskegon, MI•St. Demetrios Church, Saginaw, MI•St. George Church, Sault Ste. Marie, MI•Nativity Church, Plymouth Township, MI•St. John Church, Sterling Heights, MI•Holy Spirit Church, Rochester, NY•Annunciation Church, Buffalo, NY•Annunciation Church, Rochester, NY•St. Vasilios Church, Watertown, NY•St. Nicholas, Jamestown, NY•Saint Sophia Church, Syracuse, NY•Holy Trinity Church, Binghamton, NY•St. Athanasios Church, Elmira, NY•Annunciation Church, Vestal, NY•St. Catherine Church, Ithaca, NY•Holy Trinity Church, Cincinnati, OH•Annunciation Church, Dayton, OH•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Middletown, OH•Assumption Church, Springfield, OH•Holy Trinity Cathedral, Toledo, OH•Annunciation Church, Chattanooga, TN•Annunciation Church, Memphis, TN•Holy Trinity Church, Nashville, TN•Archangel Gabriel Church, Traverse City, MI.•St. John Chrysostom Church, Nashville, TN.

35 Metropolis of Pittsburgh SS Constantine & Helen, Mensfield, OH•Annunciation Cathedral, Columbus, OH•Annunciation Church, Akron, OH•Archangel Michael Church, Campbell, OH•Holy Trinity Church, Canton, OH•St. Haralambos Church, Canton, OH•Annunciation Church, Cleveland, OH•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Cleveland, OH•St. Paul Church, North Royalton, OH•Holy Trinity Church, Steubenville, OH•St. Demetrios Church, Warren, OH•St. John Church, Youngstown, OH•St. Nicholas Church, Youngstown, OH•Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Aliquippa, PA•Holy Trinity Church, Ambridge, PA•St, Nicholas Church, Bethlehem, OH•All Saints Church, Canonsburg, PA•Holy Trinity Cathedral, Camp Hill, PA•Annunciation Church, Lancaster, PA•St. Spyridon Church, Monessen, PA•Holy Cross Church, Pittsburgh, PA•Holy Trinity Church, Pittsburgh, PA•St. Nicholas Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA•SS Constantine & Helen, Reading, PA•Annunciation Church, York, PA•Holy Cross Church, Stroudsburg, PA•St. John Church, Charleston, WV•St. Spyridon Church, Clarksburg, WV•St. George Church, Huntington, WV•Assumption Church, Morgantown, WV•All Saints Church, Weirton, WV.

Metropolis of San Francisco

Holy Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix, AZ•St. Demetrios Church, Tuscon, AZ•Assumption Church, Scottsdale, AZ•St. Haralambos Church, Peoria, AZ•Holy Transfiguration, Anchorage, AK•Prophet Elias Church, Santa Cruz, CA•St. John the Baptist, Anaheim, CA•St. George Church, Bakersfield, CA•Holy Cross Church, Belmont, CA•Saint Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA•Annunciation Church, Modesto, CA•Ascension Cathedral, Oakland, CA•St. Anthony Church, Pasadena, CA•St. Katherine Church, Redondo Beach, CA•Annunciation Church, Sacramento, CA•St. John the Baptist Church, Salinas, CA•St. Barbara Church, Santa Barbara, CA•Prophet Elias Church, San Bernardino, CA•St, Spyridon Church, San Diego, CA•Annunciation Cathedral, San Francisco, CA•Holy Trinity Church, San Francisco, CA•St. Basil Church, Stockton, CA•SS Constanine & Helen Church, Vallejo, CA•Church of the Resurrection, Castro Valley, CA•Nativity of Christ Church, Novato, CA•St, Demetrios Church, Camarillo, CA•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Cardiff-By-The-Sea, CA•St. George Church, Palm Desert, CA•St. Katherine Church, Elk Grove, CA•St. Anna Church, Roseville, CA•St. John the Baptist, Las Vegas, NV•St. Anthony Church, Reno, NV•Saint Sophia Church, Bellingham, WA•Assumption Church, Seattle, WA•St. Demetrios Church, Seattle, WA•Holy Trinity Church, Spokane, WA•St. Nicholas Church, Tacoma, WA.•Holy Apostles Church, Shoreline, WA.•Holy Trinity Cathedral, Portland, OR•St. John the Baptist, Beaverton, OR•SS Constantine & Helen, Honolulu, HI.

Metropolis of New Jersey

St. Anthony Church, Vineland, NJ•Ascension Church, Fairview, NJ•St. Nicholas Church, Atlantic City, NJ•St. Thomas Church, Cherry Hill, NJ•St. Andrew Church, Randolph, NJ•Evangelismos Tis Theotokou, Jersey City, NJ•St. Demetrios Church, Jersey City, NJ•St. Demetrios Church, Union, NJ•SS Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Church, Roseland, NJ•St. George Church, Clifton, NJ•St. Athanasios Church, Paramus, NJ•St. George Church, Piscataway, NJ•St. John Cathedral, Tenafly, NJ•St. George Church, Trenton, NJ•Holy Trinity Church, Westfield, NJ•St. Demetrios Church, North Wildwood, NJ•St. Nicholas Church, Wyckoff, NJ•St. Barbara Church, Toms River, NJ•HolyTrinity Church, Egg Harbor Township, NJ•St. Fanourios Church, Elizabeth, NJ•St. Anna Church, Flemington, NJ•Holy Trinity Church, Wilmington, DE•SS. Peter and Paul, Frederick, MD•St. George Church, Ocean City, MD•St. Theodore Church, Lanham, MD•SS Constantine & Helen Church, Annapolis, MD•Annunciation Cathedral, Baltimore, MD•St, Demetrios Church, Baltimore, MD•St. George Church, Bethesda, MD•Evangelismos Church, Philadelphia, PA•St.Sophia, SS Faith Hope & Agape, Jeffersonville, PA•St. Luke Church, Broomall, PA•St. George Church, Media, PA•St. George Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA•St. Demetrios Church, Upper Darby, PA•The Nativity of the Theotokos, Fredericksburg, VA•St. Nicholas Church, Virginia Beach, VA•St. Katherine Church, Falls Church, VA•St. Elpis Church, Hopewell, VA•St. George Church, Lynchburg, VA•SS Constantine & Helen, Newport News, VA•Annunciation Cathedral, Norfolk, VA•SS Constantine & Helen Cathedral, Richmond, VA•Holy Trinity Church, Roanoke, VA•Dormition Virgin Mary, Winchester, VA•Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudon, Dulles, VA.

SEPTEMBER 2012

The Metropolis of Denver 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.

General Information

Number of communities: 49 parishes and two monastic communities

(Source: Archdiocese Yearbook, Metropolis website and Metropolis officials) Geographic description: The Metropolis of Denver, led by Metropolitan Isaiah, is the largest in area, with the fewest parishes. It includes the Great Plains, Southwestern and Rocky Mountain states of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico, the northwestern portion of Missouri around Kansas City, and the northwestern part of Louisiana around Shreveport. The Metropolis occupies about one-third of the land area of the United States, 1,288,844 square miles. From one end to the other, the Canadian border to the southern tip of Texas is about 1,750 miles. East to west, from Omaha to the Utah-Oregon border, the distance is about 1,200 miles. As of mid-July, Metropolitan Isaiah had about 1 million frequent flyer miles with United Airlines alone. Largest Parish: Annunciation in Houston. Next in size are Holy Trinity Cathedral, Salt Lake; Holy Trinity, Denver and Assumption Cathedral, Denver. Monastic communities: Holy Archangels Monastery, Kendalia, Texas; and St. Paraskevi Monastery, Washington, Texas. Chancellor: Fr. Luke Uhl

Major Ministries

Youth and Young Adults, Logos, Metropolis Philoptochos, Church Music Federation, Metropolis Advocates 1000, and Outreach and Evangelism.

Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver

Contact Information Address: 4550 East Alameda Ave., Denver, Colo. 80246-1208 Tel. (303) 333.7794 e-mail: metropolis@denver.goarch.org • web: www.denver.goarch.org

List of Communities Editor’s Note: Numbers indicate the cities and towns with Greek Orthodox communities. The following cities have either more than one parish or an additional chapel: Denver, Houston and Omaha, Neb. Montana 1.Great Falls (Sts. Constantine & Helen, 2. Missoula (Annunciation) Idaho 3.Boise (Sts. Constantine & Helen), 4. Pocatello (Assumption) Utah 5 Ogden (Transfiguration), 6. Salt Lake City (Holy Trinity Cathedral), 7. Holladay (Prophet Elias), 8. Price (Assumption) Wyoming 9. Rock Springs (Holy Trinity), 10. Worland (St. George Chapel), 11. Casper (Holy Trinity), 12. Cheyenne (Sts. Constantine & Helen) Colorado 13. Craig (St. John the Baptist), 14. Loveland (St. Spyridon), 15. Boulder (Sts. Peter & Paul), 16 Greenwood Village (St. Catherine), 17. Colorado Springs (Archangel Michael), 18. Pueblo (St. John the Baptist), 19. Grand Junction (St. Nicholas) Nebraska 20. Bayard ( Assumption), 21. Omaha (All Holy Spirit, St. John the Baptist), 22. Lincoln (Annunciation)

South Dakota 23. Sioux Falls (Holy Transfiguration) Missouri 24. Kansas City (Annunciation) Kansas 25. Overland Park (St. Dionysios), 26. Wichita (Holy Trinity) Oklahoma 27. Tulsa (Holy Trinity), 28. Oklahoma City (St. George) New Mexico 29. Santa Fe (St. Elias the Prophet), 30. Albuquerque (St. George) Texas 31. El Paso (St. Nicholas), 32. Lubbock (St. Andrew), 33. Amarillo (St. John the Prodromos), 34. San Angelo (Assumption), 35. Wichita Falls (Holy Cross), 36. Fort Worth (St. Demetrios), 37. Euless (St. John the Baptist), 38. Dallas (Holy Trinity), 39. Waco (St. Nicholas), 40. Austin (Transfiguration), 41. San Antonio (St. Sophia), 42. Corpus Christi (St. Nicholas), 43. Houston (Annunciation, St. Basil the Great), 44. Webster (St. John the Theologian), 45. Galveston (Assumption), 46. Port Arthur (St. George) Louisiana 47. Shreveport (St. George)