VOL. 66 NO. 1183
JULY-AUGUST
AHEPA Joins Leadership 100 LAS CROABAS, Puerto Rico The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the world s leading Hellenic heritage organization, officially joined Leadership 100, an endowment fund assisting the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and its ministries, announced Supreme President Johnny N. Economy and Board Chairman A. Steve Betzelos at the 79th annual Grand Banquet.
and certainly as good Greek Orthodox Christians, we present this first installment, said Economy. Economy described how our parents and grandparents sacrificed everything to come to the United States and through it all never lost their faith in the church. It was the strength derived from this faith that sustained them, he added. It s not that we owe the Church
http://www.observer.goarch.org E-mail: observer@goarch.org
2001
ugust 15 A The Dormition of the Theotokos
HIS EMINENCE receives a check from AHEPA’s Supreme President Johnny Economy (left) and Board ChairmanA. Steve Betzelos (center) as part of their commitment to join Leadership 100. Looking on is Supreme Counselor William Marianes.
The two AHEPA leaders presented Archbishop Demetrios with the initial $10,000 installment before an audience of 800 AHEPA family members and Hellenes. As good Hellenes, as good people,
something, said Economy. It s that we owe the Church everything. His Eminence offered thanks on behalf of Leadership 100 and stated that this
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Metropolitan Tarasios Enthroned in Buenos Aires Icon by the hand of Athanasios Clark, courtesy of DRE
AUGUST 15 remains on the Greek Orthodox calendar as a day of solemnity, commemorating the passing from this earth of the Virgin Mary, a day concluding a period of fasting and penance. The Dormition, the falling asleep of the Blessed Mother of God is one of four days of the year which are chosen to honor the Virgin Mary, the other days being Sept. 8 in observance of the nativity of the Holy
Mother, followed by Nov. 21, the day on which is celebrated the Presentation of Mary at the Temple by her parents, Joachim and Anna. The most hallowed of days in honor of the Virgin Mary falls on March 25, the day on which the course of world history was altered with the appearance before Mary of the Archangel Gabriel
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ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM FESTVAL Archbishop Demetrios of America with the new Metropolitan of Buenos Aires Tarasios and his Assistant Bishop Iakovos of Assos.
BUENOS AIRES Archbishop Demetrios, who represented Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate, enthroned Metropolitan Tarasios (Peter Anton), July 14 at the Catedral de la Asunciün (Assumption Cathedral) as the first American-born clergyman to lead the Metropolitanate of
Buenos Aires. Hundreds of South American Greek Orthodox faithful, Argentine leaders, family, friends and other highranking Church officials attended the event. The new spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox in South America (except for
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Archdiocese News u 2-3, 4 Bible Guide u 13 Challenge u 31 Classifieds u 28 Clergy Update u 4 Cotemporary Issues u 4 Diocese News u 24-25 Ecum. Patriarchate u 8-9 Greek section u 15-19 In Memoriam u 26
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Letters u 10 Opinions u 10 Orthodoxy Worldwide u 27 Parish Profile u 22 People u 13, 22 Relating to the Faith u 21 Scholarships u 14 Special Interest u 11 Viewpoint u 5 Voice of Philoptochos u 30
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
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A R C H D I O C E S E
JULY-AUGUST 2001
N E W S
Annual YAL Conference Draws Young Adults to Denver DENVER Young Orthodox Christian adults from all over the United States gathered together at the 19th annual Archdiocesan Greek Orthodox Young Adult League Conference in early July to learn more about their faith, lives and each other. by Stella Athanasiou
Theme for this year s conference was Journey through Life s Milestones. Metropolitan Isaiah of the Denver diocese hosted this year s gathering, which included a Bible study led by Archbishop Demetrios and several spiritual seminars. His Eminence provided spiritual guidance and encouraging words throughout the weekends events. The conference officially began with the keynote address on July 6, delivered by Dr. Nicholas Constas of the Harvard School of Theology. Dr. Constas spoke eloquently on the topic Called by Love: Desire and the Unfolding of Spiritual Life. After the keynote, participants attended a series of seminars, facilitated by Dr. Nicholas Constas, Fr. John Mack, Fr. Dan Suciu and Fr. George Pyle. These seminars centered on the conference theme. Young adults were presented with information and engaged in discussions on topics such as Christian relationships, growing as an Orthodox Christian, and serving Christ. After a day of spiritual enrichment, the young adults gathered for dinner and a spectacular fireworks display over Coors Field baseball stadium, in lower Downtown Denver. On Saturday, July 7, the young adults spent the day enjoying the beauty of God s
NATIONAL YAL Conference organizing committee members with Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Isaiah.
creation in the historic mountain town of Breckenridge, Colo. Participants were given the opportunity to participate in numerous outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and other activities the town had to offer. The majestic Rocky Mountains provided an idyllic setting for the evening Vespers service and dinner. Archbishop Demetrios celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Assumption Cathedral in Denver with the YAL participants. Following liturgy a luncheon was held for the YAL participants and the Assumption parishioners. The conference concluded on Sunday night, with a grand banquet. Overall the conference was a great success, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it, said YAL Denver conference chair, Demetri Zannis. He adds, What struck me most was the feeling of fellowship, and love for Christ that was shared among the conference attendees. My sincere thanks to all who attended, making this event so special.
Metropolitan Tarasios Enthroned in Buenos Aires u page 1 Venezuela and Colombia) succeeds Metropolitan Gennadios, who retired recently. It was something unbelievable, I never expected my son to go that high, his father, Peter Anton, told the Observer in a telephone interview from San Antonio. I expected bishop, but not metropolitan of South America. We re glad and thankful to God for him. He also noted that his son wanted to serve the Church all his life to the maximum of his abilities. About 75 Greek Orthodox Christians representing 10 states from Massachusetts to California attended the impressive ceremony in the cathedral in Buenos Aires that was filled beyond capacity. Metropolitan Methodios of Aneon, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Boston was among the American delegation at the enthronement. A number of other clergy attended, including Metropolitan Athenagoras of Panama, Frs. Nicholas Graf, John Magoulias, Spencer Kezios and Gabriel Karambis.
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Metropolitan Tarasios mother, Angela, was equally delighted at her son s enthronement. For me it was very touching of course. He was born into this. Mrs. Anton added that, he s adjusting very well down there. I m sure he s going to get along just fine. There is a big difference from Istanbul. She also expressed her gratitude for Archbishop Demetrios presence. We were very proud and honored to have His Eminence Demetrios down there, she said. When the man walks into a room, it just lights up... There s no way I was going to miss it. That evening after the enthronement, the Philoptochos had a reception that included Archbishop Demetrios and other clergy. Ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Dec. 30, 1990, Tarasios was elected to the Metropolitanate on May 8 at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His ordination to the priesthood took place May 27 in Cappadocia and his consecration to the episcopacy occurred June 3 at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George at the Patriarchate. DIRECTOR & MANAGING EDITOR: Stavros H. Papagermanos EDITOR: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) PRODUCTION MANAGER: Nikos Katsanevakis ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Soula Podaras CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Nicholas Manginas
CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN Demetri Zannis with Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Isaiah.
Camping Ministries Office Holds National Camp Director Meeting SEATTLE The Archdiocese Office of Camping Ministries recently held a National Camp Director meeting here that was sponsored through a generous grant from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. The Office of Camping Ministries is now taking a more active role in assisting parish, regional and diocesan camp programs with the tools necessary to minister to our youth. Each camp throughout the Archdiocese was invited to participate in this informational meeting. In addition to providing travel expenses, food and lodging, the Leadership 100 grant was used to purchase resources for each camp, from the American Camping Association. The three-day meeting was organized and facilitated by Fr. Mark Leondis, national director of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Michael Pappas, coordinator of the Office of Camping Ministries and director of the Office of Ionian Village.
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After opening greetings and an icebreaker, Fr. Leondis introduced the newly formed Office of Camping Ministries, and led workshops on supervising your staff while in session and Orthodox camping. Mr. Pappas led workshops on creating a safe and healthy camp environment, safety issues, screening, hiring and training your staff, preventing abuse and other important staff and safety issues. The following camp programs were represented at the meeting: Ionian Village (Archdiocese), Camp Good Shepherd (Archdiocesan District, Diocese of New Jersey), Camp Emmanuel (Diocese of Denver), St. Nicholas Ranch (Diocese of San Francisco), All Saints Camp (Seattle), Camp Nazareth (Diocese of Pittsburgh), Detroit Diocese Camp, St. Mary s Camp (Minneapolis) and St. Stephen s Summer Camp (Diocese of Atlanta). The camp directors expressed their gratitude to the Archdiocese for initiating this effort as well as to Leadership 100, for providing the resources to make it happen.
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ORTHODOX OBSERVER
A R C H D I O C E S E
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N E W S
th National St. John Chrysostom Archbishop Demetrios Inaugurates
18
F
Oratorical Festival Held in Illinois
or the third time in 18 years, the Chicago Diocese has welcomed finalists for the Archdiocese Oratorical Festival: initially in 1985, in St. Louis in 1995 with Sts. Peter and Paul in Glenview, Ill., hosting, and, most recently, June 8-10 when St. Nicholas in Oak Lawn and Sts. Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills served as hosts. byPresbytera Margaret Orfanakos
The Oratorical Festival is a program of the Department of Religious Education, headed by the Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos. The Rev. John Orfanakos and Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos serve as Archdiocese co-chairmen. The Very. Rev. Timothy Bakakos of St. Nicholas in Oak Lawn coordinated the steering committee, which included members from the parishes of St. Nicholas, Sts. Constantine and Helen, and Holy Cross Church in Justice, Ill.
cese-Jessica Wacker, St. Demetrios Church, Perth Amboy, N.J., Pittsburgh DioceseVictoria Andromalos-Dale, Holy Trinity Church, Pittsburgh; San Francisco Diocese- Elena Livanis-St. George Church, Fresno, Calif.
SENIOR DIVISION
Senior Division speakers were: Archdiocesan District- Chrysostom Neamonitis, Archangel Michael Church-Roslyn Heights, N.Y.; Atlanta Diocese-Eve Tasios, Annunciation Church, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Boston Diocese-Savva Rougas, Annunciation Church, Cranston, R.I.; Chicago Diocese- Nikolaos Tsimalis, Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, Merrillville, Ind.; Denver Diocese-Katherine Andrew, Holy Trinity Church- Tulsa, Okla.; Detroit Diocese-Alice Shukla, Holy Cross Church, Farmington Hills, Mich.; New Jersey Diocese-Julianne McNamara, Constantine and Helen Church, Annapolis, Md.; Pittsburgh Diocese-Cleopatra Nacopoulos, Assumption Church, Erie, Pa.; San Fran-
PARTICIPANTS IN the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival with Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Iakovos and other clergy.
The weekend began with the arrival of the finalists at the hotel where the host committee presented them with a beautiful duffle bag and sweatshirt embroidered with the Oratorical Festival logo and the Chicago skyline. The 18 finalists and their families attended vespers at the Church of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills. Welcomed by the Rev. Byron Papanikolaou and the Rev. Nicholas Jonas, they enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by an evening of fun and fellowship. The event began at St. Nicholas in Oak Lawn where Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Iakovos, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Chicago, offered the invocation. Each participant rose to the challenge of writing and speaking about one of the Holy Fathers and the obstacles faced by that Holy Father in preserving our unaltered Orthodox faith.
JUNIOR DIVISION
Speakers in the Junior Division were: Archdiocesan District-Anna Kentros, Church of Our Savior, Rye, N.Y.; Atlanta Diocese-Peter Catsimpiris, St. Mark Church, Boca Raton, Fla.; Boston DioceseEmily Sherman, Annunciation Church, Cranston, R.I.; Chicago Diocese-Joanna Lialios, Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Glenview, Ill.; Denver Diocese- Jonathan Dolan, St. Sophia Church; Detroit DioceseEleftherios Constantine, Holy Trinity Church, Fort Wayne, Ind.; New Jersey Dio-
Newly Renovated Atlantic Bank
cisco Diocese-Elena Legeros, St. Demetrios Church, Seattle. The awards luncheon immediately followed at the St. Nicholas Church hall. Peter Catsimpiris and Alice Shukla were each awarded first place and a $2,000 college scholarship. Those receiving second place honors and a $1,500 college scholarship were Jessica Wacker and Katherine Andrew. Third Place and a $1,000 college scholarship was given to Victoria Andromalos-Dale and Elena Legeros. All other participants received honorable mention and $500 Savings Bonds. Each participant also received a plaque and a certificate personally signed by Archbishop Demetrios in recognition of their achievements. Commenting on the speeches, Metropolitan Iakovos stated that he gets tears in his eyes whenever he hears the young men and women speak so eloquently about their faith. Archbishop Demetrios, in his remarks, suggested that the Oratorical Festival is more than words. It is about reality real life and real existence! He insisted that the oratorical speakers are Greek Orthodox American young ladies and gentlemen who are interpreting the Fathers of the Church in the 21st century, presenting the wealth and vitality of
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D. Panagos
ATLANTIC Bank CEO, Thomas O’Brien welcomes Archbishop Demetrios, as the Governor of the National Bank of Greece Theodore Karatzas looks on.
NEW YORK Officials of Atlantic Bank welcomed His Eminence to its Midtown headquarters on June 25 where he conducted an aghiasmo service for the refurbished facility. Among the dignitaries were Theodore Karatzas, governor of the National Bank of Greece and the newly appointed chief operating officer, Thomas O Brien. The Archbishop was assisted by the Very Rev. Savas Zembillas, chancellor of the Archdiocese, and Deacon Nectarios Morrow. His Eminence held the service in the second floor reception area and blessed the bank s directors, staff, diplomatic rep-
resentatives of Greece and Cyprus, other invited guests and members of the press. Archbishop Demetrios offered several observations about banks and bankers. The fact is that the banking system has been transformed into a system of human relations Human beings, those who work at banks, encounter human problems, at times of severe proportions. Sometimes lives are shaped or altered by a transactional experience with a bank Consequently, the effort to bear human responsibility within the banking system is enormous. The Archbishop also said he was impressed by the bank s modern telecommunications system.
ARCHON NICHOLAS BOURAS of Westfield, N.J., visited the Archdiocese in June to receive the Cross of St. Andrew from Archbishop Demetrios, which was bestowed by the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Mr. Bouras support of the Church over the years, at the local, diocese and Archdiocese levels. Most recently, he has underwritten the banquets of the Order of St. Andrew and Holy Cross School of Theology fund-raiser. Orthodox Observer
Cyprus Federation to Honor Archbishop at Annual Gala NEW YORK Cyprus Federation of America will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to Archbishop Demetrios at its annual awards gala on Friday, Sept. 28 at Terrace-on-the-Park in Flushing Meadows, Queens. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to those whose life has been marked with excellence and distinction and whose accomplishments have been characterized by vision and uncompromising principles and ideals. The Federation will present two other awards to distinguished Greek Americans. The Justice for Cyprus Award will be presented to Philip Angelides, California s state treasurer and to Andreas D. Comodromos, former president of the Cyprus Federation of America. The award is presented to those who have been exemplary leaders and outspoken advocates for the just and noble cause
for the liberation of Cyprus from the Turkish occupation forces and the restoration of the human rights of the Cypriot people. Noted philanthropist and New Jersey businessman Nicholas Bouras will receive the Humanitarian Philanthropic Award, reserved for those who have demonstrated exemplary generosity, benevolence and compassion towards mankind and their communities. Past honorees are Dr. John Brademas, John Catsimatidis, Sen. Alphonse D Amato, Tasso E. Manessis, Congressman Robert Menendez, the Rachel Cooper Foundation, Sen. Olympia J. Snowe, Angelo K. Tsakopoulos, Sen. Paul Tsongas, Sen. Joseph Biden, Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis, Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Dennis Mehiel and Constantine Leventis and the A.G. Leventis Foundations. For more information please contact Savas C. Tsivicos at (732) 531- 3100.
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
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JULY-AUGUST 2001
A R C H D I O C E S E
Divorce Myths
One out of every two marriages ends in divorce. Is that right?
T
hat s what everyone has been hearing since the late 1970s. Whether it has been heard from friends, family members, marriage counselors, therapists, wedding planners, caterers, priests, ministers, or other enlightened experts, this one-of-every-two statistic has been entrenched in our culture. Has this statistic ever been verified? by Fr. Angelo Artemas
Consider your local parish and community. What percentage of all married couples has ever been divorced? Probably nowhere near 50 percent. What about your neighborhood? How many of all the married residents in your neighborhood have ever been divorced? Well under 50 percent most likely. The 1 of every 2 marriages end in divorce statistic is a myth. The best explanation as to how the figure began circulating is as follows: During the late 1970s the National Center for Health Statistics reported that in one year the number of divorces in the United States was almost exactly half of the number of marriages during that same year. In other words, if in one local parish 12 couples married in 1996 and six couples divorced, that parish s divorce rate would be 50 percent? Absolutely not! The statistic has to take into account the total number of couples already married. The best research in the area of divorce seems to indicate that 23 percent to 26 percent of American marriages end in divorce - not 50 percent. Oddly enough, according to the Barna Research Institute, the divorce rate is highest among fundamentalist Christian couples (about 30 percent), and lowest among non-Christian
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couples (23 percent). An explanation as to why this would be so is a separate issue, and probably has something to do with an overemphasis on salvation and not enough attention to being saved and working hard through difficulties. Why are divorce statistics so important? For the last two decades couples have had the impression that they only have a 50/50 chance at happiness. This has given rise to the very common mentality that if things don t go well, we ll just divorce like everyone else. When people think divorce is inevitable, it may well become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The one-of-every-two myth has led to a growing disrespect for the institution of marriage. When couples are convinced that they only have a 50/50 chance, they may easily decide to bail when things get difficult. The fact of the matter is that most marriages in the United States have a 75 percent chance of succeeding. While this is not enough, it is a lot better than 50 percent. There are still certain marriages that need to end because of severely abusive situations, and compassion and understanding must be shown for these couples. The good news is that the institution of marriage is far more resilient than given credit for. Yes marriage is difficult, but most couples work through even extreme difficulties, and don t take the easy way out. Married couples should know from the beginning that their chances are much greater than they think. Knowing this and working hard at having a successful marriage can go much farther than we have been led to believe. The next time the 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce figure surfaces, quash it with the good news about marriage.
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N E W S
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Receives Bequest from the Estate of Penelope M. Georgiadis New York, NY The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America recently received a bequest of more than $160,000 from the estate of Penelope M. Georgiadis, a resident of Jackson Heights, New York. Miss Georgiadis was a dedicated Orthodox Christian and a member of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City where she attended services before her illness made it difficult to travel. Like her mother, Agnes, and sisters Helen and Mary, she was a member of Philoptochos, helping to raise funds that
assist underprivileged people within the community. Jerry Dimitriou, Executive Director of Administration commented, Our Archdiocese is thankful to be remembered in Miss Georgiadis will with this generous offering. Miss Georgiadis family and friends can be assured that this gift will be used to honor her memory in a most appropriate manner. If you are interested in offering a similar gift to the Archdiocese please contact the Department of Administration of the Archdiocese at 212-570-3500.
Archdiocese and Hospital Co-Recipients of $60,000 Gift from The William Hionas Charitable Trust Fund NEW YORK The Archdiocese and the Skylitseion Hospital of Chios, Greece have recently received $30,000 each as co-recipients of a distribution from the William Hionas Charitable Trust Fund. The Trust, originally formed in 1983 by William Hionas of Brooklyn and Archbishop Iakovos, provides for the equal distribution of funds from the trust to these two separate organizations. As outlined in the original documents of the trust, the Archdiocese and the hospital are to receive funds annually. Because of the financial success of the fund,
this year s bequest was doubled for both charitable recipients. Jerry Dimitriou, executive director of the Archdiocese Department of Administration, stated, By setting up a Trust Fund, William Hionas continues to donate generously to our Archdiocese. His most recent gift, distributed to us by the executors of his trust, sons Seymour and Eugene Hionas, will be used to honor the memory of this devoted churchman. It is my hope that more Orthodox Christians will continue to remember and honor our Archdiocese with this type of donation.
George D. Behrakis Endows Boston Museum Collection BOSTON The Museum of Fine Arts has received an endowment from Leadership 100 members George D. and Margo Behrakis for its Greek and Roman art collection, and the first-ever curator, Christine Kondoleon, was appointed. I am truly delighted that George and Margo Behrakis have chosen to create this new position at the museum, said Malcolm Rogers, the Ann and Graham Gund director of the MFA. Margo and I are very pleased that we are able to endow this position in the Department of Art of the Ancient World and with Christine s appointment, said George Behrakis. We are committed to the continued study and research of Greek and Roman art, and how today s world can still learn from these ancient cultures. Mr. Behrakis is a member of the executive committee of the Archdiocesan Council, a trustee of Hellenic College-Holy Cross, member of the Archbishop Iakovos
Leadership 100 Endowment Fund and of the Archons-Order of St. Andrew. The MFA s Greek collection is rich in breadth and depth. Special strengths lie in Archaic bronze figures, Athenian vases of the sixth and fifth centuries B.C., coins of all periods, Hellenistic terracotta statuettes, Ptolemaic portraits, cameos and intaglio gems. Among the many individual masterpieces are an Archaic bronze statuette known as Mantiklos Apollo, an Athenian black-figure hydria with the dragging of Hector, the Three-Sided Relief, a rare copy of Pheidias Athena Parthenos, a Hellenistic gold earring in the form of a Nike in a two-horse chariot and the Bartlett Aphrodite. Recent acquisitions of important Roman statuary and South Italian red-figure vases have strengthened what has long been considered one of the best assemblages of Roman art in the world.
CLERGY U P D A T E
Ordination to the Diaconate: Kyriakos (Gary) Kyriacou- Metropolitan Anthony- St. Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles, 05/27/01 Andrew G. Georganas- Metropolitan Iakovos Sts. Constantine & Helen, Palos Hills, Ill., 05/31/01 Assignments: Rev. Presbyter Demetrios Tonias Holy Trinity Ft Wayne, Ind.,06/01/01 Rev. Presbyter Tilemahos Alikakos Holy Trinity Church Sioux City, Iowa, 06/01/01 Rev. Presbyter Cosmas Halekakis Holy Taxiarchai/St. Haralambos Church, Niles, Ill.06/01/01 Rev. Economos Peter G. Balkas St. Nectarios Church Palatine, Ill.,06/01/01 Rev. Presbyter Angelo Artemas Sts. Peter & Paul Glenview, Ill., 06/01/01
Rev. Dn. Kyriakos(Gary) KyriakouAscension Cathedral Oakland, Calif. (assistant), 06/01/01 Rev. Presbyter Christopher Flesoras St. Anna Church Roseville, Ca, 06/01/01 V. Rev. Archimandrite John E. Constantine- St. George Church Downey, Calif., 06/01/01 Rev. Economos Andrew Eugenis St. George Church Asbury Park, N.J., 06/04/01 Offikia: On May 17, 2001 Patriarch Bartholomew bestowed the Office of Protopresbyter upon: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Clapsis, Rev. Fr. James Dokos, Rev. Fr. James S. Gordon, Rev. Fr. Andrew Maginas, Rev. Fr. Paul Palesty, Rev. Fr. Theodore Pantels, Rev. Fr. Philip Yanulis
JULY-AUGUST 2001
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 5
VIEWPOINT Maintaining Dialogue with Roman Catholics
T
he most promising interchurch dialogue in the new millennium is the one between the two great Christian communions of the modern world: the Eastern Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches.
and full communion. Their efforts are worthy of all great Christian leaders who wish to see the will of Christ for the unity of His One Church. But it has been difficult thus far. Papal visits in the past few years to predominantly Orthodox countries, inby Rev. Robert G. Stephanopoulos cluding proposed visits to Russia, Ukraine, For the past thousand years, since the Greece, Cyprus and Syria, have met with Great Schism of 1054 AD, relations be- great reservations on the part of Orthotween these two Churches has been a his- dox laity and Church authorities. Naturally tory of hatred and massive opposition. these visits are complicated by political as There are countless examples of polemi- well as ecclesiastical considerations. cal and un-Christian behavior to characThere is really an abiding basic disterize their separations. It is useless to trust of the Vatican s motives and methprove who is to blame for that. There is ods among many Orthodox still. plenty of blame to go around. But in reThe Pope is a head of State as well as cent years, going back to the last century, the leader of the Catholic Church. He has relations have greatly improved. had to speak about the sins of the past An official dialogue began formally and the part the Papacy has played in the between Rome and Constantinople in sad history of polemical and hostile rela1980. As stated then, the purpose of the tions between divided people. Many of dialogue between the Roman Catholic these are much of a cultural and political Church and the Orthodox Church is the nature, not just churchly and religious. re-establishment of full communion be- Recently, the Pope has demonstrated contween the two Churches. tinued support of Eastern Rite Catholics, This hoped for communion, based on in what Orthodox regard as an ecclesiounity of faith according to the common logical anomaly, which results in emoexperience and tradition of the early tional and divided loyalties of the faithful Church, will find its expression in the com- in Eastern Orthodox countries. mon celebration of the Eucharist. Many Moreover, certain recent Vatican stateearlier efforts were marked with success. ments have created a hardening of posiFor example, the meetings of Popes tions that, up till now, were differently unand Patriarchs, the lifting of the mutual derstood or accepted in the dialogue. anathemas, joint commissions and consulConversely, there is a strong tendency tations, agreed statements on many theo- among many Orthodox to stress the hislogical and pastoral issues, personal con- torical responsibility of western Christians tacts, prayers for for the divisions between Christians. They Christian unity, have not forgotten the many pilgrimages, etc., aggressive actions were commonThe Patriarch and taken against the Orplace. by the West, the Pope must persist thodox By now these such as the Crusades, are part of an enduring in their efforts to keep the false union efrelationship based on the proselytism the Dialogue alive and forts, charity, mutual underand the claims of standing and spiritualproductive papal primacy. ity. Ecumenical converMany more dipsations in the U.S. have been very construc- lomatic and humble actions will be retive. Especially noteworthy has been the quired to overcome these widespread perwork of the North American Orthodox-Ro- ceptions. Certainly, the painful and embarman Catholic Theological Consultation, rassing reality of our Christian divisions inwhich has met regularly since 1965 under cludes the responsibility of the Orthodox the auspicies of the National Conference of to overcome and rise above the psycholCatholic Bishops (NCCB) and the Standing ogy of polemics of the past in a genuine Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops spirit of charity and forgiveness. But this in the Americas (SCOBA). will take time and many genuine gestures It has produced many agreements of of mutual forgiveness. principle and practice, which prove how It is with this loving spirit that the important we are to one another and to Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople the Lord we, serve. One can find its prom- continues to champion the Joint Dialogue, ising and important results in a recently encouraging his fellow Orthodox to copublished book The Quest for Unity: Or- operate and find common ways to imthodox and Catholics in Dialogue (1996). prove our relations with Rome. The official International Dialogue has But, many Orthodox are still unbendhad notable agreement on certain ques- ing in their resistance and refuse to enter tions as well. Fundamental issues such as into dialogue. Church, Eucharist and the Mystery of the The Patriarch and the Pope must perTrinity, Sacraments and Apostolic Succes- sist in their efforts to keep the Dialogue sion have been published. alive and productive, since there is really Regrettably, new tensions arose after no alternative. In general, most Catholics the collapse of communism in Eastern Eu- and Orthodox people welcome positive rope and the Soviet Union particularly ecumenical relations and dialogue. relating to the reemergence of the EastThere is a widespread feeling that the ern Catholic Churches, which had been old way of resistance and of opposition suppressed or reabsorbed into their tra- cannot lead to the universalism of Chrisditional Orthodox Churches. tianity. Thus, only a dialogue of love and Since then the going hasn t been easy. truth will overcome our present impasse Persistent efforts to deal fairly and con- and lead to the final goal of full communstructively with the vexing problem of ion. We all pray and hope it will come soon. uniatism have so far eluded the Joint The author is Dean of the Archdiocesan Commission. Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City, However, both Pope John Paul II and and Adjunct Professor of Eastern Christian Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew are de- Thought at St. John s University. He has served termined to see the Dialogue continue and as Ecumenical Officer of the Greek Orthodox produce the desired goal of reconciliation Archdiocese.
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PAGE 6
JULY-AUGUST 2001
Patriarchal Delegation Celebrates Sts. Peter and Paul Feast Day at Vatican
O
n the occasion of the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul, a delegation representing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Sacred and Holy Synod, consisting of Metropolitan of France Jeremiah, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos (USA) and Patriarchal Deacon Elpidoforos traveled to the Vatican for the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul, an established tradition of exchanging visits on the patronal feasts of the two churches.
U
POPE John Paul II welcomes Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos at the Vatican.
Sts. Peter and Paul, by the hand of Athanasios Clark, courtesy DRE
Upon their arrival on June 27, the delegation met with Cardinal Kasper, director of the Commission for Christian Unity and co-chairman of the committee for International Dialogue with the Orthodox and discussed various aspects of concern to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Vatican. They exchanged opinions and views on the difficult stage that the international dialogue is in. To this end they explored
the formation of a steering committee, which will deal with the advancement of the dialogue. The Vatican expressed its will to participate in the Ecological Symposium, initiated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, which will take place in the Baltic Sea in 2002. On Friday, June 29, the patriarchal delegation met with Pope John Paul II. Following a short address by Metropolitan Jeremiah, the Pope thanked them for continuing an important tradition and hosted them for a luncheon. The Primate of the Roman Catholic Church inquired about the OrthodoxCatholic dialogue in America, now in its 36th year, and about the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist in Patmos and about Mount Athos.
Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos recounted in brief a trip to Mount Athos that he led last fall with several Roman Catholic clergy (two archbishops, three bishops and a priest), all members of the dialogue committee in America. That afternoon, Pope John Paul, celebrated a liturgy at St. Peters Square, with some 25,000 people in attendance. The Pope and Metropolitan Jeremiah, on behalf of the two sister churches, exchanged the kiss of Peace, symbolic of the common will and prayer for a day that will bring closer understanding between Orthodox and Catholics. The Vatican has invited the Ecumenical Patriarchate to send a representative to the Synod of Roman Catholic Bishops from around the world to be held Sept. 30-Oct. 27 in Rome.
pon his return from Rome, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, who serves as an Assistant to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and as Director of Ecumenical Relations for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, expressed deep gratitude to His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his appointment to the 2001 delegation to the Vatican. It was a great honor, he said, to represent our Patriarch, together with Metropolitan Jeremiah of France and Deacon Elpidoforos from the Phanar, at the Vatican s celebration of the feast day of Ss. Peter and Paul. This annual exchange of delegations offers our religious leaders, through their delegations, the opportunity to greet each other fraternally, to discuss matters of common concern, and to envision the framework of future collaboration as we continue to seek to know and to fulfill the will of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who prayed that they may be one as We are (John 17:11). It was a privilege to be accorded this opportunity to extend the greetings of our Mother Church, the Patriarchate of Constantinople, to His Holiness Pope John Paul II, and to have the opportunity to venerate the relics of Sts. Peter and Paul.
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And Walls Came Tumbling Down eople abandon homelands to find it. People cry out for it. People fight for it. People die for it.The theology of the Greek Orthodox Church heeds the call to help the needy and oppressed within the central teaching of our Church.
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Our religious legacy has a vital role as an advocate of human and civil rights. Our beliefs, even in the face of intentional religious persecution and ethnic destruction, have spoken out to governments over the centuries to provide the basic structure of justice. In 1963 in Birmingham, Ala., four young black girls were killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church, as the structure was reduced to rubble by a manmade bomb. It was the deadliest attack of the Civil Rights Movement. An understanding of a democratic America wherein Aristotle s definition of a democracy as a state for the common good, mutual help and protection was trashed by the savage act. From its inception, the Greek Orthodox Church has advocated a compassionate sensitivity for the oppressed. Clergy of the Church did not await the U.S. Supreme Court s decision that segregation was illegal and for the established religious convictions in America to decide it was also sinful. Archbishop Iakovos, prelate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in North and South America in the latter half of the 20th century, without sensational language played an instrumental role in the Civil Rights Movement. The possessor of a reflective mind and a passionate heart, he stood tall and alone in the Selma march to secure civil rights for all Americans. His Eminence holds to the spiritual truth that no evil of man can successfully combat the ways of God. Archbishop Iakovos, a coryphaeus of rectitude, will never be forgotten. The nation s religious heads absence on that day in Selma remains unexplained and buried. The Rev. James Antokas, pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Westfield, N.J., recalls as a student proudly showing his classmates the cover of Life magazine depicting the photograph of Archbishop Iakovos standing in the midst of the Selma march at the side of Dr. Martin Luther King, aiding the civil rights leader in search of equality. The African American spiritual leader, the Rev. Robert L. Taylor, retired pastor of Fourth Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., who personified what ought to be a minister, frequently shares his admiration for the white clergy proponents of civil rights who in his words, paid a greater price than their African-American counterparts as they advocated a challenge to a discriminatory lifestyle. Dr. Taylor and this writer, who at the time served as dean of Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Richmond, have shared many experiences but none more binding and rewarding as they announced to the media following the senseless and barbarous bombing, their co-authored resolution passed by the Richmond Ministerial Association to request financial contributions from all Richmond area congregations and synagogues to rebuild the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. Media reports and pictures of the damage to the Baptist church were a deterrent to the participation of churches but apprehensions were soon put to rest as the cathedral members volunteered its facility to receive donations from Richmond area houses of worship. The decision of the Cathedral encountered miniscule criticism.
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LIFE Magazine cover of March 26, 1965, featuring Archbishop Iakovos and Martin Luther King.
On a designated Sunday, the funds received from the Richmond area amounted to approximately $20,000. Collections were transferred by the Ministerial Association to responsible authorities in Birmingham. Nationally syndicated columnist William F. Buckley had previously recommended a national drive to assist the oppressed in rebuilding the Birmingham church. Buckley commended the efforts of the Richmond Clergy and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Virginia and its dean in his column for their leadership in developing a significant expression of care. Greek Orthodox clergy retained confidence in the justice of the Civil Rights Movement. For example: the ever-remembered pastor in Raleigh, N.C., the Rev. Elias Stephanopoulos, walked in procession with African-American and white clergy in support of civil rights and was met with negative comments by disgruntled speakers. In Birmingham, support for the Archbishop s presence in Selma angered white supremacists and the ever-remembered Fr. Sam Gouvelis was subjected to deception. The familiar figure of the Rev. Nicholas Vieron, retired pastor of Annunciation Church in Memphis and chairman in 1968 of the Memphis Ministers Social Action Committee, sought a peaceful transition. Often, this ecumenical unit met at the church. On April 5, 1968, Fr. Vieron, and the Memphis Six, as the group came to be known, gathered on the morning following Dr. King s assassination, in Memphis, to pray and ask forgiveness in the midst of the black community. Fr. Vieron writes: Dr. King gave his last full measure of devotion to a holy cause to make out beloved Memphis where we stand together at the River a better place in which to live, play and work. To quote the Rev. Taylor, clergy who paid a greater price aptly describes our priests extraordinary legacy of confidence in the justice of the cause. Archbishop Iakovos, whose inspiration has not dimmed with time, and his clergy who never wavered, bear no similarity to the empty-shell spectators in the Civil Rights Movement. The 15th century statesman and philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli wrote, There is nothing more difficult in attempt, or more perilous in its conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in introducing a new order of things. This article, written by Fr. Dombalis, is dedicated to Archbishop Iakovos, in observance of his 90th birthday on July 29. Fr. Dombalis is dean emeritus of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Virginia.
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PAGE 8
ECUMENICAL
JULY-AUGUST 2001
PATRIARCHATE
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Visits Cappadocia, Lesvos Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew recently completed two pastoral visits to Cappadocia, in Central Turkey, and to the Greek island of Lesvos. In the town of Agirnas (St. Anargyroi), in Cappadocia, His All Holiness commented on the conflict in the Balkans, stating, it is not one of religious character. The Patriarch spoke during vespers in the church of St. Prokopios, 27 miles from Stories and photos by Nicholas Manginas
Caesarea and stressed that the root of the conflict is not really the religious differences between Christians and Muslims, as many would like us to believe. Fanaticism and fundamentalism are not blessed or condoned by any religion and every war in the name of any religion is really a war against all religions, he said. The Patriarch mentioned the initiatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for dialogue between Christians and Muslims, such as the Proclamation of Bosphorus in 1994. It was the second time this year that the Ecumenical Patriarch traveled in
ECUMENICAL Patriarch Bartholomew presides over Divine Liturgy at St. Prokopios church in Agirnas (Sts. Anargyroi) of Cappadocia. Concelebrating with the Patriarch were Metropolitans Iakovos of Krinis, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Chicago, Iakovos of Mytiline and Bishop Emmanuel of Rigion.
Athanasios Tsernoglou from Mytiline, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Protector of Letters. He expressed the gratitude of the student who remembers his good teachers, who seeded in his heart and mind the good seed that germinates and bears good fruits many times over. During his stay, the Patriarch visited the Metropolis of Mythimna and presided over doxologies in the churches of the villages and towns he visited and planted many trees in memory of his visitations. He also blessed the ceremony of fraternization of the town of Geras, and the Turkish town of Alinoluk in Asia Minor. He also addressed the ecological conference Theofrastos 2001 in the Museum of Natural History of Lesvos next to the fossilized forest in Sigri. The Patriarch used the occasion, once again, to promote the idea of preservation of our natural habitat. The natural environment of the Aegean is known for its unsurpassed beauty, the brilliant sunlight, the inconceivable variety of forms and colors and the dynamic vitality, he said. All this natural beauty and the richness of the natural
EXTERIOR view of the historical church of St. Prokopios, in Agirnas, Cappadocia.
On the Solea of St. Athanasios Cathedral of Mytiline the Patriarch led many other hierarchs from the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Church of Greece in celebrating Divine Liturgy.
Cappadocia where Christianity and especially monasticism bloomed since the early Christian centuries. Lately, many Orthodox Churches have undergone repairs and are in use after a long period of neglect following the Asia Minor catastrophe in 1923 when the Greek Orthodox were eliminated from the area. At the invitation of Mayor Mehmet Osmanoglu of Agirnas, Patriarch Bartholomew participated in and spoke during the cultural festival organized by the city on July 7-8. On the feast day of St. Prokopios, the Patriarch presided over the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in the ancient church bearing the saint s name. Metropolitans Iakovos of Krinis, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Chicago, Iakovos of Mytiline and Bishop Emmanuel of Rigion concelebrated the Liturgy. Also present were Metropolitans Gabriel of Colonia, Kallinikos of Lystra and Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy. Many visitors and pilgrims from Komotini, descendants of refugees from Agirnas, and from Mytiline and Constantinople also attended the various events. During his stay in Caesarea the Patriarch visited historical churches and monasteries in the area.
Lesvos Welcomes His All Holiness At the invitation of Metropolitan Iakovos of Mytiline and on the occasion of the celebrations in memory of the saints of Lesvos, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the island on June 15-19. The people of the island demonstrated in every occasion their enthusiasm, love and respect for the person of the Patriarch and the historical institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate which he represents. Minister of the Aegean Nikos Sifounakis welcomed the Primate of World Orthodoxy as a symbol of the unity of the genos and as the most brilliant ray of light which shines and leads universally said Mr. Sifounakis and added, the Greek state today will not allow anyone in the name of ambition or vanity to question the institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and what it means in the hearts and the consciousness of the people of Greece. The Fanar has been and still is today the torch which illuminates the Christian Orthodox Oikoumene and even more so Hellenism around the world .
His All Holiness presided over Great Vespers in the church of St. Therapon and led a procession through the main avenues of Mytiline. On the feast day devoted to all the local saints, he celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of St. Athanasios where many hierarchs of the Throne and the Church of Greece concelebrated. At the end of Divine Liturgy Patriarch Bartholomew proclaimed his teacher at the Theological school of Halki, professor
ECUMENICAL Patriarch Bartholomew reciprocated a visit to the Phanar by the captain and crew of the Greek warship “KIMON”, which had anchored in the Marmara Sea after having completed NATO maneuvers in the Black Sea.
elements of the Aegean have been the magnets for many peoples, who have settled and lived in the surrounding lands and created exceptional civilizations, amongst which, the ancient Greek civilization and its successor the Byzantine civilization are of primary importance. The Patriarch revered the opportunity to visit the many monasteries of Lesvos, including the monastery of the neo-martyrs Raphael, Nicholas and Irene and the monastery of Panagia Myrsiniotissa.
JULY-AUGUST 2001
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 9
Ecumenical Patriarch Issues Statement for U.N. Conference Statement of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the recent United Nations Durban World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance From an Orthodox Christian perspective, the virtues of diversity and tolerance provide the fundamentals for a Christian life, much in the same manner as do sunlight and water in the nurturing of a plant. Without either of these virtues, nourishment is lacking and spiritual death is inevitable. An Orthodox Christian celebrates the diversity of the entirety of God s creation, rejoicing in the infinite multitude of beauty and meaning which only diversity can truly manifest. We recognize that diversity is fundamentally necessary for the achievement and sustenance of unity amongst all the members of the Church in the very same Body of Christ. Whenever human beings fail to recognize the value of diversity, they deeply diminish the glory of God s creation. Following the example of the three persons of the Holy Trinity the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all human beings are called to exist relationally to one another, united in the bond of love, as different and unique persons, each endowed with specific talents and characteristics, each created in the image and likeness of God. All human beings regardless of religion, race, national origin, color, creed, or gender are living icons of God, innately worthy of such respect and dignity. Whenever human beings fail to treat others with this respect, they insult God, the Creator, as is explained through the teachings of the Christian Scriptures. Orthodox Christians throughout the world live side by side with peoples of other religions and Christian confessions. With the rapid rise of advancement in communication and mobility, human beings are increasingly liberated from the geographical boundaries which used to separate them. As a result of recast boundaries, people now find themselves living in a global village amidst new neighbors who represent widely differing world perspectives, histories, and cultures. The realities of pluralism challenge each person in the global village to reflect more critically upon the teachings of his or her own faith, in light of the multitude of differing perspectives. An Orthodox Christian responds to these challenges with the understanding that we must always be tolerant of the perspectives of others, especially when such perspectives differ on the basis of religious, cultural, or historical ideology. The Orthodox Church does not seek to convince others of any one particular understanding of truth or revelation, nor does it seek to convert others to a particular mode of thinking. Rather, she calls all persons from all walks of life to feel the heartbeat of the Church, to sense the breath of life inhaling and exhaling from her body the body of Christ and to experience her maternal love and comfort, thereby being at peace while listening openly to the perspective of the other with respect and tolerance. The opposite of the perspective of respect and tolerance is the perspective of fear and self-righteousness. Whenever human beings react to the perspectives
and beliefs of others on the basis of fear and self-righteousness, they violate the God-given right and freedom of others to come to know God and one another in the manner inherent to their identity as peoples. Unfortunately, as a result of sin in the world, the effects of which lead ultimately to spiritual death, human beings are easily predisposed to viewing others on the basis of fear. Such xenophobic tendencies are chiefly the result of being out of communion with God, who calls all members of His creation into His love and eternal presence. We see the first example of such an occurrence in the book of Genesis, when Adam fell prey to the effects of evil in the world, being forced away from the close communion he had enjoyed with God, the Creator of the world. Yet God, out of His love for humankind, continues to call all human beings into perfect communion with Him. When human beings are in communion with God, who Himself is the very essence of inexhaustible love, xenophobia fear of the other is not possible since human beings do not see each other as strangers, but rather as brothers and sisters in communion with the loving Lord. Central, therefore, to the teachings of the Orthodox Church is the fundamental belief that Christianity must play an active role in efforts toward the reconciliation of all peoples. This understanding is based upon the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, who preached a message precisely of reconciliation, engaging in dialogue and conversation with peoples from all walks of life with the simple two-fold message to love God with all their hearts and to love their neighbor as they would themselves. The reconciliatory role of Christianity can only be initiated and sustained by and through the voice and ear of genuine tolerance. The virtue of tolerance, together with its twin virtue diversity, reflect the divine attributes of love which God maintains in His essence perfectly, infinitely, indescribably, and inexhaustibly. The Orthodox Church, which heralds this message of love, the Christian Gospel, categorically condemns racism, xenophobia, and all other forms of related intolerance as destructive to the vision of peace which God desires and which human beings, organizations of goodwill, and above all the Church, aim to promote. Furthermore, the Orthodox Church commends all organizations of social, international, and political character which are dedicated to the pursuit of justice, believing that the work of such organizations serves to advance the good of society, and as such is most pleasing before God. Finally, we wish upon all men and women of all ages, religions, races, colors, creeds, and nations of our planet Earth peace and goodwill, beseeching our great and loving God that He grant to all of us the wisdom to truly see one another as we have been created, namely as brothers, sisters, and children of the Lord. May the infinite love of God be with you all. Amen.
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PAGE 10
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
...
EDITORIAL
Encourage Future Priests The great news out of Hellenic College-Holy Cross is that enrollment for this coming year has jumped by 60 percent. As of late July, the number of incoming freshmen enrolling in the school of theology is at least 50, according to Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, president, in a recent newspaper interview. Thirty plan to enter Hellenic College. This is in stark contrast to only a few years ago, when 20 enrolled in 1997-98 in Holy Cross and 14 at Hellenic College. The dramatic turnaround has come as a result of the efforts of many individuals: Archbishop Demetrios, who has raised new interest in HC/HC through his many pastoral visits. A constant theme he presents during his travels is that the Church needs more priests, especially as more clergy reach retirement age; Fr. Triantafilou, who has ambitious goals for dramatically boosting enrollment, and enchancing the schools programs; and the diocese metropolitans, alumni association and many other individuals connected with the school. A number of individuals and organizations, such as the National Philoptochos, have also helped to attract students through a variety of scholarships. Most notable of these is the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, which this year made a $10 million commitment to provide full scholarships to seminarians. These efforts will help ensure a bright future for the school for years to come. But it really is the job of every Greek Orthodox Christian to help assure the continued success of the school, and to see to it that young men who might have an interest in studying for the priesthood receive as much encouragement as possible within the parish environment. Adolescent and teenage boys are at a highly impressionable age and how they perceive the priesthood within the parish can influence their outlook, whether it is heeding a call to become a priest, or in relating to the clergy later
u Upset over letter t
Editor, The June issue of the Orthodox Observer included a letter from Mr. Nicholas Nirgiotis that contained a number of inaccuracies and misperceptions. In expressing his concern for a parish in Texas that is experiencing financial difficulties (a concern we all share), Mr. Nirgiotis questioned the propriety of the St. Mark parish spending $1½ million on icons. He implied that the St. Mark community was focusing on its own needs instead of those of other churches. Let us first clear up a blatant inaccuracy in Mr. Nirgiotis letter. Serving the needs of some 650 very active families, many of whom are active in Bible study, education programs and missions, the St. Mark community constructed a new sanctuary in 1995-97. A substantial mortgage was required to complete its construction. This mort-
as adults. Do we give them a positive view of the priesthood by supporting, nurturing and appreciating our pastor, his ministry and his family? Is there a harmonious working relationship and mutual respect and love that is evident to everyone in the community? Or is the relationship more like that described in Jesus parable of the wicked vineyard tenants in Matthew (21:33-46), Mark (12:1-12) and Luke (20:9-16). In that story, the owner of the vineyard sends servants to receive its fruit at harvest time. The tenants beat one, kill another and stone another. We aren t given a reason as to why they did this, other than the fact that they were wicked. Perhaps they thought THEY owned the vineyard and its fruits were rightfully theirs. Is stoning, killing or beating with words and hostile attitudes much different, really, for reasons that could range from His Greek isn t good let s get rid of him or, He doesn t use enough English let s get rid of him, or He s too strict, let s get rid of him, or, We don t like his presbytera, let s get rid of them, or He doesn t do things the way WE want, etc., etc., etc., after all, WE pay his salary. We want another priest. Our young people see and hear this within the parish, at the dinner table, or at general assembly meetings. Over time, this shapes their attitude and we are kidding ourselves if we think it will not. This doesn t mean there are never any legitimate disagreements between priest and parishioners, there are in any relationship, but, if we re serious about nurturing and promoting our faith, a respectful and loving relationship between the priest and his parishioners is a prerequisite. Our Church can have the clergy it needs for the future if we foster a positive image of the priesthood among our youth, especially to those who might heed the call to become priests.
gage has significantly inhibited our ability to provide the very types of ministries that Mr. Nirgiotis seems to advocate. Hence, in January, the parish launched a bold new campaign with three goals: (1) retire the mortgage, ((2) complete the Sanctuary with the appropriate icons and (3) establish an endowment for future maintenance and repairs, again freeing up needed resources to provide the types of ministries that bring vitality and life to parishes. In order to accomplish these bold programs and meet the needs of our faithful, we have set out to raise $5 million. Yes, these are ambitious goals. But the St. Mark parish is an ambitious parish, serving the spiritual and pastoral needs of a very large, generous and committed congregation. The implication that our congregation is inward looking at the expense of helping others is inaccurate to say the
JULY-AUGUST 2001
least, and insulting at worst. The philanthropic ministries of St. Mark include every level of the Diocese, Archdiocese and Ecoumenoi. This community has the distinction of having had three of its members serve on the board of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. There is a deep commitment to missions. In the span of 14 months, our community hosted Metropolitan Johan of Kampala, Metropolitan Athenagoras of Panama and Fr. Luke Veronis, missionary in Albania. Each of these three missionaries was invited to St. Mark by the parish leadership to share their work and raise funds. We can proudly relate that over $30,000 was raised to support the work in these mission areas. We are fairly confident that only a few parishes of our Archdiocese have made such a commitment of time and treasure to missionary work. Upon learning that Fr. Luke Veronis was in difficult straits in Albania, a simple appeal from the pulpit one Sunday raised an additional $1,000 that was promptly sent to St. Augustine. At the Diocese level, our parish has made a commitment to Bishop Alexios and the Diakonia Deka Drive. St. Mark is one of only 20 parishes that participate in this program by pledging $10,000 to retire the mortgage on the Diocese office/chapel complex and establish an endowment for the future. A significant number of our faithful congregants participate in Leadership 100 and assist the Archdiocese with its own needs for ministries and programs, while many more are Archons who assist the needs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. One final example will suffice to demonstrate the commitment of the St. Mark community to ministry and service. In May, our community was blessed to receive Metropolitan Ignatius of Volos, who honored us with his presence at Vespers and Bible study. In his remarks, he noted that his diocese provides food for nearly 1,000 hungry and impoverished people on a daily basis. Inspired by his comments, our parish council unanimously approved an immediate donation of $500 as a sign of our support and admiration for Metropolitan Ignatius work and commitment to the poor and needy of Volos. This commitment is over and above our own parish s monthly commitment to a soup kitchen, a commitment overseen by our active Philoptochos. One can clearly see that the St. Mark community, while embarking on a bold new initiative for future ministry within the parish, is also deeply committed to ministry outside the community. Mr. Nirgiotis would have been aware of these commitments and efforts were he himself a supporting, active member of the community. He is not a member of this community nor does he support the community. Hence, we must question his agenda and his bias. Finally, we must express our deep disappointment and displeasure in the Orthodox Observer, its editor and its editorial staff. Any first-year journalism student learns the rudimentary methodologies that ensure accuracy of reporting and maintain the often-questionable credibility of the press. These methodologies were blatantly
ignored in the publication of this unfortunate and highly offensive letter. A simple phone call from the Observer staff to any member of the St. Mark clergy, staff or parish council would have provided the opportunity for the additional material we have provided in this response. As a result, once again, our peripheral members of the Archdiocese can exchange knowing winks at the greed and selfishness of churches. And, once again, the faithful congregants will question the credibility and purpose of the Orthodox Observer. No one is served in this process. Your unfortunate lack of journalistic integrity in following up on letters of this nature simply reinforced stereotypes and did a great disservice to our Holy Archdiocese. Fr. James Gavrilos, proistamenos Mr. Art Poly, parish council president Boca Raton, Fla.
u What we need is love t Editor, In the book of Matthew, where Judgment Day is depicted, the real test of man is not How I have believed, but How I have loved. The test of religion is not religiousness, but love. Not what we have achieved but how we have discharged the common charity of our lives. By what we have not done by sins of omission, we are judged. The withholding of love is the negation of the spirit of Christ. If we are selfish and do not realize love, then we live for ourselves alone. If we follow the path of forgiveness and love that Jesus taught, there can be a definite end to the harm that comes from painful events of the past. We can be healed if we can stop the past from robbing our future. Christ taught us to love and to be forgiving. He died on the cross so that our sins would be forgiven. Let us do God s Will by teaching our children to love, not hate. As adults, it is our duty to teach these values. Marilyn Phelps Byron, Minn.
u Bebis articles t Editor, With great pleasure I read our Orthodox Observer and I also enjoy in the Greek section the articles written by Dr. George Bebis. I find them instructive and informative. I learn so much from them. I congratulate and thank Dr. Bebis. Elly (Protopsaltou) Pangis Tacoma, Wash.
Correction
The first name of Fr. Constantinides was printed incorrectly in the previous issue of the Observer. It is Evagoras.
JULY-AUGUST 2001
of
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
Special Interest
The Role of the Priest in the 21st Century
H
ow do I visualize the role of a priest in the twenty first century? At the outset, let me emphasize that I do not envision that the role of the priest in the 21st century will be much different from what it has been in the last two millennia. byFr. Demetrios J. Constantelos
The reason is that neither the subject nor the object of the priestly ministry have changed a lot. The servant-priest and the people he will be called upon to serve have not altered much. Moreover, how much different is the 21st century from the previous one? In speaking of a century we speak of time. But what is time? Time has been defined as indefinite, unlimited duration in which things are considered as happening in the past, present or future. I did not observe any drastic changes between Dec. 31, 1999, and Jan. 1, 2000. Time knows only continuity. What we call the present is but the epitome of the past and the controller of the future. The 21st century is an extension of the 20th century. To be sure, in the last 50 or so years we have seen a lot of changes in technology, economics, medicine, industry, trade. It used to take me 14 days and nights of travel to visit my parents in Greece, but now it takes me eleven hours. We have seen more technological changes in the last 50 years than humankind has seen in the last 3,000 years. The 20th century has been a pioneer century in many fields; it has been a wonderful, a miraculous century-but also the most brutal and inhuman century. We have witnessed excellent humanitarian concerns, but we also have seen the extermination of scores of millions of people. We have walked on the moon, but we have not conquered the most dangerous enemy of our planet the human being. Not only did we kill more than 60 million people only 60 years ago but we keep building more and better means of destruction; we have accumulated more weapons than ever before, more atomic bombs, and intercontinental missiles to such an extent that we can destroy any time not only others but also ourselves, and indeed the whole of our beautiful earth. We have witnessed many changes; but we have seen few changes in the attitudes, psychology, mentality, ambitions of the human being that remains the great mystery, the perennial enigma. What is man-the image of the Creator, moira theou? Or an insatiable, brutal and bloodthirsty being? Since many of us acknowledge that the human being has not changed, the role of a priest in the third millennium will not change much. The people entrusted to him will continue to have the same spiritual, religious, psychological, physical needs as their forefathers and foremothers. The priest of the Christian Greek Orthodox Ecclesia is expected to continue the same ministry as ever to impart faith, knowledge, convictions; to administer sacraments; and to conduct services for people under his spiritual care.
Relevancy
In the course of 2,000 years, how much has Christianity changed? Is Christianity relevant in the third millennium? How different is the essential message of Christianity today from that of previous centuries? A few years ago, I was a guest speaker at a large camp of teen-agers. As soon as I
finished my talk, a young vivacious teenager 15 years old stood up and asked, Father, does Christianity have a future? I was taken by surprise, because I did not expect such a question from a young person. Well, I said, before I answer your question, let me ask you a question: does agape have a future? If Christianity is not love, Christianity has no future. Yes, the kaine entole the new commandment of Christ, is the central teaching of Christianity. Nevertheless the love that Christianity teaches expresses itself through human beings, Christians. It was the practice of agape that commended Christianity to the ancient world. Non-Christians used to look at Christians and say: Look how much they love each other! Even enemies of Christians acknowledged that it was agape, in theory and especially in practice, that distinguished them from the other people in late antiquity. It was agape in diakonia,-not theological abstractions, which caused disputes and perpetuated hatred-that became a landmark in the history of the early Church.
Follow footsteps
But love presupposed faith, convictions, certainties, enthusiasm, hope in the sense of optimism. The priest of the 21st century will need to follow the steps of apostles and disciples, of apologists, and Fathers, of mothers and fathers-people of faith, hope, love, and service. On his way to Jerusalem (Acts 20:28) St. Paul addressed the presbyters of Ephesos and advised them to keep watch over themselves and over all the flock over which the Holy Spirit set them as leaders. He urged the priests of Ephesus to be alert and watchful for the spiritual welfare of their people. And elsewhere, in his letter to Timothy, he emphasized that presbyters must labor in preaching and teaching. But how do we preach and teach if we do not have anything to say? Let us not forget that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Mat.12:34). The priest needs to have faith that can be supported by knowledge that can explain faith. Elsewhere in the New Testament, we read that, addressing himself to presbyters, Peter, the fellow presbyter, advised them to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, not under compulsion but willingly, setting yourselves as examples (1 Pet. 5:1). Well, here is the problem for the priest of the 21st century: the problem is how one is to set himself as an example to his people. An example in what? An example in faith, a faith like a fortress; an example in hope, a hope that can serve as an anchor steadfast; an example in love, a selfless, altruistic love, a love constantly expanding; an example in diakonia, in service to those near and those a far.
PAGE 11
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Spirituality needed
If one is to be an effective priest in the 21st century, one is expected to be a spiritual person. A spiritual person is a person with spiritual wings: The terms spiritual and spiritual life sometimes have been abused and identified with formalities, symbols, appearance. Perhaps the best way to answer the question of what is spirituality is to turn to St. Paul-that marvelous theologian, a Roman citizen who synthesized the best of Judaism and Hellenism. In his dynamic letter to the Christian community of Galatia in Asia Minor, the Greco-Galatai, St. Paul writes that spiritu-
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ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 12
JULY-AUGUST 2001
HOW TO PREPARE FOR HOLY COMMUNION T
oward the end of every Divine Liturgy the priest, holding the Chalice in his hands, calls to the congregation: With the fear of God, faith and love come forward (draw near, approach). And what happens? Some people do come forwards and partake and unite with their Lord by taking His sacred Body and Blood. But despite the fact that at least six (6) canons state that those who attend the Liturgy and hear the scriptures and join the singing but do not partake of Holy Communion shall be excommunicated, the majority of the congregation still do not partake! Why? The most common answer given is that they are not ready. Why are they not ready? Here are some of the reasons:
men. This, of course, is absurd because the only difference between the priest and the communicant is that the one is the celebrant and the other the communicantnothing else. Others say that Communion should be taken only after extended periods of fasting such as the Great Lent. Let s see the answer of St. John Chrysostom: Lent and Pascha (Easter) are different things. Lent comes one a year; Pascha three or four times a week, or as often as we wish. Pascha is not fasting, but the offering and the sacrifice that takes place at every gathering. You celebrate Pascha not when you fast but when you partake of this sacrament. Again, others claim that we should partake less frequently in order to approach with greater piety and more worth.
the feast and prepare us spiritually for the observance and celebration of these events. During all the fasts that have been established by the Church, all who are able to fast should fast, whether they are going to take Holy Communion or not. Now we come to the important question: Is there a specific fast before Holy Communion which must be kept by all who will partake? The answer is NO! A lot has been said about a three-day fast from everything including olive oil. But this three-day oil- less period is a remnant from the Turkish occupation when there existed great ignorance of both the scriptures and Holy Tradition. And even though this three-day fast shows respect and reverence for the Sacrament, in reality it has become the greatest obstacle to
Frequently Holy Communion, they say, may bring about a familiarity with the holy sacrament and turn it into a habit. The one taking Holy Communion frequently is more worthy because in his war against sin he is not alone but united with his Lord. As for Communion becoming a habit, the danger exists for those who come to Holy Communion routinely in which case whether they come to Communion once or even four times a year they do it not because they understand it, but because everybody does it.
frequent Holy Communion. That there is no compulsory fast before Holy Communion is proved by the following:
by Fr. Evagoras Constantinides
1. Ignorance. We have learned from our parents, they say, that we should take Communion only four times a year. Thus, they perpetuate a terribly wrong practice that came into being during the four hundred years of Turkish subjugation, and ignore the practice of the early Church when the faithful partook at every holy gathering, even daily (Acts 2, 42-47). Partaking of the precious body and blood of Christ daily is very good and very beneficial, said Saint Basil, because who can doubt that partaking continuously of life is nothing but life in every aspect? We partake four times a week, Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and on any other day when we celebrate a Saint s memory. Thus, by not partaking, the people ignore the chief purpose for which the Divine Liturgy is performed, which is the celebration of the bloodless sacrifice and the partaking of the faithful. 2. False Humility. Many times we hear people say: How can I take Communion regularly? I am not worthy. Let us remember the prayer the priest reads during the Cherubic hymn: No one of those who are bound by carnal desires and pleasures is worthy to approach or draw near, or minister to you, the King of Glory. But because of your inexpressible and immeasurable love for man it is you that I entreat, the only good one and ready to listen. Look upon me, your sinful and unworthy servant, and cleanse my soul and heart of an evil conscience and make me worthy to consecrate your precious Body and Blood. Let us also remember the words of St. John Chrysostom in one of the Communion prayers: O Lord, my God, I know that I am not worthy or able to have you enter under the roof of the dwelling of my soul, but as you have humbled yourself from on high for our sake, accept me your humble servant Thus we see that we do not take Communion because we are worthy, but because the Lord condescends to dwell within us. We do not partake because we are worthy but because we want to become worthy. When will the Christian who claims he is unworthy feel worthy? And if he feels unworthy every Sunday, why does he feel worthy on the great days of Christmas, Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, Easter, Pentecost, the Feast of the Holy Apostles, August 15, etc.? If you can take Communion on Easter, why not every Sunday, which is a micro- Easter? Holy Communion is not a reward for saintliness because we receive it unto the remission of sins and life-everlasting . It is a weapon in our battle for saintliness. Some say that only the Priests can take Communion regularly, but not the lay-
3. Another great obstacle to frequent Holy Communion is fasting.
What relation is there between fasting and Holy Communion? Many believe that the fast periods before Christmas, Easter, the feast of the Holy Apostles and the Dormition of the Virgin have been established as preparation for Holy Communion on these days. Thus, since extended periods of fasting exist only before these four Holy Days, we must take Communion only four times a year! But Holy Communion is not just for four times a year but daily food for the soul. Give us this day our daily bread, we ask of God in the Lord s Prayer for the nourishment of the body. Holy Communion is our daily bread for the nourishment of the soul, without which the soul weakens and dies. Most assuredly I say to you , said the Lord, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you (John 6, 53). There is no connection between these great fasts and Holy Communion. The fast before any great feast is intended to familiarize us with the great events connected with
a. The life of the early Church.
Nowhere in the New Testament or the Apostolic Fathers is there any mention about a fast before Holy Communion. b. None of the Holy Canons establishes such a fast. St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain characteristically states: No fast is established before Holy Communion by any canon, except for the celebrant (originally) and the communicant later) who must approach the Chalice without having eaten.
c. The practice of the Church
would indicate that if there were a threeday abstention before Holy Communion, all those faithful who attend all Divine Liturgies and take Holy Communion regularly would never taste meat, fish or olive oil in their whole life, except for the twelve days of Christmas, the first week of the Triodion, the week after Easter, and the week after Pentecost.
d. The Holy Communion of the clergy. How could they fast for three days
before Holy Communion when they partake several times a week?
4. And there are still more objections that people raise against frequent Holy Communion, such as: Are not the people taking Holy Communion regularly bothered by passions, gluttony, vanity, idle talk, etc.? How can they take Communion so frequently? St. Athanasios of Antioch provides the following answer: There are many who, because
they do not commune frequently, fall unto sin; others again who take Communion frequently protect themselves from many evils because of reverence for Holy Communion and fear of their violating it; that is, they use Holy Communion as a deterrent against sin. As humans, we are burdened with venial sins, i.e. sins not leading to death. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death (1 John 5, 16). Such sins (venial sins) not leading to death are those which do not destroy the love for God and for fellow man, such as, by mouth or hearing or vision or by deception we fall into vanity or grief, or anger and the like , specifically: bad talk, actions as a result of anger, ignorance or foolishness, weakness, surprise, shock and dire need such as petty larceny. As Androutsos writes in his Symbolike , venial sins are those which no man can avoid except Christ and the Virgin Many, and which do not deprive us of the grace of God, nor do they subject us to eternal death. In such cases, let us rebuke ourselves and let us confess to God and then let us partake believing that Holy Communion will result in the forgiveness of sins and our cleansing. If, however, we have committed grave (moral) sins such as: pride, greed, gluttony, immorality, hate, vengeance and neglect, which are sensual and unclean and harbor malice against our brother, then we should not dare to approach until we have gone to confession. But, continues Androutsos, because as humans we are carnal and sick and are dirtied by many sins, God has given us several sacrifices unto the remission of sins which, if we offer to Him, we shall be cleansed and made ready for Communion. Charity is a sacrifice which cleanses man from sin. And there is another salutary sacrifice that is spoken of by the prophet David: a clean heart, a contrite and humble spirit, God will never despise. If we offer these sacrifices to God and if we, as humans, are burdened by small vices, the venial sins we stated above, we should be able to approach with fear and torment and contrition, as the woman with the flow of blood approached Christ crying and trembling. There are deadly sins and there are venial sins, as we have seen, and there are, also, sins set in concrete. However, true repentance can heal all of them; because there is different forgiveness for the one who approaches with fear and trembling and confession and contrition and partakes, and a different punishment for the one who approaches without fear and with contempt. Having presented the most important objections to frequent Holy Communion, we will now look at the true preparation for partaking of the precious Body and Blood of our Lord. It is truly unfortunate that most people have limited their preparation for Holy Communion to fasting. We have seen that there is no compulsory fasting before Holy Communion, except approaching on an empty stomach. There is, however, an independent fasting discipline prescribed by the Church: Wednesday and Friday, the four Lenten periods, Christmas, Easter, the Holy Apostles and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, and the three days, January 5, August 29 and September 14, which must be kept by all, as a personal discipline. But fasting alone is not enough; there is the more important SPIRITUAL PREPARATION that consists of the following steps:
u page 29
JULY-AUGUST 2001
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PEOPLE in the Archdiocese Georgia’s President, U.S. Serb Lawyers Honor Andrew Athens NEW YORK Andrew A. Athens, president of the World Council of Hellenes, former president of the Archdiocesan Council and a long-time benefactor of the Church, has received two high honors from the Republic of Georgia and the Serbian Lawyers Bar Association of America. In Tbilisi, Georgia, the capital, President of the Republic of Georgia Edward Shevardnadze recently awarded Mr. Athens with his nation s highest civilian award, the Order of Honor, in a private ceremony at the presidential palace. We know you as the famous Greek from the U.S., bringing a worldwide charitable mission to Georgia during these troubled times, Mr. Shevardnadze told Mr. Athens. The award was given in recognition of his outstanding contribution for medical and humanitarian assistance to the people of Georgia, professional development of Georgia s medical community, establishment of the Greek Medical Center and further strengthening of the friendship between the Georgian and Greek peoples. Dr. Charles Kanakis, SAE Medical Affairs director, who is assessing the medical needs of the Hellenic communities in Armenia, participated in the ceremony, along with representatives of the Greek community and medical personnel from SAE s medical centers. The major facility is in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia and other centers have been established in the Tsalka region, a concentration of 28 Greek villages, and in the town of Tsitsikizvari.
U.S. Serbian Lawyers Association Honors A. Athens for worldwide service
On June 11 in Chicago, the Serbian Bar Association of America awarded Mr. Athens the 2001 Felman Merit Award the association gives annually for outstanding worldwide service.
PAGE 13
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Also available in books illustrated with full color pictures. The association s new president, Louis Milicich, at the organization s annual dinner, recognized Mr. Athens for his international philanthropic programs, such as medical relief to the Hellenes in the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union, and for his long friendship to the Serbian people. He also credited Mr. Athens the role of primary advisor to the Serbian community in its effort to understand, and work with, the political system in Washington D. C. Sen. George Voinovich, a former governor of Ohio and the first American of Serbian heritage to be elected to the U.S. Senate, was also honored with the Serbian Bar Association s award for public service. Also at the dinner was Swedish parliament member Nikos Papadopoulos, president of the International Forum of Greek Members of Parliaments.
CYPRUS CHILDREN S FUND
Dr. Siolas Reappointed to Language Review Board Archbishop Demetrios has reappointed Dr. John G. Siolas, an education administrator with the New York City Board of Education and adjunct assistant professor at St. John s University School of Education, to a two-year term on the Archdiocesan Greek Language Review Board. His Eminence said in a recent letter to Dr. Siolas: You have been of significant assistance to the Archdiocesan Office of Greek Education through your expertise in the area of foreign language
testing and instruction and your long association with the Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek. Your participation coupled with the collective effort of the Board enabled the rendering of an expert opinion on the Modern Greek Language Comprehensive Examination, developed annually by the Archdiocesan Office of Greek Education, and also ensured that New York State Education Department guidelines relating to the development and the administration of this examination have been met.
R ETIRED CLERGY Fr. Treantafeles Retires PALATINE, Ill. Fr. Demetrios N. Treantafeles, pastor of St. Nectarios Church in Palatine since July 1, 1981, has retired after nearly 50 years in the priesthood. During his ministry, he served five parishes, including St. Nectarios, all but one in the Chicago Diocese. They were St. Nicholas, Chicago (1952-56); Annunciation, Kansas City, Mo. (1956-65); St. John the Baptist, Des Plaines, Ill. (196569); Church of the Assumption, Chicago (1969-81); and St. Nectarios, Palatine, Ill. (1981-2001). Nearly 1,000 persons came to wish Fr. Demetrios well at his final Liturgy as
proistamenos of the church. When he arrived in the community 20 years ago, services took place on a hill in a small chapel that was a renovated farm building. Sunday school classes were held in its often-flooded basement, or in two small, rented trailers. Father T , as he was known, led the community to build the present church building in 1983 and the community center in 1989. He also raised funds, planned and executed the completion of the iconography, furnishings and embellishments that culminated in the church s consecration on Sept. 23-24, 2000.
Write to the Orthodox Observer e-mail us at
observer@goarch.org BIBLE GUIDE • September 1 S .. Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 4:16-22 Ecclesiastical New Year 2 SUN .. 1 Cor. 16:13-24; Mt 21:33-42 3 M ........ 2 Cor. 12:10-19; Mk 4:10-23 4 T ....... 2 Cor. 12:20-13:2; Mt 4:24-34 5 W ......... 2 Cor. 13:3-13; Mt 23:29-39 6 Th ............ Heb. 2:2-10; Lk 10:16-21 The Miracle at Colassai of Archangel Michael 7 F.Gal. 2:6-10; Mt 5:22-24, 35-42,6:1 8 S ........ Philippians 2:5-11; Lk 10:3842,11:28-28 The Nativity of the Theotokos 9 SUN ......... Gal. 6:11-18; Jn 3:13-17 10 M ............ Gal. 2:11-16; Jn 3:16-21 11 T .......... Gal. 2:21-3:7; Jn 12:19-36 12 W .......... Gal. 3:15-20; Jn 11:47-54 13 Th ............ Heb. 3:1-4; Mt 16:13-19 14 F .... 1 Cor. 1:18-24; Jn 19:6-11, 13 20, 25-28, 30-35
Elevation of the Holy Cross 15 S ........ 1 Cor. 1:26-2:5; Jn 8: 21-30 16 SUN ..... Gal. 2:16-20; Mk 8:34-9:1 17 M ......... Gal. 4:28-5:10; Lk 3:19-22 18 T ............ Gal. 5:11-21; Lk 3:23-4:1 19 W ................ Gal. 6:2-19; Lk 4:1-15 20 Th ........ Eph. 6:10-17; Lk 21:12-19 21 F .............. Eph. 1:7-17; Lk 4:22-30 22 S ......... 1 Co. 10:23-28; Lk 4:31-36 23 SUN .. 1st Sun. of Luke, Gal. 4:2227; Lk. 5:1-11 24 M ... 2 Timothy 3:10-15; Lk 5:12-16 25 T ........... Eph. 2:19-3:7; Lk 5:12-16 26 W ........... 1John 4:12-19; Jn 19:2527,21:24-25 The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian 27 Th ... Ephesians 4:4-17; Lk 6:12-19 28 F ............ 2 Cor. 4:6-15; Lk 6:17-23 29 S ......... 1 Cor. 6:16-7:1; Lk 5:17-26 30 SUN ... 2 Cor. 6:16-7:1; Lk 6:31-36
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
PAGE 14
AHEPA Joins Leadership 100 u page 1 act of faith coincides with everything that AHEPA does in conjunction with the work of the church. This is not a check and this is not business, said Archbishop Demetrios. This is an expression of theology and faith. Upon learning of AHEPA s decision to join Leadership 100, Chairman Arthur Anton, in a letter to AHEPA s president, said, With this act, our Church and Community have reached a true milestone. The joining of the oldest and leading Hellenic Organization in America to the most prominent organization dedicated to the support of our Orthodox Church and the advancement of Hellenism is a remarkable achievement. We believe there will be many creative and productive ways in which we can work together toward our mutual goals, expressing a unity of purpose while benefiting from a diversity of experience. Our best wishes for every success in the commencement of your presidency. We look forward to meeting with you in the coming months and exploring areas of cooperation.
Supreme President s Final Remarks
Economy, in his final address as supreme president, recounted and shared with the audience the moving experiences felt during a goodwill mission to visit the enclaved people of the occupied area of northern Cyprus last May. When we looked into their eyes we could not see any sense of Elefteria, said Economy. It is a word that is alien to these people. They can t feel it, they can t taste it, and they can t touch it. Now that is a crime for any human being, but perhaps for a Hellene, it is more than a crime. It s an abomination. His Eminence commented on the unselfish gesture of the supreme president to devote his final remarks to the cause of Cyprus.
A Welcome from Athens for 2002 Convention
Deputy Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic Grigoris Niotis and Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos commended the leadership of Supreme President Economy and the revitalization of the organization. They offered gratitude to AHEPA for providing humanitarian, philanthropic and financial aid to Greece in times of need over its 80 years of service. More importantly, both dignitaries officially welcomed the AHEPA family with open arms to next year s 80th Supreme Convention in Athens, July 21-28. The audience viewed videos on the growth and development of Athens and the preparations of the 2004 Olympic Games. A promotional video for next year s convention was also unveiled.
Presentations
Mr. Economy presented Mr. P.A. Margaronis and the Margaronis Family with the 2001 Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award for their years of dedication to the ideals of philanthropy and education exemplified by their $1 million donation to the AHEPA National Educational Foundation for the establishment of the P.A. Margaronis Scholarship Fund. Nick Stratas, president, AHEPA National Housing Corporation, announced the beneficiaries of $400,000 distributed annually by the profits of the AHEPA Management Company, Inc., a non-profit corporation that manages the over 50 AHEPA HUD-202 projects across the United States. The full banquet program offered Archbishop Demetrios as the keynote speaker. The AHEPA family also received remarks from Daughters of Penelope Grand President Betty Benjou, Sons of Pericles Supreme President John Halkias, Maids of Athena Grand President Karen Polyzos,
Chairman Betzelos, Metropolitan Athenagoras, Ambassador of Greece to the United States Alexander Philon, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus Erato KozakouMarcoullis, and Demetra Egan, manager of Greeks abroad, 2004 ATHOC. Supreme Counselor William B. Marianes served as master of ceremonies.
New Supreme President
Delegates elected Andrew T. Banis of Walnut Creek, Calif., as Supreme President for 2001-2002. Banis was officially installed with the rest of the new Supreme Lodge and Board of Directors. Mr. Banis, a 47-year member of AHEPA, ran unopposed and admitted he has a tough act to follow, referring to Past Supreme President Johnny N. Economy. Mr. Banis, a native of Sioux City, Iowa, held numerous offices during his AHEPA career at the chapter, district and national levels, including supreme vice president, supreme secretary, and two terms as supreme governor. He is a member of Oakland Chapter 171, one of the strongest chapters in the AHEPA family. In the community, Mr. Banis served as parish council member of Ascension Cathedral for 14 years and as parish council president in 1986. He was married to the late Daughters of Penelope Grand President Thalia Banis.
Supreme Lodge & Board of Directors Elections
The balance of the Supreme Lodge blends veteran leadership with energetic newcomers. They are: Canadian President, Xenophon Scoufaras, Supreme Vice President Dr. James F. Dimitriou, Supreme Secretary Nicholas Alexander, Supreme Treasurer Chris Peppas, Supreme Counselor Nicholas Karacostas, and Supreme Athletic Director Dr. Monthe N. Kofos. The eight supreme governors are: Nicholas Ballas, Connie Calliontzis, Domino Giallourakis, James Gounaris, Stan Lefes, Sam Markopoulos, Basil Mossaidis, and Tom Owens. Past Supreme President Johnny N. Economy, Ike Gulas, and Steven Tripodes were elected to three-year terms on the Board of Directors. Mr. Gulas was reelected to a second term. The board will have elections for its executive committee in September. Also, Craig Clawson was elected to a three-year term on the Board of Auditors.
AHEPA Family Elections
The remaining AHEPA family organizations also held elections. Joanne Booras was elected grand president of the Daughters of Penelope, Nick Livaditis was elected supreme president of the Sons of Pericles, and Katherine Papadimitriou was elected grand president of the Maids of Athena. The 79th annual Supreme Convention officially concluded with the installation of all National Lodges of the AHEPA family. We are already looking forward to the excitement of returning to Athens for the 80th Supreme Convention, added Mr. Banis. However we realize we have a lot of work ahead of us before we can get there. ÁHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, and Cyprus and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history,joined with the NAACP and B nai B rith to fight discrimination. The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ideals of Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence. The AHEPA family consists of four organizations: AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena.
JULY-AUGUST 2001
SCHOLARSHIPS Fellowship of Orthodox Churches in Connecticut Offers Scholarships BRIDGEPORT, Conn. In 1973, the Rev. Demetrios Recachinas and Mr. George Hallas proposed the Fellowship of Orthodox Churches in Connecticut, known as FORCC. These faithful Orthodox Christians worked diligently to assemble Orthodoxy of various ethnic heritages throughout the state of Connecticut and successfully accomplished this relationship into one. Each member parish is under the jurisdiction of the Standing Conference of Orthodoxy Bishops in America (SCOBA). Today, 21 Orthodox parishes in Connecticut are in unity and prospectively many more parishes interested in joining. Their monthly meetings entail plans for the elderly as well as the youth including future activities that will enhance the progress of Orthodoxy in America. One outstanding program on their calendar is the FORCC Scholarship. Nowadays with the youth facing high economy requirements, FORCC took into consideration to alleviate some of the burden by offering to all parish members of the FORCC four Scholarships of five hundred dollars ($500) each to high school graduates planning to enter
college for the first time. Scholastic achievement, church involvement and financial aid are important factors in selecting scholarship recipients. At a meeting held by William Balamaci, chairman; Eva Vaniotis, FORCC scholarship chairman; Father Demetrios Recachinas, Nina Kosowsky and Greg Stamos, a selection of four outstanding students was made from various Connecticut Orthodox churches. These four students will be honored at the FORCC s eighth annual benefit dinner on Sunday, Sept. 30. Honored guest speaker will be Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, ecumenical officer of the Archdiocese, general secretary of SCOBA. This year the dinner will be held in September at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bridgeport with Fr. Demetrios Recachinas, protopresbyter, as the coordinator. Recipients are as follows: Tassos Recachinas, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox, Bridgeport; Heather Cipu and Cara Faith Bernard, both from St. Dimitri Romanian Orthodox Church; Bridgeport; Heather Esares, St. Barbara Greek Orthodox, Orange.
Cyprus Children’s Fund Awards $18,000 in Scholarships NEW YORK Peter J. Pappas, national chairman and president of the Cyprus Children s Fund and Alexandra Lappas, chairwoman of the Makarios Scholarship/Theodore & Wally Lappas Awards and the scholarship committee members met recently to declare the following students as the 2001 Scholarship Awards winners for $18,000. The major award of the Cyprus Children s Fund is the Makarios Scholarship/Theodore & Wally Lappas Award which was created in 1983 by the great benefactors of the Cypriot children, the late Theodore & Wally Lappas. A combined total of $495,000 is invested with Prudential Securities.
Makarios Scholarship Theodore & Wally Lappas Awards
Alexandra Lappas, chairwoman of the Makarios Scholarship/ Theodore & Wally Lappas Awards announced that the following eight students are recipients of a $1,500 award each: Klelia Antoniou, of New Jersey City University (undergraduate degree in spe-
cial education and foreign languages; Kyriacos Charalambous of Essex County College, Newark, NJ (undergraduate degree in teaching); Christina Chrysostomou of Old Dominion University (graduate degree in business administration); Renos Hadjianastasiou (New York Institute of Technology master of science in electrical and computer engineering); George Papasavva (City College of the City University of New York undergraduate degree in computer science); Charalambos Lestas (San Diego State University undergraduate studies in civil engineering); Andreas Kavazis (University of Florida graduate studies in animal science, equine nutrition and exercise physiology); Savvas Zannettos (Rutgers State University undergraduate studies in finance and economics)
Makarios Scholarship Thomas & Elaine Kyrus Endowment
The Thomas and Elaine Kyrus Endowment Award in the amount of $1,000 is awarded to Natalie M. Zannettou of the Rhode Island School of Design pursuing a degree in architecture.
3 Seminarians Receive Svourakis Memorial Scholarships CHICAGO The Michael A. Svourakis Memorial Scholarship Fund of Annunciation Cathedral has provided 12 seminarians financial assistance. With the blessing of Father Nicholas Nikokavouras and the cooperation of the Council President Demetri Makris, this year s scholarship committee that consisted of Bob Peponis Esther Vilas and George Capulos, reviewed the applications and made their decisions based on academic achievement and need. Several students have received
scholarships more than once. This year s recipients, Peter Goritsan, John Vlahos and Michael Prevas, joined previous recipients Scott Zacharis Hoffinies, Ioannis Nasis, Tim Alikakos, Nicholas Georgou, Andy Georganas, George Pappas, Peter Spiros, Perry Hamalis and Louis Vilas. Mr. Svourakis, an Archon, died in 1987 but his love for the church and his desire to help worthy seminarians continues from a fund established in him memory by his family
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ÅÔÏÓ 66
ÉÏÕË ÉÏÓ - ÁÕÃÏÕÓÔÏÓ
2001
ÁÑÉÈÌÏÓ 1183
Åíèïõóéþäçò õðïäï÷Þ ôïõ ÐñïêáèÞìåíïõ ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò óôç ËÝóâï ÌÕÔÉËÇÍÇ. «Ôï Áéãáßïí, åéò ôï ïðïßïí óìßãïõí ôñåéò ¹ðåéñïé, åßíáé áíÝêáèåí ìßá èÜëáóóá áíïéêôÞ, ìßá èÜëáóóá åðéêïéíùíßáò êáé äéáëüãïõ. Ôï Áñ÷éðÝëáãïò ïöåßëåé íá äéáäñáìáôßóåé ñüëïí ãåöýñáò, öéëßáò êáé óõíåñãáóßáò ìåôáîý ôùí äýï ïìüñùí ëáþí». ÁõôÜ ôüíéóå ìåôáîý Üëëùí ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò êáôÜ ôçí åðßóêåøÞ ôïõ óôï íçóß ôçò ËÝóâïõ.
ÁÎÉÏÓ!
ôïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ Ìáããßíá
Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ìåôÝâç óôï íçóß ìåôÜ áðü ðñüóêëçóç ôïõ Ìçôñïðïëßôïõ ÌõôéëÞíçò ê. Éáêþâïõ ìå óêïðü íá ðáñáóôåß óôéò åïñôáóôéêÝò åêäçëþóåéò óôçí åðÝôåéï ìíÞìçò ôùí Áãßùí ðïõ äéÝëáìøáí óôç ËÝóâï. ÊáôÜ ôçí Üöéîç ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßïõ óôç ÌõôéëÞíç ï Õðïõñãüò Áéãáßïõ Íßêïò ÓçöïõíÜêçò êáëùóüñéóå ôïí ÐñïêáèÞìåíï ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò êáé ìåôáîý Üëëùí ôüíéóå üôé ôïí õðïäÝ÷åôáé: «Óáí óýìâïëï ôçò åíüôçôïò ôïõ ÃÝíïõò, áëëÜ êáé óáí ôçí ðéï ëáìðñÞ á÷ôßäá öùôüò ðïõ ëÜìðåé êáé êáèïäçãåß óôï ðáãêüóìéï óôåñÝùìá. Áõôüí ôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç, õðïäÝ÷åôáé óÞìåñá ìå ôç ëáìðñüôçôá ðïõ ôïõ ðñÝðåé óýóóùìç ç ËÝóâïò êáé æçôÜ ôçí åõëïãßá ôïõ». Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá ôçò ïìéëßá ôïõ ï Õðïõñãüò äéáâåâáßùóå üôé: «Ç óçìåñéíÞ ÅëëçíéêÞ ðïëéôåßá äåí èá åðéôñÝøåé óå êáíÝíá, óôï üíïìá ôçò äéêÞò ôïõ öéëïäïîßáò Þ ìáôáéïäïîßáò, íá áìöéóâçôÞóåé áõôü ðïõ ï èåóìüò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ óçìáôïäïôåß óôçí êáñäéÜ êáé ôç óõíåßäçóç ôùí ÅëëÞíùí». ÔÝëïò, ï Õðïõñãüò êáôÝëçîå ëÝãïíôáò: «Ôï ÖáíÜñé õðÞñîå êáé åßíáé ï ðõñóüò ðïõ öùôßæåé ôçí Ïñèüäïîç ×ñéóôéáíéêÞ ÏéêïõìÝíç ìá ðéüôåñï ôïí áðáíôá÷ïý Åëëçíéóìü. Äåí åêöñÜæïõí ôïí Åëëçíéóìü üóïé áñíïýíôáé áêüìá êáé ôçí ðñïò ôïí Ýîù êüóìï åíéáßá
K
Íéê. Ìáããßíáò
Ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò ÷áéñåôßæåé ôïí ðéóôü ëáü ôçò ËÝóâïõ, äåîéÜ ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÌõôéëÞíçò ê. ÉÜêùâïò êáé áñéóôåñÜ ï Õðïõñãüò Áéãáßïõ ê. Íßê. ÓçöïõíÜêçò
Ýêöñáóç ôçò Ïñèüäïîçò ðßóôçò ìÝóù ôïõ Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ êáé ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç ôïõ». ÊáôÜ ôçí ðáñáìïíÞ ôïõ óôï Áéãáéïðåëáãßôéêï íçóß, ï ÐñïêáèÞìåíïò ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò ðñïÝóôç Ðáíçãõñéêïý Åóðåñéíïý óôï íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ ÈåñÜðïíôïò êáé ëéôáíåßáò óôïõò êåíôñéêïýò äñüìïõò ôçò ðüëåùò ôçò ÌõôéëÞíçò, ôçí äå çìÝñá ìíÞìçò ôùí Ëåóâßùí Áãßùí ðñïåîÞñ÷å ôçò Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò ðïõ ôåëÝóèçêå óôïí Ìçôñïðïëéôéêü Íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ Áèáíáóßïõ, üðïõ óõëëåéôïýñãçóáí ÉåñÜñ÷åò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Èñüíïõ êáé ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò. Óôï ôÝëïò ôçò Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò êáé ç Ýêðëçîç: Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò áðÝíåéìå ôï Ïöößêéïí ôïõ ¢ñ÷ïíôïò ÐñïóôÜôïõ ôùí ÃñáììÜôùí óôïí äéäÜóêáëü ôïõ, óôç ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôçò ×Üëêçò, êáèçãçôÞ ÁèáíÜóéï Ôóåñíüãëïõ, áðü ôç ÌõôéëÞíç, ìå êáôáãùãÞ áðü ôçí
ÐÝñãáìï áðü ôïí ðáôÝñá ôïõ êáé áðü ôéò ÊõäùíéÝò (Áúâáëß), áðü ôç ìçôÝñá ôïõ. ÌåôÜ ôç ÷åéñïèåóßá ôïõ íÝïõ ¢ñ÷ïíôïò ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò óôçí ïìéëßá ôïõ ôüíéóå üôé: «Ï åõãíþìùí ìáèçôÞò ðÜíôïôå áíáìéìíÞóêåôáé ôùí êáëþí äéäáóêÜëùí ôïõ, ïé ïðïßïé Ýóðåéñáí åéò ôçí êáñäßáí êáé ôçí äéÜíïéÜí ôïõ óðüñïí áãáèüí, êáñðïöïñïýíôá êáè üëçí ôçí æùÞí ôïõ êáñðïýò áãëáïýò ðïëëáðëáóßïõò». Óôï äéÜóôçìá ôçò ðáñáìïíÞò ôïõ óôç ËÝóâï (15 19 Éïõíßïõ), ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò åðéóêÝöèçêå êáé ôç Ìçôñüðïëç Ìçèýìíçò, ðñïÝóôç äïîïëïãéþí óôïõò íáïýò ðïõ åðéóêÝöèçêå óôéò äéÜöïñåò ðüëåéò êáé êùìïðüëåéò, áíáêçñý÷èçêå åðßôéìïò äçìüôçò ðïëëþí ðüëåùí êáé öýôåõóå áíáìíçóôéêÜ ôçò åðéóêÝøåùò ôïõ äÝíäñá.
u óåë. 16
Ï Óåâ. Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÔáñÜóéïò ìå ôïõò ðåñé÷áñåßò ãïíåßò ôïõ ìåôÜ ôçí åíèñüíéóç.
Åíèñïíßóôçêå ï íÝïò Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÌðïõÝíïò Áúñåò ê. ÔáñÜóéïò u óåë. 16
Ç ÐÁÑÁÊËÇÓÇ ÔÇÓ ÐÁÍÁÃÉÁÓ
Üèå âñÜäé, ôéò ðñþôåò äÝêá ðÝíôå ìÝñåò ôïõ Áõãïýóôïõ ãåìßæïõí ïé íáïß ìáò áðü ôï ðéóôü ëáü ìáò ãéá íá ôéìÞóåé Åêåßíç, ç ïðïßá åßíáé «ç Ðñïóôáóßá êáé ÓêÝðç» ìáò, «ôùí ðéóôþí ôï óôÞñéãìá», «ç ðçãÞ åëÝïõò», «ôï ôåß÷ïò ôï áðñïóìÜ÷çôï», «ôï êáôáöýãéï ôïõ êüóìïõ». ØÜëëïõìå êÜèå âñÜäé óôçí ÐáíÜìùìï, ÁåéðÜñèåíï Ìáñßá, ôç ÌçôÝñá ôïõ Èåïý êáé ôç ÄÝóðïéíá ôïõ Êüóìïõ ôïí Ðáñáêëçôéêü Êáíüíá Þ üðùò ôçí áðïêáëåß ï ëáüò ìáò ôçí ÐáñÜêëçóç ôçò Ðáíáãßáò. ÌðñïóôÜ óôçí åéêüíá ôçò Ðáíáãßáò ðïõ ôçí óôïëßæïõí ôá ëïõëïýäéá ôïõ êáëïêáéñéïý, äéá÷ýíïíôáé ðëïýóéá êáé Üöèïíá ôïýôåò ôéò ìÝñåò, ç åõóÝâåéá, ç áãÜðç êáé ç åõãíùìïóýíç ôïõ Ïñèüäïîïõ ëáïý ìáò. Ïé ëáìðÜäåò áíÜâïõí êáé ôï åõùäéáóôéêü èõìßáìá êáôáðëçììõñßæåé ôïõò íáïýò ìáò, ùò Ýêäçëç êáé ïëïöÜíåñç Ýêöñáóç ôçò áéþíéáò åõãíùìïóýíçò ìáò ìðñïóôÜ óôï óåðôü ðñüóùðï ôçò Ðáíáãßáò ìáò, ðïõ åßíáé ç «õøçëïôÝñá ôùí ïõñáíþí» êáé «êáèáñùôÝñá ôùí ëáìðçäüíùí ôùí çëéáêþí». Ç ÐáñÜêëçóç ôçò Ðáíáãßáò åßíáé ìéá áðü ôéò ðïéü üìïñöåò, óõãêéíçôéêÝò êáé óõãêëïíéóôéêÝò Áêïëïõèßåò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ìáò. Ï Ìéêñüò êáé ï ÌÝãáò Ðáñáêëçôéêüò Êáíüíáò, äçë. ç ÌåãÜëç êáé ç ÌéêñÞ ÐáñÜêëçóç, øÜëëïíôáé êÜèå äåýôåñç ìÝñá óôïõò Íáïýò ìáò. Ç ÌéêñÞ ÐáñÜêëçóç âÝâáéá, øÜëëåôáé êáé üðïôå áéóèÜíïíôáé ôçí øõ÷éêÞ áíÜãêç ïé ðéóôïß ìáò, óáí ìéá óõíå÷Þò éêåóßá êáé ðñïóåõ÷Þ ðñïò ôç Ðáíáãßá ìáò, ãéá íá ãßíåé áõôÞ «ï ãëõêáóìüò ôùí ÁããÝëùí, ôùí èëéâïìÝíùí ç ÷áñÜ, ôùí áóèåíþí åðßóêåøç, ôùí êáôáðïíïõìÝíùí
óêÝðç êáé áíôßëçøéò, êáé ôùí ïñöáíþí âïçèüò». Äåí ãíùñßæïõìå ðüôå êáé áðü ðïéïýò ãñÜöôçêáí áõôïß ïé åîáßóéïé «Èåïìçôïñéêïß» Êáíüíåò. Ï áåßìíçóôïò êáèçãçôÞò ôïõ Ðáíåðéóôçìßïõ Áèçíþí Íéêüëáïò ÔùìáäÜêçò ðßóôåõå üôé ç ÌéêñÞ ÐáñÜêëçóç Ý÷åé ôéò ñßæåò ôçò óôïí 5ï áéþíá êáé ìÜëéóôá óôç ËéôÞ, äçëáäÞ ôçí åéäéêÞ Áêïëïõèßá, ç ïðïßá åøÜëëåôï óôçí Ðáíáãßá ôùí Âëá÷åñíþí óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç. Ç ÌéêñÞ ÐáñÜêëçóç áíáìß÷èçêå áñãüôåñá ìå ôïí ÌÝãá Ðáñáêëçôéêü Êáíüíá Þ ôç ÌåãÜëç ÐáñÜêëçóç, ôçí ïðïßá Ýãñáøå ï ÁõôïêñÜôïñáò ôïõ Âõæáíôßïõ Èåüäùñïò ´ ï ËÜóêáñçò, ôïí 13ï áéþíá. Ç ÐáñÜêëçóç åêôüò áðü ôïõò íáïýò øÜëëåôáé êáé óôá óðßôéá ôùí ðéóôþí, óå óôéãìÝò áíÜãêçò, èëßøåùí, áóèåíåéþí êáé äéáöüñùí äïêéìáóéþí êáé ï éåñÝáò ìíçìïíåýåé õðÝñ õãåßáò êáé óùôçñßáò ôùí ðéóôþí, ôùí ðáó÷üíôùí êáé ôùí åí äïêéìáóßá åõñéóêïìÝíùí. Ôçí çìÝñá ôçò Ðáíáãßáò, ôïí Äåêáðåíôáýãïõóôï, ôéìÜôáé ç Êïßìçóç Þ ç «ÌåôÜóôáóç» ôçò Ðáíáãßáò óôïõò ïõñáíïýò. Ãé áõôüí ôïí ëüãï ç ÌéêñÞ ÐáñÜêëçóç ôåëåéþíåé ìå ôïí õðÝñï÷ï ýìíï, «Áðüóôïëïé åê ðåñÜôùí...» üôé äçë. ïé Áðüóôïëïé áðü ôá ðÝñáôá ôïõ êüóìïõ óõãêåíôñþèçêáí óôçí ÃåóèçìáíÞ ãéá íá êçäåýóïõí ôï óþìá ôçò ÁåéðáñèÝíïõ Ìáñßáò, ôï ïðïßï ìåôÝóôç ðñïò ôçí áéþíéá æùÞ, ðëçóßïí ôïõ Õéïý ôçò êáé Èåïý, ôïõ Êõñßïõ çìþí Éçóïý ×ñéóôïý. Åêåß óôïõò ïõñáíïýò ãßíåôáé ðáíôïôåéíÞ ìåóßôñéá ãéá ïëüêëçñç ôçí áíèñùðüôçôá. (Êåßìåíï ôïõ êáè. Ãåùñãßïõ ÌðåìðÞ)
ÓÅËÉÄÁ 16
ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ
ÉÏÕËÉÏÓ - ÁÕÃÏÕÓÔÏÓ 2001
Åíèñïíßóôçêå ï íÝïò Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÌðïõÝíïò Áúñåò ê. ÔáñÜóéïò
ÌÐÏÕÅÍÏÓ ÁÉÑÅÓ Ç åíèñüíéóç åíüò åðéóêüðïõ, ôïõ ðíåõìáôéêïý ðáôÝñá êáé áñ÷çãïý ôçò ôïðéêÞò Åêêëçóßáò åßíáé åî ïñéóìïý, óôçí Ïñèüäïîç Ðßóôç ìáò, ìéá óôéãìÞ Üêñùò óõìâïëéêÞ êé Ýíá ãåãïíüò ìÝãéóôï ãéá ôçí æùÞ êáé ôçí ôåëåßùóç ôçò Åêêëçóßáò. Åßíáé ç óôéãìÞ ðïõ ï ðïéìÞí åíáãêáëßæåôáé ôï ðïßìíéü ôïõ êáé ôï ðïßìíéï ìå åõëÜâåéá, ðßóôç êáé óõíáßóèçóç åíáãêáëßæåôáé ôïí ðïéìÝíá ôïõ êé áíáöùíåß «ÁÎÉÏÓ». ¼óïé åß÷áí ôçí åõêáéñßá íá óõììåôÝ÷ïõí óå ôåëåôÞ åíèñïíßóåùò Ýíïéùóáí ôçí óõãêßíçóç êáé ôï äÝïò ðïõ õðïâÜëëåé ç ìåãáëïðñåðÞò ÂõæáíôéíÞ ôåëåôÞ. Ôï ÓÜââáôï 14 Éïõëßïõ 2001 óôï ìáêñéíü ÌðïõÝíïò ¢úñåò, ðëÞèïò Åëëçíïñèïäüîùí ðéóôþí ôçò ÁñãåíôéíÞò, ôçò Íïôßïõ ÁìåñéêÞò áëëÜ êáé éêáíüò áñéèìüò åðéóêåôþí áðü ôéò ÇÐÁ áíáöþíçóáí «¢îéïò!» êáôÜ ôçí åíèñüíéóç ôïõ áìåñéêáíïãåííçìÝíïõ Ìçôñïðïëßôç Ôáñáóßïõ ðïõ åôåëÝóèç óôïí Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôçò ÊïéìÞóåùò ôçò Èåïôüêïõ. Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò, åêðñïóùðüíôáò ôïí Ïéêïõìåíéêü ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç ê. Âáñèïëïìáßï êáé ôçí Áãßá êáé ÉåñÜ Óýíïäï ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ, ðñïÝóôç ôçò åíèñïíßóåùò ôïõ íÝïõ Ìçôñïðïëßôç ÌðïõÝíïò ¢úñåò. Ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÔáñÜóéïò äéáäÝ÷åôáé ôïí Ìçôñïðïëßôç ÃåííÜäéï ðïõ
Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ÄçìÞôñéïò ðåñéóôïé÷éóìÝíïò áðü ôïí Ìçôñïðïëßôç ÁíÝùí Ìåèüäéï (áñéóôåñÜ), ôïí Ìçôñïðïëßôç ÐáíáìÜ Áèçíáãüñá êáé ôïí Åðßóêïðï ¢óóïõ ÉÜêùâï (äåîéÜ) óôïí É. Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôçò ÊïéìÞóåùò ôçò Èåïôüêïõ óôï ÌðïõÝíïò ¢úñåò.
ðñüóöáôá áðåóýñèç ôçò åíåñãïý õðçñåóßáò êáé óõíôáîéïäïôÞèçêå. ÓõãêéíçìÝíïé áðü ôï ãåãïíüò êáé ôçí ìåãÜëç åõëïãßá ôïõ Èåïý, ðáñáêïëïýèçóáí ôçí ôåëåôÞ ïé ãïíåßò ôïõ Ìçôñïðïëßôç, Ðßôåñ êáé ÁããÝëá ¢íôïí ðïõ
ôáîßäåøáí ìáæß ìå äåêÜäåò Üëëïõò ïìïãåíåßò áðü ôéò ÇÐÁ óôçí ìáêñéíÞ ÁñãåíôéíÞ ãéá íá ôéìÞóïõí êáé íá êáìáñþóïõí ôï ðáéäß ôïõò, ðïõ Èåßá ×Üñéôé Ýöèáóå óôï ýðáôï áîßùìá ôçò Éåñùóýíçò. Ìåôáîý ôùí åî ÁìåñéêÞò åðéóêåðôþí
Þôáí êáé ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÁíÝùí êáé ðñüåäñïò ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò Âïóôþíçò ê. Ìåèüäéïò, ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÐáíáìÜ Áèçíáãüñáò, ï ð. Íéêüëáïò ÃêñÜö, ï ð. ÉùÜííçò ÌáãïõëéÜò, ï ð. ÓðÝíóåñ ÊÝôæéïò êáé ï ð. ÃáâñéÞë ÊáñÜìðçò. Ç ê. ¢íôïí, ìçôÝñá ôïõ Ìçôñïðïëßôç Ôáñáóßïõ, äåí åýñéóêå ëüãéá íá åêöñÜóåé ôçí ÷áñÜ ôçò. Áíõóç÷ïýóå üìùò ãéá ôá ðñÜãìáôá ðïõ áíõóç÷ïýí üëåò ïé ìçôÝñåò: «Åßíáé ðïëý äéáöïñåôéêÜ åäþ áð ôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç... áëëÜ ðñïóáñìüæåôáé åýêïëá... êáé åßìáé óßãïõñç ðùò èá åãêëéìáôéóèåß ãñÞãïñá êé üëá èá ðÜíå êáëÜ ìå ôç âïÞèåéá ôïõ Èåïý», êáèçóý÷áæå ôï åáõôü ôçò. Ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÔáñÜóéïò, ÷åéñïôïíÞèçêå äéÜêïíïò óôéò 30 Äåêåìâñßïõ 1990 êáé õðçñÝôçóå ùò ðáôñéáñ÷éêüò äéÜêïíïò êáé áñãüôåñá ùò ÌÝãáò Áñ÷éäéÜêïíïò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç ãéá ìéÜ ðåñßðïõ äåêáåôßá. ÅîåëÝãç Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÌðïõÝíïò ¢úñåò óôéò 8 Ìáúïõ 2001, ÷åéñïôïíÞèçêå ðñåóâýôåñïò óôéò 27 Ìáúïõ óôçí Êáððáäïêßá êáé åðßóêïðïò óôéò 3 Éïõíßïõ óôïí Ðáôñéáñ÷éêü Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ Ãåùñãßïõ óôï ÖáíÜñé. Ôï ðëÞñùìá ôçò Åêêëçóßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ ìïéñÜæåôáé ôçí ÷áñÜ ôùí áäåëöþí ïñèïäüîùí ÷ñéóôéáíþí ôçò Íïôßïõ ÁìåñéêÞò êé áíáöùíåß ìáæß ôïõò: ¢îéïò!
Ï ÐÑÏÅÄÑÏÓ ÓÅÂÅÑÍÁÍÔÆÅ ÔÉÌÁ ÔÏÍ ÁÍÔÑÉÏÕ ÁÈÅÍÓ ÄÉÁÂÁÆÙ ÅËËÇÍÉÊÁ... ãéá ðáéäéÜ! ìå ôï Áíþôáôï ÌåôÜëëéï ÔéìÞò ôçò Äçì. ôçò Ãåùñãßáò
Ï ê. ¢íôñéïõ ¢èåíò ðáñáëáìâÜíåé ôï «ÌåôÜëëéï ôçò ÔéìÞò» áðü ôïí ðñüåäñï ôçò Ãåùñãßáò.
Ôéöëßäá, ÃÅÙÑÃÉÁ. Ï Ðñüåäñïò ôçò Äçìïêñáôßáò ôçò Ãåùñãßáò, ê. ¸íôïõáñíô ÓåâåñíÜíôæå ÷áéñÝôéóå ôïí Ðñüåäñï ôïõ Óõìâïõëßïõ Áðüäçìïõ Åëëçíéóìïý, ê. ¢íôñéïõ ¢èåíò ùò «ôï äéÜóçìï ¸ëëçíá áðü ôéò Ç.Ð.Á», êáé ôïí ôßìçóå ìå ôï áíþôáôï âñáâåßï ôçò ÷þñáò, ôï «ÌåôÜëëéï ôçò ÔéìÞò», óå ìéá éäéùôéêÞ ôåëåôÞ ðïõ Ýãéíå ôçí ÐáñáóêåõÞ óôçí ÐñïåäñéêÞ êáôïéêßá. «Óáò ãíùñßæïõìå ùò ôï äéÜóçìï ¸ëëçíá áðü ôéò ÇíùìÝíåò Ðïëéôåßåò, ðïõ ðñïóöÝñåé ôï áíèñùðéóôéêü ôïõ Ýñãï óôç Ãåùñãßá óå áõôÝò ôéò äýóêïëåò åðï÷Ýò», åßðå ï ê. ÓåâåñíÜíôæå óôïí ê. ¢èåíò. Ôï âñáâåßï äüèçêå «Óå áíáãíþñéóç ôçò ìåãÜëçò óõíåéóöïñÜò óå éáôñéêÞ êáé áíèñùðéóôéêÞ âïÞèåéá ðñïò ôïõò êáôïßêïõò ôçò Ãåùñãßáò, ãéá ôçí åðáããåëìáôéêÞ áíÜðôõîç ôçò éáôñéêÞò êïéíüôçôáò ôçò Ãåùñãßáò, ôç äçìéïõñãßá ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Éáôñéêïý ÊÝíôñïõ êáé ôçí åíäõíÜìùóç ôçò öéëßáò áíÜìåóá óôïõò ëáïýò ôçò Ãåùñãßáò êáé ôçò ÅëëÜäáò». ÌåôÜ ôï ôÝëïò ôçò ôåëåôÞò ï Ðñüåäñïò ÓåâåñíÜíôæå ðñïóêÜëåóå ôïí ê. ¢èåíò óôï ãñáöåßï ôïõ
üðïõ êáé åß÷áí óõíïìéëßá ìéáò þñáò. Ï ê. ¢èåíò êáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá ôçò åõ÷áñéóôÞñéáò ïìéëßáò ôïõ áíÝöåñå üôé èá óõíå÷ßóåé ôçí ðñïóðÜèåéÜ ôïõ ãéá éáôñéêÞ êáé áíèñùðéóôéêÞ âïÞèåéá óôéò íåïúäñõèÝíôåò ÷þñåò ôçò ðñþçí ÓïâéåôéêÞò ¸íùóçò. Ôçí ßäéá çìÝñá ðñáãìáôïðïéÞèçêå äåîßùóç óôçí ïðïßá ðáñåõñÝèçóáí óôåëÝ÷ç ôçò ÊõâÝñíçóçò, åðéêåöáëåßò äéåèíþí êáé éáôñéêþí ïñãáíéóìþí êáèþò êáé åðéêåöáëåßò áíèñùðéóôéêþí ïñãáíþóåùí. Ï Äñ. Charles Kanakis, ÄéåõèõíôÞò ôïõ Éáôñéêïý ÐñïãñÜììáôïò ôïõ ÓÁÅ, ï ïðïßïò êÜíåé ìéá áðïôßìçóç ôùí éáôñéêþí áíáãêþí ôùí Åëëçíéêþí êïéíïôÞôùí óôçí Áñìåíßá, Þôáí ðáñþí óôçí ôåëåôÞ ìáæß ìå áíôéðñïóþðïõò ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò êïéíüôçôáò êáé ôïõ éáôñéêïý ðñïóùðéêïý ôùí Éáôñéêþí ÊÝíôñùí ôïõ ÓÁÅ. Ç ìåãáëýôåñç éáôñéêÞ ìïíÜäá âñßóêåôáé óôçí Ôéöëßäá, ðñùôåýïõóá ôçò Ãåùñãßáò, åíþ Ý÷ïõí äçìéïõñãçèåß Üëëá êÝíôñá óôçí ðåñéï÷Þ ôçò ÔóÜëêá üðïõ õðÜñ÷ïõí 28 ÅëëçíéêÜ ÷ùñéÜ, êáé óôçí ðüëç ôïõ ÔóéêôóéâÜñé.
Ôï ðáéäéêü âéâëßï Ý÷åé ùò áíôéêåßìåíï ç äñáóôçñéüôçôá ôùí áíèñþðùí ôïõ «ÄéáâÜæù» åíüò íÝïõ ðñïìçèåõôÞ âéâëßïõ óôéò ÇÐÁ ðïõ åîåéäéêåýåôáé óôï ðáéäéêü âéâëßï, ãéá ðáéäéÜ ðñïó÷ïëéêÞò çëéêßáò áëëÜ êáé ìåãáëýôåñá ðïõ ãíùñßæïõí ðïëý êáëÜ ôçí åëëçíéêÞ ãëþóóá êáé Ý÷åé äýï óêÝëç ëåéôïõñãßáò. Ôï Ýíá óêÝëïò, ôï School Club Åëëçíéêïý Ðáéäéêïý Âéâëßïõ Greek Books for Kids åßíáé âáóéóìÝíï óôá ðñüôõðá ôùí áìåñéêÜíéêùí School Book Clubs, üðïõ ôá ðáéäéÜ ìðïñïýí íá åðéëÝîïõí áðï ìßá äéáöïñåôéêÞ êÜèå öïñÜ óõëëïãÞ âéâëßùí êáé multimedia cd s. Îåêßíçóå ðéëïôéêÜ óå ó÷ïëåßá ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò ôï 2000 ìå ìåãÜëç åðéôõ÷ßá, Ýíôïíï åíèïõóéáóìü êáé èåôéêÜ ó÷üëéá áðü ôïõò ãïíåßò êáé äáóêÜëïõò. Ôï äåýôåñï óêÝëïò ôïõ ÄéáâÜæù åßíáé ôï Greek Book of the Month Club, ôï ïðïßï ëåéôïõñãåß ìå óõíäñïìÞ. Ïé óõíäñïìçôÝò ëáìâÜíïõí áðï 2 Ýùò 4 âéâëßá áíÜëïãá ìå ôçí çëéêßá êáé ôï åðßðåäï áíÜãíùóçò ðïõ Ý÷ïõí åðéëÝîåé. Óå áíôßèåóç ìå ôá áìåñéêÜíéêá book clubs, ç áðïóôïëÞ ôùí âéâëßùí ôïõ ÄéáâÜæù äåí ãßíåôáé áõôïìÜôùò, ðáñÜ ìüíï üôáí ï óõíäñïìçôÞò óôåßëåé ôï êïõðüíé ðáñáããåëßáò. Ç ðñïóðÜèåéá ìðïñåß íá áðïôåëÝóåé Ýíá óçìáíôéêü óõíäåôéêü êñßêï ôùí åëëçíéêþí ãñáììÜôùí êáé âéâëßùí ôçò åëëçíéêÞò ãëþóóáò ìå ôçí áìåñéêÜíéêç ðñáãìáôéêüôçôá ôùí ðáéäéþí ôçò ïìïãÝíåéáò óôéò ÇÐÁ êáé ôïõò äåßíåé ðáñÜëëçëá ôç äõíáôüôçôá ìÝóá áðü äéäáêôéêÜ âéâëßá, ðáñáìýèéá, ðñïãñÜììáôá multimedia ê.á. íá ãíùñßóïõí ôçí êëçñïíïìéÜ ôïõò êáé íá ìïéñáóôïýí ôéò åìðåéñßåò ðïõ æïýí ôá åëëçíüðïõëá ôçò ÅëëÜäáò óÞìåñá êñáôþíôáò Ýôóé æùíôáíÝò ôéò ðáñáäüóåéò, ôá Þèç êáé ôá Ýèéìá ôçò ÷þñáò ìáò, ðïõ åýêïëá áëëïéþíïíôáé êáé îå÷íéïýíôáé óå ìéá îÝíç ÷þñá. Åðßóçò ôá âéâëßá ôïõ ÄéáâÜæù ðñïóöÝñïõí óôïõò óõëëüãïõò ÃïíÝùí êáé ÄéäáóêÜëùí (P.T.A.) ôùí ó÷ïëåßùí, áëëÜ
êáé óå óõëëüãïõò êáé ïñãáíþóåéò, ìéÜ õãéåéíÞ åíáëëáêôéêÞ ëýóç ãéá ïéêïíïìéêÞ åíßó÷õóç (fundraising), ìÝóù ïñãáíþóåùò åêèÝóåùí ðáéäéêïý âéâëßïõ êáé åããñáöÞò óõíäñïìçôþí óôï Book of the Month Club. Ðñïãñáììáôßæïõí åðßóçò ôçí äçìéïõñãßá åíüò öýëëïõ ãíþóåùí ãéá ôá ðáéäéÜ, ôï ïðïßï èá áðïóôÝëåôáé áöéëïêåñäþò áíá äéìçíßá óôá åëëçíéêÜ ó÷ïëåßá ìå ðëïýóéï äéäáêôéêü õëéêü ãýñù áðï ôç óçìåñéíÞ êáé ôçí áñ÷áßá ÅëëÜäá, ôï ðïëßôåõìá, ôç ìõèïëïãßá, ôç èñçóêåßá, äéáóêåäáóôéêÜ óôáõñüëåîá êáé óðáæïêåöáëéÝò, ôï ïðïßï èá ìðïñïýí íá ÷ñçóéìïðïéïýí óôçí ôÜîç ôïõò ïé äÜóêáëïé ãéá íá åìðëïõôßóïõí ôçí ýëç ôïõò. Åðßóçò, üëåò ïé ãéïñôÝò êáé ôá ãåãïíüôá áðü ôçí êáèçìåñéíÞ æùÞ ôùí ðáéäéþí óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ èá ðáñïõóéÜæïíôáé êáé èá åîçãïýíôáé óôá åëëçíéêÜ, Ýôóé þóôå íá åíáñìïíßæïíôáé ïé ãíþóåéò ôïõò êáé óôéò äýï ãëþóóåò. Ïé ìåëëïíôéêÝò äñáóôçñéüôçôåò ôïõ «ÄéáâÜæù» ðåñéëáìâÜíïõí: ÄéïñãÜíùóç «HìÝñáò ÁíÜãíùóçò Åëëçíéêïý Âéâëßïõ» óå ó÷ïëåßá êáé ïìïãåíåéáêÜ êÝíôñá, ðáñáãùãÞ ðáéäéêÞò ôçëåïðôéêÞò åêðïìÞò ãéá ôçí ïìïãåíåéáêÞ ôçëåüñáóç ìå áíÜãíùóç âéâëßùí êáé æùíôáíÞ óõììåôï÷Þ ðáéäéþí ãéá ôçí áíáâßùóç ðáñáäïóéáêþí ðáé÷íéäéþí êáé åèßìùí, ðáñáãùãÞ êáóóåôþí ìå åëëçíéêÜ ðáéäéêÜ ôñáãïýäéá áðü ïìïãåíåéáêÝò ðáéäéêÝò ÷ïñùäßåò, äéáãùíéóìïýò åêèÝóåùí, äùñåÜ âéâëßùí óå áñéóôïý÷ïõò ìáèçôÝò êáé óõíåéóöïñÜ âéâëßùí ãéá ôïí åìðëïõôéóìü ôçò âéâëéïèÞêçò ôçò Áêáäçìßáò ôïõ Áãßïõ Âáóéëåßïõ êáé ôïõ åëëçíéêïý ôìÞìáôïò ôïõ Ronald McDonald House. Óýíôïìá áíáìÝíåôáé íá ëåéôïõñãÞóåé ç éóôïóåëßäá ôïõ âéâëéïðùëåßïõ ôïõ «ÄéáâÜæù» óôï Éíôåñíåô www.diavazo.com êáé ãéá ðåñéóóüôåñåò ðëçñïöïñßåò åðéêïéíùíÞóôå óôï ôçë. (646)431-3549.
ÉÏÕËÉÏÓ - ÁÕÃÏÕÓÔÏÓ 2001
ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ
Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò åãêáéíßáóå ôï áíáêáéíéóìÝíï êôßñéï ôçò Atlantic Bank
ÄÇÌ. ÐÁÍÁÃÏÓ
Ôïí Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÁìåñéêÞò ðåñéâÜëëïõí, ï äéïéêçôÞò ôçò ÅèíéêÞò ÔñÜðåæáò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò Èåüäùñïò ÊáñáôæÜò (áñéóôåñÜ) êáé ï ðñüåäñïò ôçò ÁôëÜíôéê Thomas O Brien.
ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ Ôï áíáêáéíéóìÝíï êôßñéï ôçò Atlantic Bank óôï êÝíôñï ôïõ Ìáí÷Üôôáí åãêáéíßáóå ôçí ÄåõôÝñá 25 Éïõíßïõ 2001, ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò. Ç ÔñÜðåæá ÁôëÜíôéê Ý÷åé éóôïñßá 75 ÷ñüíùí óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ êáé åßíáé èõãáôñéêÞ ôçò ÅèíéêÞò ÔñÜðåæáò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò. Ôïí Óåâáóìéþôáôï õðïäÝ÷èçêáí óôçí åßóïäï ï äéïéêçôÞò ôçò ÅèíéêÞò ÔñÜðåæáò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò Èåüäùñïò ÊáñáôæÜò êáé ï ðñüåäñïò ôçò Atlantic Bank Tomas O Brien. Ï ê. O Brien ðñïò Ýêðëçîç üëùí êáëùóüñéóå ôïõò ðñïóêåêëçìÝíïõò óôá ÅëëçíéêÜ êé áöïý åîÝöñáóå ôçí åõãíïìùóýíç ôïõ, äÞëùóå üôé ç Atlantic ðñï÷ùñåß ìå ãñÞãïñïõò ñõèìïýò óôï äåýôåñï âÞìá ôçò áíáíÝùóçò ôçò, äçë. ôçí áíáâÜèìéóç ôçò ðïéüôçôïò ôùí õðçñåóéþí ðïõ ðñïóöÝñåé óôïõò ðåëÜôåò ôçò. Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò õðïâïçèïýìåíïò áðü ôïí Ðáíïó. Áñ÷éìáíäñßôç ÓÜââá ÆåìðéëëÜ, ðñùôïóýãêåëëï ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò êáé ôïí äéÜêïíï ÍåêôÜñéï åôÝëåóå ôïí áãéáóìü óôïí ÷þñï õðïäï÷Þò ôïõ 2ïõ ïñüöïõ êáé åõëüãçóå ôá óôåëÝ÷ç êáé ôïõò õðáëëÞëïõò ôçò ÔñÜðåæáò, äéðëùìáôéêïýò åêðñïóþðïõò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò êáé ôçò Êýðñïõ, ôïõò åêðñïóþðïõò ôïõ Ôýðïõ êáé ðëåéÜäá Üëëùí åêëåêôþí ðñïóêåêëçìÝíùí. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ìßëçóå ìåôáîý Üëëùí êáé ãéá ôï ôñáðåæéêü óýóôçìá «ùò Ýíá óýóôçìá áíèñùðßíùí ó÷Ýóåùí, ðïõ êáèçìåñéíÜ áíôéìåôùðßæåé áíèñþðéíá
ðñïâëÞìáôá, ðïëëÝò öïñÝò ôåñáóôßùí äéáóôÜóåùí, þóôå ìéá ôñáðåæéêÞ óõíáëëáãÞ ìðïñåß íá äéáìïñöþóåé êáé íá áëëÜîåé áêüìç, ôéò æùÝò ôùí áíèñþðùí. Áðáéôåßôáé ëïéðüí, óõíÝ÷éóå ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò, ìéá éäéáßôåñç åõáéóèçóßá åê ìÝñïõò ôùí ôñáðåæéôéêþí êáé ïéêïíïìéêþí ïñãáíéóìþí êáé ùò áðïôÝëåóìá ç áíèñþðéíç åõèýíç, ìÝóá óôïõò ôñáðåæéôéêïýò êýêëïõò, åßíáé ôåñÜóôéá». ÊáôáëÞãïíôáò äå åîÝöñáóå ôçí åõ÷Þ êáé ôçí ðßóôç üôé ç Atlantic Bank êáé ç ÅèíéêÞ ÔñÜðåæá ôçò ÅëëÜäïò èá óõíå÷ßóïõí íá ðñùôïðïñïýí êáé óå áõôüí ôï ôïìÝá. Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò êáé ïé ëïéðïß ðñïóêåêëçìÝíïé îåíáãÞèçêáí óôïõò ÷þñïõò êáé ôá ãñáöåßá êáé áñãüôåñá öéëïîåíÞèçêáí óå åïñôáóôéêÞ äåîßùóç ôçò Atlantic óôï ãíùóôü Sky Club ôïõ Ìáí÷Üôôáí. ÊáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôçò äåîßùóçò ï ê. O Brien åðÝäùóå óôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï åðéôáãÞ-äùñåÜ ôçò ôñÜðåæáò ðñïò ôï êïéíùöåëÝò ôáìåßï ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò. Ôá åãêáßíéá ôïõ êåíôñéêïý êáôáóôÞìáôïò ðïõ áíáêáéíßóôçêå óýìöùíá ìå ôéò ðéü óýã÷ñïíåò ðñïäéáãñáöÝò êáé ôçí ôåëåõôáßá ëÝîç ôå÷íïëïãéêÞò õðïäïìÞò, óçìáôïäïôïýí ôçí áñ÷Þ ìéáò íÝáò åðï÷Þò ãéá ôïí ìåãÜëï áõôü åëëçíïáìåñéêáíéêü ïñãáíéóìü ðïõ áí êáé áðëþíåôáé åêôüò ôùí ïñßùí ôçò ÅëëçíïáìåñéêáíéêÞò êïéíüôçôïò, åîáêïëïõèåß óôáèåñÜ íá õðçñåôåß ðéóôÜ êáé íá ðáñÝ÷åé Üñéóôåò ôñáðåæéêÝò õðçñåóßåò óôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá.
ÓÅËÉÄÁ 17
ÅÉÄÇÓÅÉÓ ÊÕÐÑÏÓ Ç åðáíÝíùóç ôçò Êýðñïõ ðñÝðåé íá ãßíåé õøçëÞ ðñïôåñáéüôçôá ôçò ÁìåñéêáíéêÞò êõâÝñíçóçò, õðïóôçñßæïõí åîÞíôá Áìåñéêáíïß âïõëåõôÝò óå åðéóôïëÞ ôïõò óôïí Ðñüåäñï George W. Bush. Ç åðéóôïëÞ åóôÜëç ìå ðñùôïâïõëßá ôïõ åëëçíïáìåñéêáíïý âïõëåõôÞ ÌÜúêë ÌðéëéñÜêç ôïõ Ñåðïõìðëéêáíéêïý êüììáôïò áðü ôç Öëüñéäá êáé ôçò öéëëÝëçíïò âïõëåõôÞ ôïõ Äçìïêñáôéêïý êüììáôïò áðü ôç ÍÝá Õüñêç, ÊÜñïëõí Ìáëüíé. Ïé âïõëåõôÝò åðéóçìáßíïõí óôçí åðéóôïëÞ ôïõò, üôé áðü ôï 1974 áìåñéêáíéêÝò êõâåñíÞóåéò êáé ôùí äýï ðïëéôéêþí êïììÜôùí åñãÜóèçêáí ãéá ôïí ôåñìáôéóìü ôçò äéáßñåóçò ôçò Êýðñïõ êáé ôçí åîåýñåóç ëýóçò ðïõ íá âáóßæåôáé óôá øçößóìáôá ôïõ Óõìâïõëßïõ Áóöáëåßáò ôïõ ÏÇÅ, õðïãñáììßæïíôáò üôé ç ßäéá ðïëéôéêÞ ðñÝðåé íá óõíå÷éóèåß. Óçìåéþíïíôáò üôé ç Êýðñïò ðñï÷ùñåß ìå ãïñãü ñõèìü óôçí åíôáîéáêÞ ôçò ðïñåßá óôçí ÅõñùðáéêÞ Åíùóç êáé ç Ôïõñêßá åßíáé ôþñá õðïøÞöéá ÷þñá ãéá Ýíôáîç, ïé âïõëåõôÝò ôïíßæïõí üôé ç åîÝëéîç áõôÞ áðïôåëåß ðñüóèåôï ëüãï íá åðéôå÷èåß ç åðáíÝíùóç ôçò Êýðñïõ. Õðïäåéêíýïõí åðßóçò üôé ç åðßëõóç ôïõ Êõðñéáêïý åîõðçñåôåß ôá óõìöÝñïíôá ôùí Ç.Ð.Á, ôçò ÅõñùðáéêÞò Åíùóçò, ôïõ ÍÁÔÏ êáé ôùí åíäéáöåñïìÝíùí ìåñþí. Åðéóçìáßíïíôáò óôç óõíÝ÷åéá üôé ïé ÇíùìÝíåò Ðïëéôåßåò âñßóêïíôáé óå ìïíáäéêÞ èÝóç íá ðñïùèÞóïõí ôç äéáäéáêáóßá óôï Êõðñéáêü, ïé âïõëåõôÝò ðáñïôñýíïõí ôçí ÁìåñéêáíéêÞ êõâÝñíçóç íá óõíå÷ßóåé íá õðïóôçñßæåé ôï ðëáßóéï óõíïìéëéþí ôùí ÇíùìÝíùí Åèíþí ìåôáîý ôùí äýï êïéíïôÞôùí, êáé íá åðáíáöÝñåé ôçí ÔïõñêïêõðñéáêÞ ðëåõñÜ óôïí åðüìåíï ãýñï ôùí óõíïìéëéþí. ÔÝëïò, ïé Áìåñéêáíïß âïõëåõôÝò õðïóôçñßæïõí üôé äéïñéóìüò óçìáíôéêÞò ðñïóùðéêüôçôáò áðü ôïí Ðñüåäñï Bush,
ùò Ðñïåäñéêïý ÁðåóôáëìÝíïõ ãéá ôçí Êýðñï, èá ìðïñïýóå íá óõìâÜëåé óôçí ðñïþèçóç ôçò Üíù ðñïóðÜèåéáò. ÁÈÇÍÁ ×ßëéåò äéáêüóéåò ðåñßðïõ ìÝñåò áðïìÝíïõí ìÝ÷ñé ôçí Ýíáñîç ôùí Ïëõìðéáêþí áãþíùí ôïõ 2004 óôçí ÁèÞíá ðïõ ðñïåôïéìÜæåôáé ðõñåôùäþò. Ç ÊõñéáêÞ 22 Áõãïýóôïõ 2004, Ý÷åé ïíïìáóèåß Óïýðåñ ÊõñéáêÞ Þ Super Sunday . Áõôü ãéáôß áðü ôéò 17 çìÝñåò ôùí Ïëõìðéáêþí Áãþíùí, ç çìÝñá áõôÞ ðáñïõóéÜæåé ôç ìåãáëýôåñç ðñüêëçóç óå üôé áöïñÜ ôïí áñéèìü ôùí ìåôáêéíÞóåùí ôùí èåáôþí. ÓõíïëéêÜ ôçí çìÝñá áõôÞ èá äéåîá÷èïýí 15 äéáöïñåôéêÜ áèëÞìáôá óå üëç ôçí ÁôôéêÞ êáé õðïëïãßæåôáé üôé èá ôá ðáñáêïëïõèÞóïõí ðÜíù áðü 400.000 èåáôÝò åíþ èá ðñáãìáôïðïéçèïýí ðÜíù áðü 1.000.000 ìåôáêéíÞóåéò (÷ùñßò íá õðïëïãßæïíôáé ïé ìåôáêéíÞóåéò áèëçôþí, ôùí ìåëþí ôçò ÏëõìðéáêÞò ÏéêïãÝíåéáò, ôùí åêðñïóþðùí êáé ôå÷íéêþí ôùí ÌÌÅ, ôùí åñãáæïìÝíùí êáé åèåëïíôþí êëð), áðü êáé ðñïò ôéò ÏëõìðéáêÝò åãêáôáóôÜóåéò. Ç ÖÙÍÇ ÔÇÓ ÅËËÁÄÏÓ Ôï Ñáäéïöùíéêü ðñüãñáììá áðü ôçí ÅÑÁ - 5 áêïýãåôáé ôþñá êáé ìÝóù äéáäéêôýïõ (ÉíôåñíÝô) óôçí äéåýèõíóç www.ert.gr/ radio. Eêåß ïé èéáóþôåò ôïõ ðáñáäïóéáêïý ñáäéïöþíïõ ìðïñïýí íá âñïõí ôéò óõ÷íüôçôåò êáé ôéò þñåò ìåôÜäïóçò áðü ôá âñá÷Ýá êýììáôá. Åðßóçò óôçí ßäéá äéåýèõíóç ìðïñåß íá äéáâÜóåé êáíåßò ïìïãåíåéáêÝò åéäÞóåéò êÜíïíôáò Ýíá êëéê óôï «ïìïãåíåéáêü äåëôßï». Åî Üëëïõ ôï ßäéï ðñüãñáììá ìáæß ìå ôï ôçëåïðôéêü äïñõöïñéêü ðñüãñáììá ERT-SAT ìåôáäßäåôáé áðü ôïí äïñõöüñï ECOSTAR III ( 61.5° west ).
ÅÉÄÉÊÅÓ ÐÑÏÓÖÏÑÅÓ Aðï ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ/ÂÏÓÔÙÍÇ Óå ÁÈÇÍÁ-ÈÅÓÓÁËÏÍÉÊÇ
APRIL 01-JUN 10 & SEP 01-OCT31,2001
JUNE 11-AUG31, 2001
ÄéáêåêñéìÝíç ÈÝóç $ $ RT 1,960 - 1,147 OW
ÄéáêåêñéìÝíç ÈÝóç $ $ RT 2,460 - 1,344 OW
ÔïõñéóôéêÞ ÈÝóç
ÔïõñéóôéêÞ ÈÝóç
1 Month $752 - 3 Months $770 OWY $438- 6Motnhs $840- 1 Year $984
1 Month $1,066 - 3 Months $1,112 OWY $605- 6Motnhs $1,171 - 1 Year $1,307
ÐåôÜìå ìå ôá êáéíïýñãéá ôåôñáêéíçôÞñéá AIRBUS 340 Åêðôþóåéò ãéá ðáéäéÜ Ýùò 12 åôþí Ìå $100 åðß ðëÝïí ðåôÜôå óå ïðïéïäÞðïôå óçìåßï ôçò ÅëëÜäïò Ìüíï $65 åðß ðëÝïí ãéá åðéóôñïöÞ áðü 15 Áõãïýóôïõ Ýùò 15 Óåðôåìâñßïõ Áíá÷ùñÞóåéò êáé åðéóôñïöÝò áðü ôï Üíåôï êáé ðïëõôåëÝò ôÝñìéíáë 1 ôïõ áåñïäñïìßïõ ÊÝíåíôé ÅéäéêÝò ôéìÝò éó÷ýïõí áðü 92 ðüëåéò ôéò ÁìåñéêÞò
ÂÁÔÉÊÁÍÏ - Ï ÐÜððáò ÉùÜííçò-Ðáýëïò ÉÉ õðåäÝ÷èç êáé öéëïîÝíçóå áíôéðñïóùðåßá ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ áðïôåëïýìåíç áðü ôïí Ìçôñïðïëßôç Ãáëëßáò Éåñåìßá, ôïí Åðßóêïðï ÎÜíèïõ ÄçìÞôñéï, (áðü ôçí Áñ÷/ðÞ ÁìåñéêÞò) êáé ôïí Ðáôñéáñ÷éêü äéÜêïíï Åðëéäïöüñï, ðïõ åðéóêÝöèçêå ôï Âáôéêáíü åð åõêáéñßá ôçò åïñôÞò ôùí Áðïóôüëùí ÐÝôñïõ êáé Ðáýëïõ, èñïíéêÞò åïñôÞò ôçò ÑùìáéïêáèïëéêÞò Åêêëçóßáò.
© ORTHODOX OBSERVER
Ãéá ðåñéóóüôåñåò ðëçñïöïñßåò áðïôáèåßôå óôïí ôáîéäéùôéêü óáò ðñÜêôïñá Þ óôçí ÏëõìðéáêÞ Áåñïðïñßá
1-800-223-1226
www.olympic-airways.gr ÏËÕÌÐÉÁÊÇ ÁÅÑÏÐÏÑÉÁ Ç ÄÉÊÇ ÓÏÕ ÅÔÁÉÑÉÁ
ÓÅËÉÄÁ 18
ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ
ÉÏÕËÉÏÓ - ÁÕÃÏÕÓÔÏÓ 2001
ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÍ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÅÉÏÍ ÐñïóêõíçìáôéêÞ åðßóêåøç ôïõ ðëçñþìáôïò ôïõ ÌÍÇÌÏÓÕÍÏ ÃÉÁ ÔÏÍ Áíôéôïñðéëéêïý «ÊÉÌÙÍ» óôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï ÐÁÍ. ÁÃÃÅËÏÐÏÕËÏ ÊÙÍÓÔÁÍÔÉÍÏÕÐÏËÇ. Ôï Á/Ô «ÊÉÌÙÍ» áíÞêåé óôç ìüíéìç ÍÁÔÏéêÞ äýíáìç ôçò Ìåóïãåßïõ. Âñéóêüôáí óôç Ìáýñç èÜëáóóá óôá ðëáßóéá Üóêçóçò ôùí ÍÁÔÏúêþí äõíÜìåùí ìå ìç ÍÁÔÏúêÝò ÷þñåò. Óôï ôÝëïò ôùí áóêÞóåùí üëá ôá ðëïßá ðïõ Ýëáâáí ìÝñïò óôÜèìåõóáí óôïí Âüóðïñï êáé óôç èÜëáóóá ôïõ ÌáñìáñÜ. Ïé áîéùìáôéêïß õðÝâáëáí ôá óÝâç ôïõò óôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßï êáé äÝ÷èçêáí ôçí åõëïãßá ôïõ åíþ ï ÊõâåñíÞôçò, Áíôéðëïßáñ÷ïò ÉùÜííçò Ôóþíçò ôïí ðñïóåêÜëåóå íá åðéóêåöèåß ôï ðëïßï ôïõò. Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò áíôáðïêñéíüìåíïò óôçí ðñüóêëçóç, ìåôÝâç óôï ðëïßï, ôçí 1ç Éïõëßïõ, ôï ïðïßï Þôáí áãêõñïâïëçìÝíï óôéò áêôÝò ôçò ×áëêçäüíïò óôç èÜëáóóá ôïõ ÌáñìáñÜ ìå èÝá ôï íáü ôçò ôïõ Èåïý Óïößáò. ÊáôÜ ôçí Üöéîç ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç ôï ðëÞñùìá ôïõ Áíôéôïñðéëéêïý «ÊÉÌÙÍ» Þôáí ðáñáôåôáãìÝíï óôï êáôÜóôñùìá ìå ôïí ÊõâåñíÞôç íá áíáìÝíåé óôç óêÜëá ôïõ ðëïßïõ. ¸íá ðáñáôåôáìÝíï óöýñéãìá êáé ç áðïíïìÞ ôéìþí áñ÷ßæåé. Ç öùíÞ ôïõ Óõñé÷ôÞ ôïõ ðïëåìéêïý ðëïßïõ áíáããÝëåé: «¢öéîéò ôçò Á.È. Ðáíáãéüôçôïò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïõ». Ôï ôéìçôéêü Üãçìá óôçí êëßìáêá õðïäÝ÷åôáé ôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç ðïõ åõëïãåß ôïõò Üíäñåò, åíþ ôïí ÷áéñåôïýí óôñáôéùôéêÜ. Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá óôï êáôÜóôñùìá ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò åõëüãçóå êáé åðéèåþñçóå ôï ðëÞñùìá, óôï ïðïßï ìïßñáóå 308 óôáõñïõäÜêéá, Ýíá óôïí êáèÝíá. Ðñïóöùíþíôáò ôïí Ïéêïõìåíéêü ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç ï ÊõâåñíÞôçò É. Ôóþíçò åßðå: «Ç óçìåñéíÞ ìÝñá åßíáé éäéáßôåñá îå÷ùñéóôÞ ãéá ìáò ôï ðëÞñùìá ôïõ áíôéôïñðéëéêïý ÊÉÌÙÍ . Ç ðáñïõóßá óáò óôï ðëïßï ìáò äßíåé êïõñÜãéï êáé äýíáìç íá óõíå÷ßóïõìå ôçí áðïóôïëÞ ìáò êáé ôï Ýñãï ðïõ ìáò Ý÷åé áíáôåèåß. Åßíáé óÞìåñá éäéáßôåñç ôéìÞ êáé õðÝñôáôç åõëïãßá». Óôçí áíôéöþíçóÞ ôïõ ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ôüíéóå ìåôáîý Üëëùí: «ÁéóèÜíïìáé îå÷ùñéóôÞ óõãêßíçóç ðïõ âñßóêïìáé ìáæß óáò,
N. Manginas
Ïé áîéùìáôéêïß ôïõ áíôéôïñðéëéêïý ÊÉÌÙÍ, áðïäßäïõí ôéìÝò óôïí Ïéêïõìåíéêü ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßï, êáèþò åðéâéâÜæåôáé óôï ðëïßï, üðïõ ôüí ðåñßìåíå ðáñáôåôáãìÝíï óýóùìï ôï ðëÞñùìá êáé ï ðëïßáñ÷ïò. ÉùÜííçò Ôóþíçò. Áñãüôåñá ï Ðáíáãéüôáôïò åõëüãçóå ôï óêÜöïò êáé ôï ðëÞñùìá êáé ìïßñáóå óå üëïõò áíáìíçóôéêÜ óôáõñïõäÜêéá.
ùò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ôïõ ÃÝíïõò êáé Ý÷ù ôç äõíáôüôçôá íá åõëïãÞóù óôï äéêü óáò ðñüóùðï êáé óôï äéêü óáò ðëïßï üëï ôïí Óôüëï êáé üëåò ôéò Ýíïðëåò äõíÜìåéò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò». Óå Üëëï óçìåßï ôïõò åõ÷Þèçêå «íá ìçí ðáñáóôåß ðïôÝ ç áíÜãêç íá ðïëåìÞóåôå. Íá áó÷ïëåßóèå ìüíï ìå åéñçíéêÜ Ýñãá, ïé åðéóêÝøåéò íá åßíáé åðéóêÝøåéò åéñÞíçò, öéëßáò êáé áãÜðçò».Êáé ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò êáôÝëçîå ëÝãïíôáò: «Åý÷ïìáé ï ¢ãéïò Èåüò íá óáò áîéþóåé íá åðáíÝëèåôå óôçí Ðüëç ìáò, ç Ðüëéò ìáò, ç êáô åîï÷Þ Ðüëéò, ìå êåöáëáßï ôï Ð , ç Ðüëéò ðïõ óçìáßíåé ôüóï ðïëëÜ ãéá ìáò ôïõò ¸ëëçíåò». Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ðñïóÝöåñå óôïí ÊõâåñíÞôç ìßá áóçìÝíéá åéêüíá ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ, åõëïãßá ãéá ôï ðëïßï. Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá óôï êáñÝ ôùí áîéùìáôéêþí ï ÊõâåñíÞôçò ðñïóÝöåñå óôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç êåíôçìÝíï óå ðëáßóéï ôï üíïìá ôïõ
Ðëïßïõ êáé áíáìíçóôéêÞ ðëáêÝôá, ôïõ ðñïóöÝñèçêå åðßóçò ìßá áóçìÝíéá ôñéÞñçò óå ìéêñïãñáößá, åíþ ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ôïõò ðñüóöåñå Ýíá ôñéêÜôáñôï êáñáâÜêé. Óôï âéâëßï åðéóêåðôþí ôïõ ðëïßïõ ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Ýäùóå êáé ãñáðôþò ôçí åõëïãßá ôïõ óôïí ÊõâåñíÞôç êáé óôá ìÝëç ôïõ ðëçñþìáôïò ôïõ Á/Ô «ÊÉÌÙÍ», áëëÜ êáé åõñýôåñá: «Ìå ôçí åõêáéñßáí ôçò áíôáðïäüóåùò õö çìþí ôçò åéò ôçí Ýäñáí ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ åðéóêÝøåùò ôïõ ÊõâåñíÞôïõ êáé ìåëþí ôïõ ðëçñþìáôïò ôïõ Á/Ô «ÊÉÌÙÍ», åõëïãïýìåí áðü êáñäßáò ôïõò Üíäñáò áõôïý êáé ïëïêëÞñïõò ôáò åíüðëïõò äõíÜìåéò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò êáé åõ÷üìåèá íá åðéäßäùíôáé ðÜíôïôå åéò Ýñãá åéñÞíçò êáé áãÜðçò ìåôáîý ôùí ëáþí ôçò õöçëßïõ, õðü ôçí óêÝðçí ôïõ Áãßïõ Èåïý êáé ôçí äéáñêÞ ðñïóôáóßáí ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ».
«Óáí óýìâïëï ôçò åíüôçôïò ôïõ ÃÝíïõò...» õðïäÝ÷èçêå ôïí Ïéê. ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç ï ëáüò ôçò ËÝóâïõ u óåë. 15 ÐáñÝóôç êáé ìßëçóå óôçí ôåëåôÞ áäåëöïðïéÞóåùò ôùí ÄÞìùí ÃÝñáò ËÝóâïõ êáé ôçò ôïõñêéêÞò ðüëçò Altinoluk ôçò ÌéêñÜò Áóßáò. Åðßóçò, ìßëçóå óôï Ïéêïëïãéêü ÓõíÝäñéï «Èåüöñáóôïò 2001» óôï Ìïõóåßï ÖõóéêÞò Éóôïñßáò ÁðïëéèùìÝíïõ äÜóïõò óôï Óßãñé ôçò ËÝóâïõ. Óôçí ïìéëßá ôïõ, ðïõ åß÷å ìçíýìáôá ïéêïëïãéêÜ êáé éóôïñéêÜ ðáñÜëëçëá, ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ôüíéóå ìåôáîý Üëëùí: «Ôï óçìåñéíüí öõóéêüí ðåñéâÜëëïí ôïõ Áéãáßïõ ÷áñáêôçñßæåôáé áðü áðáñÜìéëëïí êÜëëïò, ëáìðñüôáôïí çëéáêüí öùò, áóýëëçðôïí ðïéêéëßáí ìïñöþí êáé ÷ñùìÜôùí êáé äõíáìéêÞí æùôéêüôçôá. ¼ëç áõôÞ ç ùñáßá öýóéò êáé ï ðëïýôïò ôùí öõóéêþí äåäïìÝíùí ôïõ Áéãáßïõ áðåôÝëåóáí ðüëïí Ýëîåùò ðïëëþí ëáþí, ïé ïðïßïé åðïßêéóáí êáé êáôþêçóáí åéò ôáò ðÝñéî ÷þñáò êáé åäçìéïýñãçóáí åîáéñåôéêïýò ðïëéôéóìïýò, ìåôáîý ôùí ïðïßùí üëùò éäéáéôÝñáí èÝóéí êáôÝ÷åé, ùò ãíùóôüí, ï áñ÷áéïåëëçíéêüò êáé ï äéÜäï÷ïò áõôïý âõæáíôéíüò». ÐñïçãïõìÝíùò ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò îåíáãÞèçêå áðü ôïí Õðïõñãü Áéãáßïõ Í. ÓçöïõíÜêç ôïõò êáèçãçôÝò êáé ôïí ÄéåõèõíôÞ ôïõ Ìïõóåßïõ óôï áðïëéèùìÝíï äÜóïò ôçò ËÝóâïõ.
ÔåóóáñáêïíèÞìåñï ìíçìüóõíï ãéá ôïí áåßìíçóôï Ðáíáãéþôç Áããåëüðïõëï ¢ñ÷ïíôá Ì. ÅõåñãÝôç êáé Ì. ËïãïèÝôç ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ ôåëÝóèçêå óôïí Ðáôñéáñ÷éêü Íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ Ãåùñãßïõ óôï ÖáíÜñé. Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ðñïÝóôç Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò óôçí ïðïßá Ýëáâáí ìÝñïò êáé ÉåñÜñ÷åò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Èñüíïõ. ÌåôÜ ôï ôÝëïò ôïõ ìíçìïóýíïõ áêïëïýèçóå åðéìíçìüóõíç äåîßùóç óôçí Áßèïõóá ôïõ Èñüíïõ, åêåß üðïõ åßíáé êáé áíáñôçìÝíç ç ðñïóùðïãñáößá ôïõ åêëéðüíôïò êáé ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ìßëçóå ãéá ôéò áñåôÝò êáé ôá Ýñãá ôïõ Ì. ÅõåñãÝôïõ ôïõ ÃÝíïõò. Óôçí áñ÷Þ ôçò ïìéëßáò ôïõ ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ôüíéóå üôé: «Ôéìþìåí áõôÞí ôçí öïñÜí åäþ, åéò ôïí êáëëéìÜñìáñïí Ðáôñéáñ÷éêüí çìþí Ïßêïí, ôïí ïðïßïí åðýñãùóå ðñï äåêáðåíôáåôßáò ðåñßðïõ ç åõóÝâåéá êáé ç öéëïãÝíåéá ôïõ áåéìíÞóôïõ ¢ñ÷ïíôïò Áããåëïðïýëïõ êáé ôùí ðñïóöéëþí ïéêïãåíþí áõôïý». Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá áíáöÝñèçêå óôïí Áðüóôïëï êáé óôï ÅõáããÝëéï ôçò ÊõñéáêÞò åêåßíçò ëÝãïíôáò üôé: «Åßíáé ùóÜí íá åðåëÝãçóáí åéäéêþò äéá ôïí ¢ñ÷ïíôá ôïõ ïðïßïõ ôåëïýìåí ôï ìíçìüóõíï». Êáôüðéí ôüíéóå ôá åîÞò: «Áêñéâþò, üðùò Ýëáìøåí åíþðéïí ôùí áíèñþðùí ôï öùò ôïõ éëáñïý ðñïóþðïõ ôïõ ìáêáñéóôïý ¢ñ÷ïíôüò ìáò äéá ôùí ðïëëþí êáëþí Ýñãùí ôïõ, ü÷é ìüíïí åäþ åéò ôçí Ðüëéí, áëëÜ êáé åéò ôçí ãåíÝôåéñÜí ôïõ, êáé åéò ôáò ÁèÞíáò êáé åéò ôçí Æõñß÷çí êáé áëëá÷ïý êáé ðáñÜ ðïëëïßò Ýñãùí ôùí ïðïßùí ôïí áêñéâÞ áñéèìüí êáé êáôÜëïãï ìüíï ï Èåüò ãíùñßæåé, ï ïðïßïò êáé èá åðéâñáâåýóç ôïí ìåãáëüêáñäïí ¢ñ÷ïíôá ìå ôï ðëáôý ÷áìüãåëï, áðïíÝìùí åéò áõôüí ôïí ôçò äéêáéïóýíçò óôÝöáíïí ùò äßêáéïò êñéôÞò».
ÊÁÉ ÓÔÇÍ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ
Åî Üëëïõ 40íèÞìåñï ìíçìüóõíï åôåëÝóèç êáé óôïí Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôçò Áãßáò ÔñéÜäïò óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç ðñïåîÜñ÷ïíôïò ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ ðñþçí ÁìåñéêÞò ê. Éáêþâïõ. Ôï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéï åêðñïóþðçóå ï ðñùôïóýãêåëëïò ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ð. ÓÜââáò ÆåìðéëÜò, åíüóù ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò âñéóêüôáí óôï ÌðïõÝíïò Áúñåò ãéá ôçí åíèñüíéóç ôïõ íÝïõ Ìçôñïðïëßôç Ôáñáóßïõ. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÉÜêùâïò áíáöÝñèçêå ìå ëüãéá ìåóôÜ êáé åãêÜñäéá ãéá ôïí ìåôáóôÜíôá åõåñãÝôç êáé ößëï ôïõ ÷áñáêôçñßæïíôÜò ôïí «äüôç éëáñüí, ðñüó÷áñïí êáé áîéáãÜðçôï».
ÅêïéìÞèç åí Êõñßù ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò Âéêôïñßí
N. Manginas
ÅïñôáóôéêÝò åêäçëþóåéò ðñïò ôéìÞí ôïõ ÐáíáãéùôÜôïõ, óôçí ðëáôåßá ôçò ÃÝñáò, ËÝóâïõ üðïõ Ýãéíáí ôá áðïêáëõðôÞñéá ôïõ ìíçìåßïõ «ÅéñÞíçò êáé Öéëßáò ôùí ëáþí».
Áêüìç, ðñïóêõíçìáôéêÝò åðéóêÝøåéò ðñáãìáôïðïßçóå óå äéÜöïñá ÌïíáóôÞñéá üðùò ôùí Íåïìáñôýñùí ÑáöáÞë, ÍéêïëÜïõ êáé ÅéñÞíçò, ôçò ÐáíáãéÜò Ìõñóéíéùôßóóçò ôçò ÌïíÞò Õøçëïý, ê.á. Ç ðáñïõóßá ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ Âáñèï-
ëïìáßïõ ðáíôïý, üðïõ ðÞãå, Þôáí åõêáéñßá ãéá ôï ëáü íá åêäçëþóåé ôïí åíèïõóéáóìü ôïõ êáé ôïí óåâáóìü ôïõ ðñïò ôï ðñüóùðï ôïõ ÐñïêáèçìÝíïõ ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò êáé ôïõ éóôïñéêïý èåóìïý, ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ, ðïõ åêðñïóùðåß.
Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò Âéêôïñßí ôçò ÑïõìáíéêÞò Ïñèïäüîïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò êáé ÊáíáäÜ åêïéìÞèç åí Êõñßù óôéò 16 Éïõíßïõ. Ï åêëéðþí éåñÜñ÷çò çãåßôï ôçò ÑïõìáíéêÞò Åêêëçóßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ ôá ôåëåõôáßá 35 ÷ñüíéá êáé Þôáí ìÝëïò ôçò Äéáñêïýò Óõíüäïõ Êáíïíéêþí Ïñèïäüîùí Åðéóêüðùí óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ (SCOBA). Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò, ùò ðñüåäñïò ôçò SCOBA, áíÞããåéëå ôïí èÜíáôï ôïõ ÑïõìÜíïõ ÉåñÜñ÷ç, áíåöÝñèç ìå åãêùìéáóôéêÜ ëüãéá óôçí ðñïóùðéêüôçôá êáé ôçí ïñèüäïîç ìáñôõñßá ôïõ åêëéðüíôïò êáé åîÝöñáóå ôá óõëëõðçôÞñéÜ ôïõ ðñïò ôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Ñïõìáíßáò Èåüêôéóôï, ôïí Ìçôñïðïëßôç ÈåïöÜíç, ôïðïôçñçôÞ ôçò ÑïõìáíéêÞò Ïñèïäüîïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò, åõ÷üìåíïò ðñïò ôïí Êýñéï, Áéùíßá ôïõ ç ÌíÞìç.
ÉÏÕËÉÏÓ - ÁÕÃÏÕÓÔÏÓ 2001
ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ
Ï Ïéê. ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò óôçí Êáððáäïêßá
ÓÅËÉÄÁ 19
Ï ÁÃÉÏÓ ÁÈÁÍÁÓÉÏÓ Ï ÁÈÙÍÉÔÇÓ ÁÑÑÇÊÔÏS ÐÕÑÃÏÓ ÔÇÓ ÔÁÐÅÉÍÙÓÅÙÓ
«Áññçêôïí ðýñãïí ôçò ôáðåéíþóåùò» êáëåß ï éåñüò õìíùäüò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ìáò ôïí Üãéï ÁèáíÜóéï ôïí Áèùíßôç, êáé ôáõôü÷ñïíá, «Üóåéóôïí ôåß÷ïò ôçò äéáêñßóåùò, øõ÷þí èåñáðåõôÞ, áóêçôþí áãëÜúóìá, ôùí Ìïíáæüíôùí áóôÝñá êáé ÐïéìÝíùí ôï êáý÷çìá». O Üãéïò ÁèáíÜóéïò ï Áèùíßôçò õðÞñîå ðñáãìáôéêÜ, ï èåìåëéùôÞò, ï éäñõôÞò, ï Ýíèåñìïò õðïóôçñéêôÞò, êáé åìðíåõóìÝíïò äéäÜóêáëïò ôçò åí ×ñéóôþ áãßáò ìïíáóôéêÞò âéùôÞò óôï Áãéï ¼ñïò. Áí ï Áãéïò Áíôþíéïò ôïí ôÝôáñôï áéþíá, ëÝåé éåñüò ÓõíáîáñéóôÞò, õðÞñîå ç «áñ÷Þ ôùí ÐáôÝñùí», ôüôå ï èåßïò ÁèáíÜóéïò ï Áèùíßôçò õðÞñîå «ôï Ýíèåïí ôÝëïò», äçëáäÞ ï Üãéïò óêïðüò ôçò ìïíá÷éêÞò ðïëéôåßáò. Êáé ðñïóèÝôåé, üôé áí êáé ï ÁèáíÜóéïò Ýæçóå óå ýóôåñïõò ÷ñüíïõò, ðáñÜ ôáýôá îåðÝñáóå ôïõò áñ÷áßïõò ÐáôÝñåò óôïõò ðüíïõò. ôïõ êáè. Ãåùñãßïõ ÌðåìðÞ
N. Manginas
Êáððáäïêßá. Ïé óõãêñïýóåéò óôá ÂáëêÜíéá äåí Ý÷ïõí èñçóêåõôéêü ÷áñáêôÞñá, äÞëùóå ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò áðü ôçí ðüëç ÁãéñíÜò ôçò Êáððáäïêßáò. Óå ïìéëßá ôïõ, êáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá êáôáíõêôéêïý åóðåñéíïý óôïí íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ Ðñïêïðßïõ óôï ÁãéñíÜò (¢ãéïé ÁíÜñãõñïé), 27 ÷ëì. áðü ôçí ÊáéóÜñåéá, ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò åðåóÞìáíå üôé: «Äåí åßíáé ç äéáöïñÜ ôçò ðßóôåùò ç áéôßá óõãêñïýóåùí, áëëÜ Üëëïé ðïëëïß äéáöïñåôéêïß ëüãïé» êáé óõíÝ÷éóå ëÝãïíôáò ÷áñáêôçñéóôéêÜ üôé óÞìåñá óôá ÂáëêÜíéá, äåí åßíáé Ýôóé üðùò ïñéóìÝíïé ðñïóðáèïýí íá ðáñïõóéÜóïõí ôéò óõãêñïýóåéò, ôüóï ôïõ ðáñåëèüíôïò üóï êáé ôéò óçìåñéíÝò, ùò óõãêñïýóåéò ôùí èñçóêåéþí, ìåôáîý ×ñéóôéáíþí êáé ÌïõóïõëìÜíùí. Áêüìç ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò õðïãñÜììéóå üôé: «... ï öáíáôéóìüò êáé ï öïíôáìåíôáëéóìüò äåí åõëïãåßôáé áðü êáììßáí èñçóêåßáí êáé êÜèå ðüëåìïò åí ïíüìáôé ìßáò èñçóêåßáò åßíáé ðüëåìïò åíáíôßïí ðÜóçò èñçóêåßáò». Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá õðåíèýìéóå ôéò ðñùôïâïõëßåò ôïõ Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ ãéá äéÜëïãï ìåôáîý ×ñéóôéáíþí êáé ÌïõóïõëìÜíùí, üðùò ç ÄéáêÞñõîç ôïõ Âïóðüñïõ ðïõ õðåãñÜöç óôç äéáèñçóêåéáêÞ óõíÜíôçóç ôçò Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò, ôï 1994. ¹ôáí ç äåýôåñç öïñÜ åöÝôïò, áðü ôïí ÌÜúï ðïõ ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò ðåñéüäåõóå óôçí Êáððáäïêßá, óå ìßá ðåñéï÷Þ üðïõ áðü ôá ðñþôá ÷ñéóôéáíéêÜ ÷ñüíéá Üíèéóå ï ÷ñéóôéáíéóìüò êáé éäéáßôåñá ï ìïíá÷éóìüò. Ôïí ôåëåõôáßï êáéñü, áñêåôïß Ïñèüäïîïé íáïß åðéóêåõÜæïíôáé êáé åðáíáëåéôïõñãïýí ìåôÜ ôï 1923, üðïõ åîáéôßáò ôçò áíôáëëáãÞò ôùí ðëçèõóìþí, ìåôÜ ôçí ÌéêñáóéáôéêÞ êáôáóôñïöÞ, ç ðåñéï÷Þ åêêåíþèçêå áðü ôï Åëëçíïñèüäïîï óôïé÷åßï ôçò. ÌåôÜ áðü ðñüóêëçóç ôïõ ÄçìÜñ÷ïõ ÁãéñíÜò (¢ãéïé ÁíÜñãõñïé) Mehmet Osmanbasoglu, ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò óõììåôåß÷å êáé ìßëçóå óôçí Ýíáñîç ôùí åêäçëþóåùí ôïõ ´ ÖåóôéâÜë Ðïëéôéóìïý êáé Ôïõñéóìïý ðïõ ïñãÜíùóå ï ÄÞìïò ÁãéñíÜò (7 8 Éïõëßïõ). Ôçí çìÝñá ìíÞìçò ôïõ Áãßïõ Ðñïêïðßïõ ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ðñïåîÞñ÷å ôçò Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò óôïí ïìþíõìï íáü óôï ÁãéñíÜò, üðïõ óõíëåéôïýñãçóáí ïé Ìçôñïðïëßôåò ÊñÞíçò êáé Ðñüåäñïò ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò ÓéêÜãïõ ÉÜêùâïò êáé ÌõôéëÞíçò ÉÜêùâïò êáèþò êáé ï Åðßóêïðïò Ñçãßïõ ÅììáíïõÞë. ÐáñÝóôçóáí óõìðñïóåõ÷üìåíïé ïé Ìçôñïðïëßôåò Êïëùíåßáò ÃáâñéÞë êáé Ëýóôñùí Êáëëßíéêïò êáèþò êáé ï ÊáñäéíÜëéïò Edward Idris Cassidy. Óôéò åêäçëþóåéò êáé óôç Èåßá Ëåéôïõñãßá ðáñÝóôçóáí ðñïóêõíçôÝò áðü ôçí ÊïìïôçíÞ (áðüãïíïé ðñïóöýãùí áðü ôï ÁãéñíÜò), áðü ôçí ÌõôéëÞíç êáé áðü ôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç. Óôï äéÜóôçìá ôçò ðáñáìïíÞò ôïõ óôçí ÊáéóÜñåéá ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò åðéóêÝöèçêå éóôïñéêïýò íáïýò êáé ìïíáóôÞñéá óôçí ðåñéï÷Þ áëëÜ êáé íïôéüôåñá óôçí ðåñéöÝñåéá ôçò Íßãäçò.
¼óåò ðëçñïöïñßåò Ý÷ïõìå ãéá ôç æùÞ êáé ôï Ýñãï ôïõ áãßïõ Áèáíáóßïõ ôïõ Áèùíßôïõ ôéò áíôëïýìå áðü ôïí Éåñü ÓõíáîáñéóôÞ êáé áðü ôï Ýîï÷ï Üñèñï ôïõ óåâáóôïý êáé áîéáãÜðçôïõ ðáôñüò Èåüêëçôïõ ÄéïíõóéÜôïõ, ôï ïðïßï äçìïóéåýèçêå óôç èñçóêåõôéêÞ êáé ÇèéêÞ Åãêõêëïðáßäåéá ôùí Áèçíþí (ôïì. 1). Ï Üãéïò ÁèáíÜóéïò ï Áèùíßôçò ãåííÞèçêå ôï 930 ì. ×. óôçí Ýíäïîç ðüëç ôçò Ôñáðåæïýíôáò. Ï åõóåâÞò ðáôÝñáò ôïõ ðÝèáíå ðñéí ôçí ãÝííçóÞ ôïõ (êáôáãüôáí áðü ôçí Áíôéü÷åéá) ç äå ìçôÝñá ôïõ ðÝèáíå êáé áõôÞ ìåôÜ áðü ìéêñü ÷ñïíéêü äéÜóôçìá, åíþ åß÷å ðñïëÜâåé íá ôïí âáðôßóåé êáé íá ôïõ äþóåé ôï üíïìá ÁâñÜìéïò. ÊÜðïéá ìïíá÷Þ, ößëç åõãåíÞò ôçò ìçôÝñáò ôïõ, áíÝëáâå ôçí êçäåìïíßá êáé ôçí áíáôñïöÞ ôïõ ðáéäéïý, óôï ïðïßï åìöýóçóå áãÜðç ðñïò ôïí ×ñéóôü êáé ôçí Åêêëçóßá. Óôï «Âßïí» ôïõ, ôïí ïðïßï óõíÝãñáøáí ïé ìáèçôÝò ôïõ êáé ï ïðïßïò âñßóêåôáé óôïí Éåñü ÓõíáîáñéóôÞ ôïõ ìçíüò Éïõëßïõ áíáöÝñåôáé, üôé ï ìéêñüò ÁâñÜìéïò Þôáí ðñÜãìáôé, êïóìéþôáôïò êáé åýôáêôïò, óõíåôüò êáé öñüíéìïò. ¹ôáí ïëéãáñêÞò ùò ðñïò ôï öáãçôü, ðñïóåõ÷üôáí, íÞóôåõå, óôï äå ó÷ïëåßï äéáêñéíüôáí ãéá ôçí åðéìÝëåéá, ôçí åõóôñïöåßá êáé ôçí áñåôÞ ôïõ. Âåâáßùò ï íåáñüò ÁâñÜìéïò åðéèõìïýóå áíþôåñç ìüñöùóç êáé ðáéäåßá. ÐñÜãìáôé Ýíáò Åõíïý÷ïò ôïõ ÁõôïêñÜôïñá Ñùìáíïý ôïõ ÃÝñïíôá ôïí Ýöåñå óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç êáé ôïí Ýèåóå õðü ôçí ìïñöùôéêÞ êáé ðíåõìáôéêÞ êáèïäÞãçóç åíüò ðåñßöçìïõ äáóêÜëïõ, ìå ôï üíïìá ÁèáíÜóéïò. ÄéÝðñåøå êáé ðÜëé ï íåáñüò ÁâñÜìéïò óôç ìÜèçóç, ôçí öéëïóïößá êáé ôçí ãñáììáôéêÞ, áëëÜ êáé óôç ìïíáóôéêÞ óêëçñáãùãßá, ôçí åãêñÜôåéá êáé ôçí ôáðåßíùóç. Óôçí Âáóéëåýïõóá ôïí áíáãíþñéóå êÜðïéïò óõããåíÞò ôïõ, ï óôñáôçãüò ÆåöéíåæÝñ, êáé óôç óõíÝ÷åéá ç óõããåíéêÞ áõôÞ ïéêïãÝíåéá ôïõ ðáñåß÷å ôá ðÜíôá ãéá ôçí åêðáßäåõóÞ ôïõ. Ï íåáñüò ÁâñÜìéïò åß÷å Þäç áñ÷ßóåé ôç æùÞ ôïõ ìïíá÷ïý, ôñþãïíôáò åëÜ÷éóôá, ðßíïíôáò ðïëý ëßãï íåñü, äåí êïéìüôáí óå êñåââÜôé áëëÜ êáèéóôüò êáé äåí ëïõæüôáí (Ýðñáôôå ôçí áëïõóßá). Ðñéí ôçò ìïíá÷éêÞò ôïõ êïõñÜò, óçìåéþíåé ï Éåñüò ÓõíáîáñéóôÞò, «Ìïíá÷üò åãíùñßæåôï, êáé ðñï ôçò ðïéìáíôéêÞò ôåëåéüôçôïò, ðïéìÞí ôåëåéüôáôïò». Êáé ðñïóèÝôåé: «¼èåí äéá ôçí èáõìáóßáí ðïëéôåßáí ôïõ, ôçí ãëõêõôÜôçí ïìéëßáí ôïõ êáé äéá ôïí ðëïýôïí ôçò óïößáò êáé ãíþóåùò áõôïý, åãÝíåôï ðïèçôüò åéò üëïõò êáé ëßáí åîåôéìÜôï». ÓõììáèçôÝò êáé èáõìáóôÝò ôïõ ðáñáêÜëåóáí ôïí ÁõôïêñÜôïñá íá ôïí äéïñßóåé äÜóêáëï, ðñÜãìá ôï ïðïßï êáé Ýãéíå. Êáé åíþ ç öÞìç ãéá ôç óïößá êáé ôçí áãéüôçôÜ ôïõ åîáðëùíüôáí óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç, åêåß ãíþñéóå ôïí ðåñßöçìï ìïíá÷ü êáé êïéíïâéÜñ÷ç Ìé÷áÞë Ìáëåúíü, ï ïðïßïò ìüíáæå óôï üñïò ÊõìéíÜ ôçò Âéèõíßáò. Ï Ìé÷áÞë Ìáëåúíïò Þôáí èåßïò ôïõ äéÜóçìïõ óôñáôçãïý Íéêçöüñïõ ÖùêÜ, ï ïðïßïò áñãüôåñá Ýãéíå ÁõôïêñÜôïñáò. Ï íåáñüò ÁâñÜìéïò, ìÝóù ôïõ ðáôñüò Ìé÷áÞë ãíþñéóå ôïí ìåôÝðåéôá ÁõôïêñÜôïñá ÖùêÜ, ãåãïíüò ôï ïðïßï åðçñÝáóå ôç ìïíá÷éêÞ ôïõ æùÞ. ÅêÜñç ìïíá÷üò êáé ìåôùíïìÜóôçêå óå ÁèáíÜóéï. Óôçí éåñÜ ÌïíÞ ôïõ ð. Ìé÷áÞë äéÝðñåøå ï ÁèáíÜóéïò êáé óõãêÝíôñùóå ôçí ôéìÞ êáé ôïí èáõìáóìü ôïõ óôñáôçãïý Íéêçöüñïõ ÖùêÜ, ôïõ çãïõìÝíïõ Ìé÷áÞë êáèþò êáé Üëëùí êëçñéêþí, ìåãéóôÜíùí êáé ðëÞèïõò ðñïóêõíçôþí. Äåí âñÞêå üìùò çóõ÷ßá óôçí áíá÷ùñçôéêÞ æùÞ ôïõ üñïõò ÊõìéíÜ, öïâïýìåíïò äå üôé èá åêëåãüôáí ðñïåóôþò ôçò ÌïíÞò, áíá÷þñçóå ãéá ôï ¢ãéï ¼ñïò ôïõ ¢èùíá, áðïöåýãïíôáò Ýôóé ôçí äüîá êáé ôéò öñïíôßäåò.
Óôï ¢ãéï ¼ñïò èáýìáóå ôïí åñçìéêü êáé áðåñßóðáóôï âßï ôùí ìïíá÷þí, ôç óêëçñáãùãßá êáé ôïí áðÝñéôôï ôñüðï ôçò êáèçìåñéíÞò ôïõò æùÞò. Äåí åß÷áí ÷ñÞìáôá, äåí åß÷áí õðïæýãéá Þ ïíÜñéá, äåí åß÷áí êåëëéÜ, áëëÜ æïýóáí óå êáëýâåò êáôáóêåõáóìÝíåò áðü ÷üñôá, õðïöÝñïíôáò ôï ìåí êáëïêáßñé áðü ôç æÝóôç ôïõ Þëéïõ, ôï äå ÷åéìþíá áðü ôç äñéìýôçôá ôïõ øý÷ïõò. Ç ôñïöÞ ôïõò áðïôåëåßôï áðü âëáóôïýò äñõüò êáé öñïýôá. Ôá ìüíá ðñïóùðéêÜ áíôéêåßìåíá ôïõ Áèáíáóßïõ Þôáí ôï ÔåôñáåõáããÝëéï, ï Ðñáîáðüóôïëïò êáé ôï êïõêïýëéï ôïõ ïóßïõ ÃÝñïíôüò ôïõ Ìé÷áÞë. Ãéá íá áðïöýãåé ôéò åõèýíåò êáé ãéá íá âñåé ðñáãìáôéêÞ áóêçôéêÞ çóõ÷ßá, ï ÁèáíÜóéïò, ðáñïõóéÜóèçêå ìå ôï üíïìá ÂáñíÜâáò êáé ðáñßóôáíå ôïí áãñÜììáôï. Ï Íéêçöüñïò ÖùêÜò ôïí áíáæÞôçóå êáé ôïí Ýöåñå óôçí ÊñÞôç ãéá íá åõëïãÞóåé ôç óôñáôéùôéêÞ åêóôñáôåßá ôïõ. Ìå ôçí óõíäñïìÞ ôïõ Íéêçöüñïõ ÖùêÜ êáé ôïõ áäåëöïý ôïõ, óôñáôçãïý Ëåïíôßïõ, áíåãÝñèç ç ðåñéêáëëÞò ÂáóéëéêÞ ôïõ ÐñùôÜôïõ óôéò ÊáñõÝò, áéþíéá êáé áãáèÞ áíÜìíçóç ôçò ðáñïõóßáò ôïõ Áèáíáóßïõ. ÁëëÜ ï éåñüò ÁèáíÜóéïò ðïèïýóå ôçí çóõ÷ßá. ÐÞãå ëïéðüí óôçí ôïðïèåóßá ÌåëáíÜ, åêåß üðïõ ëßãï áñãüôåñá ïéêïäüìçóå ôçí ðåñßöçìç Ëáýñá ôïõ, ôï óýíïëï äçëáäÞ êáé ôç óýíáîç ðïëëþí êåëëéþí. Óôçí Ëáýñá Ýêôéóå íáü ðñïò ôéìÞ ôïõ Ðñïäñüìïõ ÉùÜííç ôïõ ÂáðôéóôÞ, óôï äå ÌåëáíÜ Ýêôéóå Íáü óôï üíïìá ôçò Õðåñáãßáò Èåïôüêïõ. ÊïíôÜ óôïí íáü ôçò Èåïôüêïõ, ðñüóèåóå êáé äýï Üëëïõò ìéêñüôåñïõò íáïýò, Ýíá óôçí ìíÞìç ôïõ èáõìáôïõñãïý Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ êáé ôïí Üëëï óôçí ìíÞìç ôùí áãßùí ÔåóóáñÜêïíôá Ìáñôýñùí. ÅðéðëÝïí Ýêôéóå ÔñÜðåæá, Íïóïêïìåßï, Îåíïäï÷åßï êáé õäñåõôéêü óýóôçìá óôç Ëáýñá, åñãáæüìåíïò êáé ï ßäéïò ÷åéñïíáôéêÜ ãéá ôïí óêïðü áõôü. Ï éåñüò ÓõíáîáñéóôÞò óçìåéþíåé áêüìç üôé ï ¼óéïò Ýöôéáîå ëéìÜíé, ðáñåêêëÞóéá, ìýëïõò, öýôåõóå êÞðïõò, áìðåëþíåò êáé äÝíäñá, Ýôóé þóôå íá åñãÜæïíôáé ïé ìïíá÷ïß ãéá íá åîáóöáëßæïõí ôá ðñïò ôï æçí. Ï ßäéïò áóêïýóå ôï åðÜããåëìá ôïõ êáëëéãñÜöïõ ìïéñÜæïíôáò ôá ÷ñÞìáôÜ ôïõ óå öéëáíèñùðßåò. Ôï ëáìðñü Ýñãï ôïõ Áèáíáóßïõ ðñïêÜëåóå ôïí èáõìáóìü üëùí. Ðïëëïß ðñïóêõíçôÝò åðéóêÝðôïíôáí ôçí Ëáýñá ôïõ Áèáíáóßïõ ü÷é ìüíï ãéá íá èáõìÜóïõí ôï Ýñãï ôïõ, áëëÜ êáé ãéá íá áêïýóïõí êáé íá áéóèáíèïýí ôçí ãëõêýôçôá ôùí ëüãùí ôïõ êáé íá ðÜñïõí ôçí åõ÷Þ ôïõ. Ìïíá÷ïß ôïõ Áãßïõ ¼ñïõò, åðéóêÝðôåò áðü ôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç, ôçí Ñþìç, ôçí Éôáëßá, ôçí Êáëáâñßá, ôçí Éâçñßá, Áñìåíßá, ÐáôñéÜñ÷åò, Åðßóêïðïé, ðñåóâýôåñïé, áóêçôÝò, Ýôñå÷áí üëïé ôïõò óôïí ¢èùíá ãéá íá ãíùñßóïõí êáé íá åìðíåõóèïýí áðü ôçí áãéüôçôá, ôçí ðñïöçôéêÞ ðñïïñáôéêüôçôá, êáé ôç èåñáðåõôéêÞ äýíáìç ôïõ ïóßïõ Áèáíáóßïõ. Ï éåñüò ÓõíáîáñéóôÞò äéáóþæåé üëá ôá èáýìáôá ðïõ ðñáãìáôïðïßçóå ï ÁèáíÜóéïò, èåßá åìðíåýóåé. ÔÝëïò óå ðñï÷ùñçìÝíç çëéêßá ï ÁèáíÜóéïò ÷ñßóèçêå «Ìåãáëüó÷çìïò» ìïíá÷üò áðü ôïí óåìíü ÃÝñïíôá Çóáúá. Ï ¢ãéïò ÁèáíÜóéïò áðåâßùóå óå çëéêßá ðåñßðïõ åâäïìÞíôá åôþí. ÍôõìÝíïò ôçí åïñôáóôéêÞ óôïëÞ ôïõ ìïíá÷ïý êáé ôï êïõêïýëéï ôïõ ìáêáñßïõ ÃÝñïíôÜ ôïõ Ìé÷áÞë Ìáëåúíïý, áíÝâçêå óôçí êüã÷ç ôïõ éåñïý Íáïý ôçò Ëáýñáò. Ï ôñïýëëïò õðï÷þñçóå êáé ãêñåìßóèçêå êáé ï ÁèáíÜóéïò ôñáõìáôßóèçêå èáíÜóéìá êáé áðåâßùóå. Ôï Üãéï óêÞíùìÜ ôïõ âñÝèçêå óôï óýíèñïíï ôïõ Éåñïý ÂÞìáôïò. Ôï éåñü ôïõ ëåßøáíï öõëÜóóåôáé óôï Êáèïëéêü ôçò Ìåãßóôçò Ëáýñáò óôï ¢ãéï ¼ñïò êáé åéêüíåò ôïõ óôïëßæïõí ïëüêëçñï ôï ¢ãéï ¼ñïò. Ç ìíÞìç ôïõ åïñôÜæåôáé ôçí 5ç Éïõëßïõ. Ôï óçìáíôéêü ôïõ Ýñãï Ýãêåéôáé óôï üôé Ýöåñå óôïí ¢èùíá ôçí ìïíáóôéêÞ ÐñÜîç, äçëáäÞ ôï ìïíáóôéêü ðïëßôåõìá ôùí ÌåãÜëùí ìïíáóôçñßùí ôçò ÁíáôïëÞò, êáèéóôþíôáò Ýôóé ôçí Ëáýñá ôïí ðõñÞíá êáé ôçí Ýìðíåõóç ôùí ëïéðþí ìïíþí ôïõ Áãßïõ ¼ñïõò. ¹ôáí ùò Üíèñùðïò ãëõêýò óôçí ïìéëßá, ôáðåéíüò ùò ðñïò ôï öñüíéìá êáé ôçí åìöÜíéóç, ðñïéêéóìÝíïò ìå ôï Üãéï ÷Üñéóìá ôùí äáêñýùí, äéäÜóêïíôáò êáé ðñÜôôïíôáò óõíå÷þò, ôçí ìåôÜíïéá, ôçí áãÜðç êáé ôç óõã÷þñåóç. Áò ôéìïýìå ëïéðüí ôçí ìíÞìç ôïõ, þóôå íá ãßíïõìå êáé åìåßò ìÝôï÷ïé ôçò åí ×ñéóôþ áèáíáóßáò, üðùò áêñéâþò êáé ï «èåüöñùí», ¢ãéïò ÁèáíÜóéïò ï Áèùíßôçò.
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
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HC/HC REPORT HC/HC Hosts of Environmental Seminar BROOKLINE, Mass. Leading thinkers and pioneer environmental activists from a variety of religious traditions, representing a broad spectrum of academic and ecumenical institutions, including environmentalists in the Orthodox Church participated in a seminar May 31-June 2 at Hellenic College/Holy Cross campus. The Holy Cross School of Theology Environment Office organized the assessment seminar. Discussion focused on a critical analysis of the key role played by religious leaders and institutions in the environmental movement. The seminar was organized to reflect on the increasing local and global threat to the environment and to challenge the religious community to accept its responsibility to find ways to work hand-in-
hand with the environmental community to effectively meet this challenge. Among the institutions represented were the Patriarchal Commission on Religion and Science, the New England Faith and Science Exchange, the Center for Respect of Life and Environment, TEMEC (Theological Education to Meet the Environmental Challenge, the Religious Campaign for Forest Conservation, the National Council of Churches, the Berkeley Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Environment Commissions of the city of Boston and the town of Brookline, and the North American Coalition on Religion and Ecology, and others. The seminar was made possible through the support of the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
PAN ORTHODOX OTSA Adopts Resolutions on Easter Date, Cloning CRESTWOOD, N.Y. - The Orthodox Theological Society in America held its annual meeting at St. Vladimir s Orthodox Theological Seminary, May 31-June 1. The main discussion topic was Our Paschal Faith. Various talks were given during the course of the meeting, on diverse aspects of the paschal faith, including its liturgical celebration (Rev. Dr. Pavlos Koumarianos) and the grounding of all theology in the Paschal event (Dr. John Behr), in particular the dating of Pascha (Rev. Dr. Patrick Viscuso).
tion of avoiding their calculations of the date of Passover, which the Nicene Fathers deemed inaccurate. c. The understanding of the Christian Pascha as the fulfillment of the old Passover is unquestionably retained whether its date falls before or after the Jewish Passover in any given year. In addition the Society heard reflections on the relationship between Church and State in the new millennium (Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou).
Common date resolution
As part of the meeting, the Annual Florovsky Lecture was delivered by the Rev. Dr. John Breck, an internationally known Orthodox theologian and ethicist, on the topic of Human Cloning: Myths and Realities. Following his address, the Society passed the following Resolution: The Orthodox Theological Society in America urges the hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) to create a standing committee on ethical issues involving human cloning and the creation and destruction of human embryos. The membership should include embryologists, geneticists, medical professionals and theologians. The task of the committee would be to remain abreast of the latest developments in genetics, embryology and human cloning, evaluate these developments, and publish their assessments, especially to bishops, clergy and theologians The Society believes that the mind of the Church needs to be expressed in regard to these scientific discoveries and it is our responsibility to voice that mind to the medical and scientific community, the faithful of our Church, as well as to the general public.
The Society also discussed the 1997 proposal for a common date for Easter and passed the following resolution: The Orthodox Theological Society in America has considered the proposal Towards a Common Date for Easter produced by a WCC/MECC consultation at Aleppo, Syria. We endorse this proposal on the basis that it reflects most faithfully the norms for calculating the date of Pascha as set out by the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. The Aleppo proposal is faithful to these norms in the following ways: a. It accounts for the vernal equinox, reckoned with astronomical integrity; b. It accounts for the full moon on the same basis; c. It accounts for the Nicene Fathers recommendations concerning the Jewish Passover. Thus endorsing the proposal, we also account for the fact that its implementation, which would entail in most cases a change in the dates of Easter from our current reckoning, would be a complex matter. There are potent sensitivities on such issues in the Orthodox Church, and there is potential for schism if such a change (however defensible) were introduced prior to a greater and more widespread readiness in the Church. Therefore, we commend the Aleppo proposal for wider distribution and study within our churches, suggesting in particular that the following points be considered. a. Fidelity to the Nicene Fathers on the calculation of the date of Pascha implies a fidelity to astronomy. This means respecting the vernal equinox and the full moon when these actually occur in our solar system. b. Fidelity to the Nicene Fathers does not imply that Pascha must fall after the Jewish Passover. The Council forbids celebrating with the Jews with the inten-
Cloning resolution
Archbishop Iakovos is guest
The Society was honored by the visit of Archbishop Iakovos, retired Archbishop of North and South America, an initiator of the founding of OTSA more than 30 years ago, who spoke encouragingly to the Society regarding its purpose in America.
New officers
The Society also elected new officers. Dr. Paul Meyendorff, professor at St. Vladimir s Seminary was elected president; Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey, Professor at Brown University, was elected vice-president; Dr. Anton Vrame, managing editor of Holy Cross Orthodox Press, was reelected treasurer; and Dr. John Behr, professor at St. Vladimir s Seminary was reelected secretary.
JULY-AUGUST 2001
18thNational Oratorical Festival Held in Illinois u page 3 Patristic thought for contemporary American society. The Archbishop lauded the choice of the 2001 Oratorical Festival Topics stating that, Although they were initially difficult for some, they provided the opportunity for young Greek Orthodox to adapt the wisdom of the Holy Fathers to the very specific and real needs of today. Following the luncheon and a brief stop at the hotel to change clothes, the finalists, their families, and the entire steering committee were shuttled to Chicago s famous Navy Pier where they enjoyed some free time as well as a fabulous dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. The cruise ended with a spectacular fireworks display. Still full of energy at 11:30 pm, these Orthodox teen-agers returned to the hotel and continued another two hours of discussion about the Holy Fathers of the Church. This is one example of why the Oratorical Festival is such an outstanding educational program. It provides teens with the opportunity to come together, not in a typical setting, i.e. basketball, volleyball games or dances, but in a way that enables them to grow and mature spiritually. Sunday morning began with the Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas followed by another meal prepared by the Philoptochos Society of St. Nicholas. Before the final goodbyes were exchanged, the finalists once again were presented with another memento. This time it was a group photograph as well as a picture of themselves taken at the pulpit at the conclusion of their speech. This brought to a close the festivities and another memorable Oratorical Festival year. Check the Department of Religious Education website at www.religioused.goarch. org to review the 2002 Topics which will soon be posted. The theme will be Theology of the Orthodox Church.
Winning speeches Senior Division:
St. Athanasius Opposition to Arianism: By Alice M. Shukla Holy Cross Church, Farmington Hills, Mich. The Church, led by St. Athanasios the Great rejected the teaching of Arianism. Speak about the life of St. Athanasios and his fight against this heretical doctrine. Imagine 318 bishops meeting to settle a controversy, which had passionate arguments from both sides. The debate was regarding the theory of Arianism, and Emperor Constantine brought together this group to reach a decision on the fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. This monumental event was the First Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea in 325 AD. On one side was Arius, an older, scholarly priest from Alexandria, arguing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were not one God. Arius said that since Jesus was born, before he existed he was not God or of the same stature as God. This belief was tied to Arius motive to protect the uniqueness of the Heavenly Father, but saying that Jesus was unequal to God was not the truth, and the Council in Nicaea denounced this as heresy. Staunchly opposing Arius was Athanasios, a young deacon who had written brilliant papers against Arianism. He was later called Athanasios the Great, explained the teachings of Jesus and also helped to write the first seven articles of the Creed, which we still recite today during the Divine Liturgy. The Nicene Creed, which was also called the Athanasian Creed, is the basis of the proclamation of our faith and due to St. Athanasios teachings and adherence to Apostolic Tradition, the Church recognized his view as correct. The Church proclaimed, God came in the Person of Jesus Christ and that Christ was homoousios
[meaning of the same essence or co-substantial] with God the Father. Born in 297 AD in Alexandria, St. Athanasios was well educated and by age thirty had risen to the position of Patriarch of Alexandria. He advocated that Jesus proved he was God through his life, death, and resurrection, which brought salvation to mankind. Bishop Kallistos writes in his book, The Orthodox Church, that St. Athanasios said the purpose of the Incarnation was God became man that we might be made God. When God lived on earth in human form as Jesus, he gave us the best example in a new commandment when he said in John 13:34, Love one another, even as I have loved you. In defining the Holy Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the same entity of the divine nature. The Father is the Creator, the Son is the Redeemer and the Holy Spirit sustains the faith by way of the sacraments. Together they are one. The Trinity is a triangle with the Father at the top and this triangle won t exist if one corner is taken away. Everyday, as I make the sign of the cross with my thumb and two fingers, I am reminded of my belief in the Holy Trinity. So we might ask: why it is important to know about St. Athanasios? Not many have heard of him, and he is not as familiar as St. Nicholas or St. George, but St. Athanasios is great father of our Church, who firmly preserved the truth. Through his effort heresies were eliminated and his principles are as true today as they were in Nicaea. As an Orthodox Christian, I was greatly impressed by St. Athanasios courage to adhere to the truth, even when his adversaries defied him and were instrumental in having him exiled for seventeen years. I feel we should know more about his life and celebrating his Feast Day on January 18 will be more meaningful. In the same way as St. Athanasios was true to his faith, young people today growing up in a secular society can take from his example without deviating from their religious tradition. Unlike sports figures, movie stars or rap musicians, he along with other saints should be the role models providing inspiration for the way Christians should live. Finally, in all my future endeavors, St. Athanasios life will emphasize to me that I don t have to deny my core beliefs to please peer groups. As St. Athanasios held steadfast to the truth of Jesus Christ, so should all of us, and follow the Bible which says in John 8:32, The truth shall set you free.
Junior Division:
The Ladder of Divine Ascent and How St. John Climacus writings can influence your life. By Peter Catsimpiris St. Mark, Boca Raton, Fla. During spring break, James, a classmate of mine who seemingly had everything to live for, attempted suicide. When asked why, he answered, I don t see the purpose of life, and I am depressed because of it, and don t want to live anymore. James felt a misery more extreme than most of us ever will. But haven t we all, at one time or another, experienced that same feeling of emptiness when we ve wondered at our purpose here on earth? How do we know and achieve the true goal of life? Where can we find the way? The answer is in this book: The Ladder of Divine Ascent, written by a simple monk 1,400 years ago. Have you read this book? Have you even heard of it? Why is this not the best selling book of all time? Other
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JULY-AUGUST 2001
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
R R E E L L A AT T II N N G G Webster s College Dictionary defines allegory as the representation of spiritual, moral, or other abstract meanings through the actions of fictional characters that serve as symbols. Speaking about allegory as one of the exegetical methods, Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos points out in his excellent book by Rev. Dr. Dumitru Macaila
The New Testament. An Orthodox Perspective, that it sought a deeper spiritual meaning in the literal words of the Scripture, usually in order to: 1) transcend difficulties in the biblical text; 2) provide a Christian interpretation of the Old Testament; or 3) offer a variety of edifying teachings within the framework of the doctrinal unity of the Church (p. 115). With this in mind, I give you an epitomic account of this passage s allegorical interpretation by the Holy Fathers and by some of the modern scholars, with the understanding that we all know this scriptural account from John, chapter 5, verses 1-15. The man stands for the people of Israel. The five porticoes stand for the five books of the law. The law was that which could show a person his sin, but which could never mend it. So, the law was able to uncover a person s weakness, but was not able to cure it. Like the porches, the law sheltered the sick soul but could never heal it. For some other scholars, the 38 years stand for the number of the centuries for which humanity had been awaiting for the Messiah, the Anointed One. The stirring of the waters stands for baptism. In fact, in early Christian art a man is depicted as rising from the baptismal font carrying a bed upon his back.
A literal story
This story is to be interpreted in a literal way, since it has the realistic stamp of factual occurrence. Jesus came to the pool named either Bethzatha, which means House of the Olive, or Bethesda, which means House of Mercy, on the Sabbath. There, He saw a man who was paralyzed for 38 years. Out of pity, Christ asked the paralyzed man: Do you want to be made well? I know, some of you might find this question nonsensical. But it will no longer be seen as such, if you keep in mind that some people glory in an illness that focuses attention on them. But Christ s question has a deeper meaning, He will never infringe on anyone s free will, not even when He wants to heal us. Otherwise, there would be no sick people on the face of the earth, neither physically, nor spiritually. Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, answered the lame man. What a terrible cry this is: I have no one to help me! Down through the centuries, this despondent cry has come from the lips of the sick, the elderly, and the lonely. Yes, the paralytic was right to say that he has no man, but he was wrong, also. He was unknowingly wrong, because he did not know that it was Christ Who asked him that deep psychological question. Who else could have commanded him: Rise, take up your bed and walk? On the spot, new life and power throbbed through his withered limbs. He was able to do what he never did in his life, he lifted his bed and away he went. He has completely forgotten that for 38 years it was his bed that had been carrying him and there was not much sense in telling him to carry the bed. Where do you think he went? Where do you think his heart led him first? Yes, Jesus found him in the temple and told him: See, you have been made well. Sin
T TO O
T T H H E E
Faith
A Spiritually Paralyzed World? See you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you (John 5:14). no more, lest a worse thing come upon you (John 5:14). What a wonderful place for the man to be found by Christ! In temple. At prayer. He went to thank God for the gift of healing. Some may say: If God had raised me from such a illness that shackled me for 38 years, I also would go to church every Sunday, to thank God! But don t you understand? We have a much greater reason than the paralyzed man to be thankful to God. While he was released from his bodily infirmity, through Christ s Resurrection we were released from our spiritual infirmities. By the way, which one of us had to lie sick for 38 years? Most of us have been blessed with good health and most of us haven t lain not even thirty eight hours in an illness as crippling as the paralytic s.
Spiritual illness
Christ told the paralytic to sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you. The question is: What could be worse than thirty-eight years of paralysis? Our Church provides the answer: There is such a thing as spiritual sickness, illness of the soul. A person steeped in sin, who will inherit eternal death. This is something incomparably worse. It seems to me that this materialistic society of ours devastatingly helps us to become spiritually ill. I am reminded of Montesquieu s words that prove to be prophetic for our days. He says: One does not succeed in detaching the soul from religion by filling it with this great object. A more certain way to attack religion is by favor, by the comforts of life, by the hope of wealth; not by what reminds one of it, but by what makes one forget it; not by what makes one indignant, but by what makes men lukewarm, when other passions act on our souls, and those which religion inspires are silent. In the matter of annihilating religion, state favors are stronger than penalties (The Spirit of the Laws). Don t these words describe our American earthly paradise? In the comfort of our everyday living, we lose sight of the fact that we are spiritually ill. Do any of you wonder about the factuality of this assertion? Let us take a closer look at this disease. Look at the tongue: does it speak in sincere prayer, does it tell the truth when it says, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those who trespass against us? Are our hands doing God s work, or are they spiritually paralyzed? What about the feet do they carry us to God s house of worship, where we come to worship God, not to be entertained? Do our feet carry us to the sick, the distressed, and the poor, or to the brothels and houses of perdition of this land? Are our eyes spiritually healthy, since we have seen the uncreated, out of this world light of Resurrection, do they see, as Christ s eyes have seen, the heartaches and the tears of others? What about the ears can they hear the cries and anguish of the suffering, the lonely and the needy, and above all, do they listen to the Word of God? If we, as Orthodox Christians, inheritors of the true faith, the pearl of great price, can t provide positive answers to the above questions, what about our society at large? What about today s society that does not believe in Christ in Orthodox terms and that becomes each and every day more and more openly and aggressively anti-Christian? Do you doubt this? Think about the way this society apotheosizes the individual s godless ego, instead of worshiping God?
Adamic paralysis
So, if we cannot say in good conscience that we are spiritually healthy, isn t our society, 2,000 years after Christ has risen from the dead to cure us from our Adamic paralysis, spiritually paralyzed? If you doubt this, I want to help you understand my point. You see, a human being can live, breathe, speak, see, hear, walk, and still be spiritually ill, or even spiritually dead. He can be dead to God since he lives without God. Christ Himself talked about people who have eyes, but they do not see, and who have ears, but they do not hear, nor do they understand (Mat. 13:13). It takes a miracle to heal our society! The tragedy is that it doesn t want to recognize its spiritual paralysis. Otherwise, it would cling to the pool of Bethzatha, that became Christ s empty tomb, to drink from the font of immortality. It seems to me that our contemporary society is not able to realize its own helplessness. This is the heart of the problem. If it is true that in a very real sense a
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miracle happens when our will co-operate with God s grace, in order for the miracle to be possible we have to realize our helplessness. Many a time we do not realize this because of the scales generated by our material comfort. The paralytic rightfully complained that he has no man to put him into the pool. Says St. John Chrysostom: What can be more pitiable than these words? Do you see a heart crushed through long illness? Do you see all violence subdued? He did not curse his day but replied gently Yes, Lord; yet he did not know Who It was who asked him (Homily 37 on John). As many times as we come to the pool of Bethesda, that is, the church, Christ is asking us: Do you want to be changed? Unlike the paralytic, we know who is asking us! We do know that it is the incarnate Son of God, Who through His Resurrection re-created our human nature, and removed any obstacles from our way to the Father. So, let us remove the scales of material complacency from our lives, and let Christ change them, heal them, in order for us to be able to enjoy eternal blessedness in His Kingdom.
Reflections on Forgiveness
I
n Matthew 18: 21-35, Peter asks Jesus, How many times must we forgive? Seven times? The rabbinical teaching at the time had it that one must forgive three times then he was freed from any further responsibility to forgive. Peter thought he was on pretty solid ground when he suggested seven times. by Fr. George Nicozisin
He took the rabbinical requirement of three times, multiplied it by two and then added one for good measure. But Jesus says the Christian must forgive seventy times seven. In other words, throw away the calculator! Forgiveness has no limits. To further illustrate Jesus tells a story about a servant who upon begging for mercy from his master is forgiven a great debt. Yet when the tables are reversed, he is unwilling to forgive his fellow servant a debt of a much smaller amount. Jesus says, If you forgive each other your heavenly Father also will forgive you. But if you do not forgive each other, neither will your Father forgive you. If we refuse to forgive each other God will not forgive us! Admittedly, there are times when we find it very difficult to forgive. Satan will do everything in his power to cause us unhappiness and disappointment. He will foster bitterness in our hearts and hatred in our thoughts. He will nourish distrust in our minds to lash out. Worst of all, the Devil will do everything to separate us from God. But the Evangelist gives us hope: The One who is in you [Christ] is greater than the one who is in the world [Satan]. (1 Jn 4:4) This is great news of hope for us! So as the striving on our journey of spirituality for Christian excellence continues for all of us, we must consistently oppose the path that inclines us to faults and vices. We much struggle and fight the good fight against the base desires and the negative emotions that attempt to over-
power us. We must endeavor to quell and uproot those forces that blind us to Jesus command to Forgive seventy times seven A forgiveness that knows no end! The theme of forgiveness proliferates in the Divine Liturgy from the opening words of the Jesus Prayer by the priest: God forgive me the sinner and have mercy on my soul. Recall the impact and soulsearching injunctions of the Divine Liturgy. Before the prayerful recitation of the Creed we say, let us love one another so that with one harmonious accord we may confess. During the Consecration we say, So that these Holy Gifts [Body and Blood of Christ] may be for the forgiveness of sins. At Holy Communion our priest says, The servant of God (Name) receives the Precious Body and Life-Giving Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Amen. The Church has been aptly described as the community of the forgiving and forgiven. In the Lord s Prayer we say, And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Actually, the Greek text is in the past tense: And forgive us our trespasses as we have already forgiven those who trespassed against us. In other words, first we forgive others, then we ask God to forgive us. May our hearts be nourished with God s glory and enriched with His power to ward off the poisonous darts of dissension, distrust and vindictiveness. May we forgive those who cause us grief, turmoil and consternation. May the forgiving love of Jesus Christ melt the bitterness in us that blinds us and distress us. May His saving grace encompass us with humility. May God grant us the mercy, strength and endurance to live His forgiveness on earth as it is in Heaven. Fr. Nicozisin is pastor emeritus of St. Nicholas Church in St. Louis
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ORTHODOX OBSERVER
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PEOPLE W
JULY-AUGUST 2001
Church’s Presence Is as Solid as the Granite It’s Built With
u The Right Stuff
Greek air force Capt Yiannis Tsolekas (left) and US Air Force Capt Achilles Sakis train together at the prestigious US Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB in California. Capt Tsolekas will be only the second Greek test pilot to train there. He will go on to flight test Greece s next generation of fighter aircraft. Capt. Sakis will be a flight test engineer at Edwards. Both attend Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Lancaster, Calif.
u Seeks office
St. Basil Academy trustee Nicholas Chahales is running for election to the Putnam County (N.Y.) Legislature. He is the first Greek American to do so. A native of Queens, N.Y., he is a member of Assumption Church in Danbury, Conn.
u Receives Scholarship
Maria K. Lazoran, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Lazoran of Canton, Ohio, recently won a scholarship from Xavier University in Cincinnati where she plans to major in elementary education.
u Wins race
Taso Maravelas of Antioch, Ill., recently defeated the incumbent to become the village s new mayor. He is a member of St. Demetrios Church, Waukegan, Ill., and is in the restaurant business.
u Educates judges
Maria T. Mollett of Garland, Texas, executive director of the Counseling Institute of Texas, and a member of Holy Trinity Church in Dallas, conducted an educational program for judges at the 2001 Criminal Justice Conference in Austin in early May.
u Distant professor
Dr. George T. Georgantas, professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology conducts distance education classes in calculus and differential equations via the Internet with students in South American, West Indies, Europe and Saudi Arabia. He also is the choir director at Holy Spirit Church in Rochester.
u Writes children’s book
Barbara Pappas, of Holy Apostles Church in Westchester, Ill., recently wrote a book for Orthodox children, God s Bubbly, Gurgly, Overwhelming, Overflowing Love, published by Amnos Publications in Westchester. It is an easy to read book relating to creation and is her fourth book. She has also written two books on St. Paul s epistles, and another on the Orthodox Christian process of salvation. The new book is illustrated by Irene Boutzarelos.
ith the possible exception of the presidential election season every four years when a steady stream of political candidates trek to the Granite State for the nation s first primary, the main activity of this typically New England town of 40,000 is state government. But politics and government were not why a handful of Greek men from Epirus ventured in 1905-06 to this picturesque location along the banks of the Merrimack River. They wanted the tranquility of a small town environment and bypassed Boston and the heavily industrialized towns of Lowell and Manchester, not desiring to partake of the drudgery and monotony of factory life. A few did work in a leather factory
PARISH
rote himself, approved the agreement. The Archbishop and future Ecumenical Patriarch made a pastoral visit to Concord in 1933. Apparently he had relatives in the community and baptized several children. During his visit, the Philoptochos was organized, theOmonia (Greek for Concord ) Chapter. The first youth fellowship group was organized in 1937 with Eleftherios Makris as president. The parish undertook a major reconstruction project in 1940 to expand the building and built a basement for use as a Greek school and Sunday school, and as a community hall. During World War II, 46 men and two women from the parish served in the armed forces. All returned home safely. Fr. Philotheos Achladas, the pastor at
now. The community sold its existing building in 1959 to an Old Calendar Greek Orthodox group and purchased a Methodist church built in 1861, along with the parsonage located behind the church, for $45,000. They paid off the mortgage in two years. The new church, appropriately enough, is built of granite from a quarry near Concord. It continues to serve the parish and will apparently do so long into the future. A major transformation of the interior resulted in the present altar and iconostasion replacing an enormous pipe organ that occupied the space. The iconostasion was hand carved by a nationally known woodcarver, Alejandro de La Cruz, a Spaniard who
profile
Name: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Location: Concord, N.H. Diocese: Boston Size: 210 members Founded: 1931 Clergy: Fr. Peter Chambeas (Holy Cross 61, University of Athens, School of Theology) Notesworthy:Parish serves state capital of New Hampshire
HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
operating here at the time, making belts that time, established the Sunday school for the military. Others worked in res- in 1943 with six teachers. Today, the Sunday school has about taurants or other small businesses. According to a parish historical 45 children in three age levels. Greek sketch, there were 25 young men school has an enrollment of 25 in four levmostly between the ages of 17 and 21 els. There is also an adult conversational living and working in Concord by 1906. Greek class that meets weekly. The church choir also was founded Most had been farmers or sheepherders in Greece, but none pursued those in 1943 with 10 members and Virginia Tsekeris as director. She was succeeded vocations in New Hampshire. The son of one of these early pio- by Victoria Zachos, who has served as the neers joined his father a few years after director for the past 48 years. Mrs. Zachos also has been ache arrived in 1905. Today, Spiros Kiros tive in politics, having served as a is a spry 95-year-old who continues to Republican National committeeattend the church established by his woman. She told the Observer that, father. He was 15 when he arrived. political candidates coming to ConThese immigrants eventually cord seeking votes don t come to married and saved enough money the parish, but they are interested to open their own businesses. in the church mailing list. By 1930, there were 45 in Among the highlights in Holy the community. They met to Trinity parish history, with its preorganize a church community ponderance of Epirotes, the comand elected trustees with munity hosted the seventh PaneGeorge Lambukos as presipirotic Convention of the National dent. The community beEpirotic Society in July 1951. came incorporated upon reConcord, N.H. In 1956, with the part-time ceiving its state charter in assignment of Fr. George TsouJuly 1931. mas, along with Fr. Haralampous They soon purchased a Papadopoulos, Holy Trinity began ofbuilding in downtown Concord that had served as a carpentry fering Divine Liturgy every Sunday and shop and converted it into a church. also celebrated its 25th anniversary. Fr. Nicholas Diamantopoulos served as Laconia got its own priest, but the the community s first priest. Concord clergy still serve the small numA small number of Greek families ber of families around Franklin, located a that had settled in two other towns of few miles to the north. central New Hampshire, Franklin and A young graduate of Holy Cross SemiLaconia, reached an agreement with nary, Fr. George Karahalios, arrived in Concord s community in 1936 to share 1957 as the new priest. Under his leaderthe costs of a priest to serve the three ship, the parish moved to its present home parishes on a rotating basis. Holy Trin- two blocks north of the Capitol building ity would not have a weekly Divine Lit- on the corner of State and Chapel streets, urgy service until 1956. near the center of the area where most Archbishop Athenagoras, an Epi- members resided then and continue to live
Orthodox Observer
fled Spain to avoid serving in fascist dictator Francisco Franco s army and came to New Hampshire via Costa Rica. He was also a cabinetmaker and produced furniture for President Eisenhower. Fr. Chamberas, and parishioners Arthur Stavros, Dr. Lazaros Vandis, and Mrs. Zachos, said the community s goal is to purchase adjoining property to provide parking for the members. Currently there is only street parking along the quite maple tree-line streets around the church. The large New England clapboard parish house is rented. Fr. Chamberas has his own residence. Demographically, Holy Trinity parish has a 60/40 mix of American-born and immigrants. There are several converts mostly through marriage. In recent years, several Albanians have settled in the community, some of who were formerly Muslim Greeks who returned to the faith. In addition to the 15-member choir, the parish also has a chanter from Constantinople. Very few parishioners are now in the restaurant business, most are professionals: including lawyers, judges, and educators. Parish revenue comes mostly from a stewardship program that has a set minimum offering. It s good to see that some contributions are far in excess of the minimum, said Fr. Chamberas, who has also pastured communities in Manchester and Roslindale (Boston). Some give very generously. Parishioners established a Greek festival two years ago on the church
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ORTHODOX OBSERVER
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54th Commencement Takes Place at St. Basil Academy GARRISON, N.Y. The 54th annual commencement for St. Basil Academy took place June 16 with more than 100 individuals attending, some coming from as far away as Baltimore. The day began with a Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. in St. Basil Memorial Chapel. Following the service, the Commencement ceremony took place on the lawn under a canopy at the entrance to The Main, the mansion that serves as the central administrative and meeting place on campus. Among the speakers were Dr. Steven Gounardes, president of the St. Basil Board of Trustees; Cornelia Pappas, past grand president of the Daughters of Penelope; National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes and Dr. Geniene Guglielmo, superintendent of Highland Falls School District, where the children attend public school. Graduating students Joseph AlShannieh and Estella M. Yopp delivered graduate addresses. Elaine M Isaacson, a 1977 graduate of the academy, delivered an inspiring commencement address, relating her experiences after she left St. Basil s, both positive and negative and her search to rediscover her faith. Also speaking was Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, attending in the absence of Archbishop Demetrios who was consecrating Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Calif.
Bishop Dimitrios read a message from the Archbishop and also told the four graduates, Jesus is always there waiting for you with open arms. Remember that God loves you. A number of Philoptochos chapters and representatives of other organizations and various individuals offered gifts to the students and the Academy. They included Elaine Poulos, a former graduate; Church of Our Savior in Rye, N.Y.; Catherine Papayiannis for Atlantic Bank; the Westfield (N.J.) Philoptochos; Transfiguration Church in Corona, N.Y.; St. Markella Philoptochos in Mattituck, N.Y.; St. Paraskevi Philoptochos in Greenlawn, N.Y.; Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York; Holy
Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos addresses the gathering with an inspiring message for the graduates.
2001 Graduates with Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Dr. Stephen Gournades, Eve Condakes and many others in attendance.
A large crowd assebled under the canopy for the commencement program.
Trinity Church in Bridgeport, Conn.; St. John the Theologian Philoptochos in Tenafly, N.J., who presented a $1,000 college scholarship to the Academy; the Hellenic Times, which also offered a college scholarship; St. Nicholas Church Philoptochos in Flushing, N.Y., who gave a $3,000 donation. Additionally, the family of Dr. Panayiotis Sitaras, brother of Academy Director Fr. Costa Sitaras, has established a scholarship fund in memory of their fa-
THE DORMITION OF THEOTOKOS u page 1
with the historic announcement that she would become the Mother of God. The Dormition means to the Orthodox through centuries that the Virgin Mary was resurrected and ascended bodily to Heaven. This concept, not officially recognized by the Church as a dogma, stems from the traditional accounts that date to Biblical times. Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land for centuries have sought out the graveside of the Virgin Mary and to this day this ennobling experience is felt by thousands fortunate enough to make the journey of their life to the land where Jesus walked. The tomb, located at the base of the garden of Gethsemane is actually 100 feet below ground level and is reached by a stairwell. At about the 50- foot level, one pauses at the tomb of Joachim and Anna, the parents of Mary, at the right of which is the tomb of the protector of the Mother of God, St. Joseph. At the base of the marble staircase is the tomb of Mary, but her remains are not encased there. The tomb is empty but venerated still, not out of sentiment but out
of belief in what tradition teaches us. When the Mother of God was about to fall asleep, she summoned the Apostles to her bedside, all of whom except St. Thomas were able to be with her in her final hours. St. Thomas did not arrive until after the burial service, and his request to have a final look resulted in the discovery of the empty vault, which led to the belief that an angel of the Lord appeared to advise the bewildered St. Thomas and his friends that Holy Mary had been taken to Heaven in the manner of the Savior. It is not known what detained St. Thomas in an answer to the summons to the deathbed of the Virgin Mary but there is no doubt he suffered considerable anguish
at having arrived too late. It was as unusual then as it is now to reopen a casket once it has been supposedly closed forever, but the circumstances themselves were unusual because it was anything but a commonplace death. There is only one Son of God and it was His Mother who had passed on, and therefore under the circumstances the wish of a saint to lay eyes once more upon the Mother of God could not very well be denied. Man had nothing to do with the selection of Mary. It was God s choice to begin with and man can only speculate thereafter. (Excerpted from the Orthodox Saints series by Fr. George Poulos)
ther, Louis Sitaras. Bishop Dimitrios also participated in the presentation of diplomas to the students. They were kindergartener Nickolas Clemente, eighth graders Joseph AlShannieh and Androniki Angelatos, and 12th grader Stella Yopp. A traditional Greek luncheon and live musical entertainment followed the ceremony. St. Basil Academy is a Greek Orthodox home for children in need, who are orphaned or come from broken homes. It is located in Garrison on a 240-acre site along the eastern bank of the Hudson River, opposite the United States Military Academy at West Point 50 miles north of New York City. The property was purchased in 1944 by the National Philoptochos Ladies Society, its major supporter over the years. Children at the Academy attend public school in the Garrison school district, then complete their learning with religious and Greek education at St. Basil s during the week. As part of its increasing role as a retreat center for the Archdiocese, the Academy will host the following events: Camp Good Shepherd for Orthodox youth ages 7-18, July 15-26; St. Timothy s Summer Camp of Western New York State; All Saints Language Camp, Aug. 5-18; and a Pan Orthodox Pilgrimage, Sept. 22-23. The new academic year begins on Sept. 5.
PARISH PROFILE u page 22
grounds. It takes place in September. In Concord and elsewhere, he has been assisted during the services by another priest, his father, the Rev. Athanasios Chamberas, age 95, who lives in Manchester. He priest also conducts weekly Bible classes and plans to become active with the local Council of Churches. The soft-spoken Fr. Chamberas characterizes his ministry as having a slower pace than in Manchester, adding, I am very happy here and look forward to doing what I can. The community is not too small and not very large. compiled by Jim Golding
2001-2002 Planners Available A MUST HAVE to keep you physically and spiritually organized. This book has the daily Bible readings, daily saints, feast days, fast days as well as some general information on the Church and resources to get further information. This year s theme is Missions: Go Forth! has
information regarding mission programs, shares a weekly quote regarding missions and focuses on missionary saints for each month. To order a planner call Holy Cross Book Store at (800) 245-0599 or contact www.goarch.org/access/ hcbks/ for further information.
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Annunciation Senior Club Celebrates 25 Years Boston Cathedral to Honor Rev. Constantine Xanthakis BOSTON Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England will host a testimonial for Rev. Constantine Xanthakis upon his retirement as dean. The banquet will take place Saturday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral s community center. Fr. Xanthakis has been dean of the Boston Cathedral since 1992. In this short time, Fr. Constantine has administered hundreds of sacraments to parishioners and played a role in various Cathedral restoration projects. Prior to his devoted service at the Cathedral, Fr. Constantine served at St.
Anargyroi in Rochester, Minn. (19621964), St. Spyridon in New York City (1964-1971), Annunciation in Cranston, R.I. (1971-1976), and Holy Cross in Brooklyn, N.Y. (1976-1992). Upon retirement as dean, Fr. Constantine plans to continue serving the Church on a part-time basis in whatever capacity he is asked. For more information on the testimonial, please call the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England at (617) 731-6633 or write to the mailing address of 162 Goddard Ave. Brookline, Mass. 02445.
Archangel Michael Youth Choir The Archangel Michael Youth Choir, under the direction of Georgia Kaufman, sang magnificent Byzantine hymns at the Sunday School 2001 Moving-Up Program
held at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Roslyn Heights, New York. Fr. Dennis Strouzas, ProtopresbyterFr. Jim Kordaris, Presbyter.
GOLDEN AGE Club members on a recent visit to New Orleans
BALTIMORE The Golden Age Club, an organization for members of the Annunciation Cathedral who are 55 years of age and over, recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding with nearly 200 persons in attendance. Fr. Constantine Monios and Alex Zades initiated the idea of creating a club specifically for this age group. Alex served as chairman of the event and acted as the Liaison for the parish council with the GAC. Edward F. Jackovitz was President of the Annunciation community at that time. A delicious spaghetti luncheon was served and a film on the life of Patriarch Athenagoras was shown. A brief meeting followed and six persons were named to a Steering Committee. They were Mrs. Fevro (George) Petite, Mrs. Dorothy (Vaselios) Demetrakis, Mrs. Tassea (Luke) Carman, Mr. Theo Canaras, Mr. Constantine Paxenos and Mr. Nikitas Konstant. Travel is the group s most popular activity. Trips range from one-day visits to Washington, DC, New York City, Lancaster, PA, Wilmington, DE and Atlantic City, NJ to multi-day stays in Wheeling, WVA, Branson, MO, Nashville, TN, the
Catskills, NY, Myrtle Beach, NC, St. Augustine and Orlando, FL, Las Vegas, NV, and as far north as Montreal and Quebec, Canada and as far south as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Cruises have also been offered. Other activities include a Christmas luncheon, participation in the Epiphany services in Ocean City, MD, attendance to dinner theaters and other theatrical productions. The Golden Agers also contribute to the life of the Annunciation community. They participate in the annual Athenian Agora Greek Festival. Members dye hundreds of eggs red on Holy Thursday for distribution following the Resurrection service. A number volunteer at the Theodore J. George Library, the largest such facility of any Greek Orthodox Church in the United States. An annual coffee hour for the benefit of the St. Photios Shrine in Florida has raised thousands of dollars. The Cathedral Choir is honored, following the presentation of their Christmas Program, with a lavish reception. In recent years professional members of the community have spoken to the GAC on legal, financial, pharmaceutical, health, and lifestyle topics as they pertain to this age group.
Illinois Parish Salutes Youth Groups PALOS HILLS, Ill. Sts. Constantine and Helen Church recently celebrated a youth appreciation night attended by more than 150 persons. Groups honored included the GOYA, GOAL (Greek Orthodox Athletic League), grade school boys, the high school girls and boys basketball teams, cheerleaders,
Greek folk dance troupe, altar boy council, and the Junior Olympics participants in grades 6-12. The title of Honorary Goyan was bestowed upon Helen Spiros and Christos Mars, both strongly involved in the parish s GOYA program and other youth activities.
Camp Agape Northwest Celebrates Another Year SEATTLE The combined efforts of the churches of St. Demetrios (Seattle), Assumption (Seattle), and St. Nicholas (Tacoma) have enabled children with cancer to enjoy a wonderful camping experience in the fifth year of Camp Agape Northwest, held July 22-28. With daily themes such as Wild West, African Safari, Latin America, and Greek Day, the children were treated to a wide variety of activities geared to their abilities and sensitive to their limitations. Camp directors Jeff and Debra Greer, assisted by 22 counselors and staffers, carefully planned each day so
that the children could make the most of their time at camp. With cooperation from the counselors and a dedicated medical staff, the camp was able to accommodate two children who had had strokes as a result of chemotherapy and one young lady who had lost her leg to the disease. The three chairwomen this year were Peggy Tramountanas (St. Demetrios), Heleni Koeman (Assumption), and Sally Hallis (St. Nicholas). Clergy advisors were Frs. John Angelis, John Hondros, John Kuehnle, and Joseph Velez. Philoptochos Diocese President Loula Anaston joined the campers this year to enjoy a few days of fun.
(L to R) Front row:Stacy Anagnostopoulos, Angelika Iordanou, Caterina Anastasio, Alexandra Foucalas, Christa Sotiriou, Katie Patestas. Second row: Ariadne Tzoumas, Angela Kaloudis, Connie Katsoulis, Maryann Vlachos, Calliope Iakovou, Andrea Cunningham, Stephanie Rontiris, Anastasia Alimaras. Third row: Areti Sotiriou, Areti Vlachos, Michele Gabriel, Alexandra Oleske, Antonia Zaferiou. Back row: Organist-Eleni Rodopoulos Kaufman, Jordan Iordanou, Christina Lipinski & Choir Director-Georgia Kaufman.
HC-HC Scholar Leads Southampton Church Retreat SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. The Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, author of numerous books and articles on the Church and spirituality, was guest retreat master at the recent second annual Sophocles N. and Louisa S. Zoullas Memorial Retreat at the Church of the Hamptons, Kimisis Tis Theotokou. The Sophocles N. and Louisa S. Zoullas Memorial Lectures were established in memory of parishioner Nicholas Zoullas parents.
Fr. Alex Karloutsos, pastor, said the retreat served as an opportunity for members of the parish and the South Fork community to reflect on their faith, their lives, and their relationships. For those of us in the Orthodox faith, the Great Lent is a time of healing and healing implies a return to God, our primary relationship, who makes us whole; it is great because it prepares us for the great joy of the Resurrection of Christ which offers us release from sin and death, said Fr. Karloutsos.
San Antonio Parishioner Needs Stem Cell Donation SAN ANTONIO, Texas A member of the parish at St. Sophia Church urgently needs a stem cell transplant for the treatment of leukemia. So far no matching donor has been found and the church community is joining the family in an urgent request for all eligible persons (ages 18 to 60) to donate and register as possible donors with the NMDP. The donation procedure for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) is a simple one done at your local blood bank. After a brief health questionnaire, you sign a
form consenting to have your tissue type listed on the Registry and provide a blood sample to determine your tissue type. The physical risks are no more than those caused by the blood donor procedure. Once listed on the national registry your tissue type will be compared to the tissue types of thousands of patients in need of a life saving PBSC transplantation. For more information call the PBSC Donor Services 1-800-526-7809 or the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Office (210) 735-5050.
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Academy of Byzantine Music Church Musicians Observe Silver Anniversary in Illinois Completes 2nd Year
METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS with graduates and instructors Dem. Haleas (left) and Dem. Chingas.
WESTCHESTER, Ill. Metropolitan Iakovos recently presented certificates to second-year graduates of the Byzantine School of Music at Holy Apostles Church. Families of students, priests, parishioners and friends of the school attended.
The Metropolitan founded the school to promoted the study of Byzantines music in America. All that is required for admission is a dedication and commitment to furthering the knowledge of Byzantine music.
NY Parish To Celebrate 70th Anniversary NEW YORK St. Spyridon Church in Manhattan will celebrate its 70th anniversary Oct. 7 with an archieratical Divine Liturgy and a banquet that evening. The community is preparing a journal to coincide with the event. Over the years, the parish has served the spiritual, educational, philanthropic and cultural needs of thousands of faithful.
The celebration will take place at Villa Amalfi restaurant, 793 Palisades Ave., Cliffside Park, N.J. In conjunction with this event, the parish will honor Bishop Philotheos of Meloa for his more than 50 years service to the Church. Those interested should contact the church office, (212) 795-5870.
DENVER The National Forum held its 25th anniversary meeting July 5-9. Hosts for the annual meeting were the choir and parish of the Assumption Cathedral in Denver. The eight diocesan Choir/Church Music Federations each sent a delegation. A highlight of the meeting was a visit from Archbishop Demetrios, who spent Saturday morning with the Forum. He addressed the delegates, sharing observations about church music in the Archdiocese and also engaging the delegates with questions from the floor. His remarks covered the role of church music in elevating and inspiring the faithful, the use of English and the need for uniformity of texts, the involvement of children in liturgical singing, and coordination of choirs and clergy with regards to pitch. His remarks will be included in an upcoming issue of MUSICA, the Forum s national periodical. Twenty-five years ago, at the 1976 Clergy-Laity Congress in Philadelphia, the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians received its charter from Archbishop Iakovos. This marked the beginning of the National Forum s history as the Archdiocesan ministry responsible for the strengthening and perpetuation of liturgical music. Shortly after receipt of the Charter, Niki Kalkanis of Detroit was elected the Forum s first national chairman. In 1980, he was succeeded by Dr. George Demos of Denver. The National Forum is now led by Dr. Vicki Pappas of Bloomington, Ind. As part of the opening events of the gathering, delegates assembled at the Cathedral for a welcome luncheon, where the delegates were welcomed by Fr. Constantine Pavlakos, dean of Assumption Cathedral and Connie Maniatis of Denver, local coordinator for the annual meeting.
Spain’s King and Queen Learn of St. Photios Shrine on Fla.Visit North CarolinathParish Celebrates 50 Year ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. St. Photios Greek Orthodox Church National Shrine was represented by the Very Rev. Nicholas Graff, executive director, and Harry T. Cavalaris, vice president, at a luncheon given recently in honor of the first official state visit to St. Augustine of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain. A video titled Our Plymouth Rock narrating the history of the first Hellenes landing in 1768 in the Americas and their struggle to survive their new home was presented to the royal couple as their schedule did not permit them to visit the shrine. Initially some 400 Hellenes, 900 Minorcans, and a few dozen Corsicans and Italians arrived in St. Augustine in 1768. The St. Photios Shrine is a religious center and dedicated as a shrine to the remaining Hellenes from the demise of the New Smyrna Colony in 1777 and succeeding generations of Hellenes. The Shrine is located in formers Avero House built in 1749 at 41 St. George Street. The remaining Hellenes colonists gathered and made this house their place for prayer and fellowship. St. Photios Shrine is dedicated to preserve, enhance and promote the ethnic and cultural traditions of Hellenic heritage and the teachings of the Greek Orthodox Church in the U.S.
Juan Carlos I of Spain traces his ancestry to Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, King and Queen of Spain from 1469-1516 and including the Bourbon Dynasty under Louis XIII of France. The King upon his ascension in 1975 is best known for the remarkable achievement of leading Spain from a military dictatorship to a democratic form of government as a constitutional monarch governed by a bi-cameral parliament, a powerful executive and with the recognition of the rights of regional nationalism. On May 14, 1962, Juan Carlos was married Princess Sophia the first-born daughter of then King Paul I and Queen Frederica. She was a member of Greece s sailing team in the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. She participates in many organizations linked to music, the arts and culture. Queen Sophia had an interest in the improvement of the status of women especially in the rural countryside. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European origin in the United States. Florida was discovered in 1513 by Ponce De Leon and named his discovery La Florida after the Easter season known in Spanish as Pascua Florida. The United States, under the AdamsOnis Treaty, acquired Florida from Spain in 1821.
DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL, N.C. St. Barbara Church recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with Bishop Alexios of Atlanta officiating at the Divine Liturgy and giving the keynote address. The program included concert pianist Haleh Alp of Germany, who presented a medley of music representing various backgrounds affiliated with Orthodoxy: Greek, Russian, Ukrainian and Serbian. Others performing musical pieces included soprano Risa Poniros of Raleigh, piano accompanist Elia Nicholas and violist Ernest Sunas of Durham.
Asia Minor Holocaust Memorial Planned Sept.30. BROOKLYN, N.Y. A memorial service commemorating the 79th anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922 will take place Sept. 30 at Three Hierarchs Church after Divine Liturgy. Following the service, those attending are invited to attend an exhibit and fellowship reception. For more information, call Basilios Theodosakis, chairman of the Holocaust Memorial Observance Committee, at 1104 East 17th St., Brooklyn, 11230, or call (718) 377-4656 after 8 p.m.
Keynote speaker, Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, spoke on the importance of accurate translations of Greek hymns into English and engaged in discussion about the translations process with the participants. Agenda items includes a review of current and future National Forum publications for Church schools, clergy, choir directors, choir members, organists, and chanters. National Forum members sampled new music that has been recently written or transcribed by various Orthodox composers and arrangers. Several of the Greek Orthodox Church s contemporary composers and transcribers were present during the meeting, including Dr. Theodore Bogdanos of Oakland, Calif., Dr. Tikey Zes of San Jose, Calif., and Dr. Nicolas Maragos of Rochester, Minn. Still another highlight of the week was the National Forum s Silver Anniversary Concert, which took place Friday evening, July 6 at Assumption Cathedral. Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Isaiah, visiting clergy, National Forum delegates, and Denver community members attended. Two active church musicians, who are also accomplished professional musicians, performed an electrifying concert. Paul Barnes, head chanter from Annunciation Church in Lincoln, Neb., presented a lecture-recital entitled Liszt and the Cross: Music as Sacrament in the B Minor Sonata for Piano. Using the iconography of the Cathedral and spiritual themes found in the music, Barnes led the audience to a deeper understanding of the work, which he then played brilliantly. Barnes joined Kevin Lawrence, choir director of the Dormition of the Theotokos Church in Greensboro, N.C. and composer of Greek Orthodox liturgical music. Together, they closed the program with a rousing rendition of Cesar Franck s Sonata for Violin and Piano. Other items on the Forum s meeting agenda included a review of recent Church music institutes that have been co-sponsored by the National Forum in several of the dioceses. Additionally, delegates discussed plans for the National Church Music Institute on the use of English to be held in the spring of 2002 at Holy Cross School of Theology. Other discussions included topics related to the translation of hymns into English, the continuing need for chanter development and transcriptions of Byzantine music, continuing education for choir directors and other church musicians, the use of the National Church Music Endowment Fund, development of a videotape library and an oral history of prominent church musicians, and commemoration of National Church Music Sunday, Oct. 7, among others. On Sunday, July 9, National Forum members joined the choir members of the Assumption Cathedral to sing the Divine Liturgy, under the direction of Dr. James Maniatis. They celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Isaiah, Fr. Pavlakos, and other visiting clergy. Church musicians from throughout the Archdiocese are invited to become members of the National Forum and to be a part of this national ministry for liturgical music. For further information, contact National Chairman Vicki Pappas: 812-8558248 or pappas@indiana.edu.
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In Memoriam Fr. Basil Gregory NEW YORK The Rev. Basil Gregory, longtime priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, died early Friday, July 13, in a New York hospital from complications of heart and respiratory problems following a lengthy illness. Archbishops Demetrios and Iakovos officiated at his funeral, held Monday, July 16 at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral in Manhattan. Assisting were Metropolitan Paisios of Tyana, Bishops Philotheos of Meloa and Dimitrios of Xanthos, and 20 other clergy. Archbishop Demetrios cut short his stay in Buenos Aires where he enthroned Metropolitan Tarasios as head of the Church in South America, to return to New York. Prior to the funeral, a Divine Liturgy was officiated by Archdiocesan Chancellor the Very Rev. Savas Zembillas. Co-celebrants were Frs. Elias Villis, Philemon Sevastiades and Mark Arey. The wake took place July 15 at St. George Church in Manhattan, where Fr. Gregory served as pastor for many years. At the funeral, Archbishop Demetrios eulogized Fr. Gregory, saying that he lived his priesthood and projected the depth and the heavenly perspectives of the Kingdom of God and, at the same times, dealing with people in a comfortable way. The Archbishop also conveyed the personal condolences of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Fr. Gregory s family. Archbishop Iakovos read the prayer of forgiveness read for departed priests. Fr. Gregory was born Oct. 5, 1927, in Detroit. He graduated from Holy Cross School of Theology in 1948, married Presbytera Anna and was ordained to the priesthood the same year. His first parish was Annunciation in Scranton, Pa., where he served from 1948 to 1950. For the next decade, he served at
Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Chicago, then was assigned as dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Pittsburgh, where he served from 1960-64. While in Pittsburgh, he earned an MBA degree from the University of Pittsburgh. From 1964 to 1967, he served at Holy Cross parish in Brooklyn and also as director of economic development for the Archdiocese. In 1970, he began serving at St. George s in Manhattan and also became president of the Petrola House of the Latsis Group in the United States. He also served on the board of Atlantic Bank of New York. Fr. Gregory is survived by two sons, Nick, meteorologist for New York Fox Network station WNYW Channel 5, and Andrew; two daughters in law and five grandchildren. Burial was at Greenwood Cemetery in Rye, N.Y., followed by the makaria at Church of Our Savior in Rye.
Presbytera Georgia Rassias WILMINGTON, Del. Presbytera Georgia Karras Rassias died May 17 after an extended battle with cancer. She was born in Asbury Park, N.J., in 1943. When she married Fr. Rassias in 1963, they moved to St. Paul, Minn., her husband s first assignment. While there, she completed her studies and graduated from McCallister College with a degree in education, magna cum laude. In 1978, Fr. Rassias was assigned to Holy Trinity Church in Wilmington and Presbytera Georgia was involved with the youth and Sunday school programs. She was an advisor to GOYA, active in the Philoptochos, youth dance group and adult English education, the annual Sights and Sounds, and the Greek festival. Presbytera was active as a substitute teacher in the local public school district.
She also taught Sunday school through her husband s retirement in June 2000. Since she was originally diagnosed 17 years ago, Presbytera Rassias spent a significant amount of time counseling and educating young women about the importance and benefits of early cancer detection and prevention. She routinely counseled other cancer patients throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond. She leaves behind her husband, Fr. Jerry Rassias; three sons, Dion, George and Peter; a daughter-in-law, Gina Tsaganos Rassias; three grandchildren; an older sister, Margaret Penn of Potomac, Md.; two brothers, John of Trenton, N.J. and Emmanuel of Jersey City, N.J; her mother, Xanthi Karras of Asbury Park, and other relatives. Memorials may be made in her memory to St. Basil Academy in Garrison, N.Y.
Presbytera Bessie Thanos HOUSTON Presbytera Bessie Kocotas Thanos, 71, wife of Fr. George Thanos, current pastor of Assumption Church in Galveston, died May 30 after a long battle with cancer. She was born Dec. 28, 1929, in Monroe, La. She attended Northeast Louisiana State College and worked at Macy s in Houston s Galleria mall until her retirement. Presbytera Thanos was a member of the Philoptochos Society, Daughters of Penelope, Annunciation Cathedral and St. Basil the Great Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Katherine Kocotas, and a sister, Christine Kocotas. In addition to her husband, survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Demos and Nia Thanos; daughter and son-in-law, Penny and Evangelos Balias; a brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Beverly Kocotas of Charlottesville, Va.; several grandchildren and other relatives. Memorials may be made to the St. Basil the Great Church Building Fund in Houston.
JULY-AUGUST 2001
Former Head of Romanian Archdiocese,Victorin, Dies Archbishop Victorin (Ursache), 89, Archbishop Emeritus of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada, fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, June 16. His Eminence led the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese for 35 years, retiring from active service in February. Archbishop Victorin was born July 24, 1912, in Manastioara-Siret, Suceava, Romania. He was a graduate of the Lyceum of Siret, and graduated from the Theological Faculty of the University of Cernauti, Romania. He also earned a degree in biblical studies from the Biblical Institute of Jerusalem. He entered the monastic life at the Ascension of our Lord Monastery of Neamtu, Romania in 1937. He was ordained a deacon on July 20, 1937 and as a priest Aug. 1, 1937. From 1937 to 1946 he served as professor of theology at Neamtu Seminary. In addition, from 1937 to 1940 he served as assistant director of the seminary, becoming director in 1940 until 1944. From 1940 he served as Abbot of Neamtu Monastery. In 1946 he left Romania to take the position of representative of the Romanian Orthodox Church at the Holy Place in Jerusalem and served at the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre until coming to the United States in 1956. From 1956 until 1966 he served as Superior of the Jerusalem Mission in the United States as well as professor of theology at St. Tikhon s Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pa. In April 1966 he was elected to succeed the late Bishop Andrei as bishop of the then-Romanian Orthodox Missionary Diocese. He was ordained as a bishop on Aug. 7, 1966. On June 11, 1973, he was elevated to the rank of Archbishop. Archbishop Victorin retired from active service in February,
Archbishop Victorin, last May during the meeting of Orthodox Hierarchs in Washington.
2001, after 35 years of leading the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada. During his long years of service the Archdiocese established numerous parishes through North America ministering to Romanian Orthodox Christians. His Eminence was a member of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas and a respected spiritual presence in Orthodox and ecumenical forums. Archbishop Victorin lay in state at the Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church, 1850 East Square Lake Road, Troy, Mich. Funeral service was held Thursday, July 19. His Eminence was buried at Putna Monastery in Romania.
Mary V. Bicouvaris NEWPORT NEWS, Va. Mary V. Bicouvaris, who in 1989 was named the National Teacher of the Year, and received many other honors during her career as an educator, died of cancer May 2 at home, surrounded by her family. She was 61. Born June 4, 1939 in Tripolis Greece, Mrs. Bicouvaris decided as a child to cultivate her own education throughout her life. In 1958, she received a teaching diploma from the Pedagogical Academy in Tripolis, in the Peloponnesus. She came to the United States in 1960 to continue her studies at Ohio State University in Columbus, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in education and social studies in 1963. While at school, she met her future husband, James G. Bicouvaris, whom she married upon graduation. After moving to Newport News, she began teaching American history at a local junior high school, where she spent 13 years. During this time, she earned a Master of Arts degree in education and social studies at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. Later she taught 12th grade U.S. government and international relations at Bethel High School. In 1989, after many levels of competition, months of evaluation and a battery of tests, Mrs. Bicouvaris achieved the highest honor in her profession, National Teacher of the Year, and received the Crystal Apple Award from President George Bush at a ceremony in her honor at the Rose Garden. The President also appointed her as a member of the Commission on Presidential Scholars.
Taking a one-year sabbatical, Mrs. Bicouvaris traveled with her husband to every U.S. state, and also visited nations on every continent. She retired from Hampton Public Schools and began a teaching career at the Christopher Newport University Department of Education, where she remained for six years. Her passing was marked in the local newspaper, the Daily Press, with many accolades and an editorial praising her many contributions to the teaching profession. Survivors include her husband of 39 years, James G. Bicouvaris; a son, Greg Bicouvaris; and a daughter, Valerie Bicouvaris, all of Newport News; a sister, Sasha Tsalikis of Athens, Greece; and several nieces, a nephew and other relatives. Funeral service took place at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Newport News with Fr. George Chloros officiating. Memorials may be made to the Christopher Newport University Building Fund.
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The Life of the Orthodox Church in India An Evening with Fr. Ignatios Sennis
T
hey came recently from as far as Rockford, Ill., Madison, Wis., and Merrillville, Ind., to welcome and support the Very Rev. Archimandrite Fr. Ignatios Sennis, head of our mission in Calcutta, India. by Fr. Evagoras Constantinides
Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Chicago honored us with his presence as did many priests; also Athan E. Stephanopoulos, director of development of OCMC, George Konopeotis, head of the Mission Team Chicago and the members of the team, Navy Lt. Commander Fr. Milton Gianulis, adviser to the Mission Team Chicago, and more than 540 people (with St. Haralambos Church of Niles, Ill., heading the list with 10 tables) attended this wonderful dinner and inspiring program at the Chateau Ritz Banquet Hall. For those unable to attend the Thursday evening dinner, Fr. Ignatios attended a coffee and cake gathering at St. Demetrios Church of Chicago on the following evening and presented the same program. People came to both affairs to support and learn more about a man who left the tranquility of Stavronikita Monastery on Mount Athos (the Holy Mountain) in Greece, to devote his life to mission work. He was born in Corinth 48 years ago and entered the monastery at age 23. He left at 32 for Korea where he spent six years in mission work. When he heard that Fr. Athanasios Anthidis, who was doing missionary work in India, died, Fr. Ignatios headed for Calcutta to continue Fr. Athanasios missionary efforts. He has now been there for 10 years in which, under the guidance and financial support of Metropolitan Nikitas of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, he accomplished unbelievable things. He has helped build six churches, two orphanages (one for 150 boys, another for 200 girls), six (6) medical clinics, one dental clinic and three schools. Fr. Ignatios is challenging the status quo of poverty in India by meeting the spiritual, medical and educational needs of children and adults alike. His philanthropic efforts include a daily breakfast of milk and three cookies for over 250 street children, to most of whom this is the only meal for the day. The mission also offers a two-week supply of food staples (flour, oil, sugar, soybeans, lentils, soap, toilet paper and matches) every week to approximately 500 of the poorest families in the Calcutta area. People arrive on the night before and camp outside the mission gate to receive
us abulo F e h T
this precious assistance. The mission has opened several new wells in places that had no fresh water and has now started building homes for the poor. Most importantly, Fr. Ignatios has brought more than 5,000 people into the Orthodox faith and has prepared and educated eight indigenous men for the ordination to the priesthood who are now heading the parishes in surrounding villages thus continuing and expanding the missionary efforts of the church. The outpouring of love, admiration and support for Fr. Ignatios work in India during the banquet and his four-day stay in Chicago was amazing. Through your generous financial assistance we were able to raise $26,500 from the dinner; $12,830 from donation envelopes on Thursday evening, ranging from $15,000 from the Ministry of Love (Diakonia Agapis) of St. Spiridon church to $10,000 from an individual, $5,000 from the Annunciation Church in Milwaukee, $5,000 from another individual, $2,000 from several individuals, all the way to $50. Another $7,250 (one a $5,000 donation), came from envelopes at St. Demetrios, $2,925 from miscellaneous donations, and some $6,350 personal cash gifts to Fr. Ignatios, making a grand total of more than $118,000.00 to help continue and expand these programs. Our expenses are expected to amount to about $8,600. And donations are still coming in. Fr Ignatios visited 12 other cities on his lecture and fund-raising tour planned and sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). The gross income from all these 12 cities that he visited is only about $75,000- 80,000! Fr. Ignatios next great project in Calcutta is a Home for Blind Children, which will cost (just the building) $100,000. Even though we do have a gentleman who has offered this amount, we are looking for large donations to furnish and equip the home. Fr. Evagoras will be glad to receive you call and your pledge. The evening s program was most inspirational. Fr. Ignatios gave a most moving keynote address on his work and the needs of the people in India in Greek. What moved people to tears and touched their hearts, however, was a 20minute video, made by Athan Stephanopoulos in India which graphically portrayed life in India. Many people purchased this video to show at their club meetings. Following the video Athan spoke of the work of the OCMC and made a very stirring appeal. Fr. Evagoras Constantinides organized the dinner and served as master of ceremonies.
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HOLY COMMUNION u page 12
1. Desire for Holy Communion
The belief in the sacrament of Holy Communion, the belief in the real physical presence of our Lord in the chalice, and the belief that Holy Communion is a most essential food and nourishment for our spiritual life must make the faithful desire, long for, in fact, cherish to unite with his Lord. As one of the prayers before Holy Communion states: You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and with your divine love (Eros) you have changed me; but do burn away with spiritual fire my sins, and make me worthy to be filled with your joy, so that, rejoicing, I may magnify your two presences (first and second coming), O good one.
2. Self-examination and Testing
Before taking Holy Communion we must examine ourselves as St. Paul instructs: Let a man examine himself, and then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the Body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That s why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died (I Corinthians 11, 28-30). But we must be careful that during the examination we do not exhibit over-sensitivity or undersensitivity. If the examination reveals minor unworthiness, then one proceeds to Holy Communion with a contrite heart. If the examination reveals serious violations, carnal, moral or ethical, then one must proceed to confession.
3. Love
Holy Communion is a labor of love. The Holy Eucharist as the highlight of the Divine Drama is the ultimate act of love in the union between man and God. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3, 16). In approaching for Holy Communion we must feel the same kind of love for him. And the best way to show love for him is to love neighbor as self: We love because he first loved us. If anyone says I love God and hates his brother he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him that he who loves God should love his brother also (I John 4, 19-21). And in Matthew we read : So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5, 23-24). And St. John Chrysostom protests and states that no one who has enemies and hates them can approach the Holy Table:
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
Behold, I declare and protest and shout with a loud voice. No one who has an enemy can approach the Holy Table and accept the Body of the Lord; and none of those who come forward should have an enemy. Do you have an enemy? Do not approach. Do you want to approach? Reconcile and then come forward and touch the Holy. We can see, therefore, to what extent love is a basic and fundamental presupposition for taking Holy Communion.
OF SPECIAL INTEREST u page 11
There is no greater source of strength and power in earth for the Christian than the partaking of the Lord s Body and Blood regularly and worthily. This is something that we must realize and take seriously by overcoming all the prejudices and superstitions that have crept into our faith and are stifling our spiritual growth.
ality is the product of the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control If we live by the Spirit, then we shall walk by the Spirit , and we shall minister by the Spirit. As a priest of the 21st first century, one needs to be the epitome of the fruits of the spirit. The human spirit should always respond to God s Spirit who is present everywhere-filling all things. Spiritual life is a joyful exultation of the heart, but also a perpetual quest of the mind (skirtimata tes kardias kei anazeteseis tou nou), a life of faith but also a life of questions, of a reflective mind that constantly seeks a renewal. Heart and mind must be in a constant dialogue, a cooperation that ultimately surrenders to God s arms. I love St. Augustine s outcry: I find no rest, O Lord until I rest in you. So before we face our flock, we need to face ourselves. We need to ask ourselves: do we believe? Do we hope? Do we love? The challenges of the third millennium will not come from Nero and Caligula, Domitian and Decius, Galerius and Diocletian, but from cellular-biologists and physicists, from economists and sexologistsfrom people who see the human being as nothing more than a biological being. How do I respond to my grandson, who knows more about physics than I do Pappou, how did Christ make the world? Pappou, what are you going to respond when in the near future they create a human being in test tube? A few years ago, while in Baltimore, the president of a Greek Orthodox community who is also a professor of microbiology said to me, Father, you priests have no problem; you believe, you accept everything by faith, and feel secure. Think of my problems as a cellular-biologist: how do you expect me to believe that almighty God intervened and made everything? As we began exploring his spiritual and religious questions, I asked him , My good doctor, just tell me: what brings cells together and unites them to multiply and create a being? Well, we do not know, he said. It is a mystery, he added. For us, too, it is a mystery, but a mystery resolved. The power of the dynamics of creation the source of life that unites cells is what we call God, Creator, the Unknown Power, the incomprehensible, the invisible, the indescribable. Being that brought everything into being and in whom we have our being. A priest of the 21st century will continue to serve the spiritual and religious needs of grandmothers and grandfathers, of students
from the chains of our sins, which hold us back in our quest for unity with the Trinity. The climb up the Ladder can be very difficult, but the step-by-step method that St. John introduces us to, makes this ascent feasible for each of us. Though this struggle is monastic, we do not have to be monks to reach our goal of eternal joy in Christ. Theosis is intended for all baptized Christians. Though it may help, it is not necessary to give up all of our possessions and live in seclusion. The idea is not to abandon all other pursuits, but to put them in their proper place in our lives: squarely behind our journey towards Christ. In order to change our destination from suicide like James, to eternal joy in Christ, we love God and our fellow men, keep our Lord s commandments, rise
through repentance as often as we fall, and deny our own will and replace it with that of God. If we do this, you and I are on our way there. Slowly but surely, we are climbing the ladder towards our ultimate goal: the Kingdom of God not a destination that is meant to be reached after death. Heaven is not a place where we go when we die, if we re good when we live; it is something that can and has been achieved by humans, the saints, while in our world. We are not to wait to die in order to reach the Kingdom, but to enjoy the abundant life Christ promised us on earth. This is our purpose! This is our struggle! This is the meaning of our existence! Let s get started on our quest we ll make it one step at a time.
4. Prayer and Devotion
Once a person has taken Holy Communion he must start his preparation for the following time with prayer and devotional reading from the Bible and the Communion prayers. Not enough can be said about the great benefits that such a preparation can produce for the communicant. The state of mind with which we approach the Holy Gifts is a very important part of the entire process of salvation and true prayer and devotional readings do produce within us the proper state of mind.
5. Reverence and Fear
The final station of preparation for Holy Communion is reverence and fear that must exist in the soul of the faithful when he approaches for Holy Communion. Many people dislike the word fear as being the opposite of love. But the fear we are talking about here is not so much being afraid, as is awe which springs forth from the realization of our sinfulness, the solemnity of the moment and the greatness of God whom the faithful literally touches. If we really had such awe and fear and reverence we would not be witnessing the ugly scenes that we see in our churches on the big holidays: disorder, noise, shouting, pushing, arguing and even fighting. Even St. John Chrysostom was horrified by this: What is this sin which is being openly committed? Coming to Communion not with awe but kicking and striking, full of anger, shouting, abusing, pushing the nearby, full of agitation Tell me, why so much noise? Why such a rush? These are called and are sacraments, and when there are sacraments there should be nothing but silence. Therefore, with much silence and much order and with the proper reverence, we should approach this sacred sacrifice, so that we may gain much favor from God and cleanse our souls and gain the eternal blessing.
CONCLUSION
ORATORICAL FESTIVAL u page 20
best-selling books like Lose 10 lbs. In 10 Days race out of bookstores. Why not this one, which teaches us how to gain eternal joy? In this ultimate self-help book, St. John presents the vision of a ladder reaching from earth to Christ, with each of thirty rungs representing a further step towards achieving Theosis: the state in which we fully experience the love of the Trinity, and by which we gain the most pure joy possible. Step by step, we work our way up this ladder by ascetic struggle, things like prayer, fasting, confession, and receiving Holy Communion. Through this process, we learn three things: to break from the world and the superficial, to practice virtues until we become them, and to suppress the passions that keep us from moving towards God. We release ourselves
PAGE 29
and teachers, of physicists and mathematicians, of poor and wealthy people, of the destitute homeless and the powerful. A community of the 21st century will be more demanding of their priest, expecting more from his intellectual and spiritual reservoir. More and more of the communicants will demand that all priests be better educated, more experienced and more dedicated to their vocation. They have had enough of ekklesiastiko epangelmatismo-ecclesiastical professionalism. The faithful expect their priest to be a person convinced of his faith in himself, a person who inspire hope, a person whose love can embrace the totality of God s creation, a person whose services and prayers can bring tears to his people. When the celebrant priest kneels before the altar, he should feel shivers going through his spine. When he finishes the liturgy, he has distributed the antidoro and has finished with his catalysis, he should feel exhilarated and deeply tired. No, the liturgy is not one hour s engagement but one week s preparation, reading, thinking, reflecting on the Sunday s message and joyfully expecting every Sunday for a renewal and a new, more fulfilling spiritual experience. In the altar the priest stands enopios enopio (facing each other). It is for this reason that he should not be disturbed by the comings in and the goings out of members of the ecclesiastical council, the choirmaster, or the acolytes, who should have been prepared and know ahead of time of their duties. Once the liturgy starts, the priest should not leave his place before the hagia trapeza, or the altar. A priest s education should go beyond his theological training and be broad enough in language, history, philosophy broad enough to encompass the humanities as they affect his ministry, an example set by St. Paul and the Apologists, the Church Fathers and ecclesiastical writers.
Quality of the present
Writing during the first quarter of the fourth century, Eusebios of Caesarea, the father of ecclesiastical history was the first writer of the Christian era who studied his contemporary events in the light of the past. For him the present was a fulfillment of the past and saw the future determined by the nature of his times. Eusebios, a faithful student of the ancient Greeks: Plato, Plutarch, Diogenes Laertios and especially the historians Herodotos, Thucydides, Dionysios of Hallicarnassos realized that the Christian church could be traced back to the election of Abraham but he emphasized that its future depended on the quality of the present. The future of our church in today s world is determined by the kind of education, by the kind of preparation, by the character and spiritual formation we provide in our colleges and in our theological schools. Briefly, as I reflect on the role of the priest in the 21st century, I realize that one must be excellently educated; one must have a very good understanding of human nature, of its needs and aspirations. One needs to have a sense of obligation to fellow human beings, obligation to strengthen their faith through word and deed. As servant of God and people, a priest needs to possess a faith that does not put him to shame, a hope certain and forwardlooking, and a love without hypocrisy, an all-embracing love that makes itself manifest in genuine spirituality and in diakoniaservice to fellow human beings. A priest s pastoral ministry should not be an ecclesiastical profession, a trade (ekklesiastiko epangelma) but a response to a calling. To be sure, as in every age and every century, the role of a priest is a demanding exercise in faith, hope, and love, nevertheless a joyful and fulfilling exercise.
PAGE 30
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
The Voice of
JULY-AUGUST 2001
Philoptochos
New Jersey Philoptochos Biennial Conference Executive Board Gives Archbishop Donations for Quake Victims On Saturday, May 5, 2001 the New Jersey Diocesan Philoptochos Biennial Conference was convened at the Saints Constantine and Helen parish in Annapolis, Maryland. Philoptochos Ladies representing 47 chapters converged on the beautiful facilities to hear reports, make decisions and hold elections for the regional representatives to the Diocesan Board. Future plans and events were discussed with a progressive and positive attitude.
The meeting was called by the Diocesan Board President Ronnie Kyritsis. Archbishop Demetrios was represented by the Very Reverend Fr. Alexander G. Leondis, who read a greeting on His Eminence s behalf. Kassandra Romas represented National Philoptochos. The host parish led by the Rev. Kosmas Karavellas and the Philoptochos President Stella Katchevas received the delegates at the Biennial Conference with love, dignity, hospitality and warmth.
EXECUTIVE BOARD members with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios
Annapolis, MD: Diocesan Philoptochos President Ronnie Kyritsis in the center, is flanked by The Very Reverend Alexander G. Leondis to her left and The Reverend Kosmas Karavellas to the far right, together with the officers and participants in the Biennial Philoptochos Conference of the Diocese of New Jersey.
A Thank You Letter from Hong Kong Hierarch The following letter was sent to National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes from Metropolitan Nikitas of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia in response to a donation from the philanthropic organization for the earthquake victims in India. Dear Mrs. Condakes, By the grace and love of God, I find myself these days in Hong Kong with the flock that the Lord and the Mother Church have entrusted to my care. As you may know from various news reports, the times in Asia have been trying ones, especially for the Christian population. Our Lord, thought, in His love for us does not forsake us and leave us without signs of hope. The news we received today assures me of this. It is in this spirit that I communicate with you and the members of the Philoptochos, to which I proudly belong. Today we received notice from the bank of the transfer of funds ($40,000) from the National Philoptochos to be used for the ministries of the Church, especially in assisting the victims of the earthquake in India. I have already communicated with Fr. Ignatios, the clergyman responsible for our efforts in India, and we have developed a plan that will allow for the best use of these funds. In the near future, you will receive a report of our efforts. Please be kind enough to share our gratitude with the members of the many Philoptochos chapters that offered and donated to this gift of love. We also ask that you will pray for the victims and the many suffering souls in this part of the world. Ask God to be merciful upon those
NATIONAL BOARD members Susan Regos and Arlene Siavolis present $40,000 donation to Metropolitan Nikitas.
in need and also to make us worthy stewards in the field. I extend an invitation to you and a delegation of Philoptochos members to visit Asia to see our philanthropic efforts in the name of Christ and His Church. I also ask that you express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios giving his blessing for this act of love. In Christ, ÿ Metropolitan Nikitas of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.
Palos Hills Chapter Honors Priest PALOS HILLS, Ill. Members of St. Helen Chapter at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church recently presented Fr. Byron and Presbytera Cynthia Papanikolaou with a surprise album at their 40th wedding anniversary and his 40th year of service to the parish, the only community he has ever served. The album contained personal messages and photos from parishioners, Philoptochos members, board members and school personnel. Philoptochos members Denise Manta and Cathy Gofis prepared and presented the album.
NEW YORK National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes and Executive Board members at their June 15 meeting presented Archbishop Demetrios with donations of $40,000 to benefit victims of the earthquake that devastated parts of India and another $20,000 for disaster relief for El Salvador earthquake victims. Mrs. Condakes informed His Eminence
Orthodox Observer
that through the philanthropy and generosity of the Philoptochos sisterhood nationwide, the Society was also able to distribute: the following: $30,000 for Hellenic College Holy Cross, $10,000 for St. Photios Shrine, $15,000 for the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, $25,000 for UNICEF, $2,500 for the IOCC and $95,616 for the many needs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Chicago Diocese to Host Medical Fund Luncheon byRose Dalianis
CHICAGO Diocese Philoptochos will host the eighth National Philoptochos Children s Medical Fund Luncheon Nov. 10 at the Oak Brook Hills hotel in Oak Brook, Ill. It is a privilege to host the luncheon here, said Susan Regos, a member of the national board and general chairman of the event, which will take place for the first time in the Chicago Diocese. One of our most rewarding philanthropic endeavors of our Philoptochos Society is in reach out to children in need of medical attention. The National Philoptochos Children s Medical Fund was established in 1989 as an extension of Philoptochos many social programs, on the recommendation of Archbishop Iakovos. Since its inception, the fund has provided $730,000 to various children s hospitals for research and to offer medical assistance to Greek, Greek American and Orthodox children. The luncheon is expected to raise
about $200,000, and this year s proceeds will benefit the University of Chicago Children s Hospital, Children s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Washington University in St. Louis Department of Pediatrics, Papanikolaou Hospital-Pediatric Clinic in Thessaloniki and the National Philoptochos Children s Medical Fund. Past Children s Medical Fund Luncheons have been held in New York, Atlanta, Washington, Boston and New Jersey. Recipients of grants from these luncheons have included children s hospitals throughout the United States. Co-chairing the fund-raiser are Mary Ann Bissias, Diocese Philoptochos Board president; and Lori Voutiritsas, first vice president. National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes remarks, It is with warmth and heartfelt gratitude we welcome all those who with their presence and participation will reflect a real hope and promise for those children who so much need our attention and love. More information: (630) 572-1196.
Denver Diocese Ladies Hold Biennial Conference HOUSTON Denver Diocese Philoptochos members voted to include Prison Ministry as part of their Missions Outreach Project, to incorporate Christian Stewardship for Diocese per capita; and to all chapters to have a fund-raiser of their choice to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Philoptochos on Nov. 1. Other business conducted included the re-election of Elaine Cladis as Diocese Philoptochos president, and a luncheon honoring past President Billie Zumo. Upcoming events include the annual Women s Philoptochos Retreat at St. Basil s Academy, Sept. 1416, with the Denver Diocese s fall board meeting, and next year s spring Diocese Philoptochos board meeting in Dallas the second weekend in Lent.
METROPOLITAN ISAIAH, with Elaine Cladis and Billie Zumo, who was presented with an icon of the Theotokos and Christ child at a luncheon honoring the past president. Both ladies also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Diocese Center in Denver on May 19.
JULY-AUGUST 2001
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
Youth Ministry
challenge
You Get to Christ by Coming Closer to Each Other We all struggle so much in our spiritual journey. To become one with God we must be servers of Christ. In our busy lives, this sometimes seems impossible, yet it is what Christ asks of us to organize our lives around Him. God is true love, we all know that and He teaches us that love cannot remain by itself if it does, it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action takes the form of service service for our neighbor and all mankind. This action this service is like putting arms and legs to our beliefs. by Mary Danakas
As the old saying goes, Walk the Walk. That is, be doers not just hearers of the faith. Tradition has always taught that being a faithful, committed Orthodox Christian by necessity entails being a missionary. As true stewards in the Orthodox faith, we are called to a life of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. We all have the opportunity, the obligation, to answer God s call God s command to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and those imprisoned, welcome the stranger. You get closer to Christ by coming closer to each other. As Jesus said, Whatever you do to the least of my brethren you do it to me. Mission and evangelism is a way of life, which should become second nature. Just as St. Paul urges us to pray unceasingly, likewise we should be doing missionary work unceasingly in whatever context we find ourselves. We can and should be missionaries to our family members, neighbors, friends hospitalized parishioners, elderly, homeless, and to countless other categories of God s children. In our journey to emulate Christ to follow the good shepherd we must open our heart to hear His voice and to follow His lead. In doing this, in 1987 I was blessed to be a member of the first Orthodox mission team which traveled to Kenya, East Africa. At the time, I was not quite sure what I was walking into. However, I was fully confident that the Lord was walking with me in this whole situation, and that was my one comfort and great strength. I credit this single experience in instilling within me my zeal for missions. It also played a very influential role in my spiritual reawakening. I have never felt Christ s presence more than I did here. It was moving to attend services in an environment that was untouched, kept in its purist form. It is amazing how fulfilling things are without the extras in life that we all think we cannot live without. Challenge is the Youth & Young Adult Ministries supplement to the Orthodox Observer. 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 or email: youthoffice@goarch.org
I know that in my life I have never lost faith, however there have been times when I became a little lost. My priorities were somewhat out of place and I became more concerned with the worldly things in life. And through it all, I found myself wondering where and how God truly fits into all of this. Was He just peeking around some corner of my life or was He in the center of my life. Have I answered Christ s personal call to me and opened the door of my heart to Him? These were some of the questions I found myself asking. This experience truly changed my life. I was confronted with people and events that made me reevaluate what I had believed to be important and valuable. I came face to face with my faith and it was tested in a very big way. I think everyone was. As a result, my faith was strengthened and I left with a greater sense of closeness to Christ, one I never thought possible. This was the first of my many foreign missionary ventures (Kenya, East Africa; Ghana, West Africa; Albania (twice) and Mexico). I truly believe that the reason I have gotten involved in all these trips is simply because Christ said, GO! And I have been blessed in so many ways, with so many experiences, as a result of my many travels. Through all this, and with God s help, I came to realize that for me, I had to give all of myself to working His Vineyard. The blessings continued and in 1996, I joined the family of Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orthodox Orphanage as a full-time staff. There s a lot of pain out there. And no we cannot do it all or take away everyone s pain, loneliness and despair, however we can do it for some for the one. Mother Teresa has been quoted as saying; I never look at the masses as my responsibility. I look at the individual. I can love only one person at a time, I can feed only one person at a time As so you begin It never ceases to amaze me how God uses us to touch the lives of others. We are all instruments of God to be taken in His loving hands to be shaped, molded and used to and for His Glory. The church and her many programs and ministries help to fine-tune that instrument. As we say numerous times throughout the Liturgy, Let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. We can and should be missionaries, servers of Christ, with all those around us, near and far, within our church, within our community and most especially within our home. You get closer to Christ by coming closer to each other. Mary Danakas is director of development for Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orthodox Orphanage. For more information about their ministry write: Project Mexico, PO Box 120028, Chula Vista, CA 91912 3128 or call (619) 426-4610.
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Email: youthoffice@goarch.org
What s Up with Missions
Have you ever thought about doing some mission work? This question may not sound very appealing to you. It doesn t necessarily sound unappealing; maybe you just can t find the time right now. by Jordan Henderson
If you are in high school, then schoolwork, class projects, and school activities, not to mention after-school jobs, most likely occupy the majority of your time. Any free time you do have, you probably want to spend relaxing with friends. If someone had asked me five or six years ago if I would be interested in mission work, I do not think I would have been very excited about it. In fact, the opportunity did come along the summer after my tenth grade year to go on a three-week mission trip overseas to Russia. When my dad asked me if I wanted to go, I thought about it, and then said, I don t think so. Three weeks is a long time. I ve worked hard all year long, and I want to relax this summer, not work even harder. It seemed like a good answer at the time. After all, between schoolwork, running track, and working at my job, I had worked hard all year, and I felt like my summer would be best spent taking it easy. I felt differently at the end of the summer. Some of my friends did go on that trip to Russia that summer. When they returned home at the end of the summer, they all had amazing stories to tell. They talked about the new friends they had made and all their incredible experiences. Most importantly, they talked about the incredible experience of sacrificing their own time, energy, and money in order to help those less fortunate. When these friends asked me how I had spent my summer, I didn t have much to tell them. I had
Music Review DESTINY S CHILD Survivor
Destiny s Child released the song Survivor. Although the message is clearly a positive and upbeat one, one must be a smart music consumer and wonder what message the group and the music industry are trying to sell. by Eva Kokinos
This hit has a catchy title, and sends a message of survival and perseverance. There are obvious Christian themes within the message. But, if you look at the video, you wonder if they really mean what they sing. The young women of Destiny s Child, all in their twenties, send a positive message with their lyrics. The song specifically speaks of overcoming a difficult relationship, but the message of empowerment can be applied to many different situations. In addition, the song promotes other important Christian values. For example, the notion of turning the other cheek when confronted by negative people. Also, they sing specifically of not compromising their Christianity. In a society where temptation surrounds us, staying true to our Christian values is a difficult task. Destiny s Child is proclaiming that they are trying to make that effort and help set a good example for other young people.
basically wasted my summer away. I realized then that I had blown an incredible opportunity by not participating in this trip. A few years later, the opportunity came again to participate in a short-term summer mission trip. As I thought about it, the same thoughts came to my mind. This time, however, I decided to go ahead. As it turned out, the trip was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The friends I met and the experiences we had gave me memories that will last a lifetime. Since then, I ve spent all of my vacations doing some sort of mission work. My friends and family often say things like That s such a sacrifice you are making! Although it certainly is work, I do not consider it to be as much of a sacrifice as I did before. After participating in a mission trip, I can t think of any way I would rather spend my vacations. Mission work is so much more rewarding than anything else I could be doing. Have you ever considered doing some mission work? If not, I hope you will in the future. There are so many opportunities to help those who are less fortunate. Talk to your parents, priests, and youth directors about it. Whether you participate in a Habitat for Humanity project, visit a nursing home, work in a soup kitchen, or even organize a short-term mission trip like Project Mexico, serving others will undoubtedly help you to draw closer to God, make new friends, and create memories that will last you a lifetime. The sacrifice is always worth it. Jordan lives in Memphis, Tennessee where he attends St. John s Antiochian Orthodox Church. He is a senior at the University of Memphis majoring in history. Jordan has been on several mission trips to Guatemala and Alaska.
But, are they really helping to set a good example? Take a look at the video sometime and you will see that the barely there outfits and seductive dancing are not helping promote the resisting of temptation. These actions only are promoting record sales and their appearance on teen magazine covers across the nation. In fact, their actions make it harder to explain to our youth that not compromising their Christianity does not include selling their sexuality to make money on a song. Although Survivor and its message are great, each young person must be informed that the music industry and groups are not completely interested in sending out the right message. By packaging up a good message with suggestive outfits and dances, the music industry proves they do not have the message s true meaning at heart. Unfortunately, this song has become a victim to this need for profiting from society instead of changing it. As music lovers and Orthodox Christians, we must learn to discern between messages that are positive and those that are sugarcoated so they are more appealing. Eva attends Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Indianapolis, where she is a GOYA advisor. Eva recently graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communication studies. In the fall, she hopes to attend graduate school at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.
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ORTHODOX OBSERVER
JULY-AUGUST 2001
HIERARCHS CONSECRATE CALIFORNIA, PENNSYLVANIA CHURCHES Archbishop Consecrates Southern California Church CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. The plane carrying Archbishop Demetrios arrived at San Diego a half hour early, but the crowd of parish council members, parishioners and their children were already there eagerly waiting to welcome him. byPeter Limber
Children wearing Greek costumes presented bouquets of flowers to him, and His Eminence responded joyfully, embracing them and greeting everyone, looking fresh despite his long flight from New York. The visit began with a leisurely lunch attended by a small welcoming party, at a restaurant adjacent to a beach and the sea, introducing His Eminence to the attractive sunny California coast. He was then brought to Sts. Constantine and Helen Church where about 150 children awaited him in a youth rally held at the community hall, and ready to ask him questions on the faith. The more serious questions were asked by 12- and 13-year-olds, these included questions such as Where did God live before there was a Heaven? Why did the Pope visit Greece? How can I get closer to God?
D. Panagos
METROPOLITAN ANTHONY, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of San Francisco accompanies Archbishop Demetrios in the procession around the church.
This was Saturday, June 16, and a Vespers service followed. Participating with His Eminence and Fr. Theodore Philips were several other priests from other Orthodox churches in Southern California. Most impressive also were the two master chanters invited to take part; one from St. Sophia Cathedral in Washington, and the other from St. Demetrios Church of Jamaica, N.Y. Their classical style of chanting added a greatly appreciated ages-old atmosphere to the weekend of services. The day s events closed D. Panagos with a reception. The Consecration ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS knocks on the door of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church to begin the next phase of the consecration. service took place the next day, Sunday June But near the end of the line of ques- 17, beginning at 7:30 in the morning with tioners was a little 6-year-old obviously the Orthros service. steeped in television sci-fi and with no exMetropolitan Anthony of San Francisco perience with an Orthodox hierarch in his had also arrived the evening before and full beard, black robes and headdress. Seri- participated. The service was led by Archously and politely, the little boy asked, Your bishop Demetrios, elaborately garbed, carEminence, what planet do you come from? rying on high into the church the Holy RelBut the Archbishop answered all the ics sent by the Patriarchate that he had questions seriously and fully, and he also brought with him in a small silver jeweled spent a minute giving interesting comments box, these being a key part of the service. on the origin of the names of each of the At the appropriate time, the Archbishop and questioners as they identified themselves. the Metropolitan led the three processions Throughout this session His Eminence around the outside of the church, followed distinctly charmed his audience, as their en- by eight priests, 18 altar boys, the chantthusiastic applause at the end demonstrated. ers, the augmented choir, and members of
D. Panagos
THIS boy addresses the Archbishop during a program for the youth in conjunction with the California event.
the congregation and guests. Briefly summarizing the Consecration, the Holy Relics were brought back into the church and all there took their places for the resumption of the service. According to tradition, the Altar had been stripped of everything on it, exposing a small cavity in the center that had been provided there to receive the Relics. This cavity was then permanently sealed with a wax mastic poured from a pitcher by the
Archbishop, to the level of the top of the altar. The altar was then washed and anointed with rosewater first and then with Holy Chrism, depicting the washing and anointing of the body of Christ. Other formal preparations were made and the Altar was finally recovered with a beautiful gold cloth, and the other altar articles were replaced on it in their accustomed places. Other symbolic acts were completed and blessings offered in prayer, concluding the Baptism of the church. The 18 altar boys were tonsured one by one and each called Axios. This was followed by the regular Liturgy according to St. John, concluding the Consecration by 1 p.m. In the afternoon, a fine celebration banquet was held at one of the leading hotels in San Diego. The program featured short presentations by the Archbishop, the Metropolitan, Fr. Philips and others. The Parish Council president, Constantine Pappas, gave the Archbishop and the Metropolitan generous money gifts for Holy Cross Seminary and the San Francisco Diocese, respectively. Among the personal gifts presented was a fine mosaic portrait of Archbishop Demetrios, made for the occasion at Pietrasanta, Italy. The impressive weekend has left the parishioners with a deep sense of pride and greatly heightened spirituality. T. Peter Limber, a parishioner of Sts. Constantine and Helen, is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and former member of the Archdiocesan Council.
Metropolitan Maximos Consecrates Reading Church
D. Panagos
METROPOLITAN MAXIMOS opens the door to the church as the priests, Frs. Thomas Pappalas and Anthony Ugolnik, and Consecration event Chairman Gust Kraras, look on.
READING, Pa. Metropolitan Maximos, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, consecrated Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in mid-May. Consecration Chairman Gust Kraras noted that the weekend event included a dinner with parish council members on May 18, a Divine Liturgy for the community s youth on Saturday, the 19th. During the service, he tonsured 25 altar boys, the largest group of acolytes he has dedicated at one time. Consecration Vespers took place later in the day, with dozens of visiting clergy participating. At the dinner that followed, the Metropolitan presented certificates to several parishioners for their years of service. The Service of Consecration on May 20 drew hundreds of faithful, beginning with the matins service. A grand banquet and dance followed. Metropolitan Maximos spoke on the
theme, What Christ Can Do at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church Tomorrow. He reflected on the weekend events and reminded the audience that Salvation is a gift from God and God alone. He said the consecration is not just a spiritual renewal of the community but a recommitment to Christ for each member. My admonition to you as a church is to persevere for an even greater future, the Metropolitan told the crowd. Seek new and creative ways of ministry to bring the message of the Gospel to the people in your city who are in need of it. The next morning, Metropolitan Maximos concluded the activities with the feast day liturgy and a tree-planting ceremony outside the church. The tree was planted in honor of Fr. Pappalas for his 15 years service to the parish. A luncheon concluded the four-day program of events.