Orthodox Observer - November 2002

VOL. 67 – NO. 1194

NOVEMBER

2002

http://www.observer.goarch.org E-mail: observer@goarch.org

A New Beacon of Orthodoxy Shines a Mile High

W

hite everywhere. A seemingly endless flat and white landscape unfolded, a mile above the sea and thousands of miles away from it. There was a serene feel in the whiteness of the snow cover.

Earth and sky blend both the same white. And the horizon had vanished. Where are the mountains I thought?

by Stavros H. Papagermanos

I knew I had arrived in Denver and it was my first time in Colorado. The air felt crisp and cold.

Mid teens was unusually cold even for this part of the world in late October. I was forewarned. The invitation had come from Metropolitan Isaiah more than a year ago and I had gratefully agreed to be here.

How could anyone refuse when I had never visited Denver before and the scenario seemed appealing? The new diocese center was ready and the dedication the following day, Friday, Nov. 1, would be only the beginning of a full weekend of celebrations.

Overnight a fresh thin layer of snow had covered the land again. The snow had covered the great golden dome of the Assumption Diocesan Cathedral but you couldn’t miss it. It was up the hill, up East Alameda Avenue in the outskirts of Denver.

Mid-morning the Divine Liturgy had concluded and weathering the temperatures the Clergy and the faithful formed a procession to the new edifice, the new Diocesan Center. Many had come from afar, some drove for many hours coming from remote parts of this diocese.

A look at the map would disperse any doubts.

This is a vast diocese. It is geographically the largest in the Archdiocese, from the Canadian border in the north all the way down to Mexico. It encom-

passes 12 entire states and parts of two others covering a total area of 1.3 million square miles.

Many immigrants came to this part of the country more than 100 years ago to work in coalmines, the railroads construction and the steel mills. They established the first churches. Still today the newest diocese of the Archdiocese numbers 48 parishes and a little more than 40,000 thousand members, ranking first in area and last in population.

The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony had begun. Dr. Gregory Papadeas, master of ceremonies opened the event. A few hundred people were gathered in front of the main entry on the north side of the building among them many dignitaries and guests of the diocese. Metropolitan Isaiah of Proikonisos, presiding hierarch of the diocese was beaming with pride and joy for this day he had dreamed was now a reality.

Along him stood Metropolitans Iakovos of Krinis (Chicago) and Metropolitan Methodios of Aneon (Boston) representing the Holy Eparchial Synod.

Present as well was Bishop John of Amorion who served the then Eighth Diocesan District from 1972 to 1979. It was during this time in 1974 that the diocese See was relocated to Denver, the areas’ geographic center.

The first to carry the title Bishop of Denver, after the diocese was established in 1979, Bishop Anthimos, who served the diocese from 1984-87, was also there.

The mayor of Glendale, Joe Rice; the governor of Colorado, Bill Owens, and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Denver Charles Chaput offered congratulatory greetings.

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METROPOLITAN ISAIAH raised on a lift crowns the dome of the center’s chapel with a golden cross.

Archons, U.S. Ambassador Call on Turkey to Re-open Halki Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle

N.Manginas

CONSTANTINOPLE, Turkey – The head of the Order of St. Andrew-Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and U.S. Ambassador to Turkey W. Robert Pearson have both called on Turkey to allow the reopening of the Halki seminary.

Dr. Anthony Limberakis, Archons national commander, also charged Turkey on Tuesday of treating Ecumenical Patri-

arch Bartholomew I, the leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, as a “secondclass” citizen.

The remarks came after the Archons’ five-day pilgrimage in mid-October to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and subsequent meetings with Turkish government officials in Ankara.

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The Church celebrates Nov. 30 as the feast day of St. Andrew, the first-called of the Apostles, and the brother of Peter, chief of the Apostles.

He was from Bethsaida of Galilee; the son of Jonas. Like his brother, he was a fisherman. He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist; afterwards, on hearing the Baptist’s witness concerning Jesus, when he pointed Him out with his finger and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1.29,36), he straightway followed Christ, and became His first disciple; therefore he is called the First-called of the Apostles.

After the Ascension of the Savior, he preached in various lands, including Asia Minor, part of Greece, the area along the coast of the Black Sea in what is now Russia, and Byzantium, where he founded the church that eventually became the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and is therefore the patron saint of the Mother Church, as well as the Order of St. Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Having suffered many things for His Name’s sake, Andrew died in Patras in Achaia where he was crucified on a cross in the shape of an “X,” the first letter of “Christ” in Greek; this cross is also the symbol of St. Andrew.

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A New Beacon of Orthodoxy Shines a Mile High page 2

Press Conference A press conference was held at the library room.

“The Greek Orthodox people of this part of the country, the 14 states, did not have a focal point from where programs would be disseminated to the 48 parishes… so now we have this new Diocese center, a place for our permanent records and archives, we have a place for the diocesan ministries, the youth office, the diocesan Philoptochos office and an office for Home missions,” said Metropolitan Isaiah in his opening.

Designed by Christ Kamages of San Francisco’s EKONA Architecture+Planning the center combines the Byzantine tradition of the churches of northern Greece and the monasteries of Mount Athos with the compatible feel, style and colors of the Rocky Mountains. The columns and the details are refined and juxtaposed to the expressive wood beams and the natural marble and wood floors.

The diocese center is a 17-thousand square foot building with 10-thousand

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Grand Banquet

Mark Kiryluk

Other dignitaries at the dedication ceremony included Elenie Huszagh, president of the National Council of Churches in America, Georgia Skeadas, president of the National Philoptochos, local government representatives, many priests of the diocese, the chancellor Fr. Luke Uhl, Christ Kamages, president of Ekona Architecture and Planning, Dr. Louis J. Roussalis, vicechairman of the Diocesan Council, Fr. Costas Pavlakos, the dean of the Assumption Cathedral, John O’Brien, project manager of PCL construction and many others.

“Because I have served under Metropolitan Iakovos for five years at our Seminary and eight years as the chancellor of Chicago, I consider him my mentor and I ask you your Eminence to come forward and to celebrate the blessing of the Holy water service,” said Metropolitan Isaiah.

Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis who is the senior member of the Holy Eparchial Synod after the Archbishop, officiated at the blessing ceremony assisted by Deacon Paul Zaharas. Metropolitan Isaiah led the faithful in chanting the ancient and most sacred hymn of the Church “Soson Kyrie ton Laon Sou…” (Save O Lord Your People…) and then called on Mrs. Angela Paulos of Dallas and her family, who have made a major donation for the new diocesan center, to cut the ribbon.

Once inside Metropolitan Iakovos sprinkled every area of the new edifice with the blessed water as the people were offered a tour of the various rooms and offices.

“We started in 1995 in Kansas City, knowing that we needed something special that will identify the Denver Diocese… we needed a center of reference and that is how we developed the idea of building the diocesan center,” said to the Observer, Dr. Roussalis, vice-chairman of the diocesan council of the Diocese of Denver.

faith… It represents a visible symbol of unity in this part of the West… This building says that we are part of America; we are here, both feet on the ground.

“This is probably the finest ecclesiastical building in the Denver metropolitan area. It stands on a hill with a gold cross on top and proclaims our orthodox faith to this part of the country. You realize that Denver is the big city between Chicago and San Francisco, and here we are: a beacon– a beacon of Orthodoxy.”

Friday evening, the dedication committee chaired by Dino Ioannides, held a Grand Banquet in the Hyatt Regency hotel attended by more than 300 people.

Metropolitan Isaiah was overwhelmed with emotions: “I thank each and every one of you because you have all participated in this beautiful diocese center. I

METROPOLITAN Isaiah receives and displays the keys to the new diocese center as well as the blue prints from architect Christ Kamages and project manager manager of PCL construction John O’Brien.

ROMAN-Catholic Archbishop Chaput of Denver presented an icon of the Mother of God to be part of the new chapel.

Mark Kiryluk

thodox philoxenia is offered to all. It’s a special building, an outpost and a manifestation of 2,000 years of Christianity; …we like to think of it as a lighthouse.

In the Orthodox tradition we talk about light and even today, on a cloudy day, if you walk through the center, light is omnipresent. Natural light. We, as Orthodox Christians, try to portray the true light of Christ and the architecture Orthodox Observer of this building is a reflecMETROPOLITAN Iakovos Performs the service of Aghiasmo. tion of that.”

Fr. Luke Uhl, the chancellor of the square feet on the main-upper level which includes the great hall, the chapel, the Diocese of Denver, who according to his meeting rooms, the library and the offices bishop has been the pivotal point for the and another seven thousand square feet completion of the center and has meticuare on the lower level, half of which is lously taken care of every detail along the completed, with meeting rooms and hier- way, said to the Observer: “Today is a joyarchical quarters and the other half is yet ful day, a day of pride for all the people of this diocese. Many came and participated to be build.

“It is more than a set of offices,” says in the festivities, stood in the cold and rearchitect Christ Kamages, who’s really very joiced in the fact that their church built pleased on this day of completion: “It is something magnificent and beautiful, really a hub of activity, a place where or- dedicated to God that represents our

DIRECTOR & MANAGING EDITOR: Stavros H. Papagermanos EDITOR: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) PRODUCTION MANAGER: Costa Eliopoulos COLOR CORRECTION: Abel Montoya ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Soula Podaras CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Nicholas Manginas

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didn’t do it. I could never have done it by myself. God inspired you to become a team, to work together so that we now have a living memorial …”

He thanked in particular the priests of his diocese ‘for their devotion and sacrifice’ and recognized with an icon of Panaghia a few individuals for their particular contribution.

The Assumption Cathedral parish council offered a painting of the Meteora monasteries as a gift to their metropolitan and the new center.

Dr. Roussalis read a warm and moving letter of congratulations from Archbishop Iakovos, at the banquet.

Archbishop Demetrios Archbishop Demetrios arrived Saturday morning to participate in the dedication festivities. He immediately visited the new Diocese Center and was given a tour

by Metropolitan Isaiah.

The Archbishop was impressed by the particular strain of Byzantine architecture and the simplicity and functionality of the spaces, called the new center “a magnificent edifice and a jewel on the mountains.”

In the afternoon Archbishop Demetrios visited an Orthodox book fair organized at the community’s Hellenic Center where he had the opportunity to meet many people of the diocese especially young children, many of whom the Archbishop engaged in conversation and offered his paternal blessing.

During the course of the day the faithful had the opportunity to attend a series of lectures on subjects of faith and worship, a program than run parallel to the book fair activities.

After lunch the Archbishop attended the lecture by Fr. Dan Suciu on “Corporate vs. Orthodox Understanding of Sal-

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DIOCESE OF DENVER DEDICATES NEW CENTER vation,” after which he offered the concluding lecture of the program on “Offering Orthodoxy to America.”

A musical program in the Assumption Cathedral featured a youth choir and a combined choir from the Cathedral and St. Katherine’s church of Greenwood Village.

They offered a selection of ecclesiastical hymns and classical pieces. Archbishop Demetrios praised both choirs for their melodic performances and thanked them and their director.

At the end of Great Vespers that followed, the Archbishop spoke about the wave of progress and expansion he has witnessed in every part of the country and every part of the Archdiocese.

“Today we are celebrating the opening of an astounding new building dedicated to the work of the diocese. We are facing a continuous kind of dynamic work by our communities and it’s such an encouraging and such a wonderful sign to see our parishes flourishing, moving and proceeding with works that help functions of the community and ultimately help us give our witness as orthodox to contemporary America.”

Sunday morning. Far in the clear horizon the great Rocky Mountains were visible at last. The sun, a brilliant sun reigned in the vast blue sky and reflected on the golden cross on top of the great golden dome of the Assumption Cathedral.

This Sunday there was a second golden cross in the sky, reflecting the bright Colorado sunlight. Atop the chapel dome of the new Diocese of Denver diocesan center stood a new cross; a new beacon of Orthodoxy shined its bright light for everyone to see.

Archbishop contributes $50,000 dollars At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Archbishop Demetrios presented to the Metropolitan an antique silver icon of the Mother of God to adorn the new center and “a special edition of a Mont Blanc pen to Metropolitan Isaiah to use in his new office for signing,” said

Orthodox Observer

Archbishop Demetrios with architects Christ Kamages and George Savaides, both of EKONA architecture.

Orthodox Observer

ARCHBISHOP Demetrios with Metropolitan Isaiah in front of the new Denver diocesan center.

the Archbishop and gave the pen.

“I hope I don’t sign too many checks with this…” said the Metropolitan in accepting the gift. “You sign many thank you letters for receiving checks, and I hope that the ink would not be enough,” the Archbishop replied. “I would like to give you something personal. Since this has been a star performance, I would like to give you an engolpion in the shape of a star. You deserve it,” the Archbishop continued and exclaimed “Axios.”

Finally the Archbishop offered a monetary contribution of $50,000 towards the expenses for the new diocesan center.

Mark Kiryluk

Mark Kiryluk

METROPOLITAN ISAIAH talks to the Orthodox Observer

In the last 10 years I was inspired by the people in the area and I realized that we have to have a living monument for our Greek Orthodox people in this part of the country… I’ve said it before, that this part of the country has been neglected, not deliber-

ately… But I’ve always said, from Chicago they go to San Francisco or to Los Angeles and there is a big empty space here in the minds of our people. Now with this building they will know that they have brothers and sisters of our faith living here, thousands of families.

This will actually connect the Midwest with the far west so we have a continuous visibility of our Greek Orthodox faith.

I know that there will be a ripple effect from here to all directions because if we are proud, and I am sure all of us are proud of what has taken place here, this pride and this joy will ripple throughout the rest of our country and I think it will energize our people in becoming more devoted to the eternal values of our faith.

There was nothing here. Now we have something and we are proud of it and I know that many people though out the country when they hear about it and when they come and visit they will say this is Greek Orthodoxy for the third millennium.

HIERARCHS and dignitaries as they attend the dedication ceremony.

(L to R) Bishop Anthimos of Olympos, Bishop John of Amorion, Metropolitan Methodios, Metropolitan Iakovos, Roman-Catholic Archbishop Chaput, Metropolitan Isaiah, Chancellor Fr. Luke Uhl, Dn. Paul Zaharas,

AN INTERIOR VIEW of the Great Hall and reception area of the new center and the chapel further in.

Mark Kiryluk

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NOVEMBER 2002

ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE Archons, U.S. Ambassador Call on Turkish Government to Re-open Halki page 1 “It is an infringement of our rights as American citizens to worship in America when our own spiritual father cannot freely ... conduct his ministry ... and when we cannot educate our clergy at the Halki school,” Limberakis said while visiting Halki.

“Quite frankly, we are tired of the Turkish government treating the spiritual father of 300 million Orthodox faithful as a second-class citizen,” said Dr. Limberakis.

“There is great diversity and religious freedom in the U.S.,” he said. “And we expect no less from the Turkish government.”

Turkey refuses to recognize Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as the leader of Orthodox Christianity and instead considers him nothing more than the head of the country’s tiny Greek Orthodox community.

The Turkish government, Bartholomew said, has asked him not to call himself the Ecumenical Patriarch.

N.Manginas

U.S. AMBASSADOR PEARSON addresses the Archons and other guests at a reception hosted by His All Holiness at the Patriarchate. Dr. Limberakis is shown at left.

N.Manginas

A SOLEMN VISIT to the Church of the Monastery of Holy Trinity in Halki. The Archon’s group from the U.S. with the Ecumenical Patriarch (center) and ambassador Pearson (right).

Dr. Limberakis also expressed deep concern that Turkey has different laws for property owned by Muslims and religious minorities.

Many of today’s Greek Orthodox leaders, including Patriarch Bartholomew, were trained at the prestigious theological school, which was closed under a law that put military and religious education under state control the hierarch said that he “would like only to be remembered as the patriarch who was able to reopen Halki.”

Patriarch Bartholomew noted, “This school is a need, it is a necessity for the activities of the present and the future of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. But it has also become a symbol of religious liberty, religious freedom, and a symbol of respect for human rights and the rights of minorities.”

The Ambassador Pearson, who accompanied the delegation to the Halki seminary, said that Washington supported the reopening of Halki.

“The U.S. continues to encourage Turkey, as a friend and ally, to allow once again light to shine from Halki,” Pearson said, adding that the “reopening of the Halki Academy will be a shining example for Europe and America and elsewhere, for Turkey’s commitment to the international principles of freedom and tolerance.”

The European Union, which Turkey aspires to join, has also called on Turkey to reopen the seminary.

The Archons hosted a banquet at the Koc Museum in honor of Ambassador Pearson, which included members of the Turkish Grand Assembly and other distinguished citizens of Turkey.

Archon leaders visited government officials in Ankara and to express deep concerns regarding religious tolerance and religious freedom relative to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. A meeting was held with Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz, president of Religious Affairs for Turkey. The meeting was characterized as a mutually respectful exchange of ideas in areas of common concern regarding the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Following this meeting, the delegation attended a luncheon hosted by the wife of Ambassador Pearson, Margaret Pearson, and Deputy Chief of Mission Robert S. Deutsch, where the group met with academic and business leaders and other distinguished citizens of Turkey.

At the Ambassador’s residence the Archons visited the grove of trees indigenous to America that Ambassador Pearson planted in commemoration of the victims of September 11th. At the banquet the previous evening, the delegation had presented the Ambassador with a tree for the grove.

In his comments at a reception prior to the luncheon, the Patriarch said “It gives us great pleasure to have with us again, Ambassador Pearson, whom we have come to know very well during his term

as Ambassador in Turkey, and whom we have the utmost respect and admiration for. Like us, and like all of you, the Ambassador is a lover of the great American democratic ideals of freedom, justice and peace. He embodies them personally. But more importantly, he works tirelessly and selflessly towards these ideals, promoting them in a country at the dawn of a new and bright era.

“And like all of you, the Ambassador is a great friend of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He is always most sincerely concerned about our well being and about the affairs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and he is always ready to be with us, as he is tonight and will be over the next two days. And for this, we thank him.

“We are also blessed to have with us all of you, our beloved Archons from America, who have traveled from afar to your spiritual home, the Center of Orthodoxy, the Great and Holy Church of Christ.

“You have been called by God to give of your own unique talents to this sacred institution, and we are gladdened by your desire to visit, in order for us to have the opportunity to become reacquainted with one another. We hope and pray that your stay will be most edifying, enriching, and spiritually nourishing, so that you may return to your respective cities and communities with a renewed strength, in order to continue your unceasing efforts as defenders of our precious Orthodox faith, and tasks in strengthening the Body of Christ in our Church in America. And for this, we thank you also.”

Later, the Archons visited the Ataturk Mausoleum, a customary practice of visiting delegations. Following, they met with Ambassador Baki Ilkin at the Foreign Ministry, where frank discussions were held on the concerns of the Orthodox faithful of America regarding the Ecumenical Patriarchate and religious tolerance.

Archons traveled to Halki Theological School accompanied by Patriarch Bartholomew and Ambassador Pearson. At that symbolic venue a presentation entitled Religious Tolerance, in the Context of Interfaith Dialogue was offered by Bishop Emmanuel of Reghion, the official

representative of the Orthodox Church to the European Union.

Regarding the presentation on religious tolerance and the focus of the visits to Ankara and Halki, Dr. Anthony Limberakis also said, “Religious tolerance and freedom is a recurring theme that forms the underpinnings of the American way of life. When the colonies were organized into the United States of America, the constitutional draftsmen ensured that the government of that fledgling nation would not interfere with the free exercise of religious beliefs nor promote an official state religion. Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America expect no less from the government of Turkey. We, as Orthodox Christians in America are under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The canonical head and spiritual father of our Church in the United States of America is the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, and it is an infringement of our rights as American citizens to worship in America when our spiritual father cannot freely, and without government interference conduct his ministry to serve his flock, a flock that spans the four corners of the world and not just the country of Turkey.”

Dr. Limberakis further stated: “It is an infringement of our rights as American citizens when we cannot educate our clergy at the Halki School of Theology. It is an infringement of our rights as American citizens when the Ecumenical Patriarchate cannot freely exercise its rights as a property owner. Quite frankly, we are tired of the head of world Orthodoxy being treated as a second-class citizen. It is a true injustice that compromises democracy and human rights in this country that has been a friend of the United States for over 50 years.

“When we return home tomorrow to the United States, we will inform our own members of Congress and the State Department of the current situation regarding the infringements of religious freedom and it is our hope the Turkish government will address these serious issues of mutual concern with a sense of urgency.”

The annual pilgrimage concluded with a banquet hosted by the Archons in honor of His All Holiness on the occasion of the 11th anniversary of his election as Ecumenical Patriarch. The event was attended by leading Turkish citizens, academic and media professionals, and members of the Turkish Parliament.

In his remarks to the group, His All Holiness said, in part, “Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate can indeed seize this historical moment and become the vital vehicle for a reinvigorated Ecumenical Patriarchate, enabling its voice to be heard in the councils of power.

“As important as your role is in fighting injustices that come against us, you must guard against turning inward, preoccupied with our security, but look outward for the opportunity to serve us as we serve you in collaboration with all men and women of good will who work for the good.

“Such a development would ensure the full emergence of our world Orthodox Church with the ability to find its true role in the world, expressed through its ecumenical voice of unity, bringing a foretaste of the Kingdom of God wherein peace will reign for all.”

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ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Visits Qatar Collaboration Among Religions and the Globalization of Love DOHA, Qatar. – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Emirate of Qatar on Oct. 15–17, in response to an official invitation by Sheiê Hamad Bin Khalifa AlThani, the emir of Qatar. The visit took place in the framework of the Interfaith Dialogue between monotheistic religions, initiated by His All Holiness.

by Nicholas Manginas

The two leaders met privately on Oct. 16 at the Emir’s palace and during their meeting Patriarch Bartholomew secured his collaboration for the advancement of interfaith dialogue.

During these cordial and productive discussions, the emir extolled the initiatives of Patriarch Bartholomew in support of interfaith meetings and he stressed that only through dialogue among the three monotheistic religions a peaceful coexistence can be achieved. Furthermore, he pointed out that closer collaboration N.Manginas among the three monotheistic religions is A warm and cordial meeting between Ecumenical Patriach Bartholomew and the emir of Qatar Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. needed in the case of Jerusalem.

Patriarch Bartriarch English translations of some theotholomew apprised logical books written by him. the leader of Qatar On Oct. 16, the eve of his departure, of the environmenthe Patriarch offered a lecture at the Unital initiatives and acversity of Qatar in the capital city of Doha, tions of the Patrion the subject of Interfaith Dialogue bearchate and in retween Christianity and Islam. Many relisponse the emir gious leaders, professors, diplomats and stated his intention other personalities including women, to promote the meswere in attendance. Many of them posed sage of environmenquestions to the Patriarch and a long distal conservation to cussion ensued. the faithful of Islam Diplomatic circles in both western through the clerics and Middle Eastern countries emphasized and the mosques in the significance of Patriarch Barthohis country. lomew’s visit as a Christian leader to the The Ecumenical State of Qatar and considered it an imporPatriarch took the tant contribution to the reconciliation of opportunity to conreligions and the peaceful coexistence of gratulate the Emir of peoples with different cultural traditions.

Qatar for his well- His all Holiness is interviewed on the Al-Jazeera TV network N.Manginas Qatar, whose majority of citizens is known efforts to reMuslim, is the third country officially visstore his country, his particular interest The Patriarch thanked Sheik Hamad ited by Patriarch Bartholomew. The first and care for the youth, as well as for the for the invitation and the hospitality of his was Bahrain, in September of 2000 and celebration of his 50th birthday. Patriarch government and the foreign minister said the second Iran last January.

Bartholomew wished peace for Qatar, for that just as differences occur within every Following the Ecumenical Patriarch’s the wider region and for the entire world. family, humanity, which is also a big fam- visit and resulting from it Qatar particiHe concluded by stressing that differences ily, inevitably faces problems. These prob- pated in the 10th Islamic-Christian Diamust be solved through negotiations and lems however, he agreed, need to be re- logue Conference, which took place in solved in a peaceful manner and to this Bahrain at the end of October and was dialogue.

Following their meetings, the Emir goal the people of religion bear great re- organized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. expressed his great satisfaction and sup- sponsibility. He also emphasized the im- (Coverage in the next issue) port for the Patriarch’s efforts regarding portant role of the Ecumenical Patriarch interfaith dialogue and the environment. in this direction and offered his support.

Patriarch Bartholomew also met The minister stated that in his country they with Sheik Hamad Bin Jassin Bin Jabr have decided to allow the building of Patriarch Bartholomew offers Al-Thani, the Foreign Minister of Qatar, Christian churches, just as the Christian a lecture on Interfaith dialogue N.Manginas and discussed issues pertaining to the West allows the establishment of places interfaith dialogue and the protection of of worship for Muslims.

During his three-day visit Patriarch the environment.

Bartholomew had the opportunity to meet with the religious leader of Qatar, Dr. Yousif Al Qaradawi, and with the dean of the School of Islamic Shariah and Law of the University of Qatar Dr. Abdulhammed Al-Ansari. They both underlined the need for further collaboration of the two religions, further meetings of their leaders, rapprochement of their faithful and cultivation of mutual understanding. Dr. Al Qaradawi emphasized how close Islam feels to the Eastern Orthodox Church, in relation to the other Christian churches, and offered the Pa-

Interview on “AL-JAZEERA” TV On Oct. 17, before departing from Qatar, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew gave an interview to the major television network in the Islamic world “AlJazeera”.

In the interview, at the station headquarter studios, the Patriarch referred to the role and the activities of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Orthodox and Christian world as well as its efforts for interfaith dialogue and the protection of the environment.

In a question regarding whether he hopes to future good relations between Muslims and Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew replied: “I always hope and I am always optimistic, because my faith teaches us to be optimistic, to pray and to hope for a better future. Ultimately, I believe that good will prevail over evil and that spirituality will overpower extreme materialism and that the will of God, which is more powerful of the human one will prevail and that we will have a universal human family, where respect and love will be the dominant factors.”

Further on, the Patriarch referred to the contribution of every nation to the creation of a moral, positive and spiritual globalization, in which it will be unthinkable to forget the spiritual, religious and national roots. “The ‘globalization’ of love is what we need in order to bridge the gap between civilizations, because love is universally accepted. It is an ideal that is powerful enough to bridge the gap between nations, religions and civilizations,” he stressed.

In the interview, the Patriarch spoke about the respect that we must show toward each different nationality and religion: “Today, in the world, we witness an increasing globalization, but also an increasing diversity. Every nation, every people, every faith tries to safeguard its own identity and this is not at all reprehensible. We must respect each other’s spiritual and national identity.”

In other parts of his interview, the Patriarch noted: “We condemn proselytism. We preach love, we preach equality, solidarity, and we must establish continuous peace through the collaboration of all religions.”

During his visit to Qatar, the Ecumenical Patriarch was escorted by Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia, Bishop Emmanuel of Reghion and the Deputy Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, Deacon Elpidophoros.

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MEMBERS of the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council with His Eminence at St. Paul’s Chapel.

The Archdiocese Presbyters Council, which serves as an advisory board to Archbishop Demetrios, held its first semi-annual meeting of the new term on Oct. 2223 at the Archdiocese under the direction of its newly elected president, Fr. James C. Moulketis.

by Fr. Paul A. Kaplanis

Both the existing and new members of the Council met with and received valuable information from the support staff of our Archdiocese.

His Eminence met with the Council on both days and shared a general overview of his participation in various international conferences demonstrating the significant role of the Orthodox Church in our contemporary world.

Moreover, the Archbishop expressed his appreciation and heartfelt encouragement to the clergy of the Church who face many challenges today in their local ministries.

He stated that, “The witness of Orthodoxy comes from the priest in the parish, and this is where we need to focus our attention.” His Eminence reinforced the fact that we, as a Church, have been very prolific at identifying problems and that now was the time for us to implement

action. He also lovingly empowered the APC with the statement: “There is no problem without a solution.”

Problems that need action include: Ongoing education for clergy and clergy wellness extending to the clergy family, the church family and other important related issues. In response to the guidance of His Eminence, the Council established two major committees to address the issues above as top priorities for this coming year. Other guests at the meeting included Bishop Gerasimos of Krateia, the chief secretariat of the Holy Synod; Bishop Savas of Troas, chancellor of the Archdiocese; Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, assistant chancellor; Fr. Peter Karloutsos, Holy Cross Alumni president; Fr. Constantine Sitaras, director of St. Basil’s; Fr. Nektarios Morrow, director of communications; Theo Nicolakis, director of Internet Ministries and Jerry Demetriou, executive director of the Archdiocese.

The National Clergy Retreat has been scheduled for Nov. 4-5, 2003 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and the next A.P.C. meeting will be held, June 3 –5 in Chicago hosted by the APC vice president, Fr. Timothy Bakakos.

Fr. Kaplanis is secretary of the Archdiocese Presbyters Council

Department of Education Holds Staff Development Seminar NEW YORK - The Archdiocese Department of Education held its annual Staff Development Seminar on Nov. 5, at St. Demetrios Greek American Day School in Astoria.

Archbishop Demetrios greeted the participants to the annual seminar that offers in-service training to all teachers of the Greek Orthodox parochial day schools and Greek afternoon schools in the Archdiocesan District. Teachers from New Jersey and Connecticut were also invited to participate.

As in the past, the seminar included workshops for teachers of both the English and Greek curriculum.

English workshops included science and math, cooperative learning, classroom

8 East 79th Street New York, NY 10021 Fax:(212) 774-0239 e-mail: observer@goarch.org

management and guided reading. The Greek curriculum workshops will consist of curriculum for the Kindergarten and Teaching Greek As a Foreign/Second Language.

A Curriculum for the Kindergarten was offered by Donna Kondylis-Geller, project director of a bilingual kindergarten resource that is currently under development. She presented samples of the work and also discussed New York State standards for Early Childhood Education.

Greek Language-Greek Heritage: Learning the Greek Language-Foundation of knowledge; Foundation of human values, was offered by Professor Evagelia Georgantzis, a linguist and writer of books for teaching Greek as a foreign/second language to children and adults.

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NOVEMBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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Dates Set for Next Summer’s Ionian Village Dates for Ionian Village 2003 have been set, and planning for the summer programs is well under way. Ionian Village is a summer camp in Greece for Orthodox Christian Youth from America.

During this summer three programs geared toward specific age groups will take place. Summer travel camp, for seventh through ninth graders, will take place from June 30 – July 17.

Byzantine Venture, for grades ten through twelve and those entering their freshman year in college, will take place July 23 - August 9.

Spiritual Odyssey, a travel program for young adults, age 18 – 30, will be from July 13 – July 28.

6. The Ionian Village staff is selected annually and is comprised of volunteers from throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Staff are carefully selected and go through a thorough interview and screening process.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and are required to submit several recommendations, including one from their parish priest. They are interviewed carefully by the staff of the Ionian Village office, and undergo a criminal background investigation check.

Because of its thorough interview process, Ionian Village assembles a dynamic team of Orthodox Christian Adults who love working with youth in the Church.

The staff includes priests from the Archdiocese, seminarians, medical personnel (R.N.’s and M.D.’s), and Orthodox faithful.

Anyone interested in applying for Ionian Village staff can visit the website, or contact the Ionian Village office.

The Ionian Village Experience Ionian Village is a summer travel camp program located in Greece for young Orthodox Christian Americans.

While spending nearly three weeks on the coast of the Ionian Sea, participants of Ionian Village’s summer programs travel to churches, monasteries, and significant historical and cultural sites of Greece. Participants are immersed in their Orthodox faith and in the cultural and heritage of Greece.

In addition to growing in their faith as Orthodox Christian and discovering the richness of Greek Culture, participants meet Orthodox youth from all over the United States and Canada.

Campers travel about every other day while at the Ionian Village. Some of the highlight destinations are the Island of Zakinthos, where campers venerate the relics of St. Dionysios and learn about his life, the town of Olympia, where the first Olympics where held, the island of Aegina, where campers visit the monastery founded by St. Nektarios, and the Acropolis. Participants also visit Kalavrita, the monastery of Osios Loukas, the island Hydra, and many other place of religious and cultural importance.

The day trips of Ionian Village educate campers in matters of Orthodox Christianity and Greek culture by firsthand experience.

The life of St. Dionysios, which campers are taught at Ionian Village, becomes more significant to them when the visit the village where he lived, pray in the Church

IONIAN VLLAGE campers every year make their customary visit to Acropolis.

built in his honor, and see his relics intact.

The political and architectural achievements of the Greeks are made a reality for campers when they walk through the Acropolis.

On days when they are not traveling, campers participate in athletic activities, swim in the Olympic size pool, work on arts and crafts projects and attend educational sessions on Orthodox Christianity and Greek culture and history.

Once a day, campers gather in small groups, called Orthodox life, where they are able to share from their own experience, ask questions, and voice concerns about the Church and Christian Life.

They also participate in music and Greek culture sessions, where they learn Greek songs and dances, and learn about the culture of Greece.

Ionian Village allows campers not only to take part in an exceptional Orthodox camping program, but also to experience first–hand what they learn in their Orthodox Life and Greek Music and culture sessions.

A carefully trained and selected staff attentively supervises participants in Ionian Village.

After training that begins with corre-

St. Photios Executive Board Announces 2003 Events ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The fall meeting of the St. Photios Foundation Executive Board took place Oct. 25 at the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine.

Executive Director V. Rev. Nicholas Graff shared the value of the “National Shrine as a living memorial for all the faithful of our beloved Greek Archdiocese.”

Fr. Graff announced that the 21st annual St. Photios National Shrine Pilgrimage is February 1-2, 2003, and that Archbishop Desmond Tutu is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.

The special honoree at this year’s pilgrimage will be Archbishop Iakovos, chairman emeritus of the Shrine. Trustee Dr. Manuel Tissura of Tucker, GA, will chair the weekend’s events.

On Feb. 22, 2003, Leadership 100 members, during their annual meetings, will visit St. Augustine and a memorial service will be offered at the St. Photios Shrine.

Fr. Graff also announced that the annual Greek Landing Day Celebration will be June 28-29, 2003.

On Sunday, June 29, the Shrine will honor Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos for the

20th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

During the meeting, various reports were heard. Associate Director Andrew Lekos shared “the importance of the Shrine’s witness is not only to its visitors, but also for the greater Orthodox community of our Archdiocese.” Operations Manager, James Stremanos, told the Board that communities, which continue to use National Shrine Church Supplies, play an important role in supporting the Shrine. St. Photios Foundation Treasurer, Mr. George Parandes of Jacksonville, Fla., gave the financial report.

The St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is a living memorial to the first Greek settlers on the American continent and to all the Greek Orthodox pioneers whose love of freedom and desire for a better life for themselves and their children brought them to this New World.

The National Shrine is located on 41 St. George St. in historic downtown St. Augustine.

Trustees will next meet during the 21st annual St. Photios National Shrine Pilgrimage, Feb. 1-2.

spondence in the states months before the program begins, and a seven-day orientation at the Ionian Village before campers arrive, the staff is well equipped to execute the program, and work with the teens making a real difference in their lives.

Ionian Village maintains a one to six staff camper ratio.

Ionian Village seeks staff for summer 2003. Ionian Village is currently accepting staff applications which can be downloaded from the Ionian Village website, www.Ionianvillage.org, or requested from the Ionian Village office (see end of article for contact information).

Deadline for staff applications is Jan.

Ionian Village launches new Website Through the work of the Archdiocese Internet Ministries office, Ionian Village has launched its new website.

The site contains detailed information about all three programs, photos of previous camp sessions and the beautiful facility, a for parents and an alumni section, staff applications and camper registration forms in PDF format, and descriptions of each destination with links to informative sites.

There is a staff section in which pictures and bios of the Ionian Village staff are posted.

There is also a “Saints” section in the web site that includes Icons and information for many of the Saints that participants learn about while at Ionian Village.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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NOVEMBER 2002

SCHOLARSHIPS Applications Available for 2003-04 Gioles Scholarships Applications are now available for scholarships to be awarded from the George and Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship Fund of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The Gioles Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 with a generous gift in memory of George and Naouma Gioles. At least three scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded for the 2003-04 academic year.

Selection of the recipients will be based on the following criteria: Candidates must be of the Greek Orthodox faith (with preference to those of Greek descent) and must be high school seniors at time of application or full-time matriculated students committed to serious study in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university. Candidates must also be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

• Candidates must plan to attend or plan on continuing their studies at the college or university of their choice in the next academic year.

• Candidates must provide required evidence to the Scholarship Committee of scholastic standing, including tran-

script records with a grade level of at least a B, 85 percent or 3.0 average.

• Candidates who are high school seniors must have achieved and must provide proof of a combined SAT minimum score of 1,000. If the SAT is not administered, another measure used by the academic community should be substituted.

• Candidates must submit an application to the Scholarship Committee and be available for an interview at the Committee’s discretion.

• Candidates must provide evidence of financial need. Preference will be given to candidates who are orphans and to those who are undertaking studies in the sciences, business and the arts, with one scholarship reserved for a candidate who has chosen to study journalism.

Applications may be requested from the Office of the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese by calling (212) 774-0513 or by written request.

Requests and completed applications should be sent to the Gioles Scholarship Fund – c/o Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America – Office of the Chancellor – 8 East 79th Street – New York, NY 10021.

The deadline for applications is April 1.

Leadership 100 Names 5 New Trustees, Fills Executive Committee Opening DALLAS — The Leadership 100 Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of its nominating committee, chaired by Peter M. Dion, to elect five members to fill vacancies on the Board of Trustees, virtually assuring their renomination to the Board at the annual conference next February.

to discuss ways of sustaining and increasing membership.

The Board also heard reports from the chairman, Financial and Investment committees, Grant and Student Loan committees, the Membership Committee and from Fr. Alexander Karloutsos,executive director.

by George Schira

The Executive Committee elected John A. Catsimatidis to fill a vacancy created as a result of designating Michael Jaharis as a lifetime Founding Member. He joins George D. Behrakis and Mark Stavropoulos who were also elected to fill vacancies on the Executive Committee at its meeting in Chicago last May. All three attended the Dallas meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees on No- Peter Dion and Gus Stavropoulos with Fr. Nicholas Katinas, pastor of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas. vember 8-9.

Katina John Malta Scholarship Applications Available Applications are now available for the Katina John Malta Scholarship Fund, a new scholarship program established at the Archdiocese through a generous gift from the estate of Katina John Malta.

The donation and the formation of the scholarship program has been done in recognition of the love Katina had for the Church and in honor of the desire she had to help others, especially children and youth.

For the 2003-04 academic year, two scholarships will be awarded in the amounts of $2,000 for each scholarship.

Selection will be based on the following criteria: • Candidates must be of the Eastern Orthodox faith, and at the time of application, high school seniors or full-time matriculated students committed to serious study in a degree-earning program at an accredited college or university.

• Candidates must be firmly planning to commence or continue attendance at the college or university of their choice in the next academic year.

• Candidates must provide evidence to the Scholarship Committee of scholastic standing, including transcript records with a grade level of at least a B, 85 percent or 3.0 average.

• Candidates must provide a type-

written one-page essay setting forth the reason for applying for the award and include as enclosures one Letter of Recommendation, as well as a Letter of Acceptance or Continuation from their college or university.

• Candidates who are high school seniors must have achieved and must provide proof of a combined SAT score of 1,000. If the SAT is not administered, another measure used by the academic community should be substituted.

Applications must be submitted by a candidate to the Scholarship Committee.

At the discretion of the Committee, the candidate may be interviewed in person or by telephone.

• Candidates must provide evidence of financial need. Preference will be given to candidates who are orphans and to those who are undertaking studies in the sciences, business and the arts.

Applications may be requested from the Chancellor’s Office by calling (212) 774-0513 or by written request.

Requests and completed applications should be sent to the Malta Scholarship Fund – c/o Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America – Office of the Chancellor – 8 East 79th Street – New York, NY 10021.

The deadline for applications is April 1.

Leadership 100 members at the Dallas conference (L to R) John Marks, Peter Dion, Irene Magafan, Janet Chimples, Arthur Anton, John Payiavlas, Harry Magafan, and Peter Vlachos.

The five new Board members are Paul H. Athens, Diocese of Chicago; Froso Beys, Archdiocesan District of New York; Charles H. Cotros, Diocese of Denver; Constantine G. Lacas, Diocese of Atlanta and George P. Stamas, Diocese of New Jersey.

Arthur C. Anton, chairman of Leadership 100, said the Nominating Committee was created under the revised Regulations of Leadership 100 approved at the 11th Leadership 100 Annual Conference last February. Mr. Dion, who was elected chairman of the five-member Nominating Committee at a special telephone conference meeting of the trustees on June 20, said all requirements for eligibility to the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, including consultation for recommendations with Board members and Archbishop Demetrios, were followed as stipulated under the regulations.

In other actions, the Board, expressing its interest in assuring the future growth of the Church in America, keeping young people and interfaith couples involved and coordinating the activities and goals of Leadership 100 with those of the Archbishop and Synod of Bishops, created a Standing Committee on the Future of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, and authorized the Executive Committee to meet with the Archbishop and Synod

Mr. Anton described his inspirational trip to the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the Archons, where he spoke on the activities of Leadership 100 in support of the Church and meeting Leadership 100 member George E. Paraskevaides in Cyprus; Mark Stavropoulos, Grant Committee chairman, proposed procedures that were approved by the Executive Committee; Stephen G. Yeonas, Student Loan Committee chairman, reported on the successful distribution of the first $100,000 for repayment of the student loans of active clergy and submitted procedures for the distribution of the additional $250,000 a year four-year program, also approved by the Executive Committee; and Charles H. Cotros, Membership Committee chairman, reported that successful recruitment has now brought Leadership 100 to a total of 625 members toward the goal of 700.

Fr. Alex reported that the 12th annual Leadership 100 Conference in Amelia Island, Fla., Feb. 19-23, 2003, promises to be the best-attended conference in the history of the organization.

For the first time, the newly created Leadership 100 Award for Excellence will be presented. The first recipients will be Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes, CIA Director George J. Tenet and the world-renowned musician, Yanni.

NOVEMBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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St. Paraskevi Parish Holds Triple Celebration

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States but in the entire Orthodox world,” stated Fr. Heropoulos who expressed appreciation to his community for their outpouring of love and generous support.

Fr. Heropoulos said the parish council and all the community organizations and many members raised $500,000 within two months to underwrite, not only the cost for the dome’s iconography, but also to update the electrical system, and install a new marble altar floor and solea with mosaics, new carpeting and reupholstering of the pews.

Fr. Heropoulos noted the entire project was accomplished within a year.

Following the Divine Liturgy and before the blessing of the Iconography, Archbishop Demetrios bestowed the St. Paul medal to Gus Poulos, a great benefactor of the Church, and to Chris Theodorakis, parish council president.

Bishop Murphy donated a cross and the relics of St. Agnes to the church.

A luncheon was held at the Wyndham Watch hotel in Hauppauge, which was attended by Archbishop Demetrios and 500 guests. Proclamations were read from President Bush, Gov. Pataki, and Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Ptrone, and best wishes were sent by other state officials.

During the luncheon a 15-member youth choir under the direction of Dawn Heller sang Byzantine and other hymns and the parish council honored Choir Director Jeff Economou for his long and outstanding services.

“The jewels of the Church D. Panagos are the Greek afternoon HIS EMINENCE anoints the icons on the ceiling school, which has about 130 as Fr. Heropoulos looks on. students, and the Sunday

GREENLAWN, N.Y. – St. Paraskevi Church recently celebrated three important events — the 45th anniversary of the parish’s founding, the 25th anniversary of the church’s consecration and the unveiling of its dome’s new iconography as well as the refurbishing of the Church in general.

Archbishop Demetrios celebrated the Divine Liturgy and officiated at the unveiling of the dome’s iconography.

Also attending were Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, and Bishop Murphy, the Roman Catholic bishop of Long Island.

Assisting His Eminence in the celebra-

tion of the Divine Liturgy was the Very Rev. John Heropoulos, pastor; and former priests of the parish: Frs. Constantine Eliades, Nicholas Soteropoulos, Efstratios Serelis and Pat Legato.

His Eminence congratulated the iconographer, George Filippakis for this magnificent work and the entire community for their generosity.

“The iconography which represents ‘The 7 Days of the World’s Creation’ is the only one of it’s size compared to other Byzantine icons, not only in the United

school with 250 students,” said Fr. Heropoulos, who also noted that all the community’s organizations participate in the enhancement and growth of its programs. St. Paraskevi has a number of dynamic youth groups involved in many philanthropic outreach programs.

St. Paraskevi is a very active community in Long Island. On Palm Sunday and during Holy Week more than 2,000 people attend services and the membership numbers have doubled over the last six years, Fr. Heropoulos said.

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PAGE 10

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Archpastoral Reflections

EDITORIAL

Efforts Under Way to Resolve Halki Issue In mid-October, a delegation of Archons traveled to Turkey on a fiveday pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and to meet with Turkish government officials in Ankara.

Their objective was to try to get some movement on the issue of the reopening of the Patriarchal Theological School of Halki, which was closed by the Turkish government in 1972 and has long been a sore point in the Patriarchate’s relations with Turkey.

Dr. Anthony Limberakis, national commander of the Order of St. Andrew-Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and U.S. Ambassador to Turkey W. Robert Pearson have both called on Turkey to allow the reopening of the Halki seminary.

Dr. Limberakis said that the continuing closure of the school “is an infringement of our rights as American citizens to worship in America when our own spiritual father cannot freely … conduct his ministry … and when we cannot educate our clergy at the Halki school.”

He also accused Turkey of treating Patriarch Bartholomew as a “second-class” citizen.

This effort will hopefully result in progress on the issue, along with other efforts under way to raise awareness about the issue.

His All Holiness himself has made significant strides in recent years in reaching out to the Muslim world in meetings and discussions of issues of mutual concern.

Most recently, at the end of October, the Ecumenical Patriarchate sponsored the 10th Islamic-Christian Dialogue conference in the Persian Gulf

What if?

Editor, What if everybody did it?

Whatever action, whatever behavior, whatever attitude, whatever thought, or whatever belief you may consider, what if literally everybody did it—whatever “it” may be—would the world be a better place or a worse place?

We need to constantly ask ourselves the question “What if everybody did it?”

What if everybody came to church late?

What if everybody decided not to come to church at all?

What if everybody believed they could believe whatever they want to believe and then call it Christianity? What confusion would this cause? Did Christ come to bring such confusion?

What if everybody had the idea that the Church is their personal and private possession to be run only as they want it run and with no regard or concern for the Body of Christ as a whole?

What if everybody had the idea the church should never have adequately expanded educational facilities to serve its growing membership?

What if everybody thought we should not worry whether the world is presented with the opportunity to come to know our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith?

What if everybody had the idea that it does not make any difference whether the hungry are fed, the thirsty are given

NOVEMBER 2002

kingdom of Bahrain, which was attended by more than 150 religious leaders, scholars, government and nonprofit organization representatives.

The conference yielded highly positive results with the issuance of the Bahrain Declaration, calling on all peoples and nations to reinforce dialogue in search of peaceful coexistence and the shunning of violence.

Among the recommendations is the establishment of a permanent joint secretariat for Muslim-Christian dialogue between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Perhaps, in the near future, this may help further the Patriarchate’s cause in the re-opening of the Halki Seminary.

Another positive development has been the recent change in government in Turkey, with the new leaders favoring closer ties with the United States and Turkish membership in the European Union.

There also has been an increase in efforts between Greece and Turkey, along with the United Nations, to resolve a much more complex and serious issue that has plagued these neighbors for almost as long as the Halki issue, the problem of Cyprus.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan issued a 137-page draft peace plan in early November, as a basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem which would preferably be achieved by the Dec. 12 Copenhagen EU Summit where a final decision would be made on Cyprus’ accession to the Union.

If these recent initiatives result in great progress, there may indeed be hope for a successful solution to the Halki issue in the near future.

drink, the stranger is welcomed, the naked are clothed, or the sick and imprisoned are visited (see Matthew 25:31-46)?

What if everybody ignored Jesus’ teaching that “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (see Matthew 5:8)? In the absence of such purity, would anyone “see God” or know God or grow in God’s image and likeness any more?

If everyone were to commit suicide, it would lead to the elimination of mankind.

In the same vein, let me mention some other behaviors that could lead to the suicide or the death of our American society if everyone were to engage in them: For example, what if everybodychose the homosexual lifestyle, wouldn’t that, like mass suicide, lead to the elimination of mankind? For if everyone were homosexual, then how would the human species—God’s greatest creation—ever reproduce itself?

What if everybody supported the pornography industry? What would our society be like?

What if everybody cheated on their spouses, never reconciled with their spouses, or divorced their spouses? What would our nation’s family life be like?

What if all business people cheated their customers or what if all corporate executives cheated their investors? What would our economy be like?

What if all students in school cheated all the time so that they never really learned

by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America Throughout the annals of history, human societies across the globe, comprising a wide array of cultures and religions, have established days of ceremony marked by the recurrent gathering together of people to offer praise to God, the Creator.

Such gatherings have always struck the perennial chord of that innate yearning of the human soul to draw closer to God, to grow in the assurance of His constant and abiding presence, and to exclaim with joy and praise as the Psalmist, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (Ps. 108:1).

This month of November grants us the occasion to celebrate the great American national holiday, Thanksgiving Day, when friends and families across the country gather together to thank God for His abiding care and goodness.

We celebrate this Day by partaking in customs and rituals familiar to every American family and household, assembling before richly laden tables and enjoying fellowship with one another in the name of the Lord.

In so doing, we enact a national manifestation of praise, inaugurated centuries ago by the native peoples and early colonists of this land.

Today, Americans of all races, religions, and ancestral origins recognize the significance and purpose of this national tradition, proudly preserving and passing it on to subsequent generations.

As Greek Orthodox Christians, we give thanks to God for the precious gifts of liberty and freedom in our country. We express our gratitude for the wellbeing of our families and loved ones, for the fruits of the labors and hardships sustained by our immigrant forefathers and fathers, and especially for the enduring vitality of our Orthodox Christian faith in the New World, a faith whose past, present, and future beholds a brilliant panorama of prosperity—a light of continued renewal in the life of our nation.

As the Body of Christ, we praise God our Heavenly Creator in holy prayer, liturgy, and doxology. We give thanks to Him, and, thus, we faithfully preserve and pass on the Holy Traditions of our Orthodox Church that has sanctified Creation for millennia, sustaining each and every one of us in our earthly lives.

As we gather around the tables in our homes this Thanksgiving, as we enter our Churches to partake of the Holy Eucharist, and as we glorify God for his goodness, let us consider the legacy of our human race and the poignant words of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians, “Stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught.” (2 Th. 2:15).

I pray that this Thanksgiving Day may truly be a day for all of us to come closer to God as we give thanks to Him for the commitment of our nation to the ideals of liberty and freedom, for the prosperity of our Holy Orthodox Church in this land, and for our families and neighbors everywhere in whom we recognize His Divine image and likeness.

anything but just faked it? Would you want these students someday to repair the brakes on your car or to operate on your brain?

My hope and my prayer is that everybody will ask the question “What if everybody did it?” before they engage in any activity or adopt any attitude. Let each one of us ask ourselves, “If everybody did whatever I am considering, would this world—would my Church—be a better place or a worse place?”

Frank Johnson Orlando, Fla.

Creed language Editor, The Nicene Creed seems to be different according to which Diocese you are in. I have copies of the Creed from Denver and Atlanta. I have been told that the Diocese of Detroit has another version.

I was under the impression that the Creed is the same worldwide. Which version is correct and why the variations?

Stanley Demos Sarasota, Fla. The Greek version of the Nicene Creed, that is said in nearly every parish each Divine Liturgy, is the “same worldwide Creed”, which goes back partially to the Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) with additions by the Council of Constantinople (381 A.D.). It was accepted in its present form

at the Council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451.

However, there are many English translations of the Nicene Creed used through the world. Up until this point, there has not been one standard and accepted translation throughout our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Each Diocesan Hierarch has been responsible for which translation his parishes use. It is important to note that all of the English translations attempt to maintain the meaning and essence of the Nicene Creed. It is hopeful that in the near future a standard translation of the Nicene Creed will be accepted and used throughout the entire Archdiocese.

Gratitude for help Editor, I am writing to thank the Archdiocese as well as all those who generously contributed for the funds distributed to my daughter, Sophia. Please be assured that all of it will be used for her education.

I would like to let you know what a tremendous support the Archdiocese, our parish St. Demetrios Cathedral of Astoria, especially Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos and Archimandrite Evangelos Kourounis as well as the members of the congregation have been to me, my daughter and my family.

On Sept. 11, 2001 when that terrible

NOVEMBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 11

Archiepiscopal Encyclical Feast Day of the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian November 1, 2002 To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America, Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In His undying love for humankind, our gracious God condescended to take on human flesh, offering Himself up for the world so that we might be granted eternal life.

This indescribable act of mercy and humility constitutes a tremendous challenge to all of us human beings to respond accordingly to the love of our Creator. In the face of God’s love, we are reminded of this challenge by the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself (cf. Mt. 22:37-39).

These two commandments, upon which hang all the law and the prophets (Mt. 22:40), speak to the central importance of the exercising of philanthropy in the Christian life.

In her timeless offering of example, our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates on Nov. 1 the Feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, presenting to us two remarkable brothers—physicians of Asia Minor.

Known as the Holy Unmercenaries, Sts. Cosmas and Damian gave generously of their time and talents, healing the sick, assisting the ill, offering help to the needy, and cultivating their love of God and neighbor with the fullness of heart, soul, and mind through continuous acts of care and affection.

Today, the enduring legacy of Sts. Cosmas and Damian reminds us that the offering of philanthropy is a magnificent task that extends even beyond our own geographical and political boundaries.

As Orthodox Christians living in the United States, we are blessed with the precious gift of a remarkable prosperity, and we have the particular obligation to share the fruits of such a blessing from God with those who live under conditions of need.

For over seventy years, the Ladies Philoptochos Society of our Archdiocese has endeavored to effect ministries of philanthropic aid and assistance, as women from parishes across our nation freely give of their time and talents in service to God and neighbor.

In this service, the National Philoptochos has resolved each year to render special aid to our beloved Orthodox Christian brothers and sisters living in Constantinople by committing funds to the nursing homes, hospitals, and other philanthropic institutions of our Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Therefore, in commemoration of the inspiring example of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, on Sunday, Nov. 3, a special tray will be passed in parishes throughout our country to support the National Philoptochos Patriarchate Fund and the needs of the beloved and most venerable Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople.

Through your contributions to this fund, the lives of many will be enhanced, the warmth of God’s love will be extended, and the joy that comes through the rendering of service to our Christian brothers and sisters in other parts of the world will be realized in the hearts, minds, and souls of us all.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, and may we always follow the example of His Saints in keeping our hearts open to His abundant mercy and saving love.

ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ - ÁÈÇÍÁ-ÈÅÓ/ÍÉÊÇ ÊÁÔ’ ÅÕÈÅÉÁÍ ÐÔÇÓÅÉÓ ×ÙÑÉÓ ÓÔÁÈÌÏ ÌÅ ÊÁÍÏÍÉÊÁ ÄÑÏÌÏËÏÃÉÁ

With paternal love in Christ,

† Archbishop Demetrios of America

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tragedy claimed my husband Frank’s young life, the church was the first place I ran to.

Fr. Nikiforos, who had married Frank and I only a year and a half earlier on May 21, 2000, was there every day for Sophia (who was only 8 weeks old) and I to pray with us and for us and eventually to help me to understand, accept and deal with Frank’s death.

He also baptized Sophia in February of this year that was so difficult for us all without Frank there with us since he had so been looking forward to that day. Although we have still not yet been able to put Frank’s remains to rest the Church has given us the opportunity for memorial services and prayers for this soul. This has been such a comfort to us all. You yourself visited our church and prayed with us.

This has been such a difficult time for my family and me but with God’s help and the help of the Church through all this I have been able to keep and even strengthen my faith. I pray that my faith will continue to strengthen and I will be able to raise

Sophia as a faithful Orthodox Christian.

Please continue to pray for all of those lost on that terrible day and for their families.

Anastasia Mancini Astoria, N.Y.

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Ïé ôéìÝò éó÷ýïõí ãéá áíá÷ùñÞóåéò áðü Ïêôùâñßïõ 1, 2002 - Äåêåìâñßïõ 15, 2002 êáé Éáíïõáñßïõ 11, 2003 -Ìáñôßïõ 31, 2003

Day To Remember Editor, On this Veterans Day 2002, we sincerely recognize the debt owed to all our veterans; past, present and future. May Providence keep and protect our veterans.

Further, we pray for those future veterans – our servicemen and women who even at this hour go in harms way.

Today, as always, we honor our veterans, not only will this nation and its people forevermore be in their debt but so will mankind in general. Their sacrifices have allowed all of us to live with freedom and dignity.

John A. Micklos Baltimore

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ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 12

A Wonderful Gift Idea for All Occasions Enter the world of folk tales through

Sophia’s Stories

a book that is sure to entertain all ages.

These folk tales, passed down from generation to generation, were told to Sophia Papoulias Kosartes as she was growing up in Kastraki, a small village in the foothills of the Meteora, Greece.

NOVEMBER 2002

A R C H D I O C E S E

N E W S

Science and Technology Committee Holds First Meeting in Brookline

To order: Make check payable to C. Kay Dee Publishing and mail to PO Box 1036, Huntley, IL 60142. $10 per book, includes tax, P&H. Order by Dec. 10 for holiday delivery

(Autograph upon request)

GOA

Dr. Achilles Adamantiades, executive secretary of the Coordinating Committee of the AACST addresses the members. Twenty members attended the first plenary meeting on Oct. 19 at Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology.

BROOKLINE – The Archdiocesan Advisory Committee on Science and Technology (AACST) held its first plenary meeting on Oct. 19 at Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology.

The meeting, which was attended by 20 members, was convened under the chairmanship of Archbishop Demetrios. It followed the initial work begun by the Coordinating Committee appointed by the Archbishop in December 2001.

The membership of the AACST consists of scientists, engineers, medical and legal professionals and theologians. The larger committee is comprised of three subcommittees—Bioethics and Medical Issues; Energy, Environment and Economics; and Physical Sciences and Advanced Technologies.

In his opening remarks, the Archbishop affirmed that rapid scientific and technological changes pose acute questions to which Church leaders are challenged to respond. He noted that the work of the Committee was critical to this response, as the group brings together members of the scientific, technological, medical, and theological disciplines, persons who are also fervent members of the Church who want to serve in this unique and much needed way.

Dr. Achilles Adamantiades, executive secretary of the Coordinating Committee, began his remarks by acknowledging many of the members who were not able to be present due to other commitments.

He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to provide closer acquaintance among members, to introduce the subcommittees, to discuss topics for the work of each subcommittee, to define objectives and actions for the AACST, and to receive direction from the Archbishop.

During the meeting, coordinators and members of the three subcommittees made several presentations on specific issues for consideration by the AACST and on general and specific functions of the committee.

Presenting for the Subcommittee on Bioethics and Medical Issues were Dr. Christos Mantzoros, chairman, Dr. Nicolaos Madias, and Dr. Gregory Stephanopoulos.

For the Subcommittee on Physical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, presentations were given by Dr. Haralambos Doumanidis, chairman, and Dr.

Thomas Karras.

Presentations for the Subcommittee on Energy, Environment and Economics were offered by Dr. Achilles Adamantiades, chairman, Dr. Vasilios Manousiouthakis, and Dr. George Nassos.

There followed a general discussion ensued regarding the scope and function of the AACST. It was affirmed that members of the subcommittees need to communicate regularly to address existing information and views on contemporary scientific and technological issues.

The members agreed that it was essential for this discussion to include theologians, both clergy and lay, so that the AACST is focused on the pastoral and educational needs of the Church.

In his concluding remarks, Archbishop Demetrios affirmed the tremendous potential of the committee as it has members who are at the forefront of developments in their respective fields. He said the committee will be able to offer assistance not only as an advisory group but in a more advanced and dynamic way.

In continuation of the work of the AACST following the meeting in Brookline, the Coordinating Committee met with the Archbishop in New York on Nov. 6 to review the plenary session and discuss how to facilitate the subcommittees’ work, especially the process of selecting topics and the dissemination of information. As the subcommittees continue their work, regular updates will be provided on the AACST. For more information on the Archdiocesan Advisory Committee on Science and Technology, contact the Executive Secretary of the Coordinating Committee, Dr. Achilles Adamantiades, at aadaman@attglobal.net, or the Archdiocesan Liaison, Father Nektarios Morrow, at aacst@goarch.org or by phone 212-774-0506.

The initial work of the AACST has been to enlist members who have shown recognized excellence in their respective fields of endeavor, who have been active in the life of the Church, and who are willing and ready to devote the necessary time and effort to the work of the Committee.

The membership will continue to be enriched with new members as more persons who fulfill these criteria are nominated and appointed.

NOVEMBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Your Ministry AND THE ARCHDIOCESE

PRAXIS Magazine: The Educational Periodical of the Department of Religious Education Praxis magazine, published by the Department of Religious Education, is a quarterly catechetical magazine for adults, parents, parish leaders and religious educators providing educational articles and resources concerning the principles, ethics, tradition and theology of the Greek Orthodox Church. Each glossy issue is beautifully designed, approximately 45 pages in length and includes thematic photographs and full-page, color icons.

by Fr. Frank Marangos

The articles are written by Orthodox Hierarchs, clergy, theologians, seminarians, and religious educators.

Seven issues have been published to date beginning August 1999 and have addressed a wide range of theological topics such as Holy Pentecost, Holy Tradition:Old and New Testaments, Liturgical Expression, and Overcoming Tragedy which was a special issue that focused on the spiritual aftermath of September 11th, the most precarious valley we now find ourselves in.

This issue was dedicated to the pastoral and educational concerns associated with dealing with personal and national tragedy. The most recent issue, July 2002, is devoted to the Sacraments.

The magazine is mailed to over 12,000 individuals including all Archdiocesan clergy, Church School teachers and individuals included in the department’s computer database, Archdiocesan Council members, and Leadership 100 members.

Many parishes have obtained gift subscriptions for their religious education teachers.

Praxis magazine has enjoyed a national as well as global appeal from a wide range of Orthodox as well as non-Orthodox Christians who are seeking a better understanding of their Faith Tradition and its teachings.

The Department of Religious Education has received 850 subscriptions to date from individuals and parishes of all Orthodox jurisdictions, and non-Orthodox denominations from countries such as Finland, the Netherlands, Albania, Canada, Zimbabwe, and Australia.

The issue dedicated to Holy Tradition examined one of the most misunderstood theological concepts of the Orthodox Church. While many individuals commonly think of tradition as something handed down to us from the past, several articles reviewed how Holy Tradition should be understood in a more comprehensive fashion.

The most recent issue of Praxis is dedicated to the sacramental life of the Church.

The numerous and insightful articles respectively emphasize the important truth that true Life is charismatic. It is Life in the Church - Life in the Holy Spirit - that mystically unites us to the Holy Trinity.

The articles emphasized the need for Church educators and leaders to learn the lesson that our Creator Father desires that our relationship with Him be the direct result of freely accepting the rule of His Lordship.

The primary objective of Praxis is to direct the attention of preachers, teachers, and students of the faith to the bountiful resources given to us by God to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).

This endeavor affirms the vital role of Holy Tradition in our faith and acknowledges that we must make full use

of this sacred heritage in our task of religious education.

As Archbishop Demetrios has said, “Theology is much more than a body of knowledge that is passed down through the ages. It is first and foremost a living encounter with God, the one who reveals truth and guides us in affirming that truth within the community of faith.”

In this relationship truth is known and experienced, and spiritual growth occurs not simply from the acquisition of a basic knowledge of “theology,” but through the presence of God, the purifying and illuminating source of divine wisdom.

It is the fervent prayer of the editorial staff that each issue of Praxis will provide an opportunity to deepen the reader’s understanding of the scriptural, liturgical, patristic and ecclesiastical doctrines of the Orthodox Church.

The Department of Religious Education can think of no more important issue for the contemporary Orthodox Christian educator than to develop both a better understanding of the doctrines and theological concepts of the liturgical life of the Orthodox Church.

Each future issue of Praxis will be dedicated to enhancing a cognitive as well as experiential connection with the fullness of Orthodoxy’s ascetical, ethical and theological components as they are transferred from place to place and from generation to generation through the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Department of Religious Education is committed to the belief that theological understanding and liturgical experience is the foundation of better preaching and teaching within our respective Orthodox homes and parish communities.

The hope of the Department is that Praxis will earn the reputation of being a fountain of wisdom and truth as expressed in the Sacred Tradition of our Holy Orthodox Church and in the manifestation of divine grace in our hearts, minds, and deeds.

In this manner Praxis magazine will help contribute to the primary mission of the Department of Religious Education for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America, namely “to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

The next issue of Praxis will focus on the activities, qualities, skills and organizational strategies through which the sacramental practice of parish religious education may be enhanced.

Individuals interested in submitting articles and photographs for publication may visit the Department of Religious Education website, for the upcoming themes and publication information.

Although the magazine has been mailed on a complimentary basis, subscriptions have been encouraged and received in order to defray the costs of publishing, printing and mailing each issue.

The magazine will be available on a subscription-only basis in the near future.

A subscription may be obtained for a minimal annual cost of $15 by contacting the Department of Religious Education located on the campus of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA (800-566-1088).

The Rev. Frank Marangos, D. Min., Ed.D. is director of the Department of Religious Education, and executive editor of Praxis Magazine, frfrank@goarch.org

PAGE 13

ARCHBISHOP’S ENCYCLICAL

Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels November 8, 2002 To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I take this opportunity to communicate with you upon the glorious Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels, a day when we commemorate the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and the countless myriads of bodiless powers who ceaselessly praise and glorify Almighty God. In as much as angels praise the living God, St. Paul reminds us too that angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14). As such, we human beings are the objects of continuous Divine protection, immersed in the calming waters of God’s care, in a flowing stream of grace, which knows neither end nor limit. We are assured of this by the comforting words of the Psalmist: He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways (Ps. 90:11).

Aware of the abiding presence of these our “heavenly guardians,” assigned to each of us at the Sacrament of Baptism and with us at every stage of our lives, we are equally mindful today of our earthly guardians who have lovingly guided our footsteps from childhood, a generation of parents and godparents. Today, several of them reside at Saint Michael’s Home, our senior adult home in New York, which has the name of Archangel Michael. Through your love and generosity Saint Michael’s has continued, in imitation of the angels, to minister to the needs of senior adults through prayer, personal care, and an effort at all levels to affirm the sacredness of human life. Thus, in support of this vital ministry of our Holy Archdiocese, all of our parishes are asked to pass a special tray on Sunday, November 10. Your gifts will be greatly treasured by the residents of St. Michael’s and their families as an expression of gratitude for their constant love and guidance. Contributions should be sent to the Archdiocese in care of Saint Michael’s, where they will in turn be forwarded to the Home.

May the infinite love of God the Father is with you all the days of your lives, and may you all rest with eternal confidence and everlasting peace under the Divine protection of the stalwart wings of His Holy angels.

With paternal love in Christ,

† Archbishop Demetrios of America

In Memoriam Georgia Trakatellis, mother of Archbishop Demetrios NEW YORK — Georgia Trakatellis, 95, the mother of Archbishop Demetrios, died Nov. 8 in Athens, Greece, of natural causes.

His Eminence left for Athens that evening for the funeral services that was held Nov. 9 at the Church of Nea Panaghia in Thessaloniki, where she had been baptized.

Mrs. Trakatellis was involved in social causes her entire life. During the German occupation in the 1940s, she led efforts to establish soup kitchens and other charitable projects.

She was active until the day she died in fundraising for her neighborhood church in Athens, and senior citizens homes.

Archbishop Demetrios recalled her most important character trait as being “a lover of truth.

She never tolerated lies.”

Metropolitan Panteleimon of Thessaloniki, who also represented Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, conducted the funeral service.

In addition to His Eminence, Mrs. Trakatellis is survived by another son, Antonios, a member of the European Parliament and professor of medicine and biology, and his wife, Tanya; three granddaughters and other relatives.

Elefteria Gergiannakis, mother of Metropolitan Anthony of Dardenelles Elefteria Gergiannakis, mother of Metropolitan Anthony of Dardenelles, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of San Francisco, died Nov. 1 at her home in Avgeniki, Crete. She was 97.

Metropolitan Anthony was with her at her death, together with family members and representatives of the Diocese clergy and lay leaders. Her passing was described as in accordance with the ideal sought for every Christian: “without pain, without shame, and peaceful.”

Metropolitan Anthony asked the clergy of the Diocese to remember

Eleftheria at the time of the proskomide, and that a Trisagion be celebrated in her memory at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 3.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation in Ms. Gergiannakis’ name may send their offering to the Diocese Office; checks should be made payable to the Diocese of San Francisco, with “Eleftheria Gergiannakis Memorial Fund” in the memo portion of the check. The funds will be used towards a memorial in Mrs. Gergiannakis’ name at the Church of St. George, the central church of her village.

PAGE 14

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

NOVEMBER 2002

SCOBA ENCYCLICAL on IOCC Sunday Andrew Athens Continues Efforts to Secure Recognition of Patriarch of Jerusalem WASHINGTON — Andrew A. Athens, president of the World Council of Hellenes (SAE), and a member of the Archdiocesan Council and Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, took a major step recently in the effort by the American private sector to secure Israeli recognition of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Irineos, by traveling to Israel for talks in late October.

A letter signed by 156 members of the U.S. Congress that President George Bush recently received about this issue, was facilitated by the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH), of which Athens is chairman and Andrew E. Manatos is president.

As they expressed in this letter, these

members of Congress stand behind the message Athens carried to Israel.

The most senior levels of the U.S. State Department also participated in Athens’ decision to travel to Israel with regard to this issue. Much of Athens’ international work has had the respect and support of the State Department for many years.

The ongoing advocacy of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) for the resolution of the recognition of Patriarch Irineos is directly related to meetings Athens and Manatos held many months ago with the AJC. Athens’ close working relationship with the AJC and Manatos’ relationship

with the Jewish community has spanned three decades.

The head of the second largest church (the Orthodox Church) in the largest religion in the world (Christianity), Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, discussed this issue with Mr. Athens in Istanbul earlier in October.

Mr. Athens works closely in the United States with the Ecumenical Patriarch’s representative in America, the highly respected Archbishop Demetrios.

Mr. Athens served the longest as the lay head of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. His views reflect those of the Orthodox Church.

“You Still Lack One Thing. Sell All That You Have And Distribute To The Poor, And You Will Have Treasure In Heaven; And Come, Follow Me.” (Luke 18:22) 24 November 2002 To the Most Reverend Clergy, Venerable Monastics and Devout Faithful of the Holy Orthodox Churches in the Americas.

Dearly Beloved in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

In this extremely powerful passage from the Gospel of St. Luke, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ conveys to us quite emphatically the tremendous importance of helping the poor. We Orthodox Christians in North America, in so many ways, are like the rich young ruler, who asked Jesus the question that provoked the answer given in this passage.

We live in the most prosperous place and in the most prosperous times in recorded history. At the same time, we share these times with teeming masses of people suffering from crushing poverty, personal humiliation and unprecedented need.

Does not God’s love for us, and for the poor throughout the world, compel us to “distribute to the poor?” Can we not unburden ourselves of at least a portion of our material goods in service to the least of Christ’s brethren?

Though we may not be able to achieve the ideal and sell all that we have, we must, as followers of Christ, do all that is possible to alleviate the hunger and the pain of all who suffer on this small planet that God created for us.

This year, dear brothers and sisters, we mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), as the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA).

The mission of IOCC is to respond to the call of our Lord to minister to those who are suffering and are in need throughout the world, sharing with them God’s gifts of food, shelter, economic self-sufficiency and hope. Over the course of 10 years, IOCC has distributed more than $140 million in aid in 21 countries.

In the year ahead, IOCC will continue its response to the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, and expand the scope of its services here at home. ÿ Archbishop Demetrios Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America ÿ Metropolitan Herman Orthodox Church in America ÿ Metropolitan Philip, Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese ÿ Metropolitan Christopher, Serbian Orthodox Church in the US and Canada ÿ Metropolitan Nicholas, American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church ÿ Metropolitan Joseph, Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese in the USA ÿ Archbishop Nicolae, Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada ÿ Metropolitan Constantine Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA ÿ Bishop Ilia Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America

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ôÝëåéùôï ëåõêü ìÝ÷ñé üðïõ öôÜíåé ôï ìÜôé. Ëåõêü êé åðßðåäï áôÝëåéùôá ìáæß. Ï ïñßæïíôáò áêáèüñéóôïò, ç ãç êé ï ïõñáíüò ìáæß áãêáëéáóìÝíïé ìÝóá óôï áôÝëåéùôï ëåõêü ôïõ ðñþôïõ ÷éïíéïý. ¸íá ìßëé øçëüôåñá áðü ôçí åðéöÜíåéá ôçò èÜëáóóáò êáé ÷éëéÜäåò ìßëéá ìáêñéÜ ôçò. ÌÜôáéá Ýøá÷íá ãéá âïõíÜ. Ðñïóãåéþèçêá óôï ÍôÝíâåñ êé Þôáí ç ðñþôç ìïõ öïñÜ óôï ÊïëïñÜíôï. Áñáéüò êáé ðáãùìÝíïò ï áÝñáò, åõ÷Üñéóôïò üìùò êáé áíáæùïãïíçôéêüò. ÔÝôïéåò èåñìïêñáóßåò, õðü ôïõ ìçäåíüò Þôáí áóõíÞèéóôåò ôüóï íùñßò –ôÝëç Ïêôùâñßïõ– áêüìç êáé ãéá ôá âïõíÜ ôïõ ÊïëïñÜíôï. Ìå åß÷áí âÝâáéá ðñïåéäïðïéÞóåé. ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý

Ç ðñüóêëçóç ðñïÞñ÷åôï áðü ôïí Ìçôñïðïëßôç ÇóáÀá ó÷åäüí Ýíá ÷ñüíï ðñéí. Èá ÷áñïýìå ðïëý íá ðáñåõñåèåßôå óôá åãêáßíéá. Åß÷á äå÷èåß. Êáé ðþò íá áñíçèåßò; ¢ëëùóôå äåí åß÷á îáíáðÜåé óôï ÍôÝíâåñ êáé Þôáí êáéñüò ãéá ìéá óôåíüôåñç ãíùñéìßá ìå ôçí ðåñéï÷Þ êáé ôïõò áíèñþðïõò ôçò. Ôï íÝï åðéóêïðéêü êÝíôñï, ç Ýäñá ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò äçëáäÞ ôåëåßùóå, ïëïêëçñþèçêå êáé ç ôåëåôÞ ôùí åãêáéíßùí åß÷å ðñïãñáììáôéóèåß ãéá ôçí åðáýñéï ÐáñáóêåõÞ 1ç Íïåìâñßïõ, ðñþôç çìÝñá ôïõ åïñôáóôéêïý ôñéÞìåñïõ ðïõ ç åðéóêïðÞ åß÷å ïñãáíþóåé. Áðïâñáäßò Ýíá ëåðôü óôñþìá öñÝóêïõ ÷éïíéïý åß÷å öñåóêÜñåé ôá ðÜíôá. Åß÷å ëåõêÜíåé êáé ôïí ìåãÜëï ÷ñõóü÷ñùìï ôñïýëï ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý Íáïý ôçò ÊïéìÞóåùò ôçò Èåïôüêïõ, ÷ùñßò ùóôüóï íá êáôáöÝñåé íá ôïí åîïìïéþóåé ìÝóá óôï êáôÜëåõêï ôïðßï. Äåí ìðïñïýóå íá ðåñÜóåé áðáñáôÞñçôïò øçëÜ ðÜíù óôïí ëüöï, óôá ðñïÜóôéá ôïõ ÍôÝíâåñ.

M

åôÜ ôçí áðüëõóç ÊëÞñïò, ðñïóêåêëçìÝíïé êáé ëáüò óõíôÜ÷èçêáí ìÝóá óôï ôóïõ÷ôåñü êñýï. ÌðñïóôÜ ôá åîáðôÝñõãá êáé ïé åéêüíåò, ïé ÉåñÜñ÷åò, Éåñåßò êáé ÷ïñùäßá, ïé åðßóçìïé ðñïóêåêëçìÝíïé êáé ëáüò. Äõï-ôñåéò åêáôïíôÜäåò Üíèñùðïé ðïõ Þñèáí ãéá ôá åãêáßíéá êáé ôïí áãéáóìü ôïõ íÝïõ Åðéóêïðéêïý ÊÝíôñïõ. ¢ëëïé áðü ôçí ãýñù ðåñéï÷Þ, êé Üëëïé áðü ìáêñéÜ, 10 êáé 15 þñåò äñüìï. Ìéá ãñÞãïñç ìáôéÜ óôï ÷Üñôç ìáò ðåßèåé ãéá ôïõ ëüãïõ ôï áëçèÝò. ÁõôÞ ç á÷áíÞò ÅðéóêïðÞ, ãåùãñáöéêÜ ç ìåãáëýôåñç ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò åêôåßíåôáé áðü ôçí ÌïíôÜíá óôá âüñåéá óýíïñá ôùí ÇíùìÝíùí Ðïëéôåéþí ìå ôïí ÊáíáäÜ ùò ôá ðéï íüôéá óôï Ìåîéêü. ÐåñéëáìâÜíåé äþäåêá ïëüêëçñåò ðïëéôåßåò êáé ìÝñç Üëëùí äõï, óýíïëï 14 ðïëéôåßåò ðïõ üëåò ìáæß êáôáëáìâÜíïõí Ýêôáóç 1.3 åêáôïììõñßùí

Ôï íÝï Åðéóêïðéêü ÊÝíôñï ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò ÍôÝíâåñ óôï ÷éïíéóìÝíï ôïðßï.

ôåôñáãùíéêþí ìéëßùí (Þ ëßãï ðåñéóóüôåñï áðü 2 åêáôïììýñéá ôåôñáãùíéêÜ ÷éëéüìåôñá). Ïé ðñþôïé ìåôáíÜóôåò öôÜóáíå óå ôïýôá ôá ìÝñç ðñéí áðü 100 ðåñßðïõ ÷ñüíéá. Äïýëåõáí óôá ïñõ÷åßá, óôçí êáôáóêåõÞ ôùí óéäçñïäñüìùí êáé óôá ÷áëõâïõñãåßá. Ôüôå äçìéïýñãçóáí ôéò ðñþôåò åêêëçóßåò. ÓÞìåñá ç íåþôåñç åðéóêïðÞ ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò ðïõ éäñýèçêå ôï 1979,

ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÉÊÇ ÅÃÊÕÊËÉÏÓ

Óýíáîéò ôùí Áãßùí Áñ÷áããÝëùí 8 Íïåìâñßïõ Ðñoò ôïõò ÓåâáóìéùôÜôïõò êáé ÈåïöéëåóôÜôïõò Áñ÷éåñåßò , ôïõò ÅõëáâåóôÜôïõò Éåñåßò êáé Äéáêüíïõò, ôïõò Ìïíá÷ïýò êáé Ìïíá÷Ýò, ôïõò ÐñïÝäñïõò êáé ÌÝëç ôùí Êïéíïôéêþí Óõìâïõëßùí, ôá ÇìåñÞóéá êáé ÁðïãåõìáôéíÜ Ó÷ïëåßá, ôéò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõò Áäåëöüôçôåò, ôçí Íåïëáßá, ôéò Åëëçíïñèüäïîåò Ïñãáíþóåéò êáé ïëüêëçñï ôï ×ñéóôåðþíõìïí ðëÞñùìá ôçò ÉåñÜò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò. Áäåëöïß êáé ÁäåëöÝò åí ×ñéóôþ, Åðùöåëïýìáé ôçò åõêáéñßáò íá åðéêïéíùíÞóù ìáæß óáò åðß ôç åíäüîù ÅïñôÞ ôçò ÓõíÜîåùò ôùí Áãßùí Áñ÷áããÝëùí, êáôÜ ôçí ïðïßá ôéìïýìå ôïõò Áñ÷áããÝëïõò Ìé÷áÞë êáé ÃáâñéÞë êáèþò êáé ôéò áìÝôñçôåò ìõñéÜäåò ÁóùìÜôùí ÄõíÜìåùí, ïé ïðïßåò õìíïýí êáé äïîÜæïõí ôïí Ðáíôïäýíáìï Èåü áäéáêüðôùò. Ï Áðüóôïëïò Ðáýëïò ìáò õðåíèõìßæåé üôé åêôüò áðü ôéò äïîïëïãßåò ðïõ áíáðÝìðïõí óôïí æþíôá Èåü, ïé Üããåëïé åßíáé ëåéôïõñãéêÜ ðíåýìáôá åéò äéáêïíßáí áðïóôåëëüìåíá äéÜ ôïõò ìÝëëïíôáò êëçñïíïìåßí óùôçñßáí (Åâñ. 1:14). Åìåßò ëïéðüí ïé Üíèñùðïé áðïôåëïýìå áíôéêåßìåíá óõíå÷ïýò èåúêÞò ðñïóôáóßáò åìâáðôéóìÝíïé óôá Þñåìá íåñÜ ôçò öñïíôßäïò ôïõ Èåïý, ìÝóá óôïí ñÝïíôá ðïôáìü ôçò ÷Üñéôïò ðïõ äåí Ý÷åé ôÝëïò ïýôå üñéá. Ôá ðáñÞãïñá ëüãéá ôïõ Øáëìùäïý ìáò ôï åðéâåâáéþíïõí: Ôïéò áããÝëïéò áõôïý åíôåëåßôáé ðåñß óïõ ôïõ äéáöõëÜîáé óå åí ðÜóáéò ôáéò ïäïéò óïõ (Øáëì. 90:11). Ãíùñßæïíôáò ôçí ìüíéìç ðáñïõóßá áõôþí ôùí “ïõñáíßùí öõëÜêùí”, ïé ïðïßïé áíáëáìâÜíïõí ôçí ðåñéöñïýñçóÞ ìáò áðü ôçí óôéãìÞ ðïõ âáðôéæüìåèá êáé ðáñáìÝíïõí ìáæß

ìáò êÜèå óôéãìÞ ôçò æùÞò ìáò, Ý÷ïõìå ôáõôü÷ñïíá áßóèçóç êáé ôéìïýìå ôïõò ãÞúíïõò öñïõñïýò ìáò ïé ïðïßïé ïäÞãçóáí ìå áãÜðç ôá âÞìáôÜ ìáò áðü ôçí áñ÷Þ ôçò æùÞò ìáò. ÁõôÝò åßíáé ïé ãåíåÝò ôùí ðáôÝñùí êáé ðáððïýäùí, áñêåôïß áðü ôïõò ïðïßïõò æïõí óôïí Ïßêï ÇëéêéùìÝíùí ôïõ Áãßïõ Ìé÷áÞë óôç ÍÝá Õüñêç, ï ïðïßïò öÝñåé ôï üíïìá ôïõ Áñ÷áããÝëïõ Ìé÷áÞë. Ìå ôçí áãÜðç êáé ãåííáéïäùñßá óáò óôïí Ïßêï ôïõ Áãßïõ Ìé÷áÞë, ôï ßäñõìá áõôü ìéìïýìåíï ôï Ýñãï ôùí áããÝëùí, óõíå÷ßæåé êáé ðñïóöÝñåé ôéò áíáãêáßåò õðçñåóßåò ôïõ óôïõò çëéêéùìÝíïõò ìÝóù ôçò ðñïóåõ÷Þò, ôçò ðñïóùðéêÞò öñïíôßäïò êáé ôçò ðñïóðáèåßáò ðïõ ãßíåôáé óå üëá ôá åðßðåäá ãéá ôçí ðåñéöñïýñçóç ôçò éåñüôçôïò ôçò áíèñùðßíçò æùÞò. Ãéá íá õðïóôçñé÷èÞ áõôÞ ç óðïõäáßáò óçìáóßáò äéáêïíßá ôçò ÉåñÜò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ìáò, üëåò ïé åíïñßåò ìáò êáëïýíôáé íá ðåñéöÝñïõí åéäéêü äßóêï êáôÜ ôçí Èåßá Ëåéôïõñãßá ôçò ÊõñéáêÞò 10 Íïåìâñßïõ. Ç ðñïóöïñÜ óáò èá åêôéìçèÞ éäéáéôÝñùò áðü ôïõò äéáâéïýíôáò óôïí Ïßêï ôïõ Áãßïõ Ìé÷áÞë êáé ôéò ïéêïãÝíåéÝò ôùí ùò Ýêöñáóç åõãíùìïóýíçò ãéá ôçí óõíå÷Þ áãÜðç êáé öñïíôßäá ôùí. Ïé ðñïóöïñÝò ðñÝðåé íá óôáëïýí óôçí Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ ìå ôçí Ýíäåéîç «Ïßêïò Áãßïõ Ìé÷áÞë», ðñïêåéìÝíïõ íá ðñïùèçèïýí óôï åõëïãçìÝíï áõôü ßäñõìá. Åßèå ç Üðåéñç áãÜðç ôïõ Èåïý Ðáôñüò íá åßíáé ìáæß óáò ðÜóáò ôáò çìÝñáò ôçò æùÞò óáò. Åßèå íá áíáðáýåóèå åí áéùíßá åìðéóôïóýíç êáé åéñÞíç õðü ôçí èåúêÞ ðñïóôáóßá ôùí éó÷õñþí ðôåñýãùí ôùí Áãßùí áããÝëùí Ôïõ. Ìå ðáôñéêÞ åí ×ñéóôþ áãÜðç,

ÿ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ÄçìÞôñéïò

Ïñèüäïîïò ÐáñáôçñçôÞò

áñéèìåß 48 êïéíüôçôåò ðïõ óõíïëéêÜ ìüëéò îåðåñíïýí ôéò 40 ÷éëéÜäåò ìÝëç, êáôáôÜóóïíôÜò ôçò ðñþôç óå Ýêôáóç êáé ôåëåõôáßá óå ðëçèõóìü. Ç ôåëåôÞ åß÷å áñ÷ßóåé. Ï äñ. Ãåþñãéïò ÐáðáäÝáò ùò ôåëåôÜñ÷çò ðáñïõóßáæå ôïõò ïìéëçôÝò. Ôï ðñüóùðï ôïõ Ìçôñïðïëßôç ÇóáÀá Ýëáìðå áðü ÷áñÜ êáé ðåñçöÜíéá, ç ìÝñá ðïõ åß÷å ïíåéñåõèåß åãßíåôï óÞìåñá ðñáãìáôéêüôçôá. Óôï ðëåõñü ôïõ óôÝêïíôáí ïé Ìçôñïðïëßôåò ÊñÞíçò ÉÜêùâïò êáé ÁíÝùí Ìåèüäéïò, åêðñïóùðþíôáò ôçí ÉåñÜ Åðáñ÷éáêÞ Óýíïäï. Ðáñüíôåò áêüìç ï Åðßóêïðïò Áìïñßïõ ÉùÜííçò, ï ïðïßïò õðçñÝôçóå óôçí ôüôå 8ç åðéóêïðéêÞ ðåñéöÝñåéá áðü ôï 1972 Ýùò ôï 1979. ÊáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôçò äéêÞò ôïõ åðéóêïðåßáò ôï 1974 ç Ýäñá ôçò åðéóêïðÞò ìåôáöÝñèçêå óôï ÍôÝíâåñ, ùò ôï êåíôñéêüôåñï ãåùãñáöéêÜ óçìåßï ôçò åðéóêïðÞò. Ðáñþí áêüìç ï Åðßóêïðïò Ïëýìðïõ ¢íèéìïò. ¹ôáí ï ðñþôïò ðïõ åîåëÝãç êáé ïíïìÜóèç Åðßóêïðïò ÍôÝíâåñ. ÕðçñÝôçóå ôçí ÅðéóêïðÞ ÍôÝíâåñ ù ï ðñþôïò åðßóêïðüò ôçò áðü ôï 1984-87. Ìéá ðëåéÜäá åêëåêôþí ðñïóêåêëçìÝíùí ôßìçóáí ìå ôçí ðáñïõóßá ôïõò ôçí ÅðéóêïðÞ óôçí ãéïñôéíÞ ôçò ìÝñá. Ï äÞìáñ÷ïò ôçò ðüëçò Glendale Joe Rice, ï êõâåñíÞôçò ôçò ðïëéôåßáò ôïõ ÊïëïñÜíôï Bill Owens êáé ï ñùìáéïêáèïëéêüò Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ôïõ ÍôÝíâåñ Charles Chaput áðçýèõíáí ÷áéñåôéóìïýò êáé óõã÷áñçôÞñéá ìçíýìáôá. ÐáñåõñÝèçêáí åðßóçò êáé ç êá ÅëÝíç ×éïýæáê ðñüåäñïò ôïõ Óõìâïõëßïõ ×ñéóôéáíéêþí Åêêëçóéþí ôçò ÁìåñéêÞò, ç êá Ãåùñãßá ÓêéáäÜ ðñüåäñïò ôçò ÅèíéêÞò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ Áäåëöüôçôïò, åêðñüóùðïé ôùí ôïðéêþí áñ÷þí, ðëÞèïò éåñÝùí ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò, ï ðñùôïóýãêåëïò ð. Luke Uhl, ï ê. ×ñÞóôïò ÊáìáôæÞò áñ÷éôÝêôùí êáé ðñüåäñïò ôçò åôáéñåßáò ÅÉÊÏÍÁ ðïõ ó÷åäßáóå ôï íÝï åðéóêïðéêü

óåë. 16

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 16

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÍÏÅÌÂÑÉÏÓ 2002

Ç ÅðéóêïðÞ ÍôÝíâåñ åãêáéíßáóå ôï íÝï Åðéóêïðéêü ÊÝíôñï óåë. 15

Åðßóçìï Äåßðíï

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

Ç ÐëáôõôÝñá ôùí Ïõñáíþí ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý Íáïý áãêáëéÜæåé ôïõò ðéóôïýò êáé ôçí ìéêôÞ ÷ïñùäßá.

Ôï âñÜäõ ôçò ÐáñáóêåõÞò 1 Íïåìâñßïõ ç åðéôñïðÞ ôùí åãêáéíßùí äéïñãÜíùóå åðßóçìï äåßðíï óå áßèïõóá êåíôñéêïý îåíïäï÷åßïõ ôïõ ÍôÝíâåñ óôï ïðïßï ðáñåêÜèçóáí 300 ðåñßðïõ Üôïìá. Ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÇóáÀáò óõãêéíçìÝíïò êáé ìå óõíáéóèÞìáôá ÷áñÜò êáé áãáëëßáóçò åõ÷áñßóôçóå üëïõò ôïõ ðáñåõñéóêüìåíïõò ðïõ ôïõ óõìðáñáóôÜèçêáí óôç åðßôåõîç áõôïý ôïõ Ýñãïõ, «ôï ïðïßï äåí èá ìðïñïýóá ðïôÝ íá åß÷á êáôáöÝñåé ìüíïò ìïõ. Ï Èåüò óáò öþôéóå íá åñãáóôåßôå áðü êïéíïý...» åßðå. Åõ÷áñßóôçóå éäéáßôåñá ôïõò éåñåßò ôçò åðéóêïðÞò ôïõ ãéá ôçí èõóßá êáé áõôáðÜñíçóç ðïõ åðéäåéêíýïõí óôçí åêôÝëåóç ôïõ êáèÞêïíôüò ôïõò êáèþò êáé ïñéóìÝíá Üôïìá ðïõ óõíÝâáëëáí êáèïñéóôéêÜ óôçí áíïéêïäüìçóç ôïõ Åðéóêïðéêïý

ÌARK ÊIRYLUK

êÝíôñï, ï äñ. Çëßáò ÑïõóÜëçò, áíôéðñüåäñïò ôïõ Åðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ ÍôÝíâåñ, ð. Êþóôáò ÐáõëÜêïò éåñáôéêþò ðñïúóôÜìåíïò ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý Íáïý ôçò ÊïéìÞóåùò, ï ê. John O’ Brien õðåýèõíïò ôçò êáôáóêåõáóôéêÞò åôáéñåßáò PCL ðïõ åêôÝëåóå ôï Ýñãï êáé ðïëëïß Üëëïé. Ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÇóáÀáò, ï ïðïßïò õðçñÝôçóå õðü ôïõ Ìçôñïðïëßôïõ ÊñÞíçò Éáêþâïõ åðß ðåíôáåôßáò óôç ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ êáé åðß ïêôáåôßáò ùò ðñùôïóýãêåëïò ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò ÓéêÜãïõ ôïõ åæÞôçóå íá ôåëÝóåé ôçí ôåëåôÞ ôïõ Áãéáóìïý. Êé åíþ åøÜëç ôï «Óþóïí Êýñéå ôïí Ëáüí óïõ» åêëÞèç ç êá Angela Paulos êáé ôá ìÝëç ôçò ïéêïãåíåßáò ôçò, ðïõ ðñáãìáôïðïßçóáí ìåãÜëç äùñåÜ ãéá ôçí áíïéêïäüìçóç ôïõ åðéóêïðéêïý êÝíôñïõ, íá óõììåôÜó÷ïõí óôçí êïðÞ ôçò êïñäÝëáò. Ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ê. ÉÜêùâïò åñÜíôéóå üëïõò ôïõò åóùôåñéêïýò ÷þñïõò ôïõ íÝïõ êôéñßïõ êáé ïé ðáñåõñéóêüìåíïé åß÷áí ôç åõêáéñßá íá ðåñéçãçèïýí óôéò áßèïõóåò êáé ôá ãñáöåßá. «ÎåêéíÞóáìå ôï 1995 óå ìéá óõíåäñßáóç óôï ÊÜíóáò Óßôõ» èõìÜôáé ï áíôéðñüåäñïò ôïõ åðéóêïðéêïý óõìâïõëßïõ ÍôÝíâåñ éáôñüò Çëßáò ÑïõóÜëçò, «÷ñåéáæüìáóôáí Ýíá êÝíôñï ðïõ íá ôáõôéóôåß ìå ôçí ÅðéóêïðÞ ÍôÝíâåñ, Ýíá óçìåßï áíáöïñÜò êé Ýôóé êáôáëÞîáìå óôçí

óôáõñü óôçí êïñõöÞ ôïõ ôñïýëïõ íá äéáëáëåß üôé ç ïñèüäïîç ðßóôç ìáò åßíáé êïììÜôé áõôÞò ôçò ÷þñáò. Ôï ÍôÝíâåñ åßíáé ç ìüíç ìåãÜëç ðüëç ìåôáîý ÓéêÜãïõ êáé Áãßïõ Öñáãêßóêïõ êáé åßìáóôå åäþ Ýíáò öùôåéíüò öÜñïò ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò.

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

Ç ìåãÜëç óôéãìÞ. Ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ê. ÇóáÀáò êáé ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ê. ÉÜêùâïò ìå ôçí ïéêïãÝíåéá Paulos ôùí ìåãÜëùí äùñçôþí ôïõ ÊÝíôñïõ.

éäÝá áíïéêïäüìçóçò áõôïý ôïõ êÝíôñïõ. ÌåóïëÜâçóáí âÝâáéá ðïëëÜ. Ï ó÷åäéáóìüò, ç åîáóöÜëéóç ôù ðüñùí... áëëÜ óÞìåñá åßíáé ìéá ðñáãìáôéêüôçôá» äÞëùóå óôïí Ïñèüäïîï ÐáñáôçñçôÞ. Áêïëïýèçóå óõíÝíôåõîç Ôýðïõ óôçí áßèïõóá ðïõ ðñïïñßæåôáé ãéá âéâëéïèÞêç. Ï ïéêåßïò ÉåñÜñ÷çò, Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÇóáÀáò êáëùóüñéóå ôïõò ðáñåõñéóêüìåíïõò êáé ôïõò åêðñïóþðïõò ôïõ Ôýðïõ êáé ìåôáîý Üëëùí äÞëùóå: «Ïé Åëëç0íïñèüäïîïé áõôÞò ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò ôùí 14 ðïëéôåéþí äåí åß÷áí ìÝ÷ñé óÞìåñá Ýíá åóôéáêü óçìåßï áðü ôï ïðïßï èá ðñïùèïýíôï ðñïãñÜììáôá êáé õðçñåóßåò ãéá ôéò 48 êïéíüôçôÝò ìáò. Ìå ôçí âïÞèåéá ôïõ Èåïý åãêáéíéÜóáìå óÞìåñá áõôü åäþ ôï Åðéóêïðéêü ÊÝíôñï, Ýíá ÷þñï ãéá ôá áñ÷åßá ìáò, ôéò äéáêïíßåò, ôá ãñáöåßá íåïëáßáò, ôçò öéëïðôþ÷ïõ êáé ôçí éåñáðïóôïëÞ. Ôï êôßñéï ó÷åäßáóå êáé åðéìåëÞèçêå ï ãíùóôüò ïìïãåíÞò áñ÷éôÝêôùí ê. ×ñÞóôïò ÊáìáôæÞò óå ñõèìü êáé ýöïò âõæáíôéíü ðïõ óõíäõÜæåé ôçí âõæáíôéíÞ áñ÷éôåêôïíéêÞ åêêëçóéþí ôçò Ìáêåäïíßáò êáé ôùí ìïíáóôçñéþí ôïõ Áãßïõ ¼ñïõò ìå ôá ÷ñþìáôá êáé ôï ýöïò ôçò áñ÷éôåêôïíéêÞò

ôùí âïõíþí ôïõ ÊïëïñÜíôï. Ïé êáëáßóèçôåò ëåðôïìÝñåéåò, ïé åêëåðôõóìÝíïé êßïíåò êáé êéïíüêñáíá äåìÝíá ìå ôï áðÝñéôôï ôïõ îýëïõ óôçí ïñïöÞ êáé ôá ðáôþìáôá. Ôï íÝï êôßñéï Ý÷åé óõíïëéêü åìâáäüí 17 ÷éëéÜäùí ðïäþí. ÄÝêá ÷éëéÜäåò ðüäéá åßíáé ôï åìâáäüí ôïõ êõñßùò ïñüöïõ êáé ðåñéëáìâÜíåé áßèïõóá õðïäï÷Þò êáé ôåëåôþí, ðáñåêêëÞóéï, áßèïõóåò óõíåäñéÜóåùí, âéâëéïèÞêç, ãñáöåßá êáé âïçèçôéêïýò ÷þñïõò. Ï ðñþôïò êÜôù üñïöïò Ý÷åé åìâáäüí åðôÜ ÷éëéÜäùí ðïäþí åê ôïõ ïðïßïõ ôï ìéóü Ý÷åé Þäç áîéïðïéçèåß ðåñéëáìâÜíïíôáò áßèïõóá óõíáíôÞóåùí, ãñáöåßá êáé ÷þñïõò äéáìïíÞò öéëïîåíïõìÝíùí åíþ ôï õðüëïéðï äßíåé ôçí äõíáôüôçôá åðÝêôáóçò êáé èá áîéïðïéçèåß áñãüôåñá. «Äåí åßíáé áðëÜ Ýíá êôßñéï ìå ãñáöåßá» ëÝåé ï áñ÷éôÝêôùí ×ñÞóôïò ÊáìáôæÞò óôï Ïñèüäïîï ÐáñáôçñçôÞ, «åßíáé ó÷åäéáóìÝíï ùò êÝíôñï äñáóôçñéïôÞôùí, Ýíáò ÷þñïò ðñïóöïñÜò ôçò ïñèïäüîïõ öéëïîåíßáò ðñïò üëïõò. Åßíáé Ýíá êôßñéï ðïõ áíôéðñïóùðåýåé ôç Ïñèïäïîßá ôùí äýï ÷éëéÜäùí åôþí êé åìåßò ôï âëÝðïõìå

Ìå ìåãÜëï åíèïõóéáóìü åîçãåß ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÇóáÀáò ôá ó÷Ýäéá ôïõ ãéá ôç ëåéôïõñãßá ôïõ íÝïõ ÊÝíôñïõ óôçí êá ÅëÝíç ×éïýæáê êáé ôçí ðñüåäñï ôçò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ ê. Ãåùñãßá ÓêéáäÜ êáé ôïí óýæõãü ôçò ×ñÞóôï.

ùò Ýíá öÜñï. Óôçí Ïñèïäïîßá ôï öùò Ý÷åé éäéáßôåñç Ýííïéá. Áêüìç êáé óÞìåñá, ìéá óõííåöéáóìÝíç ìÝñá ôï öõóéêü öùò ðëçììõñßæåé üëï ôï êôßñéï. Ùò ïñèüäïîïé ÷ñéóôéáíïß ðñïóðáèïýìå íá åêðÝìðïõìå ôï öùò ôïõ ×ñéóôïý êáé áõôü áêñéâþò áíôéêáôïðôñßæåé ç áñ÷éôåêôïíéêÞ áõôïý ôïõ êôéñßïõ». Ï ðñùôïóýãêåëïò ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò ð.

Luke Uhl, ï ïðïßïò õðÞñîå êáôáëõôéêüò ðáñÜãïíôáò ãéá ôçí ïëïêëÞñùóç ôïõ Ýñãïõ êáé åðéìåëÞèçêå ðñïóùðéêÜ ðïëëÝò áðü ôéò ëåðôïìÝñåéåò äÞëùóå óôïí Ïñèüäïîï ÐáñáôçñçôÞ: «ÓÞìåñá åßíáé ìéá ìÝñá ÷áñÜò êáé õðåñçöÜíåéáò ãéá üëïõò ôïõò ðéóôïýò ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò ìáò. Ðïëëïß ôáîßäåøáí åäþ, óôÜèçêáí óôï êñýï êáé ìåôåß÷áí ôçò ÷áñÜò ôùí åãêáéíßùí åíüò êôéñßïõ áíôÜîéïõ ôçò ðßóôåþò ìáò. Áõôü ôï êôßñéï åßíáé óýìâïëï ôçò åíüôçôïò ó’ áõôÞ ôçí ðåñéï÷Þ ôùí äõôéêþí ðïëéôåéþí... åßíáé ìéá ÷åéñïðéáóôÞ äéáâåâáßùóç ôïõ üôé åßìáóôå åäþ óôåñåÜ ñéæùìÝíïé ùò ðßóôç. Áðïôåëåß ßóùò ôï ùñáéüôåñï åêêëçóéáóôéêü êôßóìá ôçò ìçôñïðïëéôéêÞò ðåñéï÷Þò ôïõ ÍôÝíâåñ. Âñßóêåôáé ðÜíù óå ëüöï ìå Ýíá ÷ñõóü

ÊÝíôñïõ. Ôï åíïñéáêü óõìâïýëéï ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý äþñéóå óôïí Ìçôñïðïëßôç ÇóáÀá ðßíáêá ðïõ áíáðáñéóôÜ ìïíáóôÞñéá ôùí Ìåôåþñùí ãéá íá äéáêïóìåß ôï íÝï êôßñéï. Ï Äñ. ÑïõóÜëçò áíÝãíùóå óõã÷áñçôÞñéá åðéóôïëÞ ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ Éáêþâïõ.

Ç Üöéîç ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò áöß÷èç óôï ÍôÝíâåñ ôï ðñùß ôïõ ÓáââÜôïõ êáé óõììåôåß÷å óôéò åïñôáóôéêÝò åêäçëþóåéò åãêáéíéáóìïý ôïõ íÝïõ åðéóêïðéêïý êÝíôñïõ. ÌðñïóôÜ áðü ôï íÝï êôßñéï ôïí õðïäÝ÷èçêå ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÇóáÀáò êáé ôïí îåíÜãçóå óôïõò ÷þñïõò êáé ôá ãñáöåßá. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò åíôõðùóéÜóèçêå áðü ôçí áðÝñéôôç âõæáíôéíÞ áñ÷éôåêôïíéêÞ êáé ôçí ëåéôïõñãéêüôçôá ôùí ÷þñùí êáé ÷áñáêôÞñéóå ôï íÝï êÝíôñï Ýíá èáõìÜóéï êôßñéï, ðñáãìáôéêü óôïëßäé ðïõ åêðÝìðåé Ïñèïäïîßá. Áñãüôåñá åðéóêÝöèçêå ôçí Ýêèåóç ïñèüäïîïõ âéâëßïõ ðïõ äéïñãáíþèçêå óôá ðëáßóéá ôùí åïñôáóôéêþí åêäçëþóåùí

ÍÏÅÌÂÑÉÏÓ 2002

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 17

Ôïõ Áãßïõ ÌåãáëïìÜñôõñïò Äçìçôñßïõ

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò ðñïóÝöåñå óôïí Ìçôñïðïëßôç ÇóáÀá óõìâïëéêÜ äþñá êáé åðéôáãÞ 50 ÷éëéÜäùí äïëëáñßùí ãéá ôï íÝï Åðéóêïðéêü ÊÝíôñï.

óôïõò êïéíïôéêïýò ÷þñïõò ôïõ êáèåäñéêïý íáïý êáé åß÷å ôçí åõêáéñßá íá óõíáíôÞóåé ðïëëïýò ðéóôïýò êáé éäéáßôåñá ìéêñÜ ðáéäéÜ ìå ôá ïðïßá óõæÞôçóå êáé åõëüãçóå. ÐáñÜëëçëá êáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôçò çìÝñáò õðÞñ÷å ðñüãñáììá äéáëÝîåùí åðß èåìÜôùí ðßóôçò êáé ëáôñåßáò. ÌåôÜ ôï ìåóçìåñéáíü ãåýìá ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ðáñáêïëïýèçóå ïìéëßá ôïõ ðáôñüò Dan Suciu êáé áìÝóùò ìåôÜ ðáñïõóßáóå ôçí ôåëåõôáßá äéÜëåîç ôïõ ðñïãñÜììáôïò ìå èÝìá ôçí ðñïóöïñÜ Ïñèïäïîßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ. Áêïëïýèçóå ìïõóéêü ðñüãñáììá åíôüò ôïõ åðéâëçôéêïý Êáèåäñéêïý íáïý ôçò ÊïéìÞóåùò ìå ôçí óõììåôï÷Þ ÷ïñùäéþí íåïëáßáò êáé ôçò ìéêôÞò ÷ïñùäßáò ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý êáé ôïõ É. Íáïý ôçò Áãßáò Áéêáôåñßíçò (Greenwood Village), ðïõ Ýøáëëáí ýìíïõò áðü ôçí ïñèüäïîç êáé êëáóóéêÞ õìíïëïãßá. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò åðáßíåóå êáé åõ÷áñßóôçóå ôá ìÝëç ôùí ÷ïñùäéþí êáé ôïí ÷ïñÜñ÷ç ôùí ãéá ôçí ìïõóéêÞ ðáíäáéóßá êáé ðñïóöïñÜ ôïõò. Ôï åóðÝñáò, ìåôÜ ôïí ÌÝãá Áñ÷éåñáôéêü Åóðåñéíü, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ìßëçóå ãéá ôï êýìá áíïéêïäüìçóçò êáé ðñïüäïõ ðïõ óõíáíôÜ óôéò ðïéìáíôéêÝò ôïõ åðéóêÝøåéò óå üëç ôçí ÷þñá êáé Ýöåñå óõãêåêñéìÝíá ðáñáäåßãìáôá ðïõ üìïéá ìå áõôü ôïõ ÍôÝíâåñ äçìéïõñãïýí áéóéïäïîßá êáé åëðßäåò ãéá ôï ìÝëëïí. «ÓÞìåñá åïñôÜæïõìå ôïí åãêáéíéáóìü åíüò åêðëçêôéêïý íÝïõ êôéñßïõ áöéåñùìÝíïõ óôï Ýñãï ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò», åßðå. «Äéáðéóôþíïõìå ìéá óõíå÷Þ êáé äõíáìéêÞ åñãáóßá ôùí êïéíïôÞôùí ìáò, êÜôé ðïõ áðïôåëåß Ýíá üìïñöï äåßãìá áéóéïäïîßáò... íá âëÝðïõìå ôéò åíïñßåò êáé ôéò êïéíüôçôÝò

ìáò íá áíèßæïõí êáé ðñï÷ùñïýí óå Ýñãá ðïõ óôçñßæïõí êáé äéåõêïëýíïõí ôéò äñáóôçñéüôçôÝò ôïõò êáé åðïìÝíùò áðïôåëïýí æùíôáíÞ ìáñôõñßá ôçò ïñèïäüîïõ ðßóôåþò ìáò óôçí óýã÷ñïíç ÁìåñéêáíéêÞ êïéíùíßá».

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õñéáêÞ ðñùß. ÌáêñéÜ óôïí äéáõãÞ ïñßæïíôá äéáêñßíïíôáé ïé ÷éïíéóìÝíåò âïõíïêïñöÝò ôïõ ÊïëïñÜíôï. Ï Þëéïò ëáìðñüò êõñéáñ÷åß óôï áðÝñáíôï ãáëÜæéï ô’ ïõñáíïý, áíôáýãåéåò ëáìðåñÝò áíôáíáêëïýí óôïí ÷ñõóü÷ñùìï óôáõñü ðïõ óôïëßæåé ôïí ìåãÜëï ÷ñõóü ôñïýëï ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý Íáïý ôçò ÊïéìÞóåùò ôçò Èåïôüêïõ. Ôïýôç ôçí çëéüöùôç ÊõñéáêÞ Ýíáò äåýôåñïò óôáõñüò äåóðüæåé óôïí ãáëÜæéï ïõñáíü ôïõ ÊïëïñÜíôï êáé áíôáíáêëÜ ôéò á÷ôßäåò ôïõ Þëéïõ. Ôçí êïñõöÞ ôïõ ôñïýëïõ ôïõ ðáñåêêëçóßïõ ôïõ íÝïõ Åðéóêïðéêïý ÊÝíôñïõ óôïëßæåé Ýíáò íÝïò óôáõñüò, Ýíáò êáéíïýñãéïò öÜñïò Ïñèïäïîßáò ëÜìðåé, ðçãÞ öùôüò êáé æùÞò ãéá üëïõò.

ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. - Ìå ìåãáëïðñÝðåéá ãéïñôÜóôçêáí ôá ïíïìáóôÞñéá ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý Íáïý ôïõ Áãßïõ Äçìçôñßïõ óôçí Áóôüñéá, çìÝñá ðïõ êáé ï ðíåõìáôéêüò ðáôÝñáò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ìáò äéÜãåé ôá ïíïìáóôÞñéá ôïõ. Óôçí áñ÷éåñáôéêÞ Èåßá Ëåéôïõñãßá ÷ïñïóôÜôçóå ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò âïçèïýìåíïò áðü ôïí ÈåïöéëÝóôáôï Åðßóêïðï ÎÜíèïõ ê. ÄçìÞôñéï, êáé ôïí ÈåïöéëÝóôáôï Åðßóêïðï Êñáôåßáò ê. ÃåñÜóéìï. Ðáñüíôåò Þôáí åðßóçò, ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÔõÜíùí ê. Ðáúóéïò, ï Áñ÷éìáíäñßôçò ÅõÜããåëïò Êïõñïýíçò, ï êïóìÞôùñ ôçò ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ð. ÅììáíïõÞë ÊëÜøçò, ï Áñ÷éìáíäñßôçò ÂåíÝäéêôïò ÉùÜííïõ, åêðñüóùðïò ôïõ Ïéêïõì. Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ óôï Ðáãêüóìéï Óõìâïýëéï Åêêëçóéþí, ï ð. Éåñüèåïò Ìáñêüðïõëïò êáé ïé éåñïäéÜêïíïé ÐáíôåëåÞìùí êáé ÉùÜííçò. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò åîÝöñáóå ôçí ìåãÜëç ôïõ ÷áñÜ ðïõ ôçí åïñôÜóéìç áõôÞ çìÝñá âñÝèçêå óôïí éóôïñéêü íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ Äçìçôñßïõ ôçò Áóôïñßáò. Óôï êÞñõãìá ôïõ ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò ôüíéóå üôé áðïôåëåß «ðïëý ìåãÜëç åõëïãßá íá ãéïñôÜæïõìå ôïí Áã. ÄçìÞôñéï, Ýíáí êïñõöáßï ¢ãéï ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ìáò». ¼ðùò óçìåßùóå óôç óõíÝ÷åéá ôïõ êçñýãìáôïò ôïõ «ï ¢ãéïò ÄçìÞôñéïò õðÞñîå ìåãáëïìÜñôõò, õðÞñîå Ýíáò ìï÷èçôÞò ôçò ðßóôåùò. ¹îåñå üôé ôï ÅõáããÝëéï Þôáí åõáããÝëéï áãÜðçò, ÷Üñéôïò êáé åéñÞíçò. Ï ¢ãéïò ÄçìÞôñéïò Þîåñå üôé áðü ôçí þñá ðïõ ðáëåýåé ãéá ôï ÅõáããÝëéï ôïí ðåñßìåíå äéùãìüò êáé êáôáôñåãìüò, ðÞñå ôçí áðüöáóç íá ðáëÝøåé ùò ôï ôÝëïò ãéá ôï ÅõáããÝëéï, ìÝ÷ñé ôçí ôåëåõôáßá óôéãìÞ ðñï ôçò åêåôåëÝóåùò ôïõ».

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Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò áðåõèõíüìåíïò ðñïò ôïõò ðéóôïýò ðïõ êáôÝêëõóáí ôï íáü, õðïãñÜììéóå üôé «ðñÝðåé íá åßìáóôå Ýôïéìïé íá êáôáèÝóïõìå, ôçí ìáñôõñßá ôïõ Åõáããåëßïõ, Ýóôù êé áí áõôü ìðïñåß íá óçìáßíåé óå ïñéóìÝíåò ðåñéðôþóåéò ìáñôýñéï». ÕðÜñ÷ïõí, óõìðëÞñùóå, óÞìåñá Ïñèüäïîïé ïé ïðïßïé åßíáé õðü äéùãìü óå ìÝñç ðïõ ïýôå ôá öáíôÜæåôáé êáíåßò, üðùò ç Éíäïíçóßá êáé ç Ìáëáéóßá. Êáëü åßíáé íá ôï îÝñïõìå êáé íá ìçí åßìáóôå ïé Üíèñùðïé ìéáò áðëÞò ðßóôåùò áëëÜ ìéáò ðßóôåùò ç ïðïßá ìÜ÷åôáé óå üðïéï ðåñéâÜëëïí âñåèåß. Åßôå óå ðåñéâÜëëïí õøßóôçò ôå÷íïëïãßáò, üðùò åßíáé ç ÁìåñéêÞ, åßôå óå ðåñéâÜëëïí ìç áíåðôõãìÝíïõ êüóìïõ, üðùò åßíáé ç Ìáëáéóßá. Ï ¢ãéïò ÄçìÞôñéïò ìáò äßíåé êé Ýíá äåýôåñï óôïé÷åßï ôçí Áãéüôçôá, ôïí áãþíá íá îåöýãïõìå áðü ôéò áìáñôßåò êáé íá óôáèïýìå ìðñïóôÜ óôï Èåü ìå öüâï Èåïý áëëÜ êáé ìå ðáññçóßá. ÓÞìåñá, åßðå ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò, ìéëïýìå ãéá ôï ðåñéâÜëëïí, ôçí ìüëõíóç êáé ôçí äéáöèïñÜ áëëÜ ðüóï åßìåèá åíÞìåñïé ôçò áíÜãêçò íá îáíáâñåèåß êáé íá æùíôáíÝøåé ç Áãéüôçò; Ïé Üíèñùðïé, åßðå, ðñïóðáèïýí íá áðïêôÞóïõí ÷ñÞìáôá, äýíáìç, åîïõóßá êáé áíáãíþñéóç. Ðüóïé áðü åìÜò, áíáñùôÞèçêå, ëÝìå íá áêïëïõèÞóïõí ôá âÞìáôá ôïõ Éçóïý ×ñéóôïý, âÞìáôá áãÜðçò êáé áãéüôçôáò; ÌåôÜ ôçí È. Ëåéôïõñãßá ç êïéíüôçôá êáé ôçí ðñüíïéá ôçò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ, ðáñÝèåóå ãåýìá óôçí êïéíïôéêÞ áßèïõóá üðïõ åõ÷Þèçêáí «÷ñüíéá ðïëëÜ» óôïí Óåâáóìéþôáôï ãéá ôçí ïíïìáóôéêÞ ôïõ åïñôÞ.

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ÅËËÁÄÁ & ÊÕÐÑÏÓ ÃÉÁ ÖÈÉÍÏÐÙÑÏ ÊÁÉ ×ÅÉÌÙÍÁ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ - ÁÈÇÍÁ/ÈÅÓ/ÍÉÊÇ

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299 468

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ATHENS $478 498 518 558 518 538 588 548 668 538 568

LARNACA $578 598 618 658 618 638 688 648 768 638 668

SAN FRANCISCO DETROIT PITTSBURGH NORFOLK/RICHMOND RALEIGH ROCHESTER BALTIMORE NEW ORLEANS DENVER ST. LOUIS SAN JUAN

ATHENS 685 518 498 558 588 518 498 608 628 557 618

LARNACA 785 618 598 658 688 618 598 708 728 657 718

• Áðü ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ ãéá ÁÈÇÍÁ Þ ÈÅÓÓÁËÏÍÉÊÇ êáé áðü ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ ãéá ËÁÑÍÁÊÁ, ãéá ôáîßäéá ðïõ áñ÷ßæïõí áðü 1ç Ïêôùâñßïõ 2002 Ýùò 31 Ìáñôßïõ 2003.

• ÄéÜñêåéá ðáñáìïíÞò óôçí ÅËËÁÄÁ êáé ÊÕÐÑÏ áðü ìßá ÊÕÑÉÁÊÇ Ýùò Ýíá ÌÇÍÁ.

• Åêðôþóåéò ãéá ðáéäéÜ êÜôù ôùí 12 åôþí. • Ìå $100 åðéðëÝïí ðåôÜôå óå ïðïéïäÞðïôå åóùôåñéêü óçìåßï ôçò ÅëëÜäïò.

• Ïé áíùôÝñù íáýëïé äåí éó÷ýïõí ãéá áíá÷ùñÞóåéò êáé åðéóôñïöÝò áðü 16 Äåêåìâñßïõ 2002 Ýùò 10 Éáíïõáñßïõ 2003.

• Öüñïé áåñïäñïìßùí åßíáé åðéðëÝïí. Éó÷ýïõí ðåñéïñéóìïß.

© ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Ãéá ðåñéóóüôåñåò ðëçñïöïñßåò áðïôáèåßôå óôïí ôáîéäéùôéêü óáò ðñÜêôïñá Þ óôçí ÏëõìðéáêÞ Áåñïðïñßá

ÌÝëç ôçò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ ðáñáêïëïõèýí ôçí ôåëåôÞ ôùí åãêáéíßùí

MARK KIRYLUK

1-800-223-1226

www.olympic-airways.gr ÏËÕÌÐÉÁÊÇ ÁÅÑÏÐÏÑÉÁ•Ç ÄÉÊÇ ÓÏÕ ÅÔÁÉÑÉÁ

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 18

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÍÏÅÌÂÑÉÏÓ 2002

ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÍ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÅÉÏÍ Ï ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÓ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÇÓ ÂÁÑÈÏËÏÌÁÉÏÓ ÓÔÏ ÊÁÔÁÑ Ç ðáãêïóìéïðïßçóç ôçò áãÜðçò èá ãåöõñþóåé ôï ÷Üóìá ï ÅìéñÜôï ôïõ ÊáôÜñ åðéóêÝöèçêå åðßóçìá ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò, áðü 15-17 Ïêôùâñßïõ, ìåôÜ áðü ðñüóêëçóç ôïõ Åìßñç ôïõ ÊáôÜñ ÓåÀ÷ç Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Ç åðßóêåøç ðñáãìáôïðïéÞèçêå óôá ðëáßóéá ôçò ðñïùèÞóåùò ôïõ Äéáèñçóêåéáêïý Äéáëüãïõ ìå ôéò ìïíïèåúóôéêÝò èñçóêåßåò êáé óôç óõãêåêñéìÝíç ðåñßðôùóç ìå ôï ÉóëÜì.

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ÊáôÜ ôçí éäéáßôåñç óõíÜíôçóç ðïõ åß÷áí ïé äýï çãÝôåò óôï ðáëÜôé ôïõ Åìßñç óôéò 16 Ïêôùâñßïõ, ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò åîáóöÜëéóå êáé ôçí óõíåñãáóßá ôïõ Åìßñç ôïõ ÊáôÜñ ÓåÀ÷ç Hamad óôï äéáèñçóêåéáêü äéÜëïãï. Ï Åìßñçò, êáôÜ ôç óõíÜíôçóç ðïõ äéåîÞ÷èç óå åãêÜñäéï êëßìá åîÞñå ôéò ðñùôïâïõëßåò ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ Âáñèïëïìáßïõ ãéá ôéò äéáèñçóêåéáêÝò óõíáíôÞóåéò, ôïíßæïíôáò üôé ìüíï ìå ôïí äéÜëïãï ôùí ôñéþí ìïíïèåúóôéêþí èñçóêåéþí ìðïñåß íá ïäçãçèïýìå óôçí åéñçíéêÞ óõíýðáñîç. Ôüíéóå áêüìç üôé óôåíüôåñç óõíåñãáóßá ôùí ôñéþí ìïíïèåúóôéêþí èñçóêåéþí áðáéôåßôáé éäéáßôåñá óôá Éåñïóüëõìá ãéá ôçí áíôéìåôþðéóç ôùí åêåß ðñïâëçìÜôùí.

ðáýåé íá åßíáé ìéá ïéêïãÝíåéá, Ýôóé êáé ç áíèñùðüôçò åßíáé ìßá ìåãÜëç ïéêïãÝíåéá êáé ôá áíáðüöåõêôá ðñïâëÞìáôá ðñÝðåé íá åðéëýïíôáé ìå åéñçíéêü ôñüðï êáé üôé åð’ áõôïý áíáëïãåß ìåãÜëç åõèýíç óôïõò áíèñþðïõò ôçò èñçóêåßáò, ôùí ïðïßùí áðïóôïëÞ åßíáé íá ðñïÜãïõí ôçí áäåëöïóýíç êáé ôç óõíåñãáóßá. ÅðåóÞìáíå äå ôï óçìáíôéêü ñüëï ðïõ ðáßæåé ðñïò ôçí êáôåýèõíóç áõôÞ ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò êáé åîÝöñáóå êáé ôç äéêÞ ôïõ õðïóôÞñéîç óôéò ðñïóðÜèåéÝò ôïõ. ÊáôÜ ôç óõæÞôçóç ï Õðïõñãüò äÞëùóå üôé óôç ÷þñá ôïõ Ý÷ïõí áðïöáóßóåé

ÌåôÜ ôçí óõíÜíôçóç ìå ôïí èñçóêåõôéêü çãÝôç ôïõ ÊáôÜñ Dr. Yousif Al Qaradawi ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò êáé ôá ìÝëç ôçò áêïëïõèßáò ôïõ, Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Öéëáäåëöåßáò Ìåëßôùí êáé äéÜêïíïò Åëðéäïöüñïò (áñéóôåñÜ) êáé ï Åðßóêïðïò Ñçãßïõ ÅììáíïõÞë (äåîéÜ). ÈåñìÞ õðïäï÷Þ ãéá ôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç áðü ôïí Åìßñç ôïõ ÊáôÜñ. ÄéÜëåîç ìå èÝìá ôïí äéáèñçóêåéáêü äéÜëïãï Ýäùóå ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò óôï ÐáíåðéóôÞìéï ôïõ ÊáôÜñ. Äßðëá ôïõ ï ðñýôáíçò ôïõ Ðáíåðéóôçìßïõ. ÖÙÔÏÃÑÁÖÉÅÓ ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁ

ÓõíÝíôåõîç óôï êáíÜëé Áë-Ôæáæßñá

Ï çãÝôçò ôïõ ÊáôÜñ, ðïõ åíçìåñþèçêå áðü ôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßï ãéá ôéò ðñùôïâïõëßåò êáé äñáóôçñéüôçôåò ôïõ Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ üóïí áöïñÜ ôá èÝìáôá ðñïóôáóßáò ôïõ ðåñéâÜëëïíôïò, õðïó÷Ýèçêå íá ðñïùèÞóåé ôï ìÞíõìá ôçò ðñïóôáóßáò ôïõ ðåñéâÜëëïíôïò óôïõò ðéóôïýò ôïõ ÉóëÜì äéÜ ìÝóïõ ôùí èñçóêåõôéêþí ëåéôïõñãþí óôá ôåìÝíç ôçò ÷þñáò ôïõ. ÅîÝöñáóå åðßóçò ôçí ìåãÜëç éêáíïðïßçóç êáé ôçí õðïóôÞñéîÞ ôïõ óôéò ðñïóðÜèåéåò ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ êáé óôïí ôïìÝá ôïõ äéáèñçóêåéáêïý äéáëüãïõ áëëÜ êáé ôçò ðñïóôáóßáò ôïõ öõóéêïý ðåñéâÜëëïíôïò. Ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò óõíå÷Üñç ôïí Åìßñç ôïõ ÊáôÜñ ãéá ôï áíïñèùôéêü Ýñãï ðïõ åðéôåëåß óôç ÷þñá ôïõ, êáèþò êáé ãéá ôï éäéáßôåñï åíäéáöÝñïí ôïõ ãéá ôçí íåïëáßá. Ôïõ åõ÷Þèçêå åð’ åõêáéñßá ôùí 50ùí ãåíåèëßùí ôïõ êáé åõ÷Þèçêå íá õðÜñ÷åé åéñÞíç óôï ÊáôÜñ, óôçí åõñýôåñç ðåñéï÷Þ êáé óå ïëüêëçñï ôïí êüóìï ôïíßæïíôáò üôé ïé üðïéåò äéáöïñÝò ðñÝðåé íá åðéëýïíôáé ìå äéáðñáãìáôåýóåéò êáé ìå äéÜëïãï. Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò óõíáíôÞèçêå ìå ôïí Õðïõñãü Åîùôåñéêþí ôïõ ÊáôÜñ Hamad Bin Jassin Bin Jabr Al-Thani êáé óõæÞôçóå ìáæß ôïõ èÝìáôá ôïõ äéáèñçóêåéáêïý äéáëüãïõ êáé áëëçëïêáôáíüçóçò ôùí èñçóêåéþí êáé ôùí ðïëéôéóìþí êáèþò êáé ïéêïëïãéêÜ èÝìáôá. Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ôïí åõ÷áñßóôçóå ãéá ôçí ðñüóêëçóç êáé ôçí öéëïîåíßá ôçò êõâåñíÞóåùò ôïõ êáé ï Õðïõñãüò Åîùôåñéêþí óçìåßùóå üôé üðùò óå êÜèå ïéêïãÝíåéá õðÜñ÷ïõí äéáöïñÝò áëëÜ äåí

íá åðéôñÝðïõí ôçí áíÝãåñóç ÷ñéóôéáíéêþí íáþí, üðùò áêñéâþò åðéôñÝðåôáé, ôüíéóå, óôç ÷ñéóôéáíéêÞ Äýóç ç ßäñõóç ÷þñùí ëáôñåßáò ãéá ôïõò ÌïõóïõëìÜíïõò. Åî’ Üëëïõ ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò åß÷å óõíÜíôçóç ìå ôïí èñçóêåõôéêü çãÝôç ôïõ ÊáôÜñ Dr. Yousif Al Qaradawi êáé ôïí ÊïóìÞôïñá ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò ÉóëáìéêÞò Óáñßá êáé Äéêáßïõ ôïõ Ðáíåðéóôçìßïõ ôïõ ÊáôÜñ Dr. Abdulhammed Al-Ansari. Áìöüôåñïé õðïãñÜììéóáí ôçí áíÜãêç ðåñáéôÝñù óõíåñãáóßáò ôùí äýï èñçóêåéþí, áëëçëïãíùñéìßáò ôùí èñçóêåõôéêþí çãåôþí ôïõò, ðñïóÝããéóçò ôùí ðéóôþí ôïõò êáé êáëëéÝñãåéáò ôçò áëëçëïêáôáíüçóçò. Ï èñçóêåõôéêüò çãÝôçò ìÜëéóôá åðåóÞìáíå ôï ðüóï ðéï êïíôÜ áéóèÜíåôáé ôï ÉóëÜì ðñïò ôçí Ïñèüäïîç ÁíáôïëéêÞ Åêêëçóßá, åí ó÷Ýóåé ðñïò ôéò Üëëåò ÷ñéóôéáíéêÝò åêêëçóßåò êáé ÷Üñéóå óôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç èåïëïãéêÜ âéâëßá ôïõ ìåôáöñáóìÝíá óôá áããëéêÜ. Óôéò 16 Ïêôùâñßïõ, ðáñáìïíÞ ôçò áíá÷ùñÞóåþò ôïõ, ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Ýäùóå äéÜëåîç óôï ÐáíåðéóôÞìéï ôïõ ÊáôÜñ óôçí ðñùôåýïõóá Doha, ìå èÝìá ôïí äéáèñçóêåéáêü äéÜëïãï ìåôáîý ×ñéóôéáíéóìïý êáé ÉóëÜì. Ôç äéÜëåîç ðáñáêïëïýèçóáí ðïëëïß èñçóêåõôéêïß ëåéôïõñãïß, êáèçãçôÝò, äéðëùìÜôåò ê.Ü., ðïëëïß áðü ôïõò ïðïßïõò, ìåôáîý ôïõò êáé ãõíáßêåò, óôï ôÝëïò áðçýèõíáí óôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç äéÜöïñåò åñùôÞóåéò êáé áêïëïýèçóå óõæÞôçóç. Äéðëùìáôéêïß êýêëïé ü÷é ìüíï äõôéêþí ÷ùñþí áëëÜ êáé ÷ùñþí ôçò ÌÝóçò ÁíáôïëÞò åðåóÞìáíáí ôçí óðïõäáéüôçôá ôçò åðéóêÝøåùò ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ Âáñèïëïìáßïõ ùò ÷ñéóôéáíïý çãÝôç óôï êñÜôïò ôïõ ÊáôÜñ, ÷áñáêôçñßæïíôÜò ôçí ùò óçìáíôéêÞ óõìâïëÞ óôçí êáôáëëáãÞ ìåôáîý ôùí èñçóêåéþí êáé óôçí åéñçíéêÞ óõíýðáñîç ëáþí ìå äéáöïñåôéêÞ ðïëéôéóìéêÞ ðáñÜäïóç. Ôï ÊáôÜñ åßíáé ç ôñßôç ÷þñá ðïõ åðéóêÝðôåôáé åðßóçìá ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò, ç ïðïßá Ý÷åé óôçí ðëåéïøçößá ôçò ìïõóïõëìáíéêü ðëçèõóìü. ÐñïçãÞèçêáí ôï Bahrain ôï ÓåðôÝìâñéï ôïõ 2000, êáé áêïëïýèçóå ôï ÉñÜí ôïí ðåñáóìÝíï ÉáíïõÜñéï üôáí ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò

ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò åðéóêÝöèçêå åðßóçìá ôçí Ôå÷åñÜíç. Ùò áðïôÝëåóìá ôçò åðéóêÝøåùò ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ óôï ÊáôÜñ, ç ÷þñá óõììåôåß÷å óôçí äéÜóêåøç äéáëüãïõ ×ñéóôéáíéóìïý-ÉóëÜì ðïõ ðñáãìáôïðïéÞèçêå óôï Bahrain óôï ôÝëïò Ïêôùâñßïõ êáé äéïñãáíþèçêå ìå ðñùôïâïõëßá ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ. (éäéáßôåñç êÜëõøç óôï åðüìåíï ôåý÷ïò)

ÓÕÍÅÍÔÅÕÎÇ ÓÔÏÍ ÔÇËÅÏÐÔÉÊÏ ÓÔÁÈÌÏ ÁË-ÔÆÁÆÉÑÁ ÓõíÝíôåõîç óôïí ìåßæïíá ôçëåïðôéêü óôáèìü ôïõ ìïõóïõëìáíéêïý êüóìïõ ÁëÔæáæßñá Ýäùóå ôçí ÐÝìðôç 17 Ïêôùâñßïõ ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò ðñéí áíá÷ùñÞóåé áðü ôçí ðñùôåýïõóá Íôü÷á ôïõ ÊáôÜñ. Óôç óõíÝíôåõîç ðïõ ìáãíçôïóêïðÞèçêå óå óôïýíôéï ôïõ ôçëåïðôéêïý óôáèìïý, ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò áíáöÝñèçêå óôï ñüëï ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ, óôéò äñáóôçñéüôçôÝò ôïõ óôïí ðáíïñèüäïîï êáé ðáí-÷ñéóôéáíéêü êüóìï, óôéò ðñïóðÜèåéåò ðñïþèçóçò ôïõ äéáèñçóêåéáêïý äéáëüãïõ êáé óôçí ðñïóôáóßá ôïõ ðåñéâÜëëïíôïò. Óå åñþôçóç ôïõ äçìïóéïãñÜöïõ åÜí åëðßæåé óå ìåëëïíôéêÝò êáëÝò ó÷Ýóåéò ìåôáîý ÌïõóïõëìÜíùí êáé ×ñéóôéáíþí ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò áðÜíôçóå: «ÐÜíôá åëðßæù, åßìáé ðÜíôá áéóéüäïîïò, äéüôé ç ðßóôç ìïõ äéäÜóêåé íá åßìáé áéóéüäïîïò êáé íá ðñïóåý÷ïìáé êáé íá åëðßæù ãéá Ýíá êáëýôåñï ìÝëëïí êáé óå ôåëåõôáßá áíÜëõóç ðéóôåýù üôé ôï êáëü

èá õðåñéó÷ýóåé ôïõ êáêïý êáé ç ðíåõìáôéêüôçôá èá õðåñéó÷ýóåé ôïõ áêñáßïõ õëéóìïý êáé ôï èÝëçìá ôïõ Èåïý ôï ïðïßï åßíáé ðéï äõíáôü áðü ôï èÝëçìá ôùí áíèñþðùí èá õðåñéó÷ýóåé êáé èá Ý÷ïõìå ìéá ðáíáíèñþðéíç ïéêïãÝíåéá üðïõ ï óåâáóìüò êáé ç áãÜðç èá åßíáé ïé êõñßáñ÷ïé ðáñÜãïíôåò». Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá ï Ðáíáãéþôáôïò áíáöåñüìåíïò óôçí óõíåéóöïñÜ êÜèå Ýèíïõò óôçí äçìéïõñãßá ìéáò çèéêÞò - èåôéêÞò êáé ðíåõìáôéêÞò ðáãêïóìéïðïéÞóåùò, åíôüò ôçò ïðïßáò åßíáé áäéáíüçôï íá ëçóìïíçèïýí ïé ðíåõìáôéêÝò, èñçóêåõôéêÝò êáé åèíéêÝò ñßæåò, ôüíéóå ìåôáîý Üëëùí êáé ôá åîÞò: «Ç ðáãêïóìéïðïßçóç ôçò áãÜðçò, åßíáé áõôü ðïõ ÷ñåéáæüìåèá ãéá íá ãåöõñþóïõìå ôï ÷Üóìá ìåôáîý ðïëéôéóìþí, ìåôáîý èñçóêåéþí äéüôé ç áãÜðç åßíáé êïéíþò áðïäåêôÞ, åßíáé éäáíéêü ôï ïðïßï åßíáé éó÷õñü ãéá íá ãåöõñþóåé ôï ÷Üóìá ìåôáîý åèíþí, èñçóêåéþí êáé ðïëéôéóìþí». Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ìßëçóå áêüìç ãéá ôï óåâáóìü ðïõ èá ðñÝðåé íá äåß÷íïõìå óå êÜèå äéáöïñåôéêÞ åèíüôçôá êáé èñçóêåßá ëÝãïíôáò ÷áñáêôçñéóôéêÜ: «ÓÞìåñá ðáñáôçñïýìå áíÜ ôïí êüóìï ìéá áõîáíüìåíç ðáãêïóìéïðïßçóç áëëÜ åðßóçò êáé ìéá áõîáíüìåíç ðïéêéëïìïñößá, äçëáäÞ, êÜèå Ýèíïò, êÜèå ëáüò, êÜèå ðßóôç, ðñïóðáèïýí íá äéáöõëÜîïõí ôçí ôáõôüôçôÜ ôïõò êáé áõôü äåí åßíáé êáôáêñéôÝï. ÐñÝðåé íá óåâüìåèá ôçí ðíåõìáôéêÞ êáé åèíéêÞ ôáõôüôçôá ôïõ Üëëïõ». Óå Üëëï äå óçìåßï óçìåßùóå: «ÊáôáäéêÜæïõìå ôïí ðñïóçëõôéóìü. Åìåßò êçñýôôïõìå áãÜðç, åìåßò êçñýôôïõìå éóüôçôá, áëëçëåããýç, åìåßò ðñÝðåé íá êáèéåñþóïõìå ìéá äéáñêÞ åéñÞíç äéÜ ìÝóïõ ôçò óõíåñãáóßáò üëùí ôùí èñçóêåéþí». Ôïí Ïéêïõìåíéêü ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßï óôçí åðßóêåøÞ ôïõ óôï ÊáôÜñ óõíüäåõáí ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Öéëáäåëöåßáò Ìåëßôùí, ï Åðßóêïðïò Ñçãßïõ ÅììáíïõÞë êáé ï õðïãñáììáôåýò ôçò Áãßáò êáé ÉåñÜò Óõíüäïõ Åëðéäïöüñïò.

ÍÏÅÌÂÑÉÏÓ 2002

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 19

ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÍ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÅÉÏÍ Ïé ¢ñ÷ïíôåò êáëïýí ôçí Ôïõñêßá íá åðéôñÝøåé ôçí ëåéôïõñãßá ôçò ×Üëêçò ÊÙÍÓÔÁÍÔÉÍÏÕÐÏËÇ.-«Íá áöÞóïõí ôï öùò ôçò ×Üëêçò íá ëÜìøåé îáíÜ». Ìå ôá ëüãéá áõôÜ ï Áìåñéêáíüò ðñÝóâçò óôçí ¢ãêõñá Robert Pearson åðáíÝëáâå ôï åíäéáöÝñïí êáé ôçí õðïóôÞñéîç ôùí ÇÐÁ ãéá ôçí åðáíáëåéôïõñãßá ôçò ÈåïëïãéêÞò ôçò ×Üëêçò, óå åêäÞëùóç ðïõ ïñãÜíùóáí ïé ¢ñ÷ïíôåò ôïõ ÔÜãìáôïò ôïõ Áãßïõ ÁíäñÝá ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ óôç ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôçò ×Üëêçò. ôïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ Ìáããßíá

Ïé ¢ñ÷ïíôåò ïööéêéÜëïé ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ áðü ôçí ÁìåñéêÞ ðñáãìáôïðïßçóáí ðñïóêõíçìáôéêÞ åðßóêåøç óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç áðü 19 Ýùò 23 Ïêôùâñßïõ ìå åðéêåöáëÞò ôïí äéïéêçôÞ ôïõ ôÜãìáôïò éáôñü Áíôþíéï ËõìðåñÜêç. ÊáôÜ ôçí ðáñáìïíÞ ôïõò óôçí Ðüëç óõíáíôÞèçêáí ìå ôïí Ïéêïõìåíéêü ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç ê. Âáñèïëïìáßï, ôïí Áìåñéêáíü ðñÝóâç óôçí Ôïõñêßá, ôïõò Ãåí. ÐñïîÝíïõò ôùí ÇÐÁ êáé ôçò ÅëëÜäïò óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç ê.ê. ÍôÝúâéíô Áñíåô êáé Ð. Êáëïãåñüðïõëï êáèþò êáé ìå ðáñÜãïíôåò ôçò ÏìïãÝíåéáò. ÐáñÜëëçëá, ï äéïéêçôÞò ôùí Áñ÷üíôùí åî ÁìåñéêÞò åß÷å ôç äõíáôüôçôá íá óõíáíôçèåß ìå ôïí ðñüåäñï ôçò Áäåëöüôçôáò ôùí ïööéêéÜëùí «Ðáíáãßá ç ÐáììáêÜñéóôïò» ÉùÜííç Ðáðáìé÷áëÜêç, ï ïðïßïò åêðñïóùðåß ôïõò ¢ñ÷ïíôåò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ áðü üëï ôïí êüóìï åêôüò ÁìåñéêÞò. ¹ôáí ìéá åõêáéñßá êáëëéÝñãåéáò êáé åíßó÷õóçò ôùí äåóìþí ìåôáîý ôùí áðáíôá÷ïý Áñ÷üíôùí. Ç áíôéðñïóùðåßá ôùí Áñ÷üíôùí ìåôÝâç óôçí ¢ãêõñá üðïõ åß÷å åðáöÝò ìå ôïí ðñüåäñï ôùí Èñçóêåõôéêþí ÕðïèÝóåùí ôçò Ôïõñêßáò Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz êáé

Í .ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

Ïé ¢ñ÷ïíôåò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ ìå ôïí Ðáíáãéþôáôï. ÁñéóôåñÜ ôïõ ï ðñüåäñïò ôùí Áñ÷üíôùí ôïõ ÔÜãìáôïò ôïõ Áãßïõ ÁíäñÝá éáôñüò Áíô. ËõìðåñÜêçò êáé äåîéÜ ôïõ ï ðñüåäñïò ôçò Áäåëöüôçôáò ôùí ïööéêéÜëùí «Ðáíáãßá ç ÐáììáêÜñéóôïò» ÉùÜííçò Ðáðáìé÷áëÜêçò.

õðïäÝ÷èçêå ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Ìïó÷ïíçóßùí Áðüóôïëïò, Çãïýìåíïò ôçò ÌïíÞò ôçò Áãßáò ÔñéÜäïò ×Üëêçò êáé áöïý îåíáãÞèçêáí óôç Ó÷ïëÞ ðáñáêïëïýèçóáí åêäÞëùóç ðïõ îåêßíçóå ìå äéÜëåîç ôïõ Åðéóêüðïõ Ñçãßïõ ÅììáíïõÞë ìå èÝìá ôçí «ÈñçóêåõôéêÞ áíï÷Þ óôï ðëáßóéï ôïõ Äéáèñçóêåéáêïý Äéáëüãïõ». Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá ìßëçóáí ï äéïéêçôÞò ôùí Áñ÷üíôùí Áíô. ËõìðåñÜêçò, ï Üñ÷ùí ÉåñïìíÞìùí Óðýñïò ÌáêñÞò êáé ï Áìåñéêáíüò ðñÝóâçò Robert Pearson.

íá áöÞóåé êáé ðÜëé ôï öùò íá ëÜìøåé áðü ôçí ×Üëêç», åßðå ï ê. Pearson êáé ðñüóèåóå üôé «ç åðáíáëåéôïõñãßá ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò ôçò ×Üëêçò èá åßíáé Ýíá ëáìðñü ðáñÜäåéãìá ðñïò ôçí Åõñþðç, ôçí ÁìåñéêÞ êáé áëëïý, ãéá ôçí ðñïóÞëùóç ôçò Ôïõñêßáò óôéò ðáãêüóìéåò áñ÷Ýò ôçò åëåõèåñßáò êáé ôçò áíï÷Þò ðñïò üëïõò». Ãéá ôçí éóôïñßá êáé ôçí ðñïóöïñÜ ôçò ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ôçò ×Üëêçò, ìßëçóå ï ïìüôéìïò êáèçãçôÞò ê. Â. Óôáõñßäçò.

Ï ÁÌÅÑÉÊÁÍÏÓ ÐÑÅÓÂÇÓ

Ôçí åêäÞëùóç åðéóöñÜãéóå ìå ïìéëßá ôïõ ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò, êáëþíôáò ôéò Áñ÷Ýò êáé ôçí ÊõâÝñíçóç ôçò Ôïõñêßáò «óôï üíïìá ôçò Äçìïêñáôßáò, óôï üíïìá ôïõ ðïëéôéóìïý, óôï üíïìá ôùí áíèñùðßíùí äéêáéùìÜôùí êáé åéäéêüôåñá ôçò èñçóêåõôéêÞò åëåõèåñßáò», íá äþóïõí ôç äõíáôüôçôá ôçò åðáíáëåéôïõñãßáò ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò. Áíáöåñüìåíïò óôçí óðïõäáéüôçôá ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò õðïãñÜììéóå üôé : «ÁõôÞ ç Ó÷ïëÞ åßíáé ìéá áíÜãêç. Åßíáé áíáãêáßá ãéá ôéò äñáóôçñéüôçôåò, ãéá ôï ðáñüí êáé ôï ìÝëëïí ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ. ÁëëÜ Ý÷åé êáôáóôåß êáé óýìâïëï. Óýìâïëï ôçò èñçóêåõôéêÞò åëåõèåñßáò, óýìâïëï ôïõ óåâáóìïý ôùí áíèñùðßíùí äéêáéùìÜôùí. Óýìâïëï ôïõ óåâáóìïý ôùí äéêáéùìÜôùí ôùí ìåéïíïôÞôùí».

Ï ê. Pearson óôçí ïìéëßá ôïõ êÜëåóå

Í.ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

ìå áíþôåñïõò áîéùìáôïý÷ïõò ôïõ õðïõñãåßïõ åîùôåñéêþí óôïõò ïðïßïõò êáé Ýèåóáí ôá ðñïâëÞìáôá ðïõ áíôéìåôùðßæåé ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï åêöñÜæïíôáò ôçí áíçóõ÷ßá ôïõò ùò Áìåñéêáíïß Ïñèüäïîïé ×ñéóôéáíïß ðïëßôåò. Ç óýæõãïò ôïõ Áìåñéêáíïý ÐñÝóâç ê. Margaret Pearson ðáñÝèåóå ãåýìá óôçí ðñåóâåõôéêÞ êáôïéêßá ðñïò ôéìÞí ôçò åî ÁìåñéêÞò áíôéðñïóùðåßáò.

ÓÔÇ ×ÁËÊÇ Ç åðßóêåøç óôç ×Üëêç åß÷å ðñïóêõíçìáôéêü áëëÜ êáé óõìâïëéêü êõñßùò ÷áñáêôÞñá. Ïé ¢ñ÷ïíôåò ðëáéóßùóáí ôïí ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßï, ôïí Áìåñéêáíü ðñÝóâç, ôïí ðñüåäñï ôïõ Ó.Á.Å. ê. ¢íôñéïõ ¢èåíò. Ìáæß ôïõò ðïëëïß Üëëïé ðñïóêõíçôÝò áðü ôéò ÇÐÁ, ìÝëç ôçò Çãåóßáò ôùí 100 êáèþò êáé ï ð. ÁëÝîáíäñïò Êáñëïýôóïò êáé ï ð. ÉùÜííçò ËõìðåñÜêçò. Óôç ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôçò ×Üëêçò ôïõò

ÅêäÞëùóç óôçí ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôçò ×Üëêçò äéïñãÜíùóáí ïé ¢ñ÷ïíôåò. ÁñéóôåñÜ ï Åðßóêïðïò Ñçãßïõ ÅììáíïõÞë ðïõ ðáñïõóßáóå êáé ôçí êåíôñéêÞ ïìéëßá.

êáé ðÜëé ôçí Ôïõñêßá íá åðéôñÝøåé ôçí åðáíáëåéôïõñãßá ôçò ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ôçò ×Üëêçò. «ÈÝëù íá åðáíáëÜâù ôçí õðïóôÞñéîç ôùí ÇÐÁ óôçí åðáíáëåéôïõñãßá ôçò ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ôçò ×Üëêçò ùò áíåîÜñôçôïõ åêðáéäåõôéêïý èåóìïý ðïõ áíÞêåé áðïêëåéóôéêÜ óôï Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï», åßðå ï ê. Áìåñéêáíüò äéðëùìÜôçò êáé óõíÝ÷éóå: «ÌÝ÷ñé ôï êëåßóéìü ôçò ôï 1971, ç Ó÷ïëÞ åß÷å ìéá äéáñêÞ êáé ìåãÜëç óõìâïëÞ óôçí æùôéêüôçôá ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò óå üëï ôïí êüóìï êáé ôïõ Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ óôçí Ýäñá ôïõ åäþ óôçí Ôïõñêßá». Ðñüóèåóå áêüìç üôé «ìå ôçí éäéüôçôÜ ôçò áõôÞ, ç ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ áðïôÝëåóå Ýíá öÜñï ðßóôåùò, áäåëöïóýíçò, åéñÞíçò, áíï÷Þò êáé áãÜðçò, óôÝëíïíôáò ôï öùò áðü ôçí ìéêñÞ áõôÞ ãùíéÜ ôçò Ôïõñêßáò, óôéò ôÝóóåñéò ãùíéÝò ôçò ãçò». «Ïé ÇÐÁ óõíå÷ßæïõí íá åíèáññýíïõí ôçí Ôïõñêßá, ìéá ößëç êáé óýììá÷ï ÷þñá,

Ï ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÓ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÇÓ

ÓÔÏ ÃÇÑÏÊÏÌÅÉÏ ÂÁËÏÕÊËÇ Ãåýìá áãÜðçò óôïõò çëéêéùìÝíïõò ðïõ öéëïîåíïýíôáé óôï Ãçñïêïìåßï ÂáëïõêëÞ ðáñÝèåóáí ïé ¢ñ÷ïíôåò ôçò ÁìåñéêÞò, åêäçëþíïíôáò ôï åíäéáöÝñïí ôïõò ãéá ôïõò Ïìïãåíåßò ìáò ðïõ æïõí åêåß. Ãéá ôçí áíáêïýöéóç ôùí áíáãêþí ôïõò ðñïóÝöåñáí êáé åðéôáãÞ óôïí ðñüåäñï ôïõ Ãçñïêïìåßïõ, åðéâåâáéþíïíôáò ìå ôïí ôñüðï áõôü ôïõò óôåíïýò äåóìïýò ôùí ïìïãåíþí ôçò ÁìåñéêÞò ü÷é ìüíï ìå ôç ÌçôÝñá Åêêëçóßá áëëÜ êáé ìå ôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá ôçò Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò.

ÓÕÍÅÍÔÅÕÎÇ ÔÕÐÏÕ Ôïí óåâáóìü ôùí èñçóêåõôéêþí åëåõèåñéþí óôçí Ôïõñêßá êáé åéäéêüôåñá ôçí áðñüóêïðôç äñÜóç ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ, æÞôçóå ï äéïéêçôÞò ôïõ ÔÜãìáôïò ôùí Áñ÷üíôùí éáôñüò Áíôþíéïò ËõìðåñÜêçò êáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá óõíÝíôåõîçò Ôýðïõ, ðïõ ðáñá÷þñçóå óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç. Ï äñ. ËõìðåñÜêçò ôüíéóå ìåôáîý Üëëùí: «Ôïýôï êáé ôßðïôá ëéãüôåñï äåí

áíáìÝíïõí áðü ôçí êõâÝñíçóç ôçò Ôïõñêßáò ïé ¢ñ÷ïíôåò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ. Åìåßò, ùò Ïñèüäïîïé ×ñéóôéáíïß óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ ôåëïýìå õðü ôçí äéêáéïäïóßá ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ. Ï êáíïíéêüò åðéêåöáëÞò êáé ðíåõìáôéêüò çãÝôçò ôçò åêêëçóßáò ìáò óôéò ÇíùìÝíåò Ðïëéôåßåò åßíáé ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò. Ôï ãåãïíüò ðùò ï ðíåõìáôéêüò ìáò ðáôÝñáò äåí ìðïñåß åëåýèåñá êáé äß÷ùò êñáôéêÞ ðáñÝìâáóç íá ôåëÝóåé ôç äéáêïíßá ôïõ êáé íá õðçñåôÞóåé ôï ðïßìíéü ôïõ, Ýíá ðïßìíéï ðïõ åêôåßíåôáé óôéò ôÝóóåñéò ãùíéÝò ôïõ êüóìïõ êáé ü÷é ìüíï óôçí Ôïõñêßá, áðïôåëåß ðáñáâßáóç ôùí äéêáéùìÜôùí ìáò ùò Áìåñéêáíþí ðïëéôþí ãéá åëåõèåñßá óôç ëáôñåßá». «Áðïôåëåß ðáñáâßáóç ôïõ äéêáéþìáôüò ìáò ùò Áìåñéêáíþí ðïëéôþí ç áðáãüñåõóç åêðáßäåõóçò ôïõ êëÞñïõ ìáò óôç ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôçò ×Üëêçò, ðñïóÝèåóå ï äñ. ËõìðåñÜêçò êáé óõíÝ÷éóå. Áðïôåëåß ðáñáâßáóç ôùí äéêáéùìÜôùí ìáò ùò Áìåñéêáíþí ðïëéôþí ôï ãåãïíüò ðùò ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï äåí ìðïñåß íá áóêÞóåé åëåýèåñá ôá äéêáéþìáôÜ ôïõ ùò éäéïêôÞôçò ðåñéïõóßáò. ÅéëéêñéíÜ, Ý÷ïõìå êïõñáóôåß ìå ôçí óõìðåñéöïñÜ ðñïò ôçí ÊåöáëÞ ôïõ Ïñèüäïîïõ êüóìïõ ùò íá åðñüêåéôï ãéá ðïëßôç äåýôåñçò êáôçãïñßáò. Åßíáé ðñáãìáôéêÞ áäéêßá êáé õðïâéâáóìüò ôçò äçìïêñáôßáò êáé ôùí áíèñùðßíùí äéêáéùìÜôùí ó’ áõôÞí ôçí ÷þñá ðïõ Ý÷åé õðÜñîåé ößëç ôùí ÇíùìÝíùí Ðïëéôåéþí åäþ êáé 50 ôïõëÜ÷éóôïí ÷ñüíéá. Ôé öïâïýíôáé ïé ãñáöåéïêñÜôåò ôçò ¢ãêõñáò; ¼ôáí áýñéï åðéóôñÝøïõìå óôéò ÇíùìÝíåò Ðïëéôåßåò, èá åíçìåñþóïõìå ôá ìÝëç ôïõ ÊïãêñÝóïõ êáé ôï Õðïõñãåßï ôùí Åîùôåñéêþí ãéá ôçí ðáñïýóá êáôÜóôáóç ó÷åôéêÜ ìå ôéò ðáñáâéÜóåéò ôçò èñçóêåõôéêÞò åëåõèåñßáò. Åëðßæïõìå ðùò ç ÔïõñêéêÞ êõâÝñíçóç èá áíôéìåôùðßóåé ìå ôçí áßóèçóç ôïõ êáôåðåßãïíôïò áõôÜ ôá óïâáñÜ æçôÞìáôá».

ÔÉÌÇÔÉÊÏ ÄÅÉÐÍÏ Ôï âñÜäõ ôçò 22áò Ïêôùâñßïõ ìå ôçí åõêáéñßá óõìðëÞñùóçò 11 åôþí áðü ôçí åêëïãÞ ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ Âáñèïëïìáßïõ óôïí Ïéêïõìåíéêü Èñüíï, ïé ¢ñ÷ïíôåò ôçò ÁìåñéêÞò ðáñÝèåóáí äåßðíï ðñïò ôéìÞí ôïõ. ×áéñåôéóìü áðåýèõíáí ï äéïéêçôÞò êáé Üëëá ìÝëç ôïõ ÔÜãìáôïò ôùí Áñ÷üíôùí ôïõ Áãßïõ ÁíäñÝá, ï ðñüåäñïò ôïõ ÓÁÅ ¢íôñéïõ ¢èåíò êáé ï Áìåñéêáíüò ðñÝóâçò Robert Pearson, ï ïðïßïò ìåôáîý Üëëùí åßðå: «Ìå ôï ÷ÜñéóìÜ ôïõ – õðü ôçí áëçèéíÞ Ïñèüäïîç åñìçíåßá ôçò åëëçíéêÞò áõôÞò ëÝîçò– ç Áõôïý ÈåéïôÜôç Ðáíáãéüôçò óõíäõÜæåé ðíåõìáôéêüôçôá, ðßóôç, áãÜðç ãéá ôïí ðëçóßïí, áöïóßùóç óôï ðïßìíéï êáé âáèýôáôç åõñõìÜèåéá. ÐñáãìáôéêÜ áðïôåëåß Ýìðíåõóç ãéá ôïõò ÷ñéóôéáíïýò êáé ãéá üëïõò ôïõò áíèñþðïõò áíåîáñôÞôùò äüãìáôïò. Ùò ðñùôïðüñïò óôïí äéáèñçóêåéáêü äéÜëïãï êáé åðéäåéêíýïíôáò óåâáóìü ãéá ôç äçìéïõñãßá ôïõ Èåïý –ìÝóá áðü ôï Ýñãï ôïõ óôïí ôïìÝá ôïõ ðåñéâÜëëïíôïò áëëÜ êáé äéáìÝóïõ Üëëùí ðñùôïâïõëéþí– ï Ðáíáãéþôáôïò áðïôåëåß ëáìðñü õðüäåéãìá ôçò ÷Üñéôïò, ôáðåéíüôçôáò êáé óïößáò ðïõ åßíáé ôüóï áðáñáßôçôåò þóôå ç áíèñùðüôçôá íá åêôéìÞóåé ôçí ÁëÞèåéá». Ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò åõ÷áñßóôçóå ôïõò ¢ñ÷ïíôåò, ôïí ÐñÝóâç ôùí ÇÐÁ êáèþò êáé üëïõò ôïõò ðñïóêõíçôÝò áðü ôçí ÁìåñéêÞ êáé ôïõò Üëëïõò åðéóÞìïõò ãéá ôïí óåâáóìü ðñïò ôçí ÌçôÝñá Åêêëçóßá õðïãñáììßæïíôáò ôïõò Üññçêôïõò äåóìïýò Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ êáé Ïñèïäüîùí ×ñéóôéáíþí ôçò ÁìåñéêÞò.

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 20

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÍÏÅÌÂÑÉÏÓ 2002

«Ç ÌåôáâõæáíôéíÞ ÔÝ÷íç, ÅëëçíéêÞ ÁíáãÝííçóç» áðü ôï ÙíÜóåéï óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ - Ìå ìåãÜëï åíèïõóéáóìü Ýãéíå äåêôÞ ç ðáñïõóßáóç ôçò åêèÝóåùò ìå ôßôëï «ÌåôáâõæáíôéíÞ ÔÝ÷íç, ç ÅëëçíéêÞ ÁíáãÝííçóç» áðü ôï ºäñõìá Á. Ó. ÙíÜóç, ôìÞìá ÍÝáò Õüñêçò, óôçí åéäéêÞ áßèïõóá ôïõ éäñýìáôïò ðïõ âñßóêåôáé óôï êôßñéï Olympic Tower ôçò 5çò ëåùöüñïõ, óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç êáé Üíïéîå ôéò ðýëåò ôçò óôéò áñ÷Ýò Íïåìâñßïõ. Ôï ºäñõìá ÙíÜóç ÁìåñéêÞò ðïõ áðïôåëåß èõãáôñéêü ïñãáíéóìü ôïõ Éäñýìáôïò ÙíÜóç Ý÷åé áîéüëïãç óåéñÜ åêèÝóåùò êáé ðïëéôéóôéêþí åêäçëþóåùí êáé Ý÷åé ÷áñáêôçñéóôåß áðü ðïëëïýò ùò ðïëéôéóôéêÞ ðñåóâåßá ôïõ Åëëçíéóìïý óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç. Ôïõò ðïëëïýò åðþíõìïõò ðñïóêåêëçìÝíïõò áðü ôçí ÅëëÜäá êáé ôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá óôçí ôåëåôÞ ôùí åãêáéíßùí êáëùóüñéóå ï äéåõèõíôÞò ôïõ Éäñýìáôïò ÙíÜóç ÍÝáò Õüñêçò ðñÝóâçò ê. ËïõêÜò Ôóßëáò, åõ÷áñßóôçóå ôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá ãéá ôçí Ýùò ôþñá óôÞñéîç ôùí äñáóôçñéïôÞôùí ôïõ Éäñýìáôïò êáé áðáñßèìçóå ôéò ðïëëÝò êáé Ýíôïíåò ðñïóðÜèåéåò ôïõ

Éäñýìáôïò ãéá ôçí ðñïâïëÞ ôïõ åëëçíéêïý ðïëéôéóìïý. Ï ðñüåäñïò ôïõ Éäñýìáôïò ÙíÜóç ê. ÓôÝëéïò Ðáðáäçìçôñßïõ ôüíéóå üôé ç ðñáãìÜôùóç ôçò åêèÝóåùò ÌåôáâõæáíôéíÞò ÔÝ÷íçò óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç åßíáé ðñïúüí óõíåñãáóßáò ôïõ Éäñýìáôïò, ôïõ Õðïõñãåßïõ Ðïëéôéóìïý êáé ôïõ Âõæáíôéíïý êáé ×ñéóôéáíéêïý Ìïõóåßïõ ôùí Áèçíþí. Óçìåßùóå åðßóçò üôé ç Ýêèåóç áðïôåëåß ôçí ðñþôç ôïõ åßäïõò åêôüò åëëçíéêþí óõíüñùí êáé ãéá ôïí ëüãï áõôü áðïêôÜ éäéáßôåñç óçìáóßá. Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò ðñïóöùíþíôáò ôïõò ðñïóêåêëçìÝíïõò óôçí ôåëåôÞ ôùí åãêáéíßùí åõ÷áñßóôçóå üëïõò ôïõò óõíôåëåóôÝò êáé éäéáßôåñá ôï ºäñõìá ÙíÜóç ãéá ôçí ðñùôïâïõëßá, ïñãÜíùóç êáé ðáñïõóßáóç ôçò åêèÝóåùò. ÌåôÝöåñå åðßóçò ôïí èåñìü ÷áéñåôéóìü êáé ôéò ðáôñéêÝò åõ÷Ýò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïõ ï ïðïßïò üðùò åßðå ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ôïõ Ýóôåéëå åéäéêÞ ðñïò ôïýôï åðéóôïëÞ. Ìéëþíôáò ãéá ôçí óçìáóßá ôùí

ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÉÊÇ ÅÃÊÕÊËÉÏÓ

Áãßùí Áíáñãýñùí ÊïóìÜ êáé Äáìéáíïý 1ç Íïåìâñßïõ Ðñïò ôïõò ÓåâáóìéùôÜôïõò êáé ÈåïöéëåóôÜôïõò Áñ÷éåñåßò, ôïõò ÅõëáâåóôÜôïõò Éåñåßò êáé Äéáêüíïõò, ôïõò Ìïíá÷ïýò êáé Ìïíá÷Ýò, ôïõò ÐñïÝäñïõò êáé ÌÝëç ôùí Êïéíïôéêþí Óõìâïõëßùí, ôá ÇìåñÞóéá êáé ÁðïãåõìáôéíÜ Ó÷ïëåßá, ôéò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõò Áäåëöüôçôåò, ôçí Íåïëáßá, ôéò Åëëçíïñèüäïîåò Ïñãáíþóåéò êáé ïëüêëçñï ôï ×ñéóôåðþíõìïí ðëÞñùìá ôçò ÉåñÜò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò. Áäåëöïß êáé áäåëöÝò åí ×ñéóôþ, Ç áéþíéá áãÜðç ôïõ öéëåõóðëÜã÷íïõ Èåïý ãéá ôçí áíèñùðüôçôá åêäçëþèçêå ìå ôçí Üìåôñç óõãêáôÜâáóÞ Ôïõ þóôå íá óáñêùèÞ êáé íá ðñïóöÝñç ôïí Åáõôüí Ôïõ èõóßá ãéá íá êáñðùèïýìå åìåßò ôçí áèÜíáôç æùÞ. ÁõôÞ ç áðåñßãñáðôç ðñÜîç åëÝïõò êáé ôáðåéíþóåùò áðïôåëåß ãéá ìáò ôïõò áíèñþðïõò ôåñÜóôéá ðñüêëçóç óôï íá áíôáðïêñéèïýìå ìå áíÜëïãï ôñüðï óôçí áãÜðç ôïõ Äçìéïõñãïý ìáò. Äéáéóèáíüìåíïé ôçí áãÜðç ôïõ Èåïý, åíèõìïýìåèá áõôÞ ôçí ðñüêëçóç áêïýãïíôáò ôá ëüãéá ôïõ Êõñßïõ Éçóïý ×ñéóôïý: ÁãáðÞóåéò Êýñéïí ôïí Èåüí óïõ åí üëç ôç êáñäßá óïõ êáé åí üëç ôç øõ÷Þ óïõ êáé åí üëç ôç äéáíïßá óïõ, êáé áãáðÞóåéò ôïí ðëçóßïí óïõ ùò óåáõôüí ( Ìáôè. 22: 37-39). ÁõôÝò ïé äýï åíôïëÝò, åðß ôùí ïðïßùí üëïò ï íüìïò êáé ïé ðñïöÞôáé êñÝìáíôáé (Ìáôè:22: 40) áíáöÝñïíôáé óôï êåíôñéêü êáé óðïõäáßï íüçìá ðïõ Ý÷åé ç öéëáíèñùðßá ãéá ôç ×ñéóôéáíéêÞ æùÞ. ÌÝóá óôá Üðåéñá ó÷åôéêÜ ðáñáäåßãìáôá ðïõ ìáò ðñïóöÝñåé, ç Ïñèüäïîïò Åêêëçóßá ìáò áíÞêåé êáé ç ÅïñôÞ ôùí Áãßùí ÊïóìÜ êáé Äáìéáíïý ôçò 1çò Íïåìâñßïõ, êáôÜ ôçí ïðïßá ðñïóöÝñïíôáé äýï áîéïèáýìáóôá áäÝëöéá - éáôñïß ôçò ÌéêñÜò Áóßáò. Ãíùóôïß ùò ¢ãéïé ÁíÜñãõñïé, ïé ¢ãéïé ÊïóìÜò êáé Äáìéáíüò ðñïóÝöåñáí áöåéäþò ôï ÷ñüíï êáé ôçí åðéóôÞìç ôùí ãéá ôç èåñáðåßá ôùí óùìáôéêÜ êáé ðíåõìáôéêÜ áññþóôùí, ãéá ôç âïÞèåéá ôùí áíáîéïðáèïýíôùí, êáé ãéá ôçí êáëëéÝñãåéá ôçò áãÜðçò ôùí ãéá ôïí Èåü êáé ôïí ðëçóßïí åí üëç ôç êáñäßá, ôç øõ÷Þ êáé ôç äéáíïßá ôùí ìÝóá áðü áäéÜêïðåò ðñÜîåéò óôïñãÞò êáé áãÜðçò. ÓÞìåñá, ç áéþíéá êëçñïíïìéÜ ôùí Áãßùí ÊïóìÜ êáé Äáìéáíïý ìáò õðåíèõìßæåé üôé ç öéëáíèñùðßá åßíáé Ýíá õðÝñï÷ï Ýñãï ôï ïðïßï åêôåßíåôáé ðÝñáí ôùí ãåùãñáöéêþí êáé ðïëéôéêþí ïñßùí. Ùò Ïñèüäïîïé ×ñéóôéáíïß ðïõ æïýìå óôéò ÇíùìÝíåò Ðïëéôåßåò ôçò ÁìåñéêÞò, åßìåèá åõëïãçìÝíïé äéüôé áðïëáìâÜíïõìå ôï ðïëýôéìï äþñï ìéáò óðÜíéáò åõçìåñßáò, êáé åðéöïñôéæüìåèá ìå ôçí åéäéêÞ õðï÷ñÝùóç íá ìïéñáæüìåèá ôïõò êáñðïýò áõôÞò ôçò èåüóôáëôçò åõëïãßáò ìå ôïõò áíèñþðïõò åêåßíïõò ïé ïðïßïé åõñßóêïíôáé óå êáôáóôÜóåéò áíÜãêçò. Åðß åâäïìÞíôá êáé ðëÝïí ÷ñüíéá ç Öéëüðôù÷ïò Áäåëöüôçò Êõñéþí ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ìáò ðñïóðáèåß íá ðñïóöÝñç öéëáíèñùðéêÞ äéáêïíßá êáé âïÞèåéá, êáèþò êõñßåò áðü êïéíüôçôåò áðü üëç ôçí åðéêñÜôåéá ðñïóöÝñïõí ôï ÷ñüíï êáé ôéò õðçñåóßåò ôùí ùò äùñåÜ óôïí Èåü êáé ôïí ðëçóßïí. Ó’ áõôÞ ôçí ðñïóðÜèåéá, ç ÅèíéêÞ Öéëüðôù÷ïò áðåöÜóéóå íá ðñïóöÝñç êÜèå ÷ñüíï åéäéêÞ âïÞèåéá óôïõò áãáðçìÝíïõò ìáò Ïñèïäüîïõò áäåëöïýò êáé áäåëöÝò ðïõ æïõí óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç óôÝëíïíôáò ïéêïíïìéêÞ âïÞèåéá óôá ãçñïêïìåßá, íïóïêïìåßá êáé ëïéðÜ öéëáíèñùðéêÜ éäñýìáôá ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ. Ãé’ áõôü ôï ëüãï, õðü ôÞí Ýìðíåõóç ôïõ ðáñáäåßãìáôïò ôùí Áãßùí ÊïóìÜ êáé Äáìéáíïý, ôçí ÊõñéáêÞ, óôéò 3 Íïåìâñßïõ, èá ðåñéöåñèÞ åéäéêüò äßóêïò óôéò åêêëçóßåò óå üëç ôç ÷þñá ãéá ôçí åíßó÷õóç ôïõ Ðáôñéáñ÷éêïý Ôáìåßïõ ôçò ÅèíéêÞò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ, ôá Ýóïäá ôïõ ïðïßïõ èá âïçèÞóïõí óôéò áíÜãêåò ôùí áãáðçìÝíùí êáé åõóåâþí ÅëëÞíùí Ïñèïäüîùí ôçò Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò. Ìå ôçí ðñïóöïñÜ óáò óôï ôáìåßï áõôü èá óõìâÜëåôå óôçí âåëôßùóç ôçò ðïéüôçôïò æùÞò ðïëëþí óõíáíèñþðùí ìáò. Ìå ôïí ôñüðï áõôü ç èÝñìç ôçò áãÜðçò ôïõ Èåïý èá åîáðëùèÞ, êáé ç ÷áñÜ ðïõ áðïññÝåé áðü ôç óõìðáñÜóôáóç ðñïò ôïõò ×ñéóôéáíïýò áäåëöïýò êáé áäåëöÝò ìáò óå Üëëá ìÝñç ôïõ êüóìïõ èá ãåìßóç ôçí êáñäéÜ, äéÜíïéá êáé øõ÷Þ üëùí ìáò. Åý÷ïìáé ç ÷Üñç ôïõ Êõñßïõ Éçóïý ×ñéóôïý íá åßíáé ìáæß óáò. Åßèå ï Èåüò íá ìáò áîéþíç íá áêïëïõèïýìå ðÜíôïôå ôï ðáñÜäåéãìá ôùí Áãßùí Ôïõ êñáôþíôáò ôçí êáñäéÜ ìáò áíïé÷ôÞ óôï Üðåéñï Ýëåïò êáé ôç óùôÞñéá áãÜðç Ôïõ. Ìå ðáôñéêÞ åí ×ñéóôþ áãÜðç,

ÿ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ÄçìÞôñéïò

ÄÇÌ . ÐÁÍÁÃÏÓ

Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ìðñïò óôçí åéêüíá ôùí Ôñéþí Éåñáñ÷þí, Ýñãï ôïõ Ìé÷áÞë Äáìáóêçíïý, 16ïò áé.

åêèåìÜôùí Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò äÞëùóå: «Ðñüêåéôáé ãéá üíôùò èáõìáóôÞ óõëëïãÞ Ýñãùí ôÝ÷íçò, ü÷é ìüíïí áãßùí åéêüíùí áëëÜ ÷åéñïãñÜöùí êáé éåñþí óêåõþí êáé Üëëùí áíôéêåéìÝíùí ìéêñïôå÷íßáò ìåôÜëëïõ, îõëïãëõðôéêÞò êáé õöáíôïõñãßáò. Åßíáé Ýíá Üñéóôï äåßãìá ôïõ Åëëçíïñèïäüîïõ ðíåýìáôïò, êáé ìÜëéóôá óå êëßìá êáé õðü óõíèÞêåò óêëçñïý æõãïý áéþíùí, óõíèÞêåò åîáéñåôéêÜ áíôßîïåò ðïõ üìùò äåí êáôüñèùóáí íá åìðïäßóïõí ôçí áðáñÜìéëëç áõôÞ äçìéïõñãéêüôçôá ðïõ äåßãìáôÜ ôçò Ý÷ïõìå ôçí åõêáéñßá íá èáõìÜóïõìå óÞìåñá». Ðáñüíôåò Þôáí ï äÞìáñ÷ïò Áèçíáßùí ê. ÄçìÞôñçò Áâñáìüðïõëïò, ïé âïõëåõôÝò ê.ê. Èåüäùñïò ÐÜãêáëïò, Âýñùí Ðïëýäùñáò, ÌáñéÝôôá ÃéáííÜêïõ-Êïõôóßêïõ, ï ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò ÊùíóôÜíôéïò êáé ç ê. Åõãåíßá

×áëêéÜ äéåõèõíôÞò êáé áíáðëçñùôÞò äéåõèõíôÞò ôïõ Âõæáíôéíïý êáé ×ñéóôéáíéêïý Ìïõóåßïõ áíôßóôïé÷á, ïé ãåíéêïß ðñüîåíïé ôçò ÅëëÜäïò êáé ôçò Êýðñïõ ê.ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò ÐëáôÞò êáé Âáóßëåéïò Öéëßððïõ, ïé ðñÝóâåéò óôïí ÏÇÅ ê. ÁäáìÜíôéïò ÂáóéëÜêçò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò êáé ê. Óþôïò Æáê÷áßïò ôçò Êýðñïõ, ï ðñÝóâõò ê. ÌÜúêë ÓùôÞñ÷ïò, åêðñüóùðïé ôïõ ÊõâåñíÞôç êáé ôïõ ÄçìÜñ÷ïõ ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò, ï áíôéðñüåäñïò ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý óõìâïõëßïõ ê. Ìé÷áÞë Ôæá÷Üñçò ðïëëïß Üëëïé. Ç Ýêèåóç ðïõ ðåñéëáìâÜíåé åêèÝìáôá ìåôáîý ôïõ 15ïõ êáé 18ïõ áéþíá, ëåéôïõñãåß áðü ÄåõôÝñá Ýùò ÓÜââáôï 10 ð.ì. –6 ì.ì., ç åßóïäïò åßíáé åëåýèåñç ãéá ôï êïéíü èá ðáñáìåßíåé áíïé÷ôÞ ìÝ÷ñé ôéò 8 Öåâñïõáñßïõ 2003. Ðëçñïöïñßåò óôï äéáäßêôõï onassisusa.org – Ó.Ð.

ÔÏ CLEVELAND ÓÔÇÑÉÆÅÉ ÔÇÍ ÈÅÏËÏÃÉÊÇ Ó×ÏËÇ

Êñáôþíôáò ôïí åíôõðùóéáêü áñéèìü ôïõ ðïóïý ðïõ óõãêåíôñþèçêå óôçí åêäÞëùóç (áðü áñéóôåñÜ) ð. Íéê. Ôñéáíôáöýëëïõ, Ãåþñãéïò Ôóßìðëçò, Îåíïöþí ÆÜððçò, Ëïýëá ÆÜððç, ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÌÜîéìïò, ÔæÜíåô Ôóßìðëç, Bert and Marjorie Moyar.

¸ìðñáêôç åêäÞëùóç áãÜðçò ãéá ôçí ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôçò Âïóôþíçò áðåôÝëåóå ç áðü êïéíïý åêäÞëùóç ôùí åíïñéþí ôïõ Åõáããåëéóìïý, Áãßùí Êùíóôáíôßíïõ êáé ÅëÝíçò, Áãßïõ Äçìçôñßïõ êáé Áãßïõ Ðáýëïõ ôïõ ÊëÞâåëáíô Ï÷Üúï ðïõ ðñáãìáôïðïéÞèçêå õðü ôçí áéãßäá ôùí ôïðéêþí ôìçìÜôùí ôçò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ óôéò 19 Ïêôùâñßïõ êáé óõãêÝíôñùóå ôï ðïóü ôùí 200 ÷éëéÜäùí äïëáñßùí. Óôçí åêäÞëùóç-äåßðíï ðáñÝóôçóáí ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Áßíïõ êáé ðñüåäñïò ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò Pittsburgh ÌÜîéìïò êáé ï ðñüåäñïò ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Êïëëåãßïõ ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ð. Íéêüëáïò Ôñéáíôáöýëëïõ êáèþò êáé öïéôçôÝò ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò. ÊáôÜ ôçí ðáñáìïíÞ ôïõò óôï ÊëÞâå-

ëáíô ïé öïéôçôÝò ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò Ýäùóáí öéëéêü áãþíá âüëåú ìå íÝïõò ôçò G.O.Y.A., ìïéñÜóôçêáí ìáæß ôïõò ðñïâëçìáôéóìïýò êáé åìðåéñßåò ôïõò êáé óõæÞôçóáí ãéá ôï åðßðåäï åêðáßäåõóçò ðïõ ðáñÝ÷åôáé óôçí Ó÷ïëÞ. ÊáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôïõ äåßðíïõ ïé åðéóêÝðôåò öïéôçôÝò ìïéñÜóôçêáí ìå ôïí êüóìï óõãêéíçôéêÝò óôéãìÝò áðü ôçí æùÞ ôïõò óôç ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôçò Âïóôþíçò, åíþ ï ðñüåäñïò ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò ð. Ôñéáíôáöýëëïõ ìßëçóå ìå åíèïõóéáóìü ãéá ôï êáéíïýñãéï öïéôçôéêü êÝíôñï êáé ôï ëáìðñü ìÝëëïí ôïõ åêðáéäåõôéêïý áõôïý éäñýìáôïò. Ùò åðéóôÝãáóìá ïé öïéôçôÝò ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò áðÝäùóáí óôá ÅëëçíéêÜ êáé ÁããëéêÜ âõæáíôéíïýò åêêëçóéáóôéêïýò ýìíïõò.

NOVEMBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ECUMENICAL Catholic, Orthodox Bishops Discuss Primacy at Annual Meeting

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ORTHODOX AND Roman Catholic bishops at their annual meeting where they discussed primacy in the Church and other issues.

CHICAGO (CNS) — Orthodox and Catholic bishops discussing primacy in the church looked at a 1999 Anglican-Catholic document on authority at their recent meeting here.

The Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops 19th gathering took place Oct. 8-10 under the auspices of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of America. Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh and Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb of Mobile, Ala., jointly chaired the meeting.

Sister Sara Butler, a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission, presented the ARCIC document titled “The Gift of Authority” and commented on its treatment of the theological concept of primacy and the authority of the episcopate in the church. A Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity, Sister Butler is an assistant professor of systematic theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Ill. Metropolitan Maximos presented his own paper on “Primacies of Honor: Development of Primacies in the Life of the Church.” He concluded that while primacy developed differently in the East and the West, a solution could be found in the decision of the Council of Constantinople of 879-880 to recognize the primacy of Old Rome and New Rome, each within its own territory.

Fr. Alexander Golitzin, an associate professor of theology at Marquette University in Milwaukee and an Orthodox member of the North American OrthodoxCatholic Theological Consultation, discussed the consultation’s 1999 document on baptism and its current work toward a joint statement on the “filioque” question, long a dividing point between Catholic and Orthodox.

Orthodox Bishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Catholic Bishop Dale J. Melczek of Gary, Ind., presented an examination of the continuing education programs provided for clergy in their respective churches.

Other sessions focused on the Catholic bishops’ recent documents on clergy sex abuse and several recent events in the life of the Orthodox Church, including Pope John Paul II’s visits to Armenia and Bulgaria, the creation of Catholic dioceses in Russia, the non-recognition of Patriarch Irineos of Jerusalem by the Israeli government; and the joint declaration on environmental ethics signed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the pope.

Members of the joint committee attended a vespers service Oct. 9 at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 7-9, 2003, under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

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ORTHODOX OBSERVER

NOVEMBER 2002

NOVEMBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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I N T E R F A I T H

NOVEMBER 2002

Marriage

When Children Reach Young Adulthood Children in our culture who reach young adulthood are typically busy separating themselves from their parents in an effort to form their own opinions about the world around them.Parents are also generally assisting and supporting them in this effort.

by Fr. Charles Joanides, Ph.D., LMFT

When young adults begin separating themselves from their childhood homes, they not only separate from their family of origin, but must also separate from the cultural, religious, and community structures of their youth.

However, this does not imply that young adults thoroughly discard their cultural and religious roots since in most cases this does not happen. Young adults are simply creating enough space between themselves and their parents to afford themselves ample room to make independent choices and decisions about important matters such as culture and religion.

Moreover, if parents are too intrusive and seek to impose their values on their young adult children, they may create tension or worse, a family cut-off.

One focus group participant expressed the separation process in this way:

Presents

“I went into the military at 19. A year later when I returned on leave, my parents began asking me all kinds of questions and treating me like a kid. Some of their questions had to do with religion like, ‘Have you been going to church?’ Well, I didn’t say much, and there was a lot of tension in the house between us. I felt as if I was old enough to make my own decisions about a lot of things, and it wasn’t their business anymore. Take religion for example, I felt like I needed to explore the idea of religion by myself.”

Four Possible Pathways Unlike adolescents who busy themselves experimenting and testing out new ideas, most young adults are beginning to form the basis of a solid and stable life structure and cultural identity which will ultimately assist them in their efforts to make crucial decisions about such things like their career and future mate.

Some of these decisions will be related to religion and culture. For example, Dr. Joel Crown, in his book, Mixed Matches, describes four possible pathways that young adults might take when decisions about culture and religion are being considered.

• Some young adults will essentially

“Saturday Service of Great Vespers” Tone 3

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Saturday Great Vespers is an ancient service whose themes are creation, the offering of incense, and the light of Christ. It prepares us for Sunday’s Divine Liturgy and is didactic as well as worshipful.

identify themselves with “the parent who is from the dominant culture, and they will essentially adopt this parent’s cultural and religious values. These young adults may or may not identify with the other parent who is from a minority culture.

• Some young adults will identify themselves with the minority ethnic, racial, or religious background of one of their parents. In these instances, the young adult may or may not acknowledge the other parent’s background.

• Some young adults will tend to create their own values, ritual and identity irrespective of both parents cultural and religious backgrounds. These young adults may refuse to accept any labels or create a distinct label that differentiates them from any childhood cultural and religious labels.

• Other young adults may strive to bring together and integrate both their parents’’ cultural and religious backgrounds. These adults will generally acknowledge that both their parents have influenced their perceptions of culture and religion.

What is important to note here is that young adults may make some initial decisions regarding religion and culture at this stage in the life cycle, but these decisions may be reconfigured several times as they mature.

The following remarks are typical, “When I left home for college, I all but rejected my Greek Orthodox faith. But as time passed and I had a family, I found myself slowly gravitating back to my Greek Orthodox background. I guess when it came down to it, of all the places I would like to be on Sunday morning, I decided St. George Greek Orthodox Church was probably the best place for me.”

Marital and Family Challenges

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that they’re on their own, one of them won’t have anything to do with organized religion, and the other two are attending non-denominational churches. (Thoughtfully) These days George blames me, and I blame him.”

Family Tension and Cut-Offs Parents with strong opinions about religion can also potentially drive a wedge between themselves and their children.

Young adult children might pretend to espouse certain religious affiliations to please their parents. They might also resent covert and overt intrusions into this part of their lives that could negatively color their relationship.

In some instances, cut-offs might take place when irreconcilable differences over religion and culture exist between a parent and a young adult child.

One participant who had little to do with her parents stated, “I came to this country as an exchange student and later became an American citizen. During the time when I was studying, I met my husband. We started dating, and we fell deeply in love. When I told my parents, I knew they wouldn’t be pleased, but I didn’t expect them to react so negatively. They tried everything to break us up. But nothing worked because we loved each other. We eventually set a date to get married in the Greek Orthodox Church, but they refused to attend the wedding. This hurt terribly, but I decided to go ahead with the wedding. We’ve been happily married for ten years now. They still refuse to meet my husband, and I have slowly begun accepting the fact they may never be a big part of our lives.”

Some Concluding Thoughts Results from the Interfaith Research Project clearly suggest that most intermarried couples and families live a very stable and happy existences.

However, together with the challenges that single faith marriages and families face when children reach adulthood, results also indicate that intermarried couples and families confront some unique challenges related to their religious and cultural differences.

This article has described some of these challenges. Intermarried couples that are aware of these challenges will be in a better position to cultivate marital satisfaction and family stability.

In addition to the work Fr. Charles is doing in the area of intermarriage, he also conducts marriage-building workshops.

For more information about these workshops, log onto the Interfaith Marriage Web site at, www.interfaith.goarch.org.

As young adult children make decisions about religion and culture, it can be a particularly unsettling time for all members of their family.

If parents have not come to terms with their religious differences, old wounds will generally surface and irritate their marriage - especially if their adult children make decisions about religion that appear to be related to parents unresolved religious differences.

In this case, spouses might be prone to assign blame and reopen old arguments. The following short exchange between a husband and wife from one of the focus groups illustrates this point.

George: “From day one, our religious differences - and to a lesser degree – our cultural differences have been sore spot in our marriage.”

Linda: “I wouldn’t argue about that. We’ve had a hard time agreeing about where to go to church, where the children would be baptized and which church activities they should attend.”

George: “I always wanted them to attend the Greek Church and she wanted them to be raised RESERVE YOUR SPACE Catholic.”

Linda: “For years we had some real heated arguments – sometimes in front FOR THE CHRISTMAS ISSUE of the children.”

George: “Then somewhere around the time observer@goarch.org when they were teens, to keep the peace we just Tel.: (212) 570-3555Greek • Fax (212) 774-0239 stopped going to church.”

Orthodox Archdiocese photos Linda: “Yeah, and now

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THE ORTHODO VER ORTHODOXX OBSER OBSERVER NOW

NOVEMBER 2002

PEOPLE Foundation Honorees The Hellenic Spirit Foundation in St. Louis has honored Mr. Leo and Mrs. Eva Condakes of Swampscott, Mass., for their achievements and contributions to the Greek Orthodox Church and society at large. The event took place Nov.16. Mrs. Condakes is immediate past National Philoptochos president. Others honored were: Antonis H. Diamataris, publisher of the National Herald; Dr. Constantine Papadakis, president of Drexel University and Chancellor Blanche Touhill of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The Foundation annually honors outstanding PhilHellenes and Greek Americans for their contributions to society and the nation.

Judgeship nominee President Bush has nominated Thomas A. Varlan, an attorney in Knoxville, Tenn., for a judgeship to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. A second-generation GreekAmerican, Varlan, if confirmed, would be the first Greek-American appointed to the federal bench in Tennessee. He is an active member of St. George Church in Knoxville, where he served as parish council president in 1996. He also has served as chairman of the Church’s stewardship and by-laws committees and is a current member of the planning committee.

Receives honor Mount Ida College trustee Amelia B. Nychis of Weston, Mass., recently was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the Newton, Mass., school. Ms Nychis, a graduate of Chatham College and Cornell University (master’s in constitutional law) is married to Peter Nychis, professor emeritus of Greek and Byzantine music at Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology. They are members of St. Demetrios Church, Weston.

Missionary honored Waubonsee Community College of Sugar Grove, Ill., has honored an outstanding alumna, Penny Panagiota Deligiannis as a “Featured Alumna” of the month. Ms. Deligiannis has served the Orthodox faith first in Africa, and, since 1993 has assisted Archbishop Anastasios of Albania. In 1995, she was named director of “Diaconia Agape,” in which she has assisted hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Kosovo war in 1999

Named trustee Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker recently appointed Nicole Lobaugh, a member of Annunciation Church in McKeesport, Pa., to a two-year term as a trustee of Penn State University. Ms. Lobaugh is the daughter of Paul and Catherine Skezas Lobaugh.

Publishes book Former Archdiocese Department of Youth Ministry staff member Catherine K. Contopoulos, has authored “The Boy, A Kitchen, and His Cave, The Tale of St. Euphrosynos the Cook”, a heart-warming, humorous story that takes place in a ninth century monastic setting that offers contemporary young readers a role model for overcoming relational strife. The 32-page hardcover volume is published by St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press and is due out Dec. 1. It is illustrated by Chrissanth Greene-Gross.

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Early Greeks’ Farming Attempts Didn’t ‘Take Flight’

T

hey didn’t realize it at the time, but the first Greeks who immigrated to southeastern North Carolina from Icaria in the early 1900s came to a state that, in a sense, would have something in common with their native Aegean island – aviation history.

In Greek mythology, Icaria took its name from Icarus, son of the master craftsman Daedalus who fashioned wings of birds’ feathers so he and his son could escape from Crete where King Minos had imprisoned them in the Labyrinth, which Daedalus had created.

When Icarus didn’t heed his father’s warning and flew too close to the sun, the wax holding the feathers

PARISH

Historic legacy The influence of the Icarian pioneers is still present with of the Pan Icarian Association, among various parish organizations that also include AHEPA, Philoptochos and several youth groups.

In 1924, long before the formal establishment of the parish, local Greek women founded the Ladies Society Ennosis, the precursor to the Philoptochos chapter, which is very active.

Beginning in the late 1930s an interim Greek Orthodox priest from the state capital, Raleigh, Fr. George Steffanis, held occasional services at a local Episcopal church.

The growing community of Greeks organized the church in the early 1940s.

The Greek school also had its beginnings

profile

Name: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Location: Wilmington, N.C. Diocese: Atlanta Founded: November 1943 Size: about 200 families Clergy: Fr. Regis J. Alexoudis (Holy Cross ’78) e-mail: stnikwilnc@aol.com Noteworthy: Community offers many youth programs

church, including new iconography. A narthex and choir loft, two features the building lacked, along with additional office space, have also been added.

Major income sources include the stewardship program and the annual Greek festival that takes place the third weekend in May. Few Greek immigrants remain in the parish. Fr. Alexoudis describes presentday St. Nicholas as a pan Orthodox community, consisting of mostly first and second generation American-born, Orthodox of other ethnic backgrounds and many converts who have come to the Faith not only through intermarriage but “off the street,” including some who attended the Greek festival.

The priest holds a series of six catechism classes through the year that are well attended.

The newest “immigrants” come from New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Many are retired.

St. Nicholas Church serves a 12-county area and some parishioners live as far away as two or three hours by car, but they faithfully attend Divine Liturgy each Sunday. One retired woman parishioner, who moved to the area from Hempstead, Long Island, N.Y., makes the two-hour drive from her home to the church on a weekday to work as a volunteer in the office, as well as on Sunday, Fr. Alexoudis said.

Strong youth program together melted and Icarus plunged into the sea to his death and geographic immortality.

About 80 percent of the first immigrants in the early 1900s came from Icaria to this part of North Carolina, a state that proclaims itself “First in Flight” on its motor vehicle license plates, commemorating the Wright Brothers first successful flight in 1903 at Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks that jut into the Atlantic. Wilmington is near the Banks’ southern terminus.

Which is more than you can say about the first Greek immigrants’ farming careers. Mostly bachelors, they left the fishing economy of their small island for the Atlantic Coastal Plain to work as farmhands and tenant farmers.

Fr. Alexoudis said a government program then in existence offered land to anyone willing to farm it and several Greek immigrants applied. However, most of the Greeks farmed for only a short time and left for better economic opportunities.

At the time, there also were many Russians in the area. They founded a small parish, Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, in a community near Wilmington and some of the Greeks attended services there.

In 1900, there were five Greek families in Wilmington. By 1945, there were about 1,000 Greeks operating various businesses — restaurants, cafes, candy stores, ice cream shops, shoeshine parlors and fruit and food businesses. At one time, about half the parishioners owned restaurants. Now, there are about a dozen, Fr. Alexoudis noted.

Located between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic, Wilmington, a city of about 60,000, is the state’s only seaport. It is a port-of-call for freighters of various nations, including many from Russia. One parishioner works at the port as a longshoreman.

The parish offers several programs, especially for young people.

Sunday school has an enrollment of about 120 children; Greek school has about 60. Fr. Alexoudis offers an active OrthoST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH dox Christian Fellowship minthen with the hiring of a teacher. istry at UNC-Wilmington, and currently The parish received its charter in 1943, serves about 25 students. at the height of World War II, and commuThe community has many children nity leaders raised funds to build a Greek that participate in the HOPE, JOY, JunOrthodox church building near downtown. ior GOYA and GOYA programs. Several The new structure was completed in 1945 travel to the Ionian Village and St. and Archbishop Athenagoras officiated at Stephen’s Camp of the Atlanta Diocese the cornerstone dedication in August. each year.

About the same time, the parish acThis past summer, St. Nickolas quired a two-story house hosted an Ionian Village reunion. next to the There also are about 30 altar boys. church.

Hellenic dance program for the kids has produced successful results. The first WILMINGTON year the group participated, they took first place at the Diocese regional festival; the second year, they finished secThe ground floor ond place. of the house was converted to classEach year GOYA sponsors a Lenten rooms for the Sunday and Greek schools. retreat and as many as 300 kids from 17 The second floor served as the priest’s communities in five states have attended. home.

Fr. Alexoudis noted that, between The first permanent priest of St. 1997 and 1999, the community experiNicholas parish, Fr. Efthenios Papazisis, enced a baby boom and the church’s arrived in 1944 and served five years. Fr. youth programs will continue to grow Alexoudis, is the 16th full-time pastor of in the future.

For adults, there is an annual the community. A Pittsburgh native, he arrived at St. Nicholas in 1994.and is the Lenten retreat and other programs, including a spiritual enrichment prolongest-serving priest in the parish. gram, which Fr. Alexoudis describes as A new home an expanded ministry that includes The church remained at its location Bible study and discussions. through the 1970s. In October 1980, the St. Nicholas parish has experienced community purchased an existing Baptist “a lot of progress, both spiritually and church building in the east-central part of physically,” in recent years, the priest town across from the University of North said. “It’s a very active parish for the size Carolina-Wilmington. The building offered of the community,” said Fr. Alexoudis. adequate parking, a large activity hall and “It’s a wonderful community. We’re schoolrooms. The former church building blessed to have a lot of good families, was sold to a museum. with new ones joining older families.”

Beginning in 2000, the parish embarked on a campaign to beautify the —Compiled by Jim Golding

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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iocc newsiocc news IOCC-Jerusalem Head to Speak on Work in Holy Land BALTIMORE - In a region torn by violence, Nora Kort of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) represents a humanitarian response to the crisis that threatens so many innocent lives in the Holy Land.

Ms. Kort, IOCC’s head of office in Jerusalem, brought that message of “Hope Amid Hostility” to the United States in a four-city lecture series from Nov. 10-17.

The tour took her to Los Angeles, Detroit, Westfield,N.J., Washington and Baltimore.

An Arab Christian with nearly 20 years experience as a community development consultant, Ms. Kort spoke on IOCC’s humanitarian mission in the West Bank and beyond. IOCC, founded in 1992, is the official humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians.

“Our witness is doing good works in the Holy Land,” Ms. Kort said. “This is my contribution towards peace in my part of the world.”

IOCC’s work in the Holy Land began in 1997 with small humanitarian and development initiatives. Currently, IOCC, supported by the Greek and U.S. governments and private donors, is implementing a $2.6 million rural development project in the West Bank.

The focus of the project is 24 isolated villages, near the cities of Ramallah, Nablus and Jenin that have been adversely af-

fected by the recent violence in that region. There, IOCC, in cooperation with local partners, is addressing the humanitarian crisis through job training, clinic and community center repairs, and homebased agricultural initiatives.

In addition to long-term development, IOCC is responding to the emergency needs of people by supplying family food parcels, hygiene items and medical supplies. On Oct. 3, for example, IOCC joined with six other international relief organizations in a humanitarian convoy that delivered relief supplies to Nablus.

The distribution of food parcels to needy families in Nablus is ongoing, made possible with funding from individual donors and the Greek government.

“We are here to serve, not to be served, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ,” Ms. Kort said. “To me, this is the starting point, to bring about reconciliation among people of other faiths.”

Ms. Kort was born in Jerusalem, where her ancestors founded St. George’s Orthodox Church, opposite Mount Zion, in the 1500s.

Ms. Kort received her education in Jerusalem, Switzerland, the United States and England. She holds degrees in sociology, psychology and social work.

For more information about IOCC’s programs in the Holy Land and other parts of the world, please visit www.iocc.org.

Icon Painters Support The ‘Art’ of Orthodox Charity BALTIMORE - John Lickwar and Diamantis Cassis are artists with a heart for the humanitarian mission of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).

Icon painters by training, they have provided their artwork to IOCC for use in past Christmas giving appeals. Now their icons, and two others from Kosovo and the Republic of Georgia, are being featured in IOCC’s 2002 Christmas appeal - a “best of” collection that has received an enthusiastic response from Orthodox Christians across the country.

“IOCC is really a worthy organization and a great thing to have in the Orthodox Church,” said Mr. Cassis, 68, of Houston.

“It’s something that we (as Orthodox Christians) should have been doing long before this.”

“IOCC is an organization of integrity and strength and a genuine catalyst for a unified Orthodox philanthropy,” said Mr. Lickwar of Spring, Texas.

Lickwar began painting icons, the sacred art of the Orthodox Church, upon completing seminary studies in 1979. “I have always loved painting and drawing, and have felt drawn in by works of art, especially the icon,” said Lickwar, who studied iconography in Finland.

Most of Lickwar’s icons are commissions by churches or individuals. IOCC, the official humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians, commissioned Lickwar to paint an icon of the Nativity for its 1999 Christmas appeal.

The icon, titled “The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” is on display at IOCC’s international headquarters in Baltimore and is currently available as part of an IOCC Christmas card pack.

Cassis started painting icons in the mid1960s, “when I began getting serious about

the faith,” he said. The former abstract painter came to the United States from his native Greece in 1946, at the age of 11.

“I developed a love for this art because it was so expressive and so sophisticated,” he said. “I, as an artist, could see that it had a lot more quality to it. I couldn’t help but immerse myself in it,” he said.

Cassis’ icon “Theotokos Glykofilousa” (Sweet-kissing Mother of God) was first featured in IOCC’s 1998 Christmas appeal and also is available in the 2002 Christmas card pack.

Cassis currently is artist-in-residence at Kinkaid College Preparatory School in Houston. He is married, the father of three and a member of Annunciation Cathedral in Houston, where he teaches adult catechism classes. He is a frequent guest lecturer on Byzantine iconography.

Lickwar noted there are similarities between the icon painter and the work of IOCC. Both, in their own ways, express the love of God - the iconographer through art, and IOCC through philanthropy, he said.

Both endeavors - iconography and philanthropy - flow out of the liturgical life of the Orthodox Church, Lickwar explained. “While the icon does not exist as an object independently from its liturgical function, he said, “neither does philanthropy exist independently from the Gospel imperative, which is to see oneself in the neighbor.”

Cassis’ and Lickwar’s IOCC icons are available in a package of 10 Christmas cards, featuring five different designs, for a donation of $25. Order on-line at www.iocc.org or call toll-free 1-877-803-4622.

IOCC is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary. Since 1992, it has delivered more than $140 million in humanitarian assistance in 21 countries.

NOVEMBER 2002

Tell Me Father Why Are Priests Called ‘Father’ In Your Church?

Recently, in a conversation with someone who attends a “non-denominational” church, the question was asked: “Why are priests called ‘Father’ in your Church? This is not what the Bible teaches! Doesn’t Jesus Himself say, ‘Call no man on earth your father, for you have one Father who is in heaven.’ (Matthew 23:9).”

by Fr. Steven Tsichlis

This is simply another example of what can only be called the “fundamentalist gridlock” of some Christian groups in understanding and interpreting the Scriptures: the taking of this or that biblical passage out of context and applying it to whatever you want.

St. Athanasios, the 4th century patriarch of Alexandria in Egypt, was the first person in Christian history to definitively list those 27 books that we today call the New Testament.

A pivotal person in the formation of the New Testament canon, St. Athanasios, the 4th century bishop of Alexandria in Egypt, says that when Christians read the Bible, they are not to take passages out of context but rather to keep the “skopos”, the scope or “big picture” in mind. Let’s examine this question keeping the full scope - or “big picture” – of the Scriptures in mind.

First: the question asked seems to presuppose that this passage of Scripture should be taken literally as an absolute prohibition i.e., that no man should be called father. In other words, if we were to interpret Matthew 23:9 literally, no one could be called father, not even our biological fathers. Christians could not, for example, celebrate Fathers Day. Nor could George Washington be called “the father of our country.”

Is this what Jesus intended? Of course not! Doesn’t Jesus Himself tell the rich young man to “keep the commandments” including the one to “honor your father and mother” (Matthew 19:19)?

And when the Jews questioned Jesus about His teaching that He is “the bread of life,” doesn’t He respond to them by saying: “ I am the bread of life. Your fathers (ie the ancestors of the Jewish people who took part in the Exodus from Egypt with Moses and are therefore called the “fathers” of Israel) ate the manna in the wilderness and they died” (John 6:48-49)?

Second: What would we do with the apostle Paul? When St. Paul discusses the Exodus, doesn’t he – like Christ Himself – refer to the ancestors of the Israel of his day as “our fathers” (1 Corinthians 10:1)?

When discussing discipline in the Christian family, doesn’t he say “Fathers, do not provoke your children or they may lose heart” (Colossians 3:21).

Furthermore, with regards to spiritual fatherhood in the Christian community, to the Church in Corinth he wrote: “I do not write this to make you ashamed but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you might have 10,000 guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through the Gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:14-15).

And he describes his relationship with

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the Christians of the Church in Thessalonica as being “like a father with his children” (1 Thessalonians 2:11).

Doesn’t St. Paul, in the above passages, claim to be the spiritual father of the Corinthian and Thessalonian Churches, their father in the Gospel – Father Paul, if you will?

Third: When interpreting Matthew 23:9, it would be helpful to read the entire 23rd chapter of Matthew in order to get a proper understanding of the context of this passage.

This 23rd chapter of Matthew contains the Lord’s indictment of the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, their focus on the externals of religion without genuine repentance and a corresponding conversion of heart.

So, not only does Jesus condemn the scribes and pharisees for their use of the address “Father” in a vain and empty way, but in the very next verse says: “Nor are you to be called teachers, for you have one teacher, the Christ” (Matthew 23:10).

Yet, many contemporary non-denominational TV preachers describe themselves as “Bible teachers” and no one has ever argued that the Church should not have Sunday school teachers on the basis of this passage.

Indeed, Jesus Himself acknowledged Nicodemus to be a “teacher of Israel” (John 3:10) and in the Book of Acts we read that certain men in Antioch were called “teachers” (Acts 13:1), to give only two examples.

Therefore, as can be clearly understood when one reads the 23rd chapter of Matthew in its entirety, Jesus takes issue not with these titles and roles in and of themselves, but rather with their self-aggrandizing abuse by the scribes and Pharisees.

Fourth: The term “father” when used to address a priest is not merely an assertion of his “higher” status in the community of believers; rather, it is a term of endearment, of intimacy and love, as the apostle Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians and 1 Thessalonians, already mentioned above.

In Greek, a priest in his village is addressed as “Papa” and in Russian as “Batiushka” – both being terms of endearment and intimacy.

The spiritual fatherhood of the priest is intended to be a sign of the depth of intimacy and relationship which those in the life of the Church have with their leaders, a relationship based on the priest’s role in our second birth, our birth in the Gospel – our baptism. Just as our biological father has an important role in our birth and continuing nurture, so the priest – as the one who baptizes us – has an important role in our second birth, our birth “from above…of water and the Spirit” (John 3:3-5).

Finally: This kind of attempt to interpret the Scriptures literally and then apply a passage taken out of context in a polemical way, usually towards Roman Catholics - but by extension often towards us as Orthodox Christians as well – is, unfortunately, all too typical of much “non-denominational” Christianity.

At best, it is a misreading and misunderstanding of the Scriptures; at worst, it can be an expression of religious bigotry. Nonetheless, it remains a simple fact that the overwhelming majority of Christians in the world today (Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, etc.) – and across the 20 centuries of Church history – have addressed and continue to address their clergy as ‘Father.”

Fr. Steven Tsichlis is pastor of St. Paul Church in Irvine, CA. This regular new column is sponsored by the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council.

NOVEMBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

The Voice of

PAGE 27

Philoptochos

Denver Chapters Assist with Diocese Center Dedication DENVER – Philoptochos chapters of Metropolitan Denver, representing Assumption Cathedral and St. Catherine Church, were an integral part of the recent weekend activities associated with the dedication of the Diocese Center.

Diocese Philoptochos President Elaine Cladis, St. Catherine chapter President Valerie Ranahosseini, and Assumption chapter President Kim Pappas served on the executive staff of the planning committee. Each chapter undertook a specific event.

Assumption Cathedral Philoptochos focused on the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception.

The St. Catherine ladies chaired the banquet, attended

by some 525 guests.

Connie Maniatis of Assumption Cathedral, a past Diocese president, chaired the book fair.

Both chapters served together to present the book fair, which also featured educational lectures by Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Isaiah.

Klea Kappos, a member of the Diocese Philoptochos Board and Assumption Cathedral Philoptochos, was in charge of Sunday’s luncheon.

The two chapters assisted with baskets and sweets for the dignitaries, as well as deserts for the after-party, which featured dancing and socializing at the end of the banquet.

Holy Trinity Cathedral Philoptochos Honor Sports Medicine Pioneer NEW YORK – Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral Philoptochos honored Dr. and Mrs. James Nicholas at their 49th annual Chrysanthemum Ball held Nov. 15 at the Plaza hotel.

A pioneer in sports medicine, Dr. James Nicholas spearheaded the first hospital-based sports medicine center at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan when he founded the Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic

Orthodox Observer

FALL MEETING Members of the National Philoptochos Executive Board held their fall meeting at Archdiocese headquarters in New York in mid-October, are shown with Archbishop Demetrios and their advisor, Bishop Andonios; and (random order) President Georgia Skeadas(at left of His Eminence), 1st Vice President Maria Logus, 2nd Vice President Susan Regos, 3rd Vice President Froso Beys, Aspasia Melis, Greek secretary; Aphrodite Skeadas, treasurer; Pauline O’Neal, assistant treasurer; Yorka Linakis, legal advisor; Kassandra Romas, parliamentarian; Helen Kocolatos Demos, protocol; Georgia Vlitas, chairman of standing committees.

Trauma in 1973.

Over the years, the Cathedral Philoptochos have raised thousands of dollars for national and international philanthropies, including the Sept.

11 Relief Fund, Children’s Medical Fund, Holy Cross School of Theology, St. Basil Academy, St. Michael’s Home, the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter and Cathedral School scholarships.

Honorary ball chairmen were Mrs. George Savvaides and Mrs. Demetrios Platis, Cathedral Philoptochos President Mary Christy and the Rev. Dr. Robert G. Stephanopoulos, dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Boston Diocese Philoptochos Hold Benefit Luncheon

SUSAN REGOS, Molly Riley (chairman of Women’s Board of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago), Lee Voutiritsas, Dr. Rae-Ellen Kavey, Diocese President Mary Ann Bissias and Arlene Siavelis at presentation.

Chicago Diocese Philoptochos Gives $50,000 to Hospital

METROPOLITAN METHODIOS with luncheon organizers and chef Botsacos

Boston —The Diocese of Boston Philoptochos Charity Benefit Luncheon took place at the Newton Marriott Nov. 2.

by Helen D. Sampsonis

Among those attending the sold-out event were Metropolitan Methodios, National Philoptochos Third Vice President Froso Beys, Past National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes, the new Consul General of Greece to Boston Konstantin Bikas, Boston Diocese President Merope Kapetanakis, Chairwoman Francesca Callas, Co-chairwoman Bessie Papigiotis, Co-

chairwoman Margarita Gianakouras, the Diocese of Boston Philoptochos Board, Philoptochos chapters representing all the corners of the Boston Diocese, family, friends and supporters.

The morning started with a book signing by Executive Chef James Botsacos from the world-renowned Molyvos Restaurant in New York. He autographed the cookbook “The Foods of the Greek Islands” authored by Aglaia Kremezi, the food consultant for the restaurant. The book includes recipes by the chef.

CHICAGO – Diocese Philoptochos officials presented a $50,000 gift to Children’s Memorial Hospital at an Oct. 15 reception sponsored by the hospital.

Honorees included the Very Rev. Demetri Katzavelos, diocese chancellor; Philoptochos National Board and Diocesan Board members.

The donation, presented to Dr. Constantine Mavroudis, cardiovascular surgery division head, for the continuing Telemedicine and Educational Program, was approved at the National Philoptochos Convention in Los Angeles.

Others attending included Molly Riley, director of annual and affiliated affairs; Kay Berdusis, Telemedicine Program coordinator; Dr. Rae-Ellen Kavery, head of cardiology; Dr. Ram Yogev, head of HIVAIDS; and David O’Shinskey, Annual and Affiliated Affairs coordinator.

The doctors expressed appreciation to Philoptochos for the initial seed money

for the Telemedicine Program and thanked the Diocese Philoptochos for quilts given each year for the HIV-AIDS children and donations by the diocese chapters.

Pasadena Chapter Plans Fund-Raiser PASADENA, Calif. — St. Anthony’s Philoptochos Society will hold its 32nd annual luncheon and fashion show at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington hotel on Dec. 14.

This year’s event includes Santa’s Kitchen and Holiday Boutique, silent auction, fashions by Lourdes, caroling by the Chanteurs Show Choir and a special grand prize drawing.

Proceeds will benefit the City of Hope’s Breast Cancer Center, the PanOrthodox Retirement Center Fund and Journey House.

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NOVEMBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Youth Ministry

What’s Up..

Do Not Make Spring Break Plans Before Reading This!

Real Break has plans that you do not want to miss out on!

Throughout the month of March, universities will offer their students a break from schoolwork. Real Break is an alternative to the traditional spring break, and offers the opportunity for college students to use that time to experience the reality of Christian life.

Mission teams will travel to exciting locations to help others, experience the overwhelming presence of Christ, meet Orthodox students from around the U.S., and create incredible experiences that will change their lives and hearts forever. In addition, it is an opportunity to answer the call of Christ to feed His sheep (Jn. 21:15-17). We hope that you will join us.

challenge The

Real Break Experience

A life-changing Spring Break I recently participated in a Real Break trip to the Hogar Raphael Ayau Orphanage in Guatemala City during my spring break from college. The entire week was absolutely amazing! It was awesome in the true sense of the word!

by Noah Papas

For me, the trip was an eye opener. It made me realize for maybe the first time the opportunities that I have been given as an American. Things I used to take for granted now do not seem like necessities.

I think that this experience has put my life in a new perspective. I have a greater understanding of the world and a fuller sense of Christ’s love for all of His children.

Guatemala, as most of Central America, has many political hardships. Until about 1996 Guatemala was in a state of civil war.

A peace was instituted in 1996; however, fighting recently resumed last summer.

The conflict involves a desire by some to eradicate the Mayan natives. Many children in the orphanage are of this Mayan heritage. Poverty is also a major issue. We traveled outside of the orphanage one day and we saw some desolate places.

nuns run it. They make the orphanage selfsufficient. They have adoption offices, a social worker, developmental therapy for the children. They make their own medicine, have an infirmary, school, gymnasium and a church.

More amazing than the orphanage are the children. The nuns told us many of the children come from a history of abuse and neglect. The children at the orphanage are like little angels. They treat each other with love and respect. Many voluntarily attend church everyday. Older children participate with the chanting and Altar serving. They are truly angelic in nature. It is absolutely dumbfounding when I think about where these children started out. Christ is awesome, taking a terrible situation (outside the walls of the Hogar) and making it Heavenly.

Our trip began on Sunday, March 4.

We met up with the other 14 short-term missionaries in Houston. From Houston we flew to Guatemala as a group. We arrived in Guatemala City late at night, and we fell right to sleep. The next morning we awoke to the shouts and greetings of many of the 140 orphans.

PAGE 29

Email: youthoffice@goarch.org

OCF

Who we are and What we are doing

The Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is a ministry of the Orthodox Christian Church which oversees programs for Orthodox Christian men and women who attend schools of higher learning, including colleges and universities located mainly in the United States.

This ministry is pan-Orthodox in nature since it serves Orthodox Christians of all jurisdictions as well as those who may not have an active affiliation with any of the jurisdictions.

The OCF functions under the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA), which has a hierarchical overseer to guide and assist in this unique ministry since SCOBA encompasses the multiple canonical Orthodox jurisdictions in America.

“I went to Mexico to give of myself, and instead I feel as if I was able to take so much from the experience home with me... I have definitely learned that it is in giving that you grow.”

Real Break Mexico 2002 Each Real Break team is made up of 12 to 15 college-aged young adults and an Orthodox priest with the desire to help others and have fun. Every week in March will have several Real Break missions to choose from. Teams will work to show children God’s love in Guatemala, build hope in Mexico, and even more in Puerto Rico, San Francisco, New York, and Greece. This truly is an opportunity to let God make Himself visible to you, and its something not to be missed.

Check this out!

2003 Dates and Locations March 1-8 St. Spyridon’s Orthodox Mission - Puerto Rico, Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage – Guatemala.

March 8-15 St. Basil’s Academy - New York, Project Mexico, Ionian Village– Greece.

March 15-22 Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage - Guatemala, Raphael House - San Francisco, Project Mexico.

March 22-29 St. Spyridon’s Orthodox Mission - Puerto Rico, Project Mexico.

Registration for Real Break starts November 11th and spots fill fast, so make sure to check the OCF website at www.ocf.net for UPDATED Real Break information, trip dates and additional materials for registration.

Last year over 60 people participated in Real Break, it is a life-changing experience!

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, 83 St. Basil Rd., Garrison, New York 10524 or email: youthoffice@goarch.org

One hillside was covered with thousands of cardboard houses; the nuns described this as “invasion.” Basically, the poorest people in the already poor nation were squatting on this land. It was mindboggling. In the city, crime is on the rise.

The police are corrupt and do little to enforce any laws. The orphanage is in Zone 1 of Guatemala City, the worst part of town. The orphanage complex is walled, and has armed guards around the perimeter. In 1989 63 children were killed violently in Zone 1 alone.

That same year, 3,196 people were murdered throughout Guatemala. In Central America another major issue are the orphans. If a child is abandoned in any way, usually neglect or death of relatives, they are left to fend for themselves in the streets. The streets are such a dangerous place that it may even be the corrupt police that are committing many of the murders of children.

This is the world most of the 140 children of the Hogar come from. The orphanage is an amazing contrast to that world.

As our group leader Fr. Tim Ferguson describes it, the orphanage “is like a touch of heaven on this world.” Five Orthodox

We spent some time meeting the children, then we attended our first 2 hours of church for that day (there would be 2 more that afternoon). Not only did we have the opportunity to give alms to the children, we were exposed to a full monastic prayer life with about 200 prostrations a day.

We were not used to this one bit; however, later in the week we were aces at the prostrations and we looked forward to the services, even though they were in Spanish.

Our job over the week was to administer simple group therapy to the smaller (toddler) children.

Mostly this involved spending much one-on-one time with the children, something they rarely receive. It also included walking with them in a specific manner, singing to them when going to meals and up and down steps and also rolling them down a hill.

We were also responsible for feeding, bathing and changing the toddlers. It was amazing to see the difference in the children from the first day to the day that we left. They grew to love us, and we grew to love them.

• College Conference, two conferences, one on each coast, attended by over 350 students annually; a great mid-year school refresher.

• Real Break short-term mission trips to awesome locations; Over 200 students in the past three years choosing an alternative spring break.

• OCF.net a focus point online where many OCF resources are available.

• The Basil Leaf a student produced newsletter, covering relevant Orthodox topics to over 8000 students.

What could come!

• A Speaker Network • OCF Tour to local OCFs and campuses • OCF Mini-Granting (funding) to local chapters • Get a ride to church networkOCFs have been called “life-lines” for college students, providing them with opportunities to stay connected with and grow in the Faith. They also act as “mission centers” allowing members to share their faith with people who are not Orthodox Christians.

We have over 180 local chapters across North America. Each with the same focus on Orthodoxy and staying connected to the church during school, even growing in their faith.

Each differs in the activities they do such as retreats, bowling, movies, dinners, ethnic dinners, community service, Bible studies, or just plain hanging out. Get involved on your campus!

Contact Information: Orthodox Christian Fellowship, PO Box 249 Boston, MA 02130 Tel.: 800-919-1623 / 617-850-1356 (For Canada) Fax 617-850-1464 Email: info@ocf.net Web: www.ocf.net

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PAGE 30

NOVEMBER 2002

DIOCESE Metropolitan Iakovos Observes Feast Day

METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS OF KRINIS accompanied by Consul General Gabriel Koptsidis, entering the Abbington Banquet Hall in Glen Ellyn, in honor of his patron saint, Iakovos.

CHICAGO — The Chicago Clergy Syndesmos honored Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis spiritual head of the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Chicago with a banquet in honor of his patron saint, Iakovos. The event took place at the Abbington Banquet Hall in Glen Ellyn, Ill., Oct. 24.

Attending the banquet were pastors and faithful from the churches in the Chicago Diocese. Among those present were Consul General Gabriel and Mrs. Koptsidis; Elenie Huzagh, president of the National Council of Churches; Chris Tomaras, president SAE United States; Mary Ann Bissias, Diocese Philoptochos Board president; and Stavroula Skoura, Office of Educational Affairs of Greece.

Metropolitan Iakovos thanked Fr. Timothy Bakakos, president of the Clergy Syndesmos and other the priests for their “labor of love” to make the observance of his patron saint possible.

The Metropolitan spoke about the life of St. Iakovos and his call to “good works – works of compassion, to faith made living by caring for others in a changed and

changing world.”

His Eminence asked that the faithful keep in mind the critical ministries and needs of the parishes, the Chicago Diocese and the national ministries of the Archdiocese. He emphasized that if there ever was a time when our true faith needed to be proven by works it is now. Metropolitan Iakovos Feast Day Observance.

His Eminence concluded that “together as a diocesan family of God, we can give to the poor and thus make our offering to God Himself. Our good and merciful works can help quench the flaming fires of the world around us. In supporting positive and constructive ministries, we can hope one day together to behold the very face of God.” The young people’s Byzantine chant group under the direction of Dr. John Diveris sang hymns of our Church; Following His Eminence’s remarks, Fathers Dean Botsis, Michael Kontos, Apostolos Georgiafentis, John Kalomas, James Gordon, Michael Prevas, and Cosmas Halikakis sang sacred and secular music for His Eminence and the guests.

Boston Cathedral Plans Gala 100-Year History Celebration The Centennial Committee of the Annunciation Cathedral of Boston is planning a variety of exciting events to honor its historical past during 2003.

As the seat of the Diocese of Boston, and through providing religious inspiration and guidance for many Greek Orthodox communities of New England, the cathedral is rightly considered the region’s Mother Church.

Overlooking the famed Boston Museum of Fine Arts and nestled between the campuses of Northeastern and Wentworth Institute of Technology, the cathedral is officially designated a landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The cathedral has been served by three former deans who were elevated to high ecclesiastic offices: Fr. Joakim Alexopoulos, the first bishop of Boston who later became Metropolitan of Demetriados; Fr. Athenagoras Cavadas, who later became bishop of Boston and the first Dean of Holy Cross Theological School and Archbishop of Thyateira; and Fr. James Coucouzes, later bishop of Melita and, from 1959 to 1996, Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America and recognized as dean of all religious leaders in the United States.

Many eminent religious hierarchs and political statesmen have served at the altar or visited the cathedral, including Pa-

triarchs Athenagoras, Dimitrios and Bartholomew; metropolitans and bishops, Catholic cardinals, former U.S. presidents and numerous other political dignitaries.

To honor and share in this glorious past, a host of religious and political dignitaries, parishioners and friends are expected to attend and relive their experiences and memorable moments at the cathedral or growing up in the community.

Events planned in 2003 include: Divine Liturgy and complimentary brunch, Sunday, Jan. 12; Centennial Celebration Banquet at the John F. Kennedy Library on Saturday, March 1; Concert of Sacred Music for Sacred Places in April (date to be announced); Feast of Pentecost and community group photo at the cathedral on Sunday, June 15; Consecration of cathedral chapel in Brookline followed by reception on Saturday, Aug. 16; Afternoon grand banquet at the Boston Sheraton Hotel preceded by a liturgical celebration, Great Vespers and youth rally, Oct. 11-12; Cathedral at Pops Concert, Symphony Hall in December (date to be announced).

Centennial Committee members include: James P. Lemonias, chairman; Dr. Marica Arvanites, general co-chair.

Hall Renamed in Honor of Long-time Pastor, Presbytera CLIFTON, N.J. – St. George Church recently celebrated the 35th year of dedicated Christian leadership and service of Fr. John and Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos. During their tenure, they where instrumental in moving the parish from Passaic to Clifton.

At a luncheon hosted by Fr. John and Presbytera Margaret to celebrate with the parish their 40th wedding anniversary and 40 years of ordained service in the Lord’s Holy Vineyard, the New Jersey Diocese chancellor the Very Rev. Alexander Leondis, representing Archbishop Demetrios, read a letter proclaiming and appointing Fr. John as pastor emeritus of the community.

In addition, Fr. George Orfanakos, together with Mike Kambourakis, the parish council president, announced the renaming of the community center in their honor as the “Father John and

Fr. John and Presbytera Margaret

Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos Fellowship Hall.”

Newark’s Greek Culture Remembered in Exhibition at the Newark Public Library NEWARK, N.J. — The public library is presenting an exhibition that documents the history of the Greek Community in Newark, “Remembering Newark’s Greeks: An American Odyssey.”

The exhibition opened Oct. 21 and will be on view through Dec. 31 in the lobby and the second and third floor galleries of the main library at 5 Washington St. The New Jersey Council for the Humanities and The Newark Public Library are cosponsoring the exhibition, which is free and open to the public during library hours.

Peter Markos and Angelique Lampros, two Greek American educators from Newark, curated “Remembering Newark’s Greeks.”

They each hold a master’s degree in humanities fields and are involved actively in Greek cultural organizations, schools and the Church. During the past three years the pair has been interviewing individuals, sending questionnaires, meeting with leaders of the Greek Orthodox community and Hellenic organizations nationwide, researching, collecting and documenting the materials for the exhibition.

They have collaborated with other notable persons in their research, including George D. Tselos, Ph. D., supervisory archivist at the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island National Monument, and with Charles F. Cummings, Newark city historian and assistant director for statewide outreach at the Newark library.

This exhibition is “step two” in their project, which will culminate in the publication of a book about Newark’s Greeks.

The project also includes a Greek heritage endowment to preserve and expand the collection of materials and resources pertaining to the immigrant community that settled in Newark.

“Remembering Newark’s Greeks” encompasses more than 500 photographs in 40 glass display cases plus wall space. The exhibition’s goal is to invite public exploration of the historical and sociopolitical role of Newark’s Greek immigrant community while encouraging a general appreciation for the humanities.

It examines Newark’s role in Greek immigration and chronicles the growth and achievements of Newark’s Greek communities.

The second floor gallery features documents, photographs, maps and postcards depicting regions of emigration, clergy/liturgy, manifests, passports, ships/ arrivals and Greek regional societies and Greek American organizations, including AHEPA, and GAPA. The third floor gallery showcases businesses, family, children’s and wedding portraits, individual philanthropists, military activities and awards, Greek War Relief, American Legion Hellenic Post No. 440, War Bond drives, and Newark maps.

The lobby area depicts life in Newark.

For more information, patrons may visit the Newark Public Library website (www.npl.org) or call Charles Cummings at (973) 733-4870 The Newark Public Library has electronic/jpg files of a few of the photographs from the Greek exhibition.

Other committees and co-chairs are: Liturgical Services-Rev. Dean A. Panagos, dean; Commemorative Album – Portia Pantages, Parish Council president; Dinner Banquet — James P. Lemonia and Dr. Marica Arvanites; Luncheon Banquet — Fay Andredis and Annette Kaselis; Chapel Consecration – Rev. Dean A. Panagos and Chris Hatzopoulos; Music – Dean Limberakis; Cathedral at Pops – Bob and Kally Badavas; Finance coordinator — John Georgountzos; Video producer — George Niakaros; and

Publicity — Christopher Gussis.

The Centennial Committee welcomes assistance to make this a most memorable event. Contact Fr. Dean A. Panagos, Jim Lemonias, Portia Pantages, or call the office.

The Centennial Commemorative Album Committee wants photographs or articles of past and present cathedral events, liturgical services, distinguished church visitors and activities of organizations and committees for its booklet and documentary video. Send, bring or call the office.

NOVEMBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

commentary ‘One Nation Under God’ In June of this year, the 9th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that our Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional because of the use of two words: “under God.” The issue demands careful examination.

by Fr. Steve Denas

It pivots tightly around the interpretation of the Constitution’s First Amendment, which was enacted in 1791.

That First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

We consider the phrase “establishment of religion” to mean identifying and promoting an organized religion. Now by organized religion we mean “a particular system of faith and worship, such as the Christian religion,”so states the dictionary.

The charge against the Pledge of Allegiance is that by inserting the phrase “under God,” it allegedly promotes a religion, thereby abrogating the First Amendment and becoming unconstitutional. The key question, then, is whether or not the mention of the phrase “under God” in fact identifies and promotes a religion.

The word “God,” by definition, allows for several meanings. Search your dictionary to find that “God” is not exclusive to the Christian, Jewish, or Islamic religions. Historically, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed in a panoply of gods. They had a god of war and a god of love, among many others.

The mystery religions likewise termed their god to really be Gnosis (esoteric knowledge); others claimed Sophia (wisdom) to be their god.

Even in our time, all self-help programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, that use the Twelve-Step program, identify God as a collectively undefined “Higher Power.”

The argument of unconstitutionality also needs an historical perspective.

We necessarily look to Thomas Jefferson, one of our country’s Founding Fathers, our third American president, and the author of the Declaration of Independence (1776).

Even though raised as an Anglican Christian, in his adult life his beliefs paralleled that of a Unitarian, or of a deist.

Even in his Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which he penned in 1786, he calls “Almighty God” as “Holy Author,” and “Almighty Power.” And in the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson mentions in the first paragraph “the laws of nature and of nature’s God.” God is referred to as “Creator,” “Supreme Judge of the world,” and “Divine Providence.”

Yes, Mr. Jefferson doubted the divinity of Christ and, from a canonical point of view, could not be considered a believer in the Trinitarian God of the New Testament and of the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the undivided Christian Church. It is clear, then, that Jefferson’s “God” was not the same as that of mainstream Christianity’s “God.” You may object by supporting the side of the “atheist.” The atheist believes in no god whatsoever. Therefore his “God” is actually “No God.” Even his name “atheist” cannot escape making reference to God. The Greek word means “no God.” When a person, therefore, says the Pledge of Allegiance and it contains the phrase “one nation under God,” he does

not have to profess any personal belief in any specific religion. He is not even confessing any faith in any God, or acknowledging the existence thereof.

Moreover, he is not forced to conform his understanding to whatever understanding others may hold. In a word, his freedom is not violated.

If he is categorically opposed to the Pledge itself for whatever reason, then he should not recite it. I think in America we can allow for that.

Taking into strong consideration our American civil tradition, we cannot ignore the fact that the word “God” was in the very thought of the first colonial Americans, it was in our Government’s political declarations, it was on the lips of our esteemed American presidents.

Even in the Preamble of Pennsylvania’s State Constitution, we read these words: “We, the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance, do ordain and establish this Constitution.”

The word “God” was never meant to be ignored or forgotten. And it has appeared and does still appear on our nation’s currency, as “In God we trust.”

To pretend that this nation never considered itself under God is simply not true. To declare “one nation under God” unconstitutional is a gross misunderstanding of the First Amendment.

The arena where the results of this issue will be keenly felt, sadly, is in the elementary and secondary schools. If the Pledge of Allegiance will be deemed unconstitutional as it is said in schools today, then it could be altogether banned.

Notice that congressmen are not taking issue with the public acknowledgement of “God” as they begin each session in Congress with a prayer from the chaplain of the Congress! Notice that presidents and politicians can stand before national television and wish the people “God bless America.”

Notice, from a historical review, that even President Abraham Lincoln can proclaim and enact his Proclamation of Thanksgiving on Oct. 3, 1863. He writes: “It has seemed to me fit and proper that [the gracious gifts of the Most High God] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

Now, if we disallow our children in our schools to be aware of America as, historically speaking, “one nation under God,” then we do a great disservice to them who might thereby remain ignorant of our authentic national heritage and conscience.

Separation of church and state was never meant to introduce censorship in our political expression. The other part of the First Amendment, you will remember, is Congress will make no law “abridging the freedom of speech.”

If you tell me that I can’t mention the word “God” in the schools, then this is the worst form of censorship.

Let it not be so in America, the place we call “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Rev. Denas is pastor of the Presentation of Christ Church in East Pittsburgh, Pa., and president of the Clergy Brotherhood of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

PAGE 31

The Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas

EOCS Holds 42nd Annual Retreat

FR. JOHN BACON (OCA) presenting the Eastern Orthodox Religious Scout Growth Awards to Scouts at the 42nd Annual Eastern Orthodox Scout Retreat at St. Basil Academy.

GARRISON, N.Y. — The Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting is responsible for creating, expanding, and enhancing Eastern Christian Orthodoxy among the both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Orthodox Faith, held its 42nd North East Region annual scout retreat at St. Basil Academy.

by George Bouloukos

The retreat officially opened with an assembly and prayer from Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos. Fr. Constantine Sitaras, director of the academy was the host.

Students and seminarians from Holy Cross-Hellenic College and four seminarians from St. Vladimir’s Seminary developed and conducted a program based on the retreat theme “Faith in God.” Since this was a religious retreat, the day was treated as a Fast Day for all meals.

During the afternoon a number of priests volunteered their time by hearing confessions from the 167 Boy and Girl Scouts participating. Bishop Demetrios was extremely impressed that religion is a fundamental part of the Scouting Program.

The success of the retreat was mainly attributed to Greg Floor, the lead seminarian from Holy Cross, whose leadership and enthusiasm produced a marvelous program as well as recruiting 12 other fellow students and seminarians along with four from St. Vladimir’s Seminary to assist. Greg also conducted an adult session while the scouts were participating in the retreat events, which was well attended and received. Retreat Chairman Tony Triant of New Jersey again did an extraordinary job in chairing this event. This retreat was his 31st continuous retreat as chairman.

After a religious dinner, the scouts and their leaders gathered around a traditional campfire. Inclement weather for the entire weekend created many problems, which were rectified by Fr. Sitaras making available numerous facilities for the retreat events including use of the gym for the campfire, of course without a fire. The evening included songs and skits presented by the scouts. They were also entertained with music and songs from the Holy Cross students. The day’s activities end up with rap sessions for both the Boy and Girl Scouts.

Sunday brought the retreat to a close with a Divine Liturgy in the St. Basil Chapel with all the scouts partaking in Communion. Liturgy was performed by Fr. John Bridgewater of Massachusetts, the OCA representative to the EOCS along with Fr. Falsarella of Beacon, N.Y. and at its’ conclusion presented the Eastern Orthodox Religious Scout Awards to a great number of scouts who earned them by working along with their parish priests.

The EOCS recognizes its duty to cultivate and nurture Orthodox Christian traditions. Its beliefs accord with the Scout Law and Scout Oath, that religion is an integral part of a scout’s personal moral development.

The EOCS was created in 1960 by The Standing Conference of Eastern Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA) and is responsible to them by providing scouting religious activities for our youth on a national level.

For more information on the EOCS and their events and programs, contact, EOCS Chairman, 862 Guy Lombardo Ave, Freeport, NY 11520 Mr. Bouloukos is EOCS chairman.

Northern Arizona Mission Assigned Priest The Greek Orthodox Mission of Northern Arizona is a pan-Orthodox Christian mission that began in northern Arizona in August 1997.

This mission is under the paternal guidance of Metropolitan Anthony.

It has been the goal of the faithful Orthodox Christians living in the northern part of the state, to receive the fullness of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church by securing a full-time clergyman to serve in Northern Arizona.

The Greek Orthodox Mission of

Northern Arizona serves Orthodox Christians in Flagstaff and surrounding communities as far as Kingman and Holbrook. Fr. Nicholas Andruchow recently was assigned to the community.

Fr. Andruchow comes from Rye, N.Y. with his wife and two sons.

For further information about the Greek Orthodox Mission of Northern Arizona or the Eastern Orthodox Church contact. Fr. Nicholas Andruchow at 928-774-8279 or find us on the web at http://www.gomona.org.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 32

NOVEMBER 2002

Archbishop Celebrates Feast Day of Patron Saint celebration of the patron saint of many churches of the Archdiocese, the patron saint of his native Thessaloniki and that of himself, Archbishop Demetrios participated in several events relating to the Feast Day of St. Demetrios.

He celebrated Vespers at St. Demetrios in Merrick, N.Y., a first for the parish.

His Eminence was attended by Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos, the pastor, and nine area priests, including former St. Demetrios pastors Frs. Paul Palesty, of St. Nicholas Church in Flushing; Demetrios Moskovites of Annunciation Church, Manhattan; and Nicholas Retseles of Kimisis Church in Island Park.

In addition, participating clergy included Frs. Emmanuel Gratsias of Resurrection Church in Glen Cove, who also serves as president of the Archdiocesan District Clergy Syndesmos; Dennis Strouzas, of Archangel Michael parish in Roslyn Heights; George Kalangis of St. Markella in Wantagh; Demetrios N. Kalogredes in West Babylon and George Stavropoulos of Holy Trinity Church, Hicksville.

In

D.PANAGOS

ARCHBISHOPS Demetrios and Iakovos with the children of the Metropolitan Youth Choir of the Archdiocese, who performed a melodic repertoire at the Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral Center.

Cathedral Hall, Georgia Skeadas, National Philoptochos Society president, expressed her gratitude for the Archbishop’s continued guidance and leadership to faithful throughout the country.

Later that evening, an open house reception was held at the Archdiocesan Cathedral Center at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Manhattan. Present at the reception were members of the Archdiocesan staff, faithful from throughout the Tri-State area, as well as Archbishop Iakovos, retired head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America.

Archbishop Demetrios praised the ceaseless work of others, citing the enduring example of leadership in the person of his predecessor Archbishop Iakovos.

His Eminence reflected upon the unique history and standing of Greek Orthodox faithful in America today,

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS at Vespers of St. Demetrios Church in Merrick, N.Y., where he spoke on the importance of the community’s iconography project.

At right is Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos, pastor, and Parish Council President Tom Pragias.

A portable mosaic icon of St. Demetrios. A gift of the artist Sirio Tonelli to Archbishop Demetrios.

In his homily on St. Demetrios to the standing-roomonly congregation, the Archbishop noted the saint was highly successful in preaching the gospel and in converting people to the Christian faith.

He also recalled that, as a youth growing up in Thessaloniki, he and his friends would play at the original church of St. Demetrios in the late 1930s and “we had a strong feeling that St. Demetrios was a participant in our games. We felt his presence.”

As a result of this feeling, the Archbishop said, “in our play we knew we had to be honest.” St. Demetrios “was an integral part of our life. People felt they could rely on St. Demetrios no matter what happened.”

He also added that, in view of the many crises in contemporary society, “we feel even more the need for such protection.”

Commenting on the parish’s iconography project, Archbishop Demetrios said it was “the beginning of something magnificent. We are looking ahead to the future when the entire church will be covered by iconography.

At the end of the service, Parish Council President Tom Pragias presented His Eminence with a silver cross from Greece.

A reception hosted by St. Barbara’s Philoptochos chapter took place in the hall following the service.

On Saturday morning, the festivities of the weekend continued with the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Demetrios in Astoria, Queens.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were Bishops Dimitrios of Xanthos and Gerasimos of Krateia, as well as several clergy from the parish and local community.

In addition, a doxology service was held in celebration of OXI Day, Oct. 28. Afterwards at a reception in the

thanking God for His abundant gifts and remarking, “We are much more cognizant today of the tremendous responsibilities before us.”

On Sunday morning, His Eminence celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Demetrios in Jamaica, Queens, concluding a weekend marked by numerous services and festivities of joy and celebration.

The events of the weekend were especially welcomed by everyone in the New York community, as last year’s planned festivities for the Feast Day of St. Demetrios were overshadowed by the mourning which followed the tragic events of Sept. 11.

This year, however, Greek Orthodox faithful throughout the New York area found renewed cause to celebrate both an important saint in the Orthodox Church as well as the name day of their local and national religious leader.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Many faithful came to the Cathedral Center to wish Archbishop Demetrios “Eis Polla Eti.” (L to R) Minister of Commerce Industry and Tourism of the Republic of Cuprus Nikos Rolandis, Archbishop Iakovos, Consul General of Cyprus in New York Vassilios Phillipou and Vice-Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council Michael Jaharis, attending the musical presentation that followed.

D.PANAGOS