Orthodox Observer - January 2013 by Orthodox Marketplace

JANUARY 2013 • Vol. 78 • No. 1282

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

EN C YC L IC A L

Feast of Saint Photios, National Shrine Day

Feast of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day

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 feast of Saint Photios the Confessor, we commemorate him as holy and learned man who remained focused on the mission of the Church and the message of the Gospel even in the midst of great turmoil. As Patriarch of Constantinople he was confronted with political intrigue and ecclesiastical controversies. But his faithfulness to God and his spiritual strength and wisdom guided the Church in her apostolic mission. Even at the height of attacks against him and his efforts to

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This feast of the Three Great Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, offers us a special opportunity each year to examine closely the lives and teachings of these holy men and to recognize how they spoke in unison concerning truth, holiness and love based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their accord in matters of faith, theology, and the mission of the Church was unquestionably influenced by their upbringing, education, and the relationships they shared with each other. Of particular importance are their teachings and their actions related to offering care and love to those in need, something absolutely relevant to our contemporary situations. Let us examine some of the most beautiful points

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Archbishop Demetrios Attends Inauguration, Offers Benediction, Prayer at Cathedral by Stavros Papagermanos

WASHINGTON – The 57th Inaugural Ceremonies for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were not only historic for the Nation, but also special occasions of honor and recognition for Archbishop Demetrios and the Greek Orthodox Church in America. Archbishop Demetrios attended the swearing-in ceremony and the President’s Inaugural Address Jan. 21, from the presidential platform, just a few feet away from the podium. Immediately following the official ceremonies, His Eminence attended the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and offered the benediction following the President’s toast. The event was carried nationally and internaAP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

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To contact the National Ministries 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

Representatives of the nation’s Orthodox Christian service organizations recently attended a White House meeting to discuss strategic service alliances with the White House Office of Faith–Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Representing Archbishop Demetrios, a member of the Presidential Commission for Faith–Based Organizations was Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, chief secretary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Eparchial Synod. Others included newly ordained Bishop Gregory of the Carpatho–Russian Orthodox Christian Diocese, the Rev. Dr. Thomas FitzGerald, dean of Holy Cross School of Theology and several priests of the Archdiocese. (Story on page 9).

St. Photios Foundation to Honor Volunteers at Pilgrimage Luncheon

Parish Development 847.825.1432 jminetos@goarch.org Philanthropy 212.774.0283 bishopandonios@goarch.org 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 combined Feb.–March 2013 issue: Wednesday, February 20. Photos should be sent as a large format .jpg attachment (300 dpi min.). E-mail to: jim@goarch.org Regular mail: Editor, Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075.

Retired Clergy officers

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

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ISSN 0731–2547

In 2013, 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

Orthodox Observer photo

Retired Clergy Association officers recently met with Archbishop Demetrios at the Archdiocese. From left, Frs. John Maheras, George Poulos, Joel McEachen, president; Costa Eliades, Tom Paris, Theoharis Theoharis, and Nicholas Soteropoulos.

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

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ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Archon Dr Manuel N Tissura, first vice president of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, announced the 2012 St. Photios Shrine Volunteers of the Year. Through the generosity of Natalie Kapeluck Nixon, director of the Offices of Youth Ministry and Christian Charity for the Ukrainian Orthodox Archdiocese, they sponsored a short-term mission team for high school students providing them the opportunity to discover that the missionary spirit is not only reserved for going overseas but is intrinsic to our every day Orthodox life. The team, under the leadership of Mrs. Nixon and Fr. John Charest of Palos Park, Ill., brought six high school students for an 8–day work session. Their hard labor ensued with the team working furiously to refurbish the wax splattered brick floor of the chapel, cleaning and organizing the newly refurbished second floor office space. The team hosted a farewell luncheon and presented the Shrine with a monetary gift. The Foundation

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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.

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Archbishop Responds to Newtown Tragedy

ENCYCLICAL

Feast of Saint Photios, National Shrine Day   from page 1 uphold truth, he promoted among other things the evangelization of the Slavs by sending Saints Cyril and Methodios from Thessalonike to central Europe to preach the Gospel and lead in the conversion of the people. The blessed witness of Saint Photios affirms the witness of many other Saints and of Christ himself. It is a witness of the power of faith in the midst of great challenges. It is a witness that is also a part of the story of Greek Americans. We have been the beneficiaries of the freedom, security, and opportunity offered in this country. But we are also blessed by the legacy of many of Hellenic descent who came to this land seeking a better life. Their story is one of hardship and struggle in establishing homes, businesses and communities. It is also a story of hope and faith. Even in the midst of tremendous challenges, our forbearers in this land built churches and community centers, places to gather for fellowship, prayer, and worship. In a place far from their homeland, they nurtured faith in God and hope in His love and provision. This heritage is the foundation for the growth and strength of our Church in America today, and it is a heritage that has been preserved and promoted in a special way by our beloved Saint Photios National Shrine. For three decades, this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has connected us to the earliest Greek immigrants to America along with offering a witness of the strength of our faith in God and the unique character of our Greek American presence in this country. This mission continues today through conferences, exhibits, and services, and through a beautiful facility which was visited by over 120,000 people in 2012. The ministry and programs of the Saint Photios National Shrine have also been blessed by many faithful throughout the Archdiocese who have given generously of their time and resources. These offerings have been an affirmation of the priority of preserving and promoting our presence in America. They are also an example to all of how this presence of struggle and hope, of challenge and faith, can be shared within our own Greek American community and with our brothers and sisters in this country. On this feast day of Saint Photios, the patron saint of the Shrine, I ask you to offer your prayers and your gifts for this vital work. I also invite you to connect with the Shrine through its programs, web site, and especially through a visit to see and experience its mission.. I also encourage you to make connections with our heritage and presence in America. Through the Saint Photios Shrine and other resources, your hearts will be filled with gratitude and inspired by the endurance, determination, hope and faith of those who brought our Hellenic legacy and our Orthodox faith to this great land.

Dimitris Panagos photos

Tarpon Springs Liturgy

During his annual visit to Tarpon Springs for the Epiphany celebration, Archbishop Demetrios oﬃciated at the Divine Liturgy on Jan,. 6 at St. Nicholas Cathedral that preceded the cross-diving event. Other participating clergy included Bishop Demetrios of Xanthos, Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, Metropolitan Nikitas of Dardanelles and Fr. James Rousakis. Below: His Eminence is welcomed on his arrival at Holy Trinity Church in Clearwater, which he also visited on his trip to Florida.

CLERGY UPDATE Ordinations to the Diaconate Salvatore Michael Fazio, by Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, Sts. Constantine & Helen, Andover, Mass.12/20/09 Andrew Giourelis, Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, St. Spyridon Cathedral, Worcester, Mass. 03/04/12 Nicholas Pappas, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, St. Demetrios Church, Upper Darby, Pa. 12/02/12 Micah Hirshey, Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Cathedral, Birmingham, Ala. 12/16/12

With paternal love in Christ,

Ordinations to the Priesthood Deacon Nikolas Karloutsos, by Archbishop Demetrios of America, at Archangel Michael Church, Port Washington, N.Y.12/22/12 Dn. Andrew Lentz, Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, Annunciation Church, Akron, Ohio 12/22/12 Dn. Aristidis Garinis, Archbishop Demetrios of America, St. Nicholas Church, Flushing, N.Y. 01/12/13

† Archbishop DEMETRIOS of America

Elevation to Archdeacon Dn. Euripides Christulides, Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Pittsburgh 12/05/12

Assignments Dn. Andrew Lentz, Annunciation Church, Akron, 10/07/12 Fr. Stelios Sitaras, Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Galveston, Texas 12/26/12 Fr. Anthony Cook, St. George Church, Southgate, Mich. 01/01/13 Fr. Aristidis Garinis, St. Nicholas Church, Flushing, N.Y.01/15/13 Fr. John Haby – St. Nicholas Church, Corpus Christi, Texas 01/15/13 Fr. Theofanis Papantonis, Holy Trinity Church, Hicksville, N.Y. 01/15/13 Offikia Fr. Dennis Schutte, Office of Protopresbyter, bestowed by Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver 01/06/10 Fr. Peter Andronache, Office of Confessor, bestowed by Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos 10/28/12 Retired Priests Fr. Athanas G. George 09/16/12 Fr. George Stavropoulos 01/15/13 Clergy Deaths Correction: Fr. John Liadis11/06/12 Academic Leave Fr. Athanasios Michalos 01/01/13

NEW YORK – Upon hearing the tragic news of the Dec. 14 mass shootings in the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., that resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 persons, including 20 children and the school principal, Archbishop Demetrios immediately contacted Fr. Peter Karloutsos, the priest of Assumption Church in neighboring Danbury to express his deep pain and great concern about this terrible incident and its devastating effects on the local community. He offered support on behalf of the Archdiocese. The Archbishop said that this is a crime whose magnitude and nature is impossible to believe, an abominable act of the kind that our society should work hard to prevent. He called upon the Orthodox faithful across the country to pray fervently for support and healing from God to the many families and individuals affected by this violent act and for the repose of the souls of the innocent victims of this enormous tragedy. A scheduled visit of the Archbishop to Archangels Church in Stamford, Conn., on Dec. 16, was postponed so the Archbishop could visit the Danbury church to offer pastoral support and guidance to people of the area and pray with them at the Divine Liturgy. Following the service, His Eminence held a special prayer service and honored parishioner Yvonne Cech, library media specialist at the school, for her actions during the shootings, hiding 18 children and three assistants in the library, closing and locking the door. He presented silver crosses to her and her husband. Two other parishioners were teachers at the school. One was absent the day of the shootings. The other, a third grade teacher, also received a cross from the Archbishop. Two children of parishioners also attended the school. One was ill that day and did not go to school; the other was in a third grade class which was not attacked by the shooter, Fr. Karloutsos explained. “We’re all affected by this,” he told the Observer a few days after the tragedy. “Everybody knows someone affected. A lot of people in the area have friends in Newtown.” The parish recently held a 40–day memorial service for the victims along with two other Orthodox parishes in the area, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church and Holy Trinity Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church.

Scholarship Applications Available Applications and instructions for scholarships administered by the Chancellor’s Office of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America are now available to be considered for awards to be made for the 2013–2014 academic year. Two of these scholarships are for undergraduate studies: the George & Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship and the Katina John Malta Scholarship; the third is the Paleologos Graduate Scholarship, awarded for graduate work of a non-theological nature. Each of these scholarships was established through generous gifts from dedicated Greek Orthodox Christians who want to provide financial assistance towards the education of young people from our Orthodox community. The deadline for applying for all three is April 26. Complete instructions and applications are available on-line on the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at www.goarch.org. Applications may also be requested by e-mail at: scholarships@ goarch.org, or by written request to the Scholarship Committee, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY, 10075.

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Archbishop Demetrios Attends Inauguration, Offers Luncheon Benediction, Prayer at Cathedral   from page 1 tionally by many broadcasts and networks. The text of the Archbishop’s prayer is as follows: “Let us pray as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in America’s bright future. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen O God of all, we give thanks to You and praise You on this day, as did our first President on the day of his inauguration, for we too “resort once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication.” We bless and praise Your Holy Name for Your gracious favor and divine blessing upon these United States of America, our President Barack Obama, and Vice-President Joseph Biden, as they commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest Office of our Country. Bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy, together with all who serve our Nation, especially the Congress, the Judiciary, and the Armed Forces here and everywhere who heroically and sacrificially defend our pursuits of life, liberty and happiness. Heavenly, Father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in “perfect tranquility,” faithful to our foundations, and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and decent society for all our citizens. And may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world, through Your Divine and gracious love. Amen” The day after the Inauguration, Tuesday Jan. 22, Archbishop Demetrios participated in the National Inaugural Prayer Service at the Capital’s National Cathedral with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, the Members of Congress and some 2,500 people in attendance. The Service has been the tradition since the Inauguration of George Washington. In his prayer for the leaders of the Nation the Archbishop said: “Open our hearts, God of all, to pray for those who will this day face any great decision, for all who will engage in settling the affairs of peoples and of nations, for all who mold public opinion in our time, for all who write what others will read. Send forth to work another day, surrounded by your loving-kindness, pledged to faithful service, standing in your strength and not our own. As former things pass away, o God, make all things new.” Additionally, on Sunday Jan. 20, the Archbishop presided at the Divine Liturgy in Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral and offered a special doxology service at the end, with many dignitaries in attendance. That evening, Vice President Biden attended an Inaugural reception at Washington’s St. Regis Hotel, in honor of Archbishop Demetrios and in recognition of the extraordinary public service of three distinguished individuals of Hellenic descent, Jim Chanos, Dennis Mehiel and George Tsunis, who were honored by His Eminence with the Medal of Saint Paul, the highest honor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Vice President Biden said he was delighted to be with Archbishop Demetrios and the Greek American Orthodox community. “You are a saintly man and one of the finest men I have ever known,” the vice president told the Archbishop. He praised the three honorees for their contributions to their community and to the Country and added that the Greek American Community is the most loyal he has ever known.Sen. Charles E. Schumer, chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee

on Inaugural Ceremonies addressed the honorees and the guests and expressed his appreciation for Archbishop Demetrios and his participation in the Presidential Inaugural Luncheon, where he would offer the next day the benediction, immediately following the Inaugural ceremony and the swearing-in of President Obama and Vice President Biden. “It is our honor to have His Eminence participate, someone as distinguished as the Archbishop, someone who is such a great leader of an outstanding community in the United States, who personifies all those great values that we treasure in America – there is nobody better than His Eminence,” Sen. Schumer said. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, who has served as the 60th Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, was also among the speakers of the evening. Congresswoman Pelosi thanked the Archbishop for his leadership and the Greek Orthodox Church for its leadership role, as she reminisced about the 2009 visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Washington and in the Capitol where he honored in a special Congressional luncheon. “I am happy to be here and bring the greetings, congratulations and respect of the Congress of the United States to three great Greek Americans,” she said and praised the honorees for their values, achievements and patriotism. She also paid tribute to the Manatos family and especially to Archon Andrew Manatos, who hosted and presented the program. Mr. Manatos offered insightful commentary on the special guests, the honorees and their contributions, and on the role of the Greek American Community in the life of the Nation. Among the many guests at the reception were Sen. Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, former Sen. Paul Sarbanes, Congresswoman Pelosi, Congressmen Joseph Crowley and John Sarbanes, Valerie Biden-Owens, sister of the vice president; U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis, the Ambassadors to the United States from Greece, Christos Panagopoulos, and from Cyprus, Pavlos Anastasiadis, and many other administration officials and diplomats. At reception - (Right) The Archbishop chats with Valerie Biden Owens, the vice president’s sister, and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi at a reception honoring four prominent Hellenes.

Courtesy of Archdeacon Panteleimon

Cathedral prayer – President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Jill Biden and Vice President Biden listen to Archbishop Demetrios deliver a prayer at the Jan. 22 morning service at the National Cathedral in Washington.

Luncheon event - President Obama greets His Eminence following his benediction prayer at the Inauguration Luncheon on Jan. 21.

Dimitris Panagos photos

Washington dignitaries – His Eminence with (from left) Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, former Sen. Paul Sarbanes, Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, Dennis Mehiel, Vice President Biden, Jim Chanos and George Tsunis.

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Dimitris Panagos photos

Spelling Bee participants with Archbishop Demetrios and Maria Makedon, director of the Oﬃce of Education.

Visiting Sandy victims

Dimitris Panagos photos

Victims of Superstorm Sandy on Staten Island and West Babylon, N.Y., received visits on Dec. 17 and 18 by a delegation from the National Philoptochos, including President Aphrodite Skeadas and Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, the spiritual advisor, and Consul General of Cyprus Koula Sophianou. They were accompanied by the respective clergy from those communities, (above) Fr. Nicholas P. Petropoulakos and (below) Fr. Demetrios Kazakis. (Story on page 7)

Registration Set for Ionian Village NEW YORK – Ionian Village, the summer camping ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is now accepting registrations for its Summer 2013 programs. Operating from a beautiful seafront campsite on western Peloponessos in Greece, Ionian Village brings its campers and staff into close contact with their faith and heritage as they travel throughout the country to sites of cultural and religious importance. In its 43rd year, Ionian Village has reached over 16,000 campers, staff and clergy through its programs. Participants return home each summer with strengthened faith and an expanded appreciation for the Church and our Greek heritage. “Ionian Village is more than just a camping program, it’s like nothing you’ve ever done before,” says Fr. Evagoras Constantinides, director of Ionian Village. “Our campers and Staff Members get to

experience Greece and live their Orthodox Faith, which in turn helps them discover who it is they truly are. This isn’t just a summer camp; Ionian Village promises to be the best summer of your life.” Ionian Village offers two camping sessions: • Summer Travel Camp (June 23 to July 12) • Byzantine Venture (July 20 to Aug. 8) Registration is open to Greek Orthodox youth who have completed grades 8 through 12. In addition, Ionian Village offers our Young Adult program, Spiritual Odyssey. This shorter pilgrimage-style trip is open to young adults ages 19 to 28. • Cyprus and Crete (May 30 to June 9) For more information about any of the Ionian Village programs, or to participate in this summer’s programs, visit www.ionianvillage.org or contact the Office of Ionian Village at (212) 570-3536.

New Greek Curriculum Text Available The Office of Education of the Direct Archdiocesan District is pleased to announce its new publication “The Modern Greek Language Curriculum – Checkpoint A” for beginners – a collaboration of the Institute of Modern Greek Studies of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education. .The curriculum is in adherence with the philosophy and standards for the teaching of foreign languages described in the Syllabus: Modern Languages for Communication of the New York State Education Department. Its specific thematic

units include Checkpoint A performance indicators and modules as well as teaching methodology and types of assessment. The curriculum includes also three Appendixes on conversation strategies, pronunciation and grammatical phenomena. The Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education is hopeful that “The Modern Greek Language Curriculum – Checkpoint A” will prove to be a valuable tool for the teachers who teach Greek to young students at the beginners’ level. It is offered free. To order, please call the Office at 212-570-3552 or send an e-mail at education@goarch.org.

Annual Spelling Bee Finals Held NEW YORK – The Spelling Bee Finals for the students of the NYC Greek American parochial day schools under the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education took place Jan. 8, at Archdiocese headquarters with Archbishop Demetrios attending. Eight students, all winners in local school competitions, participated in the Finals. Nicholas Molinaro, a 7th grade student of the Cathedral School of Holy Trinity, Manhattan, was the finalist. Raphael Kirou, an 8th grade student of St. Demetrios Greek-American School, Astoria, was the runner-up. The winning word was “mayonnaise.” Following are the names of the rest of the contestants, their grade level, and schools: Jose Guzman, 8th grade, St. Spyridon Parochial School, New York; Amanda Rodriguez, 8 th Grade, Greek-American Institute of Zoodohos Peghe, Bronx; Constantinos Athanitis, 8th Grade, “A. Fantis” Parochial School of Sts. Constantine and Helen, Brooklyn; Anthony Orisses, 8th grade, “W. Spyropoulos” Greek American School, of St. Nicholas, Flushing; Charles Kambourakis, 7th grade, D.G.K. Parochial School of Holy Cross,

Brooklyn; Saiyara Khanom, 6th grade, Jamaica Day School of St. Demetrios. Archbishop Demetrios presented each student with a “Certificate of Award” and the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. On behalf of the Direct Archdiocesan District, Bishop Andonios, Chancellor, offered each school bee winner with a $100 Barnes & Noble certificate and the overall winner, $200. The Spelling Bee competitions are sponsored by The E.W. Scripps Company, in conjunction with a great number of newspapers around the world. They are open to boys and girls in grades 5 through 8 and aim at helping students improve their spelling, increase their vocabulary, learn new concepts, and develop correct English usage. The New York Daily News sponsors the competitions for the New York City public and private schools while the Office of Education of the Direct Archdiocesan District coordinates the competitions among the Greek American parochial day schools in New York.

St. Photios Foundation to Honor Volunteers at Pilgrimage Luncheon   from page 2 recognizes the decade of effort provided by Constantine (Charlie) Varelas of Orange Park, Fla.. A member at St. John the Divine in Jacksonville, Fla., Mr. Varelas has replaced the rejas of the Shrine facility windows, restored the Shrine sign, provided countless items within the Shrine including the stand for processional items and has insured that the American and Greek flags which fly proudly over St George Street are replaced when appropriate. The Foundation recognizes Shrine Greeter and program volunteer, Mrs. Dimitri Herr. Melody is the goddaughter of Shrine Volunteer of 2005, Marcy Ballis. Melody has been hospitality chair for a number of events, has served as Greek Landing Day consultant for five years, contributed to the installation of the special exhibit, ‘Painted with a Needle,’ and annually oversees the asset inventory count of the gift shop bookstore. “We serve for the glory of God. We thank Him as we praise our Volunteers who lovingly offer to this Shrine. It is right that we set these three individuals apart

to thank them not only for what they have given to St. Photios, not only for the impact their gifts have had on the Shrine but also the example of the cheerful and generous spirit in which they gifted their time, talents and resources. Thank you, “ said Shrine Director, Polexeni Maouris Hillier. The Shrine is one of five institutions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. It is located in St Augustine, Florida and depends heavily on the time, talents and resources of its volunteers. The St. Photios Foundation will convene their Annual Trustees Meeting in St. Augustine, Florida during its annual Pilgrimage on Feb. 2-3. The public is invited to attend the 31st anniversary of the Dedication of the Shrine at the Pilgrimage Luncheon that will be held at 1 p.m. at the Casa Monica Hotel on Sunday, Feb. 3. Metropolitan Alexios, president of the St. Photios Foundation will preside over the festivities. The keynote address will be offered by former U.S. Congressman Michael Bilirakis of Tarpon Springs. A musical interlude will be offered by Mary Malas Aiello. Call (904) 829 8205 for tickets.

JANUARY 2013

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The Orthodox churches today maintain cordial relations with other Christian churches and participate with them in joint efforts to recover the visible unity of all Christians. While most of the faithful perceive the involvement of the Orthodox churches in this joint quest for unity to be guided by the Holy Spirit, others express fear that the faith of the Church is somehow compromised for the sake of unity not always grounded in truth. Why have the Orthodox churches decided to be involved in the ecumenical movement for the unity of God’s Church and how does this involvement relate to their claim to be the embodiment of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church? The Ecumenical Patriarchate, in an encyclical addressed to all Orthodox churches in 1902, invited the Orthodox churches to move towards more dynamic inner communion, conciliarity and cooperation in order to work with other Christian churches and communions towards the visible unity of all Christians. In 1920, the Ecumenical Patriarchate issued a second encyclical addressed to all Christian churches suggesting the formation of a “league of churches” for common witness and action. It envisioned that the churches could move towards greater unity if they could overcome their mutual mistrust and bitterness by rekindling and strengthening the evangelical love. This could lead them to see one another not as strangers and foreigners, but as being part of the household of Christ and “fellow heirs, members of the same body and partakers of the promise of God in Christ” (Eph. 3:6). In 1986 the Third Preconciliar PanOrthodox conference unequivocally stated that the “Orthodox participation in the ecumenical movement does not run counter to the nature and history of the Orthodox Church. It constitutes the consistent expression of the apostolic faith within new historical conditions.” The Orthodox churches understand their participation in the ecumenical movement to be inspired and guided by the Spirit of God who wills all to be united with the risen Christ. Thus, it is not simply a response to God’s reconciling love, but a movement of the Holy Spirit in which the churches participate. The late Orthodox

theologian Nikos Nissiotis stated that the churches transcend their confessional boundaries and heal their divisions when they let the Spirit of God guide their lives: “The Spirit is the advocate of the dynamic over the static, of the multiform over the uniform, of the exceptional over the regular, or the paradox over the normal.” When the separated Churches are gathered together affirming faith in Christ and searching for ways to actualize and experience their unity in God’s eschatological promise, it is the Spirit of God that leads them towards unity. The Orthodox churches participate in the ecumenical movement without abandoning their belief to be the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. What facilitated their participation is the statement on “The Church, the Churches, and the World Council of Churches” issued in 1950 in Toronto by the World Council of Churches. The ‘Toronto statement’ assured the churches that their participation in the ecumenical movement in no way prejudices the outcome of the ongoing quest for unity; neither would the Churches be obliged to change their ecclesiology. Membership in the World Council of Churches does not imply that the Orthodox churches must regard the other member churches as churches in the true and full sense of the word. The churches retain the “constitutional right to ratify or to reject utterances or actions of the Council.” The Toronto statement provides an acceptable theological framework that allows the Orthodox churches to be active participants in the ecumenical movement without compromising the Orthodox understanding of the nature of the Church. While the Orthodox churches may view involvement in the ecumenical movement as consistent with their ecclesiology, they have been unwilling to address the claims of other Christian churches and communions concerning their relation/ identity with the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. This has immediate consequences in the ecumenical witness of the Orthodox churches and makes ecumenism a divisive issue within the Church. “We Orthodox,” Bishop Kalistos (Ware) of Diokleia notes, “do not at the moment have an agreed attitude towards non-or-

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Orthodox Liturgy Conference Slated in March BROOKLINE, Mass -- Hellenic College Holy Cross continues its 75th anniversary of its founding with an international conference March 15-16 on the state of liturgical life in the Orthodox Church. This two-day conference, “Orthodox Liturgy: Lessons from the Past; Contemporary Trends and Opportunities,” will feature international scholars in the field of liturgics, many of them graduates of Holy Cross, who will speak about problems and challenges for liturgical life, with special emphasis at the present state of affairs in the Greek American Orthodox context. Keynote speaker will be the Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert F. Taft, an expert on the Byzantine rite. Fr. Taft is professor emeritus at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome where he

taught for 38 years. His address,“Liturgical Renewal in Orthodoxy: Reflections, Cautions, Suggestions,” will serve as a rich catalyst and matrix for the issues discussed at the conference. Other speakers include the Rev. Dr. Alkiviadis Calivas, professor emeritus of liturgics and former HCHC president, Fr. Stephanos Alexopoulos, an expert on the pre-sanctified Liturgy, from Athens, Greece, and Sister Vassa Larin, an Orthodox nun who teaches liturgics at the University of Vienna, who will speak on the liturgy from the Russian Orthodox point of view. Scholars from the Republic of Georgia, Hong Kong, and Romania will discuss the state of Orthodox Liturgy. For more information visit: www. hchc.edu.

JANUARY 2013

The Voice of Philoptochos

A Look Back at Philoptochos’ Year of Accomplishments by Christine Karavites

Philoptochos leaders, members and Chapters nationwide reflect with humility, sadness and joy upon the important philanthropic works collectively offered in 2012, a year marked with historic achievements as well as many challenges here and in Greece. The year’s highlights are noted below: January–June: Philoptochos honors its leaders with monthly feature articles in the Orthodox Observer paying tribute to the Past National Philoptochos Presidents: Beatrice Marks, Dina Skouras Oldknow, Mimi Skandalakis, Eve Condakes and Georgia Skeadas. February: National Philoptochos responds immediately to provide Aid for the People of Greece with a $25K donation from the National Philoptochos Emergency Fund expedited through IOCC. March: National Philoptochos welcomes Bishop Sevastianos of Zela as National Philoptochos spiritual advisor after his appointment by Archbishop Demetrios. June: National Philoptochos distributes $160K raised from its Aid to the People of Greece Appeal to five organizations in Greece for the relief of our brethren suffering due to the economic crisis. July 1–4: The memorable 2012 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention held in Phoenix convenes a record number of delegates to celebrate 80 Years of Philanthropy and to plan for future expansion. National Philoptochos and the San Francisco Metropolis Philoptochos present a spiritual, cultural and educational program inspiring members to action. Convention Highlights The Premier 80th Anniversary Celebration hosted by the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos at the Musical Instrument Museum recognizes the service of nine AGAPE Award recipients representing each Metropolis and unveils the memorable Faces of Philoptochos National Philoptochos offers gratitude to His Grace Bishop Andonios for his years of service as its spiritual advisor. Delegates raise over $205K for the purchase of a new National home The Giving Tree Campaign is presented providing Chapters the opportunity to donate $1,000 each to place the Chapter name on a leaf of the Giving Tree Chapters and Metropolises are recognized for their important philanthropic work and their commitment to the National Philoptochos Ministries (see www.philoptochos.org) Bishop Sevastianos offers a new Philoptochos Prayer Design 80th Anniversary Logo, Pin and Limited Edition Scarf. New Philoptochos Blog and Facebook are launched. Delegates donate gift cards

Direct Archdiocesan District to Host AGAPE Luncheon The Direct Archdiocesan District AGAPE Luncheon honoring 50-Year members will take place Sunday, March 10 at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Luncheon proceeds will benefit the Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts and the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. For reservations contact co-Chairmen Athena Economou at 212.288.0850 or Stella Fiorentino, 516.496.8424.

valued at over $8,000 for the non–profit United Methodist Outreach Mission New Day Center in support of the homeless and hungry in this local community. Donations of $2,853,158 for the period from Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2011 and Disbursements of $13,956,459 from Jan. 1, 2002–Dec. 31, 2011 are announced. Sadly, the year was marked with the passing of the Past National Philoptochos Director Terry Kokas on Jan. 15, 2012 and the untimely passing of Past National President Mimi Skandalakis during the National Convention in July. October: Archbishop Demetrios convenes the 2012-14 National Philoptochos Board (Council) and appoints Aphrodite Skeadas to a third term as National Philoptochos president. The Mary Jaharis Foundation generously pledges to match each $1,000 leaf on the Chapter Giving Tree with $1,000 up to $500,000 generating the necessary funds to purchase the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy November: National Philoptochos responds immediately with $15K donations each to the Direct Archdiocesan District and the Metropolis of New Jersey from the National Emergency Fund following the Hurricane Sandy devastation in New York and New Jersey. National Philoptochos establishes the National Philoptochos Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund to further assist the storm victims. Nov. 27: With the blessings of Archbishop Demetrios, National Philoptochos culminates its 80th Anniversary Celebration with the purchase of its permanent Philoptochos home in Manhattan, the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. This historic milestone is achieved through the great generosity of Philoptochos members, chapters, parishes and friends nationwide who respond to the outreach and events in each Metropolis, to videos on You Tube, to online donations and to the ‘Open the Doors’ media campaign. December: National Philoptochos joins several hundred friends of Saint Basil Academy for the children’s glorious Christmas Pageant and prays with Archbishop Demetrios to remember the twenty children and six adult leaders who died tragically at Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Conn. National Philoptochos distributes $25,600 in $200 “Christmas Blessings” gift cards to individuals and families in the Direct Archdiocesan District and the Metropolis of New Jersey affected by the Hurricane Sandy devastation with an additional $12K also being sent to both areas for direct aid. Philoptochos Looking Forward At the Clergy–Laity Grand Banquet on July 4, National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas stated that, “The women of Philoptochos for 80–plus years have woven a tapestry of healing and compassion, peace and love and hope and prayer in each parish, in each city, in our country and globally.” As National Philoptochos looks forward to 2013, we extend sincere gratitude for the tremendous nationwide support that allows the Philoptochos women to continue their philanthropic mission, to further expand our reach and to create the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy as the home for all chapters and members nationwide.

Metropolis Philoptochos President Laura Nixon is joined by National Board members and chapter presidents to present a $3,000 grant to renowned pediatric oncologist Dr. Orren Beaty for the Frosene & Steven Zeis Children’s Cancer Center at Mission Children’s Hospital in Asheville, NC.

Atlanta Metropolis Distributes National Grants Metropolis Philoptochos President Laura Nixon was joined by National Board members and Chapter Presidents to present $17K of National Philoptochos grants to the following organizations: $3K from the National Cancer Fund was presented to renowned pediatric oncologist Dr. Orren Beaty for the Frosene & Steven Zeis Children’s Cancer Center at Mission Children’s Hospital in Asheville, NC. Mrs. Zeis was also present. The monies support a play and activity area for patients and siblings. The Mission Hospital targets underserved families in western North Carolina. Two grants were received for Autism Assistance. A $4K grant was presented to the Webb Street School’s Autism program in Gastonia, N.C. to purchase iPads as edu-

cational tools for school children, middle school teens and adults and the “Autism after 21” program in Boca Raton, Fla. received $3K to support a Day Care program that offers life skills and independent living for adults over 21 with ASD. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville TN received $3,000 to purchase new Echocardiogram software and machines to diagnose forms of congenital heart disease. Joanna Snider, Annunciation Cathedral Chapter President along with Marti Driscoll, National Board member presented $4K to Hughes Spaulding one of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta that provides some of the most vulnerable, low income and uninsured children with world class care.

Super Storm Victims Get More Aid National Philoptochos stewards helped brighten the lives of individuals and families affected by the Hurricane Sandy storm by personally distributing $25,600 in individual $200 “Christmas Blessings” gift cards in the Direct Archdiocesan District and the Metropolis of New Jersey. On December 17 and 18, a loving group of Christmas angels led by Bishop Sevastianos, National Philoptochos Spiritual Advisor and National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas, joined with local chapter presidents and Philoptochos women to visit families and individuals who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. On Dec. 17, the group was honored to have with them on the visitations, Consul General of Cyprus Koula Sophianou. Speaking with the people whose lives

were turned upside down, National President Skeadas stated that she was shown their strong faith and was blessed to learn from them. Anne Michals, Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos president and First Vice President Alexis Limberakis distributed the “Christmas Blessings” gift cards in the Metropolis of New Jersey. An additional $12,000 was sent to the Metropolis of New Jersey and $12,000 is being sent to the Direct Archdiocesan District for continued aid to those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Chapters and Philoptochos friends may send donations for the Philoptochos Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund to National Philoptochos, 7 West 55th Street, NY, NY 10052 or donate on line at www. philoptochos.org

Chapters Hold Annual Vasilopita Event Chapters throughout the U.S. commemorated the feast day of St. Basil with proceeds from the Vasilopita cutting benefitting the Saint Basil Academy. The Academy embraces children who are in need of shelter, love, nurturing, a comfortable environment, spiritual guidance, a safe haven in which to live, medical attention, counseling, and emotional support. The Vasilopita makes this wonderful home for children possible. Fr. Constantine Sitaras, the director, the staff, the volunteers

and many individuals make this unique facility available to children in need. The National Philoptochos Society purchased the Saint Basil Academy property in 1944 demonstrating their commitment to the Orthodox community. Chapters are asked to refer any child/children who would benefit from the Academy to their parish priest. All referrals are confidential. Visit www.saintbasilacademy.org for information to refer a child and to learn about the many programs offered at the Academy.

JANUARY 2013

Dimitris Panagos photo

Carnegie Hall performance: Members of the Archdiocesan Byzantine Choir, directed by Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos, and the Archdiocesan Youth Choir, under the direc-

tion of Maria Koleva, performed a Christmas concert at Carnegie Hall on Dec. 16. The Byzantine choir performed a selection of ecclesiastical hymns while the youth choir sang traditional Christmas songs and Greek Kalanda. More information about the choirs at www.asbm.goarch.org

Orthodox and Other Christian Churches

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thodox Christians.” Among the Orthodox Churches, different visions of ecumenism and of inter-Christian reconciliation lead to conflicts about ecumenism. “Some of us [Orthodox] see ecumenism as a sign of hope, others as a pan-heresy. Some of us think that Roman Catholics have a true priesthood; others consider that they should be re-baptized. When we meet other Christians, we speak with a divided voice. Consequently, our participation in the ecumenical movement has been far less effective than it could and should have been.” Any attempt to address this problem requires that we take seriously the faith and the sensitivities of the Orthodox Church about the unity of the Church. The Orthodox Church is especially sensitive in maintaining its continuity with the faith, life and witness of the apostolic Church. Every division in the history of the church has been viewed as a denial of its nature, a separation from Christ’s body, a departure from the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Church in coping with schisms emphasized the importance of unity and promulgated canons to fortify its unity and communicated its belief that those who separate themselves from the Church depart from the domain of God’s salvific grace. While the Orthodox Church never refuted this belief, it refused to accept its practical consequences. Metropolitan John Zizioulas believes the problem of the limits of the Church and of the implication for those individuals and communities who exist outside of these limits continues to be an unresolved issue for Orthodox theology. He states: “it is certainly not easy to exclude from the realm and the operation of the Spirit so many Christians who do not belong to the Orthodox Church.” He believes that baptism creates the limits of the Church and that “within this baptismal limit it is conceivable that there may be division, but any division within these limits is not the same as the division between the Church and those outside the baptismal limit.” From this perspective, without baptism there is no Church; within baptism, even if divisions exist, one may still speak of the Church. The Orthodox churches seem to have adopted an ecclesiological agnosticism that avoids reflecting on the claims of other Christian churches concerning their relation to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. This agnosticism has been challenged by Fr. George Florovsky who has argued that the Orthodox churches make implicit judgments

about the nature of the other Christian churches by the manner that they admit their members to the Orthodox Church either through re-baptism, chrismation, or mere recital of the creed. The Orthodox churches, he maintains, need to rethink their understanding of schism in relation to “una sancta.” Fr. Florovsky suggests that the belief that outside of the canonical boundaries of the Church there is no salvation must be respected as a strong urge to maintain and respect the unity of God’s Church but today it needs to be supplanted with a theology of schism. St. Augustine has suggested that schismatic and heretical communities, in spite of their formal separation from the una sancta, continue to maintain bonds of unity with it. All the separated Christian churches are related to each other and in communion, however imperfectly, with the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The recognition of this relationality and relative unity is warranted by the fact that there are many still unbroken bonds whereby the schismatic communities are held in certain unity with the One Church. These bonds, in the words of Florovsky, include “right belief, sincere devotion, the Word of God, and above all the grace of God, which ever heals the weak and supplies what is lacking.” There is thus in every schismatic and heretical community something of God that connects them with the life of God’s Church. “What is valid in the sects is that which is in them from the Church, that which remains with them as their portion of the sacred inner core of the Church, that through which they are with the Church. “ The refusal of the Orthodox churches to be in sacramental communion with other Christian churches, despite the affirmation that they are in an imperfect and incomplete manner members of the One Church of God, should not be perceived as a sign of arrogance; neither should it be a source of Orthodox triumphalism or self-sufficiency. It is a painful reminder for all that the unity of God’s Church requires the fullness of the apostolic faith and tradition. It does not allow the churches to become complacent with present relative unity and collaboration. It is their vocation in the present world to seek unceasingly the unity of all God’s people by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their lives and witness to the world. Fr. Clapsis is Archbishop Iakovos Professor of Theology at Holy Cross School of Theology.

JANUARY 2013

Pan Orthodox New Patriarch of Antioch Elected The Metropolitan Archbishop of Western and Central Europe, John X (Yaziji), has been elected Patriarch of Antioch and all the East. He was elected by the members of the Holy Synod on Dec. 17 during a special session held at the Balamand Patriarchal Monastery of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Born in Syria in 1955, the Patriarchelect received his primary, secondary and university education in Latakiya, Syria graduating with a degree in civil engineering. He earned a degree in theology in 1978 from the St. John of Damascus School of Orthodox of Theology at the Balamand University and a doctorate in theology (emphases in liturgy and Byzantine music) in 1983 from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. He was tonsured a monk at the Athonite Monastery of St. Paul on the Holy Mountain,

was ordained to the holy diaconate in 1979 and to the holy priesthood in 1983, and in 1981 became professor of Liturgical Studies at the St. John of Damascus School of Orthodox Theology at the Balamand University. He assumed the position of dean of that theological school from 19881991 and again from 2001-2005. He was elected and consecrated to the sacred episcopacy in 1995 with the title Bishop of al-Hosn. He has served as superior of the Monastery of St. George al-Humayrah in the Christian Valley (Wadi al-Nasara) in Syria, superior of the Our Lady of Balamand Monastery, and spiritual father to the Convent of the Dormition in Blemmana, Syria. In 2008 he was elected and enthroned as the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Western and Central Europe. The date of His Beatitude’s Enthronement has not yet been announced.

U.S. Orthodox Christian Leaders Attend White House Meeting on Social Outreach WASHINGTON – More than 80 representatives of the nation’s Orthodox Christian service organizations attended a meeting at the White House Dec. 20 to discuss strategic service alliances with the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The White House Conference on Orthodox Christian Engagement was hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement in conjunction with the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and facilitated by International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). Representing Archbishop Demetrios, who is a member of the Presidential Commission for Faith-Based Organizations., was Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, chief secretary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Holy Eparchial Synod. Present to discuss the role of Orthodox Christians in social outreach, disaster response, and community development in the United States were Archbishop Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas and liaison to IOCC from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America. Also present were Bishop Gregorios of Nyssa of the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese and The Orthodox Christian hierarchs were joined by IOCC Board Chairman Michael S. Homsey, along with IOCC board members and staff, Orthodox Christian clergy and leaders of Orthodox Christian service organizations. The half-day conference brought together the community’s leadership to learn more about its multifaceted ministries, and to explore potential collaborations offered by the federal government to support the Church’s service work. “The Orthodox Christian community plays a critical role

in social outreach, disaster response, and community development,” said D. Paul Monteiro, associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. The conference provided a forum for dialogue on that outreach and areas for mutual cooperation.“The opportunity for this level of discourse with the White House is an important way to build understanding between our communities and contribute toward serving needs here in the United States,” said Homsey. “The conference is an important step toward uniting the efforts of Orthodox Christians to effectively serve their communities and builds on similar service IOCC has provided in more than 50 countries around the world over the past 20 years.” Preceding the White House conference was a gathering of IOCC’s Frontline, a national emergency response network comprised of 60 clergy and laity volunteers trained in disaster response, organized following the events of September 11. IOCC recently deployed Frontliners to assist in coastal communities along the Eastern Seaboard following Superstorm Sandy, and to provide pastoral counseling to survivors and families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Correction Deacon Chrysostomos Gilbert is assistant to the chancellor of the Archdiocese, not assistant youth director, as had been indicated in the December 2012 Orthodox Observer.

Orthodox Observer Patrons and Donors Special Patrons Subdeacon Timothy Eads, Crawfordsville, Ind; Mr. and Mrs. George K. Papas, Bridgewater, Mass; Helen D. Tsintolas, Rockville, Md; Mr. and Mrs. E. Gustave, New York, N.Y; Michael Samotowka, Shaker Heights, Ohio; Cliff and Theo Argue, Mercer Island, Wash. Patrons Stavros Malesta, Palmetto, Fla; George Demosthenes Giatrakis, Fort Lauderdale, Fla; Charles J. Kessaris, Danvers, Mass; Chris and Labrini Liakonis, Bloomfield

Hills, Mich; Mary Banatos, Sewaren, N.J; Cleo Coloritis, Nutley, N.J. Donors John Lazare, Newark, Del; Mr. and Mrs. George Gaggos, Grosse Point, Mich; Mr. and Mrs. John George, Farmington Hills, Mich; Steven Raftopoulos, Egg Harbor Township, N.J; Vincent N. Plesha, Margate City, N.J; Nick Poulos, East Islip, N.Y; Janet and Ted Deming, Beaverton, Oregon; Achilles L. Troianos, White Oak, Pa; Mary Elenitsas, Monessen, Pa; Helen T. Glekas, Annandale, Va.

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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. In compiling this book Archbishop Demetrios writes in the Prologue of Ways of the Lord, “ Sharing the Gospel with those who do not know it can be at times an uncomplicated task as we know from the long history of Christianity. Frequently, however, and especially in our days, the very same task seems to require more elaborate, methodical and sophisticated approaches.

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.”

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JANUARY 2013

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Church History The Struggles of Fr. Demosthenes Chiamardas (1864-1957) by William H. Samonides, Ph.D

ERIE, Pennsylvania -- “The Reverend Demosthenes Chiamardas, 93, reportedly the first Greek Orthodox clergyman to be ordained in the United States, who came to this country in 1905, from his native Greece, died Thursday.” On June 6, 1957, this brief Associated Press story appeared in newspapers across the country and around the world. Fr. Chiamardas had served from 1918 to 1951 as a priest. He was the founding cleric of St. George in Massillon, Ohio, contributed to the establishment of St. John the Baptist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Holy Trinity in Harrisburg, Pa., and served over a dozen other parishes in seven states. His career illustrates some of the travails of early priests, who had little job security and served during economically difficult and politically contentious times. Despite his special place in the history of Greek Orthodoxy in America, Fr. Chiamardas is little known outside Erie, where he served 14 years at the Assumption parish and where his family settled. Among the early immigrant priests who ministered to the Greek Orthodox, over 150 arrived in America as laymen and later acquired credentials. Demosthenes Chiamardas, who immigrated in 1905 as a 41-year-old married barber, was older than most. He had no formal education and had been taught to read and write by schoolteacher friends in Delihanasi, a village in the Peloponnesus where he also learned Byzantine music and chant from a priest. He was living with his wife and six children in Brockton, Mass., when he was called to become a priest. On Feb. 10, 1918, at the Syrian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Brooklyn, he was ordained a deacon and on the following Sunday was ordained a priest by Bishop Aftimios Ofiesh (1880-1966), Bishop of Brooklyn, who was under the authority of the Orthodox Church of Russia. This took place six months before the arrival of Metropolitan Meletios Metaxakis and Bishop Alexander Rodostolou (later Archbishop), who would establish direct authority over Greek Orthodox parishes in America and lay the groundwork for the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America. Although Bishop Aftimios would later become a controversial figure, the ordinations he performed were recognized by the Greek Orthodox Church. This was one of several routes to ordination available to early immigrants. Of course, many returned to Greece for training. Others studied at the short-lived St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Seminary in Astoria, N.Y. Some remained in this country, studied intensely on their own, passed examinations, and were ordained by the Greek Orthodox authority in America. Still others were ordained by rival Greek Orthodox jurisdictions. Political tensions between supporters of King Constantine and Greek Prime Minister Venizelos were causing rifts among the Greek Orthodox worldwide. In America,

at the height of these difficulties, Metropolitan Germanos Troianos (1921-23) and Metropolitan Vasilios Komvopoulos (1923-31) supported the Greek monarchy and became – for a time – rival centers of authority in opposition to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America headed by Archbishop Alexander, who was sympathetic to Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos. Fr. Chiamardas had difficulty securing a permanent position in the months after his ordination; however, in October 1918, he was appointed by Bishop Alexander to serve at Sts. Constantine and Helen in Vandergrift, Pa. It was the first of many assignments away from his family. During his 10 months there, he encountered problems. In a telegram to Bishop Alexander from Vandergrift on June 23, 1919, Fr. Chiamardas vented his frustration: “Closed the church Sunday. No respect, no rules, no recognition. With respect, tell me what to do. Stay here for nothing or go home.” A few months later he was offered a position at Holy Trinity in Fitchburg, Mass., after the death of the incumbent priest. Fr. Chiamardas signed a three-year contract at $160 per month plus collections at the sacraments he performed. Although Fitchburg offered an opportunity, Fr. Chiamardas’s Royalist sympathies did not sit well with the Venizelos supporters on the Parish Council. He chaired fundraising efforts for a new church for more than a year but, although he was still in town and still under contract, he did not participate in the laying of the cornerstone for the new church in October 1921. Instead, an out-of-town priest with Venizelist sympathies was invited to preside. A month after the ceremony, Fr. Chiamardas was locked out of the church and told his contract had been terminated because the parish was no longer able to pay his salary. He did not remain unemployed for long. The Holy Trinity parish in Holyoke, Mass., had Royalist leanings and was in need of a priest. Three years in Holyoke were followed by a two-year stint at St. Sophia in Albany, N.Y. It was becoming difficult for the children to change schools so often, and in 1927 the family settled permanently in Erie. For Fr. Chiamardas, most of the next quarter century required frequent travel and long absences from his family. During the Depression there were numerous, sometimes lengthy periods of unemployment. He also contended with natural disaster: he was the priest in Johnstown, Pa., during a devastating flood in 1936 that closed the church for some time. Fr. Chiamardas retired in 1951 and lived for another six years. His funeral was held on June 10, 1957 at Assumption Church, in Erie, with Bishop Germanos (Liamadis, 1884-1965), Titular Bishop of Constantia, officiating. The author thanks Jim Chiamardas of Erie, Charles Chiamardas of West Palm Beach, and Archdiocese Archivist Nikki Calles for their assistance and invites readers to share their thoughts and learn more about Fr. Chiamardas by contacting him at htgochhistorian@aol.com.

JANUARY 2013

National Ministries

Scholarships

Center for Family Care

Pastoral Challenges in Marriage Conference Set at HCHC GARRISON, N.Y. – The Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America organizes and hosts a Conference on Pastoral Challenges on Marriage, Feb. 7–9, 2013, at the Campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Mass. The conference is open to clergy, seminarians, pastoral care workers, professional counselors, ministry leaders, and all who minister to Orthodox Christian couples. A generous grant from Leadership 100 is helping to fund this conference. Utilizing the expertise of leaders in the field of pastoral care and marriage, the purpose of this conference is to inspire and equip those in the front lines of ministry with tools and resources to effectively serve the pastoral challenges of marriage they encounter. In addition to keynote presentations and workshops, the conference will offer participants opportunities for formal and informal interaction, enabling participants to leave the conference with a network of people to support them in their ministry. “Marriage is the cornerstone on which a healthy family is built,” says Fr. Constantine L. Sitaras, Director of the Center for Family Care. “Society has removed God from marriage and redefined the sacrificial nature of it. When God is not present in a marriage, all sorts of issues arise.” A different keynote speaker will be featured on each of the three days of the conference. Thursday will begin with Bishop John, an auxiliary bishop for the Antiochian Diocese of Worcester. Following the presentation, several workshops will be

offered. The day will close with a panel discussion on divorce and remarriage. Kyriaki Karidoyanes FitzGerald (M.Div., Ph.D.) will be the featured keynote speaker on Friday. After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to be trained in The Journey of Marriage in the Orthodox Church, a premarital preparation program. On the final day, Ary Christofidis (Ph.D., LCP) will offer the keynote and we will conclude with more workshops. The conference’s

workshops will focus on topics such as interfaith marriage, marital enrichment, domestic violence, Internet pornography and its impact on marriage, among others. For details about the conference schedule, accommodations, and registration, visit family.goarch.org/pc2013conf. – or contact the Center for Family Care, 79 Saint Basil Road, Garrison, NY 10524, Tel. (845) 424-8175, Email: familycare@ goarch.org

Communications

2013 Archdiocesan Yearbook Now Available Online NEW YORK – The 2013 Yearbook of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is now available online at www.goarch.org/ archdiocese/yearbook. 2013 Yearbooks will be available by mail in early February. Every parish will receive two complimentary copies. The 2013 Yearbook is designed as an easy–to–read, accurate, reference handbook of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The 280–page, new edition includes updated directories of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archdiocesan departments and institutions, Metropolises, parishes, clergy, religious and secular media resources plus additional information. The significance of this resource is highlighted in the introductory letter by Archbishop Demetrios, where he states: “As represented by the 2013 edition of our Yearbook, this is a time of great activity

Patriarchal Letter Expressing Sorrow at Sandy Hook Tragedy Your Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America, most honorable Exarch of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, beloved brother in the Holy Spirit and co-celebrant of our Modesty: Grace be with Your Eminence and peace from God. With much sorrow we were informed from the news media about the perpetrated attack against the elementary school Sandy Hook in Newtown, Connecticut, USA. The news brought to our mind the words of our holy predecessor Saint John Chrysostom while each beast has one evil, man allows himself all evils and turns not only into a beast, but a monster of many forms and shapes (To John B, P.G.:59, 36-38). Prayerfully, thus, we turn the eyes of our soul to your Eminence and your flock in Newtown, and join you in your prayers to the Lord our God to rest the souls of the innocent children and our fellow human beings who suffered a wrongful death, and offer balm of comfort to the grieving families, offering them solace from above. To this end, on the one hand we praise the example of the heroic teacher, who put herself in harm’s way to save the children which were in danger of being killed as innocent sheep, as an example of biblical love and selfless disposition that is shining in the darkness of the contemporary world, which cares only to satisfy its self-serving interests. On the other hand, we extend our pleading hand and pray to the infant Jesus, the Incarnate Son and Logos of God, to heal the mind and intellect of the blood-stained perpetrator, who turned into a recent Herod, and offer him contrition for all the evils he has done, praying that the Lord our God shall spare the faithful flock of yours and the entire world from similar painful and deadly events. Thus, we invoke upon you and your flock the grace and the abundant mercy of God. January 7, 2013

BARTHOLOMEW Patriarch of Constantinople beloved brother in Christ

throughout our Archdiocese, and in our Metropolises and Parishes. In our dedication to the will of God and His commission to carry the Gospel throughout the world, may we seek to bear great fruit in all that we do. As we did in our gathering in Phoenix, may we continue to affirm that we have been chosen and appointed by God to offer a witness of Him before all people through our worship, our service, and through our lives so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in us, and we in Him (II Thessalonians 1:11-12).” Limited prepaid copies may be obtained by calling (212)–774–0244 or by sending a check/money order or credit card information for $18 (plus $6 s&h for a total of $24) payable to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Attn: Yearbook – 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075.

Agris Scholarships Begin 21st Year BOSTON - Hellenes across America tuning in for the latest on air news, searching cutting edge web publications, tapping online resources for travel tips or just perusing a magazine feature article have most definitely come across the name or face of a former recipient of the Peter Agris Memorial Journalism Scholarships. This two-decade strong collaboration of the Alpha Omega Council of New England and the family of its founder, together with The Behrakis Foundation, has provided more than $400,000 in grants to 81 Greek Americans seeking to present their Hellenic heritage and their Orthodox faith to our nation through careers in journalism and related communications fields. Since its inception in 1976, The Alpha Omega Council has united Americans of Hellenic ancestry in fellowship and philanthropy, having donated more than $1.5 million to charitable and educational causes, including the Agris Journalism Scholarships. The grants honor the organization’s late founder, Peter Agris, also the founder and publisher of The Hellenic Chronicle, for 50 years the premier Greek American national English-language weekly newspaper in this country. Agris, who died in 1989, was also an Archon of the Greek Orthodox Church, a trustee of Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology, Anatolia College, The American College of Greece and an Ahepan. The six $5,000 non-renewable schol-

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Πατριαρχική Επιστολή Συμπαράστασης για την Τραγωδία στο Sandy Hook Ἱερώτατε Ἀρχιεπίσκοπε Ἀμερικῆς, ὑπέρτιμε καί ἔξαρχε Ὠκεανῶν Ἀτλαντικοῦ τε καί Εἰρηνικοῦ, ἐν Ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι ἀγαπητέ ἀδελφέ καί συλλειτουργέ τῆς ἡμῶν Μετριότητος κύριε Δημήτριε, χάρις εἴη τῇ ὑμετέρα Ἱερότητι καί εἰρήνη παρά Θεοῦ. Μετά πλείστης ὀδύνης ἐπληροφορήθημεν ἐκ τῶ μέσων γενικῆς ἐνημερώσεως τήν ἐπισυμβάσαν ἐπίθεσιν εἰς τό Δημοτικόν Σχολεῖον Sandy Hook, Newtown, Connecticut, ΗΠΑ, ἥτις πληροφόρησις, ἔφερεν εἰς τό νοῦν ἡμῶν τό τοῦ ἐκ τῶν ἐν ἁγίοις προκατόχων ἡμῶν Ἱεροῦ Χρυσοστόμου λόγιον «τά μέν θηρία ἕν ἕκαστον ἔχει πάθος, ὁ δέ ἄνθρωπος πᾶσιν ἑαυτόν ἐπιτρέπει τοῖς πάθεσι καί οὐκ ἔτι θηρίον γίνεται μόνον, ἀλλά τέρας πολύμορφον τε καί ποικίλον». (Εἰς Ἰωάννην Β΄, P.G. 59,36-38). Προσευχητικῶς, οὐν, στρέφομεν τά ὄμματα τῆς ψυχῆς πρός τήν ὑμετέραν Ἱερότητα καί τό ἐν Newtown ποίμνιον αὐτῆς, καί μετ’ αὐτῆς δεόμεθα ὅπως Κύριος ὁ Θεός ἀναπαύσῃ μέν τάς ψυχάς τῶν ἀδίκῳ θανάτῳ ἀπολεσθέντων ἀθώων παιδίων καί λοιπῶν συνανθρώπων ἡμῶν, σταλάξῃ δέ βάλσαμον παρηγορίας εἰς τάς καρδίας τῶν οἰκογενῶν αὐτῶν παρέχων αὐτοῖς τήν ἐξ ὕψους παραμυθίαν. Πρός τούτοις, ἀφ’ ἑνός μέν ἐξαίρομεν τό παράδειγμα τῆς ἡρωϊκῆς διδασκαλίσσης, τῆς μή φεισθείσης τοῦ κινδύνου ἵνα σώσῃ τά ὡς ἄκακα ἀρνία διατρέξαντα κίνδυνον θανάτου παιδία, ὡς παράδειγμα εὐαγγελικῆς ἀγάπης καί ἀλτρουϊστικοῦ φρονήματος τηλαυγίζοντος εἰς τό σκότος τοῦ συγχρόνου κόσμου, τοῦ διακονοῦντος ἐγωϊστικῶς τῷ ἰδίῳ μόνον συμφέροντι, ἀφ’ ἑτέρου δέ τείνομεν χεῖρας ἱκέτιδας καί προσευχόμεθα πρός τό νήπιον Ἰησοῦν, τόν ἐνανθρωπισθέντα Υἱόν καί Λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἵνα ἀνορθώσῃ τόν νοῦν καί τήν διάνοιαν τοῦ μιαιοφόνου θύτου, τοῦ νεοφανοῦς Ἡρώδου καταστάντος, καί παράσχῃ αὐτῷ μετάνοιαν δι’ ἅ ἔπραξε κακά, προσεπευχόμενοι ὅπως Κύριος ὁ Θεός ρύηται τόν αὐτόθι πιστόν λαόν καί τόν κόσμον σύμπαντα ἐξ ἀναλόγων ἀλγοπαρόχων καί θανατηφόρων ἐνεργειῶν. Ἐπί δέ τούτοις, ἐπικαλούμεθα ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς καί τό ποίμνιον ὑμῶν τήν χάριν καί τό ἄπειρον ἔλεος Αὐτοῦ. βιγ΄ Ἰανουαρίου 2013

Ὁ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως Βαρθολομαῖος Aγαπητός ἐν Χριστῷ ἀδελφός

JANUARY 2013

Tales from L.A.

A Guardian Angel by Fr. John S. Bakas

At 8:30 pm on August 23rd of last year Irma Zamora’s husband urged her not to get out of the car as they approached the scene of a spectacular traffic crash in Los Angeles’ North Hollywood neighborhood. A sports utility vehicle had just careened through a busy intersection, shearing off a concrete light standard and knocking over a fire hydrant before coming to rest on a front lawn. Water spewed skyward from the broken hydrant and quickly pooled in the intersection. Zamora ran toward the wrecked SUV to help the slumped over driver and stepped into an electrified pool of water. She was immediately electrocuted, killed by what firefighters estimate was 48,000 volt of electricity. Zamora, 40, of Burbank was one of two women who died in what police and witnesses described as a bizarre and tragic series of events. A second woman, attempting to help Zamora thinking she had slipped in the water was also electrocuted and died on the spot. Residents of the densely populated neighborhood described a chaotic scene, as gushing water spread rapidly through the darkened intersection. Would-be rescuers came from all directions. At least half a dozen would be good Samaritans were hospitalized including a Los Angeles police officer who was first on the scene. That hospitalized police officer is my son…Alexis. Immediately after the accident, the commanding officer of the North Hollywood division of LAPD, texted me a message. It said: “your son must have had a Guardian Angel watching over him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made it.” In the hospital, Alexis told me he stepped into the water on that dark unlit night not knowing that a live wire coiled like a poisonous underwater snake was awaiting them. The two women were instantly killed, but my son was thrown backward out of the water on to the dry pavement and although injured was saved from this catastrophic accident. Through much anguish, emotion and tears of gratitude to God by my Presbytera and me, we kept repeating the words of the commanding officer texted us. “He must have had a Guardian Angel with him.” And indeed I believe he had. Two days later on Saturday, August 25th I performed a baptism for a child and perhaps for the first time I consciously and personally understood and connected to the prayers of baptism. They were God’s reminder to me of His mercy and love and of His assignment to us individually of a Guardian Angel. The

prayers invoke the Lord for the following. We pray that God will: “Wed him (her) in life to a radiant Angel, to safeguard him (her) from every plot of the adversary, from every evil encounter, from the destruction that wastes at noonday and from evil visions.” The priest further prays over the baptismal waters and says: “And give to it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan. Make it a fountain of immortality, a gift of sanctification, for the remission of sins, protection against infirmities, destruction to evil forces, inaccessible to opposing powers, filled with angelic might. Let all who conspire against Your creature take flight from it; for I have invoked Your Name, Lord, which is wonderful and glorious and fearful to enemies”. St. Ambrose further affirms what the Church teaches: “the servants of Christ are protected by invisible, rather than visible beings. But if these guard you, they do so because they have been summoned by your prayers” Yes, my son’s Guardian Angel indeed was active on August 23rd. I praise our Triune God for sparing my son from severe injury or death. The thought of losing my son is just too much to bear. Now the question that some of you who are reading this is are asking: “Why would God spare your son and not spare those good women who lost their lives in trying to save others? Did they not have a Guardian Angel? I wish I could answer that question. I wish those two precious women would have been spared death. I have gone over this question in my mind dozens of times in the last few months. I have prayed for their souls and for their grieving families. I have gone to the site of their tragic deaths and left my vigil candle, one among many memorials left there by friends and strangers. I have no answer to offer as to the “why”. I trust God’s providence and enter the darkness of His mystery. What I can boldly say is what the father of the prodigal son said: “My son was (nearly) dead and is alive. He was (almost) lost and is found. For God’s mercy, I rejoice.” I realize now that our Guardian Angels are closer to us than anything except the love of God… Praise be to God and may the memory of those lost be eternal. Fr. Bakas is Dean of Saint Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles and a faculty member of Loyola Marymount University, School of Theology. (editor’s note: Patrol officer Alexis Bakas returned to work shortly after the incident and is assigned to the North Hollywood Divison of LAPD).

Church Musicians

Liturgical Guidebook for 2013 Now Available The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians has recently completed publication of more than 900 copies of the 2013 Liturgical Guidebook for parishes and individuals across the Archdiocese. This year marks the first time that the Guidebook is being distributed via the Orthodox Market Place. As the official Archdiocesan resource for Greek Orthodox church musicians, the Liturgical Guidebook lists the weekly changes of the hymns, responses, verses, and Gospel and Epistle readings for Sunday Divine Liturgies and the major feast days of the liturgical year. This is the 37th year that the National

Forum has published the Guidebook since its inception with the GOYA National Music Committee in the 1960s. Maria Keritsis, national chairman of the National Forum noted that “the Liturgical Guidebook had grown since its inception by Presbytera Anna Gallos and Dr. Frank Desby of the GOYA Choir Committee, and is now considered an indispensable church music reference more than 900 church musicians use it.” Copies of the 2013 Liturgical Guidebook are available at a cost of $30.00, which includes shipping and handling. They may be ordered from the Orthodox Market Place at www.orthodoxmarketplace.org

JANUARY 2013

Epiphany Celebrations Blessings Around the USA Numerous parishes from New York to Washington state to Hawaii and in between celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany MANHATTAN – In a procession along the Hudson from Annunciation: in the balmy or cold Deacon Chrysostomos Gilbert, Archimandrite Makarios Griniezakis of outdoors that was Crete, Bishop Sebastian of Zeila; and Archimandrite Nathanael Symeonides. marked with crossdiving and water blessing ceremonies. St. Nicholas Cathedral in Tarpon Springs held the oldest (107 years) and HONOLULU – Metropolitan Gerasimos enjoys the 80–degree balmy weather on Waikiki Beach to largest event with bless the two cross retrievers. Also taking part were Fr. John Kuehnle of Honolulu, Fr. Theodore Dornearly 50 teen age rance from Portland, Oregon, and Fr. Apostolos Koufalakis, Metropolis chancellor. boys diving in Spring Bayou for the cross thrown by Archbishop Demetrios on his annual visit there. Elsewhere parishes that held outLONG BEACH – Fr. Christos Kanakis prepares to throw the cross in the door events and are harbor for the divers. shown here included a joint effort by St. Markella in Wantagh, N.Y., and St. Demetrios in Merrick, N.Y. (six young divers in 40-degree weather), St. Demetrios-St. Katherine in Astoria, N.Y., Annunciation in Manhattan, Archangel Gabriel in Traverse City, Mich.; All Saints in Peoria, Ill, St. Nicho- TARPON SPRINGS – Nearly 50 16-18-year-olds who would later dive for the cross gather for a las, Corpus Christi, Texas, St. blessing at the sponge docks along Dodecanese Avenue. Sophia Church, Bellingham, Wash.; Sts. Spyridon and Constantine and Helen in MERRICK–WANTAGH – Frs. Nikiforos Fakinos and Sarantis San Diego and Cardiff–by–the–Sea, Calif.; Assumption in Long Beach, Calif., and Sts. Constantine and Helen Loulakis with winning diver, Anastasios Yiakoumanos. in Honolulu. Honorable mention to (a parish that held an outdoor service but missed the Observer deadline): St. Demetrios in Daytona Beach, Fla.

ASTORIA – Very Rev. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos stands on rocky ground along the East River across from Manhattan to bless the water with parishioners from St. Demetrios-St. Katherine parish.

CORPUS CHRISTI BAY – Cross retriever Demetri Sanchez, 11, with Fr. Andrew Kearns, visiting priest from St. Catherine Church, Greenwood Village, Colo.

BUFFALO – Fr. Christos Christakis, throws the cross into the Niagara River.

TRAVERSE CITY – Fr. Ciprian Streza is joined by parishioners in 24 degree weather to bless the waters of West Bay in Lake Michigan.

SAN DIEGO – Fr. Andrew Scordalakis (St. Spyridon) and Fr. Michael Sitaras (Sts. Constantine and Helen) with cross retriever William Halpin, 14, of St. Anthony Antiochian Orthodox Church, San Diego on Jan. 5.

PEORIA – Fr. Ciprian Sas and parishioners of All Saints Church on Jan. 5 in mid-20-degree weather at the blessing of the Illinois River, which connects Chicago with the Mississippi.

BELLINGHAM – Fr. Michael Tervo with divers from St. Sophia Church at Lake Whatcom in the northwest corner of the continental U.S.

JANUARY 2013

IANOYAΡΙΟΣ 2013

ΕΤΟΣ 78 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1282

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ

Ἑορτή Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν καί Ἑλληνικῶν Γραμμάτων Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Ἡ Ἑορτή τῶν τριῶν μεγίστων Ἱεραρχῶν καί Οἰκουμενικῶν Διδασκάλων, Βασιλείου τοῦ Μεγάλου, Γρηγορίου τοῦ Θεολόγου καί Ἰωάννου τοῦ Χρυσοστόμου, μᾶς προσφέρει μία ἰδιαίτερη εὐκαιρία κάθε χρόνο νά ἐξετάζουμε βαθύτερα τόν βίο καί τά διδάγματα αὐτῶν τῶν μεγάλων ἁγίων καί νά ἀναγνωρίζουμε ὅτι ὁμονοοῦσαν σέ θέματα ἀληθείας, ἁγιότητος καί ἀγάπης ἔχοντας ὡς βάση των τό Εὐαγγέλιο τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἡ σύμπνοιά των σέ θέματα πίστεως, θεολογίας καί ἀποστολῆς τῆς Ἐκκλησίας ἐπηρεάσθηκε ἀναμφισβήτητα ἀπό τήν ἀνατροφή, τήν μόρφωση καί τήν σχέση μεταξύ των. Ἰδιαιτέρας σπουδαιότητος εἶναι τά διδάγματα καί οἱ πράξεις των ἐν σχέσει μέ τήν προσφορά φροντίδος καί ἀγάπης στούς ἔχοντες ἀνάγκη, κάτι ἀπολύτως σχετικό μέ τήν σύγχρονη κατάσταση τήν ὁποία βιώνουμε. Ἄς ἐξετάσουμε ὁρισμένα ἀπό τά ὡραιότερα σημεῖα τῶν διδασκαλιῶν των. Πρῶτον, ἔδωσαν προτεραιότητα στήν πράξη τῆς φιλανθρωπίας στήν χριστιανική ζωή. Ὁ Ἅγιος Ἰωάννης ὁ Χρυσόστομος δηλώνει: Τίποτε δέν καθιστᾶ ἕναν ἄνθρωπο μιμητή τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὅσο ἡ φροντίδα τοῦ πλησίου του. Πράγματι, ἀκόμη καί ἄν νηστεύετε, ἤ κοιμόσασθε ἀσκητικά ἐπί σκληροῦ ἐδάφους, ἤ ἀκόμη ἄν ὑποφέρετε μέχρι θανάτου, ἀλλά δέν σκέπτεσθε καθόλου τόν πλησίον σας, δέν ἔχετε ἐπιτύχει τίποτε μεγάλο ... (Ὁμιλία 25 – Ἐπί τῆς πρός Κορινθίους Πρώτης Ἐπιστολῆς τοῦ Ἀποστόλου Παύλου). Ὁ Ἅγιος Γρηγόριος ἐπιβεβαιώνει ὅτι ἡ φιλανθρωπία καί ἡ φιλευσπλαγχνία εἶναι οὐσιαστικά στοιχεῖα τῆς σχέσεώς μας μέ τόν Θεό: Θεωρῶ, γράφει, ὅτι τό κυριότερο τμῆμα τῆς φιλανθρωπίας εἶναι ἡ ἀγάπη γιά τούς πτωχούς καί ἡ φιλευσπλαγχνία καί συμπόνια γιά τούς ἀδελφούς μας. Δέν μποροῦμε νά προσφέρουμε καλύτερη θυσία στόν Θεό ἀπό τήν φιλευσπλαγχνία... Καί ὁ Θεός, ὁ Ὁποῖος κρίνει δίκαια καί συγκαταλέγει τήν φιλευσπλαγχνία στήν κρίση Του, θά ἀμείψει τήν καλωσύνη μέ καλωσύνη (Ὁμιλία περί τῆς Ἀγάπης πρός τούς Πτωχούς). Δεύτερον, οἱ Τρεῖς Ἱεράρχες ἀνεγνώρισαν τήν θεϊκή ἀλήθεια ὅτι ἡ ἔκφραση τῆς φιλευσπλαγχνίας καί ἡ φροντίδα τῶν ἐχόντων ἀνάγκη σχετίζεται μέ τήν ἰδιοτητά μας ὡς ἀνθρώπων πλασμένων κατ’ εἰκόνα καί καθ’ ὁμοίωσιν Θεοῦ. Σχολιάζοντας τήν προτροπή τοῦ Χριστοῦ τῷ αἰτοῦντί σε δός (Ματθ. 5:42), ο Ἅγιος Βασίλειος λέγει: Ὁ λόγος αὐτός τοῦ Κυρίου μας μᾶς προσκαλεῖ νά υἱοθετήσουμε τό πνεῦμα τῆς προσφορᾶς, τῆς ἀμοιβαίας ἀγάπης καί αὐτοῦ τό ὁποῖο ἁρμόζει στήν φύση μας (Ὁμιλία στόν Ψαλμό 14). Ὁ Ἅγιος Γρηγόριος μᾶς προτρέπει νά διδαχθοῦμε ἀπό τό παράδειγμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ καί ν’ἀναρωτηθοῦμε τί πρέπει νά κάνουμε γιά ἐκείνους πού ὑποφέρουν γύρω μας: Θά τούς κοιτάξουμε μέ περιφρόνηση, θά τούς προσπεράσουμε, θά τούς ἐγκαταλείψουμε ὡς νεκρούς, ὡς μιαρούς; Ἐπ’ οὐδενί, ἀδελφοί μου! Ἐμᾶς, οἱ ὁποῖοι εἴμεθα τό ποίμνιο τοῦ Χριστοῦ δέν μᾶς ἐπιτρέπεται ἀπό τόν Καλό Ποιμένα νά πράξουμε κατ’ αὐτόν τόν τρόπο, διότι Ἐκεῖνος ἀναζητᾶ ἐκείνους πού

uΣελίδα 18

Αγιασμός Υδάτων, Ευλογία Πιστών στον Κεράτιο Κόλπο ôïõ ΝΙΚΟΥ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑ

Για ενδέκατη φορά ευλογήθηκαν εφέτος του Κερατίου τα -ήδη- αγιονέρια με τον καθαγιασμό των Υδάτων ανήμερα της Μεγάλης Δεσποτικής Εορτής των Θεοφανείων. Στο Φανάρι τελέστηκε λαμπρή Πατριαρχική και Συνοδική Θεία Λειτουργία. Προεξήρχε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος, ο οποίος στο τέλος της Δοξολογίας τέλεσε την ακολουθία του Μεγάλου Αγιασμού, και συλλειτούργησαν οι Μητροπολίτες Γέρων Δέρκων Κωνσταντίνος, Περγάμου Ιωάννης, Προικοννήσου Ιωσήφ, Φιλαδελφείας Μελίτων, Σεβαστείας Δημήτριος, Ικονίου Θεόληπτος, Προύσης Ελπιδοφόρος και Κυδωνιών Αθηναγόρας. Στη Θεία Λειτουργία παρέστησαν συμπροσευχόμενοι οι Μητροπολίτες Πέργης Ευάγγελος, Θεοδωρουπόλεως Γερμανός και Καλλιουπόλεως και Μαδύτου Στέφανος, Πρωτοσυγκελλεύων. Την Βουλή των Ελλήνων εκπροσώπησε ο πρ. Υπουργός, Βουλευτής Καβάλας και Άρχων Οφφικίαλος του Θρόνου Γεώργιος Καλαντζής. Παρέστησαν, επίσης, Ο Γενικός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στην Πόλη, Πρέσβης Νικόλαος Ματθιουδάκης μαζί με τη σύζυγο του, κυρία Αικατερίνη Βαρβαρήγου, Πρόξενο της Ελλάδος στην Αδριανούπολη, η Βουλευτής Θεσσαλονίκης κυρία Έλενα Ράπτη, ο Άρχων και Καθηγητής της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών Κωνσταντίνος Δεληκωνσταντής, ως εκπρόσωπος των Αρχόντων στην Εορτή καθώς και άλλοι Άρχοντες και πλήθος πιστών από την Πόλη, την Ελλάδα και άλλες χώρες του Εξωτερικού που συνέρρευσαν για να συμμετάσχουν στον εορτασμό της Θείας Επιφανείας στο Κέντρο της Ορθοδοξίας. Πριν το πέρας της Θείας Λειτουργίας ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης, οι Αρχιερείς, οι κληρικοί της Πατριαρχικής Αυλής, οι επίσημοι και οι προσκυνητές, εν πομπή, μετέβησαν στην αποβάθρα του Φαναρίου όπου με συγκίνηση και μεγαλοπρέπεια τελέστηκε εκεί σύντομη ακολουθία, μέρος του Μεγάλου Αγιασμού. Στη συνέχεια ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος έρριψε τον Τίμιο Σταυρό στα παγωμένα νερά του Κερατίου. Περισσότεροι από 20 νέοι - αριθμός μεγαλύτερος από κάθε άλλη χρονιά

Φωτογραφίες ΝΙΚΟΣ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑΣ

- από την Πόλη και την Ελλάδα, περίμεναν υπομονετικά στα τρία πλοιάρια που έπλεαν απέναντι από την αποβάθρα. Αψηφώντας το δριμύ ψύχος και έχοντας θωρακισθεί με πίστη και προσήλωση στις αξίες και στα ιδανικά του

Γένους μας βούτηξαν στα παγωμένα νερά του Κερατίου κόλπου. Τελικά τον Σταυρό ανέσυρε από τη θάλασσα ο Λουκάς Κοκκίνης από την

uΣελίδα 19

Στην Ορκωμοσία Ομπάμα ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος

ΟΥΑΣΙΓΚΤΟΝ – Ο Πρόεδρος των ΗΠΑ B arack Ob ama και ο Αν τ ι π ρ ό ε δ ρ ο ς J o e B i d e n προσκάλεσαν τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχι επίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο να συμμετάσχει στην Ακολουθ ία Πρ ο σ ε υχής επί τη Προεδρική Ορκωμοσία, η οποία πραγματοποιήθηκε την την Τρίτη 22 Ιανουαρίου στις 10:30 π.μ. στον Εθνικό Καθεδρικό Ναό της Ουάσιγκτον (National Cathedral). Όπως συνέβη και σε πρ ο ηγ ο ύ μ ε ν ε ς Πρ ο ε δρ ι κ έ ς εκδηλώσεις ορκωμοσίας, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος βρέθηκε μεταξύ επιφανών εθνικών θρησκευτικών ηγετών οι οποίοι συμμετείχαν στην Εθνική Ακολουθία Προσευχής.

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Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

IANOYAΡΙΟΣ 2013

Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος: Ο Μεχμέτ Αλί Μπιράντ ήταν μια προσωπικότητα πολύ φωτισμένη, θαρραλέα και δημοκρατική

ôïõ ΝΙΚΟΥ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑ

Στην ξεχωριστή προσωπικότητα του αείμνηστου Μεχμέτ Αλι Μπιράντ αναφέρθηκε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος ο οποίος το Σάββατο 19 Ιανουαρίου παρέστη στην κηδεία του διάσημου τούρκου δημοσιογράφου. «Ο αείμνηστος Μεχμέτ Αλί Μπιράντ έφυγε πολύ νωρίς από αυτόν τον κόσμο μας, τον αποχωρίστηκε σε μια στιγμή κατά την οποίαν θα μπορούσε να προσφέρει ακόμη περισσότερα στην τουρκική κοινωνία, στη διεθνή κοινωνία, στη διεθνή ειρήνη», δήλωσε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος. «Θα διατηρούμε ζωντανή τη μνήμη του, θα τον αναζητούμε, θα τον νοσταλγούμε», είπε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης και συνέχισε αναφερόμενος στον Μεχμέτ Αλί Μπιράντ. «Ο αείμνηστος ήταν μια προσωπικότητα πολύ φωτισμένη, πολύ θαρραλέα και πολύ δημοκρατική. Στις επιθυμίες και στα προβλήματα των μειονοτήτων πάντοτε έδειξε θερμό ενδιαφέρον και συμπαράσταση. Όπως γνωρίζετε, στο τελευταίο του άρθρο την περασμένη Πέμπτη, αναφερόταν στη επαναλειτουργία της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης. Θα του είμεθα πάντοτε ευγνώμονες,

θα προσευχόμεθα για ‘κεινον πάντοτε, να είναι η ψυχή του αναπαυμένη αιώνια». Μεγάλη απώλεια Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης έκανε λόγο για μεγάλη απώλεια και υπογράμμισε πως η προσφορά του ήταν μεγάλη τόσο για την τουρκική κοινωνία όσο και για τη διεθνή κοινότητα. «Για όλους μας είναι μεγάλη απώλεια, ο πόνος μας είναι μεγάλος διότι τον εκλιπόντα τον αγαπούσαμε όλοι, τον εκτιμούσαμε πολύ. Ως προσωπικότητα και ως άνθρωπος των ΜΜΕ είχε μεγάλη προσφορά στην τουρκική κοινωνία, στη διεθνή κοινωνία και στη διεθνή ειρήνη. Και είχε να προσφέρει πολλά ακόμη, όμως άλλες ήταν οι βουλές του Θεού. Θα τον διατηρούμε στη μνήμη μας με τις καλύτερες αναμνήσεις, θα προσευχόμαστε για ‘κείνον», τόνισε ο Πατριάρχης ο οποίος δεν παρέλειψε ν’ αναφερθεί και στην τελευταία συνάντηση που είχε με τον Αλί Μπιράντ, στις 9 Ιανουαρίου, στο σπίτι του εκλιπόντος. Ο Αλί Μπιράντ, που μόλις είχε βγει από το νοσοκομείο, προσκάλεσε τον Πατριάρχη σε δείπνο, στο οποίο παρέστησαν μερικοί φίλοι του δημοσιογράφου, σε μια ξεχωριστά φιλόξενη βραδιά.

Στη Σχολή της Χάλκης “επιστρέφουν” τα 190 στρέμματα δάσους που την περιβάλλουν Την επιστροφή στο βακούφι της Ιεράς Μονής Αγίας Τριάδος Χάλκης, όπου βρίσκεται η ιστορική Θεολογική Σχολή, της δασικής έκτασης 190 στρεμμάτων που την περιβάλλει, αποφάσισε το Συμβούλιο της Γενικής Διεύθυνσης Βακουφίων. Πρόκειται μια εξαιρετικά σημαντική εξέλιξη καθώς με την απόφαση αυτή αποκαθίσταται η ιδιοκτησία της Μονής επί

της εκτάσεως που την περιβάλει, στην οποία βρίσκονται οι τάφοι των Οικουμενικών Πατριαρχών Κωνσταντίνου του Ε’ και Κυρίλλου του Ζ’. Απόφαση του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου είναι όπως η δασική έκταση παραμείνει χώρος πρασίνου. Υπενθυμίζεται ότι ο Οικουμενικός

Σελίδα 18

Συγκίνηση στην κηδεία Συγκίνηση προκάλεσε το απροσδόκητο ξέσπασμα της συζύγου του εκλιπόντος όταν αντίκρισε τον Πατριάρχη. Η κυρία Cemre Bırand παρά την ψύχραιμη στάση της μέχρι εκείνη τη στιγμή, ξέσπασε σε λυγμούς γοερό κλάμα στις συλλυπητήριες ευχές του Πατριάρχη, ακουμπώντας επάνω του, και ασπαζόμενη το χέρι του ενώ δίπλα της στεκόταν ο γιος της. Στην κηδεία παρέστησαν ο Πρόεδρος της Τουρκικής Δημοκρατίας Abdullah Gül, οι Αντιπρόεδροι της Κυβέρνησης Bülent Arınç και Hüseyin Çelik ο Πρόεδρος του Λαϊκού Ρεπουμπλικανικού Κόμματος Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, ο πρ. Πρωθυπουργός Mesut Yilmaz , Υπουργοί της Κυβέρνησης, ο Νομάρχης της Πόλης, Δήμαρχοι, Ακαδημαϊκοί, έγκριτοι συνάδελφοι του εκλιπόντος, ο Εκπρόσωπος των Μειονοτικών Ιδρυμάτων στο Δεκαπενταμελές Συμβούλιο της Γενικής Διεύθυνσης Βακουφίων στην Άγκυρα Παντελής Βίγκας, άλλοι επίσημοι και πλήθος κόσμου. Η κηδεία έγινε στο τέμενος Teşvikiye στην περιοχή του Νισάντασι. Το τελευταίο άρθρο του για τη Σχολή της Χάλκης Η α π ώ λ ε ι α το υ δ ι α κ ε κρ ι μ έ ν ο υ δημοσιογράφου συγκινεί τους ανθρώπους του πνεύματος που αγαπούν αληθινά και ανυπόκριτα το Φανάρι και τη Ρωμηοσύνη που αποτελεί τμήμα της Πόλης. Εξ΄άλλου ο ίδιος ομολογούσε πολλές φορές και με υπερηφάνεια ότι στήριζε τα δίκαια του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου σε καιρούς δύσκολους όταν ακόμη οι αλήθειες κι αν ακόμη διαπιστώνονταν εντούτοις δεν γράφονταν και δεν υποστηρίζονταν τουλάχιστον σε δημοσιογραφικό επίπεδο. Τον ενδιέφερε έντονα το ζήτημα της επαναλειτουργίας της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης τονίζοντας πως

Φωτογραφία: ΝΙΚΟΣ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑΣ

Η σύζυγος του εκλιπόντος, Cemre Bırand, δέχεται τις συλλυπητήριες ευχές του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου.

πρόκειται για ένα θέμα σπουδαίας σημασίας το οποίο οφείλει το κράτος να εξεύρει τρόπο να το επιλύσει αποδίδοντας με αυτόν τον τρόπο τη δικαιοσύνη στο Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο. Στο τελευταίο άρθρο του που αφορούσε στη Θεολογική Σχολή, στο κύκνειο άσμα της οξυδερκούς σκέψης και της οξυγράφου υπέρ της αληθείας πένας του, ο αλησμόνητος σημείωνε χαρακτηριστικά πως “η Τουρκία επιτυγχάνει τα δύσκολα και τα εύκολα δεν μπορεί να τα κάνει!”. Στο άρθρο αυτό εκφράζεται ρητά και κατηγορηματικά εναντίον της ανάγκης για αμοιβαιότητα Ελλάδας–Τουρκίας πάνω στο ζήτημα αυτό. Ο εκλιπών, παρά τα πολλά καθήκοντά και τις υποχρεώσεις του, πάντοτε έβρισκε τον χρόνο για να βρεθεί στο Φανάρι και να επισκεφθεί τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο στη δεξίωση της Θρονικής Εορτής του Αγίου Ανδρέου.

IANOYAΡΙΟΣ 2013

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Φωτογραφίες: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Ο Διευθυντής του Γραφείου Ελληνικής Παιδείας της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής Δρ. Ιωάννης Ευθυμιόπουλος (αριστερά) καλωσορίζει τους διδασκάλους (δεξιά) στο σεμινάριο.

Επιμορφωτικό Σεμινάριο Δασκάλων Ελληνικής Γλώσσας Την 1η Δεκεμβρίου 2012 πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Ελληνοαμερικανικό Σχολείο του Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας επιμορφωτικό εκπαιδευτικό Σεμινάριο για όλους τους δασκάλους των σχολείων της Αρχιεπισκοπής της Νέας Υόρκης που διδάσκουν Ελληνικά. Το θέμα της επιμόρφωσης ήταν «Δειγματικές διδασκαλίες από τη σειρά των βιβλίων της Αρχιεπισκοπής ‘Τα Ελληνικά μου’, τα οποία διδάσκονται στα Κοινοτικά σχολεία της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής ως και σε Σχολεία άλλων φορέων. Στο Σεμινάριο το οποίο είχε μεγάλη επιτυχία συμμετείχαν 115 δάσκαλοι, οι οποίοι παρακολούθησαν με ιδιαίτερη προσοχή τις δειγματικές διδασκαλίες που στόχευαν να βοηθήσουν το έργο των δασκάλων στη διδακτική τους πρακτική. Την έναρξη του Σεμιναρίου ευλόγησε ο Ιερατικώς προϊστάμενος της Κοινότηατς του Αγίου Δημητρίου, Αρχιμανδρίτης π. Νεκτάριος Παπαζαφειρόπουλος. Ο Διευθυντής Παιδείας Δρ. Ιωάννης Ευθυμιόπουλος καλωσόρισε τους δασκάλους και τα μέλη των Σχολικών επιτροπών, μετέφερε την αγάπη και τις ευλογίες του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου και στη συνέχεια παρουσίασε όλα τα βιβλία της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά μου», τα οποία

έχουν εκδοθεί ως τώρα. Ακόμη τους ενημέρωσε ότι με τη νέα σχολική χρονιά θα παραλάβουν και το 1ο βιβλίο της σειράς του Τρίτου επιπέδου. Ακόμη τα CDs όλων των βιβλίων που ήδη έχουν γραφεί με τον μουσικοσυνθέτη Νίκο Πιτλόγλου θα αποσταλλούν σύντομα στα Σχολεία τους. Στην πρώτη παρουσίαση εισηγήτρια της ενότητας «Το Σχολείο μου» ήταν η βοηθός του Διευθυντή Παιδείας και μέλος της συγγραφικής ομάδας των βιβλίων κ. Μαρία Τελειοπούλου. Η εισηγήτρια ανέπτυξε με παιδαγωγικό παραστατικό τρόπο και μεθοδικότητα την παραπάνω ενότητα παροτρύνοντας τους δασκάλους να μπορούν να χρησιμοποιούν με επικοινωνιακούς τρόπους να διδάσκουν και να αναλύουν το μάθημα ώστε να γίνεται κατανοητό από τους μαθητές. Παρουσίασε δε με δεξιότητα πώς η ίδια διδάσκει στο Σχολείο του Rye που εργάζεται κάθε Σάββατο. Η καλή προετοιμασία και η κατανόηση της διδακτέας ύλης, είπε χαρακτηριστικά η κ. Τελειοπούλου, αποτελεί και το κλειδί μιας καλής «ζωντανής διδασκαλίας», ώστε να παίρνουμε άριστα αποτελέσματα. Στη συνέχεια απάντησε ερωτήσεις από τους δασκάλους που παρακολούθησαν με

εξαιρετικό ενδιαφέρον τη διδασκαλία. Η δεύτερη εισήγηση ήταν από το 2ο βιβλίο του Δευτέρου επιπέδου με θέμα «Επίσκεψη στην Αρχαία Ολυμπία». Ο εισηγητής κ. Ιωάννης Γιαβάρας μέλος της συγγραφικής ομάδας και δάσκαλος στο ελληνοαμερικάνικο Σχολείο «Δημήτριος και Γεωργία Καλοειδή», παρουσίασε τη θεματική ενότητα με σαφήνεια και μεθοδικότητα δίνοντας τους διδακτικούς στόχους στους οποίους πρέπει να επικεντρωθεί μια διδασκαλία. Παράλληλα με τη διδασκαλία της Γραμματικής και του συντακτικού έδωσε ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στα πολιτιστικά, στο πνεύμα των Ολυμπιακών αγώνων και την ιδέα του Ολυμπισμού. Κλείνοντας την εισήγησή του τόνισε ότι η επανάληψη για τους μαθητές μας είναι ο καλύτερος τρόπος μάθησης. Ακούστηκαν δυο τραγούδια που αναφέρονται στο πνεύμα των ολυμπιακών αγώνων – από τους ψηφιακούς δίσκους (CD) που έχει ετοιμάσει το Τμήμα της Ελληνικής Παιδείας που περιλαμβάνονται στο 2ο βιβλιο της σειράς του Δευτέρου επιπέδου. Η τελευταία δειγματική διδασκαλία έγινε από τον Διευθυντή Ελληνικής Παιδείας Δρ. Ιωάννη Ευθυμιόπουλο από την ενότητα

Στην Ορκομωσία Ομπάμα ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος Σελίδα 15 Η τελετή αυτή αποτελεί παράδοση η οποία καθιερώθηκε από την εποχή της ορκωμοσίας του πρώτου προέδρου των Η.Π.Α. Τζορτζ Ουάσιγκτον. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος ανέπεμψε δεήσεις υπέρ υγείας και επιτυχούς υπηρεσίας του Προέδρου, του Αντιπροέδρου και υπέρ υγείας των οικογενειών των, των άλλων ηγετών του Αμερικανικού Έθνους και του Αμερικανικού λαού. Τη ν π ρ ο η γ ο υ μ έ ν η , η μ έ ρ α τ η ς Προεδρικής Ορκωμοσίας, 21 Ιανουαρίου 2 0 1 3 , ο Αρ χ ι ε π ί σ κ ο π ο ς Δ η μ ήτρ ι ο ς παρακολούθησε μεταξύ άλλων επισήμων την τελετή και την ομιλία του Αμερικανού Προέδρου από την προεδρική εξέδρα μπροστά στο Καπιτώλιο. Αμέσως μετά παρακάθησε στο επίσημο γεύμα προς τιμήν του Προέδρου Barack Obama και του Αντιπροέδρου Joe Biden όπου και ανέπεμψε την ευχαριστήρια δέηση. Αυτή η ειδική τιμή έγινε κατόπιν προσκλήσεως του προεδρεύοντος της Μεικτής Επιτροπής του Αμερικανικού Κογκρέσου για τις τελετές της Προεδρικής Ορκωμο σίας, Γερ ου σιαστή της Νέας Υόρκης Charles Ε. Schumer.

Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Την Κυριακή 6 Ιανουαρίου ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος προεξήρχε της τελετής του αγιασμού των υδάτων και της κατάδυσης του Τιμίου Σταυρού στο Τάρπον Σπρινγκς της πολιτείας της Φλόριντα, συνεχίζοντας μια παράδοση πολλών δεκαετιών, η οποία προσελκύει Ελληνορθόδοξους πιστούς, αλλά και τουρίστες από κάθε μεριά της Αμερικής, προκειμένου να δουν το όμορφο θέαμα αλλα και να το νιώσουν με θρησκευτική κατάνυξη. Πριν την πομπή προς το Σπρινγκ Μπαγιού, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος συλλειτούργησε με τους Μητροπολίτες Ατλάντας Αλέξιο και Δαρδανελλίων Νικήτα στον ιστορικό Καθεδρικό Ναό του Αγίου Νικολάου Τάρπον Σπρινγκς. Την τελετή παρακολούθησαν πλήθος κόσμου, μεταξύ των οποίων και ο ομοσπονδιακός βουλευτής Κώστας Μπιλιράκης. Φέτος βούτηξαν 48 νέοι προκειμένου να ανασύρουν το σταυρό και τυχερός αναδείχθηκε ο 16χρονος Βασίλης Harding, με καταγωγή από τη Χάλκη της Δωδεκανήσου.

«Ανθολόγιο» του 2ου βιβλίου του Δευτέρου επιπέδου. Ο εισηγητής ανέλυσε με γλαφυρότητα το περιεχόμενο της ενότητας, η οποία όπως χαρακτήρισε ο ίδιος αποτελεί μια καινοτομία σε βιβλία διδασκαλίας της Ελληνικής γλώσσας. Κατά τη διάρκεια της διδασκαλίας του αναφέρθηκε στον τρόπο χρήσης των ποιημάτων και αποσπασμάτων από διηγήματα που περιλαμβάνονται στην θεματική ενότητα. «Μπορείτε να παίρνετε από το «Ανθολόγιο» κομμάτια, τα οποία θα χρησιμοποιείτε εμβόλιμα, ώστε να διανθίζετε τη διδασκαλία σας», είπε χαρακτηριστικά και χρησιμοποίησε μεθόδους διδακτικής ώστε να έχουν πρακτική εφαρμογή για να βοηθήσουν το έργο του δασκάλου. Κατά τη διάρκεια της διδασκαλίας του έδωσε ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στο μέρος εκείνο, που αναφέρεται ως αφιέρωμα στην Κύπρο και παρότρυνε τους δασκάλους να διδάσκουν και να αναφέρονται στο πρόβλημα της Κύπρου ώστε να γίνουν οι ίδιοι κήρυκες και πρεσβευτές του Κυπριακού προβλήματος. Εξηγώντας ακόμη κατά την πορεία της διδασκαλίας του το περιεχόμενο του «Ανθολογίου» τόνισε, «ότι η διδασκαλία της Ελληνικής γλώσσας πρέπει να γίνεται σωστά. Η εύκολη διδασκαλία, η αποτροπή από τη γραμματική και το συντακτικό είναι μείζον λάθος και αποτελεί ασέλγεια στην ελληνική γλώσσα». «Οφείλουμε να διδάξουμε τα παιδιά να μάθουν να μιλάνε απλά και σωστά», συνέχισε. Έκλεισε τη διδασκαλία του με ένα τραγούδι από το ποίημα του Οδυσσέα Ελύτη «Το τρελοβάπορο». Ο κ. Ευθυμιόπουλος απάντησε σε ερωτήσεις και ευχαρίστησε όλους για τη μεγάλη συμμετοχή τους, αλλά και το ενδιαφέρον που παρακολούθησαν το επιμορφωτικό σεμινάριο. Τε λ ε ι ών ον τα ς ε υχαρ ί σ τ η σ ε τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο για το ενδιαφέρον και τη στήριξή του στο πρόγραμμα της έκδοσης των βιβλίων «Τα Ελληνικά μου» εκφράζοντας συγχρόνως και την ευγνωμοσύνη τους προς το FAITH για την χρηματοδότηση και γεναιόδωρη προσφορά του. Ο Διευθυντής Παιδείας κ. Ευθυμιόπουλος, διαβεβαίωσε τους δασκάλους ότι με τη νέα χρονιά θα γίνουν επισκέψεις όπου θα γίνουν δειγματικές διδασκαλίες σε ομάδες σχολείων ενώ ένα παρόμοιο σεμινάριο θα επαναληφθεί τον Μάιο για το καινούριο βιβλίο της σειράς. Ευχαρίστησε τους δύο εισηγητές την κ. Μαρία Τελειοπούλου και τον κ. Ιωάννη Γιαβάρα για την άρτια και παιδαγωγικά μεθοδική εισήγησή τους καταθέτοντας και τις προσωπικές τους εμπειρίες ως και τον Διευθυντή του Ελληνοαμερικάνικου Σχολείου Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας κ. Αναστάσιο Κουλαρμάνη, αλλά και τον πρόεδρο της Σχολικής Επιτροπής κ. Νικόλαο Ανδριώτη για την εξαιρετική βοήθεια και διευκόλυνση για την πραγματοποίηση του Σεμιναρίου.

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ Σελίδα 15 ἔχουν παραστρατήσει, ἀναζητᾶ ἐκείνους πού χάθηκαν καί ἐνισχύει τούς ἀδυνάτους (Ὁμιλία περί τῆς Ἀγάπης πρός τούς Πτωχούς). Τρίτον, αὐτοί οἱ σοφοί ποιμένες μᾶς ὁδηγοῦν νά δοῦμε τίς πνευματικές ἐπιπτώσεις τῶν πράξεών μας πρός τούς ἄλλους. Αὐτό δέν ἀφορᾶ μόνον στίς εὐλογίες τῆς γενναιοδωρίας, ἀλλά καί στήν σωτηρία μας. Ὁ Ἅγιος Ἰωάννης Χρυσόστομος λέγει ἁπλῶς καί εὐθέως: Ἡ ἐλεημοσύνη εἶναι τέχνη καί καλύτερη ἀπ’ ὅλες τίς τέχνες... Προσφέρει ζωή αἰώνια... (Ὁμιλία 49 – Στό κατά Ματθαῖον Εὐαγγελίου). Ὁ δέ Ἅγιος Γρηγόριος χρησιμοποιεῖ τίς διδασκαλίες τοῦ Χριστοῦ περί τῆς Ἐσχάτης Κρίσεως (Ματθ. 25:31-46) γιά νά τονίσῃ: Ἄς ὑποδεχθοῦμε τόν Χριστό, ἄς τιμήσουμε τόν Χριστό ... Προσφέρουμε σέ Αὐτόν διά τῶν πτωχῶν καί αὐτῶν οἱ ὁποῖοι εἶναι διεσπαρμένοι σ’ ὁλόκληρη τήν γῆ, ἔτσι ὥστε, ὅταν ἀναχωρήσουμε ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, θά μᾶς ὑποδεχθοῦν στήν αἰώνια κατοικία μέ τόν ἴδιο τόν Χριστό (Ὁμιλία περί τῆς Ἀγάπης πρός τούς Πτωχούς). Ὅταν ἀναλογιζόμεθα αὐτές τίς μεγάλες διδασκαλίες περί Χριστιανικῆς φιλανθρωπίας σέ συνδυασμό μέ τόν ἑορτασμό τῆς Ἡμέρας τῶν Ἑλληνικῶν Γραμμάτων, βλέπουμε τήν σημασία τοῦ ὑπερόχου καί ὡραιοτάτου τρόπου διά τοῦ ὁποίου οἱ τρεῖς αὐτοί Ἱεράρχες μᾶς καθοδηγοῦν στό νά φροντίζουμε ἐκείνους οἱ ὁποῖοι ἔχουν ἀνάγκη. Ἡ κομψότητα καί ἡ εὐρύτητα μέ τήν ὁποία χρησιμοποιοῦν τήν Ἑλληνική Γλώσσα ἀποτελεῖ μαρτυρία τῆς δυνάμεως τῆς ἀνθρώπινης ἐκφράσεως στήν ἐπιβεβαίωση τῆς ἀληθείας καί στήν προσπάθεια κατανοήσεως ἐκ μέρους μας τοῦ αὐθεντικοῦ καί αἰωνίου. Ἐπίσης στίς διδασκαλίες των περί ἀγάπης καί φιλανθρωπίας, προσέδωσαν στή γλώσσα πλοῦτο ὁ ὁποῖος ἔχει πρακτικότητα. Συνέδεσαν ἰδέες καί γλωσσικές ἐκφράσεις μέ πράξεις. Μέσα ἀπό τήν περίτεχνη χρήση τῆς γλώσσας, κάλεσαν τούς πάντας στήν ὑπηρεσία τῶν ἄλλων. Κατ’ αὐτό τόν τρόπο καί ἐπί πολλῶν θεμάτων, οἱ Τρεῖς Ἱεράρχες ἐπιβεβαίωσαν τήν σημασία τῆς Γλώσσας στή σχέση πίστεως καί μαθήσεως, πίστεως καί ὑψηλῶν μορφῶν τῆς ἀνθρώπινης ἐκφράσεως. Ἡ μαρτυρία, τά δῶρα, ἡ πίστη καί ἡ λογοτεχνική κληρονομία των ἀποτελοῦν λόγους γιά τούς ὁποίους συνδυάζουμε τήν Ἑορτή των μέ τήν Ἡμέρα Ἑλληνικῶν Γραμμάτων καί λόγος γιά τόν ὁποῖον πρέπει νά τιμῶνται καί μνημονεύονται σέ κάθε ἐκδήλωση ἑορτασμοῦ ὑψηλῆς ποιότητος λογοτεχνίας. Καθώς ἀνακαλύπτουμε πνευματική καθοδήγηση στίς διδασκαλίες τοῦ Μεγάλου Βασιλείου, τοῦ Γρηγορίου καί τοῦ Ἰωάννου Χρυσοστόμου, εἴθε ἐπίσης νά ἀποδίδουμε τιμή στήν πνευματική καί γλωσσική δεινότητά των τήν ὁποίαν ἔθεσαν στήν ὑπηρεσία τοῦ Χριστοῦ καί τῆς Ἐκκλησίας Του. Ἐμπνεόμεθα ἀληθῶς ἀπό τούς λόγους καί τά παραδείγματά των γιά νά προσφέρουμε θαλπωρή, θεραπεία, φροντίδα καί ἀγάπη στούς ἄλλους. Εἴθε ἐπίσης, μέσα ἀπό τήν μαρτυρία των νά προσφέρουμε τήν ἀλήθεια τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου, τήν δύναμη καί ὡραιότητα τῆς Γλώσσας καί τίς εὐλογίες τῆς αἰώνιας κοινωνίας μέ τόν Θεό. Μετά πατρικῶν εὐχῶν καί ἀγάπης ἐν Κυρίῳ,

† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

ΓΕΓΟΝΟΤΑ & ΝΕΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΚΟΣΜΟ Ἡ Ἑορτή τῆς Πρώτης τοῦ Νέου Ἔτους Μετά ἐκκλησιαστικῆς εὐπρεπείας καί τάξεως ἑωρτάσθη ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις ἡ εἴσοδος εἰς τό νέον σωτήριον ἔτος 2013. Κατά τόν τελεσθέντα ἐν τῷ Π. Πατριαρχικῷ Ναῷ Μ. Ἑσπερινόν τῆς παραμονῆς, Δευτέρας, 31ης Δεκεμβρίου, ἐχοροστάτησαν μετά τῆς Α. Θ. Παναγιότητος, τοῦ Πατριάρχου, οἱ Σεβ. Μητροπολῖται Γέρων Νικαίας κ. Κωνσταντῖνος, Γέρων Χαλκηδόνος κ. Ἀθανάσιος, Γέρων Δέρκων κ. Ἀπόστολος, Πέργης κ. Εὐάγγελος, Θεοδωρουπόλεως κ. Γερμανός, Τρανουπόλεως κ. Γερμανός, Πριγκηποννήσων κ. Ἰάκωβος, Φιλαδελφείας κ. Μελίτων, Σεβαστείας κ. Δημήτριος, Μυριοφύτου καί Περιστάσεως κ. Εἰρηναῖος, Μύρων κ. Χρυσόστομος, Σασίμων κ. Γεννάδιος, Ἰκονίου κ. Θεόληπτος, Καλλιουπόλεως καί Μαδύτου κ. Στέφανος, Προύσης κ. Ἐλπιδοφόρος καί Κυδωνιῶν κ. Ἀθηναγόρας. Παρέστησαν συμπροσευχόμενοι ὁ Θεοφιλ. Ἐπίσκοπος Συνάδων κ. Διονύσιος καί πιστοί ἐντεῦθεν καί ἐκ τοῦ ἐξωτερικοῦ. Μετά τό πέρας τοῦ Ἑσπερινοῦ, ὁ Πατριάρχης ἐδέχθη τούς ἁγίους Ἀρχιερεῖς, μετά τῶν ὁποίων ἀντήλλαξε τόν ἑόρτιον ἀσπασμόν καί προσρήσεις, καί εὐλογήσας ἔκοψε καί διένειμεν αὐτοῖς τήν Ἁγιοβασιλόπιτταν. Τό χρυσοῦν νόμισμα ἔλαχεν εἰς τό τεμάχιον τοῦ Σεβ. Μητροπολίτου Τρανουπόλεως κ. Γερμανοῦ. Ἐπηκολούθησεν ἐν τῷ Πατριαρχικῷ Γραφείῳ, κατά τό ἔθος, ἡ ἐπίσημος ἀκρόασις τῆς Πατριαρχικῆς Αὐλῆς, καθ᾿ἥν, ἐξ ὀνόματος τῶν κληρικῶν καί λαϊκῶν ὑπαλλήλων αὐτῆς,

προσεφώνησε τήν Α. Θ. Παναγιότητα, τόν Πατριάρχην, ὁ Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Καλλιουπόλεως καί Μαδύτου κ. Στέφανος, Πρωτοσυγκελλεύων, καί ἀντεφώνησεν ὁ Πατριάρχης. Ἐν συνεχείᾳ, ὑπέβαλον τά ἑόρτια σεβάσματα αὐτῶν οἱ Πατριαρχικοί ὑπάλληλοι. Εἶτα ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ Αἰθούσῃ τοῦ Θρόνου ἡ τελετή τῆς κοπῆς τῆς πίττας τῆς Πατριαρχικῆς Αὐλῆς ὑπό τοῦ Πατριάρχου, εὐχηθέντος εἰς ἅπαντας εὐλογημένον τό νέον ἔτος, ἐνῷ οἱ μαθηταί τῆς Πατριαρχικῆς Μεγάλης τοῦ Γένους Σχολῆς ἔψαλον τά πατροπαράδοτα κάλαντα καί ἄλλα ἑόρτια ᾄσματα. Τό χρυσοῦν νόμισμα εἰς τόν Ἐντιμ. κ. Παρασκευᾶν Μαΐν, Ὑπάλληλον τῶν Πατριαρχείων. Τό ἑσπέρας, ὁ Πατριάρχης συνεδείπνησε, κατά τήν τηρουμένην ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις τάξιν, μετά τῶν ἐσωκατακοίλων κληρικῶν τῆς Πατριαρχικῆς Αὐλῆς. Τήν Τρίτην, 1ην Ἰανουαρίου 2013, ἐπί τῇ Ἑορτῇ τῆς κατά σάρκα Περιτομῆς τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καί τῇ ἱερᾷ μνήμῃ τοῦ ἐν Ἁγίοις πατρός ἡμῶν Βασιλείου τοῦ Μεγάλου, ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης, ὁ Πατριάρχης, ἐχοροστάτησεν ἐν τῷ Π. Πατριαρχικῷ Ναῷ κατά τήν τελεσθεῖσαν ἐν αὐτῷ Θείαν Λειτουργίαν, ἐν συγχοροστασίᾳ μετά τῶν Σεβ. Μητροπολιτῶν Νικαίας κ. Κωνσταντίνου, Θεοδωρουπόλεως κ. Γερμανοῦ, Φιλαδελφείας κ. Μελίτωνος Σεβαστείας κ. Δημητρίου, Καλλιουπόλεως καί Μαδύτου κ. Στεφάνου, καί Κυδωνιῶν κ. Ἀθηναγόρου.

Ο Μεχμέτ Αλί Αγκτσά στον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη ôïõ ΝΙΚΟΥ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑ

Επίσκεψη στον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο πραγματοποίησε το μεσημέρι της Δευτέρας, 7 Ιανουαρίου, ο Μεχμέτ Αλί Αγκτσά ο οποίος το 1981 είχε αποπειραθεί να δολοφονήσει τον Πάπα Ιωάννη Παύλο Β’. Ο Μεχμέτ Αλί Αγκτσά εξέφρασε την επιθυμία να επισκεφθεί το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο και να συναντηθεί με τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη. Στην ολιγόλεπτη συνομιλία τους ο Αγκτσά δήλωσε στον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη

πως κατά τη διάρκεια των τριάντα χρόνων που παρέμεινε στις ιταλικές και τουρκικές φυλακές διάβασε πολλά βιβλία αλλά και το Ευαγγέλιο. Ο Αγκτσά έδωσε στον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη μια φωτογραφία του με τον Πάπα Ιωάννη Παύλο Β’, από την συνάντησή τους, το 1983, στις ιταλικές φυλακές όπου κρατούνταν. Υπενθυμίζεται ότι ο Μεχμέτ Αλί Αγκτσά αποπειράθηκε να δολοφονήσει τον Πάπα της Ρώμης κατά τη διάρκεια ανοιχτής ακρόασης στην Πλατεία του Αγίου Πέτρου τον Μάιο του 1981. Καταδικάστηκε σε ισόβια κάθειρξη

IANOYAΡΙΟΣ 2013

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος κάλεσε τους πιστούς να προσευχηθούν για τα θύματα της σφαγής ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Στο άκουσμα των φρικτών ειδήσεων της τερατώδους μαζικής δολοφονίας στο Δημοτικό Σχολείο Sandy Hook του Newtown του Κονέκτικατ, που προκάλεσε τον τραγικό και άδικο θάνατο 26 ανθρώπων, οι περισσότεροι των οποίων ήταν μικρά παιδιά, ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος επικοινώνησε αμέσως με τον π. Πέτρο Καρλούτσο, ιερέα του Ελληνορθόδοξου Ναού της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου στο Danbury του Κονέκτικατ, που βρίσκεται κοντά στον τόπο σχολείο Sandy Hook. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος εξέφρασε τον έντονο πόνο του, την βαθιά του λύπη και την μεγάλη του ανησυχία για το τρομερό συμβάν και τις τρομερές επιπτώσεις στην τοπική κοινωνία και πρόσφερε κάθε δυνατή συμπαράσταση εκ μέρους της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος είπε ότι πρόκειται για ένα έγκλημα απίστευτου χαρακτήρα και μεγέθους, μια ειδεχθή πράξη, το είδος της οποίας η κοινωνία μας πρέπει να αγωνιστεί σκληρά για να εμποδίσει και να απαλείψει. Επιπλέον αμέσως κάλεσε του πιστούς της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής ανά την επικράτεια, να προσευχηθούν με θέρμη και πίστη για την από Θεού στήριξη και παρηγορία προς όλους τους ανθρώπους και τις οικογένειες που υποφέρουν και για την ανάπαυση των ψυχών των αθώων θυμάτων της φοβερής αυτής τραγωδίας. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Δημήτριος ματαίωσε την προγραμματισμένη ποιμαντική επίσκεψη του στον Ιερό Ναό των Αρχαγγέλων στο Stamford του Κονέντικατ κι επισκέφθηκε τον Ελληνορθόδοξο Ιερό Ναό της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου στο Danbury, προσφέροντας ποιμαντική μέριμνα κι ανακούφιση στους ανθρώπους της περιοχής, συμπροσευχόμενος μαζί τους κατά τη Θεία Λειτουργία. στην Ιταλία αλλά του δόθηκε χάρη από τον ΠρόεδροΤσιάμπιτο 2000. Το 1983 τον είχε επισκεφθεί στη φυλακή ο Πάπας. Παραμένει μυστικό τι ειπώθηκε μεταξύ τους σε αυτήν τη συνάντηση, ωστόσο δημοσιογραφικές πληροφορίες της εποχής ανέφεραν ότι ο Πάπας τον συγχώρησε για την πράξη του. Επέστρεψε στην Τουρκία, όπου φυλακίστηκε για τη δολοφονία του δημοσιογράφου Αμπντί Ιπεκτσί. Αποφυλακίστηκε με αναστολή στις 12 Ιανουαρίου 2006 αλλά το Τουρκικό Ανώτατο Δικαστήριο αναίρεσε την απόφαση και οδηγήθηκε ξανά στην φυλακή στις 20 Ιανουαρίου 2006. Η οριστική αποφυλάκιση του έγινε στις 18 Ιανουαρίου 2010.

Στη Σχολή της Χάλκης “επιστρέφουν” τα 190 στρέμματα δάσους που την περιβάλλουν Σελίδα 16 Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος πολλές φορές κατά το παρελθόν, αναφερόμενος στην υπόθεση της Θεολογικής Σχολής, έχει υπογραμμίσει ότι αποτελεί ζήτημα θρησκευτικής ελευθερίας και όχι θέμα που συνδέεται με τις σχέσεις Τουρκίας-Ελλάδος. Να σημειωθεί πως στο 15μελές Συμβούλιο της Γενικής Διεύθυνσης Βακουφίων, η οποία εδρεύει στην Άγκυρα, συμμετέχει ως αιρετός εκπρόσωπος όλων των μη μουσουλμανικών μειονοτικών ιδρυμάτων ο δραστήριος ομογενής κ.Παντελής Βίγκας.

Φωτογραφία: ΝΙΚΟΣ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑΣ

Η Θεολογική Σχολή της Χάλκης και μέρος του πυκνού δάσους που την περιβάλλει.

IANOYAΡΙΟΣ 2013

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Του ΛΕΥΤΕΡΗ ΠΙΣΣΑΛΙΔΗ

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.- 87 χρόνια λειτουργίας και υπηρεσίας στην ομογενειακή νεολαία της Αμερικής κλείνει φέτος το Σχολείο της κοινότητος του Αγίου Δημητρίου -το οποίο ξεκίνησε τη λειτουργία του με άδεια κι ευλογία του πρώην Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής Αλεξάνδρου άρχικά άτυπα την 18η Δεκεμβρίου του 1923 στο παρεκκλήσι του Αγίου Αθανασίου στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής που βρισκόταν τότε στην Οδό 30th Drive όταν ιδρύθηκε η μεγαλόνυμη Ελληνορθόδοξη κοινότητα της Αστόριας, αλλά κι επίσημα τον Σεπτέμβριο του 1957 με 267 μαθητές, από τις τάξεις του νηπιαγωγείου, μέχρι και την ογδόη. Συμμετέχοντας στους εορτασμούς των 87 χρόνων λειτουργίας του Καθεδρικού Ναού Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας, ο «ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ» σε συνεργασία με το Γραφείο Εκπαίδευσης της Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφερείας και τη Διευθύντρια κ. Μαρία Μακεδών, επισκέφθηκε τα σχολεία της Αστόριας, μίλησε με τους διευθυντές τους και τον ιερατικώς προϊστάμενο της κοινότητας, για το μόνο Ελληνορθόδοξο Εκπαιδευτήριο πρωτοβάθμιας και δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης που ανήκει στην Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής (διαθέτει νηπιαγωγείο, δημοτικό και εξατάξιο γυμνάσιο-λύκειο). Για τα σχολεία του Αγίου Δημητρίου-Αγίων Αικατερίνης και Γεωργίου που υπάγονται στην κοινότητα του Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας, μίλησαν οι Αναστάσιος Κουλαρμάνης, διευθυντής–λυκειάρχης, Τσαμπίκα Σιδέρη, υποδιευθύντρια και ο Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος της κοινότητας, Αρχιμανδρίτης Νεκτάριος Παπαζαφειρόπουλος. * Τσαμπίκα ‘Μπέτσυ’ Σιδέρη (υποδιευθύντρια, υπεύθυνη νηπιαγωγείου και των πρώτων τάξεων του Δημοτικού Σχολείου του Ναού των Αγίων Αικατερίνης και Γεωργίου Αστορίας) «Εκλεισα 27 χρόνια υπηρεσίας στον Αγιο Δημήτριο, από τα οποία τα 15 ως υποδιευθύντρια», είπε η κ. Σιδέρη, τονίζοντας «έχω την καλύτερη εμπειρία της ζωής μου εδώ, από τα παιδιά κι από τους γονείς, προσφέροντας τους ό,τι καλύτερο μπορούν να επιθυμήσουν για την εκπαίδευση των παιδιών τους, από τη μια τον Ελληνοχριστιανικό πολιτισμό, τη γλώσσα, ήθη κι έθιμα, κι από την άλλη τα υποχρεωτικά μαθήματα κι ό,τι άλλο ορίζει η πολιτεία της Νέας Υόρκης για την εκπαίδευση. Επίσης να σας πω, πως παρόλο που πολλά παιδιά πετυχαίνουν υψηλή βαθμολογία στα τεστ και μπορούν να περάσουν σε άλλα ειδικά σχολεία της πόλης μας, παρόλα αυτά παραμένουν και τελειώνουν το γυμνάσιο και το λύκειο του Αγίου Δημητρίου. Μόνο μερικά παιδιά που πετυχαίνουν υψηλή βαθμολογία σε ειδικευμένα Γυμνάσια και Λύκεια ίσως φύγουν από τον Αγιο Δημήτριο». Στην ερώτησή μας αναφορικά στο εάν αυξάνεται, μειώνεται ή παραμένει σταθερό το ποσοστό των μαθητών ανά έτος στο σχολείο των Αγίων Αικατερίνης και Γεωργίου, η κ. Σιδέρη απάντησε πως «το χρόνο αυτό το ποσοστό αυξήθηκε κατά 60 παιδιά, πέρυσι είχαμε 285 και φέτος 345, από τα οποία περίπου 10 ήρθαν με τους γονείς τους από την Ελλάδα», γεγονός που προκαλεί ενδιαφέρον για το πως βλέπουν οι Ελληνοαμερικάνοι γονείς το θέμα της γενικής εκπαίδευσης των τέκνων τους. «Αλλά τα περισσότερα παιδιά που φοιτούν στα σχολεία μας εδώ έχουν ή είχαν κάποιο συγγενή ή γνωστό ή οικογενειακό φίλο που είτε ήταν οι ίδιοι μαθητές, ή όπως συμβαίνει στις περισσότερες περιπτώσεις είναι τα παιδιά τους. Αυτή είναι να σας πω και η καλύτερη διαφήμιση για το σχολείο μας, παλιοί μαθητές μας να φέρνουν και τα παιδιά τους, σας το λέω γιατί θεωρώ τον εαυτό μου τυχερό που βλέπω σήμερα γύρω στους 50 μαθητές μου της 4ης Δημοτικού των οποίων είχα και τους γονείς τους μαθητές μου πριν από χρόνια. Είναι συγκινητικό μα και ταυτόχρονα ελπιδοφόρο. Και οι γονείς τους οι περισσότεροι επιτυχημένοι με δικές τους επιχειρήσεις, γραφεία, εταιρίες, εστιατόρια, κ.λπ, πράγμα που αποδεικνύει και το καλό έργο του σχολείου μας, το οποίο είναι και το μεγαλύτερο της Αρχιεπισκοπής. Για να μπορέσει ένας μαθητής να φοιτήσει στα σχολεία του Αγίου Δημητρίου, πρέπει να είναι βαπτισμένος Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανός, γιαυτό κι έχουμε μερικά παιδιά Σερβικής, Ρουμανικής και

Φωτογραφία: ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

Ο ιερατικώς προϊστάμενος της κοινότητας Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας, Αρχιμανδρίτης Νεκτάριος Παπαζαφειρόπουλος (κέντρο) με τους μαθητές των πρώτων τάξεων του Δημοτικού Σχολείου στον Ιερό Ναό των Αγίων Αικατερίνης και Γεωργίου, την υποδιευθύντρια Μπέτσυ Σιδέρη, (δεξιά), τις δασκάλες και την Μαρία Μακεδών, διευθύντρια του Γραφείου Παιδείας της Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφερείας (αριστερά).

Σχολεία Κοινότητας Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας:

87 χρόνια στην υπηρεσία της Ομογένειας Ρωσικής καταγωγής. Να δείτε πως τα παιδιά αυτά μαθαίνουν την ελληνική γλώσσα», ανέφερε η κ. Σιδέρη. * Αναστάσιος Κουλαρμάνης (Διευθυντής Λυκείου Αγίου Δημητρίου) «Δεν μπορώ να καταλάβω γιατί μερικοί Ελληνες γονείς μετά από τόσα χρόνια επιτυχιών σε κάθε τομέα, ακόμη δεν έχουν πιστεί και εξακολουθούν να στέλνουν τα παιδιά τους σε καθολικά σχολεία, κι οχι στα δικά μας όπως του Αγίου Δημητρίου ή του Αγίου Νικολάου στο Φλάσινγκ που είναι αναγνωρισμένα εξαιρετικά σχολεία, ο Αγιος Νικόλαος στέλνει τόσα παιδιά σε ειδικευμένα κι αναγνωρισμένα σχολεία δια μέσου των εκπαιδευτικών του προγραμμάτων», αναρωτήθηκε ο επί σειρά 14 ετών Διευθυντής του Λυκείου Αγίου Δημητρίου, κ. Αναστάσιος Κουλαρμάνης. Το πρόβλημα αυτό, όπως τόνισε, ξεκινά κατά τη διάρκεια της εφηβείας και της φοίτησης στο γυμνάσιο. «Κι αυτό είναι πολύ λυπηρό, να βλέπεις τον ανθό της Ελληνοαμερικανικής νεολαίας να απομακρύνεται από τα σχολεία μας, και να φοιτά στα καθολικά, ενώ εμείς κάνουμε εκπληκτική δουλειά σε όλους τους τομείς», είπε ο κ. Κουλαρμάνης. «Οσα Ελληνοαμερικανικά σχολεία δεν έκαναν καλή δουλειά, δεν μπόρεσαν να αντέξουν και τα περισσότερα από αυτά έχουν κλείσει» και συμπλήρωσε «και δεν συντρέχει η δικαιολογία ότι τα δίδακτρα των άλλων σχολείων είναι πιο χαμηλά από τα δικά μας σχολεία, καθώς τα αντίστοιχα καθολικά όπως το Σεντ Φράνσις και το Σεντ Τζονς κοστίζουν τα διπλά και ίσως παραπάνω το χρόνο». Στην ερώτησή μας μήπως αυτό συμβαίνει λόγω των πολλών μικτών γάμων στην ομογένεια, ο κ. Κουλαρμάνης είπε πως «υπάρχει περίπτωση να είναι ένας από τους λόγους κι αυτός, αλλά δεν υπάρχουν δυστυχώς επίσημα στατιστικά στοιχεία που να αποδεικνύουν κάτι τέτοιο, καθώς έχουμε πολλούς μικτούς γάμους, αλλά και πάρα πολλά διαζύγια. Δεν κάνουμε τίποτε για αυτά τα παιδιά και αυτά χάνονται, μη ξεχνάτε πως όχι πολύ παλαιότερα αυτό ήταν και ένα

μεγάλο κοινωνικό στίγμα. Και κάποια μέρα πρέπει να αντιληφθούμε πως οι διαζευγμένοι, τα διαζύγια, οι ελεύθεροι γονείς και οι μικτοί γάμοι υπάρχουν. Επίσης, ένα άλλο θέμα που απασχολεί είναι το θέμα της κρίσης ταυτότητος, τα παιδιά αποφεύγουν τα ελληνικά σχολεία από το φόβο μη στιγματιστούν μέσα στη μικρή κοινωνία, ή ακόμη παιδιά από μικτούς γάμους που

προτιμούν να αποφύγουν τα ελληνικά σχολεία γιατί η πλειοψηφία των Ελληνοαμερικανών μπορεί να μην αποδέχεται την ένωση αυτή, κι άλλα παρόμοια. Ολα αυτά τα παιδιά χάνονται για τον Ελληνισμό, τους χάνουμε ως Ελληνες. Υπάρχουν παιδιά που ντρέπονται να πούν πως οι γονείς τους είναι χωρισμένοι ή ότι οι γονείς τους δεν είναι ελληνικής καταγωγής. Επίσης, να σας τονίσω πως τώρα με τη μεγάλη οικονομική κρίση που αντιμετωπίζει η Ελλάδα, πολλές χωρισμένες Ελληνίδες έρχονται στην Αμερική μόνες, με τα παιδιά τους ή μαζί με την οικογένειά τους από ανάγκη εργασίας και επιβίωσης. Επίσης, αρκετές σύζυγοι παίρνουν μαζί τους τα παιδιά κι επιστρέφουν στις ΗΠΑ από την Ελλάδα όπου είχαν μετοικήσει λίγα χρόνια νωρίτερα, γιατί οι σύζυγοί τους δεν επιθυμούν αλλαγή κατοικίας ή εργασίας ή τόπου διαμονής». Φέτος, περίπου 50 νέοι μαθητές από την Ελλάδα συμπλήρωσαν τους καταλόγους του σχολείου κι ο αριθμός αυτός μπορεί να αυξηθεί. «Εάν πρόκειται για ένα μεγάλο σχολείο με χιλιάδες μαθητές το νούμερο αυτό δεν είναι

Σελίδα 20

Αγιασμός των Υδάτων από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Σελίδα 15 Αλεξανδρούπολη προς τον οποίον ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης χάρισε ως ευλογία για την επιτυχία του αυτή ένα χρυσό Σταυρό ενώ μοίρασε σε όλους τους νέους που συμμετείχαν αναμνηστικά ενθύμια από το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο. Για μια ακόμη φορά, χάρις στην ισχυρή πρωτοβουλία του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου, ο οποίος καθιέρωσε το έθιμο της ρίψης του Τιμίου Σταυρού στη θάλασσα του Φαναρίου, το 2003, πραγματοποιήθηκε η τελετή του Αγιασμού των Υδάτων και σε άλλα σημεία της Πόλης. Η Κατάδυση του Τιμίου Σταυρού πραγματοποιήθηκε στις ακτές του

Βοσπόρου και συγκεκριμένα στο Νιχώρι, από τον Μητροπολίτη Μυριοφύτου και Περιστάσεως Ειρηναίο και στο Τσεγκέλκιοι, της ασιατικής πλευράς, από τον Μητροπολίτη Γέροντα Χαλκηδόνος Αθανάσιο. Επίσης και στη Προποντίδα καθώς το ίδιο έθιμο ακολουθήθηκε στο προάστιο του Αγίου Στεφάνου από τον οικείο Ποιμενάρχη Μητροπολίτη Γέροντα Δέρκων Απόστολο και στο νησί της Αντιγόνης από τον Μητροπολίτη Πριγκηποννήσων Ιάκωβο. Τα Μέσα Γενικής Ενημέρωσης της Τουρκίας ασχολήθηκαν με ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον με την κατάδυση του Τιμίου Σταυρού στο Φανάρι ενώ και η Θεία Λειτουργία και ο Αγιασμός των υδάτων καλύφθηκαν σε ζωντανή μετάδοση από την ΕΡΤ3.

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX

Σχολεία Κοινότητας Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας:

IANOYAΡΙΟΣ JANUARY 2013

87 χρόνια στην υπηρεσία της Ομογένειας Σελίδα 19 μεγάλο, αλλά σε ένα σχολείο όπως το δικό μας με 700 μαθητές, είναι αξιοσημείωτο», είπε. Στην ερώτησή μας, πως βοηθά η κοινότητα τους νεοφερμένους που αντιμετωπίζουν σοβαρά προβλήματα επανεγκατάστασης, ο κ. Κουλαρμάνης απάντησε πως «τους βοηθούμε ως κοινότητα, όπως μπορούμε κι όσο μπορούμε, αρκετές φορές δεν χρεώνουμε καθόλου δίδακτρα, αλλά τα παιδιά πρέπει να γνωρίζουν την αγγλική γλώσσα προκειμένου να γίνουν δεκτά στα σχολεία μας. Βλέπετε, δε γίνονται όλα για το χρήμα.... Καθόμαστε μαζί με τις οικογένειες αυτές και συζητούμε πια είναι η πιο καλή κατάσταση ή λύση στο πρόβλημά τους, όπως για παράδειγμα, εάν ζουν στο Γουάιτστοουν κι επιθυμούν να φέρουν τα παιδιά τους εδώ, τους λέμε να μην το κάνουν όσο είναι παιδιά του δημοτικού, καθώς η περιοχή αυτή είναι μια από τις καλύτερες εκπαιδευτικές περιφέρειες της πόλης. Ομως όταν αναζητούν γυμνάσιο τους προτείνουμε το δικό μας. Εάν τα παιδιά τους περάσουν στα γυμνάσια-λύκεια για εξαιρετικούς μαθητές, πρέπει να φοιτήσουν εκεί. Αλλά πέρα από αυτά τα σχολεία τα οποία είναι πολύ λίγα, από τα υπόλοιπα γυμνάσια κανένα δε μπορεί να συγκριθεί με του Αγίου Δημητρίου, σε κανένα επίπεδο, σε όλα υπερτερούμε. Δεν υπάρχει σύγκριση, ούτε στον τομέα των σπουδών, ούτε της ασφάλειας, ούτε της προσφοράς στα παιδιά. Να σκεφτείτε ότι 65%-70% των αποφοίτων του Αγίου Δημητρίου συνεχίζουν ανώτερες σπουδές στα πανεπιστήμια και κολλέγια με υποτροφίες κι ένα 10% περίπου με όλα τα έξοδα τους πληρωμένα. Κι αυτό είναι πολύ σημαντικό για ένα σχολείο που θεωρείται μικρό, σκεφτείτε πόσα παιδιά αποφοιτούν κάθε χρόνο, που να συγκριθούμε με τις χιλιάδες των δημοσίων σχολείων;”, τόνισε ο διευθυντής του Αγίου Δημητρίου. Οπως μας ενημέρωσε, ο ετήσιος προϋπολογισμός του Αγίου Δημητρίου για την ελληνόγλωσση εκπαίδευση, κυμαίνεται μεταξύ $350.000 και $400.000. «Αποτελεί το μεγαλύτερο κομμάτι της πίτας του ετήσιου προϋπολογισμού μας. Να ξέρετε τούτο μόνο, εάν κόβαμε το ελληνικό πρόγραμμα του σχολείου, δε θα είχαμε ποτε πια παθητικό, στην κυριολεξία θα κερδίζαμε και περισσότερα, αλλά αυτό είναι κάτι που δεν το καταλαβαίνουν οι ομογενείς. Θα μπορούσαμε να πούμε, ‘ζούμε στην Αμερική, δε χρειαζόμαστε τα ελληνικά, η εκπαίδευση γίνεται στην αγγλική γλώσσα’, αλλά εδώ, στην Αστόρια αυτό δεν υπάρχει περίπτωση να γίνει, ο κόσμος θα αντιδράσει πολύ απότομα. Ομως, όταν κι εμείς από την πλευρά μας ζητούμε οικονομική βοήθεια ή κάνουμε κάποια οικονομική εκστρατεία, πολλοί μας λένε ‘αφήστε ξένους να έρθουν μέσα’. Εάν ανοίξουν οι εγγραφές, σας λέω ότι ποτέ δε θα έχουμε οικονομικό πρόβλημα πια, έχουμε ένα πολύ γνωστό και σεβαστό σχολείο, που όλοι θέλουν να φοιτήσουν σε αυτό. Ομως αυτό δεν πρόκειται να γίνει, οι εγγραφές δεν πρόκειται

να ανοίξουν σε μη Ορθόδοξους. Η κοινότητα της Αστόριας πιστεύει πως χρειαζόμαστε ένα Ελληνοαμερικανικό γυμνάσιο και λύκειο να υπηρετήσει τους εκπαιδευτικούς σκοπούς των παιδιών της, προκειμένου να γίνουν κοινωνοί στην ελληνοχριστιανική παιδεία, πνευματική καλλιέργεια, παράδοση, κ.λπ. Είμαστε κι εμείς όπως ένα σχολείο ‘Γιεσίβα’ (Yeshiva), υπηρετούμε τους εκπαιδευτικούς και θρησκευτικούς θεσμούς της κοινότητός μας, όπως κι αυτοί. Μα όμως και γιαυτό είμαστε επιτυχημένοι. Είδατε την περίπτωση της Ευαγγελίας (Ευαγγελία Ποδάρα, η οποία πέρασε μετ’επαίνων στο Πανεπιστήμιο Γέιλ), είναι Ελληνίδα. Το να ακούς ελληνική μουσική, όπως για παράδειγμα Αννα Βίσση και Μητροπάνο, και να τρως ελληνικό φαγητό δεν είναι αυτό που σε κάνει Ελληνα. Σε καμία περίπτωση. Είναι η εκπαίδευση. Πόσους επιτυχημένους επαγγελματίες συναντώ οι οποίοι μου λένε ‘είμαι Ελληνας’ και τους απαντώ ‘πως μπορείς να είσαι Ελληνας όταν δε γνωρίζεις τη Θρησκεία σου ή την Ιστορία ή τη γλώσσα ή την Παιδεία την ελληνική;’ αλλά βλέπετε, είναι ζήτημα υπερηφάνειας να είσαι ελληνικής καταγωγής. Ακόμη κι όσοι είναι ελληνικής καταγωγής κατά το ήμισυ, πάλι λένε ότι είναι Ελληνες, χωρίς κι αυτοί να γνωρίζουν ούτε Ιστορία, ούτε τη Θρησκεία, ούτε τη Γλώσσα. Το Σχολείο του Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστόριας μαθαίνει στα παιδιά πως να είναι Ελληνες. Οταν αποφοιτήσει ένα παιδί από εδώ, είναι Ελληνας χωρίς να έχει σημασία η καταγωγή του. Γνωρίζουν την Ιστορία τους, μιλούν την ελληνική γλώσσα, χορεύουν ελληνικούς χορούς, πηγαίνουν στην Εκκλησία, λαμβάνουν μέρος σε ελληνικές εκδηλώσεις. Εάν πάρετε και βάλετε αυτό το παιδί στην Ελλάδα, όλοι θα νομίζουν ότι γεννήθηκε εκεί. Τι σημαίνει να είσαι Ελληνας τελικά; Πρέπει να ξεχωρίσουμε τι σημαίνει το να είσαι Ελληνας σήμερα στην κοινωνία που ζούμε. Δε σημαίνει πια μόνο τόπος καταγωγής, αλλά στην καρδιά σου, στην ψυχή σου, έχουμε ομογενείς εδώ που έχουν θυσιάσει τη ζωή τους γι’αυτό το σκοπό», τόνισε. «Πρέπει σαν κοινότητα, κι εννοώ όλοι μας, να αρχίσουμε να υποστηρίζουμε τις Εκκλησίες μας, να υποστηρίζουμε τη γλώσσα μας, καθώς πολλά απογευματινά σχολεία κλείνουν και να διαλέξουμε, θέλουμε να είμαστε Ελληνες ή δε θέλουμε; Εάν δε το κάνουμε αυτό, θα χαθεί στο μέλλον ο Ελληνισμός, σε μερικές γενιές, όπως πάει είναι πλέον φανερό. Πάμε στους συλλόγους και είναι μισογεμάτοι ή άδειοι, μόνο τα κλαμπς και τα νυχτερινά κέντρα είναι γεμάτα, έρχονται τραγουδιστές και γεμίζουν μέχρι το απροχώρητο. Μπορούν να πληρώσουν $200 εισιτήριο αλλά δε μπορούν να πληρώσουν $400 για ένα ολόκληρο χρόνο για το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα του απογευματινού σχολείου, ή $2,000 ή $3,000 για μια επίσκεψη στο Ατλάντικ Σίτι. Εχει αλλάξει τελείως το τι πιστεύουμε και τι νομίζουμε ότι είναι σημαντικό στη ζωή μας. Οι γονείς μας πίστευαν στην καλή εκπαίδευση και οι γονείς που στέλνουν σήμερα τα παιδιά τους εδώ, πιστεύουν ακόμα στην άρτια εκπαίδευση

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ΙΔΙΟΚΤΗΤΕΣ: ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ & ΜΙΝΑ ΑΓΓΕΛΗ

τους, είναι πολύ σημαντικό γι’αυτούς. Βλέπεις τα μεγάλα πανεπιστήμια έχουν ελληνικά ονόματα στις προσόψεις, στις αίθουσες, κ.λπ. και δεν έχουν να κάνουν τίποτε με τους Ελληνες ή τον Ελληνισμό. Επίσης εάν όλοι αυτοί που έχουν συνεισφέρει οικονομικά κι έχουν στηρίξει ή δημιουργήσει ελληνικές έδρες στα πανεπιστήμια, έδιναν το 10% μόνο από το ποσό αυτό να στηρίξουν τα ελληνικά σχολεία, δε θα έκλειναν τόσα πολλά από αυτά», συμπλήρωσε. Αλλά επίσης, όσο παραδοσιακοί είμαστε από τη φύση μας, πρέπει άλλο τόσο να αρχίσουμε να αποδεχόμαστε και το νέο, το καινούργιο, πρέπει να αγκαλιάσουμε και να κερδίσουμε όλους αυτούς που έρχονται από έξω, να ξέρεις ο Ελληνας μπορεί να έχει κρατήσει τα ήθη και τα έθιμά του, αλλά έχει ξεχάσει ή τείνει να ξεχάσει το φιλότιμό του. * Αρχιμανδρίτης Νεκτάριος Παπαζαφειρόπουλος (Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος Αγίου Δημητρίου) Ο «ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ» μίλησε με τον Ιερατικώς προϊστάμενο του Αγίου Δημητρίου, Αρχιμανδρίτη Νεκτάριο Παπαζαφειρόπουλο, ο οποίος έδωσε με τον δικό του μοναδικό τρόπο τη σημερινή εικόνα των σχολείων της μεγάλης κοινότητας της Αστόριας και τη μοναδικής στις ΗΠΑ η οποία στεγάζει ημερήσιο γυμνάσιο και λύκειο. «Εδώ, στο σχολείο μας (στο Ναό των Αγίων Αικατερίνης και Γεωργίου) στεγάζονται οι τάξεις από το προ-νηπιαγωγείο μέχρι την Τρίτη δημοτικού, οι οποίες απαριθμούν 350 περίπου παιδιά. Αυτό είναι πολύ ευχάριστο, ο αριθμός των παιδιών που φοιτούν αυξάνει κι όπως με ενημέρωσαν φέτος, είχαμε μια χρονιά-ρεκόρ. Αυτό οφείλεται στην καλή δουλειά που κάνουν οι εκπαιδευτικοί και το σχολείο. Οι γονείς έχουν εμπιστοσύνη απόλυτη, έχουμε μια πάρα πολύ καλή κι επιτυχημένη ομάδα, αυτό αντανακλά στην επίδοση των μαθητών μας και οι γονείς μας εμπιστεύονται κάθε χρόνο. Επίσης ένας άλλος λόγος είναι ότι υπάρχει πειθαρχία και κατά συνέπεια ασφάλεια, κάτι που στις μέρες μας απασχολεί πολύ περισσότερο. Αν μου επιτραπεί να πω πως είμαστε πιο ασφαλείς ως Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί, καθώς έχουμε ένα γερό στήριγμα οι βάσεις των οικογενειών μας είναι ελληνικές κι ορθόδοξες και μ’αυτό τον τρόπο καλλιεργείται η γλώσσα, η πειθαρχία και το εκκλησιαστικό φρόνημα», είπε ο π. Νεκτάριος. «Από την ημέρα που ήρθα στην κοινότητα, έχουμε βάλει τα παιδιά να λειτουργούνται και να κοινωνούν μια φορά το μήνα, να συνδεθούν με αυτήν την έκφραση της ζωής του Ελληνορθόδοξου από μικρά. Το πρόβλημα που αντιμετωπίζουμε είναι ότι οι οικογένειες, τα παιδιά κι ο κόσμος εδώ που ζούμε έχουν απομακρυνθεί από την εκκλησία και τα αποτελέσματα είναι να αντικαθιστάται η Αγάπη με τον θάνατο, την κακία, το μίσος και να βλέπουμε αυτά που γίνονται σε όλη την Αμερική. Ετσι, όπως είδατε, κάθε Παρασκευή πρωί, έχω ένα μικρό δίδαγμα στα παιδιά και μαθαίνουν να ψάλλουν κάποια μικρά πράγματα από τη θεία Λειτουργία, όπως το ‘Αγιος ο Θεός’, κ.λπ. Ετσι, όταν έχουμε λειτουργία, καταβαίνω κάτω για να ψάλλουν κι αυτά στη συγκεκριμένη θέση της λειτουργίας, έτσι ώστε να αντιληφθούν ότι αυτά που ψάλλουν είναι ένα τμήμα της Θείας Λειτουργίας κι οχι ανεξάρτητο από αυτήν. Κοινωνούν τα παιδιά λοιπόν, όπως είπατε, και μέσω των ψαλμών αυτών. Μεγαλώνοντας θα γνωρίζουν όλα τα μέρη της, θα τα θυμούνται και θα τα αναγνωρίζουν. Με τον τρόπο αυτό φρονώ πως μεγαλώνοντας θα συνδεθούν περισσότερο με τη Θεία λατρεία, ιδιαίτερα τα μικρά παιδιά που είναι ακόμη πιο αγαθές ψυχές κι απορροφούν πιο εύκολα αυτά που τους διδάσκουμε. Επίσης και οι μεγαλύτερες τάξεις, κάθε μήνα όλοι πρέπει να περάσουν από τη Θεία Λειτουργία. Κι έχουμε βάλει ένα πιο εντατικό πρόγραμμα όλοι μας οι πατέρες να διδάσκουμε στο σχολείο για να μπορέσουμε να πλησιάσουμε όλες τις τάξεις, έχουμε περίπου 850 παιδιά. Εχουμε μεγάλη ευθύνη για όλα τα παιδιά και του ημερήσιου και του απογευματινού σχολείου

και προσπαθούμε να βάλουμε στην ψυχή τους το Χριστό», τόνισε ο π. Νεκτάριος. «Μου αρέσει να κάνουν ερωτήσεις τα παιδιά, δείχνει ότι έχουν προβληματισμό και τους απασχολεί το κάθε θέμα. Για παράδειγμα σήμερα έκαναν πολλές ερωτήσεις, για το ‘εάν ο Θεός αγαπάει τους ανθρώπους’, ή ‘ποιος έφτιαξε τον Θεό, για τον Διάβολο, ερωτήσεις που αποδεικνύουν πως τα παιδιά μας προβληματίζονται και σκέφτονται. Αυτό είναι πολύ ευχάριστο, χαίρομαι γι’αυτό, καθώς μιλάμε βέβαια εμείς οι κληρικοί στα παιδιά, κι αυτά με τη σειρά τους πιάνουν κάτι, προβληματίζονται. Εμείς αυτό ευχόμεθα, να σπείρουμε το σπόρο στα παιδάκια από εκεί και μετά, με τη χάρη του Θεού να έρθει να φυτευθεί και να ανθήσει ο Χριστός μέσα τους. Βλέπετε, δεν υπάρχει πια συγκεκριμένη ηλικία για τα παιδιά να αρχίσουν να μαθαίνουν, από τη στγμή που γεννιούνται πρέπει να ξεκινήσει η σωστή πορεία, είτε σημαίνει αυτό Ορθοδοξία και Πίστη, είτε ήθη κι έθιμα, γλώσσα και γράμματα. Τα παιδιά σε αυτές τις ηλικίες είναι σα σφουγγάρια, ό,τι τους δώσεις το αρπάζουν. Ετσι, εάν μπουν σε ένα σωστό δρόμο από μικρά αυτό θα τους ακολουθήσει στην υπόλοιπη ζωή τους, γι’αυτό έχουμε ευθύνη κι εμείς, οι διδάσκαλοι κι ιερείς τους, αλλά και οι γονείς. Να αγωνιστούν να τα φέρουν κοντά μας τα παιδιά κι εμείς θα τα καθοδηγήσουμε, μέσα από τη δική μας αγωνία εδώ στην Εκκλησία και μέσα από το μάθημα, και οι γονείς από το σπίτι», τόνισε. Στην ερώτησή μας πως μπορούμε να κρατήσουμε τα σχολεία της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής, οχι μόνο ζωντανά κι ενεργά, αλλά να τα πολλαπλασιάσουμε και γιατί, ο π. Νεκτάριος απάντησε πως «αυτό είναι μια πολύ καλή ερώτηση, αλλά και πολύπλοκη. Να ξεκινήσω από την αρχή ότι εξαρτάται από τους Ελληνες ομογενείς να στηρίξουν τα σχολεία μας. Γιατί σε αντίθεση με άλλα εκπαιδευτικά ιδρύματα δεν υπάρχουν σε εμάς μεγάλοι δωρητές, άνθρωποι που έχουν περάσει από τα σχολεία μας, που έχουν εδραιωθεί εδώ πέρα κι έχουν λάβει τις βάσεις της ζωής τους μέσα σε αυτές εδώ τις τάξεις; Δεν μπορώ να κατανοήσω γιατί δεν υπάρχει η υποστήριξη που θα έπρεπε να υπάρχει από τους ομογενείς στα σχολεία μας; Συνέχεια λέμε κι ακούμε ‘τι κάνουμε να στηρίξουμε τα σχολεία μας για να έχει η επόμενη γενιά’ όπως το βιώσαμε κι εμείς, κι εγώ εδώ μεγάλωσα, στην Αστόρια και πέρασα από τα σχολεία αυτά. Βλέπετε, εμείς το βρίκαμε, οι επόμενες γενιές θα το βρούνε;”, αναρωτήθηκε ο π. Νεκτάριος. «Τα παιδιά μας, οι μαθητές μας είναι αριστούχοι, περνούν σε καλά πανεπιστήμια και κολέγια, αυτό το γνωρίζουμε όλοι γι’αυτό και οι γονείς συνεχίσουν να εμπιστεύονται το σχολείο μας και το εκπαιδευτικό μας προσωπικό. Ομως επειδή τα παιδιά τους τελείωσαν το λύκειο δε σημαίνει ότι δεν έχουν πια ευθύνη να στηρίξουν το σχολείο τους. Πρέπει η ομογένεια να στηρίξει τα σχολεία και να μην κάνει μόνο κριτική όταν κάποιο σχολείο κλείνει, όταν κοινότητες δίνουν τεράστια ποσά για λίγα μόνο παιδιά και δεν βγαίνουν, επόμενο είναι ότι το σχολείο θα κλείσει. Ετσι, αυτό εξαρτάται από όλους μας. Ξέρω κι ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ως εκπαιδευτικός έχει αγωνία για τα σχολεία μας, όπως κι όλο το προσωπικό της Αρχιεπισκοπής, οι κληρικοί, αλλά και οι γονείς και τα παιδιά, έτσι ώστε, όλοι μαζί να το αντιμετωπίσουμε από κοινού, ως ένα θέμα ζωής ή θανάτου. Γιατί, εάν τα παιδιά δεν πάρουν τις σωστές βάσεις και τα θεμέλια εδώ πέρα, πώς θα ζήσουν τη ζωή τους κοντά στην Εκκλησία, τη γλώσσα, την πίστη, όλα αυτά που χαρακτηρίζουν τον Ελληνορθόδοξο πολιτισμό; Βλέπετε από την άλλη όμως, ακόμη εδώ στην Αστόρια που λέμε ότι έχει πυκνό ελληνισμό, με την πάροδο των γενεών αναγκάστηκε κι εγώ να φέρω την αγγλική γλώσσα στη Θεία λατρεία γιατί πολλές οικογένειες και Ελληνόπουλα, παιδιά μας, έχουν τελέσει μικτούς γάμους. Εμείς, ως κλήρος, έχουμε υποχρέωση και είμαστε υπεύθυνοι, να προσεγγίσουμε το λαό και τις οικογένειες, όπου κι αν βρίσκονται, και σιγά-σιγά να προβληματιστούν και εάν το επιθυμήσουν να μάθουν περαιτέρω και την ελληνική γλώσσα», τόνισε ο π. Νεκτάριος.

JANUARY 2013

A Spiritual Home for Theologians, National Church Supporters P A R I S H

profile

Name: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Location: Weston, Mass. Metropolis of Boston Size: about 600 families Founded: 1959 Clergy: Fr. Nicholas Krommydas (M.Div. Holy Cross ’73) S.TM. Yale, D.Th. Boston University. E-mail: Csmith@Stdemetriosweston.org Web: www.stdemetriosweston.org Noteworthy: Holy Cross Hellenic College community is well–represented here. WESTON, Mass.– St. Demetrios Church in this suburb of nearly 12,000 on the west side of Boston, is home to high concentrations of the Hellenic College Holy Cross academic community, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Leadership 100 Endowment Fund members. The parish also has a presence on YouTube that features services and series on sermons and the community’s progress, noted the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Krommydas, the priest here for about 12 years and former chancellor of the Metropolis of Boston. “This community is blessed with wonderful leadership through many years, both laity and priests;” said Fr. Krommydas. “The laity has taken it to heart that church is important in their life; and also the national church and HCHC.” He describes his community as “a loving parish,” and his ministry here as “very, very positive, challenging, exciting.” A Wealth of Programs A visit to the church’s website reveals a wealth of programs and ministries that serve all age groups, including a senior guild, Orthodox Christian Fellowship and young adult group, a junior and senior choir, a monthly publication, “The Vine,” Sunday school, Greek school and Greek dance classes, GOYA participation in the Metropolis basketball league, the JOY and HOPE groups. Sunday school has 280–300 students. The Greek school has 75 stu-

ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH dents. Other regular activities include a golf tournament, with proceeds benefiting parish ministries, a multicultural festival, family nights, youth talent shows, Vacation Bible School and walks for the hungry The Philoptochos chapter is highly involved at the metropolis level in the greater Boston area. Its efforts include support for the Children’s Hospital/Hellenic Cardiac Fund, the Pine Street Inn, Rosie’s Place, Project Bread and the growth of the metropolis camp in Contoocook, N.H. The chapter also supports the many National Philoptochos programs and ministries, and even claims to have “Yiayia’s secret for making crisp trigona” – actually a cookbook that features 295 recipes that the organization produces. St. Demetrios Church relies entirely on stewardship as its revenue source, though some fund-raisers may be held by the various church organizations. Fr. Krommydas notes that the demographics of the parish consist mostly of fourth and fifth generation Greek Americans and many inter-Christian families and converts. Historical background According to a parish history, in the early 1950s the national trend was to move from the inner cities to the suburbs. Many Greek Orthodox who were members of Boston cathedral and other nearby churches moved to the Weston area. The need for a new parish arose and local families began to organize a new community and the first general assembly took place in July 1959. A small Protestant church was purchased in Newton Lower Falls following the approval of the Archdiocese on July 24, 1959. Fr. Anastasios Blougouras served as the first permanent parish priest. Other priests who served over the years included Frs. Joachim Valasiatis, Harry Magoulias,George Gallos, Nicholas Manikas (who served the parish for 26 years), until the arrival of Fr. Krommydas in 2001. On Dec. 5, 1959, through a ballot vote, St. Demetrios was chosen as the name of the church. Godfathers were James Condakes, James Condos and James Salas. A Steering Committee was chosen to govern a new community in its formative stages. The first General As-

sembly was held in July 1959. Also in 1959, women of the parish established the Philoptochos chapter was Professor James Savas founded the choir. He would go on to serve as director for nearly 50 years. In 1963, the parish council was formed consisting of twenty–one members. Spyros Gavris was elected as the community’s first president. A Larger Church Beginning in 1965, under the leadership of Fr. George P. Gallos, the parish began to plan for a larger church and a five–acre site was purchased in Weston where the present building and complex was constructed. Archbishop Iakovos officiated at

the groundbreaking ceremonies held in the fall of 1970. During Fr. Manikas’ long tenure, St. Demetrios was consecrated by Archbishop Iakovos on Oct. 28, 1979. His deacon was Deacon Methodios now Metropolitan Methodios of Boston. Continuing with the development of the church complex, a parcel of land adjacent to the parking lot was purchased in April 1997. The present church, shown in the photo on this page, will soon be replaced as the community’s house of worship by a Byzantine-style church located nearby that is currently under construction. The groundbreaking ceremony was on May 15, 2011, with Metropolitan Methodios officiating. The cross was placed on the main dome of the church on Sunday of the Holy Cross, Sept. 16, 2012. The new church should be completed by spring, Fr. Krommydas noted. The complex will include a community hall and offices. Prior to his arrival at St. Demetrios, and during his tenure as chancellor, he also taught pastoral-related subjects at Holy Cross. His service as a priest also included assignments at parishes in San Francisco, Seattle (Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church), Waterbury, Conn., Norfolk, Va., and Worcester, Mass. Several assistant priests have served the community during Fr. Krommydas’ ministry, including Frs. Konstantine Mendrinos, Michael Bird, Alexander Goussetis, Christopher Stamas, Demetri Costarakis and Alexander Chetsas. — Compiled by Jim Golding

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

JANUARY 2013

Obituaries Basil C. Foussianes

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Basil C. Foussianes, 90, a former member of the Archdiocesan Council and an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, died Dec. 12. Funeral services took place Dec. 17 at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toledo, Ohio with Fr. Aristotle Damaskos officiating. For many years he had lived in the Detroit area and was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen and St. Nicholas in Troy. Mr. Foussianes devoted many decades in service to the Church. He had been a member of the Archdiocesan Council from 1974 until 1996 and, in 1978, served as co-chairman of the 24th Biennial Clergy Laity Congress that was held in Detroit. He chaired the Administration Committee of the Council for many years and was instrumental in the development of the 1977 Charter of the Archdiocese as a member of the Council’s executive board. He was also a past president of the Holy Trinity parish council in Toledo, Ohio, and of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Detroit (later relocated in Westland). He served as trustee of Hellenic College from 1972-74 and had represented the Archdiocese on the general board of the National Council of Churches. Mr. Foussianes was born in Toledo and graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in engineering. He then served as an instructor in engineering at the university while earning a law degree. He was a patent attorney for Owens-Illinois Glass Co., and was associated with a Detroit law firm, where he was a partner. Mr. Foussianes was also a member of the American, Michigan and Detroit Bar Associations, the American Legion, Delta Theta Phi, Alpha Sigma Phi and the Order of AHEPA. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during and after World War II, from 1943 to 1946. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Irene; children, Dean, George, Nicholas and Christine, and seven grandchildren.

Fr. James Diavatis

Fr. James Diavatis, 75, of Yorba Linda, Calif., died Dec. 23. Fr. James served the parish of St. John the Baptist Church in Anaheim, Calif. from Aug. 1, 1979 until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2010. He also served the parish of Holy Trinity Church in Waterbury, Conn. from his ordination in 1961 until he relocated to California in 1979. He was born Aug. 8, 1936 in Corfu, Greece, and emigrated to the United States in January 1947. He attended elementary school in East Pittsburgh, Pa., and Dover, N.H., and high school in Dover and in San Antonio. “Father James was a devoted servant of the Lord whose nearly 50 years of active ministry was marked with a deep commitment to Jesus Christ and preaching His Gospel with love and determination. Over 30 years of his service in the Lord’s Vineyard was to the faithful of Saint John the Baptist Church in Anaheim, California. I know that this community especially mourns the passing of their beloved priest who lovingly cared for their spiritual needs and was their pastor, mentor and friend,” stated Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “We also extend our

heartfelt sympathy to Presbytera Helen and their children, Sperry (Spyridon), Stasi (Anastasios), and Joanna, seeking the Lord’s comfort upon their grieving hearts.” Fr. James was a 1961 graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology. He also earned two post-graduate degrees: a Masters of Sacred Theology from the Yale Divinity School, and a Masters of Religious Studies from the Hartford Seminary. He married Helen Govostes of Lowell, Mass., in August 1961. They had three children. He was ordained a deacon Sept. 10, 1961 in Fitchburg, Mass., and as a priest on Sept. 14, 1961, at Holy Cross Chapel in Brookline. Fr. James was also known for his love of gardening, photography and fishing. He grew award-winning chrysanthemums, and took great care in cultivating beautiful flowers for the enjoyment and appreciation of others. The Trisagion was held on Dec. 26 officiated by Metropolitan Gerasimos at St. John the Baptist Church, Anaheim. The funeral was Dec. 28 at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring in Dunlap, Calif.

Fr. E. Anthony Tomaras

Fr. Anthony Tomaras, 86, of Gig Harbor, Wash., died Dec. 25 during the morning hours while Divine Liturgy was being celebrated for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, at his nearby parish of St. Nicholas in Tacoma. Born Euripides Demetrios Tomaras on Dec. 11, 1926 in Chicago, he was active at St. Andrew Church, serving as an altar boy with Fr. Athenagoras Kokkinakis. He attended Holy Cross School of Theology in Pomfret, Conn., and continued his studies at the University of Athens where he graduated in 1958 with a master’s degree in Systematic Theology. Upon his ordination, he took his father’s name and would continue his ministry as Fr. E. Anthony Tomaras. He married Sophronia Kyriakou Nickolaou in March 1956. She preceded him in death in 2007. “Father Anthony was a strong man of deep faith, love for his family, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ. Though in his later years Fr. Anthony’s physical vision would become limited, he served Christ and His Church with great vision during his ministry and sought to bring people closer to the fullness and knowledge of the faith through his selfless service,” stated Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. He was ordained Sept. 7, 1958 in New York and as a priest on Sept. 14 in Chicago. Following his ordination, Fr. Anthony served as the assistant priest of Ascension Cathedral in Oakland, Calif., for 18 months, then served as priest at St. Nicholas Church in Tacoma from 1960-79. Fr. Anthony then served as director of the Northwest Orthodox Foundation from 1979-1990, overseeing the development of the All Saints Center on Raft Island, Wash. During his ministry at the center, Fr. Anthony served as the interim priest at St. Sophia Church in Bellingham, Wash. He also founded St. Nectarios Mission parish in Pasco, Wash., where he served twice monthly from 1979-2000. Fr. Anthony once esti-

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JANUARY 2013

A Guide to Summer Camps of the Archdiocese

Summer camping season is only five months away and the Archdiocese offers a selection of several facilities located in each metropolis, the Direct Archdiocesan District and Greece. The camps are under the guidance of the Office of Camping Ministries of the Archdiocese Youth and Young Adult Ministries and the individual metropolises. At the direction of the Holy Eparchial Synod, each camp is mandated to use the policies and procedures outlined in the Youth Protection Manual that guide clergy and lay persons charged with selecting, training and supervising those who work with young people at camps and retreats. The Office of Camping Ministries creates, coordinates and distributes standardized resources and training sessions for camp directors and staff, and sets standards for camp operation. The guide on this page provides information for potential campers considering attending Ionian Village or the metropolis camps this summer. In cases where information is NA (not available) or TBA (to be announced), contact the metropolis, the camp director or contact person listed. Numbers next to each camp listed correspond to their location on the map(s). This guide does not include listings for local parish camps. 1. Ionian Village Location: Bartholomio, Peloponnesus, Greece Dates: Summer Travel Camp, June 23-July 12; Byzantine Venture (July 20-Aug. 8; Spiritual Odyssey Pilgrimage to Cyprus and Crete, May 30-June 9. Age ranges: Summer Travel and Byzantine Venture open to campers who have completed grades 8-12; Spiritual Odyssey open to Young Adults ages 19-28. Cost per camper: $4,000, but the FAITH Endowment Scholarship will also be available via the Ionian Village website: www. ionianvillage.org Director or contact person and phone number: Fr. Evagoras Constantinides, 212.570.3536. e-mail address: ionianvillage@goarch.org Open to: Any young person from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which includes all metropolises and the Direct Archdiocesan District. Registration period: Registration opened Jan 1 and runs into late spring. METROPOLIS OF BOSTON 2. St. Methodios Camp Location: Contocook, N.H. Dates: Week 1, July 3-7; Summer Family Camp (Week 1 only, all ages as family), Week 2, July 8-14; Week 3, July 15-21; Week 4, July 22-28; Week 5; July 29-Aug. 4; Week 6, Aug. 5-11. Cost per camper: $575 Director or contact person and phone number: Chrysanthy Tiggas (assistant director), 603.746.4400. e-mail: mbcamp@boston.goarch.org Open to: (ages 8-18, and families) Registration: Begins March 1 DIRECT ARCHDIOCESAN DISTRICT 3. Camp St. Paul Location: Litchfield, Conn. Dates: (four 1-week sessions): Week 1, July 1-7; Week 2, July 8-14; Week 3, July 15-21; Week 4, July 22-28 Age range: 8-18 Cost per camper: $645 regular registration Director or contact person and phone: Fr. Elias Villis, 914.967.2838 Website: www.campsaintpaul.org e-mail: districtyouth@goarch.org Open to: any youth of the Archdiocese. Registration: Begins March 4, 6 a.m. METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY 4. Camp Good Shepherd Location: Camp Linwood MacDonald YMCABranchville, N.J. Dates: JOY – July 7-13; GOYA – July 14-20 and July 21-27

Cost per camper: $430 Director or contact person and phone number: Fr. John Theodosian (director) 973.584.0388; George Tomczewski (youth director) 908.301.0500. e-mail: youth@nj.goarch.org Open to: Children ages 8-18 Registration: Begins in February METROPOLIS OF PITTSBURGH 5. Camp Nazareth Location: Mercer, Pa. (One hour north of Pittsburgh. This camp is owned by the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, presided by Bishop Gregory of Nyssa). Dates: Four one-week Sessions: Session 1: JOY (grades 3-7) June 16–22; Session 2: JOY June 23-29; Session 3: GOYA (grades 8-12) June 30-July 6; Session 4: GOYA July 7-13 Cost per camper: Early Bird: $500; Regular: $550 (Financial-need Scholarship available.) Director or contact person and phone number: Rhea Ballas, 412.621.8543 e-mail: youth@pittsburgh.goarch.org Open to: all Archdiocese youth Registration: “Early Bird” registration begins April 15. “Regular” registration begins May 15. METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA 6. St. Stephen’s Camp Location: Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, S.C.

Dates: Graduate Senior Camp, June 23-29; 6th grade through high school senior (four sessions) June 30-July 6, July 7-13, July 14-20, July 21-27. Cost per camper: NA Director or contact person and phone number: 404.634.9345 (Metropolis of Atlanta headquarters) e-mail: youth@atlmetropolis.org Registration: TBA METROPOLIS OF DETROIT 7. MDSC (Metropolis of Detroit Camp) Location: Rose City, Mich. Dates: Week 0: June 23 - June 2; Week 1, June 30 - July 6; Week 2, July 7-July 13; Week 3, July 14-July 20; Week 4, July 21-July 27; Week 5, July 28-Aug. 3. Cost per camper: Before May 1 $310 per camper/ After May 1 $350 (subject to change) Director or contact person and phone number: Geoffrey Lowes - 248.909.MDSC (6372) e-mail: gomdsc@gmail.com Open to: All Orthodox Christian Youth ages 7-15 Registration: February-March 8. St. Nicholas Camp Location: NaCoMe Conference Center - Pleasantville, Tenn. Dates: July 5-12 Cost per camper: $325 Early Bird Registration/$350/$375 (subject to change) Director or contact person and phone

number: Eva Kokinos - 248.823.2411 e-mail: snsc@detroit.goarch.org Open to: All Orthodox Christian Youth ages 8-18 Registration: March 9. St. Timothy’s Camp Location : Oswegatchie Educational Center - Croghan, NY Dates: August 10-16 Cost per camper: $325 per camper (subject to change) Director or contact person and phone number: Chris and Cindy Tzetzis, 315.446.5222 e-mail: frdavid@stsophias.org Open to: All Orthodox Christian Youth ages 8-18 Registration: May METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO 10. Camp Fanari Location: Green Lake Conference Center, Green Lake, Wis. Dates: June 16-23 Cost per camper: $450 by May 1; $500 by June 1; $550 afterward (subject to changes) Director or contact person and phone number: Nick Kirkeles, 630.624.7444 Website: www.gochicagoyouth.goarch.org Open to: all Orthodox Christian youth Registration: April 1 until a week before the camp. 11. St. Mary’s Camp Location: Camp Wapogasset, Amery, Wis.

Dates: June 29-July 5 Director: Fr. Paul Paris (camp director), 612-825-9595; Doria Saros (camp coordinator), dsaros@stmarysgoc.org, 612-825-9595 Cost per camper: TBA e-mail: dsaros@stmarysgoc.org Open to: Children in grades 3-12. Registration: June 29-July 1 METROPOLIS OF DENVER 12. Camp Emmanuel Location: Manzano Mountain Retreat, Torreon, N.M. (southeast of Albuquerque) Dates: Junior Session (June 9-15) ages 11-14; Senior Session (June 1 6-22) ages 15-18. Cost per camper: TBA Director or contact person and phone number: Deacon Paul Zaharas (camp director); Fr. Evan Armatas (program director), (303) 333-7794 e-mail: rsinos@denver.goarch.org Website: www.youth.denver.goarch.org/ ministires/campemmanuel Open to: Limited to Denver Metropolis youth. Registration: TBA METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO 13. St. Nicholas Ranch Location: Squaw Valley (Dunlap), Calif. Dates: Counselor Training, July 2-6; Session 1, July 7-13; Session 2, July 14-20; Session 3, July 21-27; Session 4, July 28-August 3 Cost per camper: $425; $25 discount for each

additional child Director or contact person and phone number: Paul Gikas, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, 415.814.1186 E-mail: pgikas@sanfran.goarch.org Website: www.sanfran.goarch.org Open to: Mainly Greek Orthodox but PanOrthodox Christians from age 8 years (or entering the third grade in September 2013) to 17 years old (or a high school graduate in spring 2013), as well as friends and relatives of those campers. Registration: 14. Metropolis Greek Village “Elliniko Horio” Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch (This is a Greek immersion and cultural summer camp program held at the Metropolis St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center). Dates: June 22-29 Cost: $425 Program Director: Georgia Covell, 415. 814.1186 E-mail: pgikas@sanfran.goarch.org Website: www. ourgreekvillage.org Open to: Mainly Greek Orthodox children ages 7-14 interested in learning more about Greek language and culture in a summer camp environment. Registration: March 1-May 30 15. All Saints Camp Location: Gig Harbor, Wash. Dates: Counselor Training, July 6; High School Camp, July 7-13; Middle School Camp, July 14-20; Elementary Camp, July 7-13. Cost per camper: $275. for high school campers, $250 for all others, $30 discount for each additional child. Director or contact person and phone number: Lefteris Sitaras, Youth Ministry director, St. Demetrios, Seattle, (206) 631-2504 E-mail: lsitaras@saintdemetrios.com Website: www.allsaintscamp.com Open to: Any youth ages 8 to 17, or a high school graduate. This camp is co-owned by the communities of St. Demetrios and Assumption but has campers attending, from over 10 Orthodox Churches in Washington and Oregon. There is usually a few out of state campers and non-Orthodox campers each year. Registration: TBA 16. Holy Trinity Camp Location: Corbett, Oregon, in the Sandy River valley property of Camp Angelos, which is operated under the guidance of the AHEC (American-Hellenic Educational Center) board established by the Portland-Metropolitan Greek Orthodox Community. Dates: Counselor training (TBA); Camper Session, Aug. 19-23. Cost per camper: $275 ($200 for each additional child). Counselor Cost: $35. Counselor ages 17-plus (and a limited number of CIT (Counselor-In-Training) positions may be available for those age 16 and only upon application and approval/recommendation of their parish priest and the camp directors). Director or contact person and phone number: Anthony Aivaliotis, co-director, HTSC program, (503) 381-6093; Fr. Jordan Brown, proistamenos, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Portland; and George Demas, cathedral youth director. E-mail: amaent1@gmail.com Website: goholytrinity.org Open to: Youth from ages 9-16, from any Orthodox Christian communities, as well as the friends and relatives of those campers. Registration:TBA

r u o y t r o p p Su The ORTHODOX OBSERVER has been offering Greek Orthodox faithful in America and around the world news from our Archdiocese, our Metropolises and our parishes for almost 40 years. Originally begun primarily as a theological magazine by Archbishop Athenagoras in 1934, the ORTHODOX OBSERVER was transformed into its present format and role by Archbishop Iakovos in 1971. Each member of the national Church continues to receive a complimentary copy of the ORTHODOX OBSERVER as part of their stewardship to their local parish. Over the years, mailing and printing costs have continued to rise and have outpaced increases in theORTHODOX OBSERVER’S income resources. Advertising revenue and donations contribute to our revenue, but an increasing shortfall exists because of these rising costs. The ORTHODOX OBSERVER, which will print 10 issues in 2013, has initiated a campaign to raise additional funds for these rising costs. We invite you to participate as a Donor, Patron or Special Patron.

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JANUARY 2013

  from page 22 mated that during his time serving the faithful of St. Nectarios, he drove more than 350,000 miles across the state of Washington. Upon the establishment of St. John the Forerunner Monastery in Goldendale, Wash., Fr. Anthony served the first Divine Liturgy when this new community was founded in 1995. After Presbytera Sophronia’s passing he was once quoted as saying “We did everything together,” and that her absence from his life left a void in his heart. In 2011, Fr. Anthony made a donation to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) in memory of Presbytera Sophronia to build a school in Lodwar, Kenya to include six classrooms for 30 students each, administrative facilities, and an area for religious services. This academy will provide an Orthodox-focused education and will be under the auspices of the local Orthodox church and clergy. Fr. Anthony is survived by his son, Charles Anthony Tomaras of Seattle, and Presbytera Irene Supica (Fr. Stephen) of Spokane, Wash., two granddaughters: Sophronia and Elizabeth Supica. The Trisagion Service was held Jan. 2, presided by Metropolitan Gerasimos. The funeral service followed St. Nicholas Church, Tacoma.

Fr. Savas Christos Constantinou

Fr. Savas Christos Constantinou, 82, of Norfolk, died Jan. 2, at his residence with his loving family at his side. He was a native of New York and a Norfolk resident since 1942. He was the son of the late Christos and Sophia Constantinou and was preceded in death by his brothers Andrew and Gus Constantinou and John Stanton. He was a graduate of Granby High School and served his country in the United States Army and was a Veteran of the Korean War. He married Athena Pallas in May 1964. Fr. Savas was a member of Annunciation Cathedral and formerly served as an Acolyte, Choir member and Sunday School teacher. Following his military service he served as the parish sexton/ custodian, parish council member and parish council president. He also held local, diocesan, district and national Senior GOYA leadership positions. He entered Holy Cross School of Theology in 1956 as a seminarian in order to pursue the Holy Priesthood. In 1975 under the spiritual guidance and recommendation of Father Charles Goumenis, Father Savas began to prepare for ordination, achieving that milestone on Feb. 6, 1976. The officiating Bishop at his ordination was Bishop lakovos of Catania. He was appointed as the Diocese Youth Commissioner for the Eastern Virginia District and subsequently named a member of the New Jersey Diocese Youth Commission. Fr. Savas served from 1976 to 1995 as a priest with a lay profession at Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk, Va., supporting the ministries of the parish and working as parish youth director. In 1992, Metropolitan Silas of New Jersey conferred upon Father Savas the Offikion of “Economos.” In 1997, Father Savas began assisting at St. Nicholas Church in Virginia Beach. In 1998 he became assistant priest and youth programs director and served in that capacity until 2004 when he was appointed proistamenos of St. Nicholas parish. In 2005, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey bestowed upon him the Offikion of “Protopresbyter”. Fr. Savas was also employed as assistant

Obituaries (cont.) advertising director for Grand Furniture in Norfolk from 1966-1992. Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Presbytera Athena of Norfolk, his daughter, Presbytera Renee and her husband, Fr. Michael J. Lambakis of Houston; his sister, Mary Kypros, of Norfolk and his grandchildren. A Trisagion Service was held Jan. 7. A Divine Liturgy was celebrated at Annunciation Cathedral on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, with Orthros at 8:30am and Divine Liturgy at 9:30am. The funeral service was held Jan. 8 at Annunciation Cathedral. Services were conducted by Fr. Nicholas Bacalis; Metropolis Vicar of Southern Virginia, the Very Rev. Ambrose Bitziadis-Bowers, and Frs. Nicholas C. Triantafilou, Constantine Rogakos, George Chioros, John Manual, Jon Emanuelson, Paul Pappas and Michael J. Lambakis. Donations may be sent to: Virginia District Orthodox Christian Charities, 621 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach, Va. 23451.

Presbytera Erasmia Papageorgiou

Presbytera Erasmia Papageorgiou, 85, wife of retired priest Fr. Menelaos Papageorgiou, who served the parish of Zoodochos Peghe in Martins Ferry, Ohio for 45 years, died Dec. 3 in Cyprus, the country of her birth. Presbytera Erasmia, whose father was also a priest in Cyprus, was a deeply faithful person and highly respected and deeply loved by the Zoodochos Peghe community for her faith, dedication to the church and participation in the church activities, including the Ladies Philoptochos and preparing the prosphoro for Holy Communion. In early 2012 she was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma and her wish was to depart this life at the place of her birth, Cyprus, and to be buried in the village of her birth next to her parents, Fr. Konstantinos and Presbytera Anastasia. She moved to Cyprus in September of 2012 under worsening health conditions to participate in her first granddaughter’s wedding and then to depart when called by Christ. She passed away and her burial took place in the village where she was born. The entire village attended her funeral giving her an emotional goodbye as if she had never left the village. Fr. Papageorgiou had decided to retire as priest of Zoodochos Peghe after 45 years of continuous service to be with Presbytera in Cyprus during the last days of her life. He continues to live in Cyprus. In addition to her husband of 65 years, she is survived by her two children, Marina Papapostolou and Gus, and four grandchildren Anastasia, Marios, Nicole, and Alexander. Her son, Gus, said, “My mother was a very righteous, faithful, spiritual, and self taught theologian of the Greek Orthodox faith who never missed church or church activities unless if she was bedridden because of serious illness.”

Corrections and clarifications

The following information was not included in two obituaries in the November and December issues. Fr. Angelo Gavalas was predeceased by his wife, Ismene, and two sons, George and Harry. Dr. George Demos is also survived by three children: Theodore, Despina and Paula.

JANUARY 2013

Atlanta Hellenic Dance Festival WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Winter weather plagued much of the deep South in the days leading up to the Jan. 18-20 Atlanta Metropolis Hellenic Dance Festival, but that did not deter more than 1,000 participants and their families representing 17 parishes from making the journey to the host community of Annunciation for three days of fellowship and connecting to their faith. Groups of dancers from 17 parishes competed in an intensive two-day schedule of 58 performances in five categories: junior, advanced junior, senior, advanced senior and adult. In addition, the HDF included a scholarship program event and a Photography Contest based on submission of photos that reflect a faith-based theme. Hundreds of young people also attended the spiritual workshop held at Annunciation Church after the Vespers on Jan. 19. The young people put what they learned to use at the next day’s Divine Liturgy. On Sunday, the church had filled before Orthros ended. The HDF is more than just a Greek dancing competition. Eligible young people, dancers and choral participants may take part in the Metropolitan Alexios Spiritual Odyssey Scholarship program that takes place every four years. A minimum of 20 winners are selected to accompany the Metropolitan on a tour of Greece where they perform and participate in cultural and spiritual workshops while traveling through the country. Require-

Following vespers on Jan. 19 at Annunciation Church presided over by Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, HDF participants attended a spiritual workshop on the “Liturgy of the Word.”

ments include a 250-word essay on why they should be selected to receive a scholarship, a presentation on a faith-related subject which they researched and a brief interview on their future participation in the life of the church. Participating parishes included: Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta; Holy TrinityHoly Cross Cathedral, Birmingham, Ala; St. Mark, Boca Raton, Fla; Holy Trinity, Charleston, S.C; Holy Trinity Cathedral, Charlotte, N.C; Holy Trinity, Clearwater, Fla; St. Demetrios, Daytona Beach; St. Demetrios, Fort Lauderdale, Fla; St. George Cathedral, Greenville, S.C; Sts. Constantine

ORTHODOX OBSERVER PHOTOS

(Clock wise from top right: Photo Contest Winner: The HDF introduced a Photography exhibition for program participants to submit pictures depicting a faith-related theme. This year’s winner is Caitlin Hogan of St. Demetrios Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., shown with Metropolitan Alexios, HDF Executive Director Gerry Clonaris and Fr. Demetrios Kangelaris, proistamenos of the Winston-Salem church. Her photograph, on the theme of showing the presence of God in nature, will be on display at the Metropolis headquarters in Atlanta., Scholarship winners: Those shown above represent about half of the number of eligible winners selected .for the Metropolitan Alexios Odyssey Scholarships. They will accompany the Metropolitan to northern Greece this summer, Singing as well as dancing: A choral performance also took place during the HDF weekend. These singers represented Sts. Constantine and Helen in Newport News, Va. A group of four youths from Holy Trinity in Charlotte, N.C., also participated, Advanced senior dancers from St. Mark’s, Boca Raton, Fla., Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Cathedral of Birmingham, Ala., featured its adult group’s per formance with a fishing village theme, the adult group from St. George, Knoxville, Tenn. and the advanced junior division dancers from Annunciation in Winston-Salem. More photos on page 32.

and Helen, Hampton Roads, Va; St. George, Knoxville, Tenn; Holy Transfiguration, Marietta, Ga; Holy Trinity, Maitland (Orlando), Fla; Holy Trinity, Raleigh, N.C; St. Nicholas,

Spartanburg, S.C; St. Nicholas, Wilmington, N.C; and Annunciation, Winston,-Salem (host parish). More photos on Metropolis of Atlanta webside: www.atlmetropolis.org .

JANUARY 2013

Commentaries and Reflections Feast of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day   from page 1 of their teachings. First, they emphasized the priority of charity in the Christian life. Saint John Chrysostom states, “For nothing can so make a man an imitator of Christ as caring for his neighbors. Indeed, even though you fast, or sleep on hard ground, or even suffer unto death, but should you take no thought for your neighbor, you have done nothing great….” (Homily 25 – On First Corinthians) Saint Gregory affirms that charity and mercy are essential to our relationship with God. “I suggest that the main part of charity is the love for the poor and mercy and compassion for our fellow brethren. There is no better sacrifice that can be offered to God than mercy…. And God, who measures justly and puts mercy in the balance, will with kindness repay kindness.” (On the Love for the Poor) Second, the Three Hierarchs acknowledged the divine truth that showing mercy and sharing with those in need is related to our identity as being created in the image and likeness of God. Commenting on the exhortation of Christ to give to the person who asks of you (Matthew 5:42), Saint Basil states, “This saying of our Lord invites us to adopt the spirit of sharing, mutual love, and what is proper to our nature.” (Homily on Psalm 14) Saint Gregory exhorts us to look to the example of Christ and ask ourselves what we should do for those in affliction around us. “Are we going to look down upon them, pass them by, abandon them

as dead, as abominable…? No way, my brethren! We who are the flock of Christ will not be allowed to do so by the Good Shepherd, who looks for those who have gone astray, goes in search of those who are lost and strengthens the weak.” (On the Love for the Poor) Third, these wise shepherds guide us to see the spiritual consequences of what we do for others. This concerns not only the blessings of generosity, but also our salvation. Saint John Chrysostom states simply and directly, “Almsgiving is an art and better than all arts…. It procures life everlasting….” (Homily 49 – On the Gospel of Matthew) Saint Basil relates sharing with others in their time of need as a contrast between selfishness and tending to our souls: “Do not enrich the present life while leaving the other naked and clothed in rags. Rather, when the time comes for you to stand before Christ and appear in the presence of the Judge, let the life of virtue have her bridal raiment and invitation ready.” (In Time of Famine and Drought) Finally, Saint Gregory uses the teachings of Christ on the Great Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46) to emphasize: “Let us welcome Christ, let us honor Christ…. Offer to Him through the poor and those who are spread throughout the earth, so that, when we leave this world, we will be welcomed by them into the eternal dwelling with the same Christ.” (On the Love for the Poor) When we contemplate these great teachings on Christian charity in connection with our commemoration of Greek

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Letters Day, we see the significance of the superb and beautiful way in which these three Holy Fathers offer us guidance in caring for those in need. The elegance and depth of their use of language stands as a witness of the power of human expression in affirming truth and in helping us to understand what is authentic and enduring in terms of life and relationships. In their teachings on love and philanthropy, they also gave to language a richness that is practical. They connected ideas and linguistic expression with action. Through the artful use of language, they called every person into the service of others. In this manner and on many subjects, the Three Hierarchs affirmed the significance of language in the relationship of faith and learning, of faith and the highest forms of human expression. Their witness, gifts, faith, and literary legacy are also why we connect their feast with Greek Letters Day

by Fr. Evangelos Evangelidis

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for these former things have passed away.”… (Revelation 21:4) The grief stricken people of Newtown and the state of Connecticut, along with local communities and indeed an entire nation mourns the loss of innocent life in the horrific shooting that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Our first response as Orthodox Christians is to come together and pray to Almighty God for support and healing to the families who are suffering from this tragic violence and for the repose of the souls of the innocent victims, many of whom were children. As we struggle to make sense of the senseless, let us remember that it is the light of Christ that dispels the darkness and evil that lurks in shadows of everyday life. Where there is pain, where there is sorrow and where there is suffering our Lord Jesus Christ is right there in the midst of it, offering comfort, healing and hope. The Christ-child was also an innocent, like the children at Sandy Hook Elementary, who narrowly escaped senseless evil in the hands of a madman named Herod. Even though our Lord entered a fallen world, He became one with us so that we may become one with Him. Just as Christ experienced pain, suffering and evil – and overcame - we too

Burn out

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With paternal love in Christ,

† Archbishop DEMETRIOS of America

Thoughts on the Tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut

Letter

Serving the Tri-State Area

and why they should be honored and included in any celebration of high quality literature. As we find spiritual guidance in the teachings of Saints Basil, Gregory, and John Chrysostom, may we also honor their intellectual and linguistic abilities in the service of Christ and His Church. We are truly inspired by their words and examples to offer comfort, healing, care, and love to others. May we also show through their witness the truth of the Gospel, the power and beauty of language, and the blessings of eternal communion with God.

I am writing in response to the disturbing article, “I Think I’m Burned Out” by Fr. John Bakas in the November 2012 Orthodox Observer. He describes having lunch with a fellow priest who is overwhelmed, frustrated and possibly “burned out.” Fr. Bakas explains further in the article about the high parish expectations put on priests to be a great liturgist, preacher, administrator, fundraiser, social worker, spiritual father, counselor, and more--all with patience and equanimity. Fr. Bakas suggests that priests, with the understanding of their

shall overcome in His Holy name. It is our faith and hope in the Resurrection that sustains us during difficult moments like this. As we contemplate this devastating event and the prolonged effects it will have on the people of Newtown and beyond, let us remember that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). We think about this senseless act of violence in the present time. God interprets it through the prism of eternity and acts according to what is need most for our salvation. In times like this our humanity becomes frail. Our strength evaporates. Our faith is tested. We reach out to God who, in our weakness, makes us strong again (Hebrews 11:34). This process will undoubtedly take time. After all, we are complicated beings. Nevertheless like candles burning in the wind, we are challenged to bring the light of Christ into the world. Only His light can dispel the darkness we encountered today. Only Christ’s light can bring comfort, healing and hope to the families bearing such a tragic loss of innocents who have now become God’s cherished little cherubs and angels in heaven. May their memory be eternal and may God grant comfort and peace to their families. In Christ’s everlasting love, Fr. Evangelidis is the priest at Annunciation Church, Stamford, Conn. parishes, need to set priorities, including making time for their own prayer life, solitude, and fellowship with other priests –all life lines to spiritual renewal. I agree with this wisdom, but would like to add another recommendation: the ordination of more deacons that can help in many capacities. Not only would they assist with the many stresses the priest endures, but they would be answering God’s call to serve him and the church. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese began the Special Program for the Diaconate in 2007, and deacons are already helping in their parishes. To find out more about this program, the history of the diaconate, their Biblical origins and what they can do to help your priest, go to: www.orthodoxdeacons.org Marilyn Rouvelas, Virginia

JANUARY 2013

Family Connections

Spiritual Development: Climbing the Ladder to Christ

when she was holding him. One day in church, he may notice that there are crosses carved on the pews. He may then proceed to walk up and down the aisle kissing each of these crosses, just as he learned in the arms of his grandmother. Our ultimate goal as parents is for our children to be so in love and connected with Christ that that want to know all about Him. In the words of St. Paul, we want Christ to “dwell in [our] hearts through faith; that [we], being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that [we] may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17–19).

by Melissa K. Tsogranis

Ascend, my brothers, ascend eagerly. Let your hearts’ resolve be to climb. Listen to the voice of the one who says: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of our God.” (Isaiah 2:3). – St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent Do you remember the first word your child said? How about what it felt like when he took his first step, or perhaps when she first rolled over? These moments cause your heart to swell with delight while you run for the video camera. But such occasions are more than photo opportunities; rather, they represent steps up the ladder of development children begin ascending the instant they are born. At no other time in life does more growth occur than from birth to age three. Even when you think nothing is happening, your baby is doing all sorts of wonderful things that prepare her for all future development—yes, even putting her feet in her mouth and sticking out her tongue have prominent places on developmental charts. Hundreds of thousands of pathways in your child’s brain are industriously making connections that will help her walk, talk and even have a temper tantrum. With all of these critical physical and psychological pathways being formed, it is essential that you pave the way for your child’s spiritual development from the beginning. We will examine four critical stages of early childhood development. Much of this information comes from the work of developmental psychologist Stanley Greenspan. As we explore these stages, we will analyze them through a slightly different lens—one with an Orthodox Christian point of view. Homeostasis: Taking in the World Homeostasis is defined by MerriamWebster as “a relatively stable state of equilibrium.” For newborns, however, the world is anything but stable. Life in mother’s womb was warm and secure— but now loud noises, bright lights, cold air and a barrage of other things assault their sensitive bodies daily. During this stage, infants are learning to process all of the different stimuli they experience in their environment. It would be very difficult for them to progress to other developmental milestones if they never learned how to filter sensory information. What does this mean for your little one’s spiritual development? Plainly speaking, bring your baby to church and bring the Church into your home! Infants need the magnificent sensory feast of the Church to embrace them from the beginning. Children need to smell the incense, touch the icons, hear the rich sounds and see the beauty of God around them. Most importantly, it is in church that they taste Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. Parents then need to bring the Church into their daily lives by filling their homes with prayer and godly reminders (such as icons, incense, liturgical music and the Bible). When we do this, our children will sense that our homes are an extension of the Church. St. John Chrysostom writes, “Seek the things which are of God, and those which are of man will follow readily enough... If we thus regulate our own houses, we shall be also fit for the management of the Church. For indeed a house is a little Church” (Homily 20 on Ephesians).

Attachment: Falling in Love Attachment for a baby is the process of becoming emotionally close to his parents—falling in love with them. Research has found that babies who are securely attached to their primary caregivers grow to have healthier relationships and are more capable in dealing with life’s pressures. Falling in love is anything but trivial for a baby: it is necessary for survival. Studies have shown that infants who do not have someone to connect with in this most intimate of relationships fail to thrive. As a result, their development can be delayed, they may be detached from the world and, in some extreme instances, they can even die from a lack of love. But attachment to parents is not enough for our little ones to develop. Our children need to attach themselves to our unifying heavenly Father in order to develop into healthy Christians, capable of dealing with the challenges of life. It is not enough for us to feed, shelter and love our babies while waiting for them to grow old enough that we can “teach” them about God. We must help our children turn to God from the very beginning of their lives so that He becomes part of their being. We attach ourselves to God, and through us our children will grow to know Him. In his book, On the Upbringing of Children, Bishop Irenaeus writes, “If your heart overflows with faith and love for God, you will find a thousand and two ways to pass on these feelings to your child.” Intentional Communication: Let’s Talk Once a child has acclimated to his environment and attached to a caregiver, he begins to communicate. A baby first communicates his needs through crying. Initially, it is a crude system based on raw physical and emotional needs (e.g., I’m wet, hungry, hurt). As he grows, this system is quickly refined. Within the first year of life, an infant progresses from “If I cry, Daddy comes,” to holding up objects to Mommy in inquiry, “What’s this?” The child is gathering information in preparation for beginning to communicate verbally—but there is much intentional communication occurring long before he says his first word. A baby actively engages those around him, with or without verbal skills, and learns more every day through “talking” with others. From a spiritual development point of view, the child is ready to intentionally communicate with God—to pray. When

we pray, we enter into a conversation with God and attach ourselves to Him in body, mind and soul. St. Dimitri of Rostov writes: Prayer is turning the mind and thoughts toward God. To pray means to stand before God with the mind, mentally to gaze unswervingly at Him, and to converse with Him in reverent fear and hope. (“The Inner Closet of the Heart,” in The Art of Prayer: An Orthodox Anthology, Faber & Faber, 1997) For our little ones, beginning to pray on their own shouldn’t be their first experience with prayer. Before this, they have been praying from their parents’ loving arms in church and at home. In this way, they hear and experience what it means to communicate through prayer. Only later do we encourage them in their own prayers before and after meals, and when they wake and sleep, and throughout the day. They can begin with a simple “Lord, have mercy” while “doing their cross” and then progress to saying their own prayer, asking God for strength and giving Him thanks and praise. We nurture in them their own prayers even as we teach them common prayers and hymns of the Church. Exploration: Joy of Discovery The final stage of early childhood is exploration. For a child, exploration is the action of learning more about something that interests her. This stage is why we child-proof our homes! When a child is getting into stuff, she is taking an active role in learning, which is a very good thing. Exploration is the richest kind of learning because it is intrinsically motivated. This joy of discovery contributes to a child’s overall development, even if she is exploring something as simple as a sock drawer. There is much to learn in drawers: feeling the different textures, seeing the various colors and learning how long it takes before Mom and Dad find out—of course, only after every sock has been unfolded and scattered throughout the house! The child is fully invested in exploration and learning, and she takes great joy from it. In this stage of spiritual development, our children are ready to explore their faith more independently. This is different than the learning that took place when they were younger. When they were younger, they learned from the arms of their parents, and their parents’ experiences were their experiences. In this stage, children create their own experiences. For example, an 18-month-old may be taught by his grandmother to kiss the cross around her neck

In Conclusion Development is exciting. Consider a child who has learned a new skill. She wants to do it all the time, be it walking, talking or simply stacking blocks. Spiritual development is no different. It is exciting— it brings us closer to Christ. Children have the eagerness, but quite often our spiritual lethargy prevents them from eagerly running to the Lord. I have not associated specific ages with developmental stages here. Although there are definite periods in which the stages should to occur, from a spiritual point of view, development is not so precise. It is ideal for a child to experience these stages at a very young age, but God is ready to enter our lives at any age. Mastery of these stages is a lifelong discipline, not a check mark on a developmental list. Consider the following stages for children of all ages: • Have they learned to experience and enjoy to the wonderful sensory feast available through our Orthodox tradition? • Have they fallen in love with their Heavenly Father and realized His neverending love for them? • Have they started intentionally communicate with God through prayer both in church and throughout their day? • Have they become interested in exploring more about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? But here is the most important question: have we? Melissa Tsongranis is associate director for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Center for Family Care. Her background is in child development with an emphasis in Special Need Populations and Family Education. This article is adapted from a presentation given at the Clergy-Laity Congress in 2006 and from an article printed in the Fall 2008 issue of “PRAXIS” magazine.

JANUARY 2013

Fordham U. Receives 1st NEH Grant for Orthodox Christian Studies

BRONX, N.Y. – Professors George Demacopoulos and Aristotle Papanikolaou, co-founders of the Orthodox Christian Studies Program at Fordham University, have been awarded a National Endowment of the Humanities Matching Grant of $500,000. Professor Demacopoulos said, “In short, an arm of the Federal Government has decided that Orthodox Christian Studies is a field worthy of significant investment so that all Americans will have a better understanding of Orthodox thought, history, and culture. We were one of only five institutions to be awarded the maximum amount.” In response to the news, National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis said, “On behalf of the entire Archon family we extend our heartfelt congratulations! Indeed, this is a most extraordinary and prestigious recognition of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center founded by such worthy and devoted sons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.” Founded by 2007, the Orthodox Christian Studies Center is the first university-based site for Orthodox Christian Studies in the western hemisphere. The three-to-one matching grant requires the center to raise $1.5 million, which will be matched by a $500,000 award from the NEH. This sum will create a $2 million endowment to fund to the center’s Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence program and Dissertation Completion Fellowship program. “The NEH grant is the strongest possible endorsement that the work of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center is unique, valuable, and necessary not simply for Orthodox Christianity or Catholic-Orthodox relations, but for the humanities writ at large,” said Aristotle Papanikolaou, Ph.D., professor of theology and co-founding director of the center. The two programs will provide a unique opportunity for scholars and doctoral students of Orthodox studies. The Scholar-in-Residence program is unprec-

edented for the discipline, while the Dissertation Completion Fellowship program will become one of only two nationwide. “Years ago, when we had first started thinking about the center, we realized that we could have the greatest long-term impact by sponsoring research, books, and conferences,” said George Demacopoulos, Ph.D., associate professor of theology and co-founding director of the center. “Now we want to create a space where scholars who are studying Orthodox Christian studies can have access to the resources they need to pursue their scholarship.” This is the first challenge grant earned by Fordham, which was one of only five institutions nationwide this year to receive the maximum award of $500,000. “I cannot think of a finer endorsement of Fordham’s Orthodox Christian Studies Center than this prestigious NEH grant. The grant speaks volumes about the quality of scholarship produced in the program,” said Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the University. “In this, much credit is due to George Demacopoulos and Telly Papanikolaou, who have brought tremendous energy and new scholarship to Orthodox Studies at Fordham.” Founded by the two theology professors in 2007, the Orthodox Christian Studies Center is the first university-based site for Orthodox Christian Studies in the Western Hemisphere. “This is great for our center, it’s great for the Department of Theology, and it’s great for the University,” Demacopoulos said. “It reflects Father McShane’s vision that this kind of center is truly important, and that its importance can be recognized outside of church-affiliated institutions.” Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 15,100 students in its four undergraduate colleges and its six graduate and professional schools.

Rep. Sarbanes Convenes Religious Freedom Event WASHINGTON – Congressman John Sarbanes convened the second annual St. Andrew’s Human Rights and Religious Freedom Reception on Capitol Hill on Nov. 29. The Reception was hosted by Sen. Ben Cardin and Chris Smith of The Helsinki Commission, Reps. Frank Wolf and James P. McGovern of The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Reps. Trent Franks and Heath Shuler of The International Religious Freedom Caucus, and Reps. Gus Bilirakis, Carolyn Maloney and John Sarbanes of The Hellenic Caucus. The second annual St. Andrew’s Human Rights and Religious Freedom Reception was widely attended by members of Congress, Congressional staff, State Depart-

ment officers, the diplomatic community, the Pan-Orthodox Community including representatives of The Order of Saint Andrew of The Ecumenical Patriarchate and Jewish, Hindu and Muslim faith-based groups. Representatives from The German Marshall Fund, The Becket Fund, The Center for American Progress, International Orthodox Christian Charities and Habitat for Humanity also participated. St. Andrew is the patron saint of The Ecumenical Patriarchate and he is venerated on Nov. 30 in both the Western and Eastern Churches. Keeping with tradition, all guests were treated to pastries and refreshments in honor of the Feast Day Celebration of St. Andrew.

Museum to Feature Karales Civil Rights Era Photos CHARLESTON, S.C. – As part of the forthcoming 150 th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of desegregation in South Carolina public education, the Gibbes Museum of Art is showcasing an iconic collection of Civil Rights era photographs by acclaimed photographer the late James Karales. Engaged as a photo-journalist for Look magazine, Karales witnessed and documented many historic events during the Civil Rights movement and created some of the era’s most iconic images. On view through May 12, this exhibition will feature forty vintage photo-

graphs from the Estate of James Karales that offer insight into this remarkable period of history–a period in which the visual image was crucial in communicating the struggle for justice to the world. Born in Canton, Ohio, the son of Greek immigrants, James Karales (19302002) graduated from Ohio University in 1955 with a BFA in photography. On assignment for Look magazine in the 1960s, Karales created some of the most indelible images of the Civil Rights movement. In 1962, Karales traveled extensively with Dr. Martin Luther King, and in 1965, he documented the Selma to Montgomery March for Voting Rights.

(from left) Kosta and Nitsa Kambouroglos, Rebecca V. Michalopoulos, Jeannie N. Arida, Pari and Sophia Michalopoulos, Maria Barron, Major Ed George, Elena Arida, Peter Michalopoulos.

Pa. Church Supplies Food to NJ Shelter LANCASTER, Pa. – Members of the Annunciation Church delivered more than 500 fully cooked Greek meals to the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Shelter at the Cranford Community Center in Cranford, N.J., on Nov. 5 to benefit those displaced by Superstorm Sandy. After hearing of the hardships that people faced in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, volunteer parishioners felt compelled to help anyway they could. With the blessing of Fr. Alexander Goussetis and the Parish Council, Annunciation parishioner Maria Barron reached out to former Annunciation parishioners Jeannie Nicozisis Arida and Rebecca Veronis Michalopoulos who currently reside in New Jersey to find a shelter to which to bring the food. In cooperation with the Salvation Army liaisons, Jennifer Schildge and Carole Heffernan, it was determined that the meals could be quickly utilized by the Salvation Army Cranford, N.J. shelter. Ms. Barron, Nitsa and Kosta Kambouroglos transported the surplus food from their annual Greek Bazaar to the shelter in Cranford. Kegel’s Produce in Lancaster donated the use of their refrigerated truck for the journey. Ms. Barron said, “As a community of faith and Christianity, we are taught to help those in need. We were blessed with

abundance so we gave to those in need in abundance as well. It was an experience we will never forget and we hope to be able to do more of it in the future.” Teen volunteers Elena Arida and Pari Michalopoulos met the delivery at the shelter and assisted with the unloading and distribution of the food. They captained a team of youth workers who aided. The shelter housed 120 residents and fed up to 300 people three meals per day for over 10 days. Ms. Arida remarked, “I knew that regardless of how I was affected by the storm, there were so many people who suffered and lost so much more than I did. The Annunciation parish were true angels to these victims of Superstorm Sandy and I feel honored to have taken part in the relief effort.” The Salvation Army throughout New Jersey has been providing life sustaining services to those who have been most impacted in 12 of the New Jersey counties. Kitchen volunteer Jennifer Schildge said, “We were so fortunate that the Greek meals arrived from Annunciation Church in Pennsylvania. We were swamped and overwhelmed with the job at hand of feeding so many and their donation helped tremendously! The people we fed were so grateful to have such delicious food too! Indeed, we are all blessed.”

Agris Scholarships Available   from page 11 arships will be presented June 8 at the Alpha Omega Council’s Annual Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner, during which time the National Philoptochos Society, the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the regional Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos will be honored for their eight decades of dedicated service to improve the quality of life for those in need across America, in Greece and beyond. “I’m fortunate enough to have met Mr. Agris when I first got to Boston 20-plus years ago. I’m glad that he is remembered in this way,” said Manny Paraschos, professor of journalism/mass communication at Emerson College, Boston. “He was a pioneer in Greek journalism in America.” Ohio native and 2008 recipient Lauren Gunias said, “Thanks to the Peter Agris Memorial Journalism Scholarship, I was able to receive my master’s in broadcast journalism from the University of the Arts London; London College of Communication. Since graduation, I have worked in a journalistic capacity for CNN International, BBC Newsnight and Press TV.” Crediting the Peter Agris Scholarships

for critical support during his undergraduate work, 2009 recipient and Worcester, Mass. area native Jack Nicas recently headed to Chicago to write for The Wall Street Journal after stints at The Boston Globe and The St. Petersburg Times. Prerequisites for the scholarship include: Greek American heritage; U.S. citizenship; current full-time enrollment as a journalism or related communications major at the graduate or undergraduate level in an accredited college or university in the United States; active participation in school, community, church organizations; a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need. Interested candidates may visit the scholarship’s Facebook page, download an application at www.alphaomegacouncil. com or write to: The Peter Agris Memorial Scholarships Committee, c/o Nancy Agris Savage, 9 Nonesuch Drive, Natick, MA 01760. Questions may be directed to nancyasavage@gmail.com. Applications, transcripts, a required essay and any published work that might enhance the application must be returned by email to nancyasavage@gmail.com or by mail to the above address, no later than March 1, 2013.

JANUARY 2013

Christmas Season Highlights

A Saint Basil Christmas

ASTORIA DAY SCHOOL CAROLERS

Dimitris Panagos photo

Children of St. Demetrios Day School in Astoria, accompanied by their priest, the Very Rev. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos, performed several traditional Greek Christmas songs at the Archdiocese after the Dec. 12 tree-lighting ceremony.

ANGEL TREE

Dimitris Panagos photo

Christmas pageant: Children of the Academy who performed the Christmas program for several hundred visitors are shown with Archbishop Demetrios, Fr. Constantine Sitaras, director, and Fr. Constantine Moralis of Annunciation Cathedral in Baltimore, Board President Evellyn Tsiadis, National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas and trustee Georgia Kaloidis.

Orthodox Observer photo

Archdiocese Chancelor Bishop Andonios of Phasiane sorts the Christmas gifts contributed by the Archdiocese staﬀ for children impacted by Superstorm Sandy on Staten Island. More than eight large plastic bags containing toys were filled.

Dimitris Panagos photo

Fr. Sitaras, Archbishop Demetrios and Mrs. Tsiadis present a large present to one of the children during the distribution of gifts.

Orthodox Observer photo

ALASKA CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Children at Transfiguration Church in Anchorage celebrate Christmas with their performance of the Nativity of Christ.

Generous gift: Valerie Kontakos (left) of Schenectady, N.Y., a member of St. Sophia Church in Albany, who attended the Christmas program at Saint Basil’s with her mother, Stephanie, oﬀered to donate to the Academy any proceeds from gifts at her upcoming graduation.

JANUARY 2013

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ΑΝΑΤΟΛΙΚΑ ΤΗΣ ΓΕΥΣΗΣ Η Ιωάννα Αραμπατζή, γεννήθηκε το 1933 στην Καλλιθέα Αθηνών από μικρασιάτες γονείς (πατέρας από Νέα Φώκαια, μητέρα από Σμύρνη). Σπούδασε Οικονομικά, Στατιστική και Πληροφορική, τομείς που υπηρέτησε στο Υπουργείο Εθνικής Οικονομίας. Δίαυλος χαλάρωσης στα κενά των υποχρεώσεών της είναι η μαγειρική και η ζαχαροπλαστική. Είναι σύζυγος του Νίκου Τζανουδάκη, έχουν δύο κόρες και πέντε εγγόνια. Το βιβλίο αυτό το έγραψε έχοντας συναίσθηση του χρέους να προστατευθούν αξίες, όπως οι γεύσεις οι δεμένες με αναμνήσεις. Αυτές που ανώνυμες νοικοκυρές του Ελληνισμού της Ανατολής, ως δίαυλοι πανάρχαιου πολιτισμού, τις μετέφεραν στις άϋλες αποσκευές τους και τις μεταλαμπάδευσαν στις επόμενες γενιές. Η κύρια ύλη του βιβλίου, το κεφάλαιο «ΑΝΑΤΟΛΙΚΑ ΤΗΣ ΓΕΥΣΗΣ» είναι πέρασμα από την προφορική στη γραπτή μύηση στα παραδοσιακά μαγειρέματα. Συγχρόνως όμως είναι και ελάχιστος φόρος τιμής στις γυναίκες πρόσφυγες πρώτης γενιάς, τις ποιήτριες και τεχνήτρες της καθημερινής πράξης, που μαγείρευαν ευρηματικά, διδακτικά και με ήθος που δίνει το δέσιμο με την παράδοση. Το κεφάλαιο «Γεύσεις και Μνήμες της Κατοχής», είναι κι αυτό ένα φόρος τιμής σε όσους είχαν την ευθύνη να θρέψουν ψυχές τότε. Τα ασύλληπτης ποικιλίας και ευρηματικότητας μαγειρέματά τους, υπογραμμίζουν τη δύναμη της ανάγκης για επιβίωση. Διεύθυνση ηλεκρονικής πρόσβασης για αγορά του βιβλίου

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JANUARY 2013

Being Stewards of Each Other by Eva Kokinos

Happy New Year! A new year always makes us reflect on the last year and how we can improve ourselves. A new year brings an excitement and anticipation since we do not know what lies ahead of us. People have made their New Year’s Resolutions like joining the gym, getting organized, or making better food choices. Unfortunately, we can get caught up in thinking about what we can do for ourselves and we forget about the bigger picture…caring for our neighbor. There is a great song by the Hollies… “He Ain’t Heavy… He’s My Brother.” The song talks about the long road that we travel which leads us, unsure of where it will end. But the song emphasizes a sense of responsibility that we should have for each other, regardless of the road or journey that we might encounter. Here are some of the lyrics: “The road is long, with many a winding turn That leads us to who knows where, who knows when But I’m strong, strong enough to carry him He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother… It’s a long, long road from which there is no return. While we’re on the way to there, why not share? And the load, doesn’t weigh me down at all… He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” In December 2012, we witnessed the unpredictability of this long and winding road. We would be hard pressed to find an individual who has not been deeply distraught and affected by the events that transpired in Newtown, Conn. It never fails that, even in these times of turmoil and despair, we see the true integrity, strength, and faith of the human spirit. Many of us have

been moved by the stories of selflessness in the Newtown tragedy and throughout the past year. There are individuals who accepted the responsibility to help carry and help their fellow human beings, putting their own lives in danger in order to help others to safety. When it comes down to it, we know that our lives are not meant only for ourselves. It is when we help our neighbor that we feel an overwhelming sense of completion. When we help our brothers and sisters, we fulfill the second part of the Greatest Commandment… to love our neighbor as ourselves. The Holy Traditions and Scriptures teach us, time and time again, about the importance of loving and caring for our neighbor. The Parable of the Good Samaritan, the Parable of the Last Judgment, and the Greatest Commandment are just a few examples of these lessons. So what is the challenge that lies before us in this New Year? To take a few lines from the song … “It’s a long, long road from which there is no return… so while we are on the way to there… why not share?” In other words, we should not merely do for ourselves as we make our Christian journey. We must give to truly live. We all must become stewards not only to God and His Church, but also to each other. We can be stewards to each other by lifting others up rather than breaking them down with negativity, gossip, and jealousy. Time and time again, we know that these things never bear fruit. We are reminded of St. Paul’s words to the Corinthians…“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1) We can be stewards to each other by offering some of our time and resources to help those who are less fortunate than we are. There are many whose lives have been ravaged by war, natural disaster, heinous crimes, and the devastating effects of an

unstable economy. Our Lord reminds us with these words… “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40) We can be stewards to each other by serving as an example of faith and discipline to all those around us; inspiring others to follow Christ. Our Lord and Savior teaches us this lesson… “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16). If each and every one of us makes every effort to be there for others, inevitably, no one will be alone. No one will have to carry the weight of life alone. No one will feel like they are traveling down that winding road alone. No one will feel like they are weathering the storms of turmoil and evil alone. Our Lord reminds us at the end of the Great Commission that, ultimately, we are never alone… “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) As we begin our journey into 2013, may our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who willingly gave His life in order that we may live, continue to show us how to be an icon of unconditional love and service to each other. May He give us the wisdom and strength to not only be good stewards to our fellow Orthodox Christians, but also to be stewards and protectors for every person that we encounter so that ALL can be lifted above pain, sorrow, or suffering to eternal life. Eva Kokinos serves as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit. She received a Masters of Theological Studies from Holy Cross School of Theology in 2003.

FOR PARENTS AND YOUTH WORKERS • Ionian Village, the summer camping ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is now accepting registrations for its Summer 2013 programs. Visit www.ionianvillage.org or contact the Office of Ionian Village at (212) 570-3536. • 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. • 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!!

2013 OCF REAL BREAK The Real Break program provides an alternative to the “traditional” Spring Break. It exists to provide the most authen-

tic experience possible, modeled as a full Christian lifestyle, which includes fellowship, prayer within community, witness and service. OCF organizes both domestic and international trips to give College stu-

Do Something “REAL” this Spring Break! The Real Break program provides an alternative to the “traditional” Spring Break . It exists to provide the most authentic experience possible, modeled as a full Christian lifestyle, which includes fellowship, prayer within community, witness and service. OCF organizes both domestic and international trips to give College students the opportunity to serve those less fortunate and to do something “real” for themselves and for God. OCF’s Real Break has been running since 2000 with over a thousand students participating in these life-changing trips. Past trips have included: Mexico, Guatemala, Jerusalem, Constantinople, Raphael House, St. Basil Academy, Greece, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Romania, Buenos Aires, Alaska, and more. INTEGRITY AS AN ORTHODOX For many, Lance Armstrong was the picture-perfect example of hard work, dedication, and integrity. He was revered as a seven-time Tour De France champion and a cancer survivor. But just this month, Armstrong admitted to Oprah that he regularly used “performance enhancing drugs” to succeed. While we understand that no one is perfect, we might wonder what happened to honesty and integrity. In general, having integrity means being true and steadfast to one’s beliefs. But today, we are pressured to “keep up” with reality star families, to break sports records, to get the high profile endorsements, etc. So having integrity can be overpowered by corruption, chaos, and divisiveness as the tools to gain success and popularity. At what cost are we, as Orthodox Christians, willing to be successful? What does it mean to be an Orthodox Christian with integrity? 1) Someone who strives to adhere, or follow, the teachings of the Orthodox Christian faith. A basketball player might not be the best in the league. But they will be respected if they learn the sport, work hard, and do the best they can. 2) Someone who seeks completeness and incorruptibility through Christ! One of the most important ways to restore ourselves is to prepare and participate regularly in the Holy Sacraments. 3) Someone who seeks peace and soundness through prayer and fasting. Our lives are complicated with busy schedules, ringing smartphones, crime and violence, etc. It can send our minds spinning, unable to focus or feel at peace. Having integrity as an Orthodox Christian means being able to step back to and find the true source of peace… through Christ. dents the opportunity to serve those less fortunate and to do something “real” for themselves and for God. OCF’s Real Break has been running since 2000 with over a thousand students participating in these life-changing trips. Past trips have included: Mexico, Guatemala, Jerusalem, Constantinople, Raphael House, St. Basil Academy, Greece, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Romania, Buenos Aires, Alaska, and more. For more information about Real Break or how to help a student take part in the Real Break program, visit www.ocf.net

JANUARY 2013

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese National Calendar of Events for 2013 Editor’s note: Below is the annual Archdiocese-wide calendar of significant events in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at the metropolis level and for the Archdiocesan institutions and organizations . Parish-sponsored events are not included. It is not all-inclusive as some organizations and metropolises may not have finalized their schedules for the entire year. Events listed are those received by the Observer in time for the January press date. Dates and locations should be reconfirmed with the particular organization for those planning to attend as the event approaches. Other local activities and events, such as pastoral visits, anniversaries, feast day events, etc., also are not included. If the date and location of an event is not yet determined, it is indicated as TBA (to be announced). Youth camp information is listed on page 11.

January 11-12 Metropolis of San Francisco Strategic Planning Retreat, Holy Trinity Church, San Francisco. 12 Metropolis of New Jersey Epiphany Celebration, St. George Church, Ocean City, Md. 18-19 Metropolis of San Francisco Church Music Federation Winter Business Meeting, St. Spyridon Church, San Diego. 18-20 Metropolis of New Jersey Greek Folk Dance Festival, Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, Annapolis, Md. 18-20 St. Nicholas Summer Camp Reunion and Winter Retreat, Annunciation Church, Memphis. 18-21 Metropolis of Atlanta - Hellenic Dance Festival, Winston-Salem, N.C. 18-21 Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult Winter Retreat, Lake Tahoe, Nevada. 18-21 Metropolis of San Francisco Family Camp, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, Dunlap, Calif. 18-21 Metropolis of Denver GOYA Basketball Event Weekend, Dallas 27 Metropolis of San Francisco Greek Letters Day Celebration, St. Nicholas Church, San Jose, Calif. 30 Metropolis of Boston District 2 Parish Leadership Development Seminar, St. Philip Church, Nashua, N.H.

February 2-3 St. Photios National Shrine Weekend, St. Augustine, Fla. 4-6 Metropolis of New Jersey Clergy Retreat, Maryland Eastern Shore. 4-6 St. Photios National Shrine weekend, 31st anniversary of Shrine’s dedication, St. Augustine, Fla. 7-9 Archdiocesan Center for Family Care-sponsored Pastoral Challenges in Marriage: O God, Replenish Their Life with All Good Things,” HCHC Campus, Brookline, Mass. 7-10 Leadership 100 Conference, Dana Point, Calif. 13 Metropolis of Boston District 5 Parish Leadership Development Seminar, St. George Cathedral, Springfield, Mass. 15-17 Metropolis of San Francisco 37th annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival, Anaheim, Calif. 15-17 Dayton GOYA Basketball Tournament, Annunciation Church, Dayton, Ohio. 20 Deadline for February-March combined issue of the Orthodox Observer. 24-25 Metropolis of San Francisco Council Meeting, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, Dunlap. 25-26 Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly, St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. 26-27 Metropolis of San Francisco Clergy Retreat, St. Nicholas Ranch. 28-March 3 St. Photios Shrine Pilgrimage of Holy Trinity Cathedral of Charlotte, N.C., Senior Class.

March 2 Metropolis of San Francisco Awards Gala honoring Fanis Economidis, San Francisco 6-8 Metropolis of Detroit Clergy Retreat. Location TBA. 6-8 Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy Retreat at Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, S.C. 7 Metropolis of Boston District 4 Parish Leadership Development Seminar, Annunciation Church, Dover, N.H. 9 - Metropolis of Pittsburgh Daffodil Luncheon, Holiday Inn, Grantville, Pa. 10 Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Biennial FundRaiser 10 Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos Kids ‘n’ Cancer Spring Reception, Southern California. 15-16 Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theologysponsored international conference on liturgical life in

the Orthodox Church 15-17 Metropolis of San Francisco Southern Calif., PreLenten Retreat, Valley Trails Ranch, Castaic, Calif. 16 Metropolis of Detroit GOYA Pre-Lenten Retreat, Holy Trinity Church, Fort Wayne, Ind.

17 Metropolis of New Jersey Greek Independence Day Parade, Philadelphia 22 -24 Metropolis of Atlanta: Session 1 Lenten Retreat at the Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, S.C. 23 Metropolis of Detroit annual Michigan District GOYA Lenten Retreat, Holy Trinity Church, Grand Rapids, Mich. 24 Metropolis of San Francisco Sunday of Orthodoxy Pan Orthodox Celebration, Holy Cross Church, Belmont, Calif. 29-30 Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Lenten Retreat, St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, Contoocook, N.H. 29-31 Metropolis of Atlanta Session II Lenten Retreat at the Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, S.C.

April 2-3 Metropolis of Boston Clergy Retreat, St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, Contoocook, N.H. 3 Deadline for April Orthodox Observer. 4-7 Metropolis of Atlanta Council meetings, Atlanta. 5-6 Metropolis of Boston DOXA Spring Seminar, St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, Contoocook, N.H. 6 Pan-Orthodox Women’s Retreat at OCMC Headquarters, St. Augustine, Fla. 9 Metropolis of Boston District 6 Parish Leadership Development Seminar, St. Sophia Church, New London, Conn. 12 Metropolis of Detroit annual Fall Creek Falls GOYA Lenten Retreat, Holy Trinity Church, Nashville. 12-13 Metropolis of Atlanta Family Ministry Retreat, Atlanta 12-14 Metropolis of Denver Oratorical Festival, Albuquerque, N.M. 19-21 Metropolis of Denver Southern Region GOYA Lenten Retreat, Austin, Texas 20 Metropolis of San Francisco Oratorical Festival, St. Nicholas Ranch.

May 7 Metropolis of San Francisco St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, St. Nicholas Ranch, Dunlap 8 Deadline for the May Orthodox Observer 10-11 Archdiocesan Council meetings, Philadelphia 11 Metropolis of Atlanta Pascha Picnic at the Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem. 11 HCHC commencement, Brookline, Mass. 12-14 Metropolis of New Jersey Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention, The Venetian in Garfield, N.J. 16 Metropolis of Boston District 1 Parish Leadership Development Seminar, Assumption Church, Manchester, N.H. 17-18 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Metropolis of Detroit Finals, St. George Church, Southgate, Mich. 17-19 Metropolis of Atlanta – Oratorial Festival in Tarpon Springs, Fla. 17-19 Metropolis of Boston Couples Retreat, St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, Contoocook, N.H. 18 HCHC Commencement, Brookline. Mass. 24-27 Metropolis of San Francisco Family Camp, St. Nicholas Ranch. 25-26 Metropolis of New Jersey GOYA Outdoor Olympics, Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J 27-June 10 Metropolis of Atlanta Pilgrimage to Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarch and Jerusalem. 30-31 Archdiocesan Council Meetings, Boston.

June 1 Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Biennial Conference, Woburn, Mass. 4 Metropolis of Boston District 7 Parish Leadership Development Seminar, St. Vasilios Church, Peabody, Mass. 5 Deadline for June Orthodox Observer. 8-10 St. John Chrysostom National Oratorical Festival, Annunciation Church, Memphis. 9 Metropolis of Boston Annual Ministry Awards Dinner, Randolph, Mass. 13 Feast of St. Methodios Great Vespers, Annunciation Cathedral Chapel, Brookline, Mass. 14 Feast of St. Methodios Orthros, Divine Liturgy (name day of Metropolitan Methodios of Boston), Cathedral Center, Brookline. 15 St. Basil Academy graduation ceremony, Garrison, N.Y. 22 Concecration of Holy trinity Church, Maitland, Fla.

23–29 Metropolis of Atlanta Senior Week Summer Camp at Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem 25 St. Photios Shrine Greek Landing Day Mayoral Presentation, St. Augustine, Fla. 26 Atlanta Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly, Boca Raton, Fla. 27-30 Metropolis of San Francisco Church Music Federation Conference, St. Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles.

July 1 Deadline for July-August Orthodox Observer 3-15 Metropolis of Atlanta Odyssey trip to Odyssey trip to Greece 19-Aug. 1 Family Mission Team to Albania, sponsored by the Center for Family Care and the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.

August TBA - Metropolis of Denver Outdoor Encounter, Colorado 1-7 Session 6 Metropolis of Boston Family Summer Camp, Contoocook (ages 8-18) 3-5 Metropolis of Denver Choir Federation meetings, Austin, Texas. 11-17 Metropolis of Detroit St. Timothy Summer Camp, Oswegatchie Educational Center, Croghan, N.Y. 29 Deadline for the September Orthodox Observer

September Metropolis of Boston annual Golf Classic, date and location TBA. 4 Deadline for September Orthodox Observer. 14 HCHC beginning of new school year and Exaltation of the Precious and Life Giving Cross Feast Day, Brookline, Mass. 26 Deadline for the October Orthodox Observer 15 Metropolis of New Jersey Holy Cross Celebration, Asbury Park, N.J. 26-28 Metropolis of Detroit Clergy-Laity, Philoptochos Conference, Cincinnati. Metropolis of Denver Southern Region GOYA Fall Retreat (date and location to be announced)

October 2 Deadline for October Orthodox Observer. 8-10 Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy Retreat at the Diakonia Center, Salem 12 National Philoptochos Society Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon, Fairmont hotel, Pittsburgh. Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians Conference, St. Katherine Church in Falls Church, Va. 17-18 Archdiocesan Council Meetings, New York. 20 Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey Ambassador Awards Banquet, The Merion - Cinnamonson, N.J. 26 Metropolis of San Francisco Spirit of Stewardship, Southern California 27 Consecration of the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Chapel by Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey at St. John the Theologian Cathedral, Tenafly, N.J. 31-Nov. 3 Archdiocesan Department of Religious Education co-sponsors (a Pan-Orthodox event) annual Orthodox Institute for religious educators, clergy, and more at Antiochian Village, Ligonier, Pa.

November 1 Deadline for November Orthodox Observer. 8–10 Metropolis of Atlanta Metropolis Council Meetings, Atlanta 8-10 Metropolis of Boston Choir Federation Conference, Taxiarchae Church, Watertown, Mass. 15–17 Metropolis of Atlanta Advent Retreat at the Diakonia Center, Salem 16 Metropolis of San Francisco “Light the Path” Christmas Luncheon, Southern California. 22 Deadline for December Orthodox Observer.

December 7 Metropolis of San Francisco “Light the Path” Christmas Luncheon, Northern California. 8 Metropolis of New Jersey annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Open House, GOMNJ Headquarters, Westfield, N.J. 14 St. Basil Academy Christmas pageant, Garrison, N.Y. 27 Metropolis of Atlanta Winter Youth Rally in Atlanta.