VOL. 65 NO. 1170
http://www.goarch.org/goa/observer E-mail: observer@goarch.org
FEBRUARY 2 0 0 0
Holy Synod Discusses Many Topics at First Meeting NEW YORK -- Archbishop Demetrios convened the year s first meeting of the Archdiocese Holy and Eparchial Synod on Jan. 20-21. A major topic of discussion was the proposed revision of the Archdiocese Charter. The committee on the revision, chaired by Metropolitan Maximos, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, presented a draft charter, which was discussed in detail at a second meeting of the Synod on Feb. 1-2. Another major topic of discussion was the Archdiocese s financial situation. Responding to questions on Church s finances at a press conference following the Synod meeting, Archbishop Demetrios stated that the financial situation is as I found it It is a situation that presents certain difficulties and some serious economic problems and that s why we had to take a loan so that we were covered and, so as not to have problems, but rather to face urgent needs. The Synod also discussed the issue of former Archbishop Spyridon s pension. At the press conference, Archbishop Demetrios replying to questions on this issue said, we discussed the matter very carefully, with responsibility and a sense that we must do what our ecclesiastical tradition and order dictates. The matter is under very careful consideration The Synod also discussed the continu-
byJim Golding
ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS responds to questions at press conference.
ing search for a president for Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology. Among the candidates names mentioned are the Rev. Dr. Demetrios Constantelos, the Rev. Nicholas Triantafilou, and the Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos. Also mentioned as a possible candidate is Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia, of Great Britain. At the conclusion of their delibera-
Orthodox Observer
tions, the Holy Synod issued a joint communiqué (attached) and the hierarchs answered questions from the media.
STATEMENT The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America convened for a
u page 3
Leadership 100 Chairman Kokalis to Step Down NEW YORK. A founding member and driving force behind the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund will soon retire as its chairman, but not before setting some lofty goals into motion. George Kokalis will step down after the annual conference in Washington in mid-May, but will continue serving on the Board of Trustees. He and his wife, Stephanie, have both been members since he helped establish Leadership 100 in 1984. Leadership has been my life, the spry, retired businessman told the Observer. This is all I think about and dream about. Leadership 100 is the only organization that raises money strictly in support
u page 3
Archbishop Demetrios Officially Announces 35th Clergy-Laity Congress GEORGE KOKALIS
ARCHBISHOP S ENCYCLICAL u 2 - 3, 4
u
u
25 - 27
9
Ecum. Patriarchate u 4, 17
Opinions u 8
Bible Guide u 19
Greek section
u 13 -17
Orthodoxy Worldwide u 18 -19
Challenge
HC/HC Report
u 5
Parish Profile u 28
In Memoriam
u 20
People u 28
u 21
Classified ads
u 24
Contemporay Issues u 2 3
Interfaith Marriage u 22
Religious Education u 6
Diocese News
Missions
Voice of Philoptochos u 11
u 12
In an unprecedented action in support of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese National Ministries, the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund Inc., have earmarked $3.4 million over the next two years to seed and nurture various programs of the Church. The Board of Trustees has targeted four areas to apply the grants: helping Archbishop Demetrios fulfill his vision for the Church, enabling Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology to attract the best qualified students and provide them financial support, supplementing the income of indigent retired clergy, and focusing on the Church s foreign and domestic missions. Board members put the plan into motion at their Jan. 22 meeting, which Archbishop Demetrios also attended. In his welcoming comments to the group, the Archbishop noted the new millennium will focus more on an understanding of the purpose and role of the human being, and that Leadership , with its resources will be able to contribute to the Orthodox and Hellenic perspective on the essence of our humanity that is only understood by the humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ. The humanity of man, Archbishop Demetrios continued, will be transfigured by the divinity of the God who became man in the person of Jesus Christ. Archbishop Demetrios attended and took part in the entire session of the board meeting, a fact that impressed the Executive Committee and trustees.
u page 2
DIOCESE OF BOSTON SPECIAL SECTION:
Archdiocese News
LEADERSHIP 100 to Give $3.4 Million to National Ministries
u 7
NEW YORK. Archbishop Demetrios officially announced with an encyclical dated Feb. 15, that the 35th Clergy-Laity Congress will be held in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 27, 2000, at the Philadelphia Marriott hotel. In conjunction with the ClergyLaity Congress the National Young Adult League Conference will take place from June 29 to July 2, and the National Philoptochos Convention from July 2 to 6. The theme of the Clergy-Laity Congress 2000 will be Ageless Traditions in a New Millennium. (See full text of Encyclical on p. 9)
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 2
A R C H D I O C E S E
FEBRUARY 2000
N E W S
LEADERSHIP 100 to Give $3.4 M to National Ministries u page 1 It s the first time that an archbishop stayed all day for the meeting, said Leadership 100 Chairman George Kokalis. Mr. Kokalis said the group accomplished what we set out to do, including setting goals of increasing Leadership s members and working to complete 200 fully paid memberships. Board member and treasurer, Bert Moyar echoed the chairman s assessment of the gathering. We had a very congenial and cooperative meeting, he said. The thing that impressed me the most was that His Eminence stayed for the entire meeting. I am pleased that he participated.
tion of the total number of prospective members to recruit for the organization. Membership drive Chairman Stephen G. Yeonas noted that the Executive Committee s goal of 500 members will make it possible for Leadership to make grants of more than $3 million a year. The needs of the Church are huge, he added. We need new members. For the 200 in 2000 Drive, Mr. Anton said, Our objective is to have a second group of 100 fulfilled Leadership members by the time of our upcoming conference in Washington. I will everything we can to reach the goal of 200 by our May conference. If everyone present would bring one additional member, we will reach exceed our goal and reach 500 members. The Leadership 100 Endowment
Orthodox Observer
SPELLING BEE Participants with His Eminence and Maria Makedon, Greek Education Department assistant director (right) and Yvette M. Reyes, spelling bee coordinator .
Annual Spelling Bee Held in January Students representing 10 New York parochial schools recently took part in the annual Archdiocese Spelling Bee sponsored by the Department of Greek Education and the Daily News. Narissa Puran, an eighth grade student at Jamaica Day School in Queens won by correctly spelling the word rhinoceros. She is the daughter of Parmaud and Joan Ohantall Puran. Narissa went on to complete in the citywide finals. Runner up was Gerrit Floratos, an eighth grader at the Cathedral School. Each child was welcomed and congratulated by Archbishop Demetrios, who
visited the group at the end of the event. Other students participating and their schools are as follows: Haralambos Damanakis, Transfiguration School, Corona; Athanasios Fountas, St. Demetrios School, Astoria; Dimitri Giannios, D&G Kaloidis School, Brooklyn; Dimitri Kakaletris, St. Spyridon School, Manhattan; John Kakleas, Soterios Ellenas School, Brooklyn; Sophocles Katechis, Greek American Institute, Bronx; Sophia Anna Kamvisios, William Spyropoulos School, Flushing; Olga Samusenko, Three Hierarchs School, Brooklyn; and Mary Zoulis, A. Fantis School, Brooklyn.
Orthodox Observer
MEMBERS of Leadership 100’s Executive Board at their meeting with Archbishop Demetrios.
ST PHOTIOS FEAST DAY Bishop Alexios of Atlanta is joined by Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos and Bishop John of Amorion at the St. Photios National Shrine Feast Day liturgy. The service was part of National Shrine Weekend events held Feb. 5-6 in St. Augustine, Fla.
New Liturgical Guidebook Published BLOOMINGTON, Ind. The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians has published its Year 2000 Edition of the Liturgical Guidebook. It contains a comprehensive bibliography of all liturgical music published in the Archdiocese. Also included are Byzantine music references and listings of other educational materials for choir members, children, youth, organists and for congregational singing, and all Sunday and special feast day liturgical substitutions for 2000. This 24th edition is sent to nearly 700 choir directors, clergy and psaltai. Originated by the late Dr. Frank Desby, it is edited and distributed by Peter N. Vatsures of Columbus, Ohio, and contains liturgical research by Nicolas Maragos of Rochester, Minn.
Copies are available for $15 and may be ordered from the National Forum at: National Forum/G.O. Church Musicians, Peter N. Vatsures, editor; 68 W. Cooke Road, Columbus, OH 43214.
USPS 412340
ISSN 0731-2547
Published by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Semi-monthly in March, April, May, June, October and November, and monthly in January, February, July, August, September and December. Editorial and Business Office: 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021. TEL.: (212) 570-3555, 774-0235. FAX (212) 774-0239.
Having Archbishop Demetrios present was a breath of fresh air, said Arthur C. Anton, chairman of the 200 in 2000 membership drive. He gave the conference an aura of spirituality and set the tone for the meeting. Every member who met Archbishop Demetrios was so touched by his loving expressions and he captured the hearts of all present. Without a doubt, there was complete dedication to do all they could to assist him in the great work that needs to be done in our Archdiocese. It was a wonderful meeting, added Executive Board member and Archdiocesan Council Vice Chairman John Catsimatidis of the proceedings. I m glad to see the board voted for the $3.4 million for our various ministries over the next two years. The investment committee has done a wonderful job. We should all work toward building up the fund to more than $300 million in the next three years. Other meeting highlights included a discussion of the Millennium Membership Drive to begin April 3. The drive s goal will be to increase the number of Leadership 100 members from the present 330 to 500 by Dec. 4. Each Diocese has been allotted a por-
MANAGING EDITOR: Stavros H. Papagermanos EDITOR: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) ADVERTISING: Ioanna Kekropidou ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Irene Kyritsis CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Nicholas Manginas Elizabeth Economou
Fund has come a long way since its beginnings in 1984. According to the Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, executive director of Leadership 100, the Fund has grown to more than $48 million since its inception in 1984, and has provided more than $4 million to the Church s ministries. In 1999 alone, the Endowment Fund awarded more than $1 million in grants to the Archbishop Iakovos Library and Resource Center, the Greek Earthquake Relief Fund, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, global and national missions programs, the Archdiocese Internet Ministries and others. Eleven new members have joined Leadership 100 since Dec. 1 and five others have renewed their memberships, Fr. Karloutsos also noted. Leadership 100 will hold its annual conference this year in Washington, May 11-14. A highlight will be a black-tie dinner for Archbishop Demetrios hosted by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. It will be the first time that a Secretary of State has hosted such an event for an Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church. Members attending the conference will receive invitations.
Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY 10001 and at additional mailing offices. The Orthodox Observer is produced entirely inhouse. Past issues can be found on the Internet, at http:// www.goarch.org/goa/observer. E-mail: observer@goarch.org Articles do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which are expressed in official statements so labeled. Subscription rates are $5.50 per year. Canada $25.00. Overseas Air Mail, $55.00 per year. $1.50 per copy. Subscriptions for the membership of the Greek Orthodox Church in America are paid through their contribution to the Archdiocese. Of this contribution, $3.00 is forwarded to the Orthodox Observer. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ORTHODOX OBSERVER, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021
FEBRUARY 2000
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
A R C H D I O C E S E
PAGE 3
N E W S
Greek Letters Week Celebrated NEW YORK The Archdiocese Department of Education-sponsored Greek Letters Week in late January, held in conjunction with the Three Hierarchs feast day on Jan. 30, which included several events attended by Archbishop Demetrios. The annual holiday commemorates the fourth century scholars and theologians St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John the Chrysostomos, who espoused Christianity with Hellenism, its language, philosophy, drama, poetry and art. The Archbishop participated in a Divine Liturgy for day school administrators, teachers and students, a vasilopeta reception for teachers, The Three Hierarchs Divine Liturgy and a celebration of Greek Letters & Arts. In his encyclical to the faithful, Archbishop Demetrios said, in part, On the occasion of the Feast of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Week, we have an opportunity to reflect on the unparalleled legacy of learning that is ours as Greek Orthodox Christians. On Jan. 28, more than 500 parochial school students attended Liturgy at St. Demetrios Church in Jamaica. His Eminence presided at the service. He later spoke to the students and presented awards to those who had excelled in last year s Modern Greek Language Comprehensive Examination for New York Regents credit. That evening, Archbishop Demetrios hosted a reception at the Archdiocese in
honor of schoolteachers and administrators. On Jan. 30, His Eminence celebrated the Three Hierarchs liturgy and devoted the sermon to the lives and service of St. Basil, St. Gregory and St. John Chrysostom. That afternoon in the Cathedral Center, the Archbishop addressed a large gathering on The Three Hierarchs: Models of Communication. He noted that the Three Hierarchs were outstanding communicators because they paid the utmost and highest attention to language. They knew what they were talking about, they were extremely careful with each word they were using. Whether it is the volcanic passion of St. John Chrysostom or St. Basil the Great with the architectural elegance of his work, or St. Gregory the Theologian with his depth and his poetic rhythm, you have the same tremendous attention to the value of word as a means of communication. The program, emceed by the Rev. Dr. Demetrios J. Constantelos, included remarks by the Rev. Dr. Robert G. Stephanopoulos, dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral; and Maria Makedon, assistant director of the Archdiocesan Department of Education. Consul General of Greece Dimitrios Platis and Consul General of Cyprus Pantias D. Eliades offered greetings, and actor/director Loukas Skipitaris gave dramatic poetry readings. Musical selections were sung by the newly organized Archdiocesan Parochial Schools Student Choir, directed by Petros Hatzopoulos.
D. Panagos
The New St. Basil’s Board of Trustees.
St. Basil’s New Board Inducted His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios led the service of induction for the St. Basil Academy new Board of Trustees, in the Archdiocesan chapel of St. Paul, at Archdiocese headquarters on February 15. Following the ceremony the Board held its first meeting of the year with its new make-up. Archbishop Demetrios congratulated the new members and in his opening remarks spoke of the new board as a combination of talents that are created and combined by the energy of the Holy Spirit, resulting in a promising board and a promising diakonia. Speaking of the Academy, its history and its role, His Eminence said that the Academy is not a new institution, but it has tremendous potential... and asked the members who serve this institution to
think of the vast possibilities and the prospective people who could benefit in the future and what they could enjoy for generations to come. The following attended the induction service and the first meeting: Rev. Costas Sitaras-executive director, Dr. Steven Gounardes-President-Board of Trustees, Carol Contos, Dr. H.S. Kostakopoulos, Stella Capiris, Nicholas Chahales, Peter Kakoyiannis, Georgia Kaloidis, Rev. Michael Kouremetis, Aspasia Melis, Rev. Constantine Moralis, Prevytera Margaret Orfanakos, Panicos Papanicolaou, John Poniros, Rev. Dimitrios Recachinas, Kalliope Tsitsipas. Board members not present were: Nicholas Chatzopoulos, William Chirigotis, Eve Condakes, Dr. Nick Germanakos, Terry Mitchell, Dr. Dean Vafiadis.
Leadership 100 s Chairman to Step Down u page 1
Orthodox Observer
ARMENIAN HIERARCHS VISIT Archbishop Demetrios recently welcomed Archbishop Khajag Barsamian (center) primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, along with Bishop Viken, the Church’s legate in Washington, and the Very Rev. Krikor Maksoudian, acting vicar general and director of information for the diocese. At left is Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Archdiocese ecumenical officer.
Holy Synod Conducts Year’s First Meeting u page 1 regular meeting on January 20th and 21st, 2000, at the Holy Archdiocese in New York. Taking part in this meeting, presided over by Archbishop Demetrios, were Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis (president of the Diocese of Chicago), Metropolitan Anthony of Dardanelles (president of the Diocese of San Francisco), Metropolitan Maximos of Ainos (president of the Diocese of Pittsburgh), Metropolitan Methodios of Aneon (president of the Diocese of Boston), Metropolitan Isaiah of Proikonisos (president of the Diocese of Denver), Bishop Alexios of Atlanta and Bishop Nicholas of Detroit. Prior to the Synod s deliberations, a memorial prayer was offered for the repose of the soul of Bishop George of New Jersey who fell asleep in the Lord on Nov. 21.
Like the previous Synod meeting of Oct. 14-15, all deliberations were characterized by a spirit of cordial cooperation, unity and peace, always having as their objective the promotion of Church life, education of the faithful, and the offering of the wholesome and genuine message of the Orthodox faith to American society. In this spirit, the topics discussed were related to the present condition of the Church. Included among them were the revision of the charter of the Holy Archdiocese of America, finances, the Synodal Committees, the Clergy-Laity Congress of 2000, the well-being of the clergy, worship, Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, and the various events for the year 2000. January 21, 2000 Office of the Holy Eparchial Synod
of the Church s National Ministries. From an initial contribution of $25,000 and 10 members in 1984, the endowment has grown to nearly $50 million and 330 members. Many of those members were brought in through Mr. Kokalis efforts. It is the only endowment in the entire world committed to Orthodoxy and Hellenism, he emphasized. Only income from the fund in the form of grants is used for financial support of the Ministries. The principal is inviolate and irrevocable, said Mr. Kokalis. That is why one of his primary goals is to dramatically increase Leadership 100 s membership. My dream is to have 500 members, but my dream does not stop there, he said. We re looking at attaining a $200 million- to $300 million fund, so we can give $50 million in grants. Hopefully it will come in my lifetime. A more immediate goal is to gain another 40 members pledge by the time of the May conference, thus fulfilling the second 100 memberships. Other major goals include more aid to Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology, supplementing the income of indigent retired priests and supporting foreign and domestic missions. In the past, one project funded by Leadership 100 that has had a profound effect on spreading the message of the Church has been the Internet Ministries, for which the organization provided the seed money. For the long term, Mr. Kokalis expressed unreserved optimism for the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. It will con-
tinue to grow because the benefactors of Leadership will continue to be committed, he said. Mr. Kokalis, who will turn 91 in July, was born in Kalavryta, Greece, in 1909. He immigrated to the United States with his family at age 12 in 1921 and settled in Chicago. He spent a highly successful career in the grocery business, owning a chain of stores in the Chicago area, but his avocation has been to help the Church and pursue various humanitarian goals. In Chicago, he served on the St. Demetrios and Annunciation parish councils and was a benefactor of the St. Demetrios library. Mr. Kokalis also was the benefactor of the library at Deree College in Athens, Greece, a branch of the American College. After moving to Phoenix in 1962, Mr. Kokalis became active in Holy Trinity parish. He was elected parish council president at Holy Trinity Church in 1966 and served an unprecedented 14 years. Under his leadership the church acquired a 17acre site for a new complex, which was completed in the early 1980s. Holy Trinity was elevated to cathedral status in 1988. In 1968, Archbishop Iakovos appointed Mr. Kokalis to the Archdiocesan Council. He also was named an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. A member of the Samaritan Medical Foundation in Phoenix for 20 years, he established the Kokalis Fellowship through Good Samaritan Hospital s clinical pastoral education program. Mr. Kokalis has also donated the funds for the chapel of a new hospital now being constructed in Athens.
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 4
E C U M E N I C A L
FEBRUARY 2000
P A T R I a r c h a t e
Pastoral Visit Includes Korea, Southeast Asia Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has embarked upon another pastoral visit to South Korea and Southeast Asia, Feb. 25 to March 6. Archbishop Demetrios of America will accompany the Patriarch during the first leg of his trip to Korea. This will be the second visit of His All Holiness to Korea. The Exarchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Korea was reorganized in 1995, on the recommendation of Metropolitan Dionysios of New Zeland. Today there are five flourishing parishes under the guidance of Bishop Soterios of Zelon. Patriarch Bartholomew is slated to arrive in Manila, Philippines, on Thursday, March 2. This is the first time that an Ecumenical Patriarch is visiting Southeast Asia and the first Patriarchal consecration of an
Orthodox church in the region. The Patriarch, invited by his flock to officiate at the consecration of the new Church of the Annunciation in Paranaque, in suburban Manila, will combine liturgical and official activities with pastoral visits to clergy and laity. He will be honored at a ceremony at the University of the Philippines and also meet with Philippines President Joseph Estrada, and the Roman Catholic Primate, Jaime Cardinal Sin. Metropolitan Nikitas of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, the first Orthodox bishop of this part of the world three years ago, will escort the Patriarch during his trip with Orthodox clergy from the Philippines, Indonesia and India, as well as Orthodox and faithful from other lands.
Grand Archdeacon is American-born CONSTANTINOPLE. The recently named grand archdeacon (Megas Archediakonos) to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Fr. Tarasios (Peter Anton), is the first American of Greek descent to hold the office. His installation by the Patriarch took place at the Patriarchal Cathedral. Born in Gary, Ind., in 1956 to Peter and Angela Anton, he was raised in San Antonio, Texas. He was educated at Hellenic College/ Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Mass., and studied at the University of Notre Dame, the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome and the Pontifical School of Paleography and Archives at the Vatican. Fr. Tarasios joined the patriarchal court at the Phanar in 1990, the same year
he was ordained a deacon by Metropolitan Bartholomew of Chalcedon (the present Ecumenical Patriarch). His previous positions included patriarchal deacon, acting codicographer, and third and second deacon to the Patriarch. Fr. Tarasios continues his responsibilities for the English language correspondence of the Patriarch and the Chief Secretariat of the Holy and Sacred Synod, liaison with visiting delegations and with the consular corps in Istanbul, and organizing special projects, especially the environmental symposia and seminars. His responsibilities also include attending the Patriarch during religious occasions, administrative duties and oversight of the Patriarchal Court and Archdiocese of Constantinople.
Ionian Village
N. Manginas
Patriarch Bartholomew is talking with the President of the Polish Republic Aleksander Kwasniewski during breakfast. Also shown is Metropolitan Savva of Warsaw and All Poland.
Patriarch Addresses Polish Parliament WARSAW, Poland.- The integral role that Orthodoxy would play not only in Poland, but in a European Union that would include most of Eastern Europe, was addressed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during meetings he had in Warsaw with the President of Poland Aleksander Kwasniewski, Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek and President of Parliament Maciej Plazynski. His All Holiness addressed the Polish Parliament on Jan. 25, following an invitation from its president in recognition of the Orthodox Church and the work of the Orthodox Church towards social justice and the promotion of human rights. During the various discussions, Polish high government officials re-assured Patriarch Bartholomew of their concern and care towards the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Poland, which is second in size only to the Roman Catholic Church. The number of Orthodox in Poland is estimated to surpass 800,000. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who was on his second visit to Poland, (his first was in October 98), made repeated references to the ecological initiatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
and asked for the support of the Polish government to the 4th International Ecological Symposium for the protection of the Baltic Sea, which will take place there in 2001. Among other ports of call the symposium includes the port of Gdansk in Poland. Both the President and Prime Minister assured the Patriarch of their complete support. His All Holiness also met with Foreign Affairs Minister Bronislaw Greremek, President of the Senate Alicja Grzeskowiak, and Warsaw Mayor Pawel Piskorski. He also met with the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Warsaw, Cardinal Joseph Glemp. Patriarch Bartholomew visited the city of Vrotslav where he concelebrated Divine Liturgy with Metropolitan Savva of Warsaw and All Poland. Amid a snow covered setting, Patriarch Bartholomew visited the historic monastery of St. Onoufrios in Jableczna, at the border with Belarus. He later arrived at Biala Podlaska and the Cathedral of Sts. Cyrillos and Methodios where he was enthusiastically received by clergy, laity and local officials.
A R C H D I O C E S E
N E W S
GOTelecom to Offer the PBS Special ‘The Greeks: Crucible of a Civilization’ A A lifetime lifetime of of memories! memories! C Ceelleeb brraattiin ngg 3 30 0 Y Yeeaarrss!! 1 19 97 70 0--2 20 00 00 0 Please check the program you are interested in: ____ Summer Travel Camp, Ages 12-15 July 2 - July 20, 2000 ____ Byzantine Venture, Ages 16-18 July 25 - August 12, 2000 ____ Spiritual Odyssey, Young Adults 19 and older July 16-31, 2000 Name ______________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________ Phone _______________________________ E-Mail ________________ Parish Priest/Community ________________________________________ Mail this form to: Ionian Village, 8-10 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021. Or contact us at: Tel.: (212) 570-3534 Fax: (212) 570-3569 E-mail ionianvillage@goarch.org Web page: www.Ionianvillage.org Ionian Village is a program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
NEW YORK Greek Orthodox Telecommunications, Inc. (GOTelecom) is offering the video, The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization, to parishes, individuals, and schools. The program, available for $29.98 plus $6 shipping and handling, was highly received during its premiere on PBS in early February. The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization, tells the remarkable story of the heroes, thinkers and visionaries of ancient Greece and makes a wonderful addition to all videotape collections. Actor Liam Neeson narrates the special, which brings pre-archival history to life with the latest advances in computer and television technology and special effects usually reserved for feature films. With stunning imagery, dramatic storytelling and distinguished scholarship, the program vividly recounts the rise, glory, demise and legacy of the empire that marked the dawn of Western civilization. The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization tells the story of this astonishing civilization through the lives of some of its greatest citizens: Cleisthenes, who built the first so-
ciety of equals; Themistocles, the general who protected the new freedom; Pericles, the genius leader of Athens at its height; and the philosopher Socrates, who freed the mind. Viewers who want to continue their journey through ancient Greece can log onto the accompanying Web site at www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks. The site will allow visitors to connect the past with the present at the click of the mouse, and will feature a host of educational and enjoyable activities, including a complete interactive timeline, a live Webcam of the Parthenon, and the ability to download a virtual Socrates screensaver. The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization is produced by Atlantic Productions in association with PBS and Devillier Donegan Enterprises. Underwriters: Public Television Viewers and PBS. For information or to order a videotape, please call 212-570-3588 with a VISA or MasterCard or send a check for $35.98 to GOTelecom, 8 East 79th Street, NY, NY 10021.
FEBRUARY 2000
H C / H C
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 5
R E P O R T
Director of Development, Alumni Named BROOKLINE, Mass. Acting Senior Officer Dr. James C. Skedros has announced the appointment of Panos D. Spiliakos of Sudbury, Mass., as the new director of development and alumni. Mr. Spiliakos previously served in development positions at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece, and the trustees office of Anatolia College in Boston, where he most recently served as executive director and director of development. He helped create Anatolia s first major capital campaign, including the establishment of the Michael S. Dukakis Chair in Public Service and Policy. Mr. Spiliakos holds degrees in engineering and management from MIT. He has served as vice president of St. Demetrios Church in Weston, Mass., and is a member of the Alpha Omega Council in Boston, AHEPA, the Pan Macedonian
READ AND SPEAK LANGUAGE LESSONS ON CDROM A GREAT E GIFT ANYTIM
horse
PANOS D. SPILIAKOS
Association Inc., and the Hellenic Business Network. He and his wife, Eleanor Love Spiliakos, have two children.
Holy Cross, St. Vladimir’s Faculties Hold First Joint Retreat BROOKLINE, Mass. Information technology and its potential for theological education served as the theme for the first-of-its-kind joint retreat of Holy Cross and St. Vladimir s Seminary faculty. The retreat took place Jan. 21-22 on the Holy Cross campus. According to the Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, project team director for Holy Cross and retreat coordinator, both groups attended the four seminars on pedagogical and infrastructural opportunities that current and emerging information technologies offer Orthodox theological education on a global scale. Both theological schools have received $10,000 in planning grants from the Lilly Foundation to apply information technology. According to Fr. Marangos, who also serves as director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese and adjunct faculty member at Holy Cross, both schools will collaborate to integrate information technologies in teaching and learning. This grant will help the schools evaluate their technological base, explore new technology s benefits for faculty and students, and devise a strategy for technology-based teaching. At the end of the grant period, a comprehensive implementation grant pro-
Fund-raiser to Supplement Operating Budget BROOKLINE, Mass. Hellenic CollegeHoly Cross sponsors a fund-raising banquet Feb. 25 as part of its goal to raise $100,000 to supplement operating income. The Demakes family, owners of Jimmy s Allenhurst in Danvers, site of the banquet, would donate the entire proceeds of the $100-a-plate event to the school. Dexel University President Constantine Papadakis was invited to speak. Banquet committee members include: George C. Chrysis, chairman; and John Baglaneas, Joanna Bakas, George Behrakis, Charlene Colt, John Dimitrakakis, Bill Gikas, Sally Kaloyanides, James Lemonias, Charles Leventis, Dr. Aristotle Michopoulos, Menny Milias, Tina Papadopoulos, Dr. James Skedros, Angelo Stamoulis, Panos Spiliakos, Luke Tsokanis and Leon Zaimes.
GREEK LANGUAGE LESSONS IN ONE CDROM by George Balanis PhD, MBA and Toula Balanis AA AnoTek, Inc. VISIT: http://www.anotek.com Üëïãï ðüëç Þëéïò öüñåìá
posal will be authored for the use of instructional technology. Both schools each expect to receive $300,000 from the Foundation over the next two years.
Workshops at retreat During the retreat, several experts from industry and higher education gave multi-media computer-generated presentations. The two-day agenda of workshops began with a presentation by Fr. Marangos on The Lilly Foundation Grant for Informational Technology: from Planning to Implementation. After Fr. Marangos presentation, the Rev. Dr. Thomas Hopko, St. Vladimir s Seminary dean, and Glen Mules, the school s project director, outlined their grant activities. Fr. Hopko called the retreat a historic event in that it was the first time that the faculties of both schools met formally to discuss a cooperative joint project. The second workshop, How Other Seminaries Use the Lilly Technology Grant, was presented by Jim Rafferty, a Roman Catholic seminary graduate and the teaching, learning and technology coordinator of the Minnesota Consortium of Theological Schools. Saturday s retreat agenda included a presentation by Phyllis Michaelides, director and chief technologist of Corporate Systems, Textron Inc., who spoke on the hardware and infrastructural opportunities that information technology offers to university-level education. Another presentation followed titled, Fifty Years of Instructional Distributed Computing, by Dr. Dimitri Dimitroyannis, physics professor at Northwestern University and a Fulbright scholar known for his pioneering research of web-based systems for medicine and business. The Saturday morning workshops were followed by a lunch where faculty members divided into five peer-groups based on their theological disciplines and discussed information technology in their fields. The final retreat session was spent envisioning a new future for Orthodox theological education in America. According to Fr. Marangos, the retreat concluded with a joint pledge to begin a new-era of cooperation and professional collaboration between the sister schools.
city
sun
dress
If you want to learn Greek quickly and easily, our CDROM courses are for you. Our Read and Speak Greek CDROM will teach you the Greek language taught in Greek schools today. This course covers 6 years of school and teaches Reading, Vocabulary, Pronunciation and Phonetics, Grammar and Sentence Generation. You will learn the Structure of the Greek language and how it differs from the structure of English. The new software version (Ver. 3.0) improves the previous version by (a) adding new material and (b) allowing program expansion to fit the larger screens. Our Read and Speak English CDROM (ver. 1.0) teaches English as a second language. Our course teaches Reading, Spelling, Pronunciation, Phonetic and Phonetics Rules, Vocabulary (about 2000 words) and Handwriting. The course covers the language material taught in grades K, 1, 2, and parts of 3 and 4.
Read and Speak Greek CDROM Ver. 3.0 (6-year course Greek font included) Read and Speak French CDROM-Step 1 Ver. 1.0 (2-year course - Fonts included) Read and Speak English CDROM (2-year course - Fonts included)
$95.00 $55.00 $95.00
We accept VISA, M/C, AMEX, DISCOVER, CHECKS & MONEY ORDER q Check Box for free catalog ORDER FORM: (Please put street and number.) Card #______________________________________________ Exp. Date: _______/ _____ Product: ________________________________________ X ____ Total $:_______________ Name: ______________________________________________ Phone: _______________ Address:___________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________ State________ Zip ______________ Your E-mail: ________________________________________________________________
WRITE TO: AnoTek/G. Balanis 2349 Hill Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 Tel: (310)450-5027 Fax: (310)450-0867 Email: georgeb@anotek.com
Also available in books illustrated with full color pictures.
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 6
FEBRUARY 2000
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The 21st of the 21st for the 21st
W
hat does the 21st verse of the 21st Proverb have to say to the 21st century? The 21st Proverb of Solomon insists that our spiritual condition is directly related to things we seek most from life. The 21st verse of the 21st Proverb posits an important question to those of us given the privilege of entering a new millennium. by the Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos
The question: Is God righteousness our heart s true desire? A proverb is a short, concise sentence that conveys moral truth. The Book of Proverbs is a collection of moral and philosophical maxims of a wide range of subjects presented in poetic form. Proverbs main theme is the nature of true wisdom and how to attain it. King Solomon wrote most of the book, which includes proverbs he authored and some collected from other sources, including Agur and Lemuel, . Solomon gathered and recast many proverbs which sprang from the human experience of proceeding ages.
Rule of God The word proverb comes from the Hebrew meaning to rule or to govern. Consequently, the writers of the Book of Proverbs want readers to let God s word
He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor. Proverbs 21:21 rule and govern their lives. We do this by first understanding God s instructions and then obeying them. We become truly wise when we seek to walk according to God s ways. We are told in the first chapter of Proverbs that knowing God is the key to life. He who listens to God, insists the writer, shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil (Proverbs 1:33). Many people suffer because they seek the wrong things. Rather than seeking to know God s will, many individuals desire to accomplish the will of their own agendas. Quite often, we do not suffer in life because of our situation. More often than not, we suffer as a consequence of our disposition and attitude towards the things we seek. Some believe that the way out of their spiritual suffering lies in changing their priorities. Satisfaction, they believe, results from creating the right New Year s resolutions.
The New Year begins with the unfortunate belief that true satisfaction will result from a promotion or career advancement that has always been just out of reach.
Seeking perfection Others seek true happiness from what they believe can be the perfect marriage, the perfect house or even perfect wallpaper. Still others desperately search for sensual satisfaction in the grasp of selfserving bodily habits. Jesus was clear when he advocated His own set of proverbs in His famous beatitude on satisfaction. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, He exhorts, for they will be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6). Like the 21st verse of the 21st Proverb, Jesus discloses what is perhaps the greatest advice to us: Be careful what you seek because what you pursue will determine the quality of life. We are a discontented society, unsatisfied with what we have. It may be that we are bombarded with new products every day or just that we are basically selfish. But we are never satisfied. Proverbs 21:17 includes an important exhortation: Whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich. In Solomon s day, wine and oil were synonymous with luxury. The truth is that our society today is no longer the Jet Set. We are known as the Debt Set. Because we feel we must have the latest and highest that we possibly can, we are hocked up to our eyeballs. All of us are buying into a lie that is as old as time the myth that having more will bring happiness. You and I know, if we are honest, that is not true. If it were, then the wealthiest people would be the happiest. When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, their problem was they wanted more. They were not content to live in paradise as children of God. They wanted to be God! King David was not content to be a king with many wives. His self-centered desires could not be satisfied with what he had. He desired a married woman. Solomon was a wise and wealthy man. His ruin came because he, too, was never satisfied. Like David, he had to have more wealth, more wives. Instead of learning from the lessons of old, we make the same mistakes.
Be careful what you seek because what you pursue will determine the quality of life.
YOUNG ADULTS
Travel to Greece and Constantinople with the Spiritual Odyssey program of Ionian Vil age ! July 16 - 31, 2000 Spiritual Odyssey is a summer travel program for young adults ages 19 and older. You will experience the faith, culture and heritage of Greece, while making friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. The highlight of the trip is an audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople and a tour of the Patriarchate and the Byzantine monuments of the city.
Please send me information on Spiritual Odyssey: Name: _________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:___________________________________________ Phone:_________________________________________________ IONIAN VILLAGE 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021 or call us at: (212) 570-3534 Email: ionianvillage@goarch.org VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ionianvillage.org
Passing along attitude The greater tragedy is that we pass this misguided attitude to our children. Rather, as St. Basil suggests, we should teach our children a vocabulary derived from the Scriptures and, in place of myths, historical accounts of admirable deeds should be told to them. Basil insists, we should all be taught maxims from Proverbs. Life s most depressing moment comes as a result of gaining what we thought would give us maximum satisfaction, only to discover that it has let us down. The greatest suffering is a conse-
quence of overtaking our self-centered desires. Anger, jealousy, and covetousness create prisons that are very difficult to escape. The new house we wanted so much no longer is large enough. Within a few months the well-waxed car we coveted through the show-room window no longer looks and smells as good as it once did. For some, even the spouse of our dreams cannot provide the personal satisfaction we hunger for. Finally, even our religious affiliations often fall short of our spiritual expectations. We will continue to run from church pew to church pew, from marriage to marriage, job to job until we learn the truth about the hunger within us that seeks satisfaction. If we do not heed Proverbs 21:21, the 21st century will leave us savoring the familiar taste of disappointment. How can we receive the gift of a new millennium as an opportunity for spiritual renewal? How can we use the moment and avoid turning it into an advertising gimmick for stewardship or building fund advances? The advice comes from a man, a king who discovered the source of satisfaction the hard way. To be completely satisfied we need to heed Solomon s wisdom. He who pursues righteousness and loyalty, Solomon asserts, finds life, righteousness and honor (Proverbs 21:21). But what does righteousness mean? To be completely satisfied in life we need to seek God s will. Rather than pursuing our own desires, we must seek to do what God wants us to do. The attitude of I expect should be replaced with what does He expect of me. By refocusing our attention on doing for others, we will become less disappointed when other people are unable to meet our expectations. Righteousness results from pursuing God s will. It is the only pursuit that truly satisfies. It is the champagne of life. Joy results from serving others as we would serve God. If we wait for compliments, feedback, even love from others we will remain frustrated. St. Basil warns us not be deceived. At its core, righteousness is not a self-determining equation of religious obligations and rules. It is righteous living suffering with a purpose. It is the cross-bearing that accompanies the spiritually satisfying pursuit serving others.
Characterized by love The 3rd millennium should be characterized by such love. We will never satisfy the hunger that growls within us until we learn to heed this lesson. True freedom is the result of admitting the truth about ourselves and our motives. This is the truth that will set us free. We need to be honest with ourselves. Do we seek to serve others or to be served by them? Do we seek power to appear powerful or to help others? Do we seek God to do His will or do we seek Him so that He can bless our way of doing things? Do we seek God to change other people or do we seek Him to change us? In the end, do we blame our dissatisfaction on the inadequacies of others or do we place the blame squarely on ourselves? Fr. Frank Marangos is director of the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education. E-mail: frfrank@omaccess.com
missions
FEBRUARY 2000
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 7
BUY THIS CLASSIC
A Guide to Greek Traditions and Customs in America
2000 Orthodox Mission Teams Organizing ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. In 2000, short term Orthodox Mission Teams, sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), will travel and assist Orthodox communities on various projects in the following areas: Alaska, Guatemala, India, Mexico, and Uganda. Projects include teaching, construction, and medical outreach. The 2000 Alaska Mission Team will work with an indigenous team from the Diocese of Alaska to teach, encourage and offer a living witness to different communities on the Upper Koskokwim River. The team will participate in youth work, counseling, evangelizing, adult catechism, and minister in each community. The team will travel to the remote communities of Kalskag, Aniak, Chauthbaluk, Crooked Creek, Sleetmute, and Stony River on the Upper Koskokwim River. The 2000 Project Mexico Team has been invited to help construct a guest facility to accommodate the hundreds of visiting young people who come to participate in mission and charitable activities. The new facility will also serve as part of a spiritual retreat center. This Team will also conduct catechism with the orphans and the community in general, and assist the boys with their charity project, which involves visiting a home for the elderly. The India Mission Team will offer catechism, seminars, and assist with the ongoing mission outreach of the Orthodox Church in India. The Team will present 3 one-week catechatical seminars for converts and potential converts in the village of Akhina. Teachings on the Orthodox Church and Faith are the key focus of this team s efforts; thus, participants must be prepared to share their faith. Strong background in Orthodox teaching has been requested. Medical personnel are needed to assist at the clinic in Calcutta and for medical/health instruction. The Guatemala Mission Teams (two teams) will assist at the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage, helping the nuns of the Monasterio Ortodoxo Lavra Mambre in Guatemala, and working with the children. The Teams will be providing a positive witness, participating in youth outreach, teaching, playing and interacting with the 150+ children at the orphanage. Participants will also assist with various
repairs, renovations, and maintenance. Metropolitan Jonah of Kampala and All Uganda has given his blessings for the 2000 Uganda Mission Team to visit the source of the Nile and assist with the construction of a school for the nearly 1,000 students in Jinja, East Uganda. The Team will offer their labor as they work alongside members of the St. Mary Orthodox Church in Jinja, to construct the buildings and classrooms of the primary school. A Uganda Medical Mission will provide the opportunity for Christian medical professionals to minister to the physical needs of thousands of children and adults. Teams of doctors, dentists, nurses, and other medical professionals will assist at the Holy Cross Medical Hospital in Kampala and provide medical care to surrounding communities. Medical personnel can volunteer for one of the 2-week medical teams in August 2000 (or stay the whole month). Orthodox Mission Teams make a difference, through work, witness and worship; provide physical labor; and are a visible expression of love, unity and support to needy Orthodox communities. Apply today to be part of the short-term Orthodox Mission Team experience. Mission teams require and need all hard workers to participate and who are willing to share the Faith. Teams assemble before departure for a pre-field briefing prior to departing for two-to four-week short-term mission service. In conjunction to the ongoing teaching and construction projects, medical personnel are needed to help oversee the health of mission team members, conduct medical clinics, and offer health instruction. Most communities around the world do not have access to basic medical care or instruction, nor do they have the opportunity to visit with a physician or receive regular medical attention. All those wishing to volunteer their services, time and talents on an Orthodox Mission Team, please contact the Orthodox Christian Mission Center for additional information and an application to participate (Project coordinator, Andrew Lekos, OCMC, P.O. Box 4319, St. Augustine, FL 32085; or Tel (904)829-5132, Fax (904)829-1635, E-mail: missions@ocmc.org).
by Marilyn Rouvelas.
www.greektraditions.org $25+shipping (will be billed) NA50-CL-TR-SP
MARKOS
DAILY DEPARTURES
with
travel service
V NON-STOP FLIGHTS ON JUMBO747 V EASY CONNECTIONS from anywhere in the U.S.A. at UNBELIEVABLE LOW RATES!
289*
$
One Way
OTHER FLIGHTS
388*
$
*A Limited Number of Seats
áðü
Round trip
Call Markos Travel Now! NATIONWIDE TOLL FREE
800-243-7728 CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS 800-842-8260 644 SILAS DEAN HWY. WETHERSFIELD, CT 06109
Owner: Markos Hatzikonstantis
THE ROYAL ROAD
! W NE
FIRST EVER ORTHODOX INTERACTIVE CD-ROM FOR ALL AGES!
“A SUPERB TEACHING TOOL!” —Father Anthony Coniaris “MAGNIFICENT ACHIEVEMENT!” —Father Stanley Harakas
Foreign Missions Subject of OCMC Retreat ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) will sponsor its annual Orthodox Mission Retreat, March 3-5, at the Twin Pines Resort and Conference Center in Sterrett, Ala., near Birmingham. The annual retreat focuses on spiritual renewal, fellowship, faith development and prayer. It also functions as an opportunity to affirm the individual s desire for God s work in each person for the future, and to discover one s role in the Church s mission work. The 2000 Retreat will focus on bringing missions into a person s daily life, living out the Great Commission, to discover what it means to be part of what God is doing, and to witness in daily life. The retreat is open to all those interested in Orthodox missions, evangelism, and in gaining a deeper understanding of Christ s teachings. Participants receive practical information to put the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ into action. Team members and friends are encouraged to
participate. Everyone is welcomed to attend this spiritual weekend. The 2000 Mission Retreat speakers include the Rev. James Gavrilos of St. Mark Church in Boca Raton, Fla., and OCMC Board member; Metropolitan Athenagoras of Panama and the Caribbean; team leader and past OCMC president the Rev. Paul Costopoulos of Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Cathedral in Birmingham; and the Rev. Martin Ritsi, executive director of the OCMC in St. Augustine, and a past missionary to Africa and Albania. Participants will also have the opportunity to speak with OCMC staff and other guests. All sessions, accommodations, and meals will be at the conference center. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Contact the retreat coordinator, Andrew Lekos, at the Orthodox Christian Mission Center for registration information: OCMC, P.O. Box 4319, St. Augustine, FL 32085; Tel (904)829-5132, Fax (904)829-1635, e-mail missions@ ocmc.org.
...BOOK NOW AND SAVE!
Created by Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos with Mr. Bradley S. Borch
$ 39.95
THIS INSTRUCTIONAL CD-ROM ON GREAT LENT INCLUDES:
36 LENTEN HYMNS IN GREEK AND ENGLISH 8 HYMNS FROM PREMIERE BYZANTINE ARTISTS 32 GOSPEL, EPISTLE AND OTHER READINGS 12 VIDEO CLIPS OF LENTEN SERVICES 75 LENTEN RECIPES 85 QUIZ QUESTIONS DOZENS OF ARTICLES PATRISTIC QUOTES/THEOLOGICAL INQUIRY MAC/WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEMS COMPATIBLE To order, contact: The Department of Religious Education at
(800) 566-1088
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 8
EDITORIAL
Our Journey to Pascha Approaches
G
reat Lent will be upon us on March 13 when Orthodox Christians will begin the annual journey to the Church s greatest feast Pascha and the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As in every period or season of a major Orthodox feast, our Church prepares us spiritually and mentally to enter the Lenten period. But how many Orthodox Christians really venture on this journey. We shouldn t think of Lent in negative connotations. It is a period of self-denial and self-discipline; a period when we can t eat certain foods and do certain things. These restraints and exercises of will power over one s lifestyle are generally not in fashion, but are among the important preparations necessary for our spiritual pilgrimage to Pascha. We must also examine what our Orthodox faith teaches us about thoroughly preparing ourselves for this greatest of feasts. Our Church teaches that every human being is a unity of body and soul and the entire being is called upon to share in the fast and feast and in the continuing process of change throughout the entire year. The Church helps us on our spiritual journey through three disciplines or exercises: watchfulness, prayer and fasting. Watchfulness is a preparation or exercise that keeps us on constant guard against the inroads of evil that can creep into one s lifestyle. Greed and hypocrisy, for example, are two of the foremost evils in our society that we must guard ourselves against. Another discipline, that of prayer, is our own conversation with God. It can be engaged in private or in communion with others during the many opportunities provided for us by the Church during the Lenten season. Thirdly, fasting during Lent is one way our physical body shares in the
u A literary gem t Editor, There is an appreciable marked, almost sudden, improvement in the appearance and the content of the Observer. Congratulations to all responsible. The encyclical of the Archbishop on the feast day of the 3 Hierarchs and Greek Letters is a Greek Orthodox literary gem in English and in Greek. I only wish that many of our young priests could share the Archbishop s passion on the subject and the quality of expression. Perhaps, they need a little push from the top. George Ioannides, M.D. Miami
process of change. Fasting can involve food, entertainment, sex and, in fact, any aspect of our daily routine lives. According to St. John Chrysostom, fasting must not only be an exercise of the stomach, but more so of the mind, the mouth, the ears and of the eyes. Lent becomes a very difficult season for many Orthodox Christians. Although many of us still attempt to maintain the outward appearance of disciplining our eating habits, how many of us will actually seek to go deeper, to re-evaluate our lives and make our commitment to Christ and His Church? During this Lenten period of 2000, let us seek to renew and regenerate ourselves through the physical and spiritual exercises that our faith affirms those that can affect and cause a positive change in our lives. St. John Chrysostom suggests one way to effect a change in this year s journey: Speak ill of no one and hold no one for an enemy. As in a given field, the farmer, digging it all up piece by piece gradually comes to the end of his task; so we, too, if we make this rule for ourselves, in some way reduce to a correct practice these precepts during our present fast, and commit them to the safe custody of good habit, we shall proceed with greater ease to the rest. In this manner, arriving at the summit of spiritual wisdom, we shall reap the fruit of a favorable hope in the present life; and in the life to come we shall stand before Christ with great confidence, and enjoy those unspeakable blessings, which God grant we may all be found worthy, through the grace and loving kindness of Jesus Christ our Lord. With a certain amount of discipline and effort, we will be able to renew or deepen our personal encounter with Jesus. Through prayer, fasting and watchfulness, we will be able to become co-workers with Christ in our struggle to become worthy participants in His Kingdom.
u Proud of roots t Editor, In defending my Old World conservative views on everyday life in the USA, I m often running into the same old argument-ending standard retort from my liberal friends: This is America, you know!, meaning of course that In Rome you do as the Romans do. I then proceed to explain the Americas I know of. There was the America of a hundred years ago. This was ruled by an all white elite of Anglo-Saxon origin, intolerant of foreign cultures and tongues. It tolerated however the immigrants in their midst who performed the lowly and menial
uuu
uuu tasks no self-respecting American would want to touch. To ensure their survival in this hostile environment, these modern helots, would resort in a variety of ways. They would take American names or AngloSaxonize their own. They would avoid speaking or reading their national newspapers in the presence of their hosts for fear of offending their sensibilities. A few other brave souls would dare marry into the American class and gain thus a measure of a much coveted, if illusory, equality. The America of today however needs no introduction. The liberal establishment of our times, whatever its sins (and they are many), its policies in this particular matter have proven beneficial to a large segment of America s population. This new trend encourages the citizenry to study the history, culture, religion and the language of the lands their ancestors came from. Multiculturalism is in now! It has captured the imagination of young and old everywhere. We, then, of the homogeneia must embrace and exploit this precious opportunity and seek to project out to America our rich heritage. The multiple accomplishments in all fields of human endeavor are the foundations of Western civilization. Let us then duly appreciate and promote this unique and unprecedented experience of our illustrious forefathers and become the heralds and teachers of the glory that was Greece. Odysseus Scholomiti Bronx, NY
u Funny column t Editor, We all need a little humor in our lives and when it comes with an eye-opening message, so much the better. I say thank you Fr. William Christ, from Tulsa, Okla., for submitting it. We need more of the same in every issue. Not only funny but also some historic quotes that relate to today s happenings, as they do on a regular basis in the Hellenic Chronicle, also a wonderful newspaper. The first quote really was the best, as I have said for ages, it s amazing how the same people who have put in the one dollar bill in the collection basket for the last umpteen years, think that the church can make ends meet on half of what they got 10 years ago, but we as families can t make ends meet with double the amount we made 10 years ago, Fran Glaros Clearwater, Fla.
u Parish omitted t Editor, Thank you for the marvelous job you are doing with the Orthodox Observer. There is one correction that I would like to bring to your attention however pertaining to the January 2000 edition. In the article on page 26 Archdiocese Presbyters Retreat and Forum recognition was given to the parishes that hosted meals and presentations. Mentioned
FEBRUARY 2000
...
were Denver Assumption Cathedral, Sts. Peter and Paul of Boulder, and Sts. Constantine and Helen Church of Denver. The last church mentioned does not exist. The third parish was St. Catherine of Denver. I thought I would notify you of this since each parish takes great care and joy in hosting such a memorable event and can t help but feel slightly disappointed when they are not accurately recognized. Suzanne Magerko Denver
u Recent visit t Editor, I am writing in regards to Fr. Frank Marangos recent visit to Chicago for the Religious Education Seminar. It was a wonderful, educational and spiritual experience. The topic on Holy Tradition has sparked so many questions for me to follow through on in learning not only for myself, but also so that I may share this information with my students in the classroom. Athena Snarskis Hammond, Ind.
u Welcoming newcomers t Editor, As I served on our pangari recently, a young couple from Pennsylvania approached me and explained that they were new and had just purchased some property in our area and that they would be here from time to time and would be visiting our church when they were in the area. I welcomed them and said thank you for choosing to worship with us. He said he was very impressed with our service and especially the fact that our service was done in both Greek and English. He said, he can speak a limited amount of Greek, but you get so much more out of the service when the words you don t understand are later repeated in English. He said he looked forward to bringing his family to our church. Our priest (Fr, James Rousakis) has always done part of the service in English and for those of us who don t understand Greek, but the love the church and it s sincere reverence to God and His teachings, this is truly a blessing. As I have stated before, when strangers happen to come into our services, we want them to know what has been said and not sit there and feel like they are in a foreign country. We want them to know what s happening and to feel that they are welcome to participate in our worship service to Our Holy Father and Savior Jesus Christ. If they don t know what s happening, 95 percent of the time they will not return and then we have lost our chance to bring another soul to Christ Jesus, which is supposed to be the purpose of the church. The Greek language is beautiful and even though I don t know what s being said, I love to listen to them when they speak. But for the sake of bringing more souls to Christ Jesus, we need English as well as Greek in our services. Fran Glaros Clearwater, Fla.
FEBRUARY 2000
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 9
Archbishop s Encyclical
HOLY CROSS
Greek Orthodox School of Theology
ON THE 35TH CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Dynamic faith, limitless love, unbreakable unity - these three ideals constitute the sum and the substance of our life in Christ. All that we have received from our Fathers and Mothers in the Faith, all that we promote and preserve in the Orthodox Church, has the purpose of leading us towards the realization of these three ideals. Our spiritual, liturgical, canonical, and ascetical traditions exist precisely to generate and nurture true Christian faith, love, and unity within us as a community and as individuals. It is to this end that the Apostle Paul commands: So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter (2 Thess. 2:15). In the spirit of adhering to and promoting this parakatathiki, this sacred deposit of belief that has been entrusted to us, I am pleased hereby to announce to you officially that the 35th Clergy-Laity Congress will be convened July 2 to July 7, 2000 in Philadelphia, at the Philadelphia Marriott Hotel. In conjunction with this meeting the National Young Adult League Conference will take place from June 29 to July 2, and the National Philoptochos Convention from July 2 to July 6. Please make a note of these dates and announce them appropriately. The theme of the Clergy-Laity Congress 2000 will be Ageless Traditions in a New Millennium. Our seminars and discussions will focus on how we as clergy and lay people can best appropriate the content of our Holy Tradition, so that faith, love, and unity do not remain solely as abstract ideals, but as living realities in our daily life and witness to Jesus Christ, in view of the new millennium. At this juncture in history, the pace of change in human affairs promises to increase continually, particularly in matters technological, philosophical, and ethical. In this age, when indiscriminate skepticism, self-interest, and individualism are encouraged and extolled as virtues, we in the Church have a special need for the strength and help that we find in fellowship and edification of one another. For though the world in which we live changes every day at an accelerating speed, we as Orthodox Christians strive to remain true to the ageless and unchanging Tradition we have received, which in reality is the very person of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). He is our faith, who is our access to God the Father. He is our love, whose very being is love. He is our unity, who is of one essence with the Father and the Holy Spirit and yet also without change became true man for our sakes. In closing, please note that the Special Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Article I, Section 1 and 2, make the following provisions for the Clergy-Laity Congress: The Archdiocesan Clergy-Laity Congress is comprised of the following, each having one vote: the Archbishop, the Bishops, the clergy and lay representatives of the parishes, and the members of the Archdiocesan Council. Each parish shall be represented by four delegates, each having one vote, and shall include the Priest, the President of the Parish Council, and in his absence the Vice President or in his absence any member of the Parish Council designated by it, and two members of the parish elected by the General Assembly. Please make the necessary preparations so that properly selected lay delegates may represent our communities. For the good of the Church, the fullest possible participation of our communities is desired, so that the faith, love, and unity of our Archdiocese may be manifested and strengthened through the convening of this Congress. May the Lord bless our plans and preparations, for the glory of His Name, for the building up of His Church, and for the salvation of the world? With paternal love in Christ,
NEW 10-day
Footsteps of St. Paul Cruise
On Royal Olympics Cruise Ship The Triton
BOOK EARL Y AND EARLY VE LIMITED SP ACE SAVE SPA SA
SAIL RROUND-TRIP OUND-TRIP FR OM RROME OME FROM
Shore excursions are available to book for an additional fee
*Group will be lead by Rev. George A. Alexson, Pastor of St. Katherine s Greek Orthodox Church of NorthernVirginia
October 21 - October 31, 2000 $1,275.00 - $2,075.00
*Extensive on-board cultural enrichment programs
Civitavecchia (Rome),Italy. Valletta, Malta.Patmos, Greece.Kusadasi (Ephessos, Turkey), Thessaloniki, Greece. Kavala (Philippi), Greece. Istanbul, Turkey. Piraeus (Athens),GreeceKatakolon (Olympia),Greece. Messina (Taormina), Italy.Cvitavecchia (Rome), Italy.
Royal Olympic Cruises
THE FINE ART OF CRUISE ADVENTURE For Reservations and information contact Eleni Kavarligos, CTC
At (703) 415-5400 OR 1-800-688-0828
Offer subject to availability. A minimum of 15 passengers in group to secure rates as listed. Rates are per person double occupancy for categories E - categories TA. Rate includes port tax, pre-night stay and $50.00 per person shipboard credit. Cruise rates do not include gratuities and airfare. Discounted Airfare available from most major cities in the U.S. American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. acts solely as sales agent for Royal Olympic Cruises and airlines and is not responsible for the acts or omissions of the suppliers.Registry: Greece 12/99
Educating Church Leaders Since 1937 o
Master of Divinity
o
Master of Arts in Church Service
o
And I heard the
Master of Theological Studies
voice of the Lord o
saying, "Whom shall I send,
Master of Theology
and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." Isaiah 6:8
Call Our Admissions Office (617) 731-3500 FAX (617) 850-1460
Please send me information on Holy Cross School of Theology. I am interested in the following program(s): M. Div. M.A. M.T.S.
Th.M.
Name Address City
State
Zip
Tel.
Mail to: Holy Cross School of Theology- Admissions, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445 Tel. (617) 731-3500 Fax (617) 850-1460
The possibilities are endless in GREECE Continued growth has created exciting opportunities to join Deloitte & Touche s Audit practice in Greece. With offices in Athens and Salonika, our 270 professionals service a diverse base of clients in the financial industry, public institutions, and hundreds of fast growing national enterprises. Positions are at the Audit Supervisor and Audit Manager level. Candidates will be expected to efficiently plan and execute audits, due diligence reviews. IPO s, review financial statements, draft audit reports and long form reports and ensure optimum client service by providing clients with meaningful insights and advice Qualifications · Two years post qualification audit experience and/or newly qualified Certified Public Accountants. · Computer literate · Fluent in English and Greek · Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to motivate people. We offer an attractive remuneration package, commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidates. A rewarding career in a stimulating environment awaits highly motivated experienced professionals with a desire to excel and an appetite for challenge and diversity. For immediate consideration please e-mail your CV/Resumé to gcambanis@otenet.gr or fax to Ms. Vassiliki Kokota at 30.1.6776.222.
Deloitte & Touche 250-254 Kifissias Ave. 152 31 Halandri Greece
Telephone 30.1.6776.600 Web site: www.deloitte.gr
Deloitte & Touche is part of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a global leader in accounting and auditing, management consulting, and tax services. With more than 82,000 people in over 130 countries, our internationally experienced professionals deliver seamless, consistent services wherever our clients operate.
PAGE 10
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
advertisement
FEBRUARY 2000
FEBRUARY 2000
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
The Voice of
PAGE 11
Philoptochos
Traditional Tea Held at Lowell Church
Philanthropy IS Philoptochos by Joanne Stubbings
ost members are aware that the primary mission of Philoptochos is philanthropy, but few of individuals will ever have the need to experience that mission first-hand. That s why the Chicago Diocesan Philanthropy Fund quietly goes about its work of relieving the anxiety, suffering, and despair of people of the Greek Orthodox faith from all communities within the Diocese of Chicago. The Chicago Diocesan Philanthropy Fund was established in 1985 to serve as a clearinghouse to examine, evaluate, and approve many appeals for help. By 1997, the Fund achieved its core goal of $100,000. The Diocesan Philoptochos maintains the fund by collecting annual fair share donations from individual chapters. For example, the annual donation from Church of the Holy Apostles Philoptochos in Westchester, Ill., is $2,500. The Fund accepts donations from families or individuals in the name of a deceased person, in recognition of a birthday, honorarium, or for a specific case. All donations are tax deductible, and 99 percent of the donation goes directly for families and individuals in need, said Helen Theodosakis, Diocesan Philanthropy Fund chairman. The remaining one percent goes toward postage and printing costs. The Fund is like an insurance policy. It is the central clearinghouse for all major philanthropic cases for the Diocese of Chicago, relieving chapters from having to respond to major individual requests for assistance. Individual chapters still meet their financial commitment to the National Philoptochos, recognizing the importance of supporting the National Office in their nationwide efforts to help those in need. These commitments of course come before all others, and the Philoptochos chapters of the Diocese of Chicago are proud to be able to support both the National Philoptochos and their own Diocesan Philanthropy Fund. Through the Philanthropy Committee, all cases are investigated and the money is fully accounted for. After a case is brought to the attention of the committee, Mrs. Theodosakis conducts an inquiry that can last from two days to two weeks. Upon approval of a case, checks are issued by the Philanthropy Fund directly to the source of the expense, such as rental payments, utility, hospital, or medical bills, or food purchases. Some recipients need help only once, while others are ongoing cases requiring thousands of dollars in aid. The Chicago Diocese Philanthropy Fund has helped hundreds of Greek Orthodox families through difficult circumstances, including devastating fires, accidents, stroke, mental illness, cancer, surgery, loss of employment, and physical abuse. We are proud of our philanthropic mission at Philoptochos, and of the daily assistance we provide to people in need, says Jo Anne Stubbings of Holy Apostles in Westchester, Ill. We are grateful to our parishioners for supporting both Holy Apostles Philoptochos and the diocesan philanthropy fund. We have helped many needy families at the local level through various programs, such as holiday baskets, toy collections, family support, nursing home visits, and children s home visits.
M
Orthodox Observer
SOPHIA ALTIN presents a $9,500 check to UNICEF representative Meg Gardinier as Mrs. Condakes and Archbishop Demetrios look on.
Nearly $30,000 Donated to Worthy Causes At the urging of National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes, chapters throughout the nation recently held in a special drive to assist the children of Kosovo. As a result, a presentation ceremony was held at the Archdiocese where His Eminence, Mrs. Condakes and Sophia Altin, Philoptochos UNICEF chairman, presented $9,500 for the children of
Kosovo to Meg Gardiner, UNICEF representative. During the ceremony, His Eminence, Mrs. Condakes and Mrs. Altin presented a second check to UNICEF for $20,000 toward UNICEF s general fund. The money was collected from all Philoptochos chapters since the 1998 National Convention.
LOWELL, Mass. About 200 women attended the Transfiguration Church Philoptochos traditional Christmas Benefit Tea in December. Guests included National President Eve Condakes and Boston Diocese President Christine Karavites who expressed their support for the chapter. The major fund-raiser that supports the national, diocesan, and community philanthropic projects of the chapter has been a 46-year tradition and connects generations of Philoptochos members at the parish. Those attending included: Yiota Simoglou, Diane Fokas, Susan Pappas, Kallie Micalizzi, Karen Dinopoulos, Sandra Gulezian, Annmarie Tsitsipas, Anne Scondras, Soula Spaziani, Elaine Piazas, Corrine Dubay, Christine Faneros, Olivia Sintros, Robin Walbridge, Karen Mitropoulis and Ann Tavoularis.
Mass. Chapter Plans Benefit Luncheon SCITUATE, Mass. Philoptochos members of Panagia Church will hold a luncheon and fashion show March 5 to benefit their parish s building fund for a community center. A silent auction also will be held. Two local clothing stores will display their spring fashion lines. Location will be the Barker Tavern.
New Jersey Diocese Installs Officers FELLOWSHIP GIFT – Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral Fellowship President Jim Madias and Treasurer Antonis Zoulis recently presented a $1,500 check for the Philoptochos Homeless Program to chapter President Helen Daphnides and program Chairman Athena Bubaris.
CONNECTICUT LADIES and Fr. Maniudakis welcome Mrs. Condakes.
Hartford Ladies Welcome National President HARTFORD, Conn. St. George Cathedral Philoptochos recently held a gathering in honor of National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes, who received greetings from representatives from several chapters in the state. Fr. Chrysostom Maniudakis offered the invocation for the meeting.
In addition to Hartford, chapters represented included Danbury, Norwich, New London, Enfield, Meriden, Bristol and New Britain. Mrs. Condakes took part in the chapter s business meeting. She was accompanied to Hartford by Second Vice President Elaine Kevgas, and Aspasia Esther Mitchell.
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. New Jersey Diocese Philoptochos recently installed new officers at St. Barbara Church in Toms River. Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos administered the oath of office. Also attending were Frs. Alexander Leondis, chancellor, and Milton Efthimiou, pastor. New officers are as follows: Ronnie Kyritsis, president, Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, Orange, N.Y.; Bessie Drogaris, first vice president, Kimisis Church, Holmdel, N.J.; Pat Sotos, second vice president, Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, Richmond, Va.; Mary Papageorge, recording secretary, St. George, Asbury Park, N.J.; Dolly Demetris, corresponding secretary, St. Luke, Broomall, Pa.; Noula Chatzopoulos, treasurer, St. Demetrios, Union, N.J.; Helen Karagias, assistant treasurer, St. George, Asbury Park; Aspasia Melis, past president/advisor, St. John the Theologian, Tenafly, N.J.. Board members are: Maria Boulageris, Ventnor, N.J.; Eve Katramados, Livingston, N.J.; Billie Angelos, Drexel Hill, Pa.; Diane Tseckares, Hunt Run, Md.; Christine Webb, Virginia, Beach, Va.; Zoe Marcopoulos, Hampton, Va.; Mary Rhodes, Cherry Hill, N.J.; Georgia Skeadas, Villanova, Pa.; Mary Pantazis, Rehoboth Beach, Del.; Kassandra Romas, Short Hills, N.J.; Mary Romais, North Bergen, N.J.; and Tessie Baker, Newport News, Va.
news
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 12
DIOCESE
FEBRUARY 2000
San Francisco Diocese Holds Clergy-Laity Assembly
BISHOP ALEXIOS celebrates Epiphany liturgy in South Florida.
Bishop Alexios Officiates at S. Florida Epiphany WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. Bishop Alexios of Atlanta presided over the South Florida Epiphany celebration Jan. 8 at St. Catherine Church. More than 800 parishioners from 10 communities attended. His Grace blessed the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, assisted by Frs. Andrew Maginas, pastor of St. Catherine s, and Christopher Metropulos, South Florida Conference vicar.
The Divine Liturgy took place at the Hellenic Cultural Center, with South Florida Conference clergy and retired clergy, and priests from the Antiochian Archdiocese and Bulgarian Orthodox Church participating. Boys from GOYA dove for the cross, which John Ioannides of West Palm Beach, retrieved successfully. The Epiphany luncheon drew 500 guests.
Minnesota Church Target of Vandals ROCHESTER, Minn. Several acts of vandalism since Jan. 1 have disrupted the tranquility of the Holy Anargyroi/Sts. Cosmas and Damian Church community. Terming the incidents juvenile kind of stuff, Fr. Nicholas Kasemeotes, pastor, said they began New Year s Eve with a break-in, then resumed at the end of January for a brief period. The acts have included three breakins, an intentionally set fire that burned part of a door, eggs thrown at the cars of the priest and parish council president, bullets placed in the president s home mailbox, delivery of meals that were not ordered, and other incidents. Fr. Kasemeotes told the Observer on Feb. 15 that the incidents had subsided because of all the publicity generated.
The (Rochester) community is outraged, he said. The mayor, priests and pastors of other churches have all expressed their outrage. The Rochester Police Department has been investigating the incidents and the FBI was contacted and rewards totaling $5,000 are being offered for information. Authorities are not classifying the incidents as bias crimes because no threats were made, or messages sent in conjunction with the attacks.
SAN FRANCISCO More than 100 delegates representing 60 parishes attended the annual Diocese Clergy-Laity Assembly took place Feb. 3-4 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, Calif. Participants discussed programs, projects and issues affecting the life of the Diocese. Metropolitan Anthony opened the assembly on Thursday night, presenting a report on the state of the Diocese, as well as a compelling vision for the future. The Metropolitan also shared reflections on his recent trip to Albania accompanying Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Elenie Huszagh, was unanimously elected to serve as presiding officer of the assembly. The last speaker of the evening, George Kokalis, spoke forcefully and eloquently regarding the importance of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund in the life of the Archdiocese and Diocese. After Divine Liturgy and committee meetings on Friday morning, Metropolitan Anthony opened the plenary session. Theofanis Economidis, the Diocesan Council president, reported to the assembly regarding the Council s work. Fr. Stephen Kyriacou, Diocesan Ministries Board chairman, Fr. Jon Magoulias,
Calif. Church Holds Symposium on Orthodoxy BELMONT, Calif. Holy Cross Church sponsored Spiritual Odyssey: An Orthodox Pilgrimage, a four-day symposium on the Orthodox Christian Church, Feb. 2427, at the Holy Cross community center. Spiritual Odyssey featured presentations by clergy and lay experts including the Revs. Frank Marangos, John Chryssavgis, and Spencer Kezios, and Mr. Steve Cardiasmenos.
Russian Choir to Perform at Long Island Church SEAFORD, N.Y. AKAFIST, the Russian Male Chamber Choir that made its American debut in 1992, will make perform its first concert on Long Island on March 3 at St. Demetrios Church in Merrick, at 8 p.m. The choir s repertoire spans the music tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church from the 16th to 20th centuries, as well as popular Russian folk songs. Among the pieces to be performed in Merrick will be the settings of Psalms 20 and 26, hymns from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and sacred hymns from Vespers and Matins services. AKAFIST began its third North American tour with a concert Feb. 12 at Holy Trinity Church in Westfield, N.J. Tickets for the March 3 concert are $15 and will be available at the door.
FRS. BYRON Papanikolaou and Nicholas Jonas with participants in the album project.
Illinois Parish Concludes 90th Year Events PALOS HILLS, Ill. Sts. Constantine and Helen Church recently concluded the celebration of its 90th anniversary. A commemorative album was presented to Fr. Byron Papanikolaou, pastor, Fr. Nicholas Jonas, assistant, and to parish council President Peter G. Lagen. Chairing the 90th anniversary celebra-
Stewardship chairman, and Fr. Peter Salmas, Communications Committee chairman, presented other reports. Anthony Saris, CPA, offered the Diocese financial report and the budget for the year 2000. It received unanimously approval. Others giving reports included Loula Anaston, Diocese Philoptochos president; Kristen Bruskas, Diocese Church Music Federation president; Catherine Lingas, Committee on Missions and Evangelism chairman; and Bill Tragus, Diocese Youth Ministry director. After the proceedings, delegates adopted several resolutions, including welcoming Archbishop Demetrios for his Feb. 17-21 Diocese visit, and pledging to the Archbishop our unified support to actualize in this place a more perfect icon of the Kingdom in heaven. The Assembly also adopted two proposals addressing the financial structure of the Archdiocese and recommending specific changes to the Archdiocese Uniform Code of Regulations. After the close of the Assembly, Metropolitan Anthony led the participants to the still-under-construction katholikon of the Theotokos the Living Spring monastery on a hillside overlooking St. Nicholas Ranch.
tion were Ted and Pat Boundas. Others associated with the album project included Tom Cosmas, John Vusikas, Helen Sikaras, Larry Cooke, Antoinette Contos, Kay Chakonas, Sandy Chakonas, Maria Fountis, Dessa Giannakopoulos, Pauline Kyros, George Poulos, Jim Sotiros, Harry Petrakis and Nick Nicholaou.
An Orthodox bookstore offered books, icons, tapes and religious items for sale. The program included exhibits by Orthodox ministries such as Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Mass.; a K-8 Youth Program with speakers and craft projects; Saturday and Sunday worship services; refreshments and light meals. Fr. Kezios, pastor of St. Nicholas Church, Northridge, Calif., spoke Feb. 24 on Living an Orthodox Christian lifestyle in a multidenominational, pluralistic society. Fr. Marangos, director of the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education, spoke Feb. 25 on the Challenge of Orthodox Education in America. Spiritual Odyssey continued Feb. 26 with programs for youth in grades K-8, and a full day of speakers. Fr. Chryssavgis, professor of theology at Hellenic College-Holy Cross, spoke on Saints and Fathers of the Orthodox Church. Mr. Cardiasmenos, choir director at Holy Cross Church in Belmont, spoke on Orthodox Church hymnography. He is an Orthodox composer whose Divine Liturgy and other choral compositions and arrangements are sung in Greek Orthodox churches nationally. The symposium will continue with presentations on Liturgics:-Behind the Rituals of Worship, monasticism and iconography and architecture. Among the ministries exhibiting were HC/HC School of Theology Office of Admissions, Archdiocese of America Internet Ministries, Orthodox Christian Mission Center, San Francisco Diocese Youth and Young Adult Ministries, San Francisco Diocese HIV/AIDS Ministry, Ionian Village, and Holy Cross Church Outreach Ministries.
ÅÔÏÓ 65
ÖÅÂÑÏÕÁÑÉÏÓ 2000
ÁÑÉÈÌÏÓ 1170
Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò ðñïò ìáèçôÝò êáé äáóêÜëïõò
ÅëëçíéêÞ Ðáéäåßá ÊñáôÞóôå ôç äÜäá áíáììÝíç, êñáôÞóôå ôçí øçëÜ Óôçí ôá ðñùôåßá óôç öåôéíÞ ðáñÝëáóç ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò
ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý
ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. Åïñôáóôéêü ôñéÞìåñï äéïñãáíþèçêå áðü ôï Ãñáöåßï Ðáéäåßáò ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ãéá ôçí ÃéïñôÞ ôùí Ôñéþí Éåñáñ÷þí êáé ôùí Åëëçíéêþí ÃñáììÜôùí. ÌáèçôÝò êáé ìáèÞôñéåò ôùí ÇìåñÞóéùí êïéíïôéêþí ó÷ïëåßùí ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò áðü üëç ôç ÌçôñïðïëéôéêÞ ðåñéï÷Þ ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò óõíïäåõüìåíïé áðü ôïõò äáóêÜëïõò ôïõò åêêëçóéÜóôçêáí êáé ðáñáêïëïýèçóáí ìå ìåãÜëç åõëÜâåéá ôçí Áñ÷éåñáôéêÞ Èåßá Ëåéôïõñãßá ðïõ ôåëÝóôçêå óôïí Éåñü Íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ Äçìçôñßïõ ôçò ÔæáìÝúêá, ôçí ÐáñáóêåõÞ 28 Éáíïõáñßïõ. Ôçò Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò ðñïåîÞñ÷å ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò õðïâïçèïýìåíïò áðü ôïí Éåñáôéêþò ðñïúóôÜìåíï ôïõ Áãßïõ Äçìçôñßïõ ð. Íéêüëáï Óùôçñüðïõëï, ôïí ð. ÄçìÞôñéï ÊïñäÜñç êáé ôïí äéÜêïíï ð. ÌÜñêï Sietsema. Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ìßëçóå óôïõò ìáèçôÝò êáé ôéò ìáèÞôñéåò, ðïõ ðáñáêïëïõèïýóáí ìå éäéáßôåñç ðñïóï÷Þ, ãéá ôç óçìáóßá ôçò äõíáôüôçôáò ðïõ Ý÷ïõí íá ðáñáêïëïõèïýí ÅëëçíéêÜ ó÷ïëåßá, ùò ðñïíüìéï êáé èçóáõñü: <Óå ìéá ÷þñá êáé óå ìéá êïéíùíßá ðïõ Ý÷åé öôÜóåé óôï ìÝãéóôï ôçò ôå÷íïëïãéêÞò áíáðôýîåùò, åóåßò Ý÷åôå ôç äõíáôüôçôá êáé ôï ðëåïíÝêôçìá ôïõ èçóáõñïý ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ðáéäåßáò. ¸÷åôå äçëáäÞ ôï ðëåïíÝêôçìá íá ðáñáêïëïõèåßôå ó÷ïëåßá, ðïõ äéáóþæïõí ìéá ðáñÜäïóç ÷éëéÜäùí åôþí, ìéá ðáñÜäïóç ç ïðïßá åßíáé ç Ïñèïäïîßá êáé ôá ÅëëçíéêÜ ÃñÜììáôá, ìéá ðáñÜäïóç ç ïðïßá áíÜ ôïõò áéþíáò äçìéïýñãçóå Þèïò, ãñÜììáôá, åðéóôÞìç, óïößá, êïéíùíéêÞ ðñüïäï... äçìéïýñãçóå ðïëéôéóìïýò...>
Äçì. ÐáíÜãïò
ÌåãÜëç åðéôõ÷ßá óçìåßùóå ç åêäÞëùóç ãéá ôá ÅëëçíéêÜ ÃñÜììáôá, óôçí áßèïõóá ôïõ êïéíïôéêïý êÝíôñïõ ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý Íáïý ôçò Áãßáò ÔñéÜäïò.
Êáé óõíÝ÷éóå ðñïôñÝðïíôÜò ôïõò íá óõíå÷ßóïõí ôçí ðáñÜäïóç áõôÞ: <ÐñÝðåé üôé êÜíïõìå íá åßíáé ôÝëåéï. Äåí õðÜñ÷åé ðåñéèþñéï íá ìçí êÜíïõìå ôï ôÝëåéï, óå ïôéäÞðïôå êÜíïõìå. Áõôü åßíáé ðáñÜäïóç êáé ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò ìáò êáé ôçò Åëëçíéêüôçôüò ìáò>. Óå Üëëï óçìåßï ôçò ïìéëßáò ôïõ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ìßëçóå ãéá ôïõò ìåãÜëïõò ÐáôÝñåò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ìáò, ôïõ Ôñåéò ÉåñÜñ÷åò êáé ôçí æùÞ ôïõò. ¸öåñå ùò ðáñÜäåéãìá ðñïò ìßìçóç <ôçí áöïóßùóÞ ôïõò óôç óõíå÷Þ ìåëÝôç êáé óðïõäÞ, ôçí áãÜðç ôïõò ãéá ôç ìüñöùóç êáé ôçí ðáéäåßá êáé ìÜëéóôá êÜôù áðü áíôßîïåò óõíèÞêåò>. Ï Óåâáóìéüôáôïò êáôÝëçîå ôçí ïìéëßá
ôïõ ìå ôçí åîÞò ðáñüôñõíóç óå ìáèçôÝò êáé äáóêÜëïõò: <ÊñáôÞóôå ôç äÜäá áíáììÝíç, êñáôÞóôå ôçí øçëÜ, øçëÜ ãéá íá öùôßæåé, óå èÝóç ôÝôïéá ðïõ íá ìðïñåß íá ìåôáëáìðáäåýóåôå ôï öùò ôçò, óå ïðïéïíäÞðïôå Ýñ÷åôáé êïíôÜ óáò, óå ïðïéïíäÞðïôå Ýñ÷åóôå óå åðáöÞ>. ÅîÜëëïõ, ìåôÜ ôï ôÝëïò ôçò Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò åðÝäùóå âñáâåßá óå üóïõò ìáèçôÝò êáé ìáèÞôñéåò ôùí êïéíïôéêþí ó÷ïëåßùí áñßóôåõóáí ôçí ðñïçãïýìåíç áêáäçìáúêÞ ÷ñïíéÜ, óôéò ÐïëéôåéáêÝò
u óåë. 14
Óå äåýôåñç ôáêôéêÞ óõíåäñßá ç ÉåñÜ Åðáñ÷éáêÞ Óýíïäïò ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. Õðü ôçí ðñïåäñßá ôïõ Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ ê. Äçìçôñßïõ -êáé ãéá äåýôåñç öïñÜ ìåôÜ áðü ôçí åíèñüíéóÞ ôïõ- óõãêëÞèçêå ç ÉåñÜ Åðáñ÷éáêÞ Óýíïäïò ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ïñèïäüîïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò ôçí ÐÝìðôç 20 êáé ÐáñáóêåõÞ 21 Éáíïõáñßïõ. Ìå ôçí ïëïêëÞñùóç ôùí åñãáóéþí ôçò, ç ÉåñÜ Óýíïäïò åîÝäùóå ôï åîÞò áíáêïéíùèÝí:
ÁÍÁÊÏÉÍÙÈÅÍ ] Ç ÉåñÜ[ Åðáñ÷éáêÞ Óýíïäïò ô`çò Éåñ`áò[ Áñ÷éåðéóêïð`çò[ Áìåñéê`çò, óõí`çëèå óÝ äéÞìåñç ôáêôéêÞ óõíåäñßáóç ôÞí ÐÝìðôç êáß ÐáñáóêåõÞ 20 êáß 21 Éáíïõáñßïõ 2000, [åí ÍÝ~á] Õüñê~ç, óôÞí áªéèïõóá Óõíüäïõ ô`çò Éåñ`áò[ Áñ÷éåðéóêïð`çò. ÓôÞí óõíåäñßáóç õ ] ðü ôÞí ðñïåäñßá ôï` õ [ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ [ Áìåñéê` ç ò ê. Äçìçôñßïõ {åëáâáí ìÝñïò ï é Ìçôñïðïë¡éôáé ÊñÞíçò ê.[ ÉÜêùâïò, Äáñäáíåëëßùí ê.[ Áíôþíéïò, Áªéíïõ ê. ÌÜîéìïò, [ ÁíÝùí ê. Ìåèüäéïò êáß ÐñïéêïíÞóïõ ê.[ ÇóáÀáò, ðñüåäñïé [áíôéóôïß÷ùò ô`ùí [ Åðéóêïð`ùí ÓéêÜãïõ, ] Áãßïõ Öñáãêß-
u óåë. 16
Äçì. ÐáíÜãïò
Ïé Óõíïäéêïß Áñ÷éåñåßò êáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá ôçò óõíÝíôåõîçò Ôýðïõ ðïõ ðáñá÷þñçóáí ìåôÜ ôï ðÝñáò ôùí äéÞìåñùí åñãáóéþí ôïõò. Ôïí Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéï ðåñéóôïé÷ßæïõí (áðü áñéóôåñÜ) ï Èåïö. Åðßóêïðïò Íôéôñüúô ê. Íéêüëáïò, ï Óåâ. Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÊñÞíçò (Chicago) ê. ÉÜêùâïò, ï Óåâ. Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Áßíïõ (Pittsburgh) ê. ÌÜîéìïò, ï Óåâ. Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÐñïéêïíÞóïõ (Denver) ê. ÇóáÀáò êáé ï Èåïö. Åðßóêïðïò ÁôëÜíôáò ê. ÁëÝîéïò.
ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. Ìå åíôáôéêïýò ñõèìïýò óõíå÷ßæïíôáé ïé ðñïåôïéìáóßåò ãéá ôïí åïñôáóìü ôçò 25çò Ìáñôßïõ 1821 êáé ôç äéïñãÜíùóç ôçò åëëçíéêÞò ðáñÝëáóçò ðïõ èá ðñáãìáôïðïéçèåß üðùò êÜèå ÷ñüíï óôçí 5ç ëåùöüñï, ôçí ÊõñéáêÞ 26 Ìáñôßïõ. Ôçò ðáñÝëáóçò èá çãçèåß ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò, ï ïðïßïò äÞëùóå áíåðéöýëáêôá üôé èá êÜíåé üôé åßíáé äõíáôü ãéá ôç åðéôõ÷Þ äéåîáãùãÞ ôïõ êïñõöáßïõ áõôïý ãåãïíüôïò óôç æùÞ ôçò ÏìïãÝíåéáò. Ç Ïìïóðïíäßá Åëëçíéêþí Óùìáôåßùí Ìåßæïíïò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò ðïõ åßíáé ï öïñÝáò-äéïñãáíùôÞò ôçò ðáñÝëáóçò áðïöÜóéóå íá äïèåß öÝôïò éäéáßôåñï âÜñïò óôçí ðñïþèçóç ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ðáéäåßáò, ùò êõñßáñ÷ï ìÞíõìá ãéá åíôáôéêïðïßçóç êáé åðáãñýðíçóç ìå óêïðü ôç äéáôÞñçóç êáé åíßó÷õóç ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ðáéäåßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ ìå êÜèå ôñüðï êáé áðü üëåò ôéò ðëåõñÝò. Ãéá ôï óêïðü áõôü ôçò öåôéíÞò ðáñÝëáóçò èá çãçèïýí óõìâïëéêÜ êáé ùò ôéìþìåíá ðñüóùðá ìáèçôÝò, ìáèÞôñéåò êáé åêðáéäåõôéêïß, áíôéðñïóùðåýïíôáò ôá ÅëëçíïáìåñéêáíéêÜ ó÷ïëåßá. Áêüìç éäéáßôåñç ôéìçôéêÞ èÝóç èá äïèåß óå áêáäçìáúêïýò ðáíåðéóôçìéáêïýò êáèçãçôÝò ðïõ óõíÝâáëáí êáé óõìâÜëëïõí óôçí ðñïþèçóç êáé äéÜäïóç ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ðáéäåßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ. Ïé äéïñãáíùôÝò ôçò ðáñÝëáóçò áðïâëÝðïõí åðßóçò óôçí ðñïþèçóç êáé åõáéóèçôïðïßçóç ôçò êïéíÞò ãíþìçò ãéá ôï äßêáéï åëëçíéêü áßôçìá ôçò åðéóôñïöÞò ôùí ÌáñìÜñùí ôïõ Ðáñèåíþíá. Áóöáëþò ç ÐáñÝëáóç ôçò 5çò Ëåùöüñïõ åßíáé ìéá ìïíáäéêÞ åõêáéñßá ãéá ôçí äçìïóéïðïßçóç ôùí ðÜãéùí Åèíéêþí èåìÜôùí ìå êýñéï ôï Êõðñéáêü, ðïõ öõóéêÜ äåí èá ðáñáìåëçèïýí. ÅðéðëÝïí åðåëÝãçóáí äéáêåêñéìÝíåò ðñïóùðéêüôçôåò ðïõ èá ðñïóêëçèïýí ùò ôåëåôÜñ÷åò óôçí ðáñÝëáóç. Áðü ôçí ÅëëÜäá ï ìïõóéêïóõíèÝôçò Ìßêçò ÈåïäùñÜêçò êáé ï ðñüåäñïò ôçò ÉíôåñáìÝñéêáí ÄçìÞôñçò ÊïíôïìçíÜò, áðü ôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá ïé áäåëöïß ÔÝíåô, äçë. ï ãíùóôüò êáé äéáêåêñéìÝíïò êáñäéïëüãïò Âáóßëåéïò ÔÝíåô êáé ï áäåëöüò ôïõ Ãåþñãéïò ÔÝíåô, äéåõèõíôÞò ôçò ÁìåñéêáíéêÞò Õðçñåóßáò Ðëçñïöïñéþí. Áêüìá áðü ôïí åõñýôåñï ÷þñï äéáóçìïôÞôùí ï çèïðïéüò Ôüì ×Üíêò êáé ï åëëçíïáìåñéêáíüò ôåíßóôáò Ðßôåñ ÓÜìðñáò. Óôï <ÓôáèÜêåéï ÊÝíôñï> ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò óôçí Áóôüñéá ðñáãìáôïðïéïýíôáé êÜèå ÐÝìðôç óôéò 8ì.ì. ÐáíïìïãåíåéáêÝò óõãêåíôñþóåéò ãéá ôç äéïñãÜíùóç ôçò ðáñÝëáóçò. Ðáñüìïéåò óõãêåíôñþóåéò Ý÷ïõí ðñïãñáììáôéóôåß ãéá ôçí Ôñßôç 7 Ìáñôßïõ óôï Íïñãïõüê ôïõ ÊïíÝêôéêáô êáé ôç ÊõñéáêÞ 12 Ìáñôßïõ ìåôÜ ôç Èåßá Ëåéôïõñãßá óôïí ¢ãéï ÄçìÞôñéï ôçò ÔæáìÝéêá, ÍÝáò Õüñêçò. Ãéá ðåñéóóüôåñåò ðëçñïöïñßåò, ïé åíäéáöåñüìåíïé ìðïñïýí íá áðåõèýíïíôáé óôçí Ïìïóðïíäßá, Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, P.O. Box 5429, Astoria, NY 11105, ôçë. (718) 2046500, öáî (718) 204-8986 Þ óôç éóôïóåëßäá www.omospondia.org
ÓÅËÉÄÁ 14
ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ
Ç Ðñüêëçóéò ôùí Ôñéþí Éåñáñ÷þí ãéá ôá ÅëëçíéêÜ ÃñÜììáôá
ÖÅÂÑÏÕÁÑÉÏÓ 2000
ÅÊÄÇËÙÓÅÉÓ ÃÉÁ ÔÏÕÓ ÔÑÅÉÓ ÉÅÑÁÑ×ÅÓ ÊÁÉ ÔÁ ÅËËÇÍÉÊÁ ÃÑÁÌÌÁÔÁ
ôïõ ð. Äçì. Éù. ÊùíóôáíôÝëïõ
Ì
å ôçí åõêáéñßá ôçò åïñôÞò ôùí Ôñéþí Éåñáñ÷þí ãéïñôÜæïõìå ãéá ìéá áêüìç öïñÜ ôá ÅëëçíéêÜ ÃñÜììáôá, ôéìïýìå ôçí ÅëëçíéêÞ Ðáéäåßá, ôïõò åêðáéäåõôéêïýò ìáò ôá ìÝóá ðïõ äéáéùíßæïõí ôçí ÅëëçíéêÞ Ãëþóóá êáé ôçí ÅëëçíéêÞ ÓêÝøç, ôïí çìåñÞóéï êáé ðåñéïäéêü Ôýðï êáé êÜèå ðáñÜãïíôá ðïõ óõíäÝåôáé ìå ôçí äéáéþíéóç ôçò åëëçíéêÞò ìáò êëçñïíïìéÜò. ÁëëÜ ãéáôß óáí åðùäü êÜèå ÷ñüíï ãéïñôÜæïõìå ôá åëëçíéêÜ ãñÜììáôá, áðü óõíÞèåéá, áðü ôçí áíçóõ÷ßá ìÞðùò ç ëçóìïíéÜ ìáò áöáéñÝóåé üôé ìáò Ý÷åé áðïìåßíåé; ãéá ôçí áíáíÝùóç ôçò ìíÞìçò, Þ ãéá Ýíá íÝï îåêßíçìá ìå íÝïõò åíèïõóéáóìïýò êáé íÝá ïñÜìáôá ãéá ôçí äéäáóêáëßá, ôçí åðéâßùóç, áëëÜ êáé ðñïáãùãÞ ôçò åëëçíéêÞò ðáéäåßáò ðáéäåßáò ðïõ áãêáëéÜæåé ãëþóóá, ãñáììáôåßá, éóôïñßá, ëáïãñáößá, èÝáôñï, ìïõóéêÞ, Þèïò êáé áñ÷Ýò ôïõ Åëëçíéóìïý áðü ôá ðéï áñ÷áßá ÷ñüíéá ìÝ÷ñé ôá óçìåñéíÜ; Ç åðï÷Þ êáôÜ ôçí ïðïßá Ýæçóáí ïé Ôñåéò ÉåñÜñ÷åò, Âáóßëåéïò ï ÌÝãáò, Ãñçãüñéïò ï Èåïëüãïò êáé ÉùÜííçò ×ñõóüóôïìïò Þôï ìåôáâáôéêÞ êáé êñßóéìïò ãéá ôá åëëçíéêÜ ãñÜììáôá. Ôï ìåãÜëï åñþôçìá Þôï: ×ñéóôéáíéóìüò Þ Åëëçíéóìüò; Ðßóôéò Þ ëüãïò; Èñçóêåßá Þ ðïëéôéóìéêÞ ðáñÜäïóç; Ìåñéêïß ëÜôñåéò ôïõ Åëëçíéóìïý, üðùò ï Éïõëéáíüò, ï Èåìßóôéïò, ËéâÜíéïò êáé Áììéáíüò, üëïé óýã÷ñïíïé ôùí Ôñéþí Éåñáñ÷þí, åôÜ÷èçóáí åíáíôßïí ôïõ ×ñéóôéáíéóìïý. <Ðßóù óôïõò ìåãÜëïõò êáé áíåðáíÜëçðôïõò óïöïýò> Ýëåãáí. ¢ëëïé üìùò ÷ùñßò ðñáãìáôéêÞ ãíþóç ôïõ áñ÷áßïõ åëëçíéêïý ðíåýìáôïò, üðùò ï Ëáôßíïò Ôåñôõëëéáíüò, ï Óýñïò Ôáôéáíüò, ï ¸ëëçíáò ÅðéöÜíéïò êáé ôéíåò öáíáôéêïß ÷ñéóôéáíïß åß÷áí ôá÷èåß åíáíôßïí ôïõ åëëçíéêïý ðïëéôéóìïý, ôçò åëëçíéêÞò öéëïóïößáò. <Ìüíï Áãßá ÃñáöÞ>, åêÞñõôôáí, <êé ü÷é åëëçíéêÜ ãñÜììáôá>. Ôá Üêñá ôïõò ïäÞãçóáí óôçí êáôáóôñïöÞ áñ÷áßùí ìíçìåßùí áñéóôïõñãçìáôéêÞò ôÝ÷íçò êáé Üëëåò áíôé÷ñéóôéáíéêÝò ðñÜîåéò. äþ åõñßóêåôáé êáé ç ìåãÜëç óõìâïëÞ ôùí Ôñéþí Éåñáñ÷þí áëëÜ êáé Üëëùí äéáäü÷ùí ôùí ìåãÜëùí ðáôÝñùí êáé åêêëçóéáóôéêþí óõããñáöÝùí. Åßíáé ãíùóôïß óå üëïõò ìáò ïé Ôñåéò ÉåñÜñ÷åò áëëÜ Üãíùóôïé óôïõò ðïëëïýò ïé äýï ÁðïëéíÜñéïé, ï ÓõíÝóéïò ÊõñÞíçò, ï Èåïäþñçôïò ï Êýñïõ êáé ìåôáãåíÝóôåñá ÐáôñéÜñ÷åò üðùò ï ÔáñÜóéïò êáé Öþôéïò, ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÉùÜííçò Åõ÷áÀôùí, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò Èåóóáëïíßêçò ÅõóôÜèéïò, ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Á÷ñßäïò Èåïöýëáêôïò, áëëÜ êáé Üëëïé ðïõ Ýæçóáí êáôÜ ôçí ÏèùìáíéêÞ ðåñßïäï, ðïõ õðåóôÞñéîáí ôá åëëçíéêÜ ãñÜììáôá êáé åðÝôõ÷áí ôïí áñìïíéêü óýíäåóìï ìåôáîý åëëçíéêÞò ðáéäåßáò êáé ×ñéóôéáíéêÞò ðßóôåùò, èñçóêåßáò êáé ðïëéôéóìéêÞò ðáñáäüóåùò. Ôï åîÝöñáóáí ìå ôï óôüìá ôïõ ÓùêñÜôç ôïõ Ó÷ïëáóôéêïý ðïõ åßðå: <Ôü á [ ãáèüí å{ íèá á { íç ~| éª äéïí ô`çò á [ ëçèåßáò å[ óôß>. Áðü ôüôå ëïéðüí Ý÷ïõìå ìéá áëëçëïðåñé÷þñéóç ìåôáîý ×ñéóôéáíéóìïý êáé Åëëçíéóìïý, ðßóôåùò êáé ëüãïõ, ÁèÞíáò êáé ÉåñïõóáëÞì, èñçóêåßáò êáé éóôïñéêÞò êëçñïíïìéÜò, ìéá óõæõãßá ìåôáîý ôùí äýï. Ôï ßäéï ðñüâëçìá äåí áíôéìåôùðßæïõìå êé åìåßò åäþ óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ; Åêêëçóßá ìüíï Þ êáé ðáôñïãïíéêÞ êëçñïíïìéÜ; Ãéáôß ü÷é êáé ôá äýï; ¸ôóé
Å
èá ìáò óõìâïýëåõáí ïé Ôñåéò ÉåñÜñ÷åò. ¼ôáí ï áõôïêñÜôïñáò Éïõëéáíüò áðçãüñåõóå óôïõò ÷ñéóôéáíïýò äáóêÜëïõò íá äéäÜóêïõí ôçí åëëçíéêÞ ãñáììáôåßá äéüôé ôïõò èåùñïýóå ðñïäüôåò ôçò åëëçíéêÞò êëçñïíïìéÜò, îåóçêþèçêå ï Ãñçãüñéïò ï Èåïëüãïò êáé ôïí Þëåãîå ëÝãïíôÜò ôïõ: <ìç ôïëìÜò íá ìå áðïóôåñÞóåéò áðü ôçí åëëçíéêÞ ìïõ êëçñïíïìéÜ (ôï åëëçíßæåéí)>. Ôï ìüíï ðïõ ìáò ÷ùñßæåé åßíáé ç èñçóêåõôéêÞ ðßóôéò. Ïé ðáôÝñåò äåí îÝ÷áóáí ôçí êëçñïíïìéÜ ôùí. Ïöåßëïõìå íá áêïëïõèÞóïõìå ôï ðáñÜäåéãìá ôùí, ôá âÞìáôÜ ôùí. áé ìåßò åäþ óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ ôé êÜíïõìå; Ðïý ðçãáßíåé ç ðáéäåßá ìáò; Ïöåßëïõìå íá åßìåèá åéëéêñéíåßò ìå ôïí åáõôüí ìáò, ìå áõôïãíùóßá, êñéôéêÞ áîéïëüãçóç êáé ìáêñÜí áðü èñéáìâïëïãßåò. Ç ðáéäåßá ìáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ, èåïëïãéêÞ, èñçóêåõôéêÞ, åëëçíéêÞ, äåí êáëëéåñãÞèçêå üóï Ýðñåðå êáé äåí åíéó÷ýèçêå ïéêïíïìéêþò áíÜëïãá ìå ôéò äõíáôüôçôåò ôçò ÏìïãÝíåéáò. Ìå ìåñéêÝò åîáéñÝóåéò, ðïõ åßíáé ïé ìåãÜëïé åõåñãÝôåò ôùí ÉäñõìÜôùí ìáò; Óýìöùíá ìå ìåëÝôåò ðïõ äçìïóéåýïíôáé óå ïéêïíïìéêÞò öýóåùò ðåñéïäéêÜ, ìåôáîý ôùí âáèýðëïõôùí Áìåñéêáíþí õðÜñ÷ïõí 55 ðïëõåêáôïììõñéïý÷ïé ïìïãåíåßò êáé ßóùò ïìüäïîïé ôùí ïðïßùí ç ðåñéïõóßá, ôá ðëïýôç, áíÝñ÷ïíôáé óôá 29 äéóåêáôïììýñéá äïëáñßùí. ÓùóôÜ, ìåñéêïß åî áõôþí êÜìïõí ìåãÜëåò äùñåÝò óå äçìüóéá êáé éäéùôéêÜ éäñýìáôá ôùí ÇíùìÝíùí Ðïëéôåéþí (ìïõóåßá, ðáíåðéóôÞìéá, áèëçôéêÜ óôÜäéá) áëëÜ ãéáôß ü÷é êáé óôá éäéêÜ ìáò ó÷ïëåßá; ïý åßíáé ôá ðáíåðéóôÞìéÜ ìáò, ôá öéëáíèñùðéêÜ ìáò éäñýìáôá, ôá ìïõóåßá ìáò, ôá çìåñÞóéá ó÷ïëåßá ìáò; ÁõôÜ ðïõ Ý÷ïõìå åßíáé åëÜ÷éóôá ìðñïóôÜ óå êåßíá ðïõ äõíÜìåèá íá Ý÷ïõìå. Ãéáôß ðáñáìåëåßôáé ç äéäáóêáëßá ôçò áðáñÜìéëëçò åëëçíéêÞò ãëþóóáò; Ç áðïãñáöÞ ôïõ 1990 áðÝäåéîå üôé ç ÁìåñéêÞ äåí åßíáé ìüíï ìéá ðïëõåèíéêÞ, ðïëýèñçóêç, áëëÜ êáé ðïëýãëùóóç ÷þñá óôçí ïðïßá óÞìåñá ïìéëïýíôáé 104 ãëþóóåò êáé äéÜëåêôïé. Äåí ìáò ôéìÜ ôï ãåãïíüò üôé áðü ôéò åëÜ÷éóôåò ãëþóóåò ðïõ ðáñáêìÜæïõí (ÏõããñéêÞ, ÏëëáíäéêÞ) åßíáé êáé ç ÅëëçíéêÞ. ¸÷ù ôçí ðåðïßèçóç üôé ç ðáéäåßá ìáò, èåïëïãéêÞ, èñçóêåõôéêÞ, êáé åëëçíéêÞ, <éåñÜ êáé èýñáèåí>, ãéá íá èõìçèïýìå êáé ðÜëé ôïõò Ôñåéò ÉåñÜñ÷åò, ïöåßëåé íá ãßíåé ðñïôåñáéüôçôá êáé ü÷é ïõñáãüò óôá ðñïãñÜììáôá êáé ôéò öñïíôßäåò ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò, ôùí ÊïéíïôÞôùí ìáò êáé ôçò ÏìïãÝíåéáò ãåíéêþò. Åßíáé êáéñüò ãéá ìéá áíáêáôÜôáîç ðñïôåñáéïôÞôùí êáé áîéïëïãÞóåùí ôïõ ôß êÜíïõìå, ôß èÝëïõìå íá äéáêñáôÞóïõìå, ôß èÝëïõìå íá äþóïõìå óôá ðáéäéÜ ìáò áëëÜ êáé óôïõò óõìðïëßôåò ìáò Áìåñéêáíïýò. Ç åëëçíéêÞ ðáéäåßá (ãëþóóá, éóôïñßá, öéëïóïößá, ìïõóéêÞ êáé êáëëéôå÷íéêÞ æùÞ) åßíáé ôüóï óýã÷ñïíç êáé äéäáêôéêÞ üóï êáé ï óçìåñéíüò Üíèñùðïò äéüôé áðïâëÝðåé óôçí êáëëéÝñãåéá êáé áíÜðôõîç ôïõ áíèñþðïõ. Áõôü èá ìáò óõíåâïýëåõáí êáé ïé ìåãÜëïé ×ñéóôéáíïß áëëÜ êáé ïé åëëçíïôñáöåßò Ôñåéò ÉåñÜñ÷åò.
Ê
Ð
Ôï êåßìåíï åßíáé ç åéóáãùãÞ ðïõ Ýêáíå ï ð. ÊùíóôáíôÝëïò óôçí åïñôÞ ôùí Åëëçíéêþí ÃñáììÜôùí ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò óôéò 30 Éáíïõáñßïõ óôïí Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôçò Áãßáò ÔñéÜäïò, Í.Õ. Ï ð. ÊùíóôáíôÝëïò åßíáé êáèçãçôÞò Éóôïñßáò óôï ÊïëÝãéï Óôüêôïí ôÞò ÍÝáò ÉåñóÝçò êáé Þôáí ï ôåëåôÜñ÷çò ôïõ ðñïãñÜììáôïò.
Äçì. ÐáíÜãïò
ÌáèçôÝò êáé ìáèÞôñéåò ðïõ áñßóôåõóáí óôéò ðïëéôåéáêÝò åîåôÜóåéò ãéá ôçí ÅëëçíéêÞ Ãëþóóá ðáñÝëáâáí ôá ôéìçôéêÜ ôïõò äéðëþìáôá áðü ôïí Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï. Äßðëá óôïí Óåâáóìéüôáôï, ï ð. Íéêüëáïò Óùôçñüðïõëïò êáé áñéóôåñÜ ç õðïäéåõèýíôñéá ôïõ Ãñáöåßïõ Ðáéäåßáò ê. Ìáñßá Ìáêåäþí.
u óåë. 13 ÅîåôÜóåéò ãéá ôçí ÅëëçíéêÞ Ãëþóóá ãíùóôÞ ùò Regents Test. (âë. Üëëç óôÞëç) Ôï âñÜäõ ôçò ßäéáò ìÝñáò ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò äåîéþèçêå ôïõò äéåõèõíôÝò êáé äáóêÜëïõò ôùí çìåñÞóéùí êáé áðïãåõìáôéíþí êïéíïôéêþí ó÷ïëåßùí, óôçí Ýäñá ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò. ¹ôáí ìéá åõêáéñßá ãéá åê ôïõ óýíåããõò ãíùñéìßá êáé áíôáëëáãÞ áðüøåùí. Ôçí ðáñáìïíÞ ôçò ãéïñôÞò, ï Óåâáóìéüôáôïò ðñïåîÞñ÷å Áñ÷éåñáôéêïý Åóðåñéíïý óôïí É. Íáü ôùí Ôñéþí Éåñáñ÷þí óôï Ìðñïýêëéí ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò êáé ðáñáêÜèéóå óå äåßðíï ðïõ ðáñÝèåóå ç êïéíüôçôá ðñïò ôéìÞí ôïõ. Ôï áðüãåõìá ôçò êõñéþíõìçò çìÝñáò ôùí Ôñéþí Éåñáñ÷þí, ÊõñéáêÞ 30 Éáíïõáñßïõ, ç Äéåýèõíóç Ðáéäåßáò äéïñãÜíùóå åïñôáóôéêü ðñüãñáììá êáé äéÜëåîç ìå ïìéëçôÞ ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÄçìÞôñéï óôï Êïéíïôéêü ÊÝíôñï ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý Íáïý ôçò Áãßáò ÔñéÜäïò, óôï Ìáí÷Üôáí. Ôïõò ðáñåõñéóêüìåíïõò êáëùóüñéóå ï Éåñáôéêþò ÐñïúóôÜìåíïò ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý ð. ×áñÜëáìðïò Óôåöáíüðïõëïò êáèþò êáé ç õðïäéåõèýíôñéá ôïõ Ãñáöåßïõ Ðáéäåßáò ê. Ìáñßá Ìáêåäþí ðïõ áêïýñáóôç óôçí õðçñåóßá ôïõ Ãñáöåßïõ Ðáéäåßáò åðß óåéñÜ åôþí, Þôáí õðåýèõíç ôçò äéïñãÜíùóçò ôùí åêäçëþóåùí. Ôçí åêäÞëùóç ðáñïõóßáóå ï ôåëåôÜñ÷çò ôçò âñáäéÜò ðñùôïðñåóâýôåñïò êáèçãçôÞò ð. ÄçìÞôñéïò ÊùíóôáíôÝëïò (âë. åéóáãùãéêÞ ïìéëßá ôïõ óå Üëëç óôÞëç). ×áéñåôéóìïýò áðçýèõíáí ïé Ãåíéêïß Ðñüîåíïé ôçò ÅëëÜäïò êáé ôçò Êýðñïõ, ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò ÐëáôÞò êáé ÐáíôåëÞò ÇëéÜäçò, áíôßóôïé÷á. Åíôýðùóç êáé èåôéêÜ ó÷üëéá ðñïêÜëåóå ç ìïõóéêÞ ðáñïõóßá ôçò íåïóõóôáèåßóçò ×ïñùäßáò Ìáèçôþí Çìåñçóßùí Ó÷ïëåßùí õðü ôçí äéåýèõíóç ôïõ êáèçãçôÞ ìïõóéêÞò ê. ÐÝôñïõ ×áôæüðïõëïõ êáèþò êáé ç äñáìáôéêÞ áðáããåëßá åðéëïãÞò ðïéçìÜôùí êáé óôß÷ùí ÅëëÞíùí ðïéçôþí áðü ôïí ãíùóôü óôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá óêçíïèÝôç êáé çèïðïéü ê. ËïõêÜ ÓêéðçôÜñç.
Ç äéÜëåîç
<Ïé Ôñåéò ÉåñÜñ÷åò ùò ðñüôõðá åðéêïéíùíßáò>, Þôáí ôï èÝìá ôçò äéÜëåîçò ôïõ ÓåâáóìéïôÜôïõ ðïõ îåêßíçóå ôçí ïìéëßá ôïõ åêöñÜæïíôáò ôï èáõìáóìü ôïõ ãéá ôçí ðñïèõìßá ôùí ðáñåõñéóêïìÝíùí <[áêï`õóáé ëüãïí Êõñßïõ>, ðáñÜ ôéò áíôßîïåò êáéñéêÝò óõíèÞêåò ðïõ åðéêñáôïýóáí åêåßíï ôï âñÜäõ. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò êÜíïíôáò ðñÜîç
ôéò äéäá÷Ýò ôùí ÐáôÝñùí êé áêïëïõèþíôáò ôá äéêÜ ôïõò <ðñüôõðá åðéêïéíùíßáò>, ìßëçóå áðëÜ êáé êáôáíïçôÜ, <...ìå åíäéáöÝñåé íá ðáñáêïëïõèÞóåôå êé ü÷é áðëþò íá ìéëÞóù> äÞëùóå åî áñ÷Þò. Êáé ôï áêñïáôÞñéï óôç êáôÜìåóôç áßèïõóá ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý ðáñáêïëïýèçóå êÜèå ëÝîç êáé Ýííïéá êáé Ýöõãå êáôåíèïõóéáóìÝíï. Èá Þôáí Üóôï÷ï êáé Üäéêï íá ðáñáèÝóïõìå åäþ áðïóðÜóìáôá ìüíï ôçò äéÜëåîçò ôïõ ÓåâáóìéïôÜôïõ. ¸ôóé åðéöõëáóóüìåèá íá ôç äçìïóéåýóïõìå óôçí ïëüôçôÜ ôçò ðñïóå÷þò. Ïé áñéóôåýóáíôåò áðü ôá ó÷ïëåßá ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò (ÌçôñïðïëéôéêÞò Ðåñéï÷Þò) óôéò ÐïëéôåéáêÝò åîåôÜóåéò ãéá ôçí ÅëëçíéêÞ Ãëþóóá (Regents Test) Ý÷ïõí ùò åîÞò: ÇÌÅÑÇÓÉÁ ÌðÜôáò Ìé÷Üëçò êáé ÔæáííÝôçò Áñéóôåßäçò (ÇìåñÞóéï ó÷ïëåßï ôçò Ìåôáìïñöþóåùò, Corona, N.Y.) ÁñäáâÜíçò Êþóôáò, ÖïõíôïõëÜêçò Ëïýçò êáé Èåïäþñïõ Ìáñßíá (ÇìåñÞóéï ó÷ïëåßï Ä. êáé Ã. ÊáëïåéäÞò , ôçò êïéíüôçôáò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý, Brooklyn, N.Y.) Äéáêïìé÷Üëç Óïößá (ÇìåñÞóéï ó÷ïëåßï Áñãýñéïò ÖÜíôçò ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý Íáïý Áãßïõ Êùíóôáíôßíïõ êáé ÅëÝíçò, Brooklyn, N.Y.) ÌðåëÝóçò Êùíóôáíôßíïò, ÊáðåôÜíïò ÐÝôñïò, Êïõôóïóðýñïò ÄçìÞôñçò, ÐïõëÜêïõ ¢ííá, Óôñáôßäç Ìáñßá, ÃáâáëÜò ×ñÞóôïò êáé ÃåñÜóéìïò ÂáóéëÜôïò. (Åëëçíïáìåñéêáíéêü Ó÷ïëåßï Áãßïõ Äçìçôñßïõ ôçò Áóôüñéáò, Astoria, N.Y.) ËéìðÝñç Êáôåñßíá (GreekAmerican Institute, Bronx, N.Y.) ÖñáäåëÜêç Êáôåñßíá (ÇìåñÞóéï ó÷ïëåßï Âáóßëåéïò Óðõñüðïõëïò , ôçò êïéíüôçôáò ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ, Flushing, N.Y) ÁÐÏÃÅÕÌÁÔÉÍÁ Ãáëßôóç ÊÝñé (Áðïãåõìáôéíü ó÷ïëåßï Áãßïõ Äçìçôñßïõ Áóôüñéáò, Astoria, N.Y.) ÊáóóÜñá Ìáñßá, Ðåñäéêïëüãïõ Ôßíá, Óôáõñéáíïðïýëïõ Èåþíç êáé ÐáðáóçìÜêçò Îåíïöþí (Áðïãåõìáôéíü Ó÷ïëåßï Áãßïõ Äçìçôñßïõ, Flushing, N.Y.) Ôóïýãêá ÐÝííç (Áðïãåõìáôéíü ó÷ïëåßï Êïßìçóçò ôçò Èåïôüêïõ, Island Park, N.Y.) ÔñïõëÜêç ÉùÜííá (Áðïãåõìáôéíü ó÷ïëåßï Áñ÷áããÝëïõ Ìé÷áÞë, Roslyn, Í.Õ.)
ÖÅÂÑÏÕÁÑÉÏÓ 2000
ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ
ÓÅËÉÄÁ 15
Áãéáóìüò êáé ïñêùìïóßá ôïõ Ä.Ó. óôï «ÓôáèÜêåéï ÊÝíôñï» ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò Åëëçíéêþí Óùìáôåßùí
Äçì. ÐáíÜãïò
ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ.- Ôïõò ÄéåõèõíôÝò ôùí Åëëçíïáìåñéêáíéêþí ÇìåñÞóéùí Êïéíïôéêþí Ó÷ïëåßùí ðñïóêÜëåóå ðñüóöáôá óå ãåýìá ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò. ÊáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôïõ ãåýìáôïò äüèçêå ç åõêáéñßá ãéá êáëýôåñç ãíùñéìßá êáé êáñðïöüñá áíôáëëáãÞ áðüøåùí. Óôï ãåýìá ðáñáêÜèéóáí êáé ï Èåïö. Åðßóêïðïò ÎÜíèïõ ÄçìÞôñéïò, ï äéåõèõíôÞò ôïõ ÔìÞìáôïò ÈñçóêåõôéêÞò Ðáéäåßáò ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ð. Ìáñáíãêüò êáé ç õðïäéåõèýíôñéá ôïõ Ãñáöåßïõ ÅëëçíéêÞò Ðáéäåßáò ê. Ìáñßá Ìáêåäþí.
Äçì. ÐáíÜãïò
ÌåôÜ ôïí áãéáóìü êáé ôçí ïñêïìùóßá ôïõ Ä. Ó., ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò Ýêïøå êáé ôçí ðáñáäïóéáêÞ âáóéëüðéôá óôç ðñþôç ôïõ åðßóêåøç óôéò åãêáôáóôÜóåéò ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò.
ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. Ôçí ïñêùìïóßá ôïõ íÝïõ Ä.Ó. êáé ôïí áãéáóìü ôïõ «ÓôáèÜêåéïõ ÊÝíôñïõ» ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò Åëëçíéêþí Óùìáôåßùí Ìåßæïíïò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò, óôçí Áóôüñéá, ôÝëåóå óôéò 27 Éáíïõáñßïõ, ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò, åíþ ðáñÜëëçëá Ýêïøå êáé ôçí ðáñáäïóéáêÞ Âáóéëüðéôá. Áðåõèõíüìåíïò ðñïò ôïí ðñüåäñï ê. Ãéþñãï Ãåùñãüðïõëï, ôïí åðßôéìï ðñüåäñï êáé ìåãÜëï åõåñãÝôç ê. Âáóßëåéï ÓôáèÜêï, ôïõò óõìâïýëïõò êáé ôïõò áíôéðñïóþðïõò ôùí öïñÝùí-ìåëþí ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò ï Óåâáóìéüôáôïò åõ÷Þèçêå ïìüíïéá êáé óýìðíïéá ìåôáîý ôùí ìåëþí ôïõ íÝïõ Ä.Ó. ãéá ôï êáëü ôçò ÏìïãÝíåéáò. «Ç ïñêùìïóßá», áíÝöåñå óôçí ïìéëßá ôïõ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò, «äåí åßíáé áðëÜ ìéá ôõðéêÞ ôåëåôÞ áëëÜ êÜôé ðïõ äåß÷íåé ìéá ïìÜäá áíèñþðùí ïé ïðïßïé ðñïóöÝñïíôáé íá äïõëÝøïõí áöéëïêåñäþò, åèåëïíôéêþò, íá äþóïõí ÷ñüíï, ðÜèïò êáé äýíáìç êáé ìÝñïò ôçò ïéêïãåíåéáêÞò ôïõò æùÞò, íá äþóïõí, êáôÝëçîå, ÷ñÞìáôá óå ðïëëÝò ðåñéðôþóåéò, ãéá íá õðçñåôÞóïõí ôï óýíïëï». «Ç Ïìïóðïíäßá», ðñüóèåóå ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò, «Ý÷åé Ýíá ñüëï åíïðïéïý ðáñÜãïíôá êáé áíïé÷ôü ðåäßï äñÜóåùò. Åäþ, åßðå ï Óåâáóìéüôáôïò, Ý÷ïõìå ôçí
á÷ßëëåéï ðôÝñíá ôçò åèíéêüôçôüò ìáò. Äåí ôá êáôáöÝñíïõìå ðÜíôïôå óôï èÝìá ôçò åíüôçôáò êáé ðïëëÝò öïñÝò äáðáíïýìå ôéò äõíÜìåéò ìáò óå öèïñïðïéïýò áãþíåò ìåôáîý ìáò. Ãé áõôü ôï ëüãï åßíáé óçìáíôéêÞ ç áðïóôïëÞ ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò íá óõíôïíßæåé êáé íá óõãêåíôñþíåé êáé íá óõíåíþíåé». »Ìéá áðïóôïëÞ ðïõ èá äåßîåé üôé üôáí èÝëïõìå åìåßò, ïé Åëëçíïáìåñéêáíïß Ïñèüäïîïé, ìðïñïýìå íá åßìáóôå åíùìÝíïé êáé íá ðáñÜãïõìå èáýìáôá. Êé áõôü, ôüíéóå ï Óåâáóìéüôáôïò, åßíáé Ýíá óôïé÷åßï ôï ïðïßï êÜíåé ôçí áðïóôïëÞ êáé ôï Ýñãï ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò üíôùò ðïëýôéìï». Ìéëþíôáò åîÜëëïõ ãéá ôá ÷áñáêôçñéóôéêÜ ôïõ ãÝíïõò ìáò ùò Åëëçíïñèïäüîùí ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò óçìåßùóå: «Åßìáóôå öïñåßò äýï ôåñÜóôéùí äõíÜìåùí êáé äþñùí. Äýï ôåñÜóôéá äþñá ðïõ äåí åßíáé áõôïíüçôá. Ôï ðñþôï åßíáé ç ïñèüäïîç ðßóôç ìáò êáé ôï äåýôåñï åßíáé ôï üôé êáôáãüìåèá áðü Ýíá üíôùò ìåãÜëï Ýèíïò, ðïõ ðáñüëï üôé Þôáí ðÜíôïôå ìéêñü ùò ðñïò ôïí áñéèìü, õðÞñîå Ýèíïò ðïõ ìåãáëïýñãçóå êáé ìåãáëïýñãçóå óå åðï÷Ýò óå ôïìåßò êáé ðåñéï÷Ýò ðïõ ôï êáôÝóôçóáí óýìâïëï êáé êýôôáñï ðáíáíèñþðéíï ðïõ óõíå÷ßæåé íá äßíåé æùÞ óôïí êüóìï üëï».
Ç Çãåóßá ôïõ ÓÁÅ óôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï
ÔÏ ÔÏ ÐÅÑÉÂÏËÉ ÐÅÑÉÂÏËÉ ÔÇÓ ÔÇÓ ÐÁÍÁÃÉÁÓ ÐÁÍÁÃÉÁÓ
×ÑÉÓÔÉÁÍÉÊÏÍ ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÍ ÂÉÂËÉÏÐÙËÅÉÏÍ 21-78 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11105 Tel: (718) 274-0544 Ôï âéâëéïðùëåßï óáò ðáñÝ÷åé âßíôåï-êáóóÝôåò äéÜ ôá÷åßáí åêìÜèçóéí ÂõæáíôéíÞò ìïõóéêÞò áðü ôïí ÌÅÃÁ Ìïõóïõñãüí ÁóôÝñéï ÄåâñåëÞ. Åðßóçò èá âñÞôå âéâëßá ëåéôïõñãéêÜ, ìïó÷ïèõìßáìá, èñçóêåõôéêÜ âéâëßá, âõæáíôéíÝò åéêüíåò êôë. Ðáñáêáëïýìå ðñïåôïéìÜóôå ôéò ðáñáããåëßåò óáò åãêáßñùò
ÏËÕÌÐÉÁÊÇ ÁÅÑÏÐÏÑÉÁ ÍÅÁ
•×ÉËÉÅÔÉÁ ÁÅÑÏÐËÁÍÁ
ÁÍÏÉÎÇ & ÊÁËÏÊÁÉÑÉ NEW YORK/BOSTON-ATHENS
728 778
$
NEW YORK/BOSTON-LARNACA Áðü$
ÅËËÁÄÁ & ÊÕÐÑÏ Ìåô åðéóôñïöÞò
ÏÉ ÈÅÓÅÉÓ ÅÉÍÁÉ ÐÅÑÉÏÑÉÓÌÅÍÅÓ Áðïôáèåßôå ôþñá óôïí ôáîéäéùôéêü óáò ðñÜêôïñá Þ óôçí ÏëõìðéáêÞ Áåñïðïñßá... êáé êåñäßóôå!
ÅðéóêåöèÞôå ôçí ÅËËÁÄÁ êáé ÊÕÐÑÏ
ìå ôéìÝò ôïõ ÐåñáóìÝíïõ ÁÉÙÍÁ!!! ÁÐÏ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ Þ ÂÏÓÔÙÍÇ ãéá ÁÈÇÍÁ Þ ÈÅÓÓÁËÏÍÉÊÇ Ãéá ôáîßäé ðïõ áñ÷ßæåé: 1 ÁÐÑÉËÉÏÕ Ýùò 10 ÉÏÕÍÉÏÕ êáé 1 ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ Ýùò 31 ÏÊÔÙÂÑÉÏÕ...........$728 Ãéá ôáîßäé ðïõ áñ÷ßæåé: 11 ÉÏÕÍÉÏÕ Ýùò 31 ÁÕÃÏÕÓÔÏÕ..........$868
ÁÐÏ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ Þ ÂÏÓÔÙÍÇ ãéá ËÁÑÍÁÊÁ Ãéá ôáîßäé ðïõ áñ÷ßæåé: 1 ÁÐÑÉËÉÏÕ Ýùò 10 ÉÏÕÍÉÏÕ êáé 1 ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ Ýùò 31 ÏÊÔÙÂÑÉÏÕ............. $778 Ãéá ôáîßäé ðïõ áñ÷ßæåé: 11 ÉÏÕÍÉÏÕ Ýùò 31 ÁÕÃÏÕÓÔÏÕ..........$968
ÁãïñÜæïíôáò ôþñá êáé ìÝ÷ñé ôçí 29ç Öåâñïõáñßïõ ôá åéóçôÞñéá óáò, ìðïñåßôå íá êÜíåôå ôéò äéáêïðÝò óáò ôçí Üíïéîç êáé ôï êáëïêáßñé óôçí ðáôñßäá, Üíåôá êáé öèçíÜ, êåñäßæïíôáò åêáôïíôÜäåò äïëÜñéá áðü ôéòéó÷ýïõóåò ôéìÝò. ÁãïñÜæïíôáò ôþñá ôá åéóéôÞñéÜ óáò áðïöåýãåôå ïðïéáäÞðïôå áýîçóç ôéìþí ãßíåé áñãüôåñá.ÄéáëÝãåôåêáé åîáóöáëßæåôå áðü ôþñá ôéò çìåñïìçíßåò ðïõ óáò ôáéñéÜæïõí. Áêüìç Ýêðôùóç 200 äïëáñßùí áðü ôéò ðáñáðÜíù ôéìÝò ãéá ðáéäéÜ ìÝ÷ñé 12åôþí. ÌÏÍÏ 100 åðß ðëÝïí ãéá åðéóôñïöÞ 15 Áõãïýóôïõ - 15 Óåðôåìâñßïõ. ÌÏÍÏ ìå ôçí ÏËÕÌÐÉÁÊÇ äåí áëëÜæåôå áåñïäñüìéï ãéá ôéò áíôáðïêñßóåéò óáò óôï åóùôåñéêü ôçò ÅëëÜäáò. ÌÏÍÏ ìå ôçí ÏËÕÌÐÉÁÊÇ êáé ãéá $ 100 ðåôÜôå óå ïðïéïäÞðïôå åóùôåñéêü óçìåßï ôçò ÅëëÜäáò, óå óõíäõáóìü ìå ôá õðåñáôëáíôéêÜ åéóçôÞñéá.
ÌÏÍÏ ç ÏËÕÌÐÉÁÊÇ ÌÉËÁ ôç ãëþóóá óáò.
Ç ÄÉÊÇ ÓÏÕ ÅÔÁÉÑÉÁ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. - Áíôéðñïóùðåßá ôïõ Óõìâïõëßïõ ÁðïäÞìïõ Åëëçíéóìïý (ÓÁÅ) åðéóêÝöèçêå ðñüóöáôá ôïí Óåâáóìéüôáôï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéï êáé ôïí åíçìÝñùóå ó÷åôéêÜ ìå ôïõò óêïðïýò êáé ôéò äñáóôçñéüôçôåò ôïõ ÓÁÅ. Ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ðëáéóéþíïõí áðü áñéóôåñÜ, ï ê. ÐÜíïò Óôáõñéáíßäçò - óýìâïõëïò, ï ê. ¢íôñéïõ ¢èåíò - ðáãêüóìéïò ðñüåäñïò ôïõ ÓÁÅ, ï ê. ×ñÞóôïò ÔïìáñÜò - ðñüåäñïò ôçò ðåñéöÝñåéáò ÁìåñéêÞò êáé ï ê. ÁíäñÝáò Êùìïäñüìïò - óýìâïõëïò.
ÓÅËÉÄÁ 16
ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ
ÉÙÁÍÍÇÓ Ï ÊÁÓÓÉÁÍÏÓ
Ï ìïíá÷üò ôçò áñåôÞò êáé ôçò èåáíèñþðéíçò óõíåñãßáò
Å
í áíáìïíÞ ôçò Áãßáò êáé ÌåãÜëçò ÔåóóáñáêïóôÞò, ç êáñäéÜ ìáò ðçãáßíåé áõèüñìçôá óå Ýíá ìåãÜëï êáé Üãéï ìïíá÷ü ôïõ 4ïõ áéþíá, ôïí Üãéï ÉùÜííç ôïí Êáóóéáíü. Óýìöùíá ìå ôï Ôõðéêü ôçò Ïñèïäüîïõ Åêêëçóßáò, ç Üãéá ìíÞìç ôïõ ãéïñôÜæåôáé óôéò 29 Öåâñïõáñßïõ êÜèå äßóåêôïõ ÷ñüíïõ êáé ìÜëéóôá, óýìöùíá ìå ôï Ôõðéêü áíáãéãíþóêïìåí ôçí ÉåñÞ Áêïëïõèßá ôïõ <åí ôïéò Áðïäåßðíïéò>. ÊáôÜ ðÜóáí ðéèáíüôçôá, ãåííÞèçêå ôï 365 óôçí Óêõèïýðïëç ôçò Ñïõìáíßáò, Þ êáô Üëëïõò óôçí Ðáëáéóôßíç, êáé ç ðñþôç ìïíáóôéêÞ ôïõ ðñïðáßäåõóç Ýãéíå óôï ÌïíáóôÞñé ôçò ÂçèëåÝì ìáæß ìå ôïí á÷þñéóôï åí ×ñéóôþ ößëï ôïõ ôïõ êáè. Ãåùñãßïõ ÌðåìðÞ Ãåñìáíü. Åêåßíï ðïõ Üöçóå áíåîßôçëç áãÜðç óôïõò äýï ößëïõò, Þôáí ïðùóäÞðïôå ç åðßóêåøÞ ôïõò êáé ç ðáñáìïíÞ ôïõò óôá èáõìáóôÜ ìïíáóôÞñéá ôçò Áéãýðôïõ. Åêåß ðñÜãìáôé ç øõ÷Þ ôïõò åíåðíåýóèç áðü ôï Üöáôï ðáñÜäåéãìá ôçò èõóßáò, ôçò õðïôáãÞò, ôçò ôáðåßíùóçò êáé ôçò åãêñÜôåéáò ôùí áãùíéóôéêþí ìïíá÷þí ôçò çñùéêÞò Áéãýðôïõ. Ï ðåñßöçìïò ¢ããëïò êáèçãçôÞò Owen Chadwick óôï ìïíáäéêü âéâëßï ôïõ ãéá ôïí Üãéï ÉùÜííç ôïí Êáóóéáíü ãñÜöåé üôé ï íåáñüò ìïíá÷üò ìáæß ìå ôïí óõíáãùíéóôÞ ôïõ Ãåñìáíü áíáæçôïýóáí íá âñïõí óôçí Áßãõðôï <ôçí ðáôñßäá ôçò áãéüôçôïò> êáé ôïí êáèáãéáóìÝíï ôüðï ôçò <Ôåëåéüôçôïò> (ó. 12-14). Ãéá äÝêá ÷ñüíéá ðáñÝìåéíáí óôçí Áßãõðôï êáé ôá äýï ìåãÜëá âéâëßá ôïõ áãßïõ Êáóóéáíïý, äçëáäÞ Ðåñß èåóìþí ôïõ Êïéíïâßïõ (De Institutis Coenobiorum) êáé Ôùí ÄéáëÝîåùí ôùí ÐáôÝñùí (Collationes) åìðíåýóèçêáí áðü ôçí åõëïãçìÝíç áíáóôñïöÞ ôïõò ìå ôéò ÷éëéÜäåò ìïíá÷ïýò, ðïõ êõñéïëåêôéêÜ åß÷áí êáôáêëýóåé ôçí Áßãõðôï êáôÜ ôïí ôÝôáñôï êáé ðÝìðôï áéþíá.
Ç
óõããñáöÞ áõôÞ ôçò êáèáãéáóìÝíçò êáé öùôåéíÞò æùÞò ôùí çñùéêþí ìïíá÷þí, ç æùíôáíÞ ðåñéãñáöÞ ôùí êáèçìåñéíþí áãþíùí ôïõò, ç äéáôýðùóç ôùí óõíôüìùí áðïöèåãìÜôùí êáé ôùí èåïöþôéóôùí äéäáóêáëéþí ôïõò, êáôÝóôçóáí ôá âéâëßá áõôÜ ùò áðáñáßôçôá óõìâïõëåõôéêÜ êåßìåíá ãéá ôïõò ìïíá÷ïýò, ôïõò êëçñéêïýò êáé ëáúêïýò üëùí ôùí åðï÷þí. ÅðåéäÞ Ýãñáöáí óôá ËáôéíéêÜ, åðéôïìÞ áõôþí ìåôáöñÜóôçêå óôá ÅëëçíéêÜ êáé ïñéóìÝíá êåöÜëáéá óõìðåñéëÞöèçêáí óôçí ÅëëçíéêÞ Öéëïêáëßá ôïõ áãßïõ ÍéêïäÞìïõ ôïõ Áãéïñåßôïõ ôïí 18ï áéþíá (Á´ Ôüìïò). Ç öùôéóìÝíç äñÜóç ôïõ áãßïõ ÉùÜííïõ ôïõ Êáóóéáíïý äåí óôáìÜôçóå óôçí Áßãõðôï. ÌåôÝâç óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç, üðïõ ÷åéñïôïíÞèçêå óå äéÜêïíï áðü ôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò ÉùÜííç ôïí ×ñõóüóôïìï, ãéá ôïí ïðïßï Ýôñåöå áíåßðùôï èáõìáóìü. ÁëëÜ ï äéùãìüò êáé ç åîïñßá ôïõ ìåãÜëïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ áíÜãêáóáí ôïí Êáóóéáíü íá êáôáöýãåé óôçí Ñþìç ãéá íá ìåóéôåýóåé õðÝñ áõôïý óôïí ÐÜðá ÉííïêÝíôéï. ÁëëÜ ìÜôáéá. ¸ôóé ðáñÝìåéíå ðëÝïí óôç Äýóç êáé ìÜëéóôá óôç Ìáóóáëßá ôçò Íüôéáò Ãáëëßáò, üðïõ ßäñõóå áíäñéêü ìïíáóôÞñé êáé áñãüôåñá êáé ãõíáéêåßá ìïíÞ. ÅêïéìÞèç ðåñßðïõ ôï 435 óôç Ìáóóáëßá êáé åêåß ìüíï ôéìÜôáé ç ìíÞìç ôïõ óôéò 2 Éïõëßïõ. Ðñéí ôïí èÜíáôü ôïõ óõíÝãñáøå ÷ñçóéìüôáôï óýããñáììá åíáíôßïí ôïõ áéñåôéêïý Åðéóêüðïõ Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò Íåóôïñßïõ. Ç åðßäñáóç ôçò æùÞò ôïõ áãßïõ Êáóóéáíïý êáé ôùí áîéïèáýìáóôùí óõããñáììÜôùí ôïõ óôç æùÞ ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ðáñáìÝíåé áíåîßôçëç êáé áìÝñéóôç. Áí êáé Ýãñáøå ËáôéíéêÜ, ãíþñéæå ôÝëåéá ôçí ÅëëçíéêÞ ãëþóóá êáé áðïôÝëåóå ôçí åíùôéêÞ êáé áãáðçôéêÞ ðñïóùðéêüôçôá, ç ïðïßá óõíÝäåóå ôçí ÁíáôïëéêÞ êáé ÄõôéêÞ Åêêëçóßá ôçò åðï÷Þò ôïõ. Åêåßíï ðïõ ôïí êÜíåé äçìïöéëÞ ôüóï óôçí ÁíáôïëÞ, üóï êáé óôç Äýóç åßíáé ç ìåôñéïðÜèåéÜ ôïõ, ç áðïöõãÞ õðåñâïëþí, ç ðïëëÝò öïñÝò êñéôéêÞ óôÜóç ôïõ Ýíáíôé áðáñÜäåêôùí
êáôá÷ñÞóåùí ôçò ìïíá÷éêÞò êáé åêêëçóéáóôéêÞò ðïëéôåßáò êáé ç ðçãáßá áãÜðç ôïõ ðñïò ôïí ×ñéóôü, ôçí Åêêëçóßá ôïõ êáé ç ðåñßöçìç áðëüôçôÜ ôïõ óôçí ëåéôïõñãéêÞ êáé ðñïóåõ÷çôéêÞ æùÞ ôçò üëçò Åêêëçóßáò êáé éäéáßôåñá ôçò ìïíá÷éêÞò æùÞò.
Ç
áíÜãíùóç ôùí Ãñáöþí, êáé ìÜëéóôá ôùí Øáëìþí, ç óõììåôï÷Þ óôçí êïéíÞ èåßá ëáôñåßá ìå óõíäõáóìü ôçí êáô éäßáí ðñïóåõ÷Þ åßíáé ÷áñáêôçñéóôéêÜ ðáñáäåßãìáôá ôçò éóïññïðçìÝíçò ðíåõìáôéêÞò æùÞò ôïõ. Áí êáé ôïíßæåé üôé ï áðþôåñïò óêïðüò ôçò ìïíá÷éêÞò ðïëéôåßáò åßíáé ç óõíå÷Þò Üíïäïò ðñïò ôçí ôåëåéüôçôá, ü÷é áíáãêáßá óå áíôéäéáóôïëÞ ìå ôïõò ëáúêïýò, ïé ïðïßïé óáí ìÝëç êé áõôïß ôïõ ðëçñþìáôïò ôïõ óþìáôïò ôïõ ×ñéóôïý Ý÷ïõí ôïí ßäéï óêïðü êáé ðñïïñéóìü óôç æùÞ ôïõò. ÁíáöÝñåé ãéá üëïõò ôá ïêôþ âáóéêÜ áìáñôÞìáôá, Þ <ôïõò ïêôþ ëïãéóìïýò ôçò êáêßáò>, äçëáäÞ, ôçí ãáóôñéìáñãßá, ôçí ðïñíåßá, ôçí öéëáñãõñßá, ôçí ïñãÞ, ôçí ëýðç, ôçí áêçäßá, ôçí êåíïäïîßá êáé ôçí õðåñçöÜíåéá. Óõìðëçñþíåé äå ôçí åîáßñåôç áóêçôéêÞ ôïõ èåïëïãßá êáé ðñáêôéêÞ, ìå ôçí ðåñßöçìç êáé ðáí-åõëïãçìÝíç áñåôÞ ôçò äéáêñßóåùò. ÃñÜöåé ï Üãéïò ÉùÜííçò ï Êáóóéáíüò: <... ç äéÜêñéóç äéäÜóêåé ôïí Üíèñùðï íá áöÞíåé ôéò õðåñâïëÝò êáé áðü ôá äýï ìÝñç êáé íá âáäßæåé ôï âáóéëéêü äñüìï. Êáé ïýôå åðéôñÝðåé ìå ôçí Üìåôñç åãêñÜôåéá, íá åîáðáôÜôáé êáíåßò áðü ôá äåîéÜ, ïýôå ðÜëé íá óÝñíåôáé óôçí áäéáöïñßá êáé ÷áëáñüôçôá áðü ô áñéóôåñÜ. Êáé åßíáé ç äéÜêñéóç Ýíá ìÜôé ôçò øõ÷Þò êáé ëõ÷íÜñé, êáôÜ ôï ÅõáããÝëéï ðïõ ëÝãåé Ôï ëõ÷íÜñé ôïõ óþìáôïò åßíáé ôï ìÜôé (Ìáôè. 6,22)> (Åí Öéëïêáëßá, Ôüìïò Á´. Ìåôáöñ. Áíô. Ã. Ãáëßôç, Åêä. Ôï Ðåñéâüëé ôçò Ðáíáãßáò, ó. 117). Óôçí ðåñßöçìç áíôéðáñÜèåóç ìåôáîý ôïõ áðüëõôïõ ðñïïñéóìïý ôïõ Áõãïõóôßíïõ êáé ôçò áðüëõôçò áíèñþðéíçò åëåõèåñßáò ôïõ Ðåëáãßïõ ï Üãéïò Êáóóéáíüò äéåôýðùóå ôçí <ìÝóç ëýóç> êáôÜ ôçí ïðïßá <õðÜñ÷åé óôï Ýñãï ôçò óùôçñßáò, ç óõíåñãßá ôçò Èåßáò ÈåëÞóåùò êáé ôïõ áíèñþðéíïõ ðáñÜãïíôïò, åñ÷ïìÝíçò ðñþôçò âåâáßùò ôçò èåßáò ÷Üñéôïò> üðùò ïñèÜ ôïíßæåé ï áåßìíçóôïò êáé óïöüò êáèçãçôÞò ÌðáëÜíïò (Ðáôñïëïãßá, ó. 485). ¸ôóé ï Üãéïò ÉùÜííçò ï Êáóóéáíüò êáôÝóôç ï êáô åîï÷Þí äéáðñýóéïò êÞñõêáò ôçò Ïñèïäüîïõ Óùôçñéïëïãßáò.
Ô
ï ðüóï åðßêáéñïò åßíáé ï Üãéïò Êáóóéáíüò êáôáöáßíåôáé ü÷é ìüíï áðü ôï âéâëßï ôïõ ¢ããëïõ Chadwick áëëÜ êáé áðü ôï ãåãïíüò üôé ç ðåñßöçìç ÁìåñéêáíéêÞ óåéñÜ âéâëßùí ðåñß ôùí Êëáóéêþí Ýñãùí ôçò ÄõôéêÞò Ðíåõìáôéêüôçôïò, êõêëïöüñçóå ôï 1985 åðéëïãÞ áðü ôá Ýñãá ôïõ áãßïõ Êáóóéáíïý êáé ôï 1997 êõêëïöüñçóå ðëÞñçò ÁããëéêÞ ìåôÜöñáóç ôùí <ÄéáëÝîåùí> ôïõ áðü ôïí Beniface Ramsey. Ôï 1998 êõêëïöüñçóå áðü ôï ÐáíåðéóôÞìéï ôçò Ïîöüñäçò Ýñãï ìå ôïí ôßôëï <Êáóóéáíüò ï Ìïíá÷üò> ôïõ Êïëïýìðá Stewart. Áò ðñïóÝîïõìå ôß ëÝåé ãéá ôïí Üãéï ÉùÜííç ôïí Êáóóéáíü ç áãéïôÜôç Åêêëçóßá ìáò. Ôüóï óôïí Åóðåñéíü üóï êáé óôïí ¼ñèñï ôçò 29çò Öåâñïõáñßïõ ï éåñüò õìíùäüò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ìáò áðïêáëåß ôïí Üãéï ÉùÜííç ôïí Êáóóéáíü> <ðáôÝñá ðÜíóïöïí>, <ÁóôÝñá ôçò Åêêëçóßáò> êáé <ôùí áóêçôþí ùñáéüôçôá>. Êáé êáôáëÞãåé: <ÓêéñôÞóùìåí Üíèñùðïé, ðíåõìáôéêþò ÷ïñåýïíôåò, Êáóóéáíïý íýí ôç ìíÞìç åðáãáëëüìåíïé...>. Áò ìéìçèïýìå ôï ðÜìöùôï ðáñÜäåéãìá ôïõ áãßïõ ÉùÜííïõ ôïõ Êáóóéáíïý, áíôëþíôáò áðü ôçí ðïëéôåßá ôïõ êáé ôá óõããñÜììáôÜ ôïõ, öùò êáé ÷áñÜ êáé äýíáìç óôïí áãþíá ôçò åí ×ñéóôþ ôåëåéüôçôïò. Ï ê. Ãåþñãéïò Ó. ÌðåìðÞò åßíáé êáèçãçôÞò Ðáôñïëïãßáò,óôçí ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý, ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò.
ÖÅÂÑÏÕÁÑÉÏÓ 2000
Óå äåýôåñç ôáêôéêÞ óõíåäñßá ç ÉåñÜ Åðáñ÷éáêÞ Óýíïäïò u óåë. 13 óêïõ, Ðéôôóâïýñãïõ, Âïóôþíçò êáß ÍôÝíâåñ, êáß ï é [ Åðßóêïðïé [ ÁôëÜíôáò ê. [ ÁëÝîéïò êáß Íôçôñüúô ê. Íéêüëáïò. Ðñü ô`çò [åíÜñîåùò ô`ùí óõæçôÞóåùí [áíåðÝìöèç [åðéìíçìüóõíïò äÝçóéò ]õðÝñ [áíáðáýóåùò ô`çò øõ÷`çò ôï`õ á [ åéìíÞóôïõ ìÝëïõò ô`çò ] Éåñ`áò Óõíüäïõ[ Åðéóêüðïõ ÍÝáò [ ÉåñóÝçò êõñï`õ Ãåùñãßïõ [åêäçìÞóáíôïò ðñüò Êýñéïí ôÞí 21.11.99. Ï é óõíåäñéÜóåéò, ï } ðùò êáß êáôÜ ôÞí ðñïçãçèå¡éóáí óýíïäïí ô` ç ò 14çò êáß 15çò [ Ïêôùâñßïõ 1999, äéåîÞ÷èçóáí [åí ðíåýìáôé [áäåëöéê`çò óõíåñãáóßáò, ]ïìïøõ÷ßáò êáß å éñÞíçò, êáß ðÜíôïôå ìÝ ðñïïðôéêÞí ôÞí ðñïáãùãÞí ô` ç ò æù` ç ò ô` ç ò [ Åêêëçóßáò, ôüí êáôáñôéóìüí ô`ùí ðéóô`ùí êáß ôÞí ðñïóöïñÜí á [ êåñáßïõ êáß ãíçóßïõ ôï`õ ìçíýìáôïò ô`çò [ Ïñèïäüîïõ ðßóôåùò óôÞí [ ÁìåñéêáíéêÞ êïéíùíßá. Ìå ôÞí [ á íùôÝñù ðñïïðôéêÞí {åãéíå [åîÝôáóéò êáß óõæÞôçóéò äéáöüñùí èåìÜôùí ðïý óõíäÝïíôáé ìÝ ôÞí ôñÝ÷ïõóá êáôÜóôáóç ô`çò [ Åêêëçóßáò. Ìåôáîý á[õô`ùí óõìðåñéëáìâÜíïíôáé èÝìáôá }ïðùò ôü ô`çò [áíáèåùñÞóåùò ôï`õ ÓõíôÜãìáôïò ô`çò ] Éåñ`áò [ Áñ÷éåðéóêïð`çò [ Áìåñéê`çò, ô`ùí ï éêïíïìéê`ùí ôçò, ô`ùí Óõíïäéê`ùí [ Åðéôñïð`ùí, ô`çò Êëçñéêïëáúê`çò Óõíåëåýóåùò 2000, ô`çò ìåñßìíçò õ ] ðÝñ ôï`õ ] É. ÊëÞñïõ, ô`çò èåßáò ëáôñåßáò, ôï`õ ] Åëëçíéêï`õ Êïëëåãßïõ êáß ô`çò Èåïëïãéê`çò Ó÷ïë`çò ôï`õ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñï`õ, ô`ùí å] ïñôáóôéê`ùí å[ êäçëþóåùí äéÜ ôü å{ ôïò 2000 ôüóïí [åä`ù, }ïóï êáß óôü Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï, ê.ï.ê. 21 [ Éáíïõáñßïõ 2000 [ Åê ôï`õ Ãñáöåßïõ ô`çò ] É. [ Åðáñ÷éáê`çò Óõíüäïõ ÌåôÜ ôï ðÝñáò ôùí åñãáóéþí ôçò ÉåñÜò Óõíüäïõ ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò êáé ïé óõíïäéêïß Áñ÷éåñåßò ðáñÝèåóáí óõíÝíôåõîç Ôýðïõ. Áðáíôþíôáò óå åñþôçóç ãéá ôá ïéêïíïìéêÜ ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ï Óåâáóìéüôáôïò ðáñáäÝ÷èçêå üôé âñÞêå óå äõó÷åñÞ êáôÜóôáóç ôá ïéêïíïìéêÜ ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò êáé üôé ëáìâÜíïíôáé ôá áðáñáßôçôá ìÝôñá ãéá ôçí áíôéìåôþðéóç ôçò êáôÜóôáóçò êáé ôùí ôñÝ÷ïõóùí áíáãêþí. ÄÞëùóå åðßóçò üôé åßíáé óáöÝóôáôç ç ðñüèåóç ôüóï ôçò Óõíüäïõ üóï êáé ôïõ éäßïõ íá õðÜñ÷åé ðëÞñçò äéáöÜíåéá êáé äçìïóéïðïßçóç ôùí ïéïêíïìéêþí, ìüëéò õðÜñ÷ïõí ôá ðëÞñç óôïé÷åßá. ÅîÜëëïõ áðáíôþíôáò óå Üëëç åñþôçóç ðåñß ôïõ ÓõíôÜãìáôïò (êáôáóôáôéêïý ÷Üñôç) ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò êáé ôéò åñãáóßåò áíáèåþñçóÞò ôïõ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò äÞëùóå ðùò ç Óýíïäïò, åßíáé áðïäÝêôçò âáóéêïý ó÷åäßïõ-êåéìÝíïõ ôçò ÊáôáóôáôéêÞò ÅðéôñïðÞò êáé èá ôï ìåëåôÞóåé óå åéäéêÞ ðñïò ôïýôï óõíåäñßá. Áñãüôåñá, óå ðáñÝìâáóÞ ôïõ ï Óåâ. Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Áßíïõ ê. ÌÜîéìïò áðåêÜëõøå üôé ç åéäéêÞ óõíåäñßá ôçò óõíüäïõ ãéá ôçí ìåëÝôç ôïõ ÓõíôÜãìáôïò åß÷å êáèïñéóôåß íá óõíÝëèåé ôçí 1ç êáé 2á Öåâñïõáñßïõ. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ôüíéóå üôé ôï Ýñãï ôçò áíáèåþñçóçò ôïõ ÓõíôÜãìáôïò õðÞñîå äýóêïëï êáé áðáó÷ïëåß ôçí Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ åðß óåéñÜ åôþí. Óçìåßùóå áêüìç üôé áðü ôïí ðåñáóìÝíï Ïêôþâñéï (ðñþôç óýãêëéóç ôçò ÉåñÜò Åðáñ÷éáêÞò Óõíüäïõ) ç äéáäéêáóßá åðéôá÷ýíèçêå þóôå ïé åñãáóßåò ôçò êáôáóôáôéêÞò åðéôñïðÞò íá áðïöÝñïõí óÞìåñá áðïôÝëåóìá, äçëáäÞ ôï áíÜ ÷åßñáò êåßìåíï.
Ç ÅéäéêÞ ÊáôáóôáôéêÞ Óõíåäñßá
Ìå áðïêëåéóôéêü èÝìá ôçí ìåëÝôç êáé äéáìüñöùóç ôïõ êáôáóôáôéêïý ó÷åäßïõ ðïõ ðáñÝëáâå áðü ôçí ÊáôáóôáôéêÞ ÅðéôñïðÞ, óõíåäñßáóå ç É. Åðáñ÷éáêÞ Óýíïäïò ôï äéÞìåñï 1çò êáé 2áò Öåâñïõáñßïõ. Ç É. Óýíïäïò äåí åîÝäùóå áíáêïéíùèÝí ìåôÜ ôï ðÝñáò ôùí ðáñáãùãéêþí óõíåäñéÜóåþí ôçò ëüãù ôïõ üôé ôï Ýñãï ôçò áíáèåþñçóçò ôïõ êáôáóôáôéêïý âñßóêåôáé åí åîåëßîåé.
1234567890123456789012345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901 ÃÉÁ ÄÉÁÖÇÌÉÓÅÉÓ ÓÔÏÍ 1234567890123456789012345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901 ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇ 1234567890123456789012345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901 ôçëÝöùíï 1234567890123456789012345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901 (212) 570-3555 1234567890123456789012345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901 Þ öÜî 1234567890123456789012345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901 (212) 774-0239 1234567890123456789012345678901
FEBRUARY 2000
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 17
Ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò óôçí Ðïëùíßá <Ç Ïñèïäïîßá äéêáéïýôáé êáé èá Ý÷åé êáèïñéóôéêü ñüëï óå ìéá Åõñþðç ðíåõìáôéêÜ åíùìÝíç> åðéöáíÞ èñçóêåõôéêü çãÝôç, âëÝðåé êáé ìéá ðñïóùðéêüôçôá ìå áíïé÷ôïýò ïñßæïíôåò êáé óýã÷ñïíåò áíôéëÞøåéò. ÂÁÑÓÏÂÉÁ.- Ôçí áðáñáßôçôç èÝóç êáé Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò óå üëåò ÷ñçóéìüôçôá ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò ü÷é ìüíï ôéò åðßóçìåò åðáöÝò ôïõ äåí ðáñÝëåéðå óôçí Ðïëùíßá áëëÜ êáé óôçí ÅõñùðáúêÞ íá æçôÞóåé, áðü ôïõò áîéùìáôïý÷ïõò ôçò ¸íùóç ìå ôçí ðáñïõóßá ôùí Ïñèüäïîùí Ðïëùíßáò, ðïëéôéêïýò êáé èñçóêåõôéêïýò, ÷ùñþí ôçò ÁíáôïëéêÞò Åõñþðçò, åðåóÞ- ôçí ðñïóôáóßá ôùí äéêáéùìÜôùí ôçò ìáíå ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ê. Ïñèïäüîïõ ÁõôïêåöÜëïõ Åêêëçóßáò ôçò Âáñèïëïìáßïò óôç Âáñóïâßá êáôÜ ôéò Ðïëùíßáò. óõíáíôÞóåéò ðïõ åß÷å ìå ôïí Ðñüåäñï ôçò Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò áíáöÝñèçêå åðßóçò Ðïëùíßáò ÁëåêóÜíôåñ ÊâáóíéÝöóêé, ôïí êáé óå ìéá Åõñþðç ü÷é ìüíï ðïëéôéêÜ Þ Ðñùèõðïõñãü ÆÝñæå Ìðïýæåê êáé ôïí ïéêïíïìéêÜ Þ óôñáôéùôéêÜ åíùìÝíç áëëÜ ðñüåäñï ôçò ÐïëùíéêÞò ÂïõëÞò ÌÜóéåæ êáé ðíåõìáôéêÜ, üðïõ ç Ïñèïäïîßá Ðëáæßíóêé. äéêáéïýôáé íá Ý÷åé êáèïñéóôéêÞ èÝóç êáé ñüëï. Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò äåí ðáñÝëåéøå íá áíáöåñèåß êáé óôéò ïéêïëïãéêÝò ðñùôïâïõëßåò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ ãéá ôçí ðñïóôáóßá ôïõ ðåñéâÜëëïíôïò. ÆÞôçóå ôç óõìðáñÜóôáóç ôçò ÐïëùíéêÞò Ðïëéôåßáò ãéá ôï 4ï ÄéåèíÝò Ïéêïëïãéêü Óõìðüóéï ãéá ôçí ðñïóôáóßá ôçò ÂáëôéêÞò, ðïõ èá ðñáãìáôïðïéçèåß ôï 2001, åí ðëù. Ìåôáîý ôùí ëéìáíéþí ôçò ÂáëôéêÞò, ôï óõìðüóéï èá ðåñÜóåé êáé áðü ôï ëéìÜíé ôïõ ÃêôÜíóê ôçò Ðïëùíßáò. Ï Ðñüåäñïò êáé ï Ðñùèõðïõñãüò åîÝöñáóáí ôçí ðëÞñç õðïóôÞñéîÞ ôïõò ãéá ôï óõìðüóéï ôçò ÂáëôéêÞò, ôï ïðïßï ÷áñáêôÞñéóáí ùò ðïëý óçìáíôéêü. ÊáôÜ ôçí ðáñáìïíÞ ôïõ óôçí Ðïëùíßá ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò åß÷å, áêüìç, óõíáíôÞóåéò ìå ôïí Õðïõñãü Åîùôåñéêþí Bronislaw Geremek, ôçí Ðñüåäñï ôçò Ãåñïõóßáò Alicja Grzeskowiak, ôïí ÄÞìáñ÷ï ôçò Âáñóïâßáò Pawel Piskorski êáé Üëëïõò ðïëéôéêïýò ðáñÜÍéê. Ìáããßíáò Ç ÌïíÞ ôïõ Áãßïõ Ïíïõöñßïõ óôç Jableczna, óôá óýíïñá ãïíôåò. ÓõíáíôÞèçêå åðßôçò Ðïëùíßáò ìå ôç Ëåõêïñùóßá. óçò ìå ôïí Êáèïëéêü Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï Âáñóïâßáò, Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò ìßëçóå ÐñéìÜôï-Ðïëùíßáò, ÊáñäéíÜëéï ÉùóÞö óôçí ÐïëùíéêÞ ÂïõëÞ (25 Éáíïõáñßïõ), ìåôÜ Ãêëåìð êáèþò êáé ìå ôïõò åêðñïóþðïõò áðü ðñüóêëçóç ôïõ ÐñïÝäñïõ ôçò, ùò ôùí ëïéðþí ÷ñéóôéáíéêþí åêêëçóéþí óôçí Ýíäåéîç ôçò áíáãíþñéóçò êáé ôïõ ðëÞñïõò Ýäñá ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ óôç óåâáóìïý óôï Ýñãï ôçò Ïñèüäïîçò Åê- Âáñóïâßá. êëçóßáò ðïõ áíáðôýóóåé óôïí êïéíùíéêü Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò åðéóêÝöèçêå ôçí ðüëç ôïìÝá êáé óôçí áíèñþðéíç äéêáéïóýíç. Ôï Âñüôóëáâ, üðïõ óõëëåéôïýñãçóå, óôïí èÝìá ôçò ïìéëßáò ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç åß÷å ôïí Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò Âñüôóëáâ, ôßôëï: <Ç Ïñèüäïîç Åêêëçóßá êáé áé ìå ôïí Ìçôñïðïëßôç Âáñóïâßáò êáé ðÜóçò ðñïêëÞóåéò ôïõ óýã÷ñïíïõ êüóìïõ>. Ðïëùíßáò ÓÜââá. Óôç Èåßá Ëåéôïõñãßá Óôçí ÐïëùíéêÞ ÂïõëÞ Ý÷åé ìéëÞóåé ï Ýëáâáí ìÝñïò ïé Ìçôñïðïëßôåò ËáãêáäÜ ÐÜðáò ÉùÜííçò-Ðáýëïò ï ´ êáé ìåôÜ ôïí Óðõñßäùí, ÅõäïêéÜäïò Åéñçíáßïò, ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßï ôïí ðñïóå÷Þ Åðßóêïðïò Âñüôóëáâ Éåñåìßáò êáé Üëëïé ÌÜéï èá ìéëÞóåé ï ÄáëÜç ËÜìá êáé ÉåñÜñ÷åò. áñãüôåñá, Ýíáò ìïõóïõëìÜíïò çãÝôçò. Óôá óýíïñá ôçò Ðïëùíßáò ìå ôçí Óôéò óõæçôÞóåéò ðïõ äéåîÞ÷èçóáí óå Ëåõêïñùóßá, ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò åðéóêÝöèçêå éäéáßôåñá èåñìü êáé öéëéêü êëßìá, ï ôç ÌïíÞ ôïõ Áãßïõ Ïíïõöñßïõ óôç Ðñüåäñïò êáé ï Ðñùèõðïõñãüò äéáâå- Jableczna ìå ôï éäéáßôåñá ãñáöéêü ÷éïíéâáßùóáí ôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßï ãéá óìÝíï ôïðßï. Êáôüðéí ìåôÝâç óôçí ðüëç ôçí ðñïóôáóßá êáé ðñïóï÷Þ ðïõ äåß÷íïõí Biala Podlaska óôïí Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôïõ óôçí Ïñèüäïîç ÐïëùíéêÞ Åêêëçóßá, ðïõ Áãßïõ Êõñßëëïõ êáé Ìåèïäßïõ üðïõ ï åßíáé äåýôåñç óå áñéèìü, ìåôÜ ôçí Êáèï- Åðßóêïðïò Ëïýìðëéí Áâåë, ï êëÞñïò, ïé ëéêÞ Åêêëçóßá. Ïé Ïñèüäïîïé õðïëïãß- ôïðéêÝò Áñ÷Ýò, ðïëéôéêÝò êáé óôñáôéùæïíôáé ðåñéóóüôåñï áðü 800.000. ôéêÝò, åðåöýëáîáí èåñìÞ êáé åãêÜñäéá Ï Ðñüåäñïò ôçò Äçìïêñáôßáò Êâáô- õðïäï÷Þ. íéÝöóêé, åßðå üôé ìå åõ÷áñßóôçóç äÝ÷åôáé Äåîßùóç ðñïò ôéìÞ ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç êáé ðÜëé ôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßï, Âáñèïëïìáßïõ ðáñÝèåóå ï ðñÝóâçò ôçò (ðñþôç öïñÜ ôïí Ïêôþâñéï 98), ãéáôß ÅëëÜäïò óôç Âáñóïâßá Ëåùíßäáò ×ñõóáíóôï ðñüóùðü ôïõ, åêôüò áðü Ýíáí èüðïõëïò, óå êåíôñéêü îåíïäï÷åßï. ôïõ Íéêüëáïõ Ìáããßíá
Íéê. Ìáããßíáò
Ï Ðáíáãéüôáôïò óõíüäåõüìåíïò áðü ôïí Ìçôñïðïëßôç Âáñóïâßáò êáé ðÜóçò Ðïëùíßáò ÓÜââá ðåñéçãåßôáé ôçí ÌïíÞ ôïõ Áãßïõ Ïíïõöñßïõ óôç Jableczna.
FEDERATION OF HELLENIC SOCIETIES OF GREATER NEW YORK, INC.
GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
SP54
2900
Commemorating the 179 th Anniversary of Greek Independence 1821-2000 SUNDAY MARCH 26, 2000 Fifth Ave, (61st Street to 79th Street) NYC 1:00 PM THE GREATEST CULTURAL EVENT OF THE GREEK-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN THE U.S.A NEEDS YOUR HELP
#
I would like to support the Greek Independence Day Parade. Enclosed is my TAX DEDUCTIBLE contribution. Check payable to Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York /PARADE FUND
NAME __________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________________ CITY _______________________________STATE ___________ ZIP ________ TEL (_____) ____________________ FAX ( _____ ) _____________________ Mail to: The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, Inc., P.O. Box 5429 Astoria, NY 11105 SP542900
ÅËËÇÍÅÓ Ç ÐÁÑÅËÁÓÇ ÅÉÍÁÉ ÄÉÊÇ ÌÁÓ ÕÐÏÈÅÓÇ
PAGE 18
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
FEBRUARY 2000
Martyrs for Christ: Persecution of the Faithful in Indonesia by Elizabeth M. Economou
A young Indonesian man was studying at a Protestant theological seminary in Korea and came across The Orthodox Church by Bishop Kallistos Ware. Like others who ve fortuitously stumbled upon this Orthodox classic, the book changed his life in ways that Daniel Bambang Dwi Byantoro would never have imagined. He converted to Orthodoxy, and in 1984 Daniel s thirst for a deeper understanding of the Faith led him to Mount Athos and still later to Holy Cross School of Theology. Currently, Fr. Daniel serves in Indonesia under Metropolitan Nikitas of Hong Kong. And today, he and members of his flock, and Christians of all denominations face persecution by Muslims, amid a relentless wave of political unrest that has wracked different parts of the sprawling archipelago since the fall of President Suharto in May of 1998.
Orthodox faithful in Indonesia gather around the Epitaphio on Good Friday.
try of nearly 210 million people and more than 13, 000 islands. In 1991, after a litany of struggles, the Orthodox Church was legally recognized in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world. In November of 1996, the Holy and Great Synod of Constantinople, led by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, established the Metropolis of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Since then, Metropolitan Nikitas has continued to ordain indigenous clergy, bringing the total number of Orthodox priests in Indonesia to nine. Efforts of bringing Orthodoxy to Indonesia have been the fruits of native priests, like Fr. Daniel. Their work and vision have been blessed with scores of people embracing Orthodoxy. And while budding parishes continue to take root on the archipelago, others encounter severe roadblocks. For His Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos delivers a sermon example, in East Java, in the city to a congregation in Indonesia as Fr. Daniel Byantoro of Mojokerto a new parish has translates. been trying to establish itself for Over the last year, as many as 2,000 some time. But since 1993, it has suffered people have been killed in what has be- extreme persecution from Muslims and come an unstoppable surge of religious the local government. Today nine priests serve some onewarfare on the islands of the Maluku Province (Indonesia) once known as the Spice thousand Orthodox Christians in Indonesia on the islands of Java, Bali, and Islands. What s more, this bloodbath has Sumatra. Metropolitan Nikitas recently resparked a string of protests by Muslims throughout the country, with many call- turned from Indonesia and says despite ing for a Jihad, or holy war against Chris- the fact that Orthodox priests had to go into hiding they are alright. The rioting, tians. Late in January, I received an e-mail he says, has also subsided. Reflecting on his time there, His Emimessage titled Martyrs for Christ: Today in Solo (Java) there was a large nence recalls: My immediate command Muslim rally ending with a call to burn all to Fr. Daniel was to get a hold of the other Christian churches in Solo, and then move priests and to at least begin feeding the on to Jakarta (Java). The Indonesian gov- troops to build a good relationship so that ernment is on high alert, but honestly most they understand that we re not threatenof the soldiers are more sympathetic to ing them that we are there in peace. This scenario no doubt encapsuthe Muslims. Fr. Daniel is desperately asking from all Orthodox Christians to please lates how difficult daily living has become pray that God will somehow intervene, throughout Indonesia, where 90 percent that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of the population is Muslim and where the military is often partly to blame for the vioof people. After his ordination to the priesthood, lence, along with religious extremists. There have been a series of riots and Fr. Daniel returned home with hopes of bringing Orthodoxy to Indonesia, a coun- troubled situations for Christians in gen-
eral, says Metropolitan Nikitas, not only violence geared and aimed at Christians but also ethnic violence and tension within the various communities of Indonesia, so various groups [like the Orthodox] have
come under attack. He says, local newspapers were printing that our churches would be burned both in Solo and in Jakarta.
And while Orthodox were threatened and beaten, thankfully none were killed. To make matters worse, Metropolitan Nikitas grieves for the Orthodox in Indonesia. He says, to be honest nobody seems to care. It s very sad. You know being on the other side of the world, the Orthodox Church in general just doesn t care probably because I guess we have dark skinned Orthodox and a long last name. Rationalizing, he says, it s because people are comfortable. Metropolitan Nikitas is at least hopeful that some good might sprout from all this. It s a lesson though and what we have to do is learn from it and see what we can do to change situations, to bring attention to matters, and to say hey we re here, part of the Orthodox world and we belong to the fullness of the faith. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Nikitas, who had been at the Ecumenical Patriarchate to speak with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spoke of the deep concern of the Patriarch for the Asian flock. Metropolitan Nikitas shared a portion of a letter that he had received from the Patriarch, regarding the persecution of the faithful in Indonesia: With great pain we learned from the letter of January 19th of this year from Your beloved Eminence of the many tragic happenings against the Christians in Indonesia, with the protagonists being Muslim extremists. With this Patriarchal letter we wish to extend to Your beloved Eminence and your clergy and faithful the deep sympathy of the Mother Church and from us personally for these incidents and the continuous sad events. We wish that the Lord of the Powers protect from every attack against Your Eminence and your flock in Indonesia for the unhindered continuation of the life a and witness of the Christians, especially the Orthodox in this area. And as for Fr. Daniel, he is safe at least for now.
South Africa Greeks Salute New Archbishop by Helen Bamford The Cape Argus
CAPE TOWN, SA. The Greek Orthodox community celebrated enthronement of the Archbishop of Good Hope, Sergios Kykkotis, in a ceremony attended by more than a thousand people at St George s Hellenic Cathedral, Woodstock. The service was attended by dignitaries including Cape metropolitan mayor William Bantom, provincial Finance Minister Leon Markovitz, and representatives from Greece, Cyprus and the holy monastery of Kykkos. Archbishop Sergios was ordained by the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and Africa, Petros VII, in November, after being voted in by the synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
The last Archbishop, Pavlos Varnavas, died at 86 last January, after being ordained in 1969. At 33, Archbishop Sergios is one of the youngest archbishops ever to have been appointed, but the Greek Orthodox community has welcomed him. Archbishop Sergios, who was born in Cyprus, has been in South Africa since 1997, as dean of the Holy Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Port Elizabeth, where he started a mission to educate disadvantaged children. He plans to bring compassion and support to people, especially those in need, to his new position. Archbishop Sergios says he loves Cape Town, as the climate and mountains remind him of home.
FEBRUARY 2000
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
Church in Albania Gives $8.55 Million for Refugees The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, with the continuous concern of Archbishop Anastasios, has responded to the tragedy of the Kosovo refugees by initiating numerous projects. The Albanian government estimated that 473,429 Kosovo refugees had flooded into Albania. The Church s social, development and relief office, Diaconia Agapes (DA), works together with the ACT (Action by Churches Together) Network and has implemented a large-scale emergency program. Penny Panayiota Deligiannis of Aurora, Ill., serves as the ACT/DA Emergency Program director in Albania. Under Ms. Deligiannis leadership, the 87-person national and international team completed the $8.55 million ACT/DA Emergency Program during the period March 26 - Dec. 31, 1999. Churches, agencies and friends from Canada, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, Greece, Holland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States provided financial support, field personnel and aid. During these past nine months, we positively tackled many challenges through consistent hard work on a daily basis, said Ms. Deligiannis. The activities completed from March 26 - June 30, 1999 by the Orthodox Church s Diaconia Agapes and ACT included the following: more than 220 metric tons of ready-toeat food was distributed to refugees in Kukes, Pogradec, Korca, Tirana, Durres, Mullet and other areas; humanitarian aid went to more than 18,000 Kosovo refugees; a fully operational refugee camp in Ndroq cared for 1,332 refugees each month; nine common service programs focused on camp construction, camp management, education, food distribution, health, non-food distribution, psycho-social services (post- war trauma counseling) as well as water and sanitation assistance to hosting Albanian communities and families; a health unit at the refugee camp in Ndroq worked with the Polish Medical Fire Brigade Mission comprised of five doctors and 10 rescue workers; a small hospital was established at the camp; more than 4,140 patients received treatment from the Church s local medical team which worked alongside the Polish Medical Fire Brigade Mission; monthly family food parcels, hygiene supplies and new summer clothing sets were distributed to 11,800 refugees and
Albanian host-families in two prefectures; 32 infants and 8 expectant mothers received assistance at the Mother and Baby Clinic in Tirana; a Small Projects Fund was established to financially support emergency aid activities of local groups and organizations in seven locations 26 small projects each received $8,000 grants; the Church also assisted pregnant Kosovo women, including daily aid for newborns at two maternity hospitals in Tirana, and provided more than 300 families with clothing and supplies for mothers and babies. Church groups in Berat, Durres, Gjirokaster, Korca, Tirana and other cities offered aid by packaging and distributing food parcels for refugees housed by local Albanian families. Along with the students enrolled at the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Theological Academy, these Orthodox Church groups volunteered at the refugee camps. In the second phase of the crisis from mid-June October 1999, the Orthodox Church s Diaconia Agapes and ACT completed the following activities: With the rapid return of the majority of refugees to Kosovo, ACT/DA worked with a consortium of Albanian construction companies from July through October and built 500 pre-fabricated wooden winterized houses to provide warm housing for more than 4,000 Kosovars. Over a three-month period, the Diaconia Agapes team accompanied more than 87 20-ton trucks transporting these 500 pre-fabricated units from Albania to Mitrovica and some of the most heavily damaged areas in Kosovo which were erected in time for winter (October). Working through ACT-Kosovo which distributed these units, the Church of Albania was among the first in the international aid community to provide completed winterized homes to Kosovars; and also delivered more than 1,532 tons of humanitarian aid to Kosovo. Currently, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) relies on the Orthodox Church s Diaconia Agapes to maintain the largest winterized and fully operational refugee camp in Albania, located in Tirana until April 2000 (and later if needed). The camp is comprised of 100 pre-fabricated units allowing a potential capacity of 600 persons. Diaconia Agapes continues to coordinate common service programs for refugees focusing on camp management, education, food distribution, health, non-food distribution of hygiene supplies and new winter clothing sets as well as water and sanitation assistance.
HOLY SCRIPTURE READINGS MARCH .......................................... 1 W ....................... 1 Jn. 321-4:6; Mk. 14:43-15:1 2 Th ........................ 1 Jn .4:20-5:21; Mk. 15:1-15 3 F .................. 2 Jn 1:1-13; Mk. 15:22-25, 33-41 4 S .......................... 1 Thes. 4:13-17; Jn. 5:24-30 5 SUN ..................... 1 Cor. 8:8-9:2; Mt. 25:31-46 6 M ............... 3 Jn. 1:1-14; Lk. 19:29-40, 22-7:39 7 T ................... Jude 1-10; Lk. 22:39-42, 45-23:1 8 W ............................ Joel 2:12-26; Joel 3:12-21 9 Th ..................... Jude 11-25; Lk 23:2-34, 44-56 10 F .......... Zechariah 8:7-14; Zechariah 8:19-23 11 S .......................... Gal. 5:22-6:2; Mt. 11:27-30 12 SUN ............ Romans 13:11-14:4; Mt. 6:14-21 13 M ........... Isa.1:1-20; Gen.1:1-13; Prov.1:1-20 14 T .... Isa.1:19-2:3; Gen.1:14-23; Prov. 1:20-33 15 W ................... Isaiah 2:3-11; Genesis 1:24-2:3, Proverbs 2:1-2
16 Th ......... Isa. 2:11-22; Gen. 2:4-19, Prov. 3:1-18 17 F ........ Isa. 3:1-14; Gen. 2:20-3:20, Prv. 3:19-34 18 S .............................. Heb. 1:1-12; Mk. 2:23-3:5 19 SUN ............................. Heb. 11:24-26, 32-12:2 20 M Isa. 4:2-6, 5:1-7; Gen. 3:21-4:7, Prv. 3:34-4:22 21 T ............. Isa. 5:7-16; Gen. 4:8-15, Prov. 5:1-15 22 W ..... Isa. 5:16-26; Gen. 4:16-26, Prov. 5:15-6:3 23 Th ........... Isa. 6:1-12; Gen. 5:1-24, Prov. 6:3-20 24 F ....... Isa. 7:1-14; Gen. 5:32-6:8, Prov. 6:20-7:1 25 S .............................. Heb. 2:11-18; Lk. 2:22-40 26 SUN ......................... Heb. 1:10-2:3; Mk. 2:1-12 27 M ........... Isa. 8:13-9:7; Gen. 7:1-5, Prov. 8:1-21 28 T .... Isa. 9:19-10:44; Gen. 7:1-5, Prov. 8:32-9:11 29 W ........ Isa. 10:12-20; Gen. 7:6-9, Prov. 9:12-18 30 Th Isa. 11:10-12:2; Gen. 7:11-8:3, Prov. 10:1-22 31 F Isa. 13:2-13; Gen. 8:4-21; Prov. 10:31-11:12
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
Olga Calivas NEEDHAM, Mass. Funeral services for Olga Calivas, mother of the Rev. Dr. Alkiviadis Calivas of Holy Cross School of Theology, took place Jan. 26 at St. Spyridon Church in Manhattan. Mrs. Calivas died Jan. 23 after a long illness. She was 87. Born in Vouliarati, Northern Epirus, she was the wife of the late Constantine Calivas. She immigrated to the United States in 1938 and lived in Needham the last 21 years. In addition to Fr. Calivas and Pres-
I n
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
M e m o r i a m Rev. Nicholas Lassios
bytera Erasmia of Needham, survivors include three grandchildren and their spouses: the Rev. Thomas and Presbytera Kathryn Chininis of Amherst, N.H., Constantine and Evangeline Calivas of Medfield, and David and Olga Newkirk of Holliston, Mass.; seven great-grandchildren and a brother, Christos of Athens, Greece, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Archbishop Demetrios officiated at the funeral, assisted by several clergy, and gave the eulogy. Fr. Chininis offered a reflection. Memorials may be made to Holy Cross School of Theology, 50 Goddard Ave., Brookline, Mass. 02445.
Rev. Napoleon D. Karampelas CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. Services for the Rev. Protopresbyter Napoleon D. Karampelas took place recently at Assumption Church in Marquette, Mich., where he served from 1963 until his retirement in 1995. He lived in Marquette until moving to California in May 1999. Fr. Karampelas, 96, died Nov. 19 at his home in Castro Valley. He was born in Monasterion, Messenia, Greece in late 1903. He attended the theological seminaries in Tripoli and Corinth. Fellow seminarians included George Stephanopoulos, Anthony Sipsas and Constantine Poulakidis. He graduated from the seminary in Corinth in 1932. He and his presbytera, Panagoula, were married in 1928. She died in 1991. Upon ordination, Fr. Karampelas was assigned to the village parish of Stasio,
Messenia, and served there until he immigrated to the United States in February 1938. His first parish was in Modesto, Calif., and subsequently served other parishes in the West and Midwest before his assignment to Marquette, including Pueblo, Colo.; Little Rock, Ark.; East St. Louis, Ill.; Kansas City, Kansas; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Bayard and Lincoln, Neb.; Rock Springs, Wyo., and Pocatello, Idaho. Fr. Karampelas, who was well known for the warm love for his parish, was a diligent reader of the Church Fathers and the Greek philosophers and contributed regularly to Greek newspapers and periodicals in the United States and Greece. Survivors include two sons and their spouses: Angelo and Betty Karampelas of Redwood Shores, Calif.; and Peter and Aliki of Glenview, Ill.; and grandchildren Basil, Gregory, Mariana and Peter.
DANBURY, Conn. Fr. Nicholas Lassios, founder of Holy Cross Prison Ministry, which has served inmates of the New York State Department of Correctional Services and their families for 15 years, died Feb. 3 of a heart attack. He was 72. In his volunteer ministry, that he established in 1986, Fr. Nicholas also served inmates at correctional facilities in Connecticut and New Jersey, and corresponded with inmates and their families throughout the United States. He celebrated liturgies and produced a newsletter in which he wrote of the lives of saints and published articles from inmates. According to Fr. Emmanuel E. Mantzouris, who assisted Fr. Lassios and serves as an NYSDOCS Ministerial and Family Services chaplain, that Fr. Nick was wellknown in the many NYSDOCS facilities for his consistent ministry, his zeal to advocate for the inmates and the desire to bring the love of Christ to the men and women in the correctional facilities. He drew upon the inmates talents to make a simple iconostasion, draw icons and help prepare refreshments during fellowship time after services. With the cooperation of the faculties at Holy Cross School of Theology and St. Vladimir s Seminary, Fr. Nick introduced a home study course for inmates to help them earn a certificate in Orthodox Christian studies. Fr. Nick was born in New York, the son of George and Bessie (Kalogeras) Lassiosand grew up in the St. Spyridon community. He graduated from City University of
FEBRUARY 2000
New York with an engineering degree and worked in the corporate world until retiring in 1991. He also served in the U.S. Army. As a layman, he served as parish council president of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in West Nyack, N.Y., from 1958 to 1979. He earned a Master s in Divinity degree from St. Vladimir s and was ordained a deacon. He served at Assumption Church in Danbury, Conn., until his ordination as a priest in 1981. He was assigned to Holy Cross Mission Church in Middletown, N.Y., in 1985 and started a building program for a new church, which was completed in 1988. During this time, he developed his prison ministry into a formal program. He also spoke on a regular basis to Holy Cross seminarians about prison ministry. Services took place on Feb. 7 at Assumption Church in Danbury with Metropolitan Methodios, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Boston officiating, assisted by more than 30 priests from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Survivors include his wife, Fay (Coroneos) Lassios; three daughters, Rosann Williams of Mesa, Ariz., Barbara Lassios of Newtown, Conn., and Christine Golden of Holbrook, Mass., and four grandchildren.
CORRECTION An obituary in the January issue listed an incorrect first name and offikion for Fr. Tselentakis of blessed memory. It should have read: the Very Rev. Eumenios Tselentakis.
FEBRUARY 2000
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
Youth Ministry
challenge
The Truth About Fairy Tale Love by Vasie-Leigh Chames NCE UPON A TIME... there was a beautiful, young, village maiden who cared for her father s fig trees. The maiden s father died when she was young, so she was raised by her wicked stepmother. The wicked step mother thought that figs were just food for birds and wanted the maiden to cut down the fig tree. The young maiden was saddened and hoped that a handsome prince would take her away. You may guess what happens in the rest of the story, but the truth of the matter is that fairy tales don t tell you the truth about love. In fact, they have caused many a young maiden to fall in love with love. The following are some fairy tale myths that many of us have grown up believing. Myth # 1. Prince or Princess Charming will make you happy. Not necessarily true. The old prince or princess will bring his or her own set of problems into a relationship. Lord of the Powers be with us. For in time of distress, we have no other help but you. (Great Compline Service). When you have troubles, offer them up to God first. (Psalm 18:5) He will not give you anything you can t handle with Him, even loneliness. Myth # 2. Only beautiful people can fall in love. Rather, only people who love the beauty within themselves can fall in love. We were each created in the image of God. If we do not love ourselves, how can someone else? (Matt. 22:37-39) It is like the old saying goes, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Myth # 3. It just takes a kiss to bring two people together. Kissing someone that you have never met before, especially if they have been sleeping, is not a good idea in real life. It is God that brings two people together. (Eph. 6:32) This is why the Sacrament of Marriage is a mystery. A relationship based primarily on physical affection will not bring you true love. A Christian relationship is based in honesty, openness, respect, trust, forgiveness, and love. Myth # 4. The goal is to ride off into the sunset to a big castle. Look for relationships that are centered on Christ, not castles. Castles can burn down. First love God. If God is love, (1 John 4:16) then having God as a part of your relationship will mean that you have true love. Fairy tales never tell you what happens after they get to the castle. Myth # 5. Step parents are wicked. Ouch! Some of the greatest examples of love can be that of step or of adoptive parents, many of whom may have never had their own biological children. This is the love that Joseph showed for Christ. (Matt. 2:18-25) This is a sacrificial love, not through biology, but through giving of one s self freely. Ask someone who married someone with children what love means to them? And before the young maiden got on the white stallion with the handsome prince, she went to her spiritual father for guidance. He told her that Prince Charming only loved her for her good looks and her fig trees. The young maiden prayed that if God so willed, she would marry a partner in Christ (Matt. 6:8). And three years later, with the blessings of her spiritual father and the mother who raised her, she did. The End. Vasie-Leigh Chames is the Youth Director for the Diocese of Pittsburgh
O
PAGE 21
From the Church Fathers To Us! There are three things by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting, and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door; fasting obtains; mercy receives. Prayer, fasting, and mercy: these three are one, and they give life to one another Peter Chrysologus, Bishop of Ravenna
Email: youthoffice@goarch.org
S AINTS AND F EASTS St. Onesimus - February 15
Challenging Puzzle The Season before the Great Lent
Instructions: Fill in each blank with the answer from the given clues. The boxed letters will spell out the answer to the puzzle.
_ _ _ 1 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3 _ _ 4 _ _ 5 _ _ _ _ 6 7_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 8
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
1) This Sunday is also known as Judgment Sunday. 2) The last Sunday that dairy is permitted until Pascha. 3) He thanked God for not being like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as the tax collector. 4) He was the youngest who journeyed to a far country and wasted his father s inheritance. (2 words) 5) This passage is read on this Sunday: Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it for me. 6) On this Sunday, Jesus instructs His followers to forgive one another and to fast in truth. 7) We commemorate the departed on these days. (3 words) 8) He said, God, be merciful to me sinner. (Luke 18:14)
Liturgical Hymns of PraiseOR by Orthodox Youth TO DER DA
Y!
The first of its kind, Liturgical Hymns of Praise by Orthodox Youth contains the Divine Liturgy (as well as other selected hymns) in its entirety and sung by the young people of our Holy Archdiocese. This unique recording will demonstrate to its listeners that the Faith is alive to Greek Orthodox youth in America, from California to New York and every place in between. In addition to providing its listeners with a faith-affirming experience, Liturgical Hymns of Praise by Orthodox Youth is an incredibly valuable resource for: Sunday school teachers Camp directors Youth workers Lay people, young and old
CDs Qty Tapes Qty Single Orders o $14.95 ea. x ____ + o $9.95 ea. x ____
Price S&H + $3.00 = __________
Wholesale/Bulk o $11.95 ea. x ____ + o $7.95 ea. x _____ + $3.00 = __________ (Total quantity of 10 or more)
Name _________________________________________________________________ Name of Church or Bookstore ______________________________________________ For wholesale orders only Address________________________________________________________________ City:_________________________________ State:_________ Zip:_____________ Send check or M.O. (payable to National Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries) to: Attn: Liturgical Hymns CD National Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministries Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 8 E 79th Street N.Y., NY 10021 Tel.: (212) 774-0297
ATTENTION
COLLEGE Students & YOUNG ADULTS
ORTHODOX SPRING BREAK 2000
s mo co! March 5-12, 2000 or March 12-19, 2000 a V exi at PROJECT MEXICO M á Project Mexico is an outreach program which involves Orthodox young people. They build homes to help the poor and needy of Mexico. For more info go to: www.antiochian.org/campusministry
Challenging, Rewarding, a REAL Break . . . and a beautiful beach too!
The name Onesimus was often given to slaves in the days of Jesus Christ, since its Greek origin meant useful . St. Onesimus was a slave of the rich and distinguished Philemon, citizen of Colossae in Phrygia (in the region of Ephesus which now is modern day Turkey). One day, St. Onesimus offended his master and fled to Rome where he heard St. Paul preaching the Gospel. He became a dear friend of St. Paul who baptized him and sent him back to Philemon with a pastoral letter. This was a special epistle St. Paul wrote to Philemon in which St. Onesimus was the subject. Deeply moved, Philemon received St. Onesimus as a brother and granted him his freedom. Eventually, St. Onesimus was made Bishop of Ephesus as he continued to convert thousands of people to Christianity. As an old man, he was arrested and taken to Rome where he was imprisoned and finally killed in 109. A wealthy woman took his body, placed it in a silver coffin, and buried it. St. Onesimus played a large part in the early formation of the church and because of both this and his lifetime of service to the Lord, we commemorate him on February 15.
What Do You Think About ? D
to rap artist Puff Daddy for the use of a handgun at a night club and no longer being a role model to young aspiring musicians.
C
to MTV for airing a commercial to fight and discourage the use of drugs amongst teens. Challenge is the youth supplement to the Orthodox Observer, a service of the Department of Youth & Young Adult Articles reflect the opinion of the writers. Write to: Youth & Young Adult Ministries, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 8 East 79th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021 Contributors to this page Fr. Anastasios Bourantas Tiffany Alexopoulos Vasie-Leigh Chames Lia Ladas Natalie Kulukundis
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 22
EARLY SALE RATES
TO GREECE AND LARNACA
REX TRAVEL
AGENCY
NEW YORK
311 West 54th Str. New York, NY 10019 Tel. (212) 757-4255 Fax:(212) 757-6728
Toll Free: (800) 223-0460
FROM NEW YORK/BOSTON TO: APRIL 1-JUNE 10 ATHENS/THESSALONIKI $689 LARNACA $729 TO ATHENS/THESSALONIKI FROM: $759 BALTIMORE/PHILA/PITTS/WASH ATLANTA/CHARLOTTE/RALEIGH $779 CHICAGO/CINCI/DETROIT/FT. LAUD/MIAMI $779 MINNEAPOLIS/ORLANDO/ST. LOU/TAMPA $799 DALLAS/HOUSTON $859 $899 DENVER/SALT LAKE CITY $939 LOS ANGELES/SAN FRANCISCO/SEATTLE
JUNE 11-AUGUST 31 $799 $899 $879 $899 $929 $929 $979 $999 $1049
Minimum stay 7 days- maximum 4 months-plus applicable taxes $100 surcharge westbound August 15-September 15. Non-stop 747 from New York with add-on fares available within Greece PAYMENT AND TICKETING BY FEBRUARY 29
Learn Greek The Easy Way PAPALOIZOS
PUBLICATIONS
BOOKS (Adult level) Price 15.00 Modern Greek, Part 1 5.00 Workbook for Modern Greek, part 1 32.00 Cassete tapes for part 1 (set of 8, in Album) 13.00 Modern Greek, Part II 5.00 Workbook for Modern Greek, Part II 26.00 Cassette tapes for Part II (set of 6) 12.00 Grammar of Modern Greek, with workbook 20.00 333 Greek Verbs, fully conjugated, 400 pp. 12.00 Learning Greek through Conversation 30.00 Cassette tepes for Learning Greek (set of 8) 12.00 3400 Greek Words flash cards (spiral bound) 8.00 Basic Greek Conversation 24.00 Cassette tapes for Basic Greek (set of 6) SUBTOTAL Postage $4.25 first set, 0.25 each additional book
Qty.
Amount
TOTAL
We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, PERSONAL CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS. Card # ___________________________________________ Exp. date:___/ ____ SEND TO: (Street number, please. We ship UPS) Check here for free catalogue ¾ Name:______________________________________Phone:_________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ City:___________________________State:_____________Zip:_______________ WRITE TO: PAPALOIZOS PUBLICATIONS Tel:(301) 593-0652 11720 Auth Lane, Silver Spring, MD.20902 Fax: (301) 681-3390 Also available Textbooks for Elementary School, grades 1-7, and auxiliary books.
We have been teaching Americans Greek since 1957! visit us at: www.papaloizos.com
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
offered to Communities, Organizations, Church festivals and all other functions.
Kontos F oods famous for its POCKET -LESS PIT A, Foods POCKET-LESS PITA is proud to present its original products once again.
Fillo Kataifi
Spanakopita Tyropita
Delicious, traditional products made
with the highest quality ingredients
Courteous Service WE SHIP EVERYWHERE in the US & CANADA KONTOS FOODS, INC EVRIPIDES KONTOS, President
BOX 628, PATERSON, NJ 07544 (973) 278-2800 Fax: (973) 278-7943
!
8 East 79th Street New York, NY 10021
Fax:(212) 774-0239
e-mail: observer@goarch.org
DO YOU LIKE THE ORTHODOX OBSERVER? HAVE YOU SOMETHING TO SUGGEST? SEND US A FEW LINES... MUST INCLUDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS AND DAYTIME NUMBER
FEBRUARY 2000
Interfaith Marriage When Greek Orthodox Spouses Are Not Religious by Rev. Fr. Charles Joanides, Ph.D./LMFT
R
esults from the Interfaith Re search Project (IRP) suggest that most Greek Orthodox young people of dating age will eventually spend some time considering their partner s religious background. Moreover, if there are too many differences between their own Greek Orthodox religious background, and their dating partner s religious background, information from the IRP suggests that these types of relationships will generally fail to evolve into something serious. This was not, however, the case in all instances. Some Greek Orthodox participants involved in the IRP stated that they had not spent any time considering their perspective mate s religious background because they did not consider themselves religious. In these cases, many of these types of participants had either drifted away or remained nominally connected to their Greek Orthodox background. The remainder of this article will briefly introduce the reader to just such a person who will be identified as John. It should also be noted that the descriptions and observations that follow have not come from one particular individual named John, but are the result of several individuals who participated in the IRP. Furthermore, while it is difficult to determine just how many of these types of lapsed intermarried Greek Orthodox exist, there is no doubt that they do exist and most everyone of us is acquainted with someone like John.
Meet John John (37) is a successful small businessman who has been, in his own words, happily married for 12 years. When asked to describe his religious affiliations, he states that I come from a Greek Orthodox background, but I don t really consider myself a very religious person. When John is asked to amplify upon this last statement, he offers the following additional information. Well, I can t remember the last time I was in church. My wife goes sometimes with the kids, but they go to the Catholic Church. If I go at all, it s because someone died. But don t misunderstand, I still consider myself a Greek-American, but I don t go to church, that s all. John is then asked to describe some of his religious experiences while growing up. With a half smile on his face almost resembling a smirk, he proceeds to answer with the following disjointed remarks. My parents would bring us to church, but to this day I don t know why. When I would ask them why I had to go, they would yell and say something lame like, you just have to go that s all. But none of their answers ever made much sense to me. At this point in the conversation, John is asked if this discussion is making him feel uncomfortable, and he emphatically states, no, not really, actually I m finding it rather refreshing. He then proceeds to offer further information. Don t misunderstand me, I loved my parents. They were good people. They worked hard to ensure that my sibs and I obtained a good education and would have a happy, comfortable life. But I don t think either of them really knew much about Greek Orthodoxy. So we went fairly regularly to church, but that was as far as religion went
around our house . I don t know, maybe they went because their conscience bothered them, or that s what people did back then, but I quickly decided that I wasn t going as soon as I could make my own mind up. John pauses for a few moments as if to collect his thoughts, and then shares the following additional observations about his father. But my dad was kind of proud of his ethnic background. He sometimes talked about being Greek, but even when he talked about being Greek, he had as many bad things to say about the Greeks as he did good things. John is then asked to describe more of his childhood church experiences. John smirks again, and sarcastically repeats part of the question. My church experiences . Do you really want this information? Well, okay, here goes. I remember going to church and being bored, I mean, really bored. I couldn t understand anything. Besides the fact that the services were in Greek, and people looked at you sternly if you fidgeted too often, I have very few other memories. After more of the same information is shared for several more minutes, and our conversation begins to come to a conclusion, John is asked if the Orthodox Church could do anything for him and his family now. John shrugs his shoulders and states, I doubt it, but it did feel good talking to someone about this . Sometimes I feel like it might help my kids and family, but I just don t know . Maybe a few more discussions like this might help some people like me.
Some Observations about this Interview What can be stated in succinct terms about this short interview? First, the compelling reason(s) why intermarried Greek Orthodox Christians like John have stopped coming to church has little or nothing to do with being intermarried. Many of these types of lapsed Greek Orthodox appear to have severed their relationship with religion before getting married. Second, other factors such as their parents lack of understanding of Orthodoxy, their nominal faith in God, and the Church s inability to effectively reach out to John in a meaningful, personal way appear to have infected his thinking about religion and/or the Church. Third, if intermarried parents expect their children to develop a bond with Greek Orthodoxy, they must be prepared to put in the necessary time to learn the faith and mirror it by example to their children.
Suggestions for Reaching John While many lapsed Greek Orthodox like John may never come back to the Church, information from the IRP suggests that nominal believers like John may respond if the Church finds ways of identifying them, connecting with them in a nonjudgmental manner, and allowing them some latitude for ventilation. In short, many of these types of individuals stories infer that they have never found a meaningful reason to renew their religious ties. When these types of people get married and have families, however, marriage and family needs may compel them to rethink the value of religion if the Church can respectfully show them how it can have a positive impact on individual, marital, and family well being.
FEBRUARY 2000
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 23
New! Light & Healthy
Let’s Take a Moment by Fr. Angelo Artemas
I
n what can only be considered a complete fluke, this season s television sleaze champion actu ally had a moment of clarity. The infamously sexual Ally McBeal recently stumbled upon a moral consideration. The Jan. 10 episode featured lawyers John and Nell defending prostitution. Since almost every court case on this program involves sexual situations, regular viewers are not surprised; that is until Nell asks her co-counsel John if he has ever been with a prostitute. Now, in addition to being co-counselors, John and Nell are cohabiting. John responds to Nell s question with a nonchalant admission to having been with a prostitute. Disappointed and hurt, Nell goes crazy. John, deeply confused, asks what s the big deal. Nell responds with I just don t know how I will one day explain to our children that their father has been with a prostitute! Silenced by her words, John takes a moment and ponders. Children? Who cares anything about children? Obviously, if the shows Emmy-winning writer David Kelley cared about children, this steam bath of a show wouldn t exist. Despite its hypocritical nature, Nell s concern is an eye-opener. David Kelley writing a moral theme into a show is as unlikely as the Buffalo Bills defeating the Tennessee Titans. Flukes must come in pairs. Sexual integrity and purity certainly do not get a lot of airtime. When they do they are usually presented as some relic of the past. Yet everyone from Dr. James Dobson of the Focus on the Family ministry to NBA star A.C. Green have preached that the greatest gift one can give their spouse is their virginity. While this is a beautiful and profound message, it is far too limited in its scope. Genuine concern for one s children would dictate that parental sexual integrity and purity is for their children. The greatest gift one can give their children is their virginity. Teen-agers and young adults frequently ask what s wrong with being sexually involved before marriage. The overlooked answer is their children. If one could only fast-forward their lives and ask their future children what they think about Mom or Dad being sexually involved with some anonymous partner, or with a prostitute, the answers would edify the adults. Every human being ever conceived has a deep and innate need to know that his or her origin and conception was sacred, meaningful and special. Children worry when their parents fight precisely
because this calls to question their very existence. Prostitutes, affairs, old liaisons, pornography, strip clubs and bachelor/ bachelorette parties water down and undermine a child s sense of sacred personhood. When Melissa Ethridge obtains sperm from David Crosby, how special does her child feel about his or her origin and very existence? When Madonna and Jody Foster obtain sperm in a more involved manner, and then dismiss the donor, how special and sacred do their children feel? Seemingly mature adults can be quite selfish, many times rationalizing that they are entitled to physical pleasure without direct consequences to their children. Many parents argue that what their children don t know won t hurt them; but children do know. Even infants that are months old have emotional stability satellites that NASA will never match. Children know without asking. When they do ask, they are simply giving parents a chance to confirm what they have known all along. Sexuality is so profoundly linked to the origins and sacredness of life that the two can never be separated. Even when a married couple is unable to have children, their sexual integrity and purity nurtures and stabilizes children and adults all around them. One does not have to pass on their DNA in order to instill sacredness in persons. One does not have to marry in order to instill sacredness in persons, and that is why healthy monasticism has always been a staple of Orthodox Christianity. Countless human beings are touched and affected by the simple existence of human beings that don t squander their sexual gifts. Marrying, parenting and exercising sexuality is a high calling. The example of Joachim and Anna giving birth to the Virgin Mary illustrates this. Their conception was truly immaculate, not in the sense that the Holy Spirit was responsible for the conception, but in the sense their own purity and integrity resulted in the conception. Children are starving for this integrity and purity, and scarred by its absence. In the Orthodox faith the Sacrament of Marriage has always involved sponsors, parents, friends and the whole community. But it also involves the couple s children not that they should be the ring-bearer and the flower girl. The petitions refer to future children, and the emotional and spiritual well being of future children is affected by their parent s past. When a child asks their mom or dad who was their first boyfriend or girlfriend, they are really saying Please tell me that all of your and your spouses energy and love resulted in my very existence. Is this an unreasonable expectation? Maybe, but isn t it worth a try?
WELCOME TO THE
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
HELLENIC CULTURAL CENTER
27-09 Crescent Street, Astoria, NY 11102 Tel: (718) 626-5111-Fax: (718) 626-1398
Ç ÖùíÞ ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ïñèüäïîçò Åêêëçóßáò <Ôçí äéáêïíßáí óïõ ðëçñïöüñçóïí> Åâäïìáäéáßï ñáäéïöùíéêü ðñüãñáììá ôçò
ÅËËÇÍÉÊÇÓ ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÇÓ ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÇÓ ÁÌÅÑÉÊÇÓ Äéåýèõíóç-Ðáñïõóßáóç: Èåïö. Åðßóêïðïò Áðáìåßáò ê. ÂéêÝíôéïò
ÓÅ ÏËÇ ÔÇÍ ÁÌÅÑÉÊÇ: ANTENNA Satellite Radio ÐÝìðôç 5-6ì.ì. FLORIDA: GREEK VOICE, WXYB-1520 AM êáé WPSO-1500 AM ÓÜââáôï 6-7ì.ì., ÊõñéáêÞ 9-10ð.ì. CHICAGO: Hellenic Communications- WHCI-FM 107.5 ÓÜââáôï 1-2ì.ì. INTERNET: http://www.goarch.org/webcasts/hellenic.html ÊáèçìåñéíÜ 10ð.ì.-10ì.ì.
MåôáöÝñïõìå
MåôáöïñÝò
áðü ÁìåñéêÞ óôçí ÅëëÜäá. ÏéêïóêåõÝò, áõôïêßíçôá, ïéêïäïìéêÜ õëéêÜ, çëåêôñéêÝò óõóêåõÝò, áåñïðïñéêÝò ìåôáöïñÝò.
Kronos New Kronos
International Shippers, Inc.
ôï ëÜäé óáò áðü ôï ÷ùñéü ç ðüëç óáò óôçí ÅëëÜäá óôï óðßôé óáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ
22 N. Sangamon, Chicago, IL. 60607 Tel. 312-432-0011 / 800-535-9635 Fax. 312-432-0507
E-Mail: kronos@kronosint.com
M åôáöïñÝò
Måãáëýôåñç
Ýêèåóç çëåêôñéêþí óõóêåõþí ìå ñåýìá ÅëëÜäïò. Øõãåßá, ÐëõíôÞñéá, óôåãíùôÞñéá, êïõæßíåò, ôçëåïñÜóåéò, âßíôåï, êëéìáôéóôéêÜ, ìéêñïóõóêåõÝò êïõæßíáò.
áðü ÅëëÜäá óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ. ÐñïóùðéêÜ áíôéêåßìåíá, áõôïêßíçôá, Ýðéðëá, åìðïñéêÜ öïñôßá.
We carry the complete line of GENERAL ELECTRIC export appliances in 220V. 50 Hz.Refrigerators-washers-dryerssplit airconditioners-Ranges-dishwashers etc.Electronics from : Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi, Jvc, Sharp.
ÄÙÑÅÁÍ ÁÐÏÓÔÏËÇ ÊÁÔÁËÏÃÏÕ
WORLD WIDE WEB HOME PAGE Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: http://www.goarch.org Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople: http://www. patriarchate.org Orthodox World News: http://www. goarch.org/worldnews Orthodox Ministry ACCESS: http://www.goarch.org/access Orthodox Observer: http://www.goarch. org/goa/observer
220 V. Export Appliances & Shipping
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 24
LEGAL SERVICES
Dr. Kimon A. Legakis
Athens University Law SchoolUMaster of Law, Harvard Law School Doctor of Law, Greece UCertificate of International Law, Hague Academy of Int l Law
Le g a l C o n s u l t a n t OFFICES 209 Garth Road Scarsdale, N.Y. 10583 & (914) 725-4717 Fax: (914) 725-4936
14 Nikitaras Street Athens 106 78, Greece & (011-301) 383-3340 & (011-302) 992-7111 Fax: (011-301)382-0838
With emphasis on: Settlement of Inheritance, Taxes, Disputed Properties, Civil, International Family and Business Law in Greece
U.S. IMMIGRATION TAXATION BUSINESS LAW INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS WILLS & ESTATES
REAL ESTATE/BUS. FOR SALE
GREEK TOUR OPERATIONS, BEING IN THE MARKET FOR OVER 20 YEARS, IS FOR SALE, DUE TO OWNER S RETIREMENT. CALL 1-800-554-6282
Your SouthernFlorida Real Estate Connection
FOR SALE
Greek Spoken Fluently American Southern Properties Inc. Realtors
THOMAS DELIS Realtor Associate (954) 568-0081 days (954) 781-0140 evening
Family Restaurant located in North East Florida. A great business and an attractive building are both for sale. For more information call Chris or Theo.
Tel: (904) 829-6846 or (904) 823-9549
MAINE LANDMARK
Tel.: (212) 840-3422 or (203) 255-3312
call (207) 799-8849
Handcr afted Handcrafted Heir looms Heirlooms
Toll F Frree: 1-888-788-1380 Fax (781) 862-8435 Free catalog We Ship Anywhere
We ship anywhere!
(718) 721-9190
www.omogenia.com/kentriko-noufaro
DIMITRIOS PANAGOS PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
Å WEDDINGS Å BAPTISMS Å PORTRAITS Å NEWS Å PASSPORTS
(516) 931-2333
Web page:http://www.panagos.com
111 Broadway (Rt. 107), Hicksville, N.Y. 11801
Leading Char ter Charter our Oper ator Tour Opera and T
NOBODY CAN BEAT OUR PRICES MAIN OFFICE: 55E. 59th Street, New York, NY 10022
Tel.: (212) 753-1100 Toll Free: (800) 223-5570
MOVING? NOT RECEIVING?
If you are moving, please attach your old label here ò T TAN R O P Y IM R E V Mail this coupon to the Orthodox Observer 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021 AND Ask your parish to forward your name and new address to the Observer in order for you to continue receiving the newspaper IF you move but your new home is located in the district of the same parish, then list your new address below:
NAME___________________________________________ ADDRESS______________________________________ CITY___________________STATE ________ZIP_______
Tel.:201.768.9100 INTERNET: http://www.vali.com Email:Music@vali.com
IS WHAT YOU GET BY ADVERTISING IN THE ORTHODOX OBSERVER CALL:
Tel: (212) 774-0235 Tarpon Springs Clearwater-Florida
KENTRIKON-NOUFARO 23-33 31 St. Astoria, NY 11105 Wedding and Christening items, Favors, Marti-rika, Vaptistika, Ecclesiastical items.
Gus Vali
RESULTS
WEDDINGS Artistically designed and handmade utilizing: porcelain, leather, pearl beads, crystal-like flowers and silk flowers Custom framing available
Featuring
KALOGREZA -GREECE Near Olympic Stadium, 319m2 LOT with House-Ideal for apartments CALL 1-440-3228986 after 10 PM
35+ years est. convenience store in S. Portland. Huge customer Base! Groceries, Beer, Wine, Lottery, Famous sandwiches. Expansion possible. Priced to Sell. Business only. Favorable lease
S T E FA N A
MUSICIANS
Move to Florida
Auto Service Center 2 buildings 6,000 sq. feet. Big lot on a Blvd. Foreign car repair, painting, bodywork and car sales. Fully equiped. Owner for 16 years. Finance or trade, to qualified buyers $500,000 yr. gross. For more information call: Costa Darousis: (904) 743-5595
Dr. ARES D. AXIOTIS
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW ÄÉÄÁÊÔÙÑ ÐÁÍ/ÌÉÏÕ OXFORD, ENGLAND Ô. ËÅÊÔÙÑ ÍÏÌÏËÏÃÉÁÓ ÐÁÍ/ÌÉÏÕ CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND MEMBER OF N.Y. AND CT BARS 36 West 44th Street Suite 1300, New York, NY 10036
FEBRUARY 2000
EMPLOYMENT Greek-American Family Seeks Part-Time Caretaker
Greek-American family seeks part-time caretaker for elderly Greek woman who is blind and an amputee. Care would be in family s home in Union, NJ and responsibilities would include aiding woman in transfer from bed to wheelchair/commode, general assistance such as help with meals and bathing, and companionship. Weekday afternoons from 3 7 p.m. Ability to speak Greek a plus. Home Health Aide certification preferred but not required.
GEORGE KENT GREEK AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL ORCHESTRA & ENTERTAINMENT Y FOR 10% REB ATE! EXPOSÉ REQUESTED! BOOK EARL EARLY REBA
ONLY TRUST YOUR SOCIAL TO A PROVEN NAME GROUP OF FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS ENTERTAINERS, AT AFFORDABLE PRICES, WHO S ONLY BUSINESS IS MUSIC. PERFORMING AUTHENTIC GREEK MUSIC OF ALL REGIONS, COLONIES OF GREECE. FEATURING THE PRIME VOICE OF GREECE... THE CLARINO & BOUZOUKI PLUS VOCALS. BEWARE! OF GREEK BANDS PROMISING AMERICAN MUSIC, THEN PLAYING TAPES! ALL OUR MUSIC IS PERFORMED LIVE ...OUR AMERICAN SOUNDS PURE AMERICAN, WITH NO ACCENT!
CALL KENT 1-914-476-3020
or write: 118 Bolmer Ave., N.Yonkers, NY 10703-1637 Send for stereo cassette albums Zorba or Athena $11.00 for one, $20 for both to address above.
RANGAVES PETER SMALL DANCE BANDS LARGE ORCHESTRAS
American Italian French Greek German Latin Call Peter 707-526-1138 3342 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Please call (908) 687-4879 or fax (908) 851-2804 GREEK-AMERICAN COUPLE SEEKS NANNY
Live-in, M-F for our two young boys. Our home is in Northern New Jersey. Must speak English, non smoker, and be energetic and enthusiastic. Please call Anastasia during working hours at
(7 1 8 )- 2 4 2 - 9 1 6 4
Classified Ads
rate is $50.00 per column inch. This Box is one column by one inch and costs $50. ALL ADS ARE PRE-PAID
LADY
House cleaning, babysitting, helps in all your house chores. Low Cost. Call Phaedra, after 8 PM NYC.
(212) 369-5497
LOOKING TO RELOCATE? St. Paul s Greek Orthodox Church in Savannah, Georgia is in need of a music director/organist! Please send bio to Bess Chappas, 1431 Spaulding Road, Savannah, GA. 41406 or call (912) 354-7688
ATLANTIS MUSIC
NEW YORK S FINEST ALL STAR BAND F O R AN ELEG AN T AN D S U CC E S S F UL EVE N T
CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-549-2134
DEMO TAPE AVAILABLE
FINANCIAL SALES
CorPro Diversified Programs is prepared to subsidize and train two ambitious individuals who would like to build a professional financial services practice in NYC. 100+ income potential after basic training. Fax resumes for an exploratory discussion. 212-764-6976 Attention Sales Manager
PRINCIPAL
Long-established afternoon Greek school seeks degreed professional, creative principal to provide educational leadership in Greek language, culture and tradition. Responsibilities include curriculum and faculty development, staff supervision and administration of the school. Candidates must have comprehensive knowledge of Pre-K 12 curriculum, teacher training experience, excellent oral and written communication skills in Greek and in English. Computer literacy a plus. Competitive salary. Send c.v. or resume to Chair, Sear Committee, St. Andrew s Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660.
GREEK AMERICAN BAND.COM Live Greek Musical Bank-free D.J. included. Booking for any occasion small or large.
Tel: (800) 344-9081-04, Fax (800) 345-0110-04, Email: greekamericanband.com
THE OMEGA PROJECT TAMPA FLORIDA AMERICAS FINEST GREEK/AMERICAN BAND! CONVENTIONS, DANCES, FESTIVALS & WEDDINGS Call: (813) 949-3409 E-mail: omegaproject@juno.com FOC1T-SP
CALL NOW
TO
RESERVE ADVERTISING SPACE
Tel: (212) 570-3555 Fax: (212)774-0239
FEBRUARY 2000
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
DIOCESE OF BOSTON
Archbishop Demetrios Returns “Home” by Sophia Nibi
Archbishop Demetrios flew from Athens, Greece, to Boston on Nov. 20 in time to celebrate Vespers at Annunciation Cathedral and to attend a dinner in his honor hosted by the Diocese in Pappas Gymnasium at Hellenic College-Holy Cross. More than 500 clergy and lay faithful filled the gymnasium to greet Archbishop Demetrios. Most knew the new spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America from his years of studying, serving and teaching in the Diocese. Delighted by the reception, Archbishop Demetrios told the gathering that he thought perhaps all the good wishes and remarks he heard were a dream since for him it was 5 a.m. at that time! Speaking on behalf of all the faithful of the historic Diocese of Boston, Metropolitan Methodios told the new spiritual leader of the Archdiocese of America: Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. The beautiful words of the psalmist David fill my heart and soul this evening. They come to my lips as I look about to see a radiant joy etched on the faces of all of you that have gathered. This is indeed a beautiful evening which began with Vespers at our Cathedral and continues here at this table of brotherhood. This is not a banquet to welcome Archbishop Demetrios, but rather a festive dinner to commemorate his first in what I hope to be countless visits to the Diocese. We don t welcome Archbishop Demetrios, for he is no stranger to the Church in New England or to this School. In fact, he is bone of its bones and flesh of its flesh . While we will gather in a few days with our families to celebrate a great American holiday, I believe we are celebrating Thanksgiving tonight. I am sure all of you join me in thanking God for providing His Church in America with a man of faith and dignity, or intelligence and integrity, of introspection and vision, of prayer and humility. In the person of Archbishop Demetrios, God has again fulfilled a promise made to His people a promise treasured by the prophet Jeremiah, I will give you shepherds after my own heart who will fill you with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15).
PAGE 25
Married... with Preparation by Fr. Nicholas Krommydas
D. Panagos
STUDENTS greet Archbishop Demetrios as he enters Holy Cross Chapel during his recent visit.
I am so happy that tonight s dinner is held here at Hellenic College Holy Cross where our beloved Archbishop dedicated so many years of his life teaching his students the treasures of the Old Testament and early Christian spirituality while providing a sterling example of Christian Orthodox priesthood. This School deserves the love and support of all of us. It is the Parakatathiki the treasure of Orthodoxy in America. It is the noblest, most creative manifestation of the visionary and sacrificial faith of the clergy and laity of our Archdiocese. No other Church in the world is so identified with an academic institution as is the Archdiocese of America with Hellenic College Holy Cross. The importance of this School is surpassed only by its potential, and I believe its potential is limitless. It is time that this lamp of knowledge, this beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism be placed on the lamp stand of America for all to see. This inheritance of faith and culture must not be buried in the ground of complacency, doubt, indecision, personal agenda or strife, but must be invested aggressively
in the stock exchange of ideas and vision so that it may multiply a hundred fold. It is unforgivable to be satisfied with anything short of excellence for this School. I believe (as do all of you) in the providence of God. The future belongs to God. If we have the faith of even a mustard seed, then we must believe that the best years of this School, of our Archdiocese and its parishes lie before us. This is not a statement of optimism but of faith. The challenges and opportunities of the frontiers of tomorrow must be met with resolve and boldness, with courage and conviction. As we embark before the new millennium, I am so thankful that God sent Archbishop Demetrios to lead our pilgrimage to tomorrow as we journey together to discover new spiritual frontiers here in America. Let us lift up our hearts together with his to see that the fields of America are ready for Orthodox harvest. Your Eminence, I repeat the words of the Archangel Gabriel as you begin shepherding the flock entrusted to your care. They constitute my prayer that the Holy Spirit come upon you and the power of the most High overshadow you all the days of your archpastorate.
Philoptochos Board Offers Exemplary Ministry by Christine Karavites
The Diocese of Boston Philoptochos Board, under the leadership of Metropolitan Methodios, elected the following officers for the 1999-2001 term: president, Christine Karavites; first vice president, Merope Kapetanakis; second vice president, Olivia Sintros; recording secretary, Susan Pappas; corresponding secretary, Margarita Gianakouras; treasurer, Tina Caramanis; assistant treasurer, Diane Miminos. Bessie Papigiotis is the advisor; Joanne Hologgitas is parliamentarian; Francesca Callas is protocol officer; Vasiliki Feldmar is Philoxenia House chairman. Other board members are: Joan Cara Donna, Margo Chryssis, Christine Cokkinias, Janie Economou, Calliope Galatis, Dimitra Kalambokis, Penny Kazis, Mary Pappas, Evelyn Pavloglou and Helen Sampsonis. The Diocesan Board serves as liaison between the local chapters and the National Philoptochos.
Leadership forums To help the presidents and chapters fulfill their responsibilities to the Church s official philanthropic auxiliary, the Diocesan Board is offering a series of leadership forums during the current term.
The first was in December, chaired by Olivia Sintros and Vasiliki Feldmar. It featured a simulated Philoptochos meeting agenda that emphasized the mission, goals and bylaws of Philoptochos. In February, the Leadership Forum will focus on the National and Diocesan Philoptochos commitments. Guests speakers, and Diocese and chapter representatives, will review the commitments and discuss successful activities that support them. Two major benefits are planned during the year. On April 6 at 7 p.m., guests will enjoy an evening with international television personality and gourmet chef Vefa Alexiadou of Athens, Greece. Mrs. Alexiadou is donating her time to support the philanthropic work of Philoptochos. She will present many of her famous recipes from her new book on Lenten and healthy foods as well as her elegant table presentations. The evening is sponsored by the restaurant and food community in New England and will be chaired by Merope Kapetanakis, assisted by co-Chairwomen Francesca Callas and Bessie Papigiotes. The autumn benefit will be a luncheon and special program on Oct. 7, chaired by Diane Miminos.
u page 26
Recently, Denise and George completed the marriage preparation seminars held at the Diocese Center in Boston. Honestly we were a bit anxious said Denise, but since George and I decided to marry in the Orthodox Church this was something we were required to do. George added, I can t tell you how much we learned and what this has done for both of us. Before the seminars we were mainly interested about the details of the wedding, the hall, reception, band, etc. Since the seminars we are still working through these details but now we are looking at the big picture that being beginning our life together, Denise also said, and explained how comfortable she feels knowing that George s church cares enough to guide them through this important period in their lives. I remember the words of the priest who took us through this process she said. He reminded us that weddings are only for a few hours but marriages are for a lifetime. I feel we have build a good foundation for our life together and I am grateful for these seminars. The Marriage Preparation Seminars were instituted throughout the Diocese of Boston at the request of Metropolitan Methodios in 1986. The purpose and hope of the seminars was to address some of the critical issues that couples face especially during their early years. Expectations are often so high that disappointment and hurt are not far behind Metropolitan Methodios said. Someone needs to be there for these couples, to help them gain some perspective and to encourage them to preserve the love that has led them to make this important commitment. The seminars not only gives them practical advice but lets them know that the Church is a place that they can always turn to throughout their life. As stated above, all couples that are to be married within the Diocese of Boston are required to complete the marriage preparation seminars before their wedding. The seminars bring together couples in a casual setting to discuss a variety of topics that are likely to impact their lives. Clergymen of the Diocese act as facilitators bringing with them a wealth of experience in guiding couples and counseling them through the first steps of married life. At least six locations hold seminars regularly in the Diocese. In addition, other clergy have been trained to offer the seminars in their parishes when couples live in areas not within a reasonable driving distance. All couples receive a certificate of attendance that is a prerequisite to the ecclesiastical license issued by the Diocese. Metropolitan Methodios has always emphasized the importance of this min-
u page 26
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 26
DIOCES PHILOXENIA HOUSE:
E
O F
B
FEBRUARY 2000
O S T O N
a Tribute to Inspired Leadership, Volunteerism by Sophia Nibi
he Philoxenia House is the center piece of the Diocese philanthropic ministry. It began in June 1986. Today, it remains a tribute to inspired leadership and volunteerism. When Metropolitan Methodios arrived in Boston in April 1984, he heard stories from doctors and personnel at our local hospitals as well as from our priests that many individuals who came to the Boston area , mainly from Greece, but from other areas as well faced an additional hardship they had no place to stay if they needed prolonged outpatient treatments, and the family member who accompanied them often slept in hotel corridors because they could not afford to stay in hotels. Nestled on the grounds of Hellenic College-Holy Cross, the Philoxenia House is a rare find whose value cannot be gauged by mere definitions of monetary value, but only through the true measure of worth human spirit and dedication. It offers a ministry that responds to God s admonition, What you do to the least of my brethren, you do it to me. It even goes a few steps further than When I was hungry, you gave me to eat; when thirsty, you gave me to drink. The thousands of guests who have been helped through this outreach ministry since 1986, have added the following: In a strange country, you made me a home. When I was anxious, you calmed my fears. When on a sick bed, you cared for my needs. When I was restless, you listened and cared. When I cried, you helped me dry my tears. When I was encouraged, you shared my hope.
T
Areti Bratsis
METROPOLITAN METHODIOS accepts a generous donation from representatives of the Messenian Organizations of New England in support of Philoxenia House.
Areti Bratsis
BOSTON MAYOR Thomas Menino visits with residents and Metropolitan Methodios. The mayor promised to donate $15,000 for improvements to the residence.
When I needed someone, you were there. Philoxenia House guests are infants and children; young adults and senior citizens; and everyone in between. They are liver and kidney transplant patients; premature infants with a multiple of health problems; adults and youngsters suffering from cancer; cardiac patients; burn victims; victims of deformities; youngsters and adults with multiple sclerosis, and the list goes on. They come mainly from Greece and Cyprus. They have also come from South Africa, Germany, Brazil, Egypt, Russia, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and, yes, from throughout America. They come recommended by their hierarch and make all medical and finan-
cial arrangements prior to arrival. The Philoxenia House ministry is a project of the Diocese Philoptochos women whose financial and moral support is an integral part of the program. It is a also project of the England Archons and of many other organizations: The Hellenic Women s Club; the North Shore Women s Guild; the Alpha Omega Council; Sunday school and Greek school students; families and individuals throughout New England. Dedicated volunteers Philoptochos members, Hellenic College-Holy Cross students, Boston area men and women meet guests at the airport; they transport them back and forth to hospitals and doctors. They visit those in the hospital, trans-
PHILOPTOCHOS MINISTRY u page 25 Philoxenia outreach The Diocesan Board also launched a new outreach program to support the Diocesan Philoptochos ministry for Philoxenia House. Philoptochos chapters are organizing visitations with the guests, volunteering and offering special activities through the new Adopt Philoxenia House for a Month program which was launched by Merope Kapetanakis last spring. Philoptochos chapters raised more the $12,000 to benefit Philoxenia House each of the past two years. Vasiliki Feldmar who chairs the Philoxenia House Committee is enthusiastically assisted by Presbytera Mary Pappas and Janie Economou.
New camp
The new Diocese of Boston Camp and Retreat Center in New Hampshire is also greatly supported by the Diocesan Philoptochos Board which will hold its first retreat on the picturesque 200-acre facility this spring. The Diocese Camp Committee includes Olivia Sintros, chairman, assisted by Joan Cara Donna. Other organizations supported by the Diocese Philoptochos Board are: Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology; St. Basil s Academy; St. Michael s Home for the Aged; National Children s Medical Fund; Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards (FOS) of the Diocese of Boston; Hellenic Children s Cardiac Fund; Hellenic Nursing Home; Project Bread, Inc.-Walk for Hunger; Ionian Village. Special assistance is also offered as needed.
Each Nov. 29, the Diocese Philoptochos sponsors a reception which follows the Vespers of the Feast of St. Andrew. In 1999, the elegant reception at the Diocesan Center was chaired by Margo Chryssis, Margarita Gianakouras and Janie Economou. Joining Metropolitan Methodios and the Diocesan clergy were Cardinal Bernard Law of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and many clergymen and lay people. The Diocese Philoptochos Board members urge all parishioners to support the many philanthropic activities organized by the Philoptochos chapters in each parish and to learn more about the many charities and organizations which receive Philoptochos support. Christine Karavites is Diocese Philoptochos president
port the family members who accompany the patient, visit the house for a cup of coffee, offer a sympathetic ear, share smiles and tears, triumphs and tragedies. The ministry offered through the Philoxenia House is one that does not strive for spectacular actions. What is offered, besides the necessities of life, are unconditional love, acceptance, understanding, guidance, hope. In return, those involved in this ministry receive indescribable rewards. Volunteers are drawn to the house by an intuition of their kind hearts and as a result, they report they become better people, more understanding, more thankful for their blessings, more compassionate for those who suffer, less involved with life s trivialities of gossip, aimless curiosities, hurtful words and the life. Through the Philoxenia House, the spirit of Orthodoxy has become the spirit of New England. Even outside our community, this unique ministry is admired, applauded, talked about in awe. Project Bread Inc., of Boston, the organizers of the annual Walk for Hunger, awards an annual grant to the Philoxenia House in recognition of the outreach ministry it offers and in appreciation of the enthusiastic support the Walk for Hunger receives from Metropolitan Methodios and the Greek Orthodox Community of New England. The original four-bedroom, two-bath house has been expanded twice since 1986. Today it has nine bedrooms and six bathrooms, two large living areas and a family size kitchen. Athens businessman and philanthropist Gerasimos Vasilopoulos paid for one of the expansions. Mr. Vasilopoulos is a man of faith, an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, an individual who is most generous with the resources with which God has blessed. When he heard of the Philoxenia House, he offered his assistance to Metropolitan Methodios and a new wing and extensive renovations to the residence became a reality. On the current wish list are the expansion of the kitchen and the addition of one more bedroom and bath. Observing the complex ministry offered by the Philoxenia House, one quickly realizes the power of the small things in life. To this ministry many give a little of themselves, proving that smallness multiplied can represent the greatest strength of all.
Married... with Preparation u page 25
istry by thanking the clergy who have for so many years offered their talents and time. I am grateful to them who for years now have provided such wise counsel to our newlyweds said the Metropolitan. I am also indebted to the clergy who have compiled the materials and have constantly updated these to reflect the growing concerns that seem to be prevalent in our world. His Eminence s support of the program has resulted in a new publication titled Crown them with Glory and Honor: An Orthodox Christian Program of Life and Love for Engaged Couples and Couples about to be Engaged. The program consists of a workbook and information for participants in the seminar taking them through structured experiences to guidelines for the sacrament of marriage. Beginning in the year 2000 we will be publishing these books and making them available at a modest price. Fr. Krommydas is chancellor of the Boston Diocese
FEBRUARY 2000
D
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
I O C E S E
O F
Camp and Retreat Center Offers Opportunity to Hear God Better
O
B
PAGE 27
O S T O N
by Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou
UR LORD SAYS, I am the way, the truth and the life , (John 14.6). A life s journey and edifying study could be made around the study of this sub lime assurance. Part of His way and part of the truth of His presence and part of His life was that He, during His mission on earth, was to set Himself apart for time alone with His Father. The Diocese of Boston, under the sensitive, watchful and archpastoral eye of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, has taken a bold step and has acquired 191 acres of pristine forest accented with an enchanting lake and a restful pond, to offer such an opportunity to all of our Diocese people, young and old. this invitation and opportunity is extended to all our people throughout the Archdiocese. the engaging brochure announcing this wonderful spiritual setting states the following:
Your Invitation to be Part of the Next Millennium Imagine yourself walking here, lost in thought, enriching your soul. Here, almost hidden among the trees, might be a Diocesan Retreat Center where men and women can delve into their Orthodox traditions. The laughter of children echoes like the tinkling of a bell, calling us back to the innocence of our youth. It isn t that God speaks to us louder here. It s just that we can hear better.
T
he Camp and Retreat Center was purchased in August 1998. The 30 buildings are being refreshed and upgraded. Two cabins have already been completed with total winterization. As of this month the dining hall, with a newly constructed kitchen, the recreation hall, and the chapel have been fully winterized and rustically refinished. This past summer 400-plus campers were welcomed by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, and Directors Spiro Bobotas and Mike and Kate Sintros.
Over the four-week period, some 80 young adult and adult vibrant counselors shared with our young people the tenets of our rich traditions. All were refreshed, not only by the waters of our private lake, but more essentially by the movement of the Holy Spirit as it whispered through the trees and into the hearts and souls of our precious youth. In addition to studying Holy Scriptures and bringing forward their questions and inquiries on Christian living, our young people reveled in healthy athletics and fellowship.
Areti Bratsis
MAKING CRAFTS is one of several popular activities at the Boston Diocese Camp.
Cherished memories? Yes indeed! Entire families witness to this reality as they encourage relatives and friends to participate in future Orthodox camping experiences. On Oct. 22-24, a group of 35 young adults, couples and singles, flew from Charlotte, N.C., and Richmond, Va., to Contoocook, N.H. They were joined by several young adults and seminarians from New England for the first overnight fall retreat. Centered around the theme Living the Joy of Our Lord, these responsible pilgrims studied the Word of our Lord, shared edifying dialogues, praised God around the campfire, and then participated in the Supplicatory Services to the Blessed Mother and the Divine Liturgy on early Sunday morning in the enchanting Chapel. They took time to set themselves apart, along in silence, as they dispersed around the lake, and the hillsides. These experiences can be better understood in their own words: ³ The combination of beautiful scenery, fellowship, and a chance to spend quality time with Father Nick was a price-
less experience. I returned refreshed and renewed. Philip Thevaos. ³ It was a wonderful weekend at the retreat center. It was filled with fellowship (old friends and new), laughter, quiet time, wonderful discussion with Fr. Nick, reflection, delicious crisp Macintosh apples, beautiful richly colored leaves, campfires beside the lake, warm, wonderful means and the simplicity of our voices praising God during early Sunday morning Liturgy. (Christie Asimos). ³ We appreciated leaving a hectic life to go up there for peace and quiet in a lovely place. it was wonderful to be with friends. We felt spiritually renewed and came home energized. Phyllis and Gus Gianakopoulos. A warm invitation is extended to all our readers to visit and to take advantage of this Camping and Retreat Center by contacting the Diocese of Boston at (617) 277-4742 or by email: at Diocese@BostonDiocese.org or Boston Diocese@omaccess.com. Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou is the Camp and Retreat Center director
YOUTH MINISTRY OFFERS VARIED PR OGR AMS by Philippe Mousis
Being a member of the Diocese youth team is a wonderful challenge, a growing experience, a rewarding activity. As a member of the Boston Diocese and as a seminarian at Holy Cross School of Theology (Class of 2000), I have had the opportunity to participate in the farreaching youth programs Metropolitan Methodios has instituted since becoming our spiritual leader in 1984. Each and everyone stresses excellence, opportunity to grow spiritually and to make life lasting friendships. Our summer and winter camp programs continue to build on the strong foundations the various youth teams provided. More than 300 young people, ages 8-18, have attended each summer camp and we expect this number to grow now that we have our very own Camp and Retreat Center. BDC 2000 will be held July 10 to Aug. 6. We are mindful of the comments we hear from our campers. Said Nancia Kavaltsis, 16, of Annunciation Cathedral in Boston who has been a camper at BDC for the past six years: Camp and brought me closer to God and it has made my Orthodox faith much stronger. I have made friends for life, especially my two
best friends. What I especially like about it is that it is a blast, not boring. Yes, it is a religious camp and it is fun, exciting, rewarding, and, most of all it is an awesome time for teen-agers. A younger camper, Panayiota Kariotis, 12, who began her camping experience at BDC last year said when asked how has camp affected her: It is fun, make new friends, Church is cool, learn a whole lot! Our staff has been meeting since last fall to plan the camp programs. We offer extensive training for our counselors many of whom are former campers and appreciate the programs which have helped them in their growth. Michael and Kate Sintros are organizing our summer camp program. One of our counselors, Chris Glaropoulos, 20, attended BDC for five seasons. He said camp has opened my eyes to prayer and it has changed my life. Winter camping has also become a great tradition in the Diocese. Since our Camp and Retreat Center is not yet completely winterized, we have accepted the hospitality of two New Hampshire parishes which have hosted our winter camps during the past few years. St. George parish in Manchester will host the GOYA Winter Camp on Feb. 18-21. St. Philip parish in
Nashua, has invited us once again to hold the JOY Winter Camp there Feb. 11-13. The Boys GOYA League consists of 10 teams with more than 130 boys who play every Sunday 1-6 p.m. Girls GOYA League consists of four teams with more that 40 players who meet every other Sunday 6-8 p.m. JOY Boys and Girls League consists of more than 50 children ages 9-14 who play on Saturdays from 3 to 6 p.m. Men s (YAL) League consists of 13 teams from various parishes of the Diocese with more than 150 young adults participating. Games take place Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 to 11 p.m. Our Young Adult Ministry offers discussion groups, athletic programs, retreats and opportunities for service and spiritual growth. Boston-area Young Adult League members painted the Philoxenia House this fall, a service project during which they had the opportunity to meet the many guests in this residence. Another program reaching out to young adults in the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) that reaches out to college students offering many activities. Fr. Anastasios Coulouras coordinates this program with various clergy, aiming
to reach as many of the Orthodox Christian students in the New England college campuses as possible. One of the wonderful traditions that has been created through the campus ministry is the Thanksgiving evening liturgy, celebrated by Metropolitan Methodios and area clergy, and the festive dinner that follows it at Tufts University in Medford. Many of our high school seniors have had the opportunity to participate in Project Mexico, an outreach program for Orthodox young people. This year, from June 15-21, we will take a group to Mexico where they will build a home for a poor family. Another summer program for younger children is Vacation Church School which for many years now has been organized by Presbytera Artemis Gregory of Transfiguration parish in Lowell. Students in the parish catechetical schools are encouraged to participate in the annual Oratorical Festival. Last year we were proud to have the national Oratorical Festival in Boston and very pleased that the winners were Christine Krommydas of St. Demetrios parish in Weston, and Maria Varmazis, from Transfiguration parish in Lowell. This year s Diocesan Oratorical Festival will be held May 13. Philippe Mousis is Diocese youth director.
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 28
PEOPLE u Named to board
Chris V. Semos, former Texas state legislator and Dallas County commissioner, recently was named to the board of Texas Health Choice, a health maintenance organization providing benefits to more than 125,000 members in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston.
u Named resident fellow Despina Prassas, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Theology of Catholic University of American in Washington, has been named an in-residence fellow for 1999-2000 at Holy Cross School of Theology. Ms. Prassas is the daughter of Fr. George E. Prassas, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Binghamton, N.Y. She is also a 1994 graduate of Holy Cross, earning a Masters of Divinity degree.
u Elected town justice Nia C. Cholakis, a member of St. Basil s Church in Troy, N.Y., recently was elected town justice in nearby Greenbush, N.Y. Judge Cholakis is the first woman judge in the town s history. A graduate of Union College and Western New England Law School, she is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cholakis of Troy. Her husband, John A. Aretakis, is a New York City attorney.
u Groups to honor pastor Friends of Hellenic Studies in Los Angeles and the Basil P. Caloyeras Center for Modern Greek Studies at Loyola Marymount University, will honor Fr. John S. Bakas, dean of St. Sophia Cathedral, at a March 4 banquet. Fr. Bakas has been a priest more than 20 years and has initiated many outreach programs, including the Byzantine-Latino Quarter Redevelopment Project in Los Angeles, the Metera Project, a parenting program for mothers in prison, and many others.
u Rhodes scholar Kristin N. Javaras, 22, daughter of George Javaras of Chicago, and grand niece of Paraskevi and Paul Javaras, founders of Chicago s Greek Press newspaper, is one of 32 Americans selected by the Rhodes Scholarship Trust to study at Oxford University in England. Ms. Javaras, who will graduate from Harvard in June, intends to study economics at Oxford beginning in September.
u Ecumenical efforts
Nicholas Royce of Hollywood, Calif., an Orthodox activist and entertainer, recently met with Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore and Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications for the Vatican and a delegate to the International Commission for Dialogue between Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches. For many years, Mr. Royce has promoted the Orthodox faith among various religious groups, institutions and government bodies.
u Elected chairman
Greek American Educational Public Information System board members recently elected Savas Tsivicos as their new chairman. Mr. Tsivicos is president of Paphian Enterprises Inc. GAEPIS produces the daily bilingual Hellenic Public RadioCosmos FM programming on WNYE 91.5 FM in New York.
FEBRUARY 2000
A ‘Jewel of the Midwest’ P
igs and cows attracted the first Greeks to this small city along the banks of the Missouri River in the early 1900s. Actually, it was the thriving meatpacking industry and its plentiful jobs that drew the first immigrants here from Greece. Sioux City (current population about 82,000) lies along Iowa s western border near the state s convergence with Nebraska and South Dakota. Known as Siouxland, (for the Sioux Indians, who once populated this part of the Great Plains) it is at the heart of America s Corn Belt and hog country.
PARISH
They immediately began a campaign to eliminate the church s debt, and purchased $5,000 in bonds that they donated to the parish. A highpoint in the parish s history was the celebration of its 25th anniversary and the visit of Bishop Athenagoras Kokinakis of San Francisco. Delegations came from communities throughout the three-state region, including Sioux Falls, S.D., the neighboring parish to the north on Interstate 29. The 1950s were a period of progress for Holy Trinity. Fr. Constantine Hallick, the parish s longest-serving priest, and the
completing the successful project in a short time. We have a very visionary parish leadership, the priest said, adding, it was really inspirational and beautiful to see the parishioners come together and rebuild this temple. Fr. Pepps noted that his major challenge at Holy Trinity is to keep a positive focus so we can grow as a community, especially in stemming the exodus of young people. One means of getting the youth involved is through participation in a regional church basketball league. The parish recently hosted the Diocese s
profile
Name: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Location: Sioux City, Iowa Founded: 1918 Diocese: Chicago Members: 182 Clergy: Fr. Evangelos Pepps (Holy Cross 82) Noteworthy: Oldest parish in Iowa HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
Most came from Crete, the Peloponnesus, some of the islands and the village of Velvendo. According to a parish history, until 1918 Greeks in Sioux City would travel to Omaha, Neb., 100 miles to the south, for occasional church services. It was there in January of that year when they decided it was time to form their own parish. Led by Paikos K. Pappaphilippopoulos (who later Americanized his name to Peter Nelson), Greek Sioux Cityans organized the community. More than 500 attended a meeting at a Knights of Columbus hall and established the congregation in May 1918. They started a SIOUX CITY fund drive and purchased a corner property near downtown for $35,000 in 1920. The parcel included three houses, one of which they used as a temporary church. The first pastor was Fr. Constantinos Harvelas. In spring 1925, the community proceeded with construction of a permanent church and laid the cornerstone on Annunciation Day. It was completed in September and the formal dedication took place Oct. 4. The church continues to serve as the parish house of worship to this day. It is the oldest Greek Orthodox church building in the state and, in physical size, the largest. Holy Trinity Church is listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings and is one of four churches selected by the local museum for its Sacred History Tour of the city. In July 1928, a group of mostly World War I veterans organized Sioux City Chapter 191 of AHEPA under the leadership of George M. Paradise, who went on to become a municipal judge.
board of trustees started the annual church bazaars as a fund-raising source. The bazaars eventually were replaced by the Grecian Dinners, which continue to serve as revenue sources. Fr. Hallick established the annual Mother of the Year Award in 1950 and the community also acquired additional land for a parking lot and began a beautification program. The priest, who came to the parish in 1948, was reassigned in 1967. Sioux City had as many as 1,000 Greeks decades ago but, like many small and mid-size cities since the 1960s, it has lost many young people to large cities in other parts of the country that offer better career opportunities. Fr. Pepps estimates that Holy Trinity lost about 85 percent of its youth in recent years. Parish membership consists of a large number of retired blue-collar workers, many of them immigrants, Fr. Pepps said. Several parishioners own businesses. Six months before Fr. Pepps arrival in August 1996, fire gutted the church s interior and the parish faced a major renovation burden. A 16-member renovation committee raised the $600,000 needed to restore the interior. Under the direction and efforts of architect Christ Kamages of San Francisco, iconographer Elias Dianianakis of Florida and woodcarver Steve Kavroulakis of Crete, the project was accomplished, resulting in a new altar, sanctuary, narthex, iconostasion, iconography and other fixtures. Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, who rededicated the church in June 1999, called Holy Trinity a jewel in the Midwest, Fr. Pepps said. He praised the efforts of the committee and parish council in undertaking and
Western Region Family Basketball Weekend. Currently, the church has 25 children in its Sunday school program, including Fr. Pepps three children, and 12 in Greek school. The priest also noted that the parish youth group has tremendous attendance under an excellent youth advisor. In his ministry, Fr. Pepps has created an extensive parish library and raised funds to establish a bookstore, which offers materials in English and Greek. He also initiated the parish s first pictorial directory and a historic video, Home for All God s People. Fr. Pepps has been active in the Pro-Life ministry to unwed mothers and unwanted babies and has done interviews on a local Christian radio program. The Philoptochos also is highly active in ministering to community members and those in need. In addition to Holy Trinity, Sioux City has an Antiochian Orthodox church St. Thomas and Fr. Pepps characterized relations between the two as excellent. During Lent, the parishes alternate hosting the pre-sanctified liturgies. Stewardship and the two Grecian Dinners are the primary income sources for the church. In September, the church hosts an annual Greek Open golf tournament that has raised thousands of dollars for the installation of handicapped accessibility features at the church. For Fr. Pepps and his presbytera, Susan, life in the parish has its challenges, but preserving and promoting the faith along the western border of Iowa is a labor of love for them. We ve come to love the community very much, he said. compiled by Jim Golding