Orthodox Observer - October 2002

VOL. 67 NO. 1193

OCTOBER

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

2002

New Archdiocesan Council Begins Two-Year Term NEW YORK. The Archdiocesan Council discussed several reports of the Church s departments and ministries at its Sept. 27 fall meeting and welcomed some new members.

Archbishop Demetrios opened the meeting with a summary of his activities on behalf of the Church since the Clergy-Laity Congress, including attending the Orthodox Church in American s Clergy-Laity Congress, the Supreme Convention of AHEPA, a meeting of the European Community in Bucharest, Romania, which discussed the impact of Sept. 11 on the religious life of the world, and the Synaxis of Orthodox Hierarchs at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Recalling the theme of the Congress, Offering our Faith to Contemporary America, His Eminence said the concept takes on a universal dimension, because of developments throughout the world, in referring to Sept. 11 and the current situation in the Middle East. Perhaps we have planted seeds in fertile ground for developments we cannot even imagine, he said.

He also said that recent developments in Turkey seemed to facilitate the life of religious minorities.

Following his address to the Council, Archbishop Demetrios read a letter of greeting from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who acknowledged the deliberations and work on the proposed Charter by the Congress. It read, in part: It is especially noteworthy the fact that during all the deliberations of the Congress an atmosphere of cooperation and unity prevailed so that the work of the Congress was completed in peace and harmony, as it is fitting to Christians.

Furthermore, we ask you to assure the faithful of the U.S.A. that all the proposals made by them during the Clergy-Laity Congress regarding the Charter of the Holy Archdiocese of America will be considered and studied with love and full understanding, so that the final text of the Charter, which will be granted to you, constitutes a

progressive step for the Holy Archdiocese, and provides her with opportunities to develop further her potential in all fields towards an Orthodox witness of faith and Christian life in the Western Hemisphere.

His Eminence also introduced the Executive Board of the Archdiocesan Council that includes: the Eparchial Synod, Michael Jaharis, vice-chairman; Nicholas G. Bouras, treasurer; Catherine BouffidesWalsh, secretary; and George Behrakis, John Collis, Peter Dion, John Pappajohn, John Payiavlas and Anthony Stefanis.

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Celebrating

T

D. PANAGOS

THE 2002-2004 Archdiocesan Council members present at the first regular meeting.

ogether with his All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew we celebrate the 11th Anniversary since his election (October 22, 1991) as Ecumenical Patriarch and his enthronement (November 2, 1991) as spiritual leader of world-wide Orthodoxy and we extend our humble prayers, deep respect and warm congratulations.

On October 26, our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of St. Demetrios the Great Martyr, Patron Saint of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America.

The Orthodox Observer wishes to convey to our spiritual father the best wishes of all the Orthodox faithful in America and express our prayers that our Lord God may grant Him health so that He may lead us for many years. EIS POLLA ETI DESPOTA! Also celebrating his Name day on October 23rd, the feast of St. Iakovos, is the former Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of N. and S. America, our beloved and respected, Archbishop Iakovos. To His Eminence we extend our most cordial salutations and our prayers for continuous and abundant health and many years. In addition, to our current and former Archbishops we wish a happy name day to Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis (Presiding Hierarch of the Diocese of Chicago), Metropolitan Iakovos of Laodikia (Ecumenical Patriarchate), Metropolitan Demetrios of Sevastia, Director of the Patriarchal office of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and to His Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Director of the Ecumenical Office of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. ÅÉÓ ÐÏËËÁ ÅÔÇ!

Georgia Skeadas New Philoptochos President NEW YORK Archbishop has named Georgia Skeadas of Broomall, Pa., as National President of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.

The Society, with more than 475 chapters in the United States, is the official philanthropic organization of the Church in America.

It was established in 1931 by Archbishop Athenagoras.

Appointed for a two-year term, Mrs. Skeadas will coordinate with the Philoptochos Executive Committee the work of the National Board in administrating the many philanthropic activities of the Society.

These include assistance programs to Archdiocesan institutions such as St. Basil Academy and Hellenic College/ Holy Cross School of Theology, as well as programs on national and international levels including the philanthropic work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, UNICEF, a Children s Medical Fund, and many other social service projects that address homelessness, substance abuse, and health issues.

GEORGIA SKEADAS

D. PANAGOS

Born and raised in Hartford, Conn., Mrs. Skeadas is a graduate of St. Joseph College in West Hartford. She was a member of the National Philoptochos

Archbishop s Encyclical ........ u 11 Archdiocese News .............. u 2-3, 6 Around the USA ................... u 23 Challenge .............................. u 29 Classifieds ............................. u 28 Clergy Update ....................... u 24 Diocese News ...................... u30-31 Ecumenical Patriarchate ...... u 4-5 Greek Section .................... u 15- 19 HC/HC Report ................. u 9, 12-13

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Holy Scripture Readings ......... u IOCC News .............................. u Letters ...................................... u Opinions .................................. u Parish Profile ........................... u People ..................................... u Reflections .............................. u Relating to the Faith ............... u SCOBA ..................................... u Voice of Philoptochos ............ u

23 21 10 10 25 25 8 9 7 27

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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A R C H D I O C E S E

OCTOBER 2002

N E W S

Archdiocesan Council Continues Diligent Work nonical committees; and the legal committee of the Mr. Jaharis, in his comments to the council.

Council, noted several areas of progress Reports and updates the Church has made over the past year, were given by Fr. Nicholas including major projects in the Depart- Triantafilou, president of ment of Family and Marriage, the Depart- Hellenic College-Holy ment of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Cross; Fr. Mark Leondis, dithe newly created Department of Philan- rector of Youth and Young thropy and the reorganization of the Com- Adult Ministries, Fr. Nektamunications Department and other areas. rios Morrow, director of The Archdiocese must serve the par- Communications, Maria ishes so they can be true witnesses of Gos- Makedon, Archdiocesan Dispel, he said. He added that the Leader- trict Coordinator of Greek ship 100 Endowment Fund has helped to Education, Fr. Frank Marannurture new programs at Hellenic College- gos, director of Religious Holy Cross and other ministries.

Education, and Fr. Charles Archbishop Demetrios also gave a Joanides, Department of brief report on the two-day deliberations Family and Marriage. of the Eparchial Synod, which had conThe finance report cluded its meetings at the Archdiocese. He was given by John Barbasaid among the important issues discussed gallo, director of the Fiwere ways to save energy, avoiding unnec- nance Department. He essary duplication and increasing produc- emphasized the need for D. Panagos tivity by having the synodal committees parishes to fulfill their The Archdiocesan Council in Session during their first fall meeting in New York. working jointly with the archdiocesan stewardship commitments committees, with the exception of the so that the resources are available at the Synod s liturgical, monasticism, and ca- Archdiocesan and Diocesan level for the proper function of our ministries. He also announced that the financial statements of the Archdiocese for 2000-2001 are available on-line (www.goarch.org/ en/archdiocese/departments/finance/ reports.asp).

During the Sept. 27 session of the gathering of the Hierarchs of the EcuFr. Triantafilou reported that HC/ Archdiocesan Council, Archbishop Deme- menical Throne.

HC s accreditation recently was approved trios read Ecumenical Patriarch BarthoUpon the receipt and study of the for another 10-year-period. He also noted lomew s letter sent on the occasion of the detailed elements of all that transpired planned improvements to the physical meeting. during the plenary sessions of the plant of the School, including repairs to The letter praised the manner in Clergy-Laity, we express to you and to the rear entranceway of the Administra- which the 36th Biennial Clergy Laity Con- all who participated in the Congress the tion Building, work on the chapel roof, gress was conducted and thanked the par- warmest congratulations of the Holy and recent improvements to athletic ticipants for the respect and love shown Mother Church of our Lord and Savior fields. toward the Patriarchate. Further, His All Jesus Christ and of me personally for He said there is a need for more mar- Holiness acknowledged the receipt of the the spirit of dignity, decorum, mutual ried student housing, and that currently proposals of the Congress regarding the respect and responsibility shown durthere are 38 married couples with 46 chil- Charter, and he affirmed that they would ing the deliberations of the Congress. dren living on campus.

Furthermore, we express our deep be considered and studied so that the fiHe also acknowledged a $1 million nal text of the Charter constitutes a pro- satisfaction and pleasure of me persongift from Mr. and Mrs. George Kostas of gressive step for the Holy Archdiocese, ally as well as of those who constitute Houston toward the cost of a proposed providing her with opportunities to fur- the Holy and Sacred Synod for the exstudent union building, and that Dr. John pressed respect and deep love shown ther develop her potential.

D. Panagos Collis of Cleveland is organizing a fundARCHBISHOP Demetrios reads by all who participated in the Congress Patriarch Bartholomew’s letter. raiser among Cleveland-area churches. towards the Ecumenical Patriarchate Letter of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and for the emphasis on the unbroken and desirable bond with it.

It is especially noteworthy the fact Most Venerable Archbishop of America, Demetrios, esteemed representa- that during all the deliberations of the tive of the Ecumenical Throne in lands Congress an atmosphere of cooperabetween the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, tion and unity prevailed so that the beloved brother in the Holy Spirit and work of the Congress was completed co-celebrant of our Modesty, we pray in peace and harmony, as it is fitting that the grace and peace of God be with to Christians.

Furthermore, we ask you to assure your most venerable person.

We have received with joy, and sub- the faithful of the U.S.A. that all the prosequently, we have read very carefully posals made by them during the your report concerning the delibera- Clergy-Laity Congress regarding the tions of the 36th Clergy-Laity Congress Charter of the Holy Archdiocese of of the Holy Archdiocese of America, America will be considered and studwhich was held in Los Angeles. We also ied with love and full understanding, had the opportunity to exchange opin- so that the final text of the Charter, ions regarding the Congress in our which will be granted to you, constiD. Panagos tutes a progressive step for the Holy METROPOLITANS (L to R) Maximos, Iakovos, Methodios and Isaiah during the Council deliberations meeting at the Phanar during the Fifth Archdiocese, and provides her with opportunities to develop further her potential in all fields towards an OrthoDIRECTOR & MANAGING EDITOR: Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY 10001 and at additional dox witness of faith and Christian life Stavros H. Papagermanos mailing offices. The Orthodox Observer is produced entirely inin the western hemisphere. house. Past issues can be found on the Internet, at http:// EDITOR: Concluding, we evoke upon all of you www.observer.goarch.org E-mail: observer@goarch.org Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) USPS 412340 ISSN 0731-2547 the grace and infinite mercy of our God. Articles do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the

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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Praises Congress and Reassures Archdiocesan Council

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September 22, 2002

ð BARTHOLOMEW of Constantinople fervent supplicant to God for all

OCTOBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

A R C H D I O C E S E

Archbishop Praises Dynamism and Creativity of Middletown, N.Y. Parish

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New Executive Board

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. Archbishop Demetrios marked his first pastoral visit to Holy Cross Church by presiding over the Divine Liturgy and spending time viewing the new building projects the Church has commenced.

D. Panagos photos

p His Eminence, Fr. Christopher Talleos and Parish Council members. t Archbishop Demetrios was given a tour of the church grounds. q Altar boys pose for a photograph.

D. Panagos

MEMBERS of the new Executive Board of the Archdiocesan Council. (L to R) In the first row: Bishop Nicholas of Detroit, Metropolitan Methodios of Aneon (Boston), Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis (Chicago), Vice-Chairman Michael Jaharis, Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Maximos of Ainou (Pittsburgh), Metropolitan Isaiah of Proikonisos (Denver), Bishop Alexios of Atlanta and in the second row: Nicholas G. Bouras, treasurer; Catherine Bouffides-Walsh, secretary; John Collis, Peter Dion, Anthony Stefanis and John Payiavlas.

Holy Eparchial Synod Convenes for Fall Session ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM

Fr. Christopher Talleos and members of the Parish Council provided His Eminence with a guided tour of the new building projects that include a Church Hall, offices, and classrooms for Sunday and Greek afternoon school.

Although the parish is relatively small in size, only 200 families, His Eminence encouraged them to be even more dynamic and creative in their service to the Church and to maintain their zeal to grow both spiritually and as a community

Reflecting on the significance of these qualities, the Archbishop stated, Our service to God, and by extension His Church, should never be static or limited.

We must strive to offer the best of who we are without limits because we belong to the Absolute, Omnipotent, and all-loving God. The immensity and intensity of service to the Church should be therefore, analogous to the immensity and intensity of the love God showed us when He offered Himself on the Holy Cross.

Dr. Lily Macrakis Appointed Dean of Hellenic College BROOKLINE, Mass. The Office of the President announced the appointment of Dr. Lily Macrakis as dean of Hellenic College. Dr. Macrakis began her tenure Oct. 15.

The Rev. Nicholas C. Triantafilou, president, expressed that Dr. Macrakis brings to us a lifetime of sterling diakonia in higher education and a lifetime of devotion to our rich, religious and cultural heritages. We look forward to her leadership in expanding our visions for our undergraduate school.

Dr. Macrakis was born in Athens, Greece where she obtained her elementary, high school, and university education. Her degree from the University of Athens is in archaeology and history. She also holds a professoriate in French Literature and a Cambridge Proficiency in English Literature.

She has worked in museums in Greece and has traveled extensively in Greece, Western and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

She holds an A.M. from Radcliffe College and a Ph.D. degree from Harvard University.

In 1961 she was named Bunting Institute Fellow of Radcliffe. In 1987 she was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship for research in Greece.

Professor Macrakis has served Regis College as chairman of the Department of

History where she has taught courses of European history over the last thirty-nine years. She was the founder and director of the Greek Studies Program and also the director of the International Studies Program. She has offered a wide range of courses on modern Europe and Ancient and Modern Greece and lectured widely in the U.S. and Greece as visiting professor at the Universities of Crete and the Aegean.

Dr. Macrakis has served as president of the Modern Greek Studies Association and the Helicon Society of New England. She has served on many executive boards of cultural societies and programs abroad. She was instrumental in establishing the Greek Studies Group of the Center for European Studies at Harvard University and has taught as visiting professor at the Seferis Chair of Modern Greek Studies, Harvard University.

Dr. Macrakis publications include articles and monographs on the Greek statesman Eleftherios Venizelos. In the fall of 1988 she received the Academy of Athens Prize for her biography of Venizelos.

She has also been the editor of the Bulletin of the MGSA and has edited the New Trends In Modern Greek Historiography and Women And Men In Greece.

Professor Macrakis is the wife of the late Dr. Michael S. Macrakis, an applied physicist.

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened for the regular fall session on September 25 and 26, 2002, at the Archdiocese in New York.

Participating in the meeting, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, were Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis (presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Chicago), Metropolitan Maximos of Ainou (presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Pittsburgh), Metropolitan Methodios of Aneon (presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Boston), Metropolitan Isaiah of Proikonisos (presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Denver, Bishop Alexios of Atlanta, and Bishop Nicholas of Detroit.

Also in attendance was the Chief Secretary of the Eparchial Synod, Bishop Gerasimos of Krateia.

In the course of the session, the Synod addressed a number of significant issues related to the life and the activities of the Archdiocese of America, as well as critical issues facing the Church throughout the world. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios addressed the issue regarding the delay of recognition of the Patriarch of Jerusalem by the government of Israel, and he acknowledged the interest of President Bush in this matter when it was discussed at the White House meeting with the SCOBA Hierarchs on July 9. On this matter, the Synod issued a statement calling upon the State of Israel to recognize His Beatitude Irenaios as the canonically elected Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem.

The Synod also discussed the operation of the Archdiocese and the Dioceses and attention was given to identifying ways to make the Total Commitment Program more beneficial. Further, the Synod decided to merge the committees of the Synod with the committees of the Archdiocesan Council to provide for more input by members of the Council, as well as facilitate the implementation of decisions that are made in basic areas of the life of the Church. This will apply to all committees with the exception of the Synod committees on monasticism and canonical and liturgical issues. Discussion was also held on the enhancement of Greek Education for future generations of Greek-Americans and on the diocesan see and episcopal

vacancy in the Diocese of New Jersey. On this issue, a list of eligible candidates was presented to the Synod for review.

Other issues that were discussed included Youth and Campus Ministry, Inter-Orthodox relations, the meeting of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne at the Phanar last month, and the work and needs of the missionary Metropolises of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The next regular session of the Eparchial Synod will be held in the spring of 2003.

Following is the official statement of the Eparchial Synod on the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Statement of the Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on the Delay in Recognizing the Patriarch of Jerusalem Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2002, during our regular session of the Eparchial Synod, we the Hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America expressed serious concern about the ongoing failure of the Government of Israel to recognize the canonical election in August 2001 of His Beatitude Irenaios, the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Orthodoxy worldwide has been waiting more than one year for this recognition. We find this delay inexcusable and, therefore, we are forced to voice our continuing grave concern.

Without this recognition, the venerable and ancient Patriarchate of Jerusalem is unable to function as a legal entity in Israel, and is thus unable to oversee properly the Holy Shrines and property under its jurisdiction and to operate the schools, hospitals and other institutions through which it serves Greek Orthodox Christians in the Holy Land.

We call with strong hopes upon the State of Israel to recognize the canonically elected Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Irenaios, without further delay. We remain confident that the many centuries old rights of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem will be respected.

Office of the Chief Secretary of the Eparchial Synod September 30, 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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OCTOBER 2002

ARCHBISHOP S ADDRESS TO BUCHAREST CONFERENCE

The Impact of September 11 on the Religious and Social Life of People But thanks to the resilience of the American people and careful networking of resources the negative financial repercussions that resulted from the events of September 11 gradually started to diminish.

It will take, however, quite a significant amount of time and resources and an enormous coordination process on the part of the State and various corporations and agencies involved in economic development, and individual citizens of the United States, to fully recuperate and advance beyond the financial conditions existing before September 11.

The following is Archbishop Demetrios address at a recent conference of the European Parliament in Bucharest, Romania , in which he spoke on the tragedy of Sept. 11.

I express my sincere thanks for the honor given to me to address this important conference organized jointly by distinguished members of the European Parliament and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

I have had the great honor of being and speaking at the first conference of this kind in Constantinople at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1996.

Today, however, we meet here in Bucharest under different conditions. We meet under the heavy shadow of the post September 11, 2001 events.

What I am about to offer, because of the limitation of time, are some thoughts and ideas related to the basic consequences and the way life changed for the people in America in the aftermath of the horrendous terrorist attack of September 11, 2001.

In summary, I will present my comments in two groups, a) The tragic and negative impacts on life following the attacks of September 11, and b) the possible positive effects on life as consequences of the events of September 11.

Of course, what is going to be presented is primarily personal experiences drawn from direct contact with the events of September 11th, since I have the distinct yet, painful privilege to reside in the place where these unprecedented barbaric attacks took place.

A. Tragic and Negative Impacts of September 11, 2001 The negative and sad consequences of September 11 on the life of the people living in America are many and sharply differentiated. From the vast number of these consequences I would like to present three that seem to be major consequences and inclusive of some variations on the same theme.

1. The Emotional Trauma The first clearly visible impact of September 11th is the enormous pain inflicted upon thousands of people.

The people who immediately received this unexpected blow of immeasurable and tremendous emotional trauma were the families of the victims. Thousands and thousands of wives, children, parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends were involved in an emotionally heavy time filled with anxiety immediately after the first of the Twin Towers was hit by the terrorists, since trapped inside the tower were beloved people. After the collapse of the second Twin Tower, their emotions became a grim reality of devastation and death. And as the hours passed and the magnitude of the loss was gradually made known to millions of people in the greater New York area, it seemed that a gigantic wave of the most unbearable pain covered the entire megalopolis of New York and the whole of America.

I cannot forget the piercing and indescribable intensity of sorrow and pain that I felt going from funeral to funeral of the victims of the terrorist attack. You are in a church packed with thousands of people and you have in the front row pew a young widow with her three now orphan children praying at the funeral being conducted for their husband and father without the presence of a body.

In fact, many bodies of the victims who lost their lives on September 11 were never recovered. And then you go to a funeral being held at another church, with a similar scene only this time the father and the mother, two brothers and two sisters, mourn the loss of their son and brother a victim of this attack who simply disappeared from life in one of the Twin Towers.

Who could adequately and precisely describe and leave for posterity the really indescribable funeral scenes, like the ones I just shared with you, scenes that where generated by the other indescribable scene of death, of thousands of innocent people, in the Twin Towers at Ground Zero, at the Pentagon in Washington, and in Pennsylvania.

If one wants to have a most impressive image of excruciating pain and immense sadness one could simply call to mind the image of the people of America in the hours, days, and months following the morning of September 11, 2001.

2. The Existential Trauma The pain and sadness we are talking about do not belong to ordinary, expected, understandable, and easy

B. The Possible Positive Consequences of September 11

GOA

REPRESENTATIVE of the European Union People’s Party Wim Van Velsen, who served as moderator at the Bucharest conference, presents the Archbishop with an EU flag.

to deal with experiences. The tragic events of September 11 wounded humanity in such a way that immediately it sought answers to very difficult existential questions. What is human life?

Why should innocent people of all ethnicities, religions, races, who have nothing to do with anything that could justify their massacre, be killed in such a cruel way?

Why must human life, given just once to each person, be taken abruptly in the most inhuman way?

How come human beings, who possess the gift of freedom, a freedom granted to any and every person on earth, use this freedom not only to deprive others from their freedom, but from their elementary, unique, and once - and - for - all - right to live a full and peaceful life on earth? Indeed, the question arose, Does human existence have any meaning? These are questions that tormented people continuously.

On one of my earliest visits to Ground Zero, the very place where thousands of people were buried under the piles of debris, I remember as I was exiting the immediate zone of catastrophe and making my way through the people of the media, I was asked by one of them the following question, Don t you feel your faith strongly shaken if not fatally wounded by what you just saw?

It is precisely the above-mentioned questions, which I classify as an existential trauma knowing the results of the horrendous events of September 11. It is obvious that this existential trauma in conjunction with the emotional trauma of unbearable pain has a strong impact on the religious life of the people producing situations and questions that we as pastors never before encountered.

3. The Financial Trauma Even for someone who is not familiar, and not a specialist in the field of financial and economic issues, it is not difficult to observe the catastrophic impact of September 11 on the economy. New York, especially, as a central place for economic development in the United States, suffered terribly seeing within hours the collapse of her symbols of economic prosperity.

The upheaval in the financial market, the negative chain reactions in main financial enterprises like transportation, hotels, and communications, all attest to this economic catastrophe. Thousands of people were instantaneously unemployed and their families found themselves without the elementary means for survival.

We do not need to emphasize at this point the radical changes caused to millions of people because of the new unexpected financial conditions. September 11 through the resulting terrible financial conditions caused a dramatic change on the purely social level of contemporary people living in America and by extension all over the world.

As I said at the opening of my remarks, September 11 became a catalyst that brought to the surface unknown positive forces and possibilities that constitute a tremendous asset for the life of the people. Allow me to present briefly three of them that could be considered the most important, but not the only, significant positive changes.

1. The Explosion of Love In the aftermath of September 11 we experienced an explosion of something quite different than the horrendous explosions of the highjacked aircraft. We are referring to the explosion of love, care, and concern, that all of the sudden became the very characteristic of the life of the people following September 11.

This solidarity between the people of America characterized every person and transcended the boundaries of race, color, and creed. Indeed, the level of solidarity between people, who were dissimilar on many different levels, reached unbelievable proportions.

People unknown to each other came together, worked day and night together, offered their talents together, ran to help together, all in a tireless never-ending amazing explosion of love, service, and assistance.

How can I forget, and please allow me to be again personal, the scene in which people were assisting the wounded and bereaved families while others at the same time brought food and all sorts of supplies to the trauma center. Others traveled long distances to offer comfort through music and other means to the hard working volunteers, who clearly out of love push themselves to work far beyond the human limits of tiredness and long sleepless nights.

You have, for instance, the scene at St. Vincent s Hospital in Manhattan, the receiving hospital for the wounded survivors of September 11 surrounded by huge groups of volunteers bringing food to the relatives of the victims while just across the street a large group of young adults who arrived that morning from Alabama after a two day long difficult journey, sings and offers the relief of religious music to this whole huge mass of people.

Here is pain, and undeniably existential trauma, but here also is the triumph of love and charity and the beauty of people realizing and actualizing a splendid expression of unity and solidarity. This is not a personal observation, this is a common experience. Let me close this part of my remarks by another image that has been indelibly engraved in my heart.

This is the image of a long line of people waiting outside of the house of the family of one of the victims.

The line of people extends out the front gate of the home to the corner of the street and people stand there in the winter cold awaiting their turn to enter the home and express their support to the members of the family. The hour is past midnight and they have been standing for hours simply to embrace, to hug, and to let the family know that they are there for them and that they will be back again the next day, and the next day, and the next.

Their burning love for their neighbor gives them the courage to stand in a home of friend that is filled with the cold presence of death.

2. From Coexistence to Living Together After September 11 everybody almost without exception realized that we live in a world where there are religious, cultural, and financial differences, and that we cannot live in isolation any longer. People realized that the socio-economic and geo-political conditions impose, under the circumstances, the necessity to understand and learn to live with full awareness of creeds and traditions different from ours.

We used to talk about the need for developing the so-called tolerance of coexistence. After September 11

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OCTOBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ECUMENICAL

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PATRIARCHATE

PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW MEETS WITH PRODI New York Mayor Visits Ecumenical Patriarch mission invited the Ecumenical Patriarch in order to exchange some views and thus be able to continue their fruitful cooperation. The Ecumenical Patriarch met with Chairman Prodi in the afternoon of Oct. 3 and they mainly discussed the continuation of the Conference of Brussels, the bilateral academic dialogues between the Orthodox Church and Judaism on one hand; and between Christianity and Islam on the other; but also the contribution of the Orthodox Church to the conservation and the protection of the environment as well as the Joint Declaration of last June with Pope John Paul II. The next morning, His All Holiness met with the president of the European Convention, Mr. Valéry Giscard d Estaing, and preN. Manginas sented the point of view of the Romano Prodi welcomes Patriarch Bartholomew Ecumenical Patriarchate of ConThe two leaders had organized to- stantinople on the future of Europe, esgether and presided over a grand interna- pecially the expansion of the European tional and inter-religious meeting under Union mainly to countries with an Orthothe main theme The Peace of God in The dox Christian tradition.

In 1994, the Ecumenical Patriarchate World , Dec. 20-21 of last year. Some 100 prominent representatives of the three established the Office of the Orthodox monotheistic religions Christians, Jews Church at the European Union, which is and Muslims had gathered in Brussels registered in Brussels and maintains close then, adopting a common statement contacts with representatives of the European structures, and organizes congresses known as the Declaration of Brussels.

The chairman of the European Com- and colloquia.

BRUSSELS His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, arrived in Brussels Oct. 3 on the invitation of Mr. Romano Prodi, president of the European Commission.

ARCHBISHOP S ADDRESS TO BUCHAREST CONFERENCE u page 5 the prevailing feeling and thinking is that we have to move beyond a simple tolerance of coexistence to a conscious decision to live together and not simply to coexist.

This is a very positive impact because it creates a promising series of actions, efforts, and a variety of endeavors to advance cooperation among different entities, to overcome enmities that may be due to ignorance, and to cultivate a rapprochement and authentic friendship.

Indeed, fertile ground is therefore open inviting truly creative thinking, benevolent planning, and dramatic improvement of relationships between formerly opposing forces. This perspective is truly heartwarming both for the immediate and the distant future.

3. Towards a Better Understanding and Cooperation Among Religions The third major positive and beneficial result of September 11 is a new development related to the mutual understanding and further cooperation among different religious bodies.

Just three days after the attack in the afternoon of September 14th a number of religious leaders representing various religious communities of New York were invited to Ground Zero in order to offer prayers for the victims.

We stood by the side of the president of the United States, the mayor of New York, and the governor of New York, and prayed together under the shadow of the remaining skeleton of one of the towers and in front of the truly sacred ground under which were buried thousands of innocent people.

Since then there were numerous occasions where religious leaders met and discussed means of implementing common efforts to alleviate the excruciating pain, to assist in the rebuilding of what was senselessly destroyed, and to offer support to the families that suffered loss of persons, properties, and all kinds of resources.

Among those meetings, which took place within a month of the attacks, was one of prominent significance, and this was the long meeting of 26 religious leaders from all over the country with President Bush in the White House.

In this instance the occasion was given for significant discussions about coping in the most effective way with the tragic consequences of the terrorist attacks of September 11.

It is important to note that precisely because of the same tragic event a series of meetings of representatives of major faiths, which otherwise may not have occurred, started taking place not only inside America but also outside in various parts of the world. For instance, in Brussels, Assizi, Cairo and, of course, here in Bucharest.

Under the circumstances we can see a spirit developing and a willingness growing for increasing mutual knowledge and cooperation for advancing the cause of peace among the significant religious entities to which billions of the inhabitants of earth belong to today.

Conclusion I have tried to present in a telegraphic manner three major negative and three major positive results of September 11. The negatives: The emotional trauma, the existential trauma, and the financial trauma.

The positives: the explosion of love, from coexistence to living together, and towards a better understanding and cooperation Among Religions.

This has been just a less - than - elementary glimpse of a gigantic panorama that would need not simply hours or days but a long time to look at and understand, analyze, and proceed with the effort of transforming a tragedy into a triumph of good.

But this was done to give an opportunity for a contact with this panoramic view and to proclaim once more the eternal truth that human beings can reverse the irreversible, overcome the evil and the ugly, and create a world of promise and hope and vision out of the most disheartening ruins and encounter with death.

CONSTANTINOPLE. Mayor Michael Bloomberg paid a courtesy visit to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar on Sept. 21 following his journey to Greece.

His All Holiness and Mr. Bloomberg had a private meeting followed by an official reception hosted by the Patriarch in which many guests, diplomats, journalists and business representatives from several countries were present.

Although a courtesy visit, it was viewed as very important based on the statements made by both men and the fact that it was scheduled right after Bloomberg s visit to Athens.

The mayor praised the Patriarch s initiatives on environmental issues and particularly his efforts for the advancement of interdenominational dialogue and World peace.

The Ecumenical Patriarch is not only the leader of the Orthodox Church but a person N. Manginas who has made considerable ef- PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW receives forts to bring the different reli- Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the Phanar gions together so that people can understand each other and co-exist. tals, schools and other institutions first It is just what the world needs, said arose for the benefit of the population as an expression of those values.

Bloomberg.

New York continues that great tradiAccompanied by his daughter Emma and his aid, Greek-American director of tion with its philanthropic spirit and surIntergovernmental Affairs Haeda Mi- passes all great cities in its freedoms and haltses, Mayor Bloomberg also attended business creativity.

From the Statue of Liberty, symbol of a Dinner hosted by the mayor of Istanbul Ali Mufit Cutuna and toured Hagia Sophia freedom for the oppressed around the world who found new life in America, to and other sites. the United Nations and the great educaPATRIARCHAL WELCOME tional, cultural and athletic institutions, to TO MAYOR BLOOMBERG Wall Street and now Ground Zero, New We welcome our esteemed guest and York represents the best in the human friend, the Honorable Michael Bloomberg, spirit, remarkable in its resilience, goodMayor of the City of New York, the first ness, hopefulness and openness. capital of the United States, the true capiMayor Bloomberg, we are honored by tal of the world, and now, more than ever, your visit and the visit of our dear friends the capital of our hearts.

Ahmet and Mica Ertegun, together exemMayor Bloomberg, for anyone who plifying that women and men of the three has had the joy of meeting him, as did our great monotheistic faiths work together for Modesty when we visited New York, peace and justice as their special vocation.

Ground Zero and the site of our lost Saint We understand, Mr. Mayor, that you fly Nicholas Church, knows that he embod- helicopters and that your road to business ies that spirit of enterprise and energy, success was your command of technology. which is so evident in that great city that Here is where the spirit flew and crehas risen with hope and determination ated marvels of technology such as Aghia from a devastating terrorist attack.

Sophia, which means the Holy Wisdom of We know that, in reality, that tragic God. The political leaders of that time gave act of inhumanity victimized civilization the church that name, hoping that God itself and was an assault on the values we would endow them with His wisdom, and, share as members of the human family. like Solomon, that they would be wise and The majority of the 2,800 victims were just rulers. from New York itself, but the tragedy enTherefore, dear friend and honored compassed citizens of our world s many guest, we ask for God s blessing of Holy countries.

Wisdom on you that you may worthily All of them now are of blessed serve and lead the great people of New memory and we pray for their families and York. We pray for the wisdom of God to for all who were indelibly affected by those descend upon all of us present and on all tragic events. of humankind so that we may enjoy a foreBut just as we saw the spirit of New taste of His Kingdom, a future of peace York s police, firemen, rescue workers and for the people of New York and all the so many others, including political and re- people of the world. ligious leaders, most prominently our beloved brother and your neighbor, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, we continue to marvel as your city continues to thrive.

We are co-inheritors of the ancient Greek concept of the Polis, where only the engaged citizen was worthy of that name.

As Archbishop of Constantinople, New observer@goarch.org Rome, present-day Istanbul, the world s Tel (212) 570-3555 crossroads of civilization and religious faiths, we are inheritors too of priceless Fax (212) 774-0239 spiritual values, for it is here where hospi-

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ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 6

OCTOBER 2002

A R C H D I O C E S E

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Archons Make Annual Pilgrimage to Patriarchate

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NEW YORK Members of the Order of St. Andrew Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate departed for a five-day pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul on Oct. 18.

The annual visit was led

by Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, It also was to include a visit to Ankara for meetings with Turkish government officials.

The visit to Ankara would be a significant part of this year s pilgrimage, as members of the Order planned to discuss issues of religious tolerance, the reopening of Halki, and other concerns related to the function and ministry of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the officials.

This year s pilgrimage also scheduled several services and meetings with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a recep-

tion and banquet in honor of the United States Ambassador to Turkey, W. Robert Pearson, and participation in events at the Halki Theological School and Holy Trinity Monastery in honor of the 11th anniversary of the election of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle is the U.S. organization of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, an international group of church laymen recognized for outstanding service, dedication and loyalty.

While these individuals are involved in contemporary activities of service and stewardship, the designation Archon and the individual titles that are bestowed upon them date to the era of the Byzantine Empire. Currently, there are more than 800 Archons in America.

Associate Director Named at St. Photios ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. The St. Photios Foundation Permanent Board of Trustees has appointed Andrew J. Lekos as the associate director of St. Photios National Shrine, the only Greek Orthodox shrine in the United States.

Mr. Andrew Lekos joins the St. Photios National Shrine after having served as the Orthodox Christian Mission Center s project coordinator for the past 10 years.

Mr. Lekos has traveled on numerous overseas missions and participated as a speaker and facilitator at various Orthodox events around the country.

Along with his past experience, he has more than 15 years of church service, both as a volunteer and staff, and has been actively involved in creating ministry awareness.

Prior to joining the mission program of the Church, Mr. Lekos worked with ITT and AT&T corporations in Rhode Island.

Andrew and his wife, Angeliki, are

members of the Holy Trinity Church in St. Augustine.

As associate director of the shrine, Mr. Lekos duties include administration, operations, ministries, promotions and development. He considers it an honor to fulfill the role of associate director at the Shrine. His goals include enhancing the ministry and witness, and putting the St. Photios Shrine on the map as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese s national shrine.

The St. Photios National Shrine honors the memory of the first colony of Greeks in the New World. The Shrine also serves to preserve, enhance and promote the teachings of the Orthodox Church.

As a service to the Orthodox Churches and the general public, the Shrine operates a bookstore/gift shop and the National Shrine Church Supplies.

The Shrine is located in historic downtown St. Augustine (41 St. George St) and is open daily. www.stphotios.com

2nd Edition of Video News Magazine NEW YORK The Archdiocese has issued the second program of the ILLUMINATIONS series, a quarterly video magazine sent to dioceses and parishes.

Produced by the Departments of Administration and Communications in association with Greek Orthodox Telecommunications, and sponsored by the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, ILLUMINATIONS informs the faithful about the work of the Archdiocese, dioceses and Church ministries.

ILLUMINATIONS is provided at no charge, with instructions for group viewing.

ILLUMINATIONS visits the dioceses to offer a closer look at Orthodox Christian ministries and to view firsthand how hierarchs, priests and laity are making a difference in the lives of others. Segments and topics featured in the second edition are: 79th Street News: Highlights of the 36th Biennial Clergy Laity Congress Ministries in Action: Redesigned Archdiocese Web Site.

In Focus: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew s Recent Visit to America, Presentation of the Patriarch Athenagoras Award to President George H.W. and Mrs. Barbara Bush by the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate National Spotlight: Highlight of Hel-

lenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology Commencement Exercises Know Your Diocese: Highlight on the Diocese of Chicago A Must Know: This segment includes an update on the September 11 Relief Fund, the announcement of two Environmental Awards bestowed on Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the formation of the Archdiocesan Advisory Committee on Science and Technology, Leadership 100 s Grants to HC/HC Scholarship Program and the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Video Programs The Last Word: A Message from Archbishop Demetrios This video is also available on the Internet at www.goarch.org.

The Archdiocese, in partnership with the faithful,seeks to tell the story of the ministries, institutions and people within the Church. Anyone with suggestions or story ideas may call 212-570-3588 or e-mail communications@goarch.org.

Clergy Sexual Misconduct Hotline of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

(877) 554-3382

OCTOBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 7

The Standing Conference

of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas

SCOBA Hierarchs Issue Statement for International Day of Peace

D.Panagos

SCOBA and SCOOCH Hierarchs in front of St. Vartan’s Armenian Cathedral in New York.

Eastern, Oriental Orthodox Hold Annual Prayer Service for UN Personnel In languages ranging from Aramaic to Russian and from Armenian to Coptic, hymns filled St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral as leaders from various Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Christian churches joined Orthodox Christians from the United Nations community on Sept. 30.

Together they found one common united voice for peace and justice.

The quest for unity must remain a shared vocation among both our churches and the United Nations community, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), said during the sermon he delivered to the congregation of about 300 people. And it is especially fitting that such a quest should begin here, in a country that more than any other exalts the possibility of brotherhood, and its divine rewards.

This was the second year for the service, which is designed as a way to establish an Orthodox presence for the cause of world peace and understanding, and to enable Orthodox Christians to share in their common religious and cultural heritages.

The Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) and the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches (SCOOCH) organized the conference.

Our churches have ancient histories and many things in common, Archbishop Khajag told the group, which included church leaders, clergy, UN ambassadors, NGO s, employees of the U.N., and faithful from the collected churches. But only in recent times, on the shores of this great country, have we been able to give physical expression to our unity, as a routine and daily matter. Here in America, our bishops, our clergy, and most important of all, our people, have the opportunity to come together, frequently, joyfully as we have tonight.

International speakers U.N. Undersecretary-General Benon Sevan, executive director of the U.N. Office of the Iraq Program; and Ambassador Sergey Lavrov, permanent representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations were the two main speakers.

Although we have received the word of God through different methods, we all remain children of God, Mr. Sevan said.

Together we promote better understanding and respect of all faiths. Unless we love and respect our fellow human beings, we cannot love God. And it is with a love of God that the faithful of the Orthodox churches can defend freedom, Ambassador Lavrov said.

An integral part of the efforts of the

Throughout the world, Orthodox Christians pray daily for peace. These prayers are at the heart of Orthodox worship.

The Great Litany sometimes called the Litany of Peace is insistent on the centrality of peace. In peace, let us pray to the Lord For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy churches of God, and for the union for all, let us pray to the Lord.

Prayer is never an isolated action or orientation. As we pray, so we believe. As we pray, so we act. Orthodox Christians seek peace and pursue it in prayer, in faith and in action.

This is why we, the hierarchs of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas give our support to the International Day of Peace instituted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2001 to be commemorated each year on September 21. We encourage Orthodox Christians to observe this day, and call upon all our faithful, in the days ahead, to orient their prayers and actions towards peace and reconciliation. 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 U.N. Undersecretary-General Benon Sevan

Orthodox churches is to help settle conflicts and end wars, Lavrov said. The world is changing rapidly and people and nations are becoming more interdependent. So we must ensure that every country, every individual, has freedom. We were all created equal and we must remain equal and promote democracy and freedom.

Many U.N. ambassadors attended the prayer service, including those from Moldova, Armenia, the Czech Republic, the Ukraine, Russia, Finland, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Syria, and Cyprus.

Hierarchs Attending Archbishop Barsamian was the celebrant during the service. Other Oriental Orthodox hierarchs present were: Archbishop Karim, Syrian Orthodox Church; Bishop David and Bishop Yousef, Coptic Orthodox Church; Archbishop Matthias, Ethiopian Orthodox Archdiocese; Archbishop Anania and Bishop Vicken, Armenian Eastern Diocese.

Hierarchs present from the Eastern Orthodox Churches were: Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Herman, of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA); Archbishop Nicolae, Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese; Metropolitan Joseph, Bulgarian Orthodox Diocese; Archbishop Vsevelod, Ukrainian Orthodox Church; Archbishop Peter of New York (OCA); and Bishops Dimitrios of Xanthos and Savas of Troas (GOA). Also present were Metropolitan Philaret and Bishop Mercurios of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Following the service in St. Vartan s Cathedral, a reception was held in the Kavookjian Auditorium.

Co-chairmen, of the Joint SCOBA/ SCOOCH Commission are Archbishop Khajag and Bishop Dimitrios.

The U.N. event planning committee included: Rev. Emmanuel Gratsias (GOA); Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky (OCA); Rev. Anthony DeLuca, Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church; Rev. Simeon Odabashian, Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church; and Mr. Bishoy M. Mikhail, Coptic Orthodox Church.

Orthodox Observer

COMMISSION MEETS – The Social and Moral Issues Commission of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America met at the Archdiocese on Sept. 25. Among the topics discussed included three ongoing studies – genetic engineering, the Church and secular society, and human sexuality. Representing the Archdiocese were Dr. Kyriaki Fitzgerald and Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 8

OCTOBER 2002

On the Mission and Life of HC/HC Polyascholos, my friend, won t you join me for a brief respite under the hospitable wings of this historic giant oak tree, away from the singeing August sun? Come, sit down on the bench and lend the ears of your heart to the compelling voice of this marvelous work of God s creation.

by Fr. Petros Kopsahilis

The Community of St. Nektarios of Charlotte, North Carolina

In honor and remembrance of our most beloved

Saint Nektarios, the Wonderworker; who is commemorated on November 9

A group of Greek Orthodox Christians has come together to build a church community that bears his name. This community was formed four years ago and with our Lord s help and blessing serves over 200 families.

Recently we completed our first building and have received the relics of our holy father St. Nektarios We would like to invite all faithful Orthodox Christians to share in this blessing as we humbly offer our prayers for you and for your loved ones. Please submit to us the names of your loved ones, the living and those who have fallen asleep in the Lord.

All names will be commemorated and your family name will be displayed in our founders book in the narthex of our church.

May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ s blessing be upon you always and may He multiply your generosity in your own life always.

Instructions: Attach a list of names of your loved ones for whom we should pray. Also indicate if they are living or deceased. · Below print how your name should be listed in our founders book: Name:_____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ City: ___________________ State _____ Zip _____ Phone: ( ) ________________ ·

Return to St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church 5108 Kuykendall Rd. Charlotte, NC 28270 704-708-4669

The year is 1961, September 7. The time 6:30 pm, when I first met this grand tree and my life changed forever! Sitting at this very spot I encountered the Very Rev. Archimandrite Nicodemos Valindras, a fellow newcomer to America, and the new dean of the school.

Welcome, my boy, he said. I have just arrived from Greece, also, so I can t tell you very much about this place. I can tell you this, however. You have come to this seed-bed where the seed grows to produce fine upstanding young Priests for our Church in the New World. I stood in awe of the man and of the spectacular tree then, and I still do today. The man returned home to become one of the most highly respected hierarchs in the Church of Greece. Currently he is the head of the historic Metropolis of Patras. And the oak tree? Well, the oak tree still stands tall, proud, and attentive! Attentive to the innermost secrets and longings of the hearts of students, young men and women, who come to this seed-bed to become imbued: with a holistic integration of faith, learning and living; with a deep appreciation for the Orthodox Christian Faith and the Hellenic Heritage/Culture; and with a burning zeal to join the ranks of the Orthodox Christian priesthood or the ranks of their chosen lay vocation in the Church or in Society. This oak tree, Mr. Polyascholos, has been the most trusted silent confidant of every soul that ever walked upon this Holy Hill.

But listen. The spectacular size is not what makes this oak tree so special. The most impressive thing about the tree is not what it is, but what it came to be. It just staggers the mind! It s incomprehensible!

You know, of course, that this huge tree came from a tiny seed. But do you know how tiny? Do you know that the oak tree seed weighs only a mere 1/6000 of an ounce! You read correctly. That s one sixthousandth of an ounce. Can you comprehend this? The seed that grew to be this giant tree was a very tiny seed in deed, but potentially it was a mighty seed. The infinite wisdom and power of God built into that minute seed the potential to become this great oak tree.

God, my friend, does the same for us

and for the precious young men and women, who come here to study. He takes the minute seed each of them is and, like the master sower that He is, He sows them in this spiritually most fertile seed-bed for four to seven years.

Then He sends them born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. (1Peter 1:23), as good stewards of their endowed and acquitted gifts in service to the Church and Society.

September is at hand, my friend, once again. God has been so compassionate and patient with us. He is blessing us with yet another annual cycle of His love and grace. September marked the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year. It also marked the great feast day of this school and the beginning of the new academic year.

This is a very special time in the life of this hallowed Institution of Higher Learning. A time for all Greek Orthodox Faithful in this Hemisphere to rejoice. Rejoice, because the Hellenic College and the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology family is preparing to present to God the new batch of precious seed it so meticulously gathered for the new sowing.

Archbishop Demetrios, assisted by President Fr. Nicholas C. Triantafilou , and Fr. Emanuel Clapsis, dean of Holy Cross, presided over the sowing of the new seed in the presence of the entire administration/academic family; in the presence of friends and family of the new seed; and in the presence of faithful friends and stewards of the school.

The new seed, my friend, Mr. Polyascholos, will be dedicated to God, Who will carefully sow it and in due time will give it a body as He has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. (1 Cor. 15:38).

Whatever happened to the seed that went through this seed-bed over the years? , you asked me once. I will deem it my privilege to visit with you another time so we can talk about the great oak trees of the spirit and of the intellect this seed-bed produced.

Until then, join me, if you would, in chanting the beautiful Kontakion hymn of the 1st of September (Day of Indiction), as our parting prayer for us personally and for the School we love so deeply.

Creator and Lord of the ages, truly transcendent God of All, Bless the Cycle of the year, saving, O compassionate One,

by Your infinite mercy, all who worship You, the Only Master, and in owe cry out: O Redeemer, grant us all, a fruitful Year!

Cultural Foundation Sponsors First Annual Forum The American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture, founded 10 years ago in Tampa, Fla., is a public educational organization that promotes Hellenic civilization and language.

In September, its branch in Athens held an academic forum on The Role of Hellenic Paedia and Hellenic Culture in the Era of Glabalization.

Among the speakers at the two-day conference was Dr. Demetrios Constantelos, distinguished professor of history and religious studies at Stockton College in New Jersey.

He spoke on Preservation and Dissemination of the Hellenic Values through Interdisciplinary Centers - The AFGLC Strategy.

Other speakers included Professor Stephen V. Tracy, of Greek at Ohio State University; Dr. Maria Tzani, professor at

the University of Athens, Dr. Alexander Jovanovic, professor at the University of Belgrade School of Mathematical Logic; Gregory Nagy, professor of classical Greek Literature at Harvard and director of Harvard s Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington, who was the keynote speaker; Member of Parliament Professor G. Hourmouziadis, and Dr. Socrates Delivoyatzis, professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

The program also included roundtable discussions with participants that included Kostas Aggelakis and Nicholas Maroulis, Ioanna Tzanoudakis, Professor Demetrios Halkias, Professor John Balis, Dr. Agis Dallas and John Krinos, Professor Chris P. Tsokos, Professor Maria Tzani, Nancy Biska, and Professors William Murray and Deborah Kazazis.

OCTOBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 9

R E L A T I N G T O T H E Faith The Human Mind Functions Best When It Is Open At the dedication of the Richmond International Airport Chapel, the fulfillment of a dream imagined by the writer some eight years previously, an assisting clergyman introduced his message to the guests and travelers gathered on the Sunday morning worship as a rema .

by Rev. Dr. Constantine Dombalis

I was compelled for a moment to reflect to grasp, the minister employing the Greek rema for the word verb , to express action. A prayer is indeed action, for in essence it reveals we are coming to our heavenly Father for a blessing. (Prayer in the Greek language is prosefhe, lyrically interpreted, coming for a blessing.)

In moments of prayer or reflection, we often realize we are never alone. Christ Jesus is always present to assist anyone in finding meaning and fullness in life, I quote from Isaiah 41:10 Do not be afraid, for I am with you, neither lose your courage nor confidence, for I am your God. I will give you strength.

Some years ago, an entrepreneur requested a prayer at the commencement of his newly established business. He had revealed an earlier bankruptcy. Having heard in one of my sermons, Never react to an unfortunate turn of events by becoming discouraged, he was seeking to overcome an absence of confidence. The businessman added, I am continuously agitated. Without confidence and a mind free of failure, I am unable to function clearly and rationally and I fear everything around me will crumble. How do I come

H C / H C

out of this darkness into the light? I don t want to give up and I now turn to God s help. I want to shift from negative to positive thoughts, from small to great thoughts.

My heart wants to become a balloon on a string. It wants to fly up to God. A red-hot mind cannot think well. A mind focused on seeing God in our thoughts becomes cooler, stronger, and overcomes fear. God s presence in our mind enables us to function far better.

One becomes what he thinks he will become. Thinking victoriously, you will achieve. And if one lives in the body, he has power, but if one lives in the heart, the heart is paradise. Never react to an unfortunate turn of events by becoming discouraged.

Recently, I was at the post office. The postal clerk appeared to be exhausted.

When he looked up to respond, he recognized me, smiled and said, I heard you over the radio last week. You described the beautiful sunrise and sunset where one could feel the presence of the Almighty.

As I was leaving the building, I turned around, he waved with a big smile and a happy face.

One of our most successful business executives told me years ago, best ingredient for any one either in business or in a profession is to belong to Christ, for you will find others will like you for what you bring to them.

God s eternal love encompasses us all.

I have come that you may have the fullness of life. John10:10.

Fr. Dombalis is dean emeritus of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Virginia

R E P O R T

George C. Chryssis Appointed HC/HC Trustees Executive Committee Vice Chair BROOKLINE, Mass. The Office of the President announces the appointment of George C. Chryssis as vice chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for the academic years 2002-04.

Mr. Chryssis has served on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee since 1988.

For the past two years, he has chaired the Strategic Planning Committee of the Board of Trustees.

He currently serves on the boards of Northeastern and Wentworth universities, as well as Anatolia College.

The Rev. Nicholas C. Triantafilou, president, said Mr. Chryssis brings a thorough knowledge of trusteeship and a lifetime of business acumen and philanthropy.

Mr. Chryssis has an extensive career as an entrepreneur and financier, having founded and financed a number of various successful businesses in the United Sates, providing employment to hundreds of individuals and greatly contributing to the country s economic growth.

In 1979, he co-founded Power General Corporation, Canton, Mass., a successful manufacturing company of switching power supplies. He served there as vice president of operations and engineering.

While at the company, he also served as president of auto-circuits, a subsidiary of Power General.

In 1985, he founded Intelco Corpo-

ration, of Acton, Mass., a successful telecommunications fiber optics and highspeed test instrument manufacturing company, where he served as president, CFO and chairman.

In 1991, he formed G&M Enterprises, Inc., Boston, a company with interests in business development and investments.

In 1993, he co-founded two PCS telephone start up companies, where he served as an officer and director.

In 1997 he co-founded and financed Collegescape.com, Waltham, Mass., a successful Internet company where he served as chairman.

In 1999 he founded Arcadian Capital Management, LLC, an early stage venture capital investment firm, serving as president.

In 2001 he co-founded The Hellenic Voice, a weekly newspaper for the GreekAmerican community.

Mr. Chryssis, a naturalized American citizen (1978) was born in Crete, and was educated in the United States, having received bachelor (1971) and master s degrees (1977) in electrical engineering from Northeastern University and an associate degree in electrical engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology (1969).

He is married to Margo (Sayegh) and has three children, Rania, Lillian and Alexander. He resides with his family in Weston, Mass.

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ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 10

EDITORIAL

A Vital Link

In October 1973, an ambitious undertaking began with the establishment and publication of the Orthodox Observer in its newspaper format.

Our hope and desire is to create closer contact between our faithful parishioners and the Archdiocese, to facilitate a better understanding of her life, her struggles, her institutions, her plans for the future and her attempts to tighten the bonds among hearts burning with the same faith, wrote Archbishop Iakovos in the first issue, 32 years ago.

For nearly 40 years before that date, the Observer existed, as established by Archbishop Athenagoras in the early 1930s, as a monthly periodical, with a theological scope and limited circulation.

But what was needed was a communications tool that projected the modern Church, the workings of the Archdiocese and its ministries, and the progress of our communities. A medium that would develop into a vital link between the faithful was born.

You will not only be constantly informed about your church, but we expect a constant feedback, so that the church is informed about you and all of us about each other, were the words of Paul Manolis, executive editor of the Oakland (Calif.) Tribune, who had been appointed chairman of the committee to develop the new publication.

Panayiotis Gazouleas, former editor in chief of the Greek newspaper, Atlantis, became executive editor and general manager, and a young graduate of Holy Cross seminary and Yale University, James Couchell, was named associate editor and the new publication took form and became a reality.

Since then the Orthodox Observer has become a regular part of the life of the Church, reaching some 140,000 households in the U.S. that rely on this publication for not only the latest news of the local parishes and dioceses, but for spiritual nourishment in the many

u Offering Faith t Editor, The 36th Clergy-Laity Congress proclaimed Offering Our Orthodox Faith To Contemporary America. As I read this in the Orthodox Observer (June 2002 issue), I thought, our Church has taken a right direction. It happened that at the same day I watched a program on prayer on public television. Various denominations offered their views on prayer. The Orthodox Faith as usual was missed. I was saddened. The Orthodox Faith has much to offer and yet we miss many opportunities to offer our Faith.

On how many occasions of interdenominational exchange of thought and experience, our Orthodox Church has been missing. It looks that we are nonexistent in contemporary America. We are invisible.

All Christian denominations simply ignore us. So, how should we make our-

insightful articles written by many contributing clergy and theologians, as well as developments nationally and throughout the orthodox world, especially the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

It has become the vital link.

A newspaper is an alive organism as it reflects and represents the vitality and the strength of our Church. The Observer has evolved over the years.

There have been many improvements and there are more to come.

Archbishop Demetrios, as recently as the last Clergy-Laity Congress, has clearly focused on the need for intensified communications as an offering to our Parishes and faithful, an offering that will be a central task in the present and in the years to come.

The Archdiocese, under the guidance of His Eminence, has taken a great leap forward in the area of communications mainly by utilizing computer technology and the explosion of Internet and email. These new avenues of communication now exist and are being developed constantly. They provide an immediacy that the times dictate and no newspaper can provide.

The Orthodox Observer takes advantage of these new opportunities, compliments and is complimented by the strong presence of our Church in the word-wide web, diligently continues its classical publication, strives for constant improvement, is available in its entirety on the Internet and looks forward to further developments in the service of the Church and His teachings.

The bar has been raised. At the same time the cost of publishing and distributing the Observer nationally has increased many-fold. The Observer has served our Church well and has recorded faithfully its history for more than three decades. It still remains the primary communications vehicle the vital link for the Church. Thanks to the support of you, the faithful, and our loyal supporters and advertisers, will continue in that role long into the future.

selves known to the contemporary America? How can we offer our Faith to contemporary America, that has no notion of our existence? May be we should start with teaching contemporary America the Greek language that contemporary America would at least be able to follow our Liturgy performed in Greek.

Since some 34 years I am a reader of the Orthodox Observer. In all the years I won an impression that for this newspaper only the Greek Orthodox Church exists in the USA. There is no other ethnic Orthodox Faith around in the country. We just satisfied with ourselves. We simply ignore and we are ignorant of our sister ethnic Orthodox Churches in contemporary America. We Orthodox are splintered, disunited. As a splintered Church we have no voice in the contemporary America. Nobody knows us and nobody listens to us. This is our dilemma as Orthodox Christians in America.

Michael Klimenko, Professor Emeritus, Univ. of Hawaii, Honolulu

OCTOBER 2002

Archpastoral Reflections

by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America My Beloved People of God, I greet you in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, inviting us this month to consider more carefully the important work of our Holy Archdiocese in ministering to the spiritual needs of our Orthodox Christian faithful throughout the nation. This complex task, a labor of love and diligent planning is in essence our response to the call of God to offer our Orthodox Faith to contemporary America, to obey the mandate of Christ addressed to us as the Father has sent me, even so I send you (John 20:21).

The fundamental responsibility to proclaim the healing Gospel comes from our Lord Himself. Though originally directed to His Apostles, but more specifically to all Christians, this responsibility involves our clergy who encounter extraordinary challenges on a regular basis as they perform their invaluable work. Cognizant of such heavy responsibilities, our Archdiocese aims first and foremost to assist our clergy in parishes throughout our country as they respond to the sacred call of our Lord Jesus Christ. To this end, we are striving to make resources available to clergy and laity through various departments of the Archdiocese, such as the departments of Internet Ministries, Philanthropy, Marriage and Family, Religious and Greek Education, and Youth.

As we pause this month to appreciate thoroughly and increase our awareness of the invaluable contributions of clergy throughout our Archdiocese, we are particularly called to remember the guiding principle of love, which perfectly edifies, illumines, and strengthens all who respond to the sacred call of our Lord to proclaim and disseminate His Gospel. I pray that the love of God the Father may continue to direct our parishes, that He may grant continued encouragement to our clergy in their saving work, and that His abundant love may be with you always as our Holy Orthodox Church, guided by His merciful hand, continues to thrive and flourish in this blessed land.

u No War t Editor, How can so-called Christians and God fearing people even think about going to war against Iraq? How many lives did we lose in 9/11/01, and how many families were displaced due to lost family members and jobs and homes they could no longer afford?

Since when does hatred accomplish anything? It s the devil at work and by us agreeing with our President and his staff, to go to war we are supporting the devil and his efforts to destroy mankind. Does this make any sense?

In Romans 12:17, Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eye of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God s wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.

On the contrary; If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this; you will heap burning coals on his head.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Fran Glaros Clearwater, Fla.

u Interfaith Pluralismt Editor, I have been a member of St. Demetrios Church for many years. I have been teaching scripture for 45 years. I feel that there is an issue that has not been addressed, clarifying who we are and what we believe.

Many Greek Orthodox believers consider themselves to be above and better than any other denomination. It is true that we have remained true to the One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We

have not changed or reorganized any of our scripture or traditions. However, it is most important that we do not become boastful or proud in expressing who we are. As we with people of other denominations, and discuss our different believes; everyone seems to consider themselves to be a Christian. Even those of the Judaic faith. Most of the time these discussions end with one phrase. Well there is but one God ! As Christians we have become too complacent. As Christians we should know, one who is not a follower of Christ is NOT A Christian. Therefore one God is not the same God to all.

In Genesis 1:26, we read as follows.

Then God said, and now We will make human beings; they will be like Us and resemble Us. Here we are told that the Trinity was there, Father, Son, and, Holy Spirit. Father, Son, and, Holy Spirit, our God was there in the beginning as stated in Genesis Ch.1:1. Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father was there, in the beginning.

In Acts 1:26 the disciples were first called Christians, or followers of Christ.

In order to be recognized as a Christian he or she must believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of the Father. In John 14:6, Jesus Christ said; The way, the truth, and the life, our Lord Jesus Christ; He is so because of the perfect union with His Father. The way we reach the Father is forever through the Son. Jesus is the truth because He is the unique revelation of the Father, who is the goal of our journey through life.

Christ is the life, the uncreated eternal life manifested in the flesh, so that we may have eternal life. Christ said No One Comes To The Father Except Through The Son . While aspects of goodness and truth are found among all people by virtue of their being created in the image and likeness of God, salvation comes through Christ alone. John uuu

OCTOBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 11

Archiepiscopal Encyclical On the 62nd Anniversary of “Oxi Day” October 28, 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 My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, By the grace of God, we commemorate once again the anniversary of the twentyeighth of October, OXI Day. On this day in the year 1940, the world witnessed the valor of the Greek nation, which stood in defiance against the forces of fascism. Today, citizens of Greece and peoples of Hellenic heritage all over the world celebrate in thanksgiving, doxology, and prayer the enduring legacy of OXI Day bequeathed to them by their forebears. This legacy however, far from being exclusive to a particular nation or people is relevant to peoples of all nations who cherish freedom, peace, and justice.

This was not a moment in history when the stronger of two nations said No to tyranny and injustice. The decision to reject the forces that were threatening peace and freedom throughout the world was one that would require great sacrifice and struggle rather than one that offered immediate victory.

However, the stance of October 28 and the resilience of Greeks in the years that followed affirmed the understanding that submission would destroy freedom for future generations, that accommodation would hinder the establishment of peace, and that surrender would contradict the deep love for what is just and true.

As Greek Orthodox Christians and as Americans, our unique heritage allows us to appreciate the significance of OXI Day in a very special and direct way. The ideals of freedom, peace, and respect for the human person, nurtured in the cradle of Hellenic civilization and our Orthodox faith, were threatened in 1940 just as they are being threatened today by those who terrorize people and nations. Yes, our response must be a resounding NO to hatred, racism, bigotry, and terrorism. But this stance must be accompanied by the willingness to sacrifice and to struggle for peaceful coexistence, acceptance, and love.

This labor that reveals the grace of God is not one of tyranny or violence. It is not forceful reaction to perceived threats. It is a work within our homes, communities, nations, and our world that follows the example of the Prince of Peace, the one who brings any crisis to victory for the threatened or the oppressed, therefore offering hope to all nations (Matthew 12:18-21). It is an offering of our faith and our heritage that strengthens relationships, facilitates wise choices, and, ultimately, overcomes evil with good. For true freedom and enduring peace are not the results of violence, but are formed and nurtured by God in the hearts of people who will stand when necessary and say NO to the forces of hatred and tyranny.

May the commemoration of the twenty-eighth of October give us strength and conviction to share the love of Christ throughout our world, seeking peace and freedom for each person until the coming of the glorious kingdom of God where peace shall reign forever.

ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ - ÁÈÇÍÁ-ÈÅÓ/ÍÉÊÇ

With paternal love in Christ,

Archbishop DEMETRIOS of America

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...

ch. 14:9, He who has seen me has seen the Father.

Thus I ask you, haw can anyone say that we all believe in one God, if one does not believe in the Son Jesus Christ as the Son of the Father, since we need Christ to reach the Father. Yes there is but one God, but everyone does not see Him as the Christians see Him therefore, he is not the same God. Our God is the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Father, Word, and Spirit).

Dimitra Kondiles Chicago Not so. For many, many years, the Orthodox Observer has covered on a regular basis the activities of the following pan Orthodox organizations: the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, International Orthodox Christian Charities, as well as Orthodox news in a variety of other nations, most notably Albania, Russia, the Balkans and the Far East, to name a few. editor

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u Understanding Servicet Editor, I read with interest last month s Letters to the Editor where a person wrote decrying the use of only Greek in our Sunday services. She was a non-Greek who discovered our religion and really loved it.

I wish she were here in the Midwest to come to our parish, Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Merrillville, Ind. Here she will hear both Greek and English spoken interchangeably. Fr. Ted Poteras is exceptional in shifting from Greek to English and vice-versa. His assistant, Father Conjelka, who is not Greek, but understands some has an all-English service in our chapel most Sundays.

Unfortunately, we happen to be snowbirds. We go to South Florida every winter, and there it is a dismal contrast.

The priest at this church barely can read English. There hardly ever is a sermon. I could deal with that, but I know there are some non-Greeks that attend and I wonder why they do; I m sure they can t understand one word. We ll keep going because we are devoted church-goers.

Constance Pannos-Bikos Merrillville, Ind.

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PAGE 12

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

H C / H C CONFERENCE ON OLYMPIC GAMES BROOKLINE, Mass.- An international conference, Olympic Games Yesterday and Today, took place Oct. 18-19 at the college.

The eighth biennial Greek Studies Conference brought together scholars and educators from the United States and abroad who addressed the many facets of the Olympics.

Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, Hellenic College president, praised this undertaking and stated that, in continuation of our respect for the rich heritage with which we are blessed this 8th Biennial Greek Studies Conference expresses our commitment to embody and transmit the truths of our rich history and culture.

The conference opened with remarks

by Archbishop Demetrios, Fr. Triantafilou, and the new consul general of Greece in Boston, Konstantin Bikas.

David C. Young, an international authority on sports history and professor of classics at the University of Florida, offered the keynote address.

His topic was How Olympia 776 BC became Athens 2004: Origin and Authenticity of the Modern Games. Professor Young, a specialist on Pindar, has published dozens of books and articles on the Olympics and was the only American invited to an international conference convened recently in Veria, Greece honoring DemetriosVikelas, first president of the IOC and one of the top organizers of the Olympics of 1896.

The following day, Professor Constantine Santas, chairman of the English Department of Flagler College, gave a presentation on the Olympiad of 1936 that included a video from Riefensthal s film on Berlin s Olympics of 1936.

Dino Siotis, a poet and author, spoke on The Spirit of the Olympic Games in the Era of Globalization. Currently Mr. Siotis serves also as press counselor at the Greek Consulate of Boston.

Professor Constantinos Cartalis of the University of Athens and general secretary of the Olympic Games at the Greek Ministry of Culture, presented The Vision of Greece for the 2004 Olympic Games.

Professor MacAllon of the University of Chicago spoke on Lampadedromia:2004 and Its Precedents. He is an internationally known sports historian, a prolific writer, and an associate dean of the University of Chicago.

Other presentations included Professor George Kourvetaris of Northern Illinois University, who discussed The Olympic Games: Past, Present and Future from his perspective as a sociologist.

Mrs. Demetra Egan, Greeks Abroad manager Athens 2004, apprised the audience of the latest developments on the upcoming Olympic Games. Her topic was Olympic Games, the Omogeneia and Volunteerism.

Finally, Kostas Politis, education and training manager Athens 2004 spoke on Olympic education.

The conference closed with awards given to the best three essays written on this subject by Boston Diocese Greek American school students. The conference was made possible through the financial support of the Marcelle R. Varver and the C.C. Polychronis Foundations of Hellenic College, and the moral support of the Diocese of Boston with its many communities in New England, the Greek Teachers Association of New England, the Greek Consulate of Boston, the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England, and the SAE Youth Organization of Boston.

OCTOBER 2002

R E P O R T

A Promising New School Year begins BROOKLINE, Mass. Hellenic College-Holy Cross recently marked the beginning of a new school year with a weekend celebration of the Feast of the Elevation of the Most Precious and Life-giving Cross.

Traditionally, the feast also marks the official beginning of the new academic year, the return of the continuing students and the coming of the new.

The combined number of new students for the academic year 2002-2003 is 72, 45 for the School of Theology and 27 in Hellenic College. Are we translating something? quipped one of the returning students, when hearing the number seventy-two, symbolically pointing to the translation of the Old Testament we have come to know as the translation of the seventy.

As the diverse origins of the 72 indicate, there is a definite translation/maturation happening here; the translation/ maturation of Hellenic College and Holy Cross into signature schools of higher education whose appeal knows no boundaries in Orthodox Christian Ecumene.

Archbishop Demetrios, deeply moved by the experience of meeting the diverse

GOA

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS, Metropolitan Methodios and Bishop Gerasimos at Holy Cross Feast Day service in the school chapel.

HIS EMINENCE with seminarians, upon whom he bestowed the cross of the school.

new incoming students, sitting at dinner, turned to Fr. Nicholas C. Triantafilou, the dynamic president of the School and said: Fr. Nicholas, this has truly been an exciting day for the School, congratulations. A new era of hope, witness, and diakonia has dawned for the School and for Orthodoxy.

The weekend began on Friday evening with the Great Vespers of the Feast of Holy Cross executed superbly in a soul stirring sacrifice of word, prayer, and hymnody.

At the conclusion of the Great Vespers Fr. Triantafilou reflected on how the mercy of the most High has overshadowed the work and mission of Holy Cross since 1937, Hellenic College since 1968 and the diakonia of all who taught and served or continue to serve this sacred Institution.

After the president s brief welcome remarks, Fr. Emmanuel Clapsis, dean of Holy Cross presented to His Eminence and to the Hellenic College and Holy Cross community the incoming students of the School of Theology, referring to them as the smile of God upon a troubled world.

Fr. Triantafilou made the presentation

GOA

of the undergraduate incoming students in his dual capacity as acting dean of Hellenic College.

The most awe-inspiring moments, however, came when the students of both schools eligible for seminarian status were presented by Fr. Triantafilou to receive from the hand of Archbishop Demetrios the School Cross and the senior seminarians (class of 2003) received the exorassom, symbolizing the sacred commission they have been chosen of God to serve.

In inducting them to the ranks of seminarians and rassoforoi, His Eminence prayed they would be found worthy of the priestly diakonia that God entrusted not to angels but to imperfect human beings.

The spiritual rejoicing carried over to

Saturday morning s Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with three hierarchs, all Holy Cross graduates, concelebrating with Archbishop Demetrios.

They were Metropolitan Methodios of Aneon and presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Boston; Bishop Savas of Troas, Archdiocese chancellor; and Bishop Gerasimos of Krateia, chief secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese.

Witnessing first hand the loving fatherly and filial liturgical interaction between the four hierarchs and the assisting priests and deacons one could not help but remember the words of the Psalmist: You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you . your children will be like olive shoots around your table (Ps. 128:2-3).

Every Orthodox Christian in this country should be privileged at least once in their life to visit this Holy Hill and be eyewitness to such a blessing.

Referring to the glorious weekend services in the magnificent Chapel of The Holy Cross Archbishop Demetrios at some point during His paternal homily/exhortation he asked everyone present to imagine the volume of prayers and longings of the souls of all who passed through this sacred School.

If we had the technology, said His Eminence, to retrieve those prayers from the hallowed walls of this chapel we would certainly discover layers upon layers of prayers. His Eminence exhorted all present to allow the Cross of the Crucified and Resurrected Christ to become their guide to all wisdom and power in their daily lives, making reference to 1 Corinthians 1:23-24.

The weekend ended with the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Maximos of Ainou, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and former professor of dogmatic theology and beloved spiritual guide of all.

Metropolitan Maximos was on campus for the wedding of his niece.

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OCTOBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

International Conference on Orthodox Churches and Pluralism Held at Holy Cross BROOKLINE, Mass. The International Conference entitled The Orthodox Churches in a Pluralistic World: An Ecumenical Conversation concluded on Saturday, Oct. 5 with the participants adopting a statement of the proceedings.

The conference, which was held on the campus of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, was jointly sponsored by Holy Cross and the World Council of Churches, and presented in cooperation with the Boston Theological Institute and the Initiatives in Religion and Public Life of Harvard Divinity School.

Funding for the event was provided by the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, the Marcelle R. Varver Foundation, the Dr. Gregory G. Floridis Endowment, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Parish of Somerville, Mass., and the Martha Karathanasis Grant for Conferences in Memory of David Kambourelis.

The conference provided a unique forum for addressing issues of globalization,

Dr. Konrad Raiser

Nektaria Brandon

human rights, religious violence, and pluralism by bringing together many renowned theologians and scholars from throughout the world, including Archbishop Demetrios and Dr. Konrad Raiser, general secretary of the World Council of Churches.

The Very Rev. George Tsetsis, who represented the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the World Council of Churches for several years, called upon the Church to take an active role in resolving ethnic conflicts.

We are today the powerless witnesses of the end result of fragmentation, he said. When the Orthodox Church not only cannot speak as a single body but, even worse, is unable to convoke its Great Council that has been in preparation) for 41 years now.

In his remarks, the Rev. Dr. Stanley S. Harakas, professor emeritus at Holy Cross, suggested that the New Testament paradox between peace and violence would probably remain paradoxical. Even so, he said, the church s task is to do everything in its power to minimize and make unnecessary , the resort to violence, coercion, and the use of the sword, or the unnecessary use of necessary evil. He

Rev. Dr. George Tsetsis

Nektaria Brandon

added, There is no doubt in my mind that the Church has frequently been co-opted to support wars and violence in ways that do it no honor.

Others who addressed the conference included Dr. Richard Falk of Princeton University, the Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis, dean of Holy Cross, Dr. David Little of Harvard Divinity School, and Dr. Christos Yannaras of Panteion University in Greece.

The keynote address defined the challenge posed to Orthodoxy in positive terms: The pluralistic world is not an obstacle to Orthodoxy; it is rather an opportunity. In a pluralistic global society, the Orthodox Church is challenged to match her incarnational Christology with an equally incarnational ecclesiology.

In the concluding statement, participants affirmed that pluralism is defined as the reality in which all religions now find themselves. No religious community can assume a religiously homogeneous society, but must learn to function in a religious marketplace. It was pointed out that pluralism is not just another word for diversity or a mere tolerance of the other (but) an engagement, not the abdication, of differences and particularities. In fact, within Orthodox parishes in America, there is a parish pluralism, with communities comprised of members from many ethnic backgrounds and through inter-Christian marriage, various Christian traditions.

In his remarks, Archbishop Demetrios said, If we were to attach a label to St. Paul s approach to evangelism, we might call it personal pluralism. He encouraged Orthodox Christians to practice a parish pluralism, being all things to all people, to create a unity in diversity that could be a model for our whole society.

At the conclusion of the conference, the participants reviewed and adopted a general statement of the proceedings, which highlights the issues presented, and their interrelationship with the theology and mission of the Orthodox Church. This statement is also available on-line along with texts, audio, and additional conference information at http://www.goarch. org/en/special/hchc_conference/.

Alumni Gather for Anniversary Celebrations BROOKLINE, Mass. Fifty-two years have past and the alumni association has witnessed the joys and sorrows of its members, has strengthened its relationship with its alma mater and continues to grow with each graduating class of Hellenic College and Holy Cross.

The Alumni Association of Hellenic College and Holy Cross was established

in 1950 with the first officers being Fr. George Papadeas, Class of 1942, president; Rev. George Gallos, Class of 1943, vice-president; Fr. Homer Goumenis, Class of 1948, secretary; and Fr. James Christon, Class of 1944, treasurer.

u page 26

PAGE 13

Holy Cross Press Publishes Archbishop Iakovos’ Talks to Young People BROOKLINE, Mass. Holy CrossHellenic College recently honored Archbishop Iakovos with the publication of Paideia: Addresses to Young People. This constitutes the fourth volume of the series The Complete Works of Archbishop Iakovos, under the care and editing of Fr. Demetrios J. Constantelos.

Archbishop Iakovos, takes us in a marvelous tour through history of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, his visions and expectations for building a living Church, that is updated and walks positively toward the future, starting from the observation and study of our modern times. (Visions and Expectations for a Living Church: Addresses to Clergy-Laity Congresses 1960-1996).

Many other magnificent aspects of Archbishop Iakovos are unfolded as you read the countless encyclicals and letters to the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese of North and South America (The Torchbearer: Letters and Encyclicals 19591996, Part I and II).

Archbishop Iakovos, appears in these volumes as a relentless fighter of human rights, condemning the Turkish occupation of Cyprus, a powerful spiritual leader that guides the Church during the most difficult times, and a defender of the Greek language and identity.

Finally, in the fourth volume of his complete works, Archbishop Iakovos expresses his attention and care on the themes he loves the most: education and the young people. In this volume (Paideia: Addresses to Young People), a collection of speeches on educational themes in vari-

ous prestigious national and international universities from 1959 to 1996, we find the Archbishop confronting the challenges of young people and the challenges of American life, especially in the turbulent 1960s and 1970s.

He is not afraid to address himself to issues such as the Vietnam War, Watergate, the malaise of American life, and the other social and ethical issues of the days. Speaking to the idealism of youth from the realism and wisdom of his experience, he calls his audiences to connect their ideals with the ideals of the Gospel, Orthodox Faith, and the Hellenic tradition.

Throughout the Archbishop presents his concepts of the educated person, the servant, and the goals of intellectual life.

The president of HC/HC, editorial committee of the press, and Holy Cross Orthodox Press, thanks Fr. Demetrios Constantelos for his contributions in compiling and editing this monumental work

by Archbishop, and mostly extend to Archbishop Iakovos, best wishes for a long life in the Lord, and many thanks for remaining a role model for our leaders and our young. Archbishop Iakovos, thank you for making us a better Church.

To purchase the set of four volumes at a 30 percent discount, call Holy Cross Bookstore at 1-800-245-0599. The discounted price for the soft cover set is $49.80 and for the hardcover set is $74.80.

For this special occasion the bookstore will include a free copy of Breath of God, the biography of Archbishop Iakovos by Fr. George Poulos.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 14

OCTOBER 2002

Church Musicians Publish 25-Year History of Church Music in the Archdiocese The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians announces its newest publication a Silver Anniversary Commemorative Album that chronicles how the church music ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese developed from the mid-1970 s to the present its people, its events, and its accomplishments. Dr. Vicki Pappas, National Chairman, observed that the Album provides a detailed and illuminating testament to the work and accomplishments of church musicians this past quarter century.

Included in the Album are comprehensive articles by noted contemporary church musicians such as the late Dr. Frank Desby; Dr. George Demos of Denver, Presbytera Anna Gallos of Baltimore, Dr. Nicolas Maragos of Rochester, Minn; Dr. Pappas of Bloomington, Ind; and George S. Raptis of Detroit, Mich.

Desby s article describes the work of early church musicians in the 1940 s who began the liturgical music traditions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

Gallos and Maragos write of the circumstances surrounding the chartering of the National Forum in 1976 as the Archdiocese s ministry responsible for liturgical music in the parishes.

Also reproduced is an earlier article Raptis and Pappas produced for Archbishop Iakovos Commemorative Album

T H E O R T H O D OX O B S E RV E R

observer@goarch.org Tel ( 2 1 2 ) 5 7 0- 3 5 5 5 Fax ( 2 1 2 ) 774-0239

in 1995, highlighting the growth of liturgical music during the Iakovian era.

Gallos contributed a second article, Done It All? - A Silver Anniversary Epistle, calling for teaching children and youth about their rich liturgical music heritage.

Demos describes to establishment of the Church Music Endowment Drive, which grew enough to support a $100,000 contribution for a liturgical music room in the Archbishop Iakovos Learning Center and a

$250,000 endowment at Holy Cross Seminary for a visiting scholar program in liturgical music.

Pappas reviews the growth and development of church music during the past twenty-five years of the Forum s existence, and articulates the challenges church musicians must address in the 21st century.

Both Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Iakovos offered personal messages in the album.

Archbishop Demetrios extended his congratulations for this twenty-five year

span of service, growth, and progress and affirmed that the Archdiocese has been blessed by the breadth and scope of this dynamic faith witness.

Archbishop Iakovos saluted those who were and are able to preserve the treasures of our Byzantine, liturgical and unique, for that matter, music in this land of ours.

The album is filled with pictures of contemporary church musicians, at work and at leisure. Also included are histories of each of the diocesan church music federations. The information in this Commemorative Album is uniquely compiled and not available elsewhere.

George S. Raptis served as Album Editor and Sean Bieri of Detroit created the graphic design; Barbara Minton of Detroit, Peter N. Vatsures of Columbus, OH, and Chris Zervos of Toledo, Ohio provided administrative support for the project.

Publication of the Album was financed through generous contributions of individual church musicians, friends and Archons, choirs and parishes, Philoptochos chapters, and the diocesan church music federations.

Complimentary copies of the Album were mailed to each priest and choir in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, as the National Forum s gift to them in celebration of National Church Music Sunday, observed this past October 6th.

Those wishing their own copy of the Commemorative Album may contact Dr. Pappas at 1700 North Walnut Street #302, Bloomington, IN 47404, or email pappas @indiana.edu. Copies are available for $15 plus shipping and handling.

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ÅÔÏÓ 67

ÏÊÔÙÂÑÉÏÓ 2002

ÁÑÉÈÌÏÓ 1193

ÓÕÍÅÄÑÉÁÓÁÍ ÔÏ ÍÅÏ ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÉÊÏ ÓÕÌÂÏÕËÉÏ ÊÁÉ ÔÏ ÍÅÏ ÅÈÍÉÊÏ ÓÕÌÂÏÕËÉÏ ÔÇÓ ÖÉËÏÐÔÙ×ÏÕ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ - ÓõíåêëÞèçóáí õðü ôçí ðñïåäñßá ôïõ Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ ÁìåñéêÞò ê. Äçìçôñßïõ óôéò 27 Óåðôåìâñßïõ óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç ôï íÝï Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêü Óõìâïýëéï êáé ôï Óõìâïýëéï ôçò ÅèíéêÞò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ Áäåëöüôçôïò ãéá ôçí êáíïíéêÞ öèéíïðùñéíÞ óõíåäñßáóÞ ôïõò. Óôçí ðñïóöþíçóÞ ôïõ êáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá ôçò áðü êïéíïý óõíåäñéÜóåùò ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ êáé ôçò ÅèíéêÞò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ Áäåëöüôçôïò, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò êáëùóüñéóå ôá ìÝëç êáé ôüíéóå üôé áíáãíùñßæïíôáò ôï Ýñãï êáé ôçí ðñïóöïñÜ ôïõ ðñïçãïõìÝíïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ êáé ôïõ Óõìâïõëßïõ ôçò ÅèíéêÞò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ, Ý÷ïõí ãßíåé ìéêñÝò ìüíï áëëáãÝò óôçí óýóôáóç ôùí êáéíïýñãéùí óùìÜôùí. ÅðåóÞìáíå ôçí áíÜãêç íá óõíå÷éóôåß ç áîéïóçìåßùôç åñãáóßá ç ïðïßá Ý÷åé ãßíåé êáôÜ ôá ôåëåõôáßá äýï ÷ñüíéá óå üëïõò ôïõò ôïìåßò ôçò æùÞò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ. Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò áíáêïßíùóå üôé ï ê. Ìé÷áÞë Ôæá÷Üñçò èá óõíå÷ßóåé ùò áíôéðñüåäñïò ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ êáé êáëùóüñéóå ôçí ê. Ãåùñãßá ÓêéáäÜ ùò ôçí íÝá ðñüåäñï ôçò ÅèíéêÞò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ. ÊáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá ôçò óõíåäñéÜóåùò ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò äéÜâáóå åðéóôïëÞ ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïõ, ç ïðïßá åóôÜëç åð åõêáéñßá ôçò óõíåäñéÜóåùò. Ï Ðáíáãéþôáôïò äéÜ ôçò åðéóôïëÞò ôïõ (âë. ðáñáðëåýñùò óôÞëç) åðáßíåóå ôïí ôñüðï êáôÜ ôïí ïðïßï äéåîÞ÷èç ç 36ç ÊëçñéêïëáúêÞ ÓõíÝëåõóç êáé åõ÷áñßóôçóå ôïõò óõíÝäñïõò ãéá ôçí åêôßìçóç êáé áãÜðç ôçí ïðïßá åðÝäåéîáí ðñïò ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï. Åí óõíå÷åßá áíÝöåñå üôé åëÞöèçóáí ïé ðñïôÜóåéò ôçò ÊëçñéêïëáúêÞò åðß ôïõ ÓõíôÜãìáôïò êáé äéáâåâáßùóå üôé èá ëçöèïýí õð üøéí êáé èá

Óõíåäñßáóå ç É.Å. Óýíïäïò ÁÍÇÓÕ×ÉÁ ÃÉÁ ÔÇÍ ÊÁÈÕÓÔÅÑÇÓÇ ÁÍÁÃÍÙÑÉÓÅÙÓ ÔÏÕ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÏÕ ÉÅÑÏÓÏËÕÌÙÍ ÅÉÑÇÍÁÉÏÕ

ÄÇÌ. ÐÁÍÁÃÏÓ

Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò åõëüãçóå ôçí Ýíáñîç ôùí åñãáóéþí ôçò ìéêôÞò óõíåäñßáò ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ êáé ôïõ Åèíéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ ôçò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ.

ìåëåôçèïýí Ýôóé þóôå ôï ôåëéêü êåßìåíï ôïõ ÓõíôÜãìáôïò «íá áðïôåëÝóåé Ýíá ðñïïäåõôéêü âÞìá ãéá ôçí ÉåñÜ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ ÁìåñéêÞò», åîáóöáëßæïíôÜò ôçò «åõêáéñßåò þóôå íá áíáðôýîåé ðåñáéôÝñù ôéò äõíáôüôçôÝò ôçò...» ÌåôÜ áðü óýíôïìç ïìéëßá ôïõ ê. Ôæá÷Üñç, åäüèçóáí áíáöïñÝò åðß èåìÜôùí äéáêïíßáò ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ôá ïðïßá ðåñéëáìâÜíïíôáí óôçí åéóçãçôéêÞ ïìéëßá ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ Äçìçôñßïõ êáôÜ ôçí ÊëçñéêïëáúêÞ ÓõíÝëåõóç ôïõ Ëïò ¢íôæåëåò. Ï ð. Íéêüëáïò Ôñéáíôáöýëëïõ äéåõèõíôÞò ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Êïëëåãßïõ/ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý ðáñïõóßáóå ìßá åíèáññõíôéêÞ áíáöïñÜ ó÷åôéêÜ ìå ôçí ðñüïäï ôïõ Éäñýìáôïò. Áíáêïßíùóå

ôçí áíáíÝùóç ôçò ðëÞñïõò áêáäçìáúêÞò áíáãíùñßóåùò êáé ôùí äýï Ó÷ïëþí, õðïãñáììßæïíôáò üôé ï áñéèìüò åããñáöþí îåðÝñáóå êÜèå ðñïçãïýìåíï åðßðåäï ãéá äåýôåñç óõíå÷Þ ÷ñïíéÜ. Ðáñüìïéåò áíáöïñÝò êáé åêèÝóåéò ðáñïõóßáóáí ïé: ð. ÌÜñêïò ËåïíôÞò, äéåõèõíôÞò ôïõ Ãñáöåßïõ Íåïëáßáò, ð. ÍåêôÜñéïò Morrow, äéåõèõíôÞò ôïõ Ãñáöåßïõ Åðéêïéíùíéþí, ç ê. Ìáñßá Ìáêåäþí, äéåõèýíôñéá ôïõ Ãñáöåßïõ Ðáéäåßáò ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêÞò ÐåñéöÝñåéáò, ï ð. Öñáãêßóêïò Ìáñáãêüò, äéåõèõíôÞò ôïõ ãñáöåßïõ ÈñçóêåõôéêÞò Ðáéäåßáò, êáé ï ð. ÅõóôñÜôéïò (Charles) Éùáííßäçò, ôïõ ôìÞìáôïò Ïéêïãåíåßáò êáé ÃÜìùí. (Ó.Ó. Ïé ðëÞñåéò áíáöïñÝò ôùí

u óåë. 16

ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÉÊÇ ÅÃÊÕÊËÉÏÓ

28ç Ïêôùâñßïõ: ÊëçñïíïìéÜ ãéá üëïõò ôïõò ëáïýò 28ç Ïêôùâñßïõ 2002 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, Ìå ôçí ÷Üñç ôïõ Èåïý, ôéìïýìå êáé ðÜëéí ôçí åðÝôåéï ôçò 28çò Ïêôùâñßïõ, ôçò çìÝñáò ôïõ Ï×É . Ôçí çìÝñá áõôÞ ôïõ Ýôïõò 1940 ï êüóìïò Ýãéíå ìÜñôõñáò ôçò áíäñåßáò ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Ýèíïõò, ôï ïðïßï ïñèþèçêå Ýíáíôé ôùí äõíÜìåùí ôïõ Öáóéóìïý. ÓÞìåñá, ïé ðïëßôåò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò êáé üóïé Ý÷ïõìå ÅëëçíéêÞ êáôáãùãÞ áíÜ ôçí õöÞëéï åïñôÜæïõìå ìå åõãíùìïóýíç, äïîïëïãßá êáé ðñïóåõ÷Þ ôçí Üóâåóôç ìíÞìç ôçò çìÝñáò ôïõ Ï×É , ôçí ïðïßá ìáò êëçñïäüôçóáí ïé ðñüãïíïß ìáò. ÁõôÞ ç êëçñïíïìéÜ üìùò äåí áíÞêåé áðïêëåéóôéêÜ ó Ýíá óõãêåêñéìÝíï Ýèíïò Þ ëáü áëëÜ óå üëïõò ôïõò ëáïýò ôùí åèíþí åêåßíùí ðïõ ðéóôåýïõí óôçí åëåõèåñßá, ôçí åéñÞíç êáé ôç äéêáéïóýíç.

ÁõôÞ ç ÷ñïíéêÞ óôéãìÞ ôçò éóôïñßáò äåí áíáöÝñåôáé ó Ýíáí éó÷õñü ëáü ï ïðïßïò áíôÝôáîå ôï Ï×É ó Ýíáí áäýíáìï ëáü, ï ïðïßïò åêðñïóùðïýóå ôçí ôõñáííßá êáé ôçí áäéêßá. Ç áðüöáóç ãéá áíôßóôáóç óôéò äõíÜìåéò ðïõ áðåéëïýóáí ôçí åéñÞíç êáé ôçí åëåõèåñßá ïëïêëÞñïõ ôïõ êüóìïõ áðáéôïýóå ôåñÜóôéåò èõóßåò êáé áãþíåò ìÜëëïí ðáñÜ åðåöýëáóóå Üíåôç åðéêñÜôçóç. ¼ìùò ç óôÜóç áõôÞ ôçò ÅëëÜäïò ôçí 28ç Ïêôùâñßïõ êáé ç óèåíáñÞ áíôßóôáóç ôùí ÅëëÞíùí óôá ÷ñüíéá ðïõ áêïëïýèçóáí åðéâåâáßùóáí ôçí áíôßëçøç üôé ç õðïôáãÞ èá áöáéñïýóå ôçí åëåõèåñßá áðü ôéò ìåëëïíôéêÝò ãåíåÝò, ï óõìâéâáóìüò èá åìðüäéæå ôçí åãêáèßäñõóç ôçò åéñÞíçò, êáé ç õðïäïýëùóç èá åñ÷üôáí óå áíôßèåóç ìå ôçí âáèåéÜ áãÜðç ãéá ôç äéêáéïóýíç êáé ôçí áëÞèåéá. Ç ìïíáäéêÞ êëçñïíïìéÜ ðïõ Ý÷ïõìå ùò ¸ëëçíåò Ïñèüäïîïé ×ñéóôéáíïß êáé ùò Áìåñéêáíïß ìáò åðéôñÝðåé íá åêôéìÞóïõìå ôç óðïõäáéüôçôá ôçò çìÝñáò ôïõ Ï×É ìå Ýíáí ìïíáäéêü êáé Üìåóï ôñüðï. Ôá éäáíéêÜ ôçò åëåõèåñßáò, ôçò åéñÞíçò êáé ôïõ óåâáóìïý ãéá ôïí Üíèñùðï, ôá ïðïßá êáëëéåñãÞèçêáí óôï ëßêíï ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý ðïëéôéóìïý êáé ôçò Ïñèïäüîïõ ðßóôåþò

u óåë. 16

ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. Åðß äýï óõíå÷åßò çìÝñåò óõíåäñßáóå ç ÉåñÜ Åðáñ÷éáêÞ Óýíïäïò, óôéò 25 êáé 26 Óåðôåìâñßïõ, ðïõ óõíÞëèå óôçí Ýäñá ôçò ÉåñÜò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ãéá ôçí êáíïíéêÞ öèéíïðùñéíÞ ôçò óõíåäñßá ðïõ ùò óõíÞèùò ðñïçãåßôáé ôçò óýãêëéóçò ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ. Óôçí óõíåäñßáóç õðü ôçí ðñïåäñßá ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ ÁìåñéêÞò ê. Äçìçôñßïõ Ýëáâáí ìÝñïò ïé Ìçôñïðïëßôåò ÊñÞíçò ê. ÉÜêùâïò, Áßíïõ ê. ÌÜîéìïò, ÁíÝùí ê. Ìåèüäéïò êáé ÐñïéêïíÞóïõ ê. ÇóáÀáò, ðñüåäñïé áíôéóôïß÷ùò ôùí Åðéóêïðþí ÓéêÜãïõ, Ðéôóâïýñãïõ, Âïóôþíçò êáé ÍôÝíâåñ, êáé ïé Åðßóêïðïé ÁôëÜíôáò ê. ÁëÝîéïò êáé Íôéôñüúô ê. Íéêüëáïò. Ðáñþí Þôáí êáé ï Áñ÷éãñáììáôÝáò ôçò É. Óõíüäïõ Èåïö. Åðßóêïðïò Êñáôåßáò ê. ÃåñÜóéìïò. Óôçí óõíåäñßáóç åîåôÜóôçêáí êáé óõæçôÞèçêáí äéÜöïñá èÝìáôá ðïõ áöïñïýí ôçí ôñÝ÷ïõóá æùÞ êáé äñÜóç ôçò Åêêëçóßáò, êáèþò êáé óçìáíôéêÜ èÝìáôá ôá ïðïßá ç Åêêëçóßá áíôéìåôùðßæåé ðáãêïóìßùò. Ìåôáîý Üëëùí óõæçôÞèçêå ôï èÝìá ôçò åêêñåìüôçôáò ôçò áíáãíùñßóåùò ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ ôùí Éåñïóïëýìùí õðü ôçò ÉóñáçëéíÞò ÊõâåñíÞóåùò êáé ôçí óõíå÷éæüìåíç áðïôõ÷ßá ôçò íá áíáãíùñßóåé ôçí áðü Áõãïýóôïõ 2001 êáíïíéêÞ åêëïãÞ ôïõ ÌáêáñéùôÜôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ ê. Åéñçíáßïõ, ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Ïñèïäüîïõ Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ Éåñïóïëýìùí. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò åíçìÝñùóå ôçí ÉåñÜ Åðáñ÷éáêÞ Óýíïäï ãéá ôçí ðñüóöáôç óõíÜíôçóç ôïõ éäßïõ êáé ôùí Éåñáñ÷þí ôçò SCOBA ìå ôïí ðñüåäñï Bush, ï ïðïßïò Ýäåéîå åíäéáöÝñïí ãéá ôçí ôá÷åßá äéåõèÝôçóç ôïõ ðñïâëÞìáôïò. ÅêöñÜóôçêå Ýíôïíïò ðñïâëçìáôéóìüò áðü üëïõò ôïõò ðáñüíôåò ÉåñÜñ÷åò êáé áðïöáóßóèçêå ç Ýêäïóç äçëþóåùò óôçí ïðïßá ç ÉåñÜ Åðáñ÷éáêÞ Óýíïäïò ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò íá åêöñÜæåé ôïí Ýíôïíï ðñïâëçìáôéóìü ôçò. Ôï ó÷åôéêü êåßìåíï ôçò Óõíüäïõ ìåôáîý Üëëùí ôïíßæåé: «Ç Ïñèïäïîßá ðáãêïóìßùò áíáìÝíåé ôçí áíáãíþñéóç áõôÞ ðëÝïí ôïõ åíüò Ýôïõò. Èåùñïýìå ôçí êáèõóôÝñçóç áõôÞ áäéêáéïëüãçôç êáé åðïìÝíùò åßìåèá áíáãêáóìÝíïé íá åêöñÜóïõìå ôçí óõíå÷éæüìåíç êáé óïâáñÞ ìáò áíçóõ÷ßá. »Äß÷ùò ôçí ùò Üíù áíáãíþñéóç ôï óåâÜóìéï êáé áñ÷áßï Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï Éåñïóïëýìùí áäõíáôåß íá ëåéôïõñãÞóåé ùò íüìéìç ïíôüôçôá åíôüò ôïõ ÉóñáÞë, êáé ùò åê ôïýôïõ äåí äýíáôáé íá Ý÷åé ôçí êáôÜëëçëç åðéóôáóßá åðß ôùí Éåñþí ÐñïóêõíçìÜôùí êáé ôçò õðü ôçí äéêáéïäïóßáí ôïõ ðåñéïõóßáò, ïýôå íá ëåéôïõñãÞóåé ôá ó÷ïëåßá, íïóïêïìåßá êáé ôá Üëëá éäñýìáôá äéÜ ìÝóïõ ôùí ïðïßùí äéáêïíåß ôïõò Åëëçíïñèïäüîïõò ×ñéóôéáíïýò óôïõò Áãßïõò Ôüðïõò. »Ìå ðïëëÝò åëðßäåò, êáëïýìå ôçí êõâÝñíçóç ôïõ ÉóñáÞë íá áíáãíùñßóåé

u óåë. 17

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 16

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÏÊÔÙÂÑÉÏÓ 2002

Áñ÷éóå ôçí èçôåßá ôïõ ôï ÅÐÉÓÔÏËÇ ÔÏÕ ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÕ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÏÕ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêü Óõìâïýëéï 2002-2004

ÄÇÌ. ÐÁÍÁÃÏÓ

ÊáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôçò åíÜñêôÞñéáò ðñïóåõ÷Þò, (áðü áñéóôåñÜ) ïé ÈåïöéëÝóôáôïé Åðßóêïðïé ÖáóéáíÞò ê. Áíôþíéïò, ÔñùÜäïò ê. ÓÜââáò êáé ÎÜíèïõ ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò êáé óôçí ðßóù óåéñÜ äéáêñßíïíôáé ï äñ. Áíôþíéïò ËõìðåñÜêçò, ï ê. Íéêüëáïò Ìðïýñáò, ï ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò Ìüó÷ïò êáé ï ê. Áíôþíéïò ÓôåöáíÞò.

u óåë. 15 äéáöüñùí ôìçìÜôùí, êáé éäñõìÜôùí ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò âñßóêïíôáé óôçí éóôïóåëßäá ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò óôçí äéåýèõíóç: www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/ administration/council/). Ôçí Ýêèåóç ïéêïíïìéêþí ðåðñáãìÝíùí ðáñïõóßáóå ï äéåõèõíôÞò ôïõ ïéêïíïìéêïý ôìÞìáôïò ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ê.

John Barbagallo, ï ïðïßïò åðåóÞìáíå ôçí áíÜãêç Ýãêáéñçò åêðëÞñùóçò ôùí ïéêïíïìéêþí õðï÷ñåþóåùí êáé åéóöïñþí ôùí êïéíïôÞôùí Ýôóé þóôå íá åîáóöáëßæïíôáé ïé áíáãêáßïé ðüñïé ãéá ôçí óùóôÞ ëåéôïõñãßá ôùí äéáêïíéþí ôçò Åêêëçóßáò óå Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêü êáé Åðéóêïðéêü åðßðåäï. Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò ðñáãìáôïðïßçóå ôçí ïñêùìïóßá ôùí äýï óùìÜôùí êáé áíåêïßíùóå ôçí óýíèåóç ôùí Åêôåëåóôéêþí Åðéôñïðþí. Ç óýíèåóç ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ ôïõ ïðïßïõ ðñïåäñåýåé ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò êáé ðåñéëáìâÜíåé ôá ìÝëç ôçò ÉåñÜò Åðáñ÷éáêÞò

Óõíüäïõ Ý÷åé ùò åîÞò: ï ê. Ìé÷áÞë Ôæá÷Üñçò áíôéðñüåäñïò, ï ê. Íéêüëáïò Ìðïýñáò ôáìßáò, ç ê. Áéêáôåñßíç Ìðïõößäç-Walsh ãñáììáôÝáò, êáé ìÝëç ïé: ê.ê. Ãåþñãéïò Ìðå÷ñÜêçò, ÉùÜííçò Collis, Ðßôåñ Íôßïí, ÉùÜííçò Pappajohn, ÉùÜííçò Ðáãéáýëáò êáé Áíôþíéïò ÓôåöáíÞò. Ç ÅêôåëåóôéêÞ ÅðéôñïðÞ ôçò ÅèíéêÞò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ ôçò ïðïßáò ðñïåäñåýåé ç ê. Ãåùñãßá ÓêéáäÜ Ý÷åé ùò åîÞò: ê. Ìáñßá Logus- ðñþôç áíôéðñüåäñïò, ê. Susan Regos-äåýôåñç áíôéðñüåäñïò, ê. Öñüóù ÌðÝç-ôñßôç áíôéðñüåäñïò, ê. Arlene Siavelis-ãñáììáôÝáò, ê. Áóðáóßá ÌåëÞãñáììáôÝáò Åëëçíéêþí, ê. Áöñïäßôç ÓêéáäÜ-ôáìßáò, ê. Pauline O Neal-âïçèüò ôáìßá, ê. Yorka Linakis-íïìéêÞ óýìâïõëïò, ê. ÊáóóÜíäñá Ñüìá-äéáäéêáóôéêÞ óýìâïõëïò, ê. ÅëÝíç ÄÞìïõ- õðåýèõíç ðñùôïêüëëïõ, ê. Ãåùñãßá ÂëÞôá- õðåýèõíç åðéôñïðþí, êáé ùò óýìâïõëïò ç ê. Åõáíèßá ÊïíôÜêç, ðñþçí ðñüåäñïò. Ç åðïìÝíç óõíåäñßáóç ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ êáé ôçò ÅèíéêÞò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ èá ðñáãìáôïðïéçèïýí ôçí Üíïéîç ôïõ 2003.

Ç Äñ. ÁãëáÀá ÌáêñÜêç äéïñßóôçêå êïóìÞôùñ ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Êïëëåãßïõ Áíáêïéíþèçêå ðñüóöáôá áðü ôï Ãñáöåßï ôïõ ðñïÝäñïõ ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Êïëëåãßïõ êáé ôçò ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý óôï Ìðñïýêëáúí ôçò Ìáóá÷ïõóÝôçò, ï äéïñéóìüò ôçò Äñ. ÁãëáÀáò ÌáêñÜêç óôç èÝóç ôïõ êïóìÞôïñá ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Êïëëåãßïõ, ç ïðïßá åðñüêåéôï íá áíáëÜâåé êáèÞêïíôá óôéò 15 Ïêôùâñßïõ. Ï ðñüåäñïò ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò ð. Íéêüëáïò Ôñéáíôáöýëëïõ äÞëùóå üôé «ç ê. ÌáêñÜêç Ý÷åé ìáêñÜ õðçñåóßá óôçí áíþôáôç ðáéäåßá êáé äéá æùÞò áöoóßùóç óôçí èñçóêåõôéêÞ êáé ðïëéôéóôéêÞ ìáò ðáñÜäïóç. ÐñïóâëÝðïõìå ìå åëðßäá óôçí êáèïäÞãçóÞ ôçò ãéá ôçí äéåýñõíóç ôùí ïñáìÜôùí ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Êïëëåãßïõ». Ç Äñ. ÌáêñÜêç ãåííÞèçêå óôçí ÁèÞíá üðïõ êáé ôåëåßùóå ôéò åãêýêëéåò óðïõäÝò ôçò. Åßíáé áðüöïéôïò ôïõ ôìÞìáôïò Éóôïñßáò êáé Áñ÷áéïëïãßáò ôïõ ÐáíåðéóôÞìéïõ Áèçíþí. ÅðéðëÝïí Ý÷åé óðïõäÝò óôçí ÃáëëéêÞ

êáé ÁããëéêÞ Öéëïëïãßá. ÅñãÜóèçêå óå ðïëëÜ ìïõóåßá ôçò ÅëëÜäïò êáé ôáîßäåøå åêôåíþò óôçí äõôéêÞ êáé áíáôïëéêÞ Åõñþðç êáé ôçí ÌÝóç ÁíáôïëÞ. Åßíáé êÜôï÷ïò ìåôáðôõ÷éáêïý ôßôëïõ áðü ôï ÊïëëÝãéï Radcliffe êáé äéäáêôïñéêü ðôõ÷ßï áðü ôï ðáíåðéóôÞìéï ×Üñâáñíô. Ç êáèçãÞôñéá ÌáêñÜêç õðçñÝôçóå ùò Chairman ôïõ ôìÞìáôïò Éóôïñßáò ôïõ Êïëëåãßïõ Regis üðïõ êáé äßäáóêå ÅõñùðáúêÞ Éóôïñßá ôá ôåëåõôáßá 39 ÷ñüíéá. Óõã÷ñüíùò õðÞñîå éäñõôÞò êáé äéåõèýíôñéá ôïõ ðñïãñÜììáôïò Åëëçíéêþí Óðïõäþí êáé äéåõèýíôñéá ôïõ ðñïãñÜììáôïò Äéåèíþí Óðïõäþí. Äßäáîå áêüìç, ùò åðéóêÝðôçò êáèçãÞôñéá óôá ðáíåðéóôÞìéá ÊñÞôçò êáé Áéãáßïõ êáèþò êáé óôçí Ýäñá ÓåöÝñç ôïõ ðáíåðéóôçìßïõ ×Üñâáñíô. Ôï óõããñáöéêü ôçò Ýñãï ðåñéëáìâÜíåé ôçí ãíùóôÞ âéïãñáößá ôïõ Åëåõèåñßïõ ÂåíéæÝëïõ, ãéá ôçí ïðïßá ôï 1988 âñáâåýèçêå áðü ôçí Áêáäçìßá Áèçíþí.

] Éåñþôáôå [ Áñ÷éåðßóêïðå [ Áìåñéê`çò, õ ] ðÝñôéìå êáß å{ îáñ÷å [ Ùêåáí`ùí [ Áôëáíôéêï`õ ôå êáß Å éñçíéêï`õ, å[ í ] Áãß~ù Ðíåýìáôé á [ ãáðçôÝ á [ äåëöÝ êáß óõëëåéôïõñãÝ ô`çò ç ] ì`ùí Ìåôñéüôçôïò êýñéå ÄçìÞôñéå, ÷Üñéò åªéç ô`ç ~ õ ] ìåôÝñ~á ] Éåñüôçôé êáß å éñÞíç ðáñÜ Èåï`õ. [ ÁóìÝíùò å[ ëÜâïìåí êáß ìåôÜ ðïëë`çò ô`çò ðñïóï÷`çò á [ íÝãíùìåí ôÞí õ ] ìåôÝñáí {åêèåóéí ðåñß ô`çò Ëò´ Êëçñéêïëáúê`çò [åí Ëüò { Áíôæåëåò Óõíåëåýóåùò ô`çò ] Éåñ`áò [ Áñ÷éåðéóêïð`çò [ Áìåñéê`çò, ðåñß ô`çò ï ] ðïßáò åªé÷ïìåí ôÞí å[õêáéñßáí íÜ á [ íôáëëÜîùìåí á [ ðüøåéò êáôÜ ôÞí å[ í Öáíáñß~ù óõíÜíôçóéí ç ] ì`ùí å[ í ô`ù ~ ðëáéóß~ù ô`çò Å´] Éåñ`áò ÓõíÜîåùò ô`ùí ] Éåñáñ÷`ùí ôï`õ Èñüíïõ. ËçöèÝíôùí ç { äç êáß ìåëåôçèÝíôùí êáß ô`ùí ëåðôïìåñ`ùí óôïé÷åßùí ðåñß ô`ùí êáôÜ ôÞí ÊëçñéêïëáúêÞí ôáýôçí ÓõíÝëåõóéí ãåíïìÝíùí å[ í ] Ïëïìåëåß~á å[ êôåí`ùí óõæçôÞóåùí êáß å[ êöñáóèåéó`ùí á [ ðüøåùí, å[ êöñÜæïìåí õ ] ì¡éí êáß ð`áóé ôï¡éò Óõíåëåýóåùò ôÜ å{ íèåñìá óõã÷áñçôÞñéá ô`çò Ìçôñüò ] Áãßáò ôï`õ ×ñéóôï`õ ÌåãÜëçò [ Åêêëçóßáò êáß ô`çò ç ] ìåôÝñáò Ìåôñéüôçôïò ðñïóùðéê` ù ò äéÜ ôÞí [ å í ðíåýìáôé [ á îéïðñåðåßáò, êïóìéüôçôïò, õ ] ðåõèõíüôçôïò êáß á [ ìïéâáßïõ óåâáóìï`õ äéåîáãùãÞí ô`ùí óõæçôÞóåùí, ù ] ò êáß ôÞí éêáíïðïßçóéí êáß å[õáñÝóêåéáí ]çì`ùí êáß ô`çò ]çì`áò ] Áãßáò êáß ] Éåñ`áò Óõíüäïõ äéÜ ôÞí êáôÜ ôÜò óõæçôÞóåéò ôáýôáò å[ êöñáóèå¡éóáí å[õëáâ`ç êáß âáèå¡éáí á [ ãÜðçí ðÜíôùí ðñüò ôü Ï éêïõìåíéêüí Ðáôñéáñ÷å¡éïí, ï é ìåôÜ ôï`õ ï ] ðïßïõ äåóìïß å[ ôïíßóèçóáí ù ] ò å[ ðéèõìçôïß êáß á { ññçêôïé. Å®éíáé {áîéïí é äéáéôÝñáò å[ îÜñóåùò ôü ãåãïíüò ï } ôé êáè }ïëçí ôÞí äéÜñêåéáí ô`çò Óõíåëåýóåùò [åðåêñÜôçóåí [áôìüóöáéñá öéëáäåëöåßáò êáß ]åíüôçôïò êáß }ïíôùò á é [åñãáóßáé á[õô`çò [åðåñáôþèçóáí [åí å éñÞí~ç êáß ]ïìïíïß~á, ]ùò ]áñìüæåé å éò ÷ñéáóôéáíïýò. Ðáñáêáëï`õìåí, äéáâåâáéþóáôå ôïýò å[ í ôá¡éò ] ÇíùìÝíáéò Ðïëéôåßáéò ô`çò[ Áìåñéê`çò ðñïóöéëå¡éò ðéóôïýò ï } ôé ï } ëáé á é êáôÜ ôÞí å[ í ëüã~ù ÊëçñéêïëáúêÞí ÓõíÝëåõóéí ãïíüìåíáé ðñïôÜóåéò [áíáöïñéê`ùò ðñüò ôü Óýíôáãìá ô`çò ] Éåñ`áò [ Áñ÷éåðéóêïð`çò [ Áìåñéê`çò èÜ ëçöèï`õí õ ] ð ï { øéí êáß èÜ ìåëåôçèï`õí ìåô á [ ãÜðçò êáß êáôáíïÞóåùò, ù } óôå ôü ôåëéêüí êåßìåíïí ôï`õ ÓõíôÜãìáôïò, ôü ]ïðï¡éïí èÜ ÷ïñçãçè~`ç, íÜ [áðïôåë~`ç â`çìá ðñïüäïõ [åí Èå~ù ` ô`çò êáè õ ] ì`áò ] Éåñ`áò [ Áñ÷éåðéóêïð`çò êáß íÜ ðáñÝ÷~ç ôÞí äõíáôüôçôá ï } ðùò á}õôç á [ íáðôýî~ç ðëÞñùò ôü äõíáìéêüí á[õô`çò êáß ðñïóöÝñ~ç á [ ðïôåëåóìáôéê`ùò ôÞí [ Ïñèüäïîïí ìáñôõñßáí ðßóôåùò êáß ÷ñéóôéáíéê`çò æù`çò å éò ôü Äõôéêüí ç ] ìéóöáßñéïí. [ Åðß äÝ ôïýôïéò, å[ ðéêáëïýìåèá å[ ö õ ] ì`áò ôÞí ÷Üñéí êáß ôü á { ðåéñïí å{ ëåïò ôï`õ Èåï`õ. â ~ â´ Óåðôåìâñßïõ êæ´

Áãéáóìüò ãéá ôï íÝï Äéïéêçôéêü Óõìâïýëéï

ÄÇÌ. ÐÁÍÁÃÏÓ

Ôá ìÝëç ôïõ Ä.Ó. ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò ìå ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÄçìÞôñéï, ôïí Èåïö. Åðßóêïðï Áðáìåßáò ê. ÂéêÝíôéï êáé ôïí Ãåí. Ðñüîåíï ôçò Êýðñïõ óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç ê. Âáóßëç Öéëßððïõ.

ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ Ìå ôçí ôåëåôÞ ôïõ áãéáóìïý ðïõ ôÝëåóå ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò Üñ÷éóå ôçí èçôåßá ôïõ ôï íÝï Äéïéêçôéêü Óõìâïýëéï ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò Åëëçíéêþí Óùìáôåßùí Ìåßæïíïò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò. Ç ôåëåôÞ ôïõ áãéáóìïý êáé ôçò ïñêùìïóßáò ðïõ áêïëïýèçóå, ðñáãìáôïðïéÞèçêå óôï «ÓôáèÜêåéï», ôï éäéüêôçôï êôßñéï ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò óôçí Áóôüñéá ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò áíÜìåóá óôá ëßãá ëüãéá ðïõ áðçýèõíå óôá ìÝëç ôïõ Ä.Ó. êáé óôïõò åêðñïóþðïõò ôùí ïìïãåíåéáêþí ïñãáíéóìþí êáé óõëëüãùí, ôüíéóå ôçí áíÜãêç ãéá åðáãñýðíçóç êáé åíôáôéêïðïßçóç ôùí ñõèìþí ëåéôïõñãßáò üëùí ôùí öïñÝùí êáé éäéáßôåñá ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò. Óçìåßùóå äå üôé ç èçôåßá ôïõò óõìðßðôåé ÷ñïíéêÜ ìå óçìáíôéêÜ ãåãïíüôá êáé åîåëßîåéò ðïõ áíáìÝíïíôáé óôá ÅèíéêÜ èÝìáôá üðùò ç áíÜëçøç ôçò ðñïåäñßáò ôçò ÅõñùðáúêÞò ¸íùóçò áðü ôçí ÅëëÜäá, ç ïëïêëÞñùóç ôçò åíôáîéáêÞò ðïñåßáò ôçò Êýðñïõ êáé ç ðéèáíÞ åðßôåõîç ìïíßìïõ êáé äßêáéçò ëýóçò ôïõ ÷ñïíßæïíôïò Êõðñéáêïý ðñïâëÞìáôïò

êáèþò êáé ç äéåîáãùãÞ ôùí Ïëõìðéáêþí óôçí ÁèÞíá ôï 2004. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò åîÞñå ôï Ýñãï ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò óçìåéþíïíôáò üôé ç åôÞóéá äéåîáãùãÞ ôçò åèíéêÞò ðáñÝëáóçò óôçí 5ç ëåùöüñï äåí ðñÝðåé íá áðïôåëåß ôï ìïíáäéêü ìÝëçìá ôïõ Ä.Ó. áëëÜ ìÜëëïí ôçí êáôáêëåßäá ôùí Üëëùí äñáóôçñéïôÞôùí ôçò ÷ñïíéÜò.

Ï ðñüåäñïò ôçò Ïìïóðïíäßáò Áð. Ôïìüðïõëïò äÝ÷åôáé ôçí åõëïãßá ôïõ ÓåâáóìéùôÜôïõ.

ÏÊÔÙÂÑÉÏÓ 2002

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 17

ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÉÊÇ ÅÃÊÕÊËÉÏÓ

28ç Ïêôùâñßïõ: ÊëçñïíïìéÜ ãéá üëïõò ôïõò ëáïýò u óåë. 15

Ôá ìÝëç ôçò ÉåñÜò Åðáñ÷éáêÞò Óõíüäïõ êáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôùí åñãáóéþí ôçò. Ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÄçìÞôñéï ðåñéâÜëëïõí (áðü áñéóôåñÜ) ï Åðßóêïðïò Êñáôåßáò ÃåñÜóéìïò (áñ÷éãñáììáôåýò) ï Åðßóêïðïò ÁôëÜíôáò ÁëÝîéïò, ïé Ìçôñïðïëßôåò ÁíÝùí Ìåèüäéïò, ÊñÞíçò ÉÜêùâïò, Áßíïõ ÌÜîéìïò, ÐñïéêïíÞóïõ ÇóáÀáò êáé ï Åðßóêïðïò Íôéôñüúô Íéêüëáïò.

Ç ÉÅÑÁ ÅÐÁÑ×ÉÁÊÇ ÓÕÍÏÄÏÓ ÅÊÖÑÁÆÅÉ ÔÇÍ ÁÍÇÓÕ×ÉÁ ÔÇÓ ÃÉÁ ÔÇÍ ÊÁÈÕÓÔÅÑÇÓÇ ÁÍÁÃÍÙÑÉÓÅÙÓ ÔÏÕ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÏÕ ÉÅÑÏÓÏËÕÌÙÍ u óåë. 15 ÷ùñßò ðåñáéôÝñù êáèõóôÝñçóç, ôïí êáíïíéêþò åêëåãÝíôá Åëëçíïñèüäïîï ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Éåñïóïëýìùí, Ìáêáñéþôáôïí ê. Åéñçíáßï. Åßìåèá âÝâáéïé üôé ôá áðü áéþíùí äéêáéþìáôá ôïõ Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ Éåñïóïëýìùí èá ãßíïõí óåâáóôÜ». Ç Óýíïäïò áó÷ïëÞèçêå åðßóçò ìå ôçí ëåéôïõñãßá ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò êáé ôùí Åðéóêïðþí, äßíïíôáò éäéáßôåñç ðñïóï÷Þ óôçí åîåýñåóç ôñüðùí êáëýôåñçò åöáñìïãÞò ôïõ ðñïãñÜììáôïò åéóöïñþí. ÅðéðëÝïí ç Óýíïäïò áðïöÜóéóå ôçí óõã÷þíåõóç ôùí óõíïäéêþí åðéôñïðþí êáé ôùí åðéôñïðþí ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ, þóôå íá õðÜñîåé åõñýôåñï öÜóìá áðüøåùí, áëëÜ êáé áìåóüôåñç åöáñìïãÞ áðïöÜóåùí óå âáóéêïýò ôïìåßò ôçò åêêëçóéáóôéêÞò æùÞò. Åîáéñïýíôáé ïé åðéôñïðÝò Êáíïíéêþí êáé Ëåéôïõñãéêþí

èåìÜôùí êáé Ìïíá÷éóìïý ïé ïðïßåò èá ðáñáìåßíïõí áðïêëåéóôéêþò ÓõíïäéêÝò. Ôçí Óýíïäï áðáó÷üëçóå åðßóçò ç åöáñìïãÞ ìåèüäùí åìðëïõôéóìïý ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ðáéäåßáò ãéá ôéò ìåëëïíôéêÝò ãåíåÝò Åëëçíïáìåñéêáíþí, êáèþò êáé ôï èÝìá ôçò åí ÷çñåßá ÅðéóêïðÞò ÍÝáò ÉåñóÝçò. ¸ãéíå ìßá ðñþôç ðñïò ìåëÝôç ðáñïõóßáóç ôïõ êáôáëüãïõ ôùí å÷üíôùí ôá ôõðéêÜ ðñïóüíôá ðñïò áñ÷éåñáôåßáí, ï ïðïßïò êáé èá ïñéóôéêïðïéçèåß ìåôÜ ôçí áðáéôïýìåíç äéáäéêáóßá. ¢ëëá èÝìáôá ðåñéåëÜìâáíáí ôçí öñïíôßäá ãéá ôçí Íåïëáßá, ôá êáôáóêçíùôéêÜ ðñïãñÜììáôá, ôéò äéïñèüäïîåò ó÷Ýóåéò, ôçí Óýíáîç ôùí Éåñáñ÷þí ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Èñüíïõ óôï ÖáíÜñé êáé ôéò áíÜãêåò ôùí Éåñáðïóôïëéêþí Ìçôñïðüëåùí ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ. Ç ðñïóå÷Þò óõíåäñßáóç ôçò É. Óõíüäïõ èá ðñáãìáôïðïéçèåß ôçí Üíïéîç ôïõ 2003.

ìáò, áðåéëÞèçêáí ôï 1940 üðùò áêñéâþò áðåéëïýíôáé êáé óÞìåñá áðü åêåßíïõò ðïõ ôñïìïêñáôïýí áíèñþðïõò êáé Ýèíç. Íáé, ç áðÜíôçóÞ ìáò óôï ìßóïò, ôï ñáôóéóìü, ôï öáíáôéóìü êáé ôçí ôñïìïêñáôßá ðñÝðåé íá åßíáé Ýíá ç÷çñü Ï×É . ÁëëÜ ç óôÜóç ìáò áõôÞ ðñÝðåé íá óõíïäåýåôáé áðü ôçí åôïéìüôçôÜ ìáò íá èõóéáóôïýìå êáé í áãùíéóèïýìå ãéá ôçí åéñçíéêÞ óõíýðáñîç, ôçí áðïäï÷Þ êáé ôçí áãÜðç. Ôï Ýñãï ôï ïðïßï áðïêáëýðôåé ôçí ÷Üñç ôïõ Èåïý äåí åßíáé Ýñãï ôõñáííßáò Þ âßáò. Äåí áðïôåëåß åðéèåôéêÞ áíôßäñáóç óå äéáêñéíüìåíïõò êéíäýíïõò. Åßíáé Ýñãï ôï ïðïßï åðéôåëåßôáé ìÝóá óôéò ïéêïãÝíåéåò, ôéò êïéíüôçôåò, ôá Ýèíç êáé ôïí êüóìï ìáò ï ïðïßïò áêïëïõèåß ôï ðáñÜäåéãìá ôïõ ¢ñ÷ïíôïò ôçò ÅéñÞíçò, ï Ïðïßïò öÝñåé ôç äéêáéïóýíç óôïõò áðåéëïõìÝíïõò êáé ôïõò êáôáðéåóìÝíïõò, ãé áõôü êáé êáôÜ ôçí ÃñáöÞ, åí ôù ïíüìáôé áõôïý Ýèíç åëðéïýóéí (Ìáôè. 12: 18-21). Åßíáé ìßá ðñïóöïñÜ ôçò ðßóôåùò êáé ôçò êëçñïíïìéÜò ìáò, ç ïðïßá åíéó÷ýåé ôéò ó÷Ýóåéò, äéåõêïëýíåé ôç ëÞøç óïöþí áðïöÜóåùí, êáé, åí ôåëåõôáßá áíáëýóåé, õðåñíéêÜ ôï êáêü ìå ôï êáëü. Äéüôé ç áëçèéíÞ åëåõèåñßá êáé ç åéñÞíç äåí åßíáé áðïôåëÝóìáôá ôçò âßáò, áëëÜ äéáìïñöþíïíôáé êáé êáëëéåñãïýíôáé áðü ôïí Èåü óôéò êáñäéÝò ôùí áíèñþðùí ïé ïðïßïé èá ïñèþóïõí ôï áíÜóôçìÜ ôùí üôáí ÷ñåéáóôÞ êáé èá ðïõí Ï×É óôéò äõíÜìåéò ôïõ ìßóïõò êáé ôçò ôõñáííßáò. Åßèå ï åïñôáóìüò ôçò åéêïóôÞò-ïãäüçò Ïêôùâñßïõ íá ìáò ÷áñßæç äýíáìç êáé ðßóôç ãéá íá ìïéñáæüìåèá ôçí áãÜðç ôïõ ×ñéóôïý ìå ïëüêëçñç ôçí áíèñùðüôçôá, ðñïóåõ÷üìåíïé ãéá ôçí åéñÞíç êáé ôçí åëåõèåñßá êÜèå áíèñþðïõ ìÝ÷ñé ôçí Ýëåõóç ôçò åíäüîïõ âáóéëåßáò ôïõ Èåïý üðïõ ç åéñÞíç èá âáóéëåýç ãéá ðÜíôá. Ìå ðáôñéêÞ åí ×ñéóôþ áãÜðç,

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Ç ê. ÓêéáäÜ ãåííÞèçêå êáé ìåãÜëùóå óôï ×Üñôöïñíô ôïõ ÊïííÝêôéêáô êáé åßíáé áðüöïéôïò ôïõ St. Joseph College ôïõ West Hartford. ÄéåôÝëåóå ìÝëïò ôïõ Åèíéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ ôçò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ ìåôáîý 1998-2000, ìÝëïò ôùí Åðéóêïðéêþí Óõìâïõëßùí ÍôÝíâåñ êáé ÍÝáò ÉåñóÝçò êáé ìÝëïò ôùí åíïñéáêþí ôìçìÜôùí Öéëïðôþ÷ïõ ôïõ Hartford, ôïõ Belmont California, ôïõ Denver êáé ôçò óçìåñéíÞò ôçò åíïñßáò, ôïõ Áãßïõ ËïõêÜ óôï Broomall ôçò ÐåíóõëâÜíéá. Ôá ôåëåõôáßá äýï ÷ñüíéá õðçñÝôçóå ùò ìÝëïò ôçò åêôåëåóôéêÞò åðéôñïðÞò ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ, äéïñéóèåßóá õðü ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ Äçìçôñßïõ. ÊáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá ôçò èçôåßáò ôçò ðñïÞäñåõóå ôçò ÅðéôñïðÞò Íåïëáßáò ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ. Ç ê. ÓêéáäÜ óõììåôåß÷å åíåñãÜ óå ðïëëïýò ïñãáíéóìïýò, üðùò ó÷ïëéêÝò åðéôñïðÝò êáé óõìâïýëéá êáé óôïí ïñãáíéóìü Family Service Auxiliary, ðïõ ðáñÝ÷åé âïÞèåéá óå çëéêéùìÝíïõò, ðáéäéÜ êáé ïéêïãÝíåéåò. Áðü êïéíïý ìå ôïí óýæõãü ôçò ê. ×ñÞóôï ÓêéáäÜ ðñïÞäñåõóå ôçò ïñãáíùôéêÞò åðéôñïðÞò ôçò 35çò ÊëçñéêïëáúêÞò óôçí ÖéëáäÝëöåéá ôï 2000. Ôï æåýãïò ÓêéáäÜ åßíáé íõìöåõìÝíïé åðß 25åôßáò êáé Ý÷ïõí äýï ðáéäéÜ, ôïí Ðáíáãéþôç êáé ôçí ÌáñéÜííá.

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ÅÊÅÉ ÐÏÕ ÖÕÔÑÙÍÅÉ Ï ÓÐÏÑÏÓ

Óôï÷áóìïß êáé ðüèïé ãéá ôç æùÞ êáé áðïóôïëÞ ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Êïëëåãßïõ êáé ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý Ößëå ìïõ «ÐïëõÜó÷ïëå», Ýëá íá ðÜñïõìå ìéá áíáðíïÞ êÜôù áðü ôá öéëüîåíá öôåñÜ ôçò éóôïñéêÞò êáé ãéãáíôéáßáò áõôÞò âáëáíéäéÜò, ìáêñéÜ áðü ôïí æåóôü Þëéï ôïõ Áõãïýóôïõ. ¸ëá, êÜèéóå ëßãï åäþ óôïí ðÜãêï êáé Üíïéîå ôá áõôéÜ óïõ óôçí åðéôáêôéêÞ öùíÞ áõôïý ôïõ èáõìÜóéïõ Ýñãïõ ôçò äçìéïõñãßáò ôïõ Èåïý. ôïõ ð. ÐÝôñïõ Êïøá÷åßëç

¹ôáí ôï 1961. ÅðôÜ ôïõ ÓåðôÝìâñç. ¸îç êáé ìéóÞ ôï áðüãåõìá. Ôüôå áíôßêñéóá ãéá ðñþôç öïñÜ ôï åíôõðùóéáêü áõôü äÝíäñï êáé ç æùÞ ìïõ Üëëáîå ãéá ðÜíôá! Ó áõôü áêñéâþò ôï óçìåßï óõíÜíôçóá ôïí Áñ÷éìáíäñßôç ê. Íéêüäçìï ÂáëçíäñÜ, ôïí íåïöåñìÝíï êáéíïýñãéï Ó÷ïëÜñ÷ç. «Êáëùóüñéóåò, ðáéäß ìïõ», ìïý åßðå êáé ìå áóðÜóèçêå ðñïôïý ðñïëÜâù êáí íá öéëÞóù ôï ÷Ýñé ôïõ. «Êé åãþ ìüëéò Þëèá áðü ôçí ÅëëÜäá, ãé áõôü äåí îÝñù íá óïõ ðù êáé ðïëëÜ ãéá ôç Ó÷ïëÞ áõôÞ. ¸íá ìïíÜ÷á Ý÷ù íá óïõ ðù. ¹ëèåò óå Ýíá öõôþñéï, üðïõ ï óðüñïò öõôñþíåé êáé âãÜæåé åêëåêôïýò ëåâÝíôåò íÝïõò Éåñåßò ãéá ôçí Åêêëçóßá ìáò åäþ óôïí ÍÝï Êüóìï.» ÓôÜèçêá ìå äÝïò ôüôå ìðñïóôÜ óôïí Üíèñùðï êáé ìðñïóôÜ óôï èáõìÜóéï õðåñáéùíüâéï äÝíäñï. Ìå ôï ßäéï äÝïò óôÝêïìáé ìðñïóôÜ ôïõò êáé óÞìåñá. Ï Üíèñùðïò åðÝóôñåøå óôçí ðáôñßäá ôïõ êáé Ýãéíå Ýíáò áðü ôïõò ðéï óåâÜóìéïõò ÉåñÜñ÷åò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò. ÓÞìåñá çãåßôáé ôçò ÉóôïñéêÞò Ìçôñïðüëåùò ôùí Ðáôñþí. Êáé ç âáëáíéäéÜ; Ôï âëÝðåéò. Ç âáëáíéäéÜ óôÝêåôáé áêüìá øçëÞ, ðåñÞöáíç, êáé óôïñãéêÞ. ÓôïñãéêÞ óôá ôñßóâáèá ìõóôéêÜ, ôïõò óôï÷áóìïýò êáé ôéò ëá÷ôÜñåò ôçò êáñäéÜò ôùí öïéôçôþí, ôùí íÝùí êáé íåáíßäùí, ðïõ Ýñ÷ïíôáé íá óðïõäÜóïõí óå ôïýôï ôï Öõôþñéï. Ðïõ Ýñ÷ïíôáé íá ðïôéóèïýí ìå ìéá áêåñáéüôçôá ðßóôåùò, ðáéäåßáò êáé æùÞò, ìå ìéá âáèéÜ åêôßìçóç êÜèå Üñéóôïõ êáé åõãåíéêïý ðïõ Ý÷åé ç Ïñèïäïîßá êáé ç ÅëëçíéêÞ ÐïëéôéóìéêÞ ìáò ÊëçñïíïìéÜ, êáé ìå Ýíá öëÝãïíôá æÞëï íá åéóÝëèïõí åßôå óôéò ôÜîåéò ôïõ Ïñèüäïîïõ ×ñéóôéáíéêïý ÊëÞñïõ Þ óôéò ôÜîåéò ôïõ ëáúêïý õðïõñãÞìáôïò ôçò åêëïãÞò êáé åéäéêüôçôÜ ôïõò. Ç âáëáíéäéÜ áõôÞ, «ÐïëõÜó÷ïëÝ» ìïõ, óôÝêåôáé ðéóôüò, óéùðçëüò êáé å÷Ýìõèçò ößëïò êÜèå øõ÷Þò ðïõ ðÜôçóå ôï ðüäé ôçò ðÜíù óôïí Éåñü ôïýôï Ëüöï. ¢êïõóå üìùò. Äåí åßíáé ôï èåáìáôéêü ìÝãåèïò ðïõ êÜíåé ôï äÝíäñï áõôü ôüóï îå÷ùñéóôü. Åßíáé óõãêëïíéóôéêü íá óêåöèåß êáíåßò áðü ðïõ ðñïÞëèå! Åßíáé áêáôÜëçðôï! Èá ìïõ ðåéò ðùò îÝñåéò üôé ôï ãéãáíôéáßï áõôü äÝíäñï ðñïÞëèå áðü Ýíá ìéêñïóêïðéêü óðüñï. ÎÝñåéò üìùò ðüóï ìéêñïóêïðéêü; ÎÝñåéò üôé ï ìéêñïóêïðéêüò óðüñïò ôçò âáëáíéäéÜò æõãßæåé ìüëéò êáé ìåôÜ âßáò 1/6000 ôçò ïõããéÜò. ÐñüóåîÝ ôï êáé ðÜëé. Ï óðüñïò ôçò âáëáíéäéÜò æõãßæåé Ýíá åîÜêéò ÷éëéïóôü ôçò ïõããéÜò. Êáôáëáâáßíåéò; Ï óðüñïò ðïõ öýôñùóå êáé Ýãéíå áõôü ôï ãéãáíôéáßï äÝíäñï Þôáí ðñÜãìáôé Ýíáò ðïëý ìéêñïóêïðéêüò óðüñïò, äõíáìéêÜ üìùò Ýíáò ðáíßó÷õñïò óðüñïò. Ç Üðåéñç óïößá êáé ðáíôïäõíáìßá ôïõ Èåïý Ýâáëå ìÝóá óôïí ìéêñïóêïðéêüôáôï óðüñï ôï äõíáìéêü íá ãßíåé áõôü ôï ðåëþñéï äÝíäñï. Ï Èåüò, ößëå ìïõ, êÜìåé ôï ßäéï êáé ãéá ìáò êáé ãéá ôïõò ðïëýôéìïõò íÝïõò êáé íåáíßäåò ðïõ Ýñ÷ïíôáé åäþ íá óðïõäÜóïõí êáé íá ìïñöùèïýí. Óáí ðÜíóïöïò óðïñÝáò ðáßñíåé ôïí ìéêñïóêïðéêü óðüñï, ðïõ êÜèå öïéôçôÞò Þ öïéôÞôñéá áíôéðñïóùðåýåé, êáé ôïí óðÝñíåé óôï ðíåõìáôéêÜ ãïíéìüôáôï ôïýôï Öõôþñéï ãéá 4-7 ÷ñüíéá. Êáé üôáí Ýëèåé ï êáéñüò ôïõ èåñéóìïý ôïõò óôÝëíåé «áíáãåííçìÝíïõò ïõê åê óðïñÜò öèáñôÞò, áëëÜ áöèÜñôïõ,

äéÜ ëüãïõ æþíôïò Èåïý êáé ìÝíïíôïò åéò ôïí áéþíá» (1 Ðô. Á 23), ðéóôïýò ïéêïíüìïõò ôùí èåßùí ÷áñéóìÜôùí êáé ôùí êåêôçìÝíùí åðéäåîéïôÞôùí ôïõò óôçí õðçñåóßá ôçò Åêêëçóßáò êáé ôçò Êïéíùíßáò. ¸÷ïõìå Þäç åéóÝëèåé óôçí íÝá åêêëçóéáóôéêÞ êáé áêáäçìáúêÞ ÷ñïíéÜ. ÌåãÜëç ç õðïìïíÞ êáé åõóðëá÷íßá ôïõ Èåïý áðÝíáíôß ìáò! Ìáò åõëïãåß ìå Ýíá áêüìá «óôÝöáíïí ôïõ åíéáõôïý ôçò ÷ñçóôüôçôïò» êáé ôçò áãÜðçò Ôïõ. Ï ÓåðôÝìâñçò, îÝñåéò, óçìåéþíåé ôçí ÅêêëçóéáóôéêÞ ìáò Ðñùôï÷ñïíéÜ. Óçìåéþíåé åðßóçò êáé ôçí ´Õøùóç ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý (14 ÓåðôÝìâñç), ðïõ åßíáé ôüóï ç Åðßóçìç ÅïñôÞ ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò, üóï êáé ç Ýíáñîç ôïõ ÍÝïõ Áêáäçìáúêïý Ýôïõò. Åßíáé åðï÷Þ éäéáßôåñá óçìáíôéêÞ ãéá ôï Éåñü ôïýôï ºäñõìá áíþôåñçò Ðáéäåßáò. Åßíáé ïé ìÝñåò ðïõ ðñïîåíïýí ÷áñÜ êáé áãáëëßáóç óå üëïõò ôïõò ¸ëëçíåò Ïñèï-

Ï äÞìáñ÷ïò Bloomberg åðéóêÝöèçêå ôïí Ïéêïõìåíéêü ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç óôï ÖáíÜñé

Ï ÄÞìáñ÷ïò Bloomberg áôåíßæåé ôïí åðéâëçôéêü íáü ôçò Áãßáò Óïößáò.

ÊÙÍÓÔÁÍÔÉÍÏÕÐÏËÇ «Åßèå ç Áãßá ôïõ Èåïý Óïößá íá êáôÝëèåé åö çìþí, áãáðçôÝ ößëå êáé ôéìçìÝíå åðéóêÝðôá, þóôå íá äýíáóèå íá õðçñåôÞôå åðÜîéá êáé íá ïäçãÞôå ôïí ìÝãá ëáü ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò. Ðñïóåõ÷üìåèá þóôå ç Óïößá ôïõ Èåïý íá óêÝðåé üëïõò åìÜò ôïõò ðáñüíôåò êáé üëç ôçí ïéêïõìÝíç þóôå íá ìåôáëÜâïõìå ìéá ðñüãåõóç ôïõ Âáóéëåßïõ Ôïõ, Ýíá åéñçíéêü ìÝëëïí ãéá ôïõò êáôïßêïõò ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò êáé üëïõò ôïõò áíèñþðïõò ôïõ êüóìïõ». ôïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ Ìáããßíá

äüîïõò ×ñéóôéáíïýò ôïõ Çìéóöáéñßïõ ìáò. ×áñÜ êáé áãáëëßáóç ãéáôß ç ÁêáäçìáúêÞ ïéêïãÝíåéá ôïõ Åëëçíéêïý Êïëëåãßïõ êáé ôçò ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý åôïéìÜæåôáé íá áöéåñþóåé óôï Èåü ôïí ðïëýôéìï óðüñï, ðïõ ìå ôüóç åðéìÝëåéá êáé öñïíôßäá äéÜëåîå ãéá ôçí Êáéíïýñãéá ÓðïñÜ. Ôçò ÓðïñÜò ôïõ Êáéíïýñãéïõ Óðüñïõ ðñïåîÞñ÷å ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò, âïçèïýìåíïò áðü ôïí Ðñüåäñï Áéäåóéìïëïãéþôáôï ÐáôÝñá Íéêüëáï ê. Ôñéáíôáöýëëïõ êáé áðü ôïí Áéäåóéìïëïãéþôáôï ÄéäÜêôïñá ÐáôÝñá ÅììáíïõÞë ÊëÜøç, ÊïóìÞôïñá ôçò ÉåñÜò ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý. Ç êáéíïýñãéá ÓðïñÜ èá ãßíåé ðáñïõóßá ïëüêëçñçò ôçò ïéêïãÝíåéáò ôïõ Éäñýìáôïò, ôùí ößëùí êáé ïéêïãåíåéþí ôïõ Êáéíïýñãéïõ Óðüñïõ, êáé ôùí ðéóôþí ößëùí êáé ïéêïíüìùí-õðïóôçñéêôþí ôçò Ó÷ïëÞò. Ï êáéíïýñãéïò Óðüñïò, ößëå ìïõ, «ÐïëõÜó÷ïëå», èá áöéåñùèåß óôï Èåü. Ï Èåüò èá óðåßñåé ôï Óðüñï óôï Öõôþñéï áõôü ôï ðíåõìáôéêü êáé ôïí êáôÜëëçëï êáéñü «äßäùóé áõôþ óþìá êáèþò çèÝëçóå, êáé åêÜóôù ôùí óðåñìÜôùí ôï ßäéïí óþìá.» (1 Êñ. Éå, 38). ÊÜðïôå ìå ñþôçóåò «Ôé Ýãéíå ï Óðüñïò, ðïõ ðÝñáóå áðü áõôü ôï Öõôþñéï üëá áõôÜ ôá ÷ñüíéá.» Èá ôï èåùñÞóù ðñïíüìéï êáé ôéìÞ ìïõ íá îáíÜñèåéò êáé ðÜëé. Èá óå ðåñéìÝíù íá ìéëÞóïõìå ãéá ôéò ðåñßöçìåò âáëáíéäéÝò ôïõ ðíåýìáôïò êáé ôçò äéáíïßáò, ðïõ âãÞêáí áðü ôï Öõôþñéü ìáò áõôü. Óôï êáëü, ëïéðüí, ìÝ÷ñé ôüôå. ÁëëÜ ðñéí ÷ùñßóïõìå, Ýëá íá øÜëëïõìå ìáæß ôï õðÝñï÷ï ÊÏÍÔÁÊÉÏÍ ôçò ÉÍÄÉÊÔÏÕ óáí ðñïóåõ÷Þ ãéá ìáò ðñïóùðéêÜ êáé ãéá ôçí áãáðçìÝíç ìáò Ó÷ïëÞ. «Ï ôùí áéþíùí ðïéçôÞò êáé Äåóðüôçò, ÈåÝ ôùí üëùí, õðåñïýóéå üíôùò, ôçí åíéáýóéïí åõëüãçóïí ðåñßïäïí, óþæùí ôù åëÝåé óïõ ôù áðåßñù, ïéêôßñìïí, ðÜíôáò ôïõò ëáôñåýïíôáò óïé ôù ìüíù Äåóðüôç, êáé åêâïþíôáò öüâù, ËõôñùôÜ, Åýöïñïí ðÜóé ôï ¸ôïò ÷ïñÞãçóïí.»

ÏÊÔÙÂÑÉÏÓ 2002

Ìå áõôïýò ôïõò ëüãïõò óïößáò êáé åõ÷Þò õðïäÝ÷èçêå ôïí äÞìáñ÷ï ÍÝáò Õüñêçò ê. Michael R. Bloomberg, ôï ÓÜââáôï 21 Óåðôåìâñßïõ, óôçí Áßèïõóá ôïõ Ðáôñéáñ÷éêïý Èñüíïõ ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïò, ðáñïõóßá ðëÞèïõò ðñïóêåêëçìÝíùí, ÅëëÞíùí êáé Ôïýñêùí êáé äéðëùìáôþí ðïëëþí Üëëùí ÷ùñþí. Åß÷å ðñïçãçèåß éäéáßôåñç óõíÜíôçóç óôï åðßóçìï ãñáöåßï ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ, óôçí ïðïßá ï äÞìáñ÷ïò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò ê.

Bloomberg åß÷å ôçí åõêáéñßá íá åðéâåâáéþóåé ôá áéóèÞìáôá óåâáóìïý êáé öéëßáò êáé íá åîÜñåé ôéò ðñùôïâïõëßåò ôïõ ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïõ åðß ïéêïëïãéêþí èåìÜôùí êáé éäéáßôåñá åðß ôïõ äéáèñçóêåéáêïý äéáëüãïõ, ðïõ ç óõíÝ÷éóÞ ôïõ åðéâÜëëåôáé, éäßùò ìåôÜ ôá ôñáãéêÜ ãåãïíüôá ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ. ÁõôÞ ç åðßóêåøç, ðïõ ÷áñáêôçñßóôçêå ìåí åèéìïôõðéêÞ, áðåäåß÷èç üìùò ïõóßáò ãåãïíüò ðïõ ðñïêýðôåé áðü ôéò äçëþóåéò êáé ôùí äýï, áëëÜ êáé áðü ôï ãåãïíüò üôé åß÷å ðñïó÷åäéáóèåß óôï ðñüãñáììá ôïõ äçìÜñ÷ïõ Bloomberg,

ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

ùò áìÝóùò åðüìåíç ôçí åðéóêÝøåþò ôïõ óôçí ÁèÞíá. Íá óçìåéùèåß üôé Þôáí ç äåýôåñç óõíÜíôçóÞ ôïõò ìåôÜ ôçí ðñþôç ôïõò ãíùñéìßá ôïí ðåñáóìÝíï ÌÜñôéï, óôï ðåñéèþñéï ôçò åðßóêåøçò ôïõ ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ óôçí ÏõÜóéíãêôïí, ÍÝá Õüñêç êáé Âïóôþíç. Óôçí êáô éäßáí óõíÜíôçóç ìå ôïí ÐñïêáèÞìåíï ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò óõììåôåß÷å êáé ç êüñç ôïõ, ¸ììá Ìðëïýìðåñãê, áðü ôïõò êýñéïõò óõíåñãÜôåò ôïõ óôçí äçìáñ÷ßá ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò, êáèþò êáé ç Åëëçíïáìåñéêáíßäá âïçèüò ôïõ äçìÜñ÷ïõ, ×Üúäù Ìé÷Üëôóç. Óôçí äåîßùóç ðïõ áêïëïýèçóå ðáñÝóôçóáí ïìïãåíåéáêïß ðáñÜãïíôåò, äÞìáñ÷ïé áðü ôçí Êáððáäïêßá, äçìïóéïãñÜöïé, ðïëéôåõôÝò êáé åðé÷åéñçìáôßåò. Áðïõóßáóå ï äÞìáñ÷ïò ôçò Ðüëåùò Ali Mufit Curtuna, ï ïðïßïò Ýóôåéëå ÷áéñåôéóôÞñéï ôçëåãñÜöçìá. Ï äÞìáñ÷ïò ôçò Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëçò ðáñÝèåóå ãåýìá ðñïò ôéìÞí ôïõ ê.

Bloomberg, óôï îåíïäï÷åßï Four Seasons. Ï äÞìáñ÷ïò åðéóêÝöèçêå ôçí Áãßá Óïößá, ôï ìïõóåßï Top Kapi üðïõ îåíáãÞèçêå óå Ýêèåóç ìå èÝìá ôçí 11ç Óåðôåìâñßïõ êáé Üëëá áîéïèÝáôá. Öåýãïíôáò áðü ôçí Ðüëç ï äÞìáñ÷ïò ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò óå äçëþóåéò ôïõ ìåôáîý Üëëùí åßðå ÷áñáêôçñéóôéêÜ: «Ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò åßíáé ü÷é ìüíï çãÝôçò ôçò Ïñèüäïîçò Åêêëçóßáò, áëëÜ åßíáé åðßóçò Ýíáò Üíèñùðïò ðïõ êáôáâÜëëåé óçìáíôéêÝò ðñïóðÜèåéåò ãéá íá öÝñåé ìáæß äéáöïñåôéêÝò èñçóêåßåò, þóôå ïé Üíèñùðïé íá ìðïñïýí íá áëëçëïêáôáíïïýíôáé êáé íá óõíõðÜñ÷ïõí ï Ýíáò äßðëá óôïí Üëëï. Åßíáé áêñéâþò ü,ôé ÷ñåéÜæåôáé ï êüóìïò».

Ôï ÖáíÜñé êáé ôïí Ïéêïõìåíéêü ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßï åðéóêÝöèçêå ï ðñùèõðïõñãüò ôçò Âïõëãáñßáò Óõìåþí de Saxe-Cobourg Gotha, (ðñþçí âáóéëéÜò ôçò Âïõëãáñßáò). Ïé äýï çãÝôåò áíôÜëáîáí áðüøåéò ãéá èÝìáôá ðïõ áöïñïýí ôïí Ïñèüäïîï êüóìï êáé ôá ÂáëêÜíéá. ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

ÏÊÔÙÂÑÉÏÓ 2002

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 19

ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÍ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÅÉÏÍ ÓÕÍÁÍÔÇÓÇ ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÕ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÏÕ ÂÁÑÈÏËÏÌÁÉÏÕ ÌÅ ÔÏÍ ÐÑÏÅÄÑÏ ÔÇÓ ÅÕÑÙÐÁÚÊÇÓ ÅÐÉÔÑÏÐÇÓ ROMANO PRODI ÂÑÕÎÅËËÅÓ. Ç ðïñåßá ôïõ äéáèñçóêåéáêïý äéáëüãïõ ìåôáîý ×ñéóôéáíþí, Åâñáßùí êáé ÌïõóïõëìÜíùí ðïõ äéåîÜãåé ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï Þôáí áðü ôá âáóéêÜ èÝìáôá ðïõ óõæÞôçóáí ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïò êáé ï ðñüåäñïò ôçò ÅõñùðáúêÞò ÅðéôñïðÞò Romano Prodi êáôÜ ôç óõíÜíôçóÞ ôïõò óôéò ÂñõîÝëëåò óôéò 3 Ïêôùâñßïõ, ðïõ ðñáãìáôïðïéÞèçêå ìåôÜ áðü ðñüóêëçóç ôïõ ê. Prodi. ôïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ Ìáããßíá

Ç äñáóôçñéïðïßçóç ãýñù áðü ôï äéÜëïãï áõôü êáôÝóôç ðåñéóóüôåñï åðéâåâëçìÝíç ìåôÜ ôá ôñáãéêÜ ãåãïíüôá ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ. Ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ìåôÜ ôçí óõíÜíôçóÞ ôïõ ìå ôïí ðñüåäñï Prodi ðïõ äéÞñêåóå ðåñéóóüôåñï áðü ìßá þñá, Ýêáíå äçëþóåéò êáé áíáöåñüìåíïò óôçí ÷ñçóéìüôçôá ôùí äéáëüãùí áõôþí ôüíéóå üôé âïçèïýí «ãéá íá ãíùñßóïõìå êáëýôåñá ï Ýíáò ôïí Üëëïí. Ïé èñçóêåßåò êáé ïé ðïëéôéóìïß ðñÝðåé íá óõíåñãÜæïíôáé, äåí ìðïñïýìå íá Ý÷ïõìå ïìïéïìïñößá óå üëï ôïí êüóìï, áëëÜ èÝëïõìå íá õðÜñ÷ïõí åéñçíéêÝò ó÷Ýóåéò ìåôáîý ôùí èñçóêåéþí êáé ôùí ðïëéôéóìþí». ÓõæçôÞèçêáí áêüìç ïé íÝåò äéáôÜîåéò ðïõ øÞöéóå ç ÌåãÜëç ÔïõñêéêÞ ÅèíïóõíÝëåõóç ó÷åôéêÜ ìå ôéò ìåéïíüôçôåò óôçí Ôïõñêßá, ãéá ôéò ïðïßåò ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ôüíéóå üôé: «Äåí ìáò éêáíïðïéïýí ðëÞñùò, ðåñéìÝíáìå ðåñéóóüôåñá ðñÜãìáôá üðùò êáé ïé Üëëåò ìåéïíüôçôåò (ÁñìÝíéïé, Åâñáßïé). ÐåñéìÝíáìå êÜôé èåôéêüôåñï, êÜôé êáëýôåñï, êáé åëðßæïõìå üôé èá õðÜñîïõí ïé ó÷åôéêÝò âåëôéþóåéò, þóôå íá éêáíïðïéçèïýí ïé ìåéïíüôçôåò ùò ðñïò ôá äéêáéþìáôÜ ôïõò». Åðßóçò óõæçôÞèçêå ôï èÝìá ôçò åðáíáëåéôïõñãßáò ôçò ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ôçò ×Üëêçò. Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò äÞëùóå üôé «Äõóôõ÷þò ðáñÜ ôçí ðáñÝëåõóç 31 ÷ñüíùí áðü ôï êëåßóéìü ôçò äåí Üíïéîå ìÝ÷ñé óÞìåñá, äåí Ýãéíå êÜðïéï âÞìá ðñïò áõôÞ ôçí êáôåýèõíóç». Åðß ðëÝïí óõæçôÞèçêáí ôá èÝìáôá âéïçèéêÞò êáé ãåíåôéêÞò, ãéá ôá ïðïßá ï ðñüåäñïò Prodi åêäÞëùóå éäéáßôåñï åíäéáöÝñïí êáé ðñüôåéíå íá õðÜñîåé óõíåñãáóßá êáé áëëçëïåíçìÝñùóç ìåôáîý ôçò õðü óýóôáóç Äéïñèïäüîïõ ÅðéôñïðÞò ÂéïçèéêÞò êáé ôïõ áíôéóôïß÷ïõ ïñãÜíïõ

Óôï Áãéïëüãéï Óýìöùíá ìå åðéóôïëÞ ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ Âáñèïëïìáßïõ ðñïò ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéï, ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò ìå ðñüóöáôç óõíïäéêÞ ðñÜîç êáôÝôáîå óôï Áãéïëüãéï ôçò Åêëçóßáò ìáò ùò Ïóßïõò ðÝíôå çóõ÷áóôÝò ðïõ äéÝðñåøáí åí ïóéüôçôé êáé áãéüôçôé âßïõ óôï íçóß ôùí Ëåéøþí ôçò Ðáôñéáñ÷éêÞò Åîáñ÷ßáò ôçò ÐÜôìïõ. Ðñüêåéôáé ðåñß ôùí çóõ÷áóôþí Íåïöýôïõ Ìïíá÷ïý ôïõ Áìïñãßíïõ, ÉùíÜ Ìïíá÷ïý ôïõ Ëåñßïõ, Íåïöýôïõ Ìïíá÷ïý ôïõ Öáæïý, ÉùíÜ Ìïíá÷ïý ôïý ÃáñìðÞ êáé Ðáñèåíßïõ Ìïíá÷ïý ôïõ Öéëéððïõðïëßôïõ. Ç ìíÞìç ôïõò èá åïñôÜæåôáé ôçí ðñþôç ÊõñéáêÞ ìåôÜ ôçí 10ç Éïõëßïõ åêÜóôïõ Ýôïõò.

Ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò ìå ôïí Romano Prodi

ôçò ÅõñùðáúêÞò ÅðéôñïðÞò. Ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ôïõ åðÝäùóå ó÷åôéêü ìíçìüíéï ãéá ôá áðïôåëÝóìáôá ôïõ óõíåäñßïõ âéïçèéêÞò ðïõ óõãêÜëåóå ôïí ÓåðôÝìâñéï ôï ÖáíÜñé óôï Ïñèüäïîï ÊÝíôñï ôïõ Óáìðåæý (Ãåíåýç). ¸ãéíå åêôåíÞò áíáöïñÜ óôá åí ðëù ïéêïëïãéêÜ óõìðüóéá ðïõ ôåëïýí õðü ôçí áéãßäá ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ êáé ôçò ÅõñùðáúêÞò ÅðéôñïðÞò. Ï R. Prodi åîÝöñáóå ôçí éäéáßôåñç éêáíïðïßçóÞ ôïõ ãéá ôçí áðü êïéíïý «ÄéáêÞñõîç ôçò Âåíåôßáò» ôïõ ÐÜðá ÉùÜííç-Ðáýëïõ ´ êáé ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ Âáñèïëïìáßïõ, ðïõ õðåãñÜöç óôï ôÝëïò ôïõ Óõìðïóßïõ ôçò ÁäñéáôéêÞò êáé åîÞñå ôçí óõìâïëéêÞ êáé ðñáêôéêÞ óçìáóßá áõôÞò ôçò óõíåñãáóßáò ôùí Åêêëçóéþí ÁíáôïëÞò êáé Äýóçò. Áêüìç ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò åíçìÝñùóå ôïí óõíïìéëçôÞ ôïõ ãéá ôçí ðñïåôïéìáóßá ôïõ 5ïõ Óõìðïóßïõ ðïõ èá ãßíåé óôç ÂáëôéêÞ ôïí Éïýíéï ôïõ 2003. Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò åß÷å óõíÜíôçóç ìå ôïí ðñüåäñï ôçò ÓõíôáêôéêÞò Óõíåëåýóåùò ãéá ôï Óýíôáãìá ôçò ÅõñùðáúêÞò Åíþóåùò Âáëåñß ÆéóêÜñ Íô ÅóôÝí. Ï Ðñüåäñïò åîÞñå ôïí ñüëï ôçò èñçóêåßáò êáé ôçò ÷ñéóôéáíéêÞò ðáñïõóßáò óôçí Åõñþðç êáé ìßëçóå ãéá ôéò äýï ôÜóåéò ðïõ õðÜñ÷ïõí ùò ðñïò ôçí ó÷åôéêÞ áíáöïñÜ ôçò èñçóêåßáò Þ ü÷é óôï ðñïåôïéìáæüìåíï Åõñùðáúêü Óýíôáãìá êáé åðåóÞìáíå ôçí óðïõäáéüôçôá ôùí ðñïóðáèåéþí ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ ãéá ôïí äéáèñçóêåéáêü äéÜëïãï.

ÓÕÍÅÑÃÁÓÉÁ ÔÙÍ ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÙÍ ÅÊÊËÇÓÉÙÍ ÃÉÁ ÔÇÍ ÅÕÑÙÐÁÚÊÇ ÅÍÙÓÇ

Óôçí óõíåñãáóßá ôïõ Ãñáöåßïõ ôçò Ïñèïäüîïõ Åêêëçóßáò (ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ) óôéò ÂñõîÝëëåò ìå ôá Ãñáöåßá ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò êáé ôïõ Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ Ìüó÷áò, ìå óêïðü ôçí ýðáñîç åíéáßáò öùíÞò ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò óôá üñãáíá ôçò ÅõñùðáúêÞò ¸íùóçò, áíáöÝñèçêå ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò óôéò ÂñõîÝëëåò (4 Ïêôùâñßïõ), êáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá äåßðíïõ ðïõ ðáñÝèåóå ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Âåëãßïõ ÐáíôåëåÞìùí, ðáñïõóßá ôùí êëçñéêþí ôçò Ìçôñïðüëåþò ôïõ êáé ôïõ Åðéóêüðïõ Á÷áÀáò Áèáíáóßïõ ðïõ åßíáé åðéêåöáëÞò ôïõ Ãñáöåßïõ ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò. Ôï Ãñáöåßï ôçò Ïñèïäüîïõ Åêêëçóßáò óôçí ÅõñùðáúêÞ ¸íùóç äçìéïõñãÞèçêå áðü ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï ìåôÜ áðü áßôçìá ôïõ ðñïÝäñïõ ôçò ÅõñùðáúêÞò ÅðéôñïðÞò Æáê Íôåëüñ ôï Ýôïò 1994.

ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

Ó÷åôéêÜ ìå ôçí óõíåñãáóßá ï ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò åßðå: «ÈÝëïõìå íá õðÜñîåé óôåíÞ óõíåñãáóßá ôùí äýï Ãñáöåßùí (Öáíáñßïõ-Áèçíþí) êáé ôïõ íÝïõ åðéóêüðïõ Éëáñßùíïò ðïõ Þëèå áðü ôçí Ñùóßá, þóôå üðùò ôï Þèåëå áðü ôçí áñ÷Þ ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï, íá õðÜñ÷åé ìßá åíéáßá öùíÞ ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò áðÝíáíôé óôá èåóìéêÜ üñãáíá ôçò ÅõñùðáúêÞò Åíþóåùò. ¼ôáí Þìïõí óôçí ÁèÞíá ðñï çìåñþí ï Ìáêáñéþôáôïò Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ìïõ ôï åæÞôçóå, íá õðÜñ÷åé

óõíåñãáóßá ôùí åäþ Ãñáöåßùí (ÂñõîÝëëåò) õðü ôçí Ðñïåäñßáí ôïõ åêðñïóþðïõ ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ Åðéóêüðïõ Ñçãßïõ, êáé ìå õðåíèýìéóå ï Ìáêáñéþôáôïò ôçí ó÷åôéêÞ ðñüôáóç ðïõ Ýêáíå ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï ðåñß óõíåñãáóßáò ôùí äýï ðëåõñþí üôáí ï ßäéïò åðéóêÝöèçêå ôï ÖáíÜñé (1998). ÁõôÝò ôéò åîåëßîåéò ôéò áíÝöåñá ÷èåò åéò ôïí ðñüåäñï R. Prodi, üôé äçëáäÞ õðÜñ÷åé áõôÞ ç ðñüèåóç, ç åðéèõìßá, ç äéÜèåóç óôåíïôÝñáò óõíåñãáóßáò ôùí åäþ áíôéðñïóþðùí ôùí Ïñèïäüîùí Åêêëçóéþí, þóôå íá Ý÷åôå êáé åóåßò, ùò ÅõñùðáúêÞ ¸íùóéò, íá êÜìåôå ìå ìßá åêðñïóþðçóç, ìå ìßá öùíÞ ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò, êáé Ýìáèá åê ôùí õóôÝñùí áðü Ýíá óõíåñãÜôç ôïõ êõñßïõ Prodi, üôé áõôü Þôáí Ýíá áðü ôá óçìåßá ôçò óõíïìéëßáò ìáò ðïõ ôïí åíèïõóßáóáí êáé ôïí óõãêßíçóáí êáô åîï÷Þí». »Åßíáé ðïëõôÝëåéá íá õðÜñ÷ïõí äéáéñÝóåéò, äéáóôÜóåéò êáé ìç óõíåñãáóßá ìåôáîý ìáò, êáè Þí óôéãìÞí ïé îÝíïé ðåñéìÝíïõí íá áêïýóïõí áðü ôçí Ïñèïäïîßá Ýíáí ëüãï ï ïðïßïò èá åßíáé ìáñôõñßá óùôçñéþäçò, ìáñôõñßá ôïõ æþíôïò ýäáôïò. Êáé ôï ôñáãéêüí èá åßíáé åìåßò íá ëÝìå äéáöïñåôéêÜ ðñÜãìáôá, äéáöïñåôéêÜ ï Üãéïò Á÷áÀáò êáé äéáöïñåôéêÜ ï åêðñüóùðïò ôçò Ìüó÷áò, êáé ïé Åõñùðáßïé íá ÷áìïãåëïýí êáé íá ëÝíå: ìá åðéôÝëïõò, ðïéüò åêðñïóùðåß ôçí öùíÞí ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò, ðïéüí íá áêïýóïõìå, ðïéüí íá ðéóôÝøïõìå, êáé ðïéü áð üëá íá åêôåëÝóïõìå êáôÜ ôçí Üóêçóéí ôùí êáèçêüíôùí ìáò».

×áéñåôéóìïýò åí ×ñéóôþ áðü ôçí ÅëëçíéêÞ Ïñèüäïîç Åêêëçóßá ôïõ Áãßïõ Íåêôáñßïõ óôç ÓÜñëïô ôçò Âïñåßïõ Êáñïëßíáò

Ìå ôçí âïÞèåéá ôïõ Èåïý êáé õðü ôçí óêÝðç ôïõ ðñïóôÜôç ìáò Áãßïõ Íåêôáñßïõ ôïõ Èáõìáôïõñãïý, èáýìáôá óõìâáßíïõí óõíå÷þò óôçí êïéíüôçôá ìáò. ¸÷ïõìå åõëïãçèåß ìå ôéò ðñïóåõ÷Ýò êáé ôçí õðïóôÞñéîç áãÜðçò áðü ðïëëïýò ðéóôïýò. Ç êïéíüôçôá ìáò éäñýèçêå ðñéí ôÝóóåñá ÷ñüíéá êáé åîõðçñåôåß ðÜíù áðü äéáêüóéåò ïéêïãÝíåéåò. ¹äç áðïðåñáôþóáìå ôï ðñþôï ìáò êôßñéï êáé åß÷áìå êáé ôçí ìïíáäéêÞ åõëïãßá íá äå÷èïýìå ôá Áãéá Ëåßøáíá ôïõ Áãßïõ Ðáôñüò Íåêôáñßïõ. Ìå ôáðåéíü ðíåýìá êáé áãÜðç, óáò êáëïýìå íá ãßíåôå ìÝñïò ôçò éóôïñßáò ôçò êïéíüôçôÜò ìáò. Ãßíåôå ìÝñïò ôïõ èáýìáôïò ìå ôéò ðñïóåõ÷Ýò óáò êáé ôçí õðïóôÞñéîç óáò, êáèþò êáé åìåßò ðñïóåõ÷üìáóôå ãéá óáò. Ìðïñåßôå íá óôåßëåôå ïíüìáôá ãéá íá ìíçìïíåýïíôáé óôéò áêïëïõèßåò õðÝñ õãåßáò Þ õðÝñ áíáðáýóåùò ìå ôçí èåßá ÷Üñç ôùí áãßùí ëåéøÜíùí. Ôï ïéêïãåíåéáêü óáò üíïìá èá ãñáöåß óôï âéâëßï ôùí éäñõôþí ðïõ èá öõëÜãåôáé óôïí ÍÜñèçêá. Ç åõëïãßá ôïõ Èåïý êáé ïé ðñåóâåßåò ôïõ ðñïóôÜôïõ ìáò Áãßïõ Íåêôáñßïõ íá åßíáé ðÜíôá ìáæß óáò.

Ïäçãßåò:

ÅðéóôñÝøåôå ôï ðáñáêÜôù ìÝñïò ìå ôá ïíüìáôá æþíôùí êáé ôåèíåþôùí. Ãñáøåôå ôï üíïìá óáò êáé ôç äéåýèõíóç óáò ãéá ôï âéâëßï ôùí éäñõôþí.

Name:_____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ City: ___________________ State _____ Zip _____ Phone: ( ) ________________ St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church 5108 Kuykendall Rd. Charlotte, NC 28270 704-708-4669

PAGE 20

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

OCTOBER 2002

OCTOBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

iocc newsiocc news

IOCC ‘Race to Respond’ Connects Communities BALTIMORE - Standing at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on Aug. 28, Race to Respond lead cyclist Jim Angelus easily could have reveled in the conclusion of the 25-day ride for International Orthodox Christian Charities.

Instead, he issued a challenge to all Orthodox Christians. Go back to your own communities and have your own race to respond, Angelus said. The Race to Respond did not begin on Aug. 3, and it did not end (on Aug. 27). The race to help others in need goes on.

That theme of sacrificial service repeated itself throughout the cross-country cycling event, which took five volunteer cyclists from Keyport, N.J., to Point Reyes Station, Calif., on behalf of IOCC. The August bicycle ride was a vehicle to show how IOCC races to respond to the needs of suffering people around the world.

IOCC cyclists

According to IOCC Executive Director Constantine M. Triantafilou, the Race to Respond served the humanitarian mission of IOCC in a number of ways: raising financial support for programs ; raising public awareness of needs in countries where IOCC works; increasing understanding of IOCC s work; illustrating the importance of volunteerism and teamwork for IOCC s mission; and by bringing Orthodox communities together in pursuit of a common goal.

As the cycling team crossed the country, enthusiasm for their effort and the cause they represented was obvious. Nowhere was that more true than at Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Pa. There, 250 campers chanting I-O-C-C met the cyclists! The young campers peppered the cyclists with questions and requests for autographs, and the Rev. Michael Nasser, camp director, gave the cyclists a generous donation collected from campers throughout the summer.

Standing at camp while 300 people chanted I-O-C-C touched my heart, said counselor Christa Shalhoub, 20, of Livonia, Mich. You guys came near the end of our summer, when I, personally, felt tired and ready to go home. Once I thought about what the cyclists were really doing, and how physically hard it must be to ride your bike for 25 days, it gave me confidence that I could finish my work for Christ at the Village.

At about the same time the IOCC cy-

clists were greeting young people at Antiochian Village, IOCC learned that its school lunch program in Lebanon and the Republic of Georgia had been extended for another year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Through the Global Food for Education Initiative, IOCC will provide nutritious lunches to an estimated 8,400 children in the Republic of Georgia and an estimated 5,600 children in Lebanon during the 2002-2003 school year, said Samir S. Ishak, IOCC director of operations. The $3 million project, which also provides teacher training and instructional materials, is made possible by IOCC supporters such as the campers at Antiochian Village.

The volunteer cyclists were reminded of IOCC s programs in other ways as they crossed the country. For example: At Serbian Orthodox parishes such as St. Nicholas in Steelton, Pa., and historic St. Sava in Jackson, Calif., they had an opportunity to reflect on IOCC s 10 years of humanitarian service in the war-torn former Yugoslavia.

Since 1992, at the invitation of the Serbian Orthodox Church, IOCC has delivered more than $50 million in program services in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The cyclists were overwhelmed by the response they received at St. Nicholas on Day 2 of the Race to Respond. They had spent a difficult morning tackling the hills of Pennsylvania. When they arrived at St. Nicholas, they received a standing ovation and a hot meal. The Rev. Srboljub Jockovich, parish pastor, prayed for IOCC and the safety of the cyclists.

IOCC board member Dr. Beverly Yanich, a member at St. Nicholas, said the cycling event helped the parish feel connected to the work of IOCC. If you needed any evidence of how impressed the parishioners were with the challenge undertaken by the cyclists and the faith the fellows demonstrated, just consider the rapt attention when the guys and their crew were introduced, the spontaneous bursts of applause whenever the guys made a move around the hall, the en masse move of attendees out of the hall and into the brutal sun to see the guys off, and the four-part harmony of the parishioners singing Many Years for the fellows when they were departing, Dr. Yanich said.

The cyclists also realized that someone had gone before them. In 1979, and again in 1989, the Rev. Kosmas Karavellas, now pastor of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, Md., went on cross-country bicycle trips to raise money for Cooley s Anemia research.

With little support, organization or media attention, Fr. Kosmas blazed a trail from New York to San Francisco and made a difference in the fight against the genetic blood disorder. At the time, though, he wasn t sure what impact he d have.

You d see the effort you were making, and sometimes you d wonder, What are we doing? But if you save one soul, it s enough, Fr. Kosmas said. I m sure the Lord s going to bless (IOCC).

I think IOCC has done a very good job with this, said cyclist Konstantin Kanelis, 35, of Munich, Germany. The result is the important thing: We helped in an effort to sharpen the consciousness of people, to wake them up.

So far, the cyclists effort has raised $230,000 for the humanitarian work of IOCC. To support their effort, please visit www.iocc.org or call 877-803-4622.

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ECUMENICAL REVIEW

ORTHODOX/LUTHERANS MEET “The Holy Trinity and the Mystery of the Church” was the topic discussed at the annual session of the Orthodox/Lutheran Dialogue, which took place recently in Pittsburgh under the leadership of Metropolitan Maximos and Bishop Donald J. McCoid.

Participants included (l. to r.) Fr. James Jorgenson, Bishop McCoid, Fr. John Morris, Metropolitan Maximos, Fr. John Behr, Rev. Mark Swanson, Fr. Gregory Wingenbach, Rev.Victor Langford, Dr. Lynne Lorenzen, Rev. Randall Lee, Dr. Bruce Marshall and Bishop Dimitrios.

NCC Resolution Recognizes Jerusalem Patriarch Following we publish the resolution of the NCC Executive Board recognizing the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Irenaios. It was unanimously approved on Oct. 7.

WHEREAS the Executive Board of the National Council of Churches, meeting on Monday, October 7, 2002, expressed serious concern about the ongoing failure of the Government of Israel to recognize the canonical election in August 2001 of His Beatitude Irenaios, the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

And, WHEREAS the venerable and ancient Patriarchate of Jerusalem is unable to function as a legal entity in Israel, and is thus unable to oversee properly the Holy Shrines and property under its jurisdiction and to operate the schools, hospitals and other institutions through which it serves

Greek Orthodox Christians in the Holy Land.

And, WHEREAS Orthodoxy worldwide and the larger Christian community have been waiting more than one year for this recognition and finds the delay inexcusable.

Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Executive Board of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA respectfully calls upon its communions and the U.S. government to press the government of the State of Israel to recognize the canonically elected Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Irenaios, without further delay, thus evidencing its respect for the centuries-old rights of the Patriarchate as well as the rights of the Christian community at large.

NCC Annual General Assembly Meets Nov. 13-16 in Florida The National Council of Churches annual General Assembly and related meetings will be held Nov. 13-16 in Tampa, Fla. Venue: Hyatt Regency, Two Tampa City Center. Elenie K. Huszagh, Esq., of Nehalem, Ore., NCC president for 2002-2003, will preside.

General Assembly brings the NCC family together for worship, Bible study, workshops and plenary presentations, and business. Delegates from the NCC s 36 Protestant, Orthodox, historic African American, Anglican and Peace member churches - comprising 50 million members - will be present from across the United States, with guests from several other countries.

Visitors are encouraged to take this opportunity to fellowship, to learn and to get to know the life of the National Council of Churches and of Church World Ser-

vice, the international humanitarian agency of the NCC s member churches.

See www.ncccusa.org for registration and program details.

Under the theme For the Common Good: Seeking Justice, Working for Peace, the Assembly will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Mission Education Movement in North America and the 50th Anniversary of the Revised Standard Version Bible - both National Council of Churches contributions to the life of the church.

In plenaries and workshops, the Assembly also will discuss pressing contemporary issues including Middle East peace, Christian-Muslim relations, the search for new expressions of Christian unity in the 21st century, how to support quality public education and healthcare, and how to help build peace, justice and health in Africa.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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OCTOBER 2002

DIOCESE OF BOSTON First Annual Diocese Dance Festival A Success!

P. Christopulos

CHOIR REUNION St. Demetrios Choir in Fall River, Mass., recently held a reunion of its members. Among its members was noted Time-Life Photographer Peter Christopulos, who sang in the choir after he arrived from Greece in 1946.

Metropolitan Methodios Ordains Philippe Mousis To The Holy Diaconate BROOKLINE, Mass. Metropolitan Methodios ordained Philippe Mousis to the holy deaconate on Saturday, Sept. 28 before a capacity congregation at the Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown, Mass.

Following a 2,000-year tradition instituted by Christ, Metropolitan Methodios, in the presence of many priests from throughout the country, laid his hands upon the head of Philippe Mousis and proclaimed him AXIOS! The ordination, which begins at the conclusion of Orthros (Matins) and is completed during the Divine Liturgy, brought tears to many who witnessed the fullness and beauty of the Orthodox Faith and felt the Holy Spirit descending upon the new Deacon.

With trembling voice, Philippe thanked Metropolitan Methodios for his example of service to the Gospel and said: I pray that my future ministry reflects the love you have shown for the faithful and for the Lord. Philippe thanked all who supported and helped him reach this very special day in his life, including the parishioners of three communities St. John s in Bluepoint, NY, St. Nectarios in Roslindale and the Taxiarchae in Watertown.

He acknowledged Hellenic College and Holy Cross where he said he spent some of the best years of his life, thanked the clergy he has met in his capacity as the diocesan youth director for their guidance, and expressed gratitude to his family.

Philippe also thanked his wife, Anastasia (Sanidopoulos) his dearest friend and strongest supporter whose inspiring Christian lifestyle... her unselfishness and kindness in taking care of our family serve as an everyday reminder of what unconditional love means. Metropolitan Methodios reminded the new deacon of the many and awesome responsibilities which he will have in the priesthood.

He also reminded him that the calling to become a priest carries with it the obliga-

BOSTON Waves of thunderous applause and cheers echoed through the New Hampshire woods this past weekend as each Greek dance workshop group presented one of the many dances learned at the first Diocese of Boston Dance Festival.

Sponsored by the Diocese of Boston Office of Youth Ministries and Lykeion Ton Ellinidon, Boston chapter, the two-day event at the Retreat Center in Contoocook, N.H. brought together more than 125 participants, ages 8 -18, from Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. This event was made possible through the collaboration of a number of New England dance organizations, including Odyssey Dance Troupe of Cranston, R.I.; Diocese of Boston Dance Group; Trans-Hellenic Dance Group of Lowell, MA. Instructors from these organizations and Lykeion Ton Ellinidon donated their time to teach two days of workshops for area youth.

Saturday, Oct. 5 was for teen-agers only. Students participated in introductory, intermediate and advanced level dance workshops during the day. In the evening, the teens brought their high spirits and energy to the Glendi, dancing to the beat of both Greek and American mu-

sic, followed by a campfire near the waterfront at night.

The next morning, the 8- and 12-year olds arrived, and participated in a parallel set of introductory, intermediate and advanced workshops for their age group. A separate workshop for teen-age boys on Sunday focused on jumps and other meaningful movements.

During breaks, students had an opportunity to explore the beautiful campgrounds, go canoeing, play basketball or simply enjoy the warm sun. At the conclusion of the instruction, everyone gathered together for a lively set of demonstrations.

Each of the eight workshops presented one dance to an enthusiastic and supportive crowd, including many parents, and every participant received a certificate from their instructors listing the dances they had learned.

Three performing groups, Boston Lykeion Ellinidon Dance Group, under the direction of Irene Savas; Diocese Dance Group, under the direction of Nikki Sokolov and Odyssey Dance Troupe of Cranston, under the direction of Koula Rougas, presented suites of dances in full costume from various regions throughout Greece and Cyprus.

Fr. Foustoukos Installed at Transfiguration Parish

Deacon Philippe Mousis

tion to serve, not to be served, that priesthood is eternal, concerning itself with the salvation of souls. His Eminence told Philippe that he should make sure that he take care first of the youth in your home and then those throughout the Diocese.

Bringing tears to the eyes of the congregation, Metropolitan Methodios, himself fortunate to have felt his own mother s unconditional love, told Philippe that there is no stronger or special love than that of a mother. And he praised Philippe s wife, Anastasia, for her love and support and inspiration.

Deacon Philippe Mousis is a graduate of Hellenic College (Class of 1997) and of Holy Cross (Class of 2000). He has been involved in the youth ministry programs of the Diocese of Boston, first as a camper and then working with then-Youth Director Fr. Ted Barbas, since his days at the Seminary.

Under the direction and guidance of Metropolitan Methodios, Deacon Philippe has been able to expand the ministries and, especially since the acquisition of the Diocese of Boston Camp and Retreat Center in Contoocook, N.H., to add new programs. Last weekend, about 150 children participated in the first annual Boston Diocese Dance Festival at the Camp and Retreat Center. The summer camp program, known as BDC, has expanded to five weeks, all of which are filled to capacity.

LOWELL, Mass. Metropolitan Methodios installed Fr. Christopher P. Foustoukos as the new priest of Transfiguration Church on Oct. 2.

Many priests of the Diocese attended the installation service and joined the Metropolitan in praying for Fr. Foustoukos ministry.

Metropolitan Methodios charged Fr. Foustoukos to continue serving the Church as he has since his ordination, with vision and loving pastoral concern.

His Eminence urged him to seek out the modern Zaccheuses in the greater Lowell area who seek the Lord.

He urged Fr. Foustoukos to bring about a spiritual transfiguration in the historic parish of Lowell, which is honored with the name of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

Making reference to the beautiful mosaics, which adorn every inch of the interior of the church edifice, Metropolitan Methodios told the congregation that the most beautiful icons are the souls of the parishioners of the community. He charged Fr. Foustoukos to especially center his ministry on the youth, which he described as the treasure of Greek Orthodoxy in America.

The Metropolitan also introduced Presbytera Claire Foustoukos to the con-

gregation and complimented her for her support of Fr. Chris ministry.

Fr. Foustoukos is a graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology. Metropolitan Methodios ordained him to the deaconate on June 10, 1989 and to the priesthood on Feb. 18, 1990.

After serving as the Metropolitan s deacon and diocese youth director for one year, he was assigned to the Annunciation Church in Newburyport where he served for seven years.

For the past six years, he served Annunciation parish in Woburn. Fr. Chris and Presbytera Claire have made life-long friendships in the parishes they have served.

In his farewell to the Woburn community, Fr. Chris said, God calls us on the journey to our ultimate home. As we prepare to leave and you ready yourselves to welcome a new pastor, let us all pray that we will be sensitive to Christ s presence in our midst and even more responsive to our Lord s guidance. By being drawn more closely to Christ, we will be drawn even more closely together.

Fr. Chris and Presbytera Claire are the parents of nine-year-old Peter. Fr. Foustoukos who grew up in the St. Vasilios parish in Peabody, Mass. is the son of Katherine and the late Panagioti Foustoukos.

EVENTS IN YOUR DIOCESE? Send us your news and photos!!!

observer@goarch.org

OCTOBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 23

around the Philoptochos Chapter Announces New Book: The Spirit of Ascension As Americans struggle to find peace in a new and frightening world, a suburban Chicago Philoptochos Society has published The Spirit of Ascension, an inspirational new book for Orthodox Christians.

This new release offers spiritual reaffirmation and a feeling of connection to other Orthodox Christians. Families are reading a story together each night, and party guests have selected the volume as a hostess gift of lasting depth and value.

The 192-page collection of 39 true, spiritually uplifting stories is told by members and friends of the Ascension of our Lord Greek Orthodox Church in Lincolnshire, Illinois, under the spiritual guidance of the Rev. James Gordon.

A standout success from the five-yearold parish s Philoptochos Society, judges lauded The Spirit of Ascension at the Clergy-Laity Congress in Los Angeles in July, where it received a second place award. The unique project, years in the making, began as a departure from the usual parish cookbook. Philoptochos members preferred instead to write a cookbook of the soul, to help stewards of the fledgling church community know one another by sharing their experiences, hopes and thoughts.

Men, women even teenagers shared their unique pasts. Their stories will take you around the world and deep into the soul and psyche of the Orthodox Christian. You ll share life experiences, lessons from the old country and profiles of inspirational individuals. Funny anecdotes, useful Orthodox prayers and photographs make the stories and people come to life.

Among the intriguing titles are Prayer or Prozac, My Journey from Orthodox Judaism to Orthodox Christianity, Bananas and Tuxedos, The Black Patch Miracle and The Wedding Jar. Vivid stories paint pictures of people, places and unique times in history. You will go to Greece during the Nazi occupation, to the American Wild West as an Orthodox coal miner, and to Sarajevo on Good Friday. Then explore the mind of an eccen-

tric Chicago iconographer and travel to Sudan and South Africa to experience life in Orthodox Christian communities there.

Rev. James S. Gordon, founding pastor of the Ascension of Our Lord, contributed his own personal and moving story about his growing pains and ultimate reconciliation and appreciation for his own father entitled Lessons of Life, from my Dad. Clergy and laity worldwide have endorsed The Spirit of Ascension, including Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis, Presiding Hierarch Diocese of Chicago, Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, Metropolitan Nikitas of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, and National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes, who was moved to contribute a story of her own.

The Rev. William Chiganos of Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Westchester, Ill. said the book gives stirring glimpses of life in a world filled with uncertainties and fear....I especially valued the honesty and the willingness of those who penned these words to become somewhat vulnerable.

The book is available at a discount to Philoptochos chapters and church bookstores for their own fundraising. It is ideal for Christmas bazaars, summer festivals, book fairs and for sale during coffee hour.

Many see the book as a gift alternative with a spiritual message. They buy multiple copies for Godparents and Godchildren, the elderly or shut-ins, and as graduation, hostess or thank-you gifts.

Proceeds from the sale of the self-published volume will be divided among several groups in need, the ministries of Metropolitan Nikitas in Southeast Asia, International Orthodox Christian Charities, Philoptochos philanthropies and the Ascension of Our Lord Church building fund.

The cover price is $20, plus $3 for shipping and handling for quantities up to four. Mail a check with your order to The Spirit of Ascension, 1207 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire, Ill. 60069.

For more information, browse the website, www.ascensiongoc.com or call the church at (847) 482-1200.

New Cathedral Consecrated in Ghana ACCRA, Ghana The Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Petros VII, consecrated the new Cathedral of the Transfiguration of our Lord in Accra on Sept. 29.

The Patriarch presided over the Orthros service, the Consecration and the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy.

Concelebrants were: Metropolitan Irineos of Pelousion; Bishop Panteleimon of Ghana; Bishop George of Nilopolis; the Very Revs. Emmanuel Kiagia; Epiphanios Hadjiyagkou; and Ioannikios Athanasiadis, with all the local clergy.

The Cathedral choir chanted during the services, which were broadcast live on the national TV channel.

The services were attended by Constantine Giovas, ambassador of Greece to Nigeria and Ghana; the ambassadors of Lebanon and Ethiopia; the consuls of Romania and Bulgaria; a representative from the Egyptian embassy; Dimitris Arvaam, honorary consul of Belgium; other diplomats; Msgr. Francis Laden, of the Roman Catholic Church; and representatives of

other Christian churches.

Orthodox faithful of Greek, Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian and Lebanese origin; and many Ghanaian Orthodox devoutly proceeded to receive Holy Communion and the blessing of their Patriarch.

In his welcome speech, the Bishop of Ghana marked the importance of the presence of the head of the Church of Alexandria in Ghana stating that it is something that gives them courage to continue their missionary work.

Bishop Panteleimon presented the Patriarch with a set of engolpia and the Patriarch presented the church with the holy icon of St. Athanasios.

The Patriarch also gave the Cross of St. Mark to the Very Rev. Epiphanios, who accepted it on behalf of the parishioners of the Cathedral of Florina, Greece.

Patriarch Petros presented the Cross of St. Mark to the volunteer missionaries Kyriaki Asimakopoulou, Evangelia Nyktari and Maria Ismiroglou for their great contribution to the missionary work in Africa, especially in Ghana.

USA

Archdiocese and Skylitseion Hospital Receive Hionas Fund Annual Distribution NEW YORK The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Skylitseion Hospital of Chios, Greece have recently received $6,334 each as co-recipients of an annual distribution from the William Hionas Charitable Trust Fund. The Trust, originally formed in 1983 by William Hionas of Brooklyn, and Archbishop Iakovos, provides for an equal distribution of funds from the trust to these two separate organizations.

As outlined in the original documents of the trust, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and the Skylitseion Hospital are to receive funds annually.

Upon completing the necessary arrangements for this year s distribution, the Archdiocese s Director of Finance, John Barbagallo, stated William Hionas structured his gift to the Archdiocese in such a way that he continues to donate generously to our Archdiocese on an annual basis. His most recent gift, forwarded to us by the executors of his trust, sons Seymour and Eugene Hionas, will be used to honor the memory of this devoted churchman. It is my hope that more devoted Orthodox Christians will continue to remember and honor our Archdiocese with this type of donation.

Irvine Church Presents Cappella Romana Byzantine Choir Editor s note: The following article was provided to the Observer by Cliff Argue of Seattle, Wash., and appeared in a recent issue of the Los Angeles Times.

by Chris Pasles Times Staff Writer IRVINE, Calif. Purer, sweeter, more austere and impersonal than Baroque composer Heinrich Schutz, who makes Bach sound like an overwrought Romantic, is the music of the Byzantine liturgy.

Ivan Moody drew on that glorious tradition for his deeply moving Passion and Resurrection, heard Friday at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine.

Sung gorgeously by the Portland, Ore.-based Cappella Romana, led by Moody, the performance set a high-water mark at the start of the fourth Eclectic Orange Festival sponsored by the Philharmonic Society. The concert was presented by the church.

This is a vocal tradition uncommon in the Western concert hall and takes some getting used to. A narrator chants the story of Christ s Passion and resurrection, staying within a very narrow dynamic, expressive and melodic range. The choir sings hymns and antiphons, mostly a cappella, often in unison. When it breaks into harmony, the effect is like jeweled light flooding the space.

Moody added a small string ensemble to provide occasional, discreet accompaniment. A string bass, however, sounded pedal notes throughout the work, except at the moment of Christ s death. Its absence then was shocking.

Absence is the critical characteristic of this style: absence of display, ego, of anything that draws attention from the involving narrative. Following the practice of the Greek Orthodox Church, however, the composer sets off sections of the work, which he calls Ikons, with chimed notes.

That and the symbolic three-fold repetitions of certain lines remind us that this is not meant as entertainment.

Indeed, Passion and Resurrection is very close to being a church service, and that may have accounted for the respectful rather than overwhelming applause at

the end. You don t applaud a Mass at which you have been transported.

The 16 singers were exemplary in breath and dynamic control, creating timeless, endless melody by starting every new line at exactly the same dynamic and color as the one they had just finished. Tenor Leslie Green was the gentle, marathon Evangelist. Bass John Vergin was the warm, authoritative Christ. LeaAnne DenBeste sang the Mother of God with aching purity.

Moody s a cappella In You, All Creation Rejoices, also in Byzantine style, was the encore.

HOLY SCRIPTURE READINGS NOVEMBER . . . . . . . .

1 F .......... I Cor. 12:-13:8; Mt. 10:1, 5-8 2 S ............. I Cor. 15:58-16:3; Lk. 9:1-6 3 SUN. II Cor. 11:31-12:9; Lk. 16:19-31 4 M . Phil. 2:12-16; Lk. 12:13-15, 22-31 5 T ............. Phil. 2:16-23; Lk. 12:42-48 6 W .................. Heb. 8:1-6; Lk. 12:8-12 7 Th ................... Phil. 3:1-8; Lk. 13:1-9 8 F ............... Heb. 2:2-10; Lk. 10:16-21 9 S ............ II Cor. 1:8-11; Luke 9:37-43 10 Sun ....... Gal. 1:11-19; Lk. 10:25-37 11 M ........ Phil 4:10-23; Lk. 14:1,12-15 12 T ........... II Cor. 9:6-11; Lk. 14:25-35 13 W ........... Heb. 7:26-8:2; Jn. 10:9-16 14 Th. ........... I Cor. 4:9-16; Jn. 1:44-52 15 F ...... Col. 2:1-7; Lk. 16:16-17:25-35 16 S ......... Rom. 10:11-11:2; Mt. 9:9-13 17 Sun ....... Gal. 2:16-20; Lk. 12:16-21 18 M ........... Col. 2:13-20; Lk. 17:20-25 19 T ............ Col 2:20-3:3; Lk. 17:26-37 20 W . Col.3:17-4:1; Lk. 18:15-17, 26-30 21 Th . Heb. 9:1-7; Lk10:38-42,11:27-28 22 F .............. Phil. 1:1-25; Lk. 19:12-28 23 S ........... II Cor. 5:1-10; Lk. 10:19-21 24 Sun ....... Gal. 6:11-18; Lk. 18:18-27 25 M ........... Gal. 3:23-4:5; Mk. 5:24-34 26 T ......... I Thes. 1:6-10; Lk. 19:45-48 27 W ........... I Thes. 2:1-7; Luke 20:1-8 28 Th. ........ I Thes. 2:9-14; Lk. 20:9-18 29 F ....... I Thes. 2:14-20; Lk. 20:19-26 30 S .............. I Cor. 4:9-16; Jn. 1:35-52

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 24

of

Special Interest

Post-Byzantine Treasures to Visit U.S. for First Time NEW YORK Post-Byzantium: The Greek Renaissance, an exhibition of rare treasures from The Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens opens at the Onassis Cultural Center in New York this November, the first exhibition in the United States to focus on this area of art history.

Fifty works in various media, from paintings to filigree, highlight the range and influence of the Byzantine tradition that continued after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Most of the works in the exhibition have never been shown in the U.S., including such masterpiece icons as St. Antonios and The Three Hierarchs, by the 16th century Cretan master Michael Damaskenos.

Traditionally, art historians have focused their celebration of these centuries on the artistic developments and influences of the Renaissance in Western Europe, while the study of Byzantine art has often off with the collapse of the Empire in the East. Post-Byzantium illuminates the persistence of the highly influential Byzantine style through this political change and for centuries afterwards.

The pervasive strength of Byzantine culture meant that its artistic tradition continued to flourish after the disbanding of the Empire-a Byzantium after Byzantium, in effect a Greek renaissance.

Furthermore, the Eastern Orthodox Church, which served as a cohesive social and cultural institution, subsequently formalized many of the guidelines for production in reverence for the Church s teachings and theological perspectives.

Sculpture, architecture, and particularly painting in the classic Byzantine style remained widespread in the world after the Fall. Byzantine artists and artisans from Crete, the Ionian Islands, Venice, and the Ottoman-held Central Greece and Asia Minor continued to work in communities that were far flung across the former empire.

Although many of these artists were not celebrated as individual geniuses, subsequent study of Post-Byzantium has identified a number of them as unqualified masters of their genres.

Post-Byzantium is grouped into three thematic sections, including Icons,

Golden Embroidered Textiles, and The Flourishing of Minor Arts, which includes art of gold and silver, enamels, filigrees, and carved wooden crosses.

Icons, the largest section, is divided into sections from Constantinople-Crete, Italian-Cretan Works, Cretan Maistors, and Wall Paintings.

The emphasis on different geographical areas reflects a historical moment in the spread of flourishing Post-Byzantine culture, which took place in all parts of the former empire.

Men of letters and artists had begun gathering in Italy long before the Fall of the Empire, and after the Fall, Venice came to be known as the second Byzantium .

Golden Embroidered Textiles presents a series of priest s garments, elaborately embroidered in the signature decorative Byzantine style.

This section also includes an 18th century epitaphios, a type of embroidery that depicts Christ s bier and is common in Orthodox iconography.

Post-Byzantium is curated by Dr. Eugenia Chalkia, deputy director of The Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, which rarely lends works from its holdings. Dr. Chalkia has extensive experience in this field, having worked on several important excavations of Byzantine sites in Epirus and Attica, both in Greece, and taught at the University of Crete.

The Onassis Cultural Center, located at the Olympic Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York, opened in the fall of 2000. It is the public forum for advancing the work of the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA), affiliate to the parent Onassis Foundation founded by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis upon his death in 1975, and named after his son who was killed in a plane crash two years earlier.

The Onassis Foundation (USA) aims to promote, preserve, and celebrate Greek culture of all time periods in the United States of America. The Cultural Center strives to give the public greater access to significant cultural experiences through its ongoing series of exhibitions, lectures, musical events, literary-evening, and theatrical performances.

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AND THE ARCHDIOCESE

Youth and Young Adult Ministries Releases 2nd Video

SEXUAL PURITY: Purity of Mind, Body and Soul The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is pleased to announce the completion of the second video in the Orthodox Christian Teen Video Series entitled, Sexual Purity: Purity of Mind, Body and Soul .

Throughout the years, one of the most difficult issues to discuss with our young people has been sex. The seemingly taboo subject of sex and sexuality has by far been the most neglected topic of discussion with our youth. One of the most interesting discoveries found in the making of this video was a general misconception held by our young people in regard to the Church s teaching on sexuality and sexual purity. The title Sexual Purity was chosen because of this misconception with the expectation that it will help convey the idea that a person, while abstaining from sexual intercourse, may not necessarily be sexually pure.

This latest resource from the Department has been created to assist parents; youth workers and Sunday School teachers in helping the young people they work with find purity in their lives. The video can be used in various ways (youth group session, parents night, Sunday School Classroom, weekend retreat, etc.).

The video is designed to be shown to a group of young people, with discussion to follow. The resource book is 33 pages in whole and includes youth group sessions on Sex in Youth Culture: Images and Messages, Temptation and Self-Discipline, Sex Basics: Beyond the Birds and Bees and a Parent Discussion Session. Each session is loaded with prayers, icebreakers, discussion, scripture and patristic references and challenges. The Resource Book also includes sections on How to Use this Resource, Scripture and Patristic References, Statistics and pertinent articles that pertain to the subject.

The video contains interviews with

hierarchs, priests, psychologists, doctors and trained youth workers who have years of experience in working with young people, as well as, the young people themselves. It also includes a special section for parents and youth workers following the credits, to guide them in teaching and reaching our youth.

While this is a most difficult subject to broach with our youth, it is most necessary. We must offer our youth a change from the norm, a better way. We must offer the youth a better choice Jesus Christ. Where we see in a high school in California, boys would etch marks in their belt adding up points for how many times they could score with a girl, we can offer dignity and purity in abstinence.

Where we see a young girl who is contemplating suicide because she isn t pleased with her physical appearance (trying to measure up to the societal norm), we can offer her the beauty and sanctity of human life.

If we do not teach our young people about sex and sexuality, where will they learn it? They will learn about sex from advertising, entertainment and peers who will often times offer ideas that are foreign to Orthodox Christianity. Now is the time to address these issues. Now is the time to teach our young people what the Church believes and teaches about sex.

And now is the time to reach our young people. If we do not take advantage of this opportunity, we may never have another chance.

This video is easy to follow with cutting edge graphics, statistics and images that will hold the attention of today s adolescent, while offering them the Orthodox understanding of sexual purity. To order your copy of Sexual Purity: Purity of Mind, Body and Soul or Substance Abuse: Our Kids are Not Immune , or to view these videos, go to www.goarch.youth.org.

CLERGY U P D A T E Ordination to the Priesthood: Dn. Michael Prevas, by Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis, Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Glenview, Ill., Sept. 29.

Assignments: Rev. James Iliou, St. Nicholas Church, Flushing, N.Y. (assistant), 08/01/02 Rev. Peter Spiro, St. Athanasios Church, Aurora, Ill. 09/01/02 Rev. John Hondros, St. John the Baptist Church, Las Vegas, 09/01/02 Rev. Peter D. Delvizis St. George Church, Media, Pa. 09/01/02 Rev. Peter E. Papanikolaou, St. George Church, Schenectady, N.Y., 09/01/02 Rev. Nicholas Andruchow, Greek Orthodox Mission of Flagstaff, Ariz. 09/01/02 Rev. Danut Suciu St. Sophia Church, San Antonio, 09/10/02 Rev. Paul W. Keriotis, Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta (assistant), 09/15/02 Rev. Stelios Menis, Annunciation Church, McKeesport, Pa., 09/15/02

Rev. Dean Panagos Greek Orthodox Church of Columbia, Mo., 09/16/02 Rev. Dean V. Kouldukis, Assumption Church Seattle, 09/16/02 Rev. Nicholas W. Gamvas, Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, Honolulu, 09/16/02 V. Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Cottros, St. Demetrios Church, Jamaica, N.Y., 10/01/02 Rev. Christopher P. Foustoukos, Transfiguration Church, Lowell, Mass., 10/01/02 Rev. Michael A. Kouremetis, Prophet Elias Church, Holladay, Utah, 10/01/02 Retired Priests: Rev. James Karalexis, 10/01/02 V. Rev. Archimandrite Paul Koutoukas, 10/01/02 Offikia Archbishop Demetrios bestowed the office of Archimandrite upon: Fr. Constantine Moralis, 08/04/02 Archbishop Demetrios bestowed the office of Protopresbyter upon: Fr. Elias (Louis) Noplos, 08/04/02

OCTOBER 2002

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PEOPLE

u White House reception World Council of Hellenes President Andrew Athens was honored Oct. 11 at a White House reception honoring individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to humanitarian and reconstruction efforts around the world. The Rose Garden event was hosted by President Bush.

u New director The American Farm School of Thessaloniki has named Sandra K. Vassos as executive director of its New York office.

She previously was executive director of the New York office of Athens College for seven years. Ms. Vassos also has served as a consultant to organizations including the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Hellenic Public Radio.

u Scholar selected The International Institute of Classical Humanities in Brooklyn, N.Y., has selected Dr. Alexander N. Damianakos, professor of history at Long Island University, to write a comprehensive history of Greece in English. Dr. Damianakos, a graduate of New York University, is the author of several books on the history of the United States, the Constitution and modern Greece.

uHANAC honoree Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee of New York will honor Philip Christopher, president and CEO of Audiovox Communications Corp. at its 30th annual Crystal Ball on Oct. 25. Mr. Christopher also is founder and president of the Pancyprian Association of America, and president of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus.

u Children’s wishes With the strong support of the GreekAmerican community, Mike Manatos of Washington set a fundraising record at the Make-A-Wish Foundation Triathlon on Sept. 21 in Bethany Beach, Del. His record enabled five children fighting terminal or life threatening illnesses to each have a dream come true. In the 19 year history of this annual event, which attracts over 1,000 participants, no one has come close to Manatos total raised this year of $37,856. Manatos, competing in his fifth consecutive Make-A-Wish triathlon, has now raised more than $103,000 and granted the wishes of 15 children.

u Publishes book Anastasia P. Samaras, director and associate professor for the Initiatives in Educational Transformation Program at George Mason University in Washington, and a member of the Hellenic American Women s Council, recently published Self-Study for Teacher-Educators: Crafting a Pedagogy for Educational Change.

Correction An item in the September issue should have read Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Papafil of Norfolk, Va., whose son was named as an Eagle Scout and presented.

A

PAGE 25

One of Oldest Communities Took Root in New England s Hometown

few decades ago, quite possi bly you, your parents or grand parents sported shoes, owned leather goods or talked on the newest telephones made by the Greeks of Haverhill.

How that came about can be traced to around 1900, when thousands of Greeks left the olive groves, pine forests and fishing boats of the Aegean island of Mytilene, the hardscrabble life of Karpenisi in mountainous Central Greece, and limited opportunities in the Peloponnese. They came to one of America s oldest English settlements in

PARISH

In the late 1920s, Athenagoras Kavadas, who eventually became Bishop of Boston and a driving force behind the establishment of Holy Cross School of Theology, served as parish priest.

At this time the members decided to begin a new church building project. However, with the onset of the Great Depression, the project was suspended and even the school was forced to close.

By the mid-1930s, new efforts began to raise funds for a church. In 1939 property was purchased on Winter Street just north of downtown and a few blocks from the existing church on Walnut Street. The

While membership had leveled off for a while, it has now reached the highest is has ever been, the priest noted.

He estimates there are some 4,000 Orthodox Christians in and around Haverhill, a city of about 55,000 population that has had at least two Greek American mayors. Parishioners have been active in many areas of community life.

Holy Apostles parish consists of a large percentage of Greek-born, many second, third and fourth generation Greek Americans and some converts, Fr. Niakaros said.

profile

Name: Holy Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church Location: Haverhill, Mass.

Diocese: Boston Founded: 1907 Size: About 650 families Clergy: Very Rev. Makarios J. Niakaros (Hellenic College 87; Holy Cross 90) e-mail: holyapostles@msn.com Noteworthy: One of the oldest communities in the U.S.; two former hierarchs served as priests

HOLY APOSTLES STS. PETER AND PAUL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

the Merrimack River Valley of northeastern Massachusetts; a hilly, forested, intensely industrial region since colonial times, only 10 miles from the sea.

Awaiting them were plentiful jobs in the textile mills, tanneries and shoe factories, which for much of the 20th century produced such large quantities that Haverhill was known as The Shoe Capital of the World. (The current Chamber of Commerce slogan is New England s Hometown ).

According to a parish history, the immigrants in Haverhill and surrounding area formed a committee in 1907 to find a spiritual leader. The committee included Theodore Souliotis, John Costarides, George Siderokanelis, George Agrios, Theodore Contogiannis, Kyriacos Smyrniotis and Nicholas Theofilactopoulos. They brought a native of Tsesme, Asia Minor, Fr. Isihios Raptakis, to serve as the first priest of the newly formed community.

They soon acquired their first spiritual home, a former Episcopal church built of stone near the-west side of the city. The Episcopalians donated the building to the Greeks and Fr. Raptakis celebrated the first liturgy on Palm Sunday, April 6, 1908.

Holy Apostles Church soon needed a larger facility for its growing membership and the community bought a former Adventist church for $7,500 in 1911.

The following year, the parish established one of the first daily Greek American schools with two teachers, Andrew Leonardos and a Mrs. Alexopoulos teaching 45 students in the church hall.

In 1922, the community built a separate school building and Metropolitan Meletios Metaxakis presided at dedication ceremonies.

new Byzantine church with its Greek-columned portico was built at a cost of $65,000 under the supervision of builder John Vasiliades. It continues to serve the community to this day.

During this period, the priest was Ezekiel Tsoucalas, who went on to become Bishop of Chicago and Archbishop of Australia.

On July 4, 1943, Archbishop Athenagoras consecrated the new church. Over the years, the community also acquired adjoining property and built a large community center, and a parish house on land donated by a non-Greek friend of the church.

HAVERHILL

Initial plans for the community center were formed in 1953, but it was in April 1967 when the Hellenic Orthodox Educational and Cultural Center eventually was completed and dedicated by Archbishop Iakovos.

More renovations to the church were made in 1972, including a new iconostasion.

For most of the early 20th century, Haverhill s Greek Orthodox community grew and prospered, with the 1940s and 50s being a period of great progress, Fr. Niakaros explained.

The parish also benefited from the last great influx of immigrants from Greece, in 1968 and in 1978-82. I see it during Easter and at Christmas, Fr. Niakaros said of the area s large Greek Orthodox population.

While the earliest immigrants worked in the factories, many eventually wearied of factory life and opened businesses. There still are several parishioners who own restaurants and other businesses, along with some doctors, lawyers, teachers and other professionals.

The local economy entered a depressed state with the inflation and recession of the 70s and early 80s, as the older mill industries either shut down or moved to other regions, but these eventually were supplanted by communications and other high-tech and computer firms.

For several decades, even before the downturn, many of the immigrant and American-born parishioners worked at one of Haverhill s largest employers, Western Electric, the manufacturing arm of AT&T (now Lucent Technologies), making telephone equipment.

While there several senior citizens in the community (many active in the Golden Years group), Holy Apostles also has younger families who have moved to the area within the past seven years, a fact reflected in the Sunday school program with an active enrollment of about 75 children. Greek school has 45 students.

The community has outreach projects that include a Caring and Sharing program that serves hot meals to the needy each month, and the distribution of about 80 food baskets to the needy on Thanksgiving and 50 at Christmas time. We do a lot of philanthropic work in the city, Fr. Niakaros said.

u page 26

PAGE 26

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ALUMNI ANNIVERSARY u page 13 The current executive directors of the association include Fr. Peter Karloutsos Hellenic College 69 Holy Cross 74, president; Fr. Dennis Strouzas Hellenic College 69 Holy Cross 73, vice-president; Fr. Elias Velonis Hellenic College 70, Holy Cross 73, secretary; and Fr. George Chioros Hellenic College 86, Holy Cross 89, treasurer.

Assisting the executive directors are diocesan representatives and lay representatives who travel to Brookline bringing their ideas, concern and love for the alumni.

Diocesan representatives include Fr. Soterios Rousakis Hellenic College 95, Holy Cross 98, Atlanta; Fr. Thomas Chininis Holy Cross 83, Boston; Fr. James Gordon Hellenic Colllege 73, Holy Cross 76, Chicago; Fr. Nicholas Katinas Holy Cross 59, Denver; Fr. George Wilson Holy Cross 93, Detroit; Fr. Apostolos Panos Hellenic College 86, Holy Cross 89, New Jersey; Fr. James Moskovites Hellenic College 67 Holy Cross 70, New York; Fr. Theodore Petrides, Holy Cross 90, Pittsburgh; and Fr. Peter Costarakis, Holy Cross 63, San Francisco.

Lay Representatives include Phyllis Meshel Onest, Holy Cross 77, James Karamanos, Holy Cross 68, Nicholas Paleologos, Hellenic College 98, Holy Cross, 01, Dr. Michael Billys Hellenic College 71, Holy Cross 81, Damon Smith Hellenic College 00; and Dr. John Papajohn, Holy Cross 49.

A milestone was reached this past year as the first 60th anniversary of graduation, the Class of 1942, was honored during Alumni/Reunion Week 2002.

Three graduates of the class Frs. Dean Timothy Andrews, Demetrios Michaelides, and George Kalpaxis, participated in the festivities. Commencement exercises were especially moving with Fr. Kalpaxis hooding each graduate after they received their diploma from Archbishop Demetrios.

Along with the Class of 1942, the 50th anniversary of graduation Holy Cross Class of 1952 and the 25th anniversary of graduation Hellenic College and Holy Cross Class of 1977 were honored during Alumni/Reunion Week 2002 festivities.

Alumni day highlights included the Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service celebrated by the Holy Cross Class of 1977 with Fr. Michael Varvarelis delivering the homily, a Texas BBQ for the entire community of Hellenic College and Holy Cross including the faculty, staff, students and

their families and the Board of Trustees of HC and HC, sponsored by the alumni association and Great Vespers celebrated by the Holy Cross Class of 1952 with Archbishop Demetrios presiding.

At the conclusion of the vesper service the Alumni Association honored Paulette Poulos for her 37 years of service and heartfelt dedication to the Archdiocese and its clergy and most especially, to Archbishop Iakovos.

Phyllis Meshel Onest and Elaine Gounaris Hanna each received with a cross honoring their 25th anniversary of their graduation from Holy Cross.

Alumni Day culminated with a beautiful dinner that was hosted by the President of Hellenic College and Holy Cross, Rev. Nicholas C. Triantafilou. It was a very relaxing evening that was filled with memories and stories from our honored alumni.

A question that is often asked is, What is the purpose of the alumni association?

The mission statement of the HC and HC Alumni Association can adequately answer this which states, The purpose of the association shall be to promote closer fellowship among its members, to preserve and strengthen the ties of the Alumni as a whole with the Alma Mater, to promote information about the Schools, to promote the purposes of the Schools, to actively recruit prospective candidates for the Schools, to provide financial assistance, to exert a positive influence on the operation and policies of the Schools, to advance iv every way within its power the interests of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and to do all things in Him who strengthens. (Philippians 4:13) Future endeavors include the development of Alumni chapters to enhance and improve communication between the alumni and the School, to assist Hellenic College and Holy Cross graduates with career placement, to offer career mentoring to the students of each School and to provide volunteers willing to share their career services, experiences and advice about career development.

The goal closest to the heart of the association is to become the official voice and communicator between the alumni and Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology. This relationship, with a good and solid foundation, carries forth a positive and supportive avenue leading to the continued growth of our institutions of learning and faith.

PARISH PROFILE u page 25 The very active local AHEPA chapter established the first AHEPA senior citizens home in the state in the mid-1990s.

In the past five years, Holy Apostles has completed several renovations to its facilities and acquired additional property.

Another improvement recently undertaken is making the church handicappedaccessible.

Revenue to support the church and its programs comes from several sources.

The annual Greek festival is one major income producer, with as many as 6,000 persons attending.

The Greek festival is something really supported by the American public, said Fr. Niakaros. They look forward to experiencing the food and the culture.

Others include a membership drive, special events and dues. There also is an effort to introduce stewardship. We re trying to push the stewardship program, said the priest. Some (members) are encouraged to give what they can give.

Holy Apostles Church also has benefited over the years from the generosity and philanthropy of Telemachus Demoulas,

founder of one of New England s largest supermarket chains, Market Basket, which is Haverhill s second largest employer, with four area stores. He recently made a sizeable donation for a newly built courtyard next to the church on newly acquired property. He has been a very big supporter, the priest said. He s always very helpful.

The supermarket owner also donates food for the parish s outreach programs.

Fr. Niakaros, an archimandrite, arrived in the community in 1996. He is a Boston native, growing up in Roslindale, a neighborhood about two miles from Hellenic College-Holy Cross that is home to many Greek immigrants.

His ministry in Haverhill is one of a ministry of service, of love, he said.

Among his activities is a well-attended Bible study.

He praised the community for its positive, optimistic attitude in its support for parish projects and fund-raising.

The community is very, very faithful about following through on addressing a need and making a commitment, Fr. Niakaros said. When there is a project, the optimists prevail.

Compiled by Jim Golding

OCTOBER 2002

books

A Look at American Philhellene Support of the Greek Revolution “Founded on Freedom and Virtue” Documents Illustrating the Impact in the United States of the Greek War of Independence, 1821-1829 Edited by Constantine G. Hatzidimitriou, 384 pages, illustrated Available paperbound and clothbound Paperbound ISBN: 0-89241-581-9 Clothbound ISBN: 0-89241-572-X http://www.caratzas.com NEW YORK Melissa International Publications Ltd. Publisher Aristide D. Caratzas, announces the publication of Founded on Freedom and Virtue: Documents Illustrating the Impact in the United States of the Greek War of Independence, 1821-1829.

Edited by Constantine G. Hatzidimitriou; it is a work of special interest to Greeks and Greek-Americans as it traces the roots of the relationship between Greece and the United States.

This book, the product of more than 15 years of research, extensively documents the American response to the declaration of the Greek War of Independence. It is not widely known today that when news of the Greek uprising reached the United States the American reaction was spontaneous.

In large part due to the efforts of Edward ( Grecian ) Everett, Harvard Greek professor and later prominent political figure, some of the most distinguished Americans of the time publicly supported the Greek struggle.

Because the Greeks were descendants of the ancients, but largely because of their commitment to democracy and the Christian faith, Americans of all walks of life expressed an intense emotional commitment to the Greek cause and organized an extensive and generous movement in support.

As detailed information on the fighting and the brutality of the Turkish response became known in America, prominent men such as Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe; Congressmen Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, Sam Houston and many others, were moved to speak and to act in support of Greek independence. Founded on Free-

dom and Virtue is a collection of official and unofficial contemporary documents tracing the American response.

The book is divided into the following sections: Aspects of American Philhellenism, which concentrates on Everett s activities seeking to inform public opinion and to arouse interest in the plight of the Greeks.

The Greek Uprising as Reported in the Press, includes representative articles reporting events that influenced American public opinion such as the fall of Messolongi and the massacre at Chios.

The Grass Roots Response, includes the texts of proclamations of support issued by state legislatures and a range of organizations: fraternal, professional and student groups as well as letters from individuals to the press, editorials and other evidence of popular expression.

The Greek Question as an Issue in U.S. Foreign Policy documents the debate between the Executive and Congress on whether to support the Greeks. The speeches often eloquently juxtapose the conflicts still encountered by democracies, i.e. the clash between geopolitical and commercial considerations versus ideals, principles and values.

Tangible Support documents the actions of some Americans who were moved by the Greek cause to join the freedom fighters. Extracts from their letters and memoirs are included in this section.

It is less known that perhaps the first, albeit unofficial, U.S. foreign aid project is probably that which was collected and delivered to Greece.

Finally, an extended introduction by Caratzas and Hatzidimitriou provides the background and context for each of the document sections.

At a time when foundational values of the United States are tested by policies, such as support for the tyrannical Kemalist Turkish regime, this book in part aims to remind us of the intrinsic relationship between two democracies. The closing lines of the letter by the Messenian Senate asking for support by the citizens and Congress of the United States stated: . . . the bonds of gratitude and fraternity will forever unite the Greeks and the Americans. Our interests are of a nature more and more to cement an alliance founded on freedom and virtue.

GEORGIA SKEADAS u page 1 Board in 1998-2000, a member of diocesan boards in Denver and New Jersey, and has served in parish Philoptochos chapters in Hartford, Belmont, Calif., Denver and her current parish of St. Luke in Broomall.

For the past two years she has served as a member of the Archdiocesan Council Executive Committee as an appointee of Archbishop Demetrios. During her term she chaired the Youth Ministry Committee of the Council.

!

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

Mrs. Skeadas has been active in many civic organizations including school committees and boards and the Family Service Auxiliary, an organization that provides assistance for seniors, children, and families of abused children and adults.

Together with her husband, Christos Skeadas, she co-chaired the 35th Biennial Clergy Laity Congress held in Philadelphia in 2000. Georgia and Christos have been married 25 years and have two children, Peter and Mariana.

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OCTOBER 2002

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The Voice of National Board Holds Fall Meetings The National Board of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society convened for their fall meeting on Friday, Sept. 27 at the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York.

by Helen Lavorata

In the morning, the National Philoptochos Board members and the Archdiocesan Council members attended a joint session to hear the keynote address of Archbishop Demetrios.

The first order of business for Philoptochos was the announcement by His Eminence of the new president, Georgia Skeadas.

The appointment of Mrs. Skeadas was received with much joy and enthusiasm.

Thereafter, His Eminence recommended the following slate of officers for the Executive Board: Maria Logus 1st vice president; Susan Regos 2nd vice-president, Froso Beys 3rd vice-president, Arlene Siavelis secretary; Aspasia Melis Greek secretary; Aphrodite Skeadas treasurer; Pauline O Neal assistant treasurer. The slate was unanimously accepted by the Board members.

should continue to build on these past accomplishments and to move forward with even greater endeavors.

President Skeadas rendered her keynote address, stating that philanthropy is defined as love of mankind shown by practical kindness to humanity. Her main goals and objectives for the Philoptochos Society is unity and cohesiveness amongst all levels of Philoptochos (local, diocese and national); the creation of new avenues for philanthropic outreach; encouragement of new membership growth; and to increase the level of participation in Philoptochos activities by the local parish communities.

New National Board members who were appointed by Archbishop Demetrios were welcomed into the sisterhood. They are: Patricia Aleck, Francesca Callas, Paulette Geanacopoulos, Christine Kraits, Marina Patchoulis, Joanne Lipase, Diane Minions, Jeannie Raglans, Helen Sampsonis, Mitzi Theo, Anita Varies, and Bessie Zantopoulos.

Also present was the new San Francisco Diocese President, Valerie Roumelitos, grand president of the Daughters of Penelope, Evellyn Tsiadis, and the vice

D. Panagos

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS greets the members of the National Philoptochos, as the national board officers look on.

President Skeadas, appointed Yorka Linakis as the legal advisor, Kassandra Romas as parliamentarian, Helen Kocolatos Demos, protocol officer; and Georgia Vlitas, chairman of the Standing Committees.

Archbishop Demetrios congratulated past National President Eve Condakes for a successful two terms of office and thanked the previous executive board, as well as the entire National Board for all their accomplishments in the past.

His Eminence emphasized they

Letter of Thanks Dear Members of Philoptochos I am writing to thank you for helping our family in New York. I would like to come down and visit you because the Cathedral is close to where we live, but the doctors have said I should not go out for three months until my white cell counts recover.

You were very kind to help us and please pass on our thanks to the other members of the National Philoptochos. I have put a small thanks on my website.

God bless everyone.

Stanley Sclavos Brisbane, Australia

president of the Presvyteres Sisterhood, Presbytera Flora Chioris.

Martha Stefanidakis of Houston spoke on the duties and obligations of a National Board member.

Treasurer Aphrodite Skeadas, presented her report and reviewed the donations of more than $470,000 distributed at the recent national convention in Los Angeles.

Susan Regos, the convention workshop chairwoman, gave a follow up report on the workshops results. Topics included membership growth, leadership, conducting meetings and the duties of officers.

After a joint luncheon with the Archdiocesan Council, the afternoon session of the Philoptochos meeting reconvened with a review of the National Philoptochos Standing Committees by the Chairperson, Georgia Vlitas who described the various duties/responsibilities that accompany them.

Thereafter, the diocesan presidents each gave a brief report on the happenings within their respective dioceses. The meeting closed at the end of the day with a warm thank you by President Skeadas to all the members for their participation and support. Bishop Andonios, spiritual advisor to the National Philoptochos Board, offered the closing prayer.

PAGE 27

Philoptochos

NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS Board members attend first meeting of new session.

D. Panagos

Keynote Address of National Philoptochos President Your Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Your Grace Bishop Andonios, Presbyteres, and beloved ladies of Philoptochos, I welcome you to the first National Philoptochos Board meeting of my administration. Your Eminence, you have bestowed a significant honor upon me, an honor that carries with it enormous responsibility, commitment and dedication.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for having the confidence in me, to entrust to me, the care and evolution of this most wonderful organization named the Ladies Philoptochos Society. I would like to express my joy in having His Grace Bishop Andonios as our spiritual advisor.

He guides with prudence, sincerity and love. I would also like to thank Mrs. Eve Condakes for her devoted work during her terms, and to congratulate her and her administrations for having had magnificent successes. We thank them for all of their tireless sacrifices, creativity, and continuous ambition to create new programs, to satisfy the needs of our Philoptochos chapters in our ever-changing society in contemporary America.

In addition, I would like to express my gratitude to the staff of the National Philoptochos office, under the direction of Helen Lavorata, for their assistance, support and cooperation in helping us to accomplish our Philoptochos mission.

Philanthropy is defined as love of mankind shown by practical kindness to humanity. In a conversation with His Eminence, he shared with me the following thought: Philoptochos represents the heart of the Gospel, which is love. Imagine the awesome responsibility to maintain and uphold this concept. We are the friends of the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the impoverished, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters. We are there to offer our help, assistance and support to those in need.

Our love for humankind allows us to participate in all the aspects of Philoptochos.

I would like to share with you my initial thoughts on the major goals and objectives of my administration. The first one is to foster unity, harmony and cohesiveness within and across the entire Philoptochos organization, including the local, diocesan and national levels. I deeply need your help and cooperation with this work.

I firmly believe that this objective is crucial for the continued growth and success of our organization.

Next, I would like to explore the creation of new avenues for philanthropic outreach. This objective includes coordinating projects with the new Philanthropy

department of the Archdiocese. As you may know, His Grace Bishop Andonios, who is our spiritual advisor, is also the director of this Philanthropy department.

We are an integral part of our Archdiocese, and, as such, we shall work together to grow into contemporary America.

Next, I would like to encourage new membership in Philoptochos. New membership brings with it new thinking, new perspectives, and new opportunities. These characteristics create new stimulation and new motivation, which are critical to ensure the future growth of our Philoptochos. Our membership has been growing in a very positive fashion. We will strive to implement new ideas to continue this growth.

Finally, I would like to increase the level of participation in Philoptochos activities by the local parish communities.

This increased participation will provide three benefits: first, it will create a greater awareness of what Philoptochos is and what its mission is; second, it will provide more financial support for Philoptochos; and third, it will allow the benefits that Philoptochos provides to be shared with a wider population.

From a personal viewpoint, I would like to ensure that the wonderful work accomplished throughout the local, diocesan and national levels of Philoptochos is appropriately communicated to the entire membership of Philoptochos. To this end, I will encourage the implementation of new processes to better share the breadth and depth of the information that is made available at our various local, diocesan and national meetings. I believe that improving communications is a key ingredient in enabling us to build a sounder foundation for our organization.

In summary, I would like to see us overcome all obstacles and transcend all expectations in achieving the goals and objectives that I have outlined above. I am committed to accomplishing the overriding theme of promoting unity, harmony and cohesiveness in the context and framework of providing for, and expanding, the philanthropic services of Philoptochos.

God has blessed us with time, talents and treasure; it is our responsibility to channel these gifts in a positive direction for the glory of God and for the furtherance of the Church. Just imagine the power for good and constructive outcomes that this positive energy will create. It is a force that will be indestructible and unstoppable. Let us re-dedicate ourselves to our mission of philanthropy with a passion for excellence, so that working together, we may build and even more dynamic Philoptochos.

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PAGE 28

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Youth Ministry

challenge

What s Up.. with Wicca?

H

as a non-Orthodox friend ever asked you if in the Greek Church you worship Greek gods like Zeus and Athena?

by Dn. Bus Constantine Lazarakis

Of course, the answer is no, but many Greek Orthodox young people encounter questions like these.

The Orthodox Church is the ancient and Apostolic Christian Church, which worships the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The ethnic identity of an Orthodox Christian comes second.

There are however, people in the world today who worship pagan gods.

They believe that they can work magic by participating in rituals involving pagan gods and elements of the earth.

Television programs like Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch occupy many prime time spots.

One of the main characters on Felicity, Megan Rotundi, practices Wicca and considers herself a witch. Our fascination with magic can be seen in popular books too. Harry Potter is a wizard, and kids can t seem to get enough of him. I am not trying to say that the Harry Potter books, or Felicity are bad.

Magic has long enjoyed a happy place in fiction literature. Harry Potter is a fun piece of fiction literature that has turned many children on to reading. The point here is that young Americans are fascinated with magic. From our fluff fiction to our serious religious endeavors, magic has become a prominent feature in American culture.

Some people today are taking interest in magic a step further and making a serious religious commitment to it.

Wicca, a form of Neo-Paganism, is becoming a popular religious trend in our junior high schools, high schools, and colleges. Just visit your local bookstore, and you will find a number of books and kits on Wicca and its practice, geared toward young people. As Wicca has made its way into mainstream youth culture, many misconceptions about it have arisen; therefore it is important to understand what Wicca is, why it is so appealing, and what is the Christian response.

What is Wicca? According to The Complete Idiot s Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft, Wicca is an Earth-based religion based on ancient beliefs.

Michelle Morgan, in her book, Simple Wicca, Writes that, Wicca, also known as Witchcraft or the Craft of the Wise, is a beautiful and sacred religion based on reverence for the earth and all living creatures and the worship of both male and female aspects of the divinity.

So, you might ask, What is the probChallenge 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

lem? You might feel that reverence for the earth is a good thing and that being able to use your personal power to make positive change sounds pretty good. Lets take a better look at Wicca, and explore how the Church might respond.

Wicca is based on the worship of many gods, and these gods come out of something called the Divine All . In Wicca, everything has the All in it, so everything can be worshipped. A Wiccan can choose any god or aspect of nature to worship. They may worship Zeus from the pantheon of the ancient Greeks, or Bass, an Egyptian goddess of protections.

There are thousands of gods found in Wicca, and a Wiccan can worship as many or as few gods as they desire. In Wicca there is not one God who is the creator of all. This is pretty different from the Christian belief that a loving, personal God made everything in the world and that the whole world s primary purpose is to praise and glorify its creator.

How is it practiced? Wicca is full of ritual. Wiccans take special names for ritual, and set up altars in their homes or in open spaces. They gather in groups called covens to cast spells and summon gods. They chant, and pray alone and in groups. Wiccans use pentacles, a five pointed star in a circle, as their symbol, and they use things from nature in their ceremonies. A piece of tree branch, a feather, herbs, or clay may play some part in a Wiccan ritual. During this so-called ritual, Wiccans summon spirits or gods from other realms to join them, believing that they may use the power of the god whom they summon.

Why is Wicca Appealing? There are a lot of reasons Wicca is appealing to so many young people. What follows is a list of reasons and an Orthodox Christian Responses.

Wicca teaches that a person is powerful, that one has magical power within to change one s self, and the world around. As teenagers, we want to take control of our lives. We reach a point at which we are more responsible for what we do and believe.

Wicca teaches that you can tap into your own power, and use it to affect the world.

A Christian draws his or her power from God, who created everything. The Power of God is greater than all other powers. In Christianity, the powers of change are found in repentance, prayer, forgiveness, and love. All of these are found in Christ s life and can be acquired through our relationship with Him and the Church.

Wicca is out of the ordinary. Ideas of magic, spells, covens, and witchcraft fuel our imaginations, can make us feel special, and make us stand out (even if just to ourselves).

Christian life is out of the ordinary; it is exceptional. Look into the lives of saints and see how very extraordinary their lives were! These can serve as models for our extraordinary Christian Journey, and a Christian s life can be saintly! Baptism, making the sign of the Cross, fasting, and spending time in prayer, all set our lives apart from the life of the world.

uuu

GOYA SESSION: Objective: The purpose of this session is to bring the participants to a better awareness of how demons work in the world and the importance of remaining faithful and educated on the teachings of our Orthodox Faith.

by George Hazlaris

Opening Prayer: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen. Glory to You, our God, Glory to You! Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, the treasury of blessings and Giver of life: come and abide in us. Cleanse us from all impurities and save our souls, gracious Lord.

Scriptural Passages: But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction . 2 Peter 2:1(NKJ) But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14(NKJ) Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions, which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

2 Thessalonians 2:15(NKJ) Activity: Have the participants break up into 3 groups. Each group must reach a certain prearranged destination (It should be the same location for all) within a certain time limit. 7-15 minutes should be enough depending on your creativity and group sizes. Each group should have a guide who leads them on the journey .

1. The first group will represent those who are faithful to the teachings of Orthodoxy and follow only the instructions and direction given them by the Church.

2. The second group will represent

uuu

Wicca is earth friendly. Many of us are concerned for the environment. Wicca emphasizes nature and uses many of nature s elements in its rituals. Aspects of nature can even be worshipped as gods in many Wiccan traditions.

Wiccans will often say that Christianity is not connected to the earth and has no respect for nature. Look at Psalm 148 and see how all of creation joins in the worship of God. In baptism, we use Holy Water to glorify God and to cleanse the sins of the new Christian.

Water is also used to bless homes, new cars, icons, etc. When Holy Communion is consecrated, the priest asks God to change simple elements of the earth wheat (bread) and wine (grapes) into His body and blood, so that He can be present in a real and unique way for us. Natural elements from the Earth are blessed for God s glory and our salvation.

Additionally, icons are painted on the wood of trees, and the paints are made from fruits, herbs, and other natural elements.

The Church uses oil for Holy Unction and Chrismation. In the Orthodox Church nature is celebrated, and blessed. Like

PAGE 29

Email: youthoffice@goarch.org

Demons those who follow their own will and sometimes follow the Church s instructions, but chose their own way of life and beliefs.

This group, it must be reminded, very often composes the majority of people who call themselves Orthodox Christians.

3. The third group will represent those who are led by false teachings, secular ideals, false religions and other demonic influences and attractions i.e.: magic, Wicca, psychics, cults horoscopes, fortune tellers etc.

The three groups should all be placed at the same location. They will all be given instructions on how to get to a certain destination, which has been picked for them.

1. The first group will be given perfect directions. Be CREATIVE, and don t make it too easy, but make the first group s path fairly simple and clear. This will show how we are guided by the Church and her teachings to Christ. It is not always easy to follow because of worldly distractions but the way is clear. The guide should be certain as to the path and give clear directions.

2. The second group should be given some idea but not clear direction as to how to get to their destination. Make attractive choices for them on the way as to where to turn, etc. Again be CREATIVE, and make sure they don t make it to their assigned destination in the time allowed. This will show how following our own will and not giving our entire life to God and the teachings of our Orthodox Faith will cause us to run out of time in our search or journey.

The guide for this group should be uncertain at times as to where to go, often leaving the choice up to the group as to which direction to follow, turn or make.

3. The third group should be led on a fairly easy path that leads to a destination, making them think they have followed the right way. Use many guides for this group and make appealing choices as to where to go. Again CREATIVITY is important. Bring them to a point and allow them to believe they have arrived but keep them a good distance from the assigned destination.

Wicca, Christianity teaches that nature is good, but we go a step further believing that God will bless nature and make her more complete and harmonious.

Wicca is permissive. In Wicca, you are the ultimate authority. You choose your gods, your name, and how you will worship. To some degree, you make it up as you go.

Christianity also emphasizes the freedom of each person. For this, we look to Christ s example. He was totally free, and he accepted the challenge to offer Himself for the world. In our lives, we have many choices. One such choice is to walk the path of the Gospel? It is a difficult path, and requires us to say no to things that we might otherwise say yes to. The choice is yours, but if you choose the path of Christ, you can tap into joy of God s power and salvation.

Wicca teaches that many gods were created out of the All. The All is the ultimate divinity. The All is an energy, a divinity, and a spirit. In contrast, Orthodox Christians know a loving God who created everything out of nothing. With care, God placed every hair on our heads, designed the workings of our bodies, and He made the whole planet and universe.

news

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 30

DIOCESE

OCTOBER 2002

Annual Service Held at Cathedral of the Pines

A QUESTION-and-answer session with the Archbishop and Metropolitan.

San Diego Celebrates 75th Anniversary SAN DIEGO In service to the everSunday, Oct. 13, the Archbishop growing pastoral needs of Greek Ortho- concelebrated the hierarchical Divine Litdox faithful across the nation, Archbishop urgy with Metropolitan Anthony of the Demetrios journeyed to San Diego for the Dardanelles, presiding hierarch of the Dio75th Diamond Jubilee Celebration of St. cese of San Francisco, culminating the fesSpyridon Church on Oct. 12th weekend. tivities marking his visit.

Also participating were priests who The pastoral visit began at St. Spyridon s with a question-and-answer session for parish youth. The onehour session provided them an opportunity to present wide-ranging questions to the Archbishop concerning matters of faith.

It was followed by a Pan-Orthodox doxology attended by area clergy and lay leaders from Orthodox parishes of various jurisdictions throughout the San Diego area. After the service, a luncheon was offered for the Archbishop before he embarked upon a journey to a local San Diego cemetery to visit the Orthodox chapel of St. Demetrios and to offer prayers at JOANNA KYRIAKIDES presents the Archbishop with a gift.

#2

#3

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS and Metropolitan Anthony with Consul General of Greece in Los Angeles Zevelakis and parishioner Evan Arapostathis.

a Trisagion service for the repose of the souls of deceased faithful.

Later that evening, at the grand banquet, the Archbishop offered words of encouragement and praise, noting the remarkable achievements of the parish over the course of its 75-year history. Reflecting on the significance of such a milestone event, His Eminence praised the work of the parish membership, especially remembering the tremendous efforts of past generations that made such a wonderful celebration possible.

At the end of the banquet, the parish presented the Archbishop with a $25,000 donation for Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology.

had served St. Spyridon s in past years. In addition, a memorial service was held for all deceased priests who had served St. Spyridon s since its founding, as well as for their deceased presbyteres and past parish council presidents.

In a final display of reverence and affection for the Archbishop, the parish Philoptochos offered a luncheon after the Divine Liturgy before His Eminence s departure for New York.

Speaking of the unique identity and purpose of St. Spyridon Church, the Archbishop offered the following: We can conceive of this community as a center for family and youth, for the teaching and disseminating of the truth.

RINDGE, N.H. A large New England congregation and many annual visitors from throughout the country attended this year s Greek Orthodox services at the Cathedral of the Pines, hosted by St. George s Greek Orthodox Church of Keene, N.H. Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos, protopresbyter of the church and professor at Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology celebrated the Orthros and the Divine Liturgy.

Inaugurated in 1951 by Fr. James Coucouzes, then dean of Annunciation Cathedral in Boston (and later Archbishop Iakovos), Greek Orthodox Sunday at the Cathedral of the Pines has been observed annually in anticipation of the Feast of St. Elias the Prophet.

Appropriately, the Cathedral of the Pines which lies within the panoramic vista of Mt. Monadnock at the base of the White Mountains, is conducive to spiritual retreat.

The 2,000-seat Cathedral of the Pines is a non denominational place of worship and a national memorial to patriotic sacrifice to God and country created by the late Dr. Douglas and Mrs. Sibyl Sloane for their son, Lt. Sandersen Sloane who died flying a B-17 bomber over Germany in 1944 during WWII. In 1957, the United States Congress unanimously recognized the Altar of the

Nation constructed from stones from all the states and many foreign countries, including three marble pieces from the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, donated by the Supreme Lodge of the Order of AHEPA as a national memorial to all American Orthodox war dead on the altar and matching pulpit.

Assisting in the chanting during the Orthros and Divine Liturgy was the Byzantine Male Choir of Lowell, founded in 1958 by its director, Dr. Christos J. Bentas.

Serving as readers of the Epistle were Evelyn Diamond (English) of Keene, NH, and Dr. Dennis Agallianos (Greek) of Brattleboro, Vt., with acolytes Andreas Glimenakis of Keene, N.H. and Jason and Alexander Karabakakis of Brattleboro, Vt. Officials of New England AHEPA lodges Theodore Paragios of District 8 (Massachusetts), Demetrios Raizes of District 9 (Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont), and also Ahepans Governor Minos Gikas and Cosmos Marandos and Frank Comerford of District 9 placed a wreath at the Altar of the Nation and sponsored a memorial trisagion in honor of the men and women of the Orthodox Faith who have given their lives in service to our country, followed by a memorial fellowship hour on the Cathedral grounds hosted by the Chris J. Booras family of Keene, N.H.

Houston 7-Year-Old,Top IOCC Fundraiser BALTIMORE - He s a boy who likes sports and computers and has a flair for the dramatic. Now he s combined all three into a generous gift for the humanitarian mission of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).

Lucas Nicholas Postolos, 7, of Houston, was the top fund-raiser for IOCC through its Race to Respond Web site.

Lucas e-team raised $7,151, the largest amount raised by any of the e-teams at www.racetorespond.org.

The Web-based initiative gave IOCC supporters a way to participate in the Race to Respond, a cross-country cycling event held in August, without getting on their bicycles.

My family taught me to take care of people, Lucas said. I like IOCC a lot, and I was looking forward to this. We got a lot of help.

For being the top e-participant, Lucas will receive an official Race to Respond team jersey autographed by the five volunteer cyclists.

From Aug. 3-27, the cyclists rode across the country to raise support and awareness for IOCC, the official humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians. So far, the cyclists effort has raised more than $230,000 for IOCC s humanitarian work.

Through e-teams, people were able to help the cycling team reach its goals for IOCC and the vulnerable people it serves worldwide. Participants were able to combine their efforts, set their own fund-raising goals and invite others to join.

Altogether, the e-team program has raised more than $15,000 for IOCC and the Race to Respond. The number of visitors to the Web site nearly doubled from July to August, generating a quarter of a million hits.

More than 21 persons, mostly relatives and friends, contributed to Lucas eteam.

Lucas parents, George and Nicole Postolos, said they were proud of their

Lucas Nicholas Postolos and his baby sister, Artemis.

son s accomplishment. He thought it was a no-brainer for people to give, Mrs. Postolos said. He was able to tell what IOCC does and what this would go for.

Lucas said he would like to ride crosscountry himself some day. I have a feeling I d enjoy it, he said.

Lucas is a second-grader at Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston. He and his family, including his new baby sister, Artemis, attend Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

In addition to their son raising support, George and Nicole Postolos were Silver Sponsors of the Race to Respond.

Winning second place in the e-team competition was the Chicago Connection, led by Donna Haddad Conopeotis, which raised $3,085.

Other winners were: the Long Island Lap Gang, led by James Gabriel Jr. and his son, Christopher (third place, $1,745); the Dream Team, led by Michael Tsakalos (fourth place, $1,295); and St. Catherine Spoke, led by Dee Jaquet (fifth place, $775).

OCTOBER 2002

news

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

DIOCESE Tampa Day School’s New Building Construction TAMPA, Fla. St. John Greek Orthodox Day School, the only Greek Orthodox Day School in the Diocese of Atlanta and in the Southeastern United States, held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new school building on Sept. 24.

City dignitaries, parents, parishioners, and friends joined the faculty and 160-day school students in the celebration to launch the first new construction on the site since 1967.

Emceed by headmaster Jim Larkin, the groundbreaking service included a Blessing of the Foundation led by pastor, Fr. Konstantinos Kostaris. School Board Chairman Mike Xenick thanked the steering committee and the community for their support of the Building for The Future campaign, a $1.5 million project that began two years ago.

said Mr. Larkin.

Beginning in October St. John will build an 18,200 square foot, two-story building that will include 12 classrooms for students in grades 1 through 8, a foreign language lab, a computer lab, and a library/media center. St. John does not plan to add a substantial number of new students with the expansion. We want to keep our small size and family atmosphere. We just want to give the students and teachers more room to accommodate group work and new technology, said Mr. Larkin.

Students will move into their new building in early 2003. John Simon, chairman of the capital campaign, attributes its success to three things; school and parish leadership, a spiritually based effort and the obvious need. We are a work in

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FACULTY representative Mary Larkin wtih school children at the ground breaking.

North Carolina Parishes Reach Out to Serbians In a recent issue of the Orthodox Observer, a writer complimented one of our churches for helping a new Romanian parish to organize, by allowing it to meet at the church and by letting its priest conduct services from time to time.

by Gavrilo G Milkovich

LYN YOUNG, Parent Teacher Support Organization president; Bob Harrell, director of business and community services for the City of Tampa; Tampa City Councilman Bob Buckhorn; John Simon, building for the Future Campaign Chairman ; Mike Xenick, school board chairman; Candy Hobbs, advance gift chair; Demitri Artzibushez, construction chair; and faculty representatives Pauline McGovern and Mary Larkin at the groundbreaking.

Students helped plan and execute the event. They baked more than 60 loaves of bread for the refreshments that followed. To memorialize the day, 8th graders prepared personalized trowels for each student so that everyone had the opportunity to dig for the future, said 8 th grade teacher Cindy Schember.

The roots for the school were planted 37 years ago when a FATHER Konstantinos Kostaris during the Blessing of the Foundation. group of parishioners from St. John the Baptist Church de- progress. More money needs to be raised cided that the needed a faith-centered pre- and sacrifices must be made by all our school for their children. school, parish families, and hopefully, othOver the years the school has ex- ers members of the faith that support panded to include children from K3 Greek Orthodox education. But we are through grade eight. Eventually, the Kin- moving forward with a wonderful new dergarten program was moved to the old building, that our superior faculty and parsonage to free up additional space, but outstanding student body so richly dethe current classroom building is still serve. bursting at the seams.

Additional plans are now being made Despite the small rooms, St. John has to renovate the existing classroom buildprovided an accelerated education to hun- ing for parish and school offices, meeting dreds of children in the Tampa area space and special educational activities. throughout the years. St. John students St. John Greek Orthodox Day School consistently place in the top 20 percent is located in the SoHo neighborhood of nationally of all students who take the South Tampa. For more information Stanford Achievement tests. Our rooms about the school, please call (813) 876may be small, but the ideas and the knowl- 4569 or e-mail twilkins@stjohngreek edge that are formed in them are huge, orthodox.com.

Here in central North Carolina, we have another example of Orthodox brotherly cooperation. Several Greek Orthodox churches united to extend a helping hand to our recently formed Serbian Orthodox parish St. Basil of Ostrog.

In June 1999, on the Serbian Holy Day of St. Vitus (Vidovdan), in the true spirit of the missionary work of St. Paul, the Very Rev. Paul Kaplanis opened the doors of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church to Fr. Dragan Filipovich and about 200 Serbian Orthodox faithful, for the first Liturgy of the budding parish with blessings from Bishop Alexios of Atlanta and Bishop Mitrophan of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of the Eastern United States.

Fr. Kaplanis continued to provide space at Holy Trinity and periodic liturgies and services by Serbian priests kept the momentum of bringing together the Serbian diaspora throughout the Piedmont and the Triad regions of North Carolina.

A large majority of the 200-plus families recent immigrants and refugees from all regions of the former Yugoslavia. Soon other Greek Orthodox communities in the region permitted the Serbian parish to hold services, sharing hospitality and allowing the Serbian parishioners less traveling time to attend services and afterwards share covered dishes in the respective social halls.

Participants in this outreach were Fr. Andrew Koufopoulos of St. Barbara s Church in Durham, Fr. George Vlahous of St. Katherine s Church in Burlington, Fr. Vasile Mihai of Dormition of the Theotokos Church in Greensboro, Fr. Dennis Canavos of St. George s Church in High Point, and Fr. Dimitri Kangelaris of the Annunciation Church in Winston-Salem.

As a result of the hospitality extended to us over the past three years, and the liturgies, baptisms, chrismations, weddings and slavas celebrated in the carious Greek Orthodox churches, we were able to nourish our Orthodox faith and to grow spiritually.

Fr. Svetislav Mirolovich now visits the area as often as he can, the parishioners have elected a dynamic parish board, we

started an active pledge program and share parish news by way of monthly newsletter.

The Voice of the Serbian Orthodox parish St. Basil of Ostrog, written in Serbian and English.

The parish has also grown financially stronger and is now searching the area s real estate for a place of its own. Without the spiritual awareness and outreach from the church communities and their respective clergy and parish councils, this would not have been achieved.

Mr. Milkovich is a member of Holy Trinity Church, Raleigh, N.C.

GREEKSTOCK Helps Less Fortunate DETROIT Greekstock VI, the largest Greek dance in Michigan, will take place Nov. 22.

Greekstock VI is an annual event dedicated to helping others.

The primary focus of this event is to demonstrate Hellenic-Christian unity and generosity in the Detroit Metropolitan Greek community. Although this function resides in Detroit, many individuals from many parts of the country have attended to show their support as well.

To date, Greekstock has donated $50,000-plus for the less fortunate, colleges, 9/11 and now, for the Karmanos Institute for Cancer Research. All the musicians and DJ s donate their time and effort to this cause.

For more information, contact Peter Alexander at the following numbers:586566-7551 (home), 313-754-2582 (pager).

Missionaries to Romania on U.S.Tour ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. Two of the Orthodox Christian Missions Center s long-term Orthodox missionaries, Craig and Victoria Goodwin, have come to the United States to share their experiences in Romania with several Orthodox communities.

They are speaking over a 10-week period at various churches and at panOrthodox events. Their tour began in Kansas in early September and will end in Brier, Wash., in early November.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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OCTOBER 2002

TENAFLY CATHEDRAL DEDICATES Peace Memorial Gymnasium TENAFLY, N.J. Archbishop Demetrios celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly, Sunday, Sept. 29.

His visit marked several occasions of significance both for the parish and the Tenafly community at large, among which included the dedication of the Peace Memorial Gymnasium, established in memory of Alexia Tsairis, a victim of the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

Upon the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence led a full congregation in a memorial service for the repose of the soul of Alexia Tsairis, who tragically lost her life on Dec. 21, 1988. Only 20 years of age at the time of her passing away, Ms. Tsairis was an honor student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University.

A dedicated Orthodox Christian and supporter of Amnesty International and Greenpeace, she was deeply admired by her peers for her idealism and commitment to world peace. Established by her family, the Alexia Foundation for World Peace aims to provide students and professionals with the means to shape and advance peace in our time.

The Peace Memorial Gymnasium, a joint project of the Alexia Foundation and the St. John the Theologian Gymnasium Charitable Trust Fund, was formally dedicated by His Eminence with the service of the Blessing of Holy Water (Aghiasmo) followed by a luncheon in the new gymnasium where speakers offered remarks on the topic of world peace.

Our Orthodox Church has been heavily involved in the work of peace in the international arena, remarked the Archbishop as he highlighted several recent conferences and dialogues on the topic of world peace convened in locations such as Bucharest and Brussels following the terrorist attacks of September 11.

The Peace Memorial Gymnasium, an ongoing project since the mid-1990 s, plans to provide a forum for future such gatherings, promoting understanding among all peoples of all faiths.

In addition to the gymnasium dedication, His Eminence also marked his visit to Tenafly by bestowing the Medal of St. Paul, the highest medal of recognition awarded by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, to Mrs. Sophia Altin, an active member of Philoptochos for over 50 years.

Mrs. Altin, the recipient of numerous awards and citations for her work with her local Tenafly parish, the National Philoptochos, the New Jersey Diocese, the Archdiocesan Council, and UNICEF, received the Medal of St. Paul from Archbishop Demetrios immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Noting her work, the Archbishop commented, Sophia Altin represents in her person all those in her parish who labor for the work of the Church.

In presiding over these two significant occasions, His Eminence s visit to the Cathedral served to reinforce the tremendous impact that individuals and local parish communities have upon society at large as they contribute to the work of peace and promote philanthropic causes.

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS blesses the faithful at St. John the Theologian gymnasium dedication.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese photos

PARISHIONERS of St. John the Theologian at the dedication ceremony.

ALTAR BOYS follow along in the service books.

SOPHIA ALTIN, a parishioner at the Tenafly cathedral and the National Philoptochos’ representative to UNICEF, receives the medal of St. Paul from His Eminence.

HIS EMINENCE with (l. to r.) Michael F. Parlamis, Fr. John Alexandrou, Aphrodite Tsairis and Dr. Peter Tsairis, whose daughter, Alexia, perished in the Lockerbie plane crash