Orthodox Observer - April 2003 by Orthodox Marketplace

APRIL 2003 • Vol. 68 • No. 1199

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

Χριστός Ανέστη In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. from the Gospel of Easter Sunday (John 1:4-5)

The Resurrection. Composition dating between 1315 and 1320, from the sanctuary apse of the Chora Monastery chapel, Constantinople

PASCHA 2003 The Feast of Feasts 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 Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Tonight we hold aloft the bright Paschal candle, and going forth into the midnight darkness, we illumine the world around us with the Joyous Light, triumphantly proclaiming the glory of the Risen One. The candle in our hand is not merely an accessory to our celebration, but rather a most profound symbol of the truth that we uphold. By it we manifest our experience that in the darkness of the human condition, there is but one light; in the shadow of death, there is one reality alone that brings peace and joy. This is the radiance that shines forth from the tomb of Christ, the truth that Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life. What is this darkness that surrounds us? It is the black shadow of our own sinfulness and our ignorance of God’s will for our lives. It is the confusion of mind, the pain of guilt, the fear of rejection and failure. Into this darkness breaks forth the light of Pascha: He who bore our sins on the Cross is risen, completely defeating death. In His emerging from the Tomb we see God’s assurance of our liberation, the promise of a life renewed with divine righteousness. No longer groaning under the heaviness of guilt, we raise high the Paschal candle in the boldness of the Resurrection, and call forth with Saint John Chrysostom: Let no one bewail his sins, for forgiveness has dawned forth from the Tomb! What is this darkness that surrounds us? It is the blackness of enmity and conflict between human beings. We who should be living as brothers and sisters in harmony are instead separated by violence, hostility, and prejudice. Into this darkness of divisiveness shines the light of Pascha, for the Universal Kingdom has been revealed. He

who shattered the bars and bonds of Hades has the power also to break down every dividing wall of hostility between us, the power to make us one in Him (cf. Eph. 2: 14). And so with the Paschal light we brighten the faces of our neighbors and chant as with one voice: It is the day of Resurrection, let us shine forth in splendor for the Festival and embrace one another; let us say, brothers, even to those who hate us, ‘Let us forgive all things in the Resurrection’! What is this darkness that surrounds us? It is the tragedy of our mortality, the fear of death that has kept us in lifelong bondage (cf. Heb. 2:15). It is this darkness that the Paschal light dispels. For as we receive the light, we experience a foretaste of that moment when our own eyes shall be opened from the sleep of death to behold the radiant and indescribable beauty of our new resurrected life with the Resurrected Lord. Tonight each one of us holds a bright candle and receives the Paschal light. So too must we all, each one of us, receive the reality which the light symbolizes. We must, each one of us, cherish in our hearts the conviction that “Christ, having risen from the dead, has become the first-fruits of those who fall asleep.” This is the faith that burns like an unquenchable flame in the Christian soul. This is the light that overcomes the darkness of sin and strife and sorrow in the face of death. Let us therefore hear and accept for ourselves the divine invitation of this most holy night: “Come, receive the light from the unwaning light, and glorify Christ who has risen from the dead!” Christ is Risen! Truly the Lord is Risen! With my warmest Paschal wishes and love in the Risen Christ,

† Archbishop DEMETRIOS of America

ARC HDI O C E S E

N EWS

APRIL 2003

Archdiocesan Council Holds Spring Meeting in Washington WASHINGTON – Archdiocesan Council members held their first meeting of the year in the nation’s capital under a new format that placed more emphasis on committee work over two days of discussions. Very much in the forefront of the Council’s awareness, however, was the war in Iraq, as Archbishop Demetrios reminded them in his welcoming comments at the opening session on April 4.

erations are going according to plan. “Are we acting according to plan, or randomly, by chance?” he asked. Archbishop Demetrios added that this war “is opening new vistas as to what the world will be like” after the conflict. He challenged Council members to “think about what we have to do and what God expects from us.” His Eminence concluded by stating that “the clear vision that should be our ultimate goal is Christ, God, the One who secures what is truly worthy in our human existence.” Following his address, Council members divided into committees for discussions over their individual ministries and departments.

by Jim Golding

His Eminence spoke of the “very strong connection” between events in the Middle East and their situation in Washington. “Perhaps here we can help bring this situation to an end sooner,” he said. The Archbishop also noted that the most significant recent development in the life of the Church has been the granting of the new charter to the Archdiocese. “The documents are coming and a new phase in the life of the Church will begin as soon as all the pertinent documents are properly translated,” he said and that all parishes will receive a copy of the new charter. The new charter also affirms that the dioceses have all been designated as metropolises and the hierarchs of the Holy Synod “all have different titles and names,” explained Archbishop Demetrios, who introduced each metropolitan with his city designation instead of the previous titular form of address.

Meeting with president

ARCHDIOCESAN Council members attend the service of the Salutations to Theotokos.

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COUNCIL and National Philoptochos members with Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitans Iakovos and Maximos at a moment of fellowship at St. Sophia’s community center.

METROPOLITAN Nicholas of Detroit.

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His Eminence called the new administrative change “a very healthy step.” “We now have a synod of metropolitans. This is a unique phenomenon.” Archbishop Demetrios said that no other Orthodox Church that is not autocephalous has a synod of metropolitans headed by an archbishop. “We are a unique phenomenon, a phenomenon of honor and trust for this Church,” he said. The archbishop also said the Archdiocese has “experienced continuous progress in various fields,” specifically in the areas of family care, communications and philanthropy. Discussing a recent philanthropic project of the Church that was successfully completed, he said funds totaling more than $2 million have been distributed to the Sept. 11 orphans at no administrative

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cost from monies raised by the fund. “This is quite an achievement,” he said. Touching on the theme from last summer’s Clergy-Laity Congress, “Offering Our Orthodox Faith to Contemporary America,” he explained on how this can relate to the individual parishes of the Archdiocese. “We have to take care of the parish in a serious way,” he said. “We have to provide materials for education and catechetical issues. We have to keep a constant eye on assisting our communities. This is our job at the Archdiocese.” Using the analogy of the nation’s alert status during the Iraqi war, the Archbishop said the meaning of high alert for the Church is as “a signal of asking form vigilance, alertness and awareness of the moment.” “This is even more applicable to spiritual warfare in which we are now involved. Our battle is with spiritual realities that are behind the material reasons” for conflict. He lightheartedly described how the current situation has affected Archdiocese headquarters on East 79th Street in Manhattan itself “in a very visible way,” with its proximity to the Iraq’s consulate general to the UN. The archbishop called the block between Fifth and Madison avenues “the safDIRECTOR & EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Stavros H. Papagermanos EDITOR: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING MANAGER: Costa Eliopoulos COLOR CORRECTION: Abel Montoya ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Soula Podaras CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Nicholas Manginas

est in the U.S., with the presence in front of the Archdiocese of a mobile command post of the New York Police Department, along with the Iraqi Consulate “next to us” and the residence of Mayor Michael Bloomberg directly across the street with police sharpshooters stationed on the roof of his townhouse. “I don’t need any other reminder to be alert,” His Eminence said wryly.

Applications to the faith

He offered three lessons from this conflict the faithful should apply to their lives as Orthodox – vigilance, precision and planning. “Shame on us if we are walking, sleeping people. We need this vigilance and we need this alertness at this critical point of history.” The Archbishop alluded to the spiritual equivalence of the precision weapons being used in the conflict. Citing the $1 million cost of a particular smart bomb and missile and the thousands that have been launched over the course of the war, he asked, “How much do we spend for our spiritual weapons? They should be weapons of precision and power, but how is our budget for funding our ‘precision weapons.’” He pointed out the “clarity of plans” being followed in the conflict and that op-

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Meanwhile, Archbishop Demetrios went to the White House at the invitation of President Bush for a private visit as a follow-up to Greek Independence Day ceremonies held the previous week that the president could not attend. His Eminence was accompanied by Archdiocesan Council Vice Chairman Michael Jaharis, Andrew Athens and Andrew Manatos. Archbishop Demetrios offered a brief report of the event to Council members upon his return to the afternoon session. “It was a personal visit,” said His Eminence. He (President Bush) is interested in our community.” The archbishop said he told the president, “We pray for a quick end to this operation so people can live in peace and freedom.” He also mentioned that salvation “is brought by Christ” and that “salvation is the ultimate definitive freedom from everything that keeps the human condition in pain and slavery to sin.”

Cathedral service

The Archbishop presided at the April 4 Salutations to the Virgin Mary service Friday evening at St. Sophia Cathedral. In his homily, Archbishop Demetrios said the Virgin Mary offered “an obedience to God beyond any practical description.” He said she went through the worst possible conditions, “knowing what human pain, malice, evil and ignorance is.” The archbishop also said she “saved the Orthodox people continuously throughout human history” and that “we’re the protected people under any foreign or unforeseen circumstance.”

Closing comments

“I am extremely grateful for these days,” Archbishop Demetrios said at the end of the two-day sessions. “There is no problem without a solution. We have been given the grace to overcome any problems and difficulties.” He commended the work of the committees and expressed hope they will “develop fully in their potential. There is a strong presence of tremendous talent here.” The Archbishop also spoke optimistically about the Church overcoming in the long run whatever financial difficulties it may experience, noting the great progress made by the Greek Orthodox community since the days of the first settlers. “This is a tremendous community intellectually and economically,” he said. He noted the rapid growth of the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund organization from about 280 members to more than 700 as an example of the “tremendous potential” of the Church. He said support of the Church and its work must result from “efforts on the basis of total participation. This is not a Church that has to have program on the basis of support from a few individuals God has blessed. It has to be the whole Church.”

APRIL 2003

ARC HDI O C E S E

Holy Eparchial Synod Convenes

THE MEMBERS of the Holy Eparchial Synod at the Archdiocesan Chapel of St. Paul.

NEW YORK – The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese convened for the regular spring session on April 1-2. Participating in the meeting, presided over by Archbishop Demetrios, were Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco, Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh, Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, and Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit. Also in attendance was the chief secretary of the Eparchial Synod, Bishop Gerasimos of Krateia. During the two-day session, the Synod addressed a number of significant issues, affecting the life and the activities of the Church. The Synod also formed a three-person list –“the triprosopon,” for the vacant seat of the Metropolis of New Jersey, which will be submitted to the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Synod heard and discussed reports of the synodical committees on issues of finance, administration, liturgics, monasticism, missions, inter-orthodox

PRESIDENT BUSH INVITES Archbishop Demetrios to the White House

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and ecumenical relations, philanthropy, communications, youth and Greek education, marriage and family, Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology and higher education. This was the first meeting of the Eparchial Synod following the granting by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of a new charter for the Archdiocese. The new charter elevated the Dioceses of the Archdiocese to Metropolises, and the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate elected the hierarchs of the dioceses as metropolitans of the new metropolises. During the two-day meeting, the ceremony of the “Mega Minima” (the Great Announcement) was held in the Archdiocesan chapel of St. Paul. The decisions of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the election of each of the seven metropolitans of the Holy Archdiocese of America to their respective sees were read as well as the replies of gratitude and acceptance of their election by the above mentioned Hierarchs. The next regular session of the Eparchial Synod will be held in the fall.

Archimandrite Evangelos Kourounis Elected Metropolitan of New Jersey NEW YORK – The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople has unanimously elected the Very Rev. Archimandrite Evangelos Kourounis, dean of St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, as Metropolitan of New Jersey. The Metropolitan-elect was the first of three candidates chosen for the see of the Metropolis of New Jersey whose names were recently submitted to the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate by the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Archbishop Demetrios, as soon as he received the official letter from the Ecumenical Patriarch, offered the following comments: “I congratulate Metropolitanelect Evangelos, whom I have known for many years, initially as a student of our Holy Cross Theological School and then as a clergyman of our Holy Archdiocese of America. During all these years and frequently under challenging conditions, the Metropolitan-elect has demonstrated wholehearted devotion to God, unyielding adherence to the dogmas, the canons and the ethos of the Church, zeal for the dissemination of the Gospel, faithfulness to our Hellenic cultural heritage and our Orthodox traditions and remarkable liturgical expertise. I am sure that by the grace and strength from God, the new Metropolitan of New Jersey of the Holy

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PRESIDENT and First Lady Laura Bush welcome Archbishop Demetrios to the Oval Office.

WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush invited Archbishop Demetrios to the White House on April 4 for a private meeting to offer his greetings on the occasion of the celebration of Greek Independence Day. The meeting with the President occurred during the two-day meeting of the Archdiocesan Council in Washington, April 4-5. Due to pressing concerns with the Iraq War, President Bush had been unable to attend the official ceremony with nearly 100 representatives of the Greek American community on March 25 that was held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building across the street from the

White House. At that time he had extended his regrets through White House chief of staff Secretary Andrew Card. The president and first lady Laura Bush welcomed his Eminence upon arrival in the Oval Office. President Bush thanked Archbishop Demetrios for his prayers and continual ministry during a challenging time for the United States and the entire world. The Archbishop assured President and Mrs. Bush of the prayers of Orthodox Christians throughout America and that special petitions are being offered in worship services for the men and women serving in the armed forces and for their families. He also affirmed the ongoing prayer and labor of the Church for peace.

Archbishop Meets with Sen. Lieberman

Efforts to Gain Israel’s Recognition Of Jerusalem Patriarch WASHINGTON – Archbishop Demetrios met with Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D. Conn.) on Thursday, April 3, to discuss the efforts toward the recognition of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem by the government of Israel. The Archbishop was accompanied by prominent members of the Greek American community. Patriarch Irenaios was canonically elected by the Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in August 2001, and traditionally this election is confirmed by the governments of Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority. However, Israel has withheld official recognition, limiting the functions of the Patriarch. Sen. Lieberman, a member of the Orthodox Jewish faith, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a former Vice Presidential nominee and a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States, has contributed significantly to these efforts by sending a letter to the Israeli government last week

and by addressing the issue in his visit to Israel last December. During the meeting with Archbishop Demetrios, the senator promised to intensify his efforts. Following the meeting with Sen. Lieberman, the Archbishop spoke by phone with Congresswoman Shelly Berkley regarding her successful efforts to secure the signatures of almost all the Jewish members of the U.S. House of Representatives on a letter that was sent to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon urging the recognition of the Patriarch. These efforts are a crucial contribution to what has been an international endeavor by government and religious officials to see the election of Patriarch Irenaios confirmed. In September 2002 the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese issued an official statement on the delay, calling upon Israel to recognize the election and respect the “centuries old rights of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.”

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Metropolitan-elect Evangelos

Archdiocese of America will prove to be a true imitator of our Good Shepherd Jesus Christ and will lead the devoted flock of his God-saved Metropolis to ‘springs of living water’ (Rev.7: 17).” Fr. Kourounis has been the dean of St. Demetrios Cathedral for the last two years. He was born in New York in 1961

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to immigrant parents from the island of Kalymnos of the Dodecanese. He attended the Greek-American day schools of St. Eleftherios and St. Spyridon in New York. He enrolled in Hellenic College from which he graduated in 1983. He then continued his graduate studies at Holy Cross School of Theology and graduated in 1986 with a Masters of Divinity. He also attended, in 1988, the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey of the University of Geneva (Switzerland) from which he received a Certificate in Ecumenical Studies. He was ordained to the deaconate Feb. 1, 1987, and to the priesthood on July 30, 1989 by Bishop Philotheos of Meloa. On March 30, 1991 Archbishop

Iakovos elevated him to the rank Archimandrite. He served as deacon to the Orthodox Center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Chambesy, Geneva,-Switzerland in 1987-88, and as deacon to Archbishop Iakovos and assistant director of Archives in 1988-89. From August 1989 to September 1993 he served as assistant priest to the dean of St. Demetrios Cathedral. He was then named chancellor of the Diocese of New Jersey, a position he held until March 1999. He was the director of the Registry of the Archdiocese from 1996 to 2001 and has been president of the Archdiocesan District Spiritual Court since 1996.

Thyranoixia of Renovated Holy Trinity Church in Constantinople CONSTANTINOPLE. – The church of the Holy Trinity in the Stavrodromio area (Beyoğlu-Taksim), which was inaugurated in 1880, was recently renovated at the initiative of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

APRIL 2003

ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE URGES PEACE

by Nicholas Manginas

The renovation project was made possible through the generous donation of $1 million by the late Archon Great Logothete and Great Benefactor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Panagiotis Angelopoulos. In the mid 19th century, Greeks of Constantinople started settling in the area of Stavrodromio. In 1860 they established the fraternity of St. Minas, with the aim of building a chapel to serve their worship needs at the courtyard of the Greek Community’s cemetery of the Stavrodromio area. During that period, the area started developing and its neighborhoods were expanding as a result of the influx of more and more Greeks as well as other populations. Two churches had already been built in the wider area of Beyoglu (Peran). The Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary opened in 1804 and Sts. Constantine and Helen was constructed in 1861. But they could no longer serve the growing needs of the faithful Orthodox flock. A small wooden chapel, dedicated to St. George, was constructed in 1862 in the area where the Zappeion High School for Girls was built in later years. This new chapel could not satisfy the worship needs of the continuously growing flock. After securing a construction permit for a new church, the founding stone of the Church of the Holy Trinity was laid at the old area of the cemetery in August 1867 by Ecumenical Patriarch Gregorios VI. The architect Potessaros, who later settled in Paris, designed the initial plan of the church. Hence, the imperial builder Vassilakis Efendi Ioannides, whose contri-

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Exterior of the renovated Holy Trinity Church of Stavrodromio.

bution has been very significant, undertook the modifications to the plan. The completion of the church was made possible through a ‘loan’ of 4,000 golden lire granted by the great benefactors Efstathios Evgenides, Pavlos Stefanovic Skylitses, Georgios Zarifes and Georgios Koronaios with the contribution of the builder Vassilakis Ioannides. The magnificent Church of the Holy Trinity, which rose in the heights of Stavrodromio (Beyoğlu), was inaugurated on the feast day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Sept. 14, 1880, by Ecumenical Patriarch Joachim III in the presence of thousands of members of the Greek Omogeneia. On the day of the inauguration, the aforementioned benefactors who had provided the ‘loan’ offered in the tray the mortgage notes, which they themselves had paid. Others from the congregation followed this generous gesture.

N. MANGINAS

Since then, the Holy Trinity church has been the pride of the ecclesiastic and cultural life of the eminent Greek Community of Stavrodromio. The Church of the Holy Trinity has architectural eclectic elements of the 19th century, features from various styles of church architecture and is a monument and a presence of the Renaissance in this part of Constantinople. During the dreadful events of Sept. 6-7, 1955 the church of the Holy Trinity suffered enormous destruction and pillage. The magnificent edifice of the Holy Trinity, which for 123 years overlooks Taksim Square, will be listed as one of the churches and monuments of the Greek Orthodox minority that were renovated and preserved on the initiative of Patriarch Bartholomew in his effort to save the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Greek Orthodox Church in the city of cities.

In these very critical days through which humanity proceeds, the Ecumenical Patriarchate repeats again its wish and prayer for peace and for the avoidance of war even in this last moment. It makes a plea to whoever is able to contribute to this end to exhaust all of their means so that humanity will not mourn new victims and horrible holocausts. With this opportunity, the Ecumenical Patriarchate reminds everyone that the basic prerequisite of peace is the respect for the sanctity of the human person and his freedom and dignity. From this respect are born all other prerequisites for the peaceful coexistence of all human beings on Earth in the love of one God and Father, who is not a God of war and battle but of reconciliation and peace. May peace and good will be established permanently on Earth for the glory of God and the prosperity of all human beings, whom God loves equally. At the Patriarchate March 19, 2003 From the Chief Secretariat Of the Holy and Sacred Synod

Of no use to me will be the farthest reaches of the universe or the kingdoms of this world. I would rather die and come to Jesus Christ than be king over the entire earth. Him I seek who died for us; Him I love who rose again because of us.

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Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Christos Anesti! Serving Orthodoxy and Hellenism in America

APRIL 2003

ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE PATRIARCHAL PROCLAMATION ON HOLY PASCHA í BARTHOLOMEW

By the Mercy of God, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch To the Entire Body of the Church Grace, Peace, and Mercy From Christ the Savior Who Rose in Glory Brethren and concelebrants, faithful and God-loving sons and daughters of the Church,

CHRIST IS RISEN!

ou healed the brokenness of humanity, O Lord, having restored it by Your divine blood, sings St. John Damascene, addressing our Lord Jesus Christ who was crucified, suffered, and rose from the dead. And another hymnographer exclaims, You were captured, I am not ashamed of it; You were lashed, I do not deny it; You were nailed to the Cross, I do not hide it; I boast of Your resurrection; for Your death is life to me, O Almighty and philanthropic God; Glory to You (Sticheron of the Sabbath, Grave Tone).

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In the passage of time humanity has repeatedly prepared its own brokenness. Indeed, every time it adopts pride and the mindset of Babel, i.e., the usurpation of divine might and substitution of the law of God by human desires and ambitions, it returns to the confusion of Babel, to discords, disagreements, conflicts, and ruins. There have been many who destroyed prosperous empires in their desire to make them greater; many who became self-destructive in setting before them aims of conceited pride; many who were humiliated in raising their own stature against God’s moral law; many who destroyed others in their desire to lord and dominate over them; who realized in the end that the damage which they incurred on themselves was far greater than that which they caused. In contrast to those who through haughtiness, or pride, or ambition, or any such egocentric impulse caused the brokenness of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ accepted with an excess of humility to undergo all those things that the leader of this world and his emissaries wished to impose on him in order to turn him into naught and to secure for themselves the domination of the world. He was captured as a conspirator, He who was the peacemaker; He was flogged as an evildoer, He who was a benefactor and healer; and, ultimately, He was crucified as a criminal, He who was innocent and the model of all goodness. And what was the result? When all the opponents of humility and peace thought that the gravestone covered forever Him who preached sermons that overturned their convictions as to what was right and expedient, He rose again, incorruptible out of the tomb, the healer of the brokenness of the world. Since then He continues to heal any brokenness of humanity, because He has the power to reconstruct it, to renew it, to offer it regeneration. There are many ruins of humanity that we encounter in our time—ruins of buildings and other such works, ruins of human bodies and parts, ruins of the natural environment, and above all, ruins of moral values that pertain to civilization. All these are destroyed by haughtiness, which is accompanied by acquisition of power. The only way for the healing and for the therapy of these ruins is He who humbly received upon Himself human brokenness and was made worthy of the resurrection in His humanity. In the midst of so many deaths and the hearing of new violent deaths, the message of the resurrection sounds as the greatest paradox! And yet, it is the only message that brings hope and the truth. It is the greatest message, beyond any other, since life is a far greater reality than any attempt made to extinguish it. This is because life is the effluence and manifestation of the creative activity of God that love undertakes, and no deadly power that militates against life can successfully prevail over this divine activity. Foretelling his death to his disciples, the Lord offered them this admonition, Have courage; I have overcome the world! He won by reversing human values, by accepting humility that was hateful to many as being of superior value, at a time when everybody sought after glory and honor, as many continue to do today. It is this same admonition that we too offer to you today as a father to his beloved children in the Lord. Take courage and rejoice because Christ’s victory over the world—a victory that is spiritual and unrelated to worldly domination—is offered to all who desire and accept the value of humility through which this victory is acquired. Let all flesh that speaks contrary to this be silent. Behold the King of Glory comes out of the grave! Christ is Risen, demonstrating the infinite might of humility and peace. Nothing else can conquer death. May the Risen Lord heal all brokenness of contemporary humanity and grant peace and life to all human beings, removing all hatred and bloodshed, and exchanging them with peaceful cooperation for the good of all. Amen.

Holy Pascha, A.D. 2003 Your fervent supplicant before the Risen Christ

í Bartholomew of Constantinople

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APRIL 2003

Archbishop Demetrios Hosts Luncheon for WTC Site Architect

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NEW YORK - Archbishop Demetrios hosted a luncheon at the Archdiocese on March 19 for Daniel Libeskind, the architect who created the winning concept design for the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site. Mr. Libeskind was joined by his wife, Nina, by Tara Snow, vice-president for Community Affairs and Government Relations for the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), and Andrew Winters, LMDC Planning Design and Development. Others attending included members of the joint Archdiocesan/St. Nicholas committee assisting in the planning for rebuilding St. Nicholas Church, which was destroyed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack against the Twin Towers. During a private meeting with the Archbishop, and at the luncheon that followed, discussion centered on various aspects of the rebuilding project in conjunction with the World Trade Center site plans.

Mr. Libeskind was hired by the two agencies overseeing the entire rebuilding project, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the LMDC, to guide the development of the master plan, including the design guidelines for the commercial buildings on the site. A site for St. Nicholas is included in the design created by Mr. Libeskind, an essential feature of any site design that has been requested by the Port Authority and the LMDC since the beginning of the planning process. Both New York Gov. George Pataki and Mayor Michael Bloomberg have also reassured Archbishop Demetrios that St. Nicholas will be rebuilt on the World Trade Center site. Other luncheon guests included Fr. John Romas, pastor of St. Nicholas Church, Michael Jaharis, vice-chairman of the Archdiocesan Council; John Pitsikalis, St. Nicholas Church parish council president; Emanuel Demos, Jerry Dimitriou, John Couloucoundis and Fr. Alex Karloutsos.

Religious Education Seminar Held at Chicago Church CHICAGO – St. Andrew’s Church hosted the 2003 Diocese of Chicago Religious Education Seminar Jan. 31-Feb. 1 with the Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, director of the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education, who conducted the seminar. The seminar was titled, “From Water to Wine: Enhancing the Practice of Parish Religious Education.” On Jan. 31, Fr. Marangos covered the subject of leadership development, titled “Transforming Water to Wine: Rebuilding the Soul of America.” (Seated L to R) Fr. Frank Marangos, Metropolitan Iakovos; standMuch of his subject ing: Fr. Michael Kontos Jr., Kathy Siavelis, head coordinator, St. dealt with the importance Andrew Church Catechetical School; Fr. William Chiganos, pasof religious education classes tor, Holy Apostles Church, Westchester, Ill. for adult members of the partheir own example of Christian living, to ish, especially parish council members. Fr. Marangos cautioned against the be role models-that teachers’ lives should erroneous belief that all church business match their words. In the words of St. Peter, “While skill, matters are the sole responsibility of the parish council members, and religious knowledge and technique are indeed inservices and teaching are the responsi- dispensable, instructional tools, the holy bility of the clergy. He emphasized that work of catechesis belongs to God. He religious education classes would assist alone is able to open the hearts of our students and impact wisdom, truth and the council members. On Feb. 1, Fr. Marangos focused on the gifts of the Holy Spirit to them. In the the “Qualities of an Effective Orthodox end…we must not rely upon ourselves but Catechist; How to Teach Teens,” and upon our Lord…for victory.” The sessions were attended by cat“Total Parish Education.” In his talk, Father stressed the im- echetical school instructors from churches portance of having catechetical school of the Chicago Metropolis, by Metropolichildren attend the Divine Liturgy and tan Iakovos, and clergy. Throughout his teachings, Fr. Maranclassroom teaching could follow. He emphasized that the best way for gos referred to the miracle of changing the the teachers to reach their students is by water into wine.

HOLY SCRIPTURE READINGS MAY . . . . . . . . 1 Th ................. Acts 2:38-43; Jn. 3:1-15 2 F ..................... Acts 3:1-8; Jn. 2:12-22 3 S ................. Acts 3:11-16; Jn. 3:22-33 4 Sun........... Acts 5:12-20; Jn. 20:19-31 5 M................... Acts 3:19-26; Jn. 2:1-11 6 T .................. Acts 4:1-10; Jn. 3:16-21 7 W .......... Acts 26:1, 12-20; Jn. 5:24-30 8 ThI John 1:1-7; Jn. 19:25-27, 21:24-25 9 F ................. Acts 5:1-11; Jn. 5:30-6:2 10 S ............... Acts 5:21-32; Jn. 6:14-20 11 Sun ......... Acts 6:1-7; Mk. 15:43-16:8 12 M ....Acts 6:8-7:5, 47-60; Jn. 4:46-54 13 T ................. Acts 8:5-17; Jn. 6:27-33 14 W .............. Acts 8:18-25; Jn. 6:35-39 15 Th ............. Acts 8:26-39; Jn. 6:40-44

16 F ............ Acts 8:40-9:18; Jn. 6:48-54 17 S .......... Acts 9:19-41; Jn. 15:17-16:2 18 Sun............. Acts 9:32-42; Jn. 5:1-15 19 M .............. Acts 10:1-16; Jn. 6:56-69 20 T ................ Acts 10:21-33; Jn 7:1-13 21 W ........ Acts 26:1, 12-20; Jn. 7:14-30 22 Th ........... Acts 10:34-43; Jn. 8:12-20 23 F ........ Acts 10:44-11:10; Jn. 8:21-30 24 S ............... Acts 12:1-11; Jn. 8:31-42 25 Sun............ II Cor. 4:6-15; Jn. 4:5-42 26 M ............ Acts 12:12-17; Jn. 8:42-51 27 T ........ Acts 12:25-13:12; Jn. 8:52-59 28 W .............. Acts 13:13-24; Jn. 6:5-14 29 Th ..... Acts 14:20-15:4; Jn. 9:39-10:9 30 F ........... Rom. 16:1-16; Jn. 10:17-28 31 S ........... Acts 15:35-41; Jn. 10:27-38

APRIL 2003

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY Celebrated in Nation’s Capital

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D. PANAGOS

WHITE HOUSE Chief of Staff Andrew Card conveys the congratulatory regards of President Bush. CIA Director George Tenet and Ambassadors of Greece and Cyprus are seated in the front row.

WASHINGTON – More than 150 persons gathered here March 25 for Greek Independence Day and to receive the Presidential proclamation declaring the day “A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democraacy.” In a ceremony conducted in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House, Archbishop Demetrios joined White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card in acknowledging the significance of the day for Greeks, Americans, and all people throughout the world. In his remarks the Archbishop thanked the President and Secretary Card for the “generous offering” of the Proclamation and stated, “This year Greek Independence Day falls within an extremely critical period for our country and for the entire world, a period of a conflict focused on peace, security and freedom, with enormous consequences for us as well as for our children and our grandchildren.” The Archbishop also noted the connection of Greek Independence Day with the Feast of the Annunciation, an event that revealed “God’s direct involvement in establishing salvation—total liberation, absolute freedom, and final victory—for humankind over all kinds of hostile powers that aim at enslaving humanity. Greek Independence Day offers new vistas to our understanding of freedom, and sheds ample and redeeming light on all noble fights for freedom, past, present, and future. We need this light today more than at any other time before.” Secretary Card, in his remarks, extended to all in attendance the regrets of President George W. Bush who was unable to attend this year’s event, the third of his presidency. Secretary Card acknowledged the Archbishop as “someone who has provided great comfort to the President and his staff” and thanked him for his leadership and “ministry of faith

and hope” following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Speaking on the occasion of Greek Independence Day, the Secretary affirmed that “this is a great day to honor the legacy of liberty that unites America and Greece; and it is a good time to celebrate the friendship between our two countries. It’s a deep and lasting friendship, founded on the common ideals of freedom, justice, and the dignity of every human being.” He also acknowledged the contribution Greeks have made to the American nation by stating, “The sons and daughters of Greece have enriched America with their enduring faith, zest for life, and entrepreneurial skills.” Others in attendance included CIA Director George Tenet, George Savvaides, ambassador of Greece to the U.S., Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S., and Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Spyridon Pope, who had hosted a reception at the State Department on the previous day. Also in attendance were many prominent Americans and Greek-Americans who were either government officials or leaders, members and staff of Hellenic organizations and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The events of the day began with Archbishop Demetrios celebrating a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Doxology at St. Sophia Cathedral. Following the proclamation ceremony, the Archbishop met with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Senate Minority Leader Thomas A. Daschle at the Capitol building. The two Senators conveyed their congratulations on the celebration of Greek Independence Day and expressed their gratitude for the contributions of Greek-Americans and the Greek Orthodox Church. The day concluded with a reception hosted by Greek Ambassador George Savvaides.

D. PANAGOS

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Senate Minority Leader Thomas A. Daschle at the Capitol building.

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APRIL 2003

HC/HC REPORT Holy Cross, Aristotelian University Enter Cooperative Agreement

The Ronald McDonald House of New York City an International non-profit organization, is a home-away-from-home for children undergoing cancer treatment and their families, at New York area medical centers.

THE GREEK DIVISION OF THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

is organizing its annual Walk-a-thon THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2003. The Walk will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. at Central Park. Entrance to the Park will be at 59th Street and 6th Avenue and end at the Ronald McDonald House at 405 East 73rd Street Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17th at the Park or you may pre-register by returning the attached or for information and reservations please call (212) 7176608. Suggested entry for each participant is $15.00, T-Shirts will be available (while supplies last). Also Buses for Transportation will be available. Come and join us to celebrate this special event and help us be here for many more years. In Case of Rain We Will Meet and Celebrate at the Ronald McDonald House.

NAME:____________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE:________________________________________________________________ ENTRY FEE:_______________________________________________________________ Or Any Other Donations:____________________________________________________ Please Send to Ronald McDonald House, Greek Division, 405 East 73rd St-New York, NY 10021

BROOKLINE, Mass. – Holy Cross School of Theology President the Rev. Nicholas Triantafilou, and Aristotelian University of Thessalonike Rector Dr. Michael Papadopoulos, recently signed a three-year agreement of educational cooperation between their institutions. The purpose of this academic cooperation is the mutual enrichment of the advanced theological programs of studies the theological schools of the Aristotelian University and Holy Cross offer. This signed agreement may be renewed if it is so desired by both institutions of higher learning. According to the agreement, the two schools are expected to exchange visiting professors and students. Visiting professors will give lectures, teach classes and participate in common research and theological programs and conferences. In the framework of this collaboration, the two institutions will publish proceedings of their joint theological conferences and the results of their theological research. Graduate students from both schools will have opportunities to attend classes in their fields of theological specialization and interest without any financial burden for the contracted institutions. For the smooth implementation of the agreement the deans of the respective theological schools will annually compose a working paper that addresses the practical aspects of their respective school’s cooperation. This working paper will include the names of the faculty members that the two institutions will exchange, their particular field of studies, the lectures they will offer, and the joint theological research and conferences that the two schools will carry. This educational cooperation is grounded on absolute mutuality and parity of responsibilities and commitments. It is expected that this agreement for Holy Cross School of Theology will contribute towards its continued and dynamic rela-

tionship with Greek theological thought. The graduating students of Holy Cross will be encouraged to continue their postgraduate specializations through this joint program. While they pursue in Thessalonike studies in biblical, patristic, and contemporary Greek Orthodox Theological thought, they will have an opportunity to participate in an Orthodox spiritual and cultural experience, as it is uniquely lived in Thessalonike. On the other hand, the visiting professors of Holy Cross in Thessalonike through their teaching, lectures and participation in seminars, will provide Greek students the opportunity to study and learn more about the theological questioning and methodology of Greek Orthodox thought abroad. This collaboration of the two schools gives students from the departments of the Theological School of the University of Thessalonike the opportunity to investigate and consider theological issues in a totally different cultural environment, as well as to come into contact with Englishspeaking Orthodox theological thought. The Greek professors visiting Holy Cross will have the opportunity to offer lectures, to exchange theological concerns with their colleagues and to contribute with their presence to the growth of the mutual relationship of enrichment of the academic programs of both Theological Schools. Fr. Triantafilou noted, “The bilateral collaboration of the Theological School of Holy Cross and the Theological School of the Aristotelian University constitutes a historical milestone that signifies the maturity of Orthodoxy in America and its persistence to find itself in close relationship with Orthodox theological thought and culture as it is expressed in particular by the Theological School of the University of Thessalonike. We believe that the mutual enrichment of theological reflection that this cooperation anticipates, will have beneficial implications upon the life and witness of our Church.”

Archons Hold Successful Lenten Retreat at HC/HC BROOKLINE, Mass. – A first-ever national Lenten retreat was conducted by the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle - Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology on March 21-22. More than 45 Archons from across the United States attended the historic event that was convened under the spiritual guidance of Archbishop Demetrios of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and renowned professor of Orthodox theology, the Rev. Dr. Stanley S. Harakas who served as the retreat leader. The theme of the retreat, “Growing Spiritually,” provided Archons with the opportunity to delve into the role of spirituality in their personal lives, in the church, and in the world. Each of these three areas provided the basis for prayer and reflection through a series of breakout sessions that were preceded by remarks by Fr. Harakas. In addition, Archbishop Demetrios led

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the group in bible study focusing on Psalm 23--The Lord is My Shepherd. Archons began and ended each day by attending the Salutations and Vesper services at the beautiful Holy Cross Chapel. “It was an absolutely magnificent spiritually energizing weekend,” said Jim Speros, Archon Kastrinsios and organizer of the retreat. “During these very trying and difficult times in our world, it’s important we make the effort to focus on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of love and peace,” he said. National Commander of the Order, Dr. Anthony Limberakis, who also attended the retreat said, “The retreat provided all Archons with an opportunity to grow spiritually and to develop a deeper appreciation for our faith which we have sworn to defend. It was truly a blessing to spend the weekend with Archbishop Demetrios and Fr. Harakas along with my fellow Archons. We hope to make this an annual event.”

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APRIL 2003

Russian Bell Maker Offers Gift for St. Nicholas Church

NEW YORK. – When St. Nicholas Church that was destroyed in the Sept. 11 attack is rebuilt, it will have a brand new bronze bell cast in Russia. The OCA representative to the Patriarchate of Moscow and dean of OCA’s representation Church of St. Catherine, archimandrite Fr. Zacchaeus, brought the bell to Archdiocese headquarters on April 1 for the presentation to Archbishop Demetrios. The bell was cast in Moscow with the Orthodox Observer encouragement of St. Catherine’s parish, by ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS inspects the bell from Russia brought the Litex Bell Casting by Archimandrite Zacchaeus. and Manufacturing Co., and is an offering of the company and its reads: “God have mercy on their souls, general director, A.M. Engoyan, in com- while the inscription in Russian reads, “Give memoration of the innocent victims of the rest, O Lord to the souls of Thy Servants.” Sept. 11 attack. A duplicate bell was cast The bell is ornate with relief icons that will ring in St. Catherine’s Church. of the Resurrection, the Theotokos, St. An inscription on the bell in English Nicholas and the Holy Cross.

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Archdiocesan Cathedral to Honor Nicholas J. Bouras NEW YORK – Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral trustees have designated Nicholas J. Bouras as this year’s recipient of the Holy Trinity Award to be presented at the Cathedral Ball, Friday, May 2, at the Pierre Hotel. A renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Mr. Bouras serves as a member of the Archdiocesan Council Executive Committee, executive vice-commander of the National Council of the Order of St. Andrew of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and board member of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. This will be the twenty-third year the prestigious Holy Trinity Award will be presented as an expression of appreciation by the Cathedral to individuals dedicated to serving others – a distinguished honor bestowed upon those who have given of themselves, of their time and efforts on behalf of the Greek Orthodox faith and Hellenic ideals. The Cathedral Ball is held under the auspices of Archbishop Demetrios, the Rev. Dr. Robert G. Stephanopoulos, Cathedral dean and Robert Shaw, board president. Kassandra Romas is general chairwoman of the 72nd annual ball and cochairmen are Arthur Anton, Dr. Anthony

Limberakis and Peter Dion. Sponsor cochairs are George Behrakis, George Safiol and George Tsandikos. Coordinators are Froso Beys, Penelope Damasks, Katerina Shaw and Maria Yatrakis.

National YAL Conference Set in Baltimore July 4th Weekend

Conference theme: “The Sign of the Cross: Vision and Victory.” BALTIMORE -- Orthodox young adults from throughout the Archdiocese will gather here for the 21st annual National Young Adult Ministry (YAL) Conference scheduled for July 3-7. This year’s conference theme is “The Sign of the Cross: Vision and Victory.” A welcoming reception on Thursday evening, July 3, will kick off the conference. Friday’s schedule features diverse workshops on Orthodox issues, highlighted by a keynote luncheon address by the Rev. Dr. George Liacopulos, pastor of the Holy Trinity Church in Egg Harbor, N.J. Fr. Liacopulos holds a doctorate from Princeton Theological Seminary’s Mission, Ecumenics and History of Religions Program. The evening festivities will include a firework extravaganza at Baltimore’s Inner

Harbor and a social event at the conference hotel. On Saturday, attendees will participate in a variety of service projects, which will be followed by a crab feast at St. Demetrios Church. The evening concludes with a Baltimore Orioles baseball game at historic Camden yards, followed by a late night discussion. A Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Sunday morning by Archbishop Demetrios at Annunciation Cathedral. Following a formal reception, the Archbishop will lead a community-wide Bible study at the Cathedral. The Conference will conclude with a grand banquet, and dancing to the sounds of Zephyros. For more information, visit the conference website, http://www.yal2003.org.

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APRIL 2003

E DITORIAL

Let Us Dedicate Ourselves to Christ In a few days we will once again celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ after our annual pilgrimage through Great Lent and Holy Week. We have not simply stood by as spectators, but have followed step by step the events in which Christ took part and which have led us inevitably to the hilltop of Golgotha where, with Christ, we lifted the Cross and dedicated ourselves to accomplishing the will of the Father. Christ died for us on the Cross. Now, we who claim to be his followers are called to dedicate ourselves to Christ totally, without restrictions. We reveal our soul, our inner

u Sister at GAI t Editor, I was most interested in reading the article on the forthcoming celebration of the Greek American Institute’s 90th birthday. I was, however, disappointed to note my sister’s name, Helen Christ Arvanitis, was omitted from the roster of teachers who served there in the past. Ms. Christ, as she was known then, taught the seventh and eighth grades during the leadership of Mr. N. Hadzidemetriou. She remembers her years there most fondly since it was her first teaching position upon graduating from Hunter College. Fr. Milton Efthimiou was one of her many students she remembers who made the trip to Forest Avenue each day. Later, sister Helen was appointed to the New York City School system and served in Astoria’s PS 5 and 17, where she won accolades for her infectious optimism and faith in the potential of all her students. Greek parents were especially elated to have someone they could speak to in their native tongue. Greek American teachers were not that prevalent back then. Though Helen retired in 1990, invariably she is greeted by familiar faces of long ago who will stop and recall the good old days at Greek American Institute. Mrs. Chris Voulangas Kew Gardens, N.Y.

selves, as we follow Jesus during the turbulent hours of his Passion. Our eyes fill with tears as we contemplate our sins. We open our heart and our soul to receive the divine light. And we are thoroughly purified, experiencing the relief known only by the truly repentant sinner. Together with Christ, let us begin the ascent toward Golgotha, having entered Jerusalem with Jesus in great triumph on Palm Sunday. Then on Pascha, we will be resurrected with our Lord. The joy of the Resurrection will be reflected in the joy we experience over our own resurrection, our own spiritual renewal, and our own salvation.

What has happened to the so-called Christians, who used to stand up and protest such filth and garbage? Why have they stopped protesting? Are we now exempt from teaching our children right from wrong? Why are the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer no longer allowed in our schools and government offices? This great nation is still “under God” and He has created each of us in His own Image, and yet we choose to follow the evil schemes of the devil. Why? We can’t allow God in our life, but we can allow filth and violence and no one objects. None of this is right or moral, but as long as it makes a buck, it’s considered okay. Even the people who tried to destroy part of our country on 9/11 were trained right here in the U.S. because they had the dollars to pay for that training. When I read the Scriptures (yes, we still do that in some homes), I see the same thing that happened thousands of years ago, happening today and no one can see (The Writing on the Wall). Acts 4:25, states, “Why do nations rage and the people plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.” Fran Glaros Clearwater, Fla.

u Profound Questions t

u Protecting Our History t

Editor, Why have we as Christians become so lax about demanding perfection and decency? Why have we agreed to allow the Internet and TV to corrupt rather than entertain and educate? Who’s responsible for what our children view? How much power do these big corporations have anyway? What has happened to the so-called morals of the people of this country? Why does violence and filth appear each and every day on these mediums and no one objects? Here we have one of the most wonderful mediums, (and by the way, it was God who gave man this knowledge) and we are using this knowledge to corrupt the minds of our innocent children and grandchildren.

Editor, We are writing this letter to bring to your attention a blatant and vicious attempt to distort and rewrite our history. In a recent article in the Chicago SunTimes of Jan. 15, 2003, reporter Andrew Herrmann stated Alexander the Great “was actually a Macedonian, though Greeks see him as one of their own.” Stratokopos Society is a philanthropic organization of Greek-Orthodox Americans. As an organization, we first sent the newspaper a letter protesting the error, asking for a correction, and sent a second letter to the Publisher and other officers with the newspaper further protesting the lack of a response. Again the Sun-Times chose to ignore our protests to their blatant revision of Greek history. While this matter may seem small, it is exceptionally important. The

Archpastoral Reflections

by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America

The Joy of the Resurrection

ur transition from the period of the Great and Holy Fast to the season of Pascha constitutes a dynamic movement of the soul along a steady stream of joy and grace. This month of April, our spiritual journey along the sacred path of Lent culminates in the joyous Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This miraculous event is the cornerstone of our Christian faith, through which we have been born anew to a living hope and to an inheritance, which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (I Peter 1:3-4). Our struggles to draw closer to Christ through prayer and fasting are met by His loving embrace. Through His Resurrection, the grip of death upon humanity is utterly vanquished, the gift of salvation is emptied out freely unto all humanity, and lasting joy is made known once and for all unto all the world. The joy of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a profound reality, the effects of which are healing, restorative, and transforming. This joy is miraculous and without end; it transcends all levels of material pleasure and happiness; and it communicates great hope for the establishment of loving and reconciliatory relationships among human beings throughout the world. This year, the joy of the Paschal Feast comes at a time marked by war and human suffering, when we are called to demonstrate Christian compassion and mercy to our brothers and sisters who are in pain. Faced with this reality, we contemplate in our humanity the inevitable question “How do we understand joy in the midst of suffering?” This question prompts us to consider the agony of Christ crucified and the universal and redemptive message of the Cross, which is realized in the victory of the Resurrection—a victory over every form of affliction, enslavement, oppression, and, ultimately, death itself. During the Paschal season, the Church invites us to contemplate the triumph of the Resurrection over all forms of suffering, and to realize the eternal beauty and universal meaning of the symphonic relationship between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this divine mystery lies the irrevocable and saving truth that Christ died for sins once for all, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit (I Peter 3:18). In our contemporary age, the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death calms all those throughout the world who suffer in blamelessness and innocence. This victory is our inheritance as Orthodox Christians, which we come to appreciate more fully as we grow in our love for one another and in our faith. I pray that your faith in Jesus Christ may continue to grow in your hearts during this glorious Paschal season, granting you every assurance and hope in His joyous Resurrection, which heals, reconciles, and comforts all the world. May the blessings of Almighty God be with you, and may the infinite grace of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ strengthen your faith in His abiding presence and love, now and always. Sun-Times will realize the mistake they made only if they see the Greek community as a whole, united in protest. The most powerful way to make this point clear is to cancel your subscriptions to the Sun-Times and when you make that call to cancel, make sure to tell them that their revision of Alexander’s and Greek history is the reason why. In addition, especially for those who live outside the Chicago-metropolitan area, as individuals and as organizations, write the newspaper, call the newspaper, e-mail the newspaper to further protest their errors and lies until the Sun-Times finally retracts and corrects their fabrications. The Chicago Sun-Times can be contacted by regular mail at: Letters to the Editor, Chicago Sun-Times, 401 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60611; email: letters@suntimes.com; phone: 312-321-3000. We cannot stress the importance of this undertaking. Greeks have a long and rich history, but we will not sit idle to lies and attacks on our culture. George Delis Niles, Ill.

u Baltimore Parade t Editor, Neither rain, nor snow, nor frosty temperatures should dampen the spirit of the celebrants attending the annual MidAtlantic Greek Independence Day Parade

held in Baltimore city’s Greektown. (The event culminated a long-term celebration including The Governor’s Reception at the State House in Annapolis.) Expressions of patriotism and doxology took on special meaning this year as our armed forces are engaged in war in Iraq, defending the freedoms with which we in America are richly blessed by the grace of God. Those who braved the adverse weather conditions to honor the Greek heroes of 1821 included: elected officials from every branch of government led by Governor Robert Earlich, clergy, dignitaries of the Greek Embassy, representatives of our military and service agencies who have always provided for our hometown security, children of our community Greek schools, and members of the region’s fraternal organizations. The parade committee, directed by two dedicated and enthusiastic Greek Americans: Steve Mavronis and George Stakias, wishes to thank all who supported, participated, and attended the successful event paying tribute to those who have endured many years of extreme hardships in order to preserve our heritage…freedom, religion, an democracy. It is our firm belief that by honoring our ethnic roots we strengthen our patriotism and love for America! Eve Lallas Kingsville, Md.

APRIL 2003

HOLY SYNOD’S ENCYCLICAL ON PEACE March 20, 2003 Lord of the Powers, be with us. For in times of distress, we have no other help but You. (Hymn of the Great Compline Service)

THE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, we address you at a critical time in the life of our nation and our world, assuring you of our deep concern and fervent prayers during this difficult and uncertain period of conflict and war in Iraq. We call upon all of you, as people of faith and peace, to gather in prayer in your homes and parishes so that we may be united in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of our strength and solace. Following the exhortation of the Apostle Paul, we pray unceasingly that the peace of God may abide everywhere on our planet Earth and that places of conflict may be transformed into places of life and freedom. We pray for the courageous men and women who serve in our armed forces and who face uncertain dangers and the threat of death. May God grant them and their families assurance and strength. We pray for the safety of all who peacefully inhabit areas of conflict, especially for the innocent children of our world, for their well-being, and for the realization of the beautiful potential of their lives as human beings created in the image and likeness of God. Further, we pray that the wisdom of God may abide in the hearts of the leaders of our nation as they make decisions that will undoubtedly affect millions of human beings. We painfully understand the enormous challenges and responsibilities they must face. The Church affirms that war, terrorism, hatred, and intolerance are the tragic results of sin and evil in a suffering world, and that these place tremendous spiritual and physical burdens upon each and every person. Yet in the weariness of conflict and struggle in the world, we take solace in the comforting words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Our Lord, the Lord of the Powers, is embracing each one of us in distressful times such as these, so that we might find serenity and help in Him. Our journey through the season of the Great Fast, one that coincides with the ordeal of war, leads us to the foot of the Cross where we become once again witnesses of the Crucifixion of our Lord. In His bruised and battered face we behold all of the sufferings of humankind, and our hearts are pierced anew with the violence and inhumanity of our world. However, we remain with every assurance that as He prevailed over sin and death, His promises of enduring peace, heavenly joy, and eternal life will be fulfilled. We look to the Life-Giving Cross, a “weapon of peace” and a standard of love, as a source of strength and inspiration. In the midst of violence, God’s power and presence is with us, just as it was when His Son offered His sinless life for our salvation. May each of you know that the conflicts of our lives and our world can be resolved when the spiritual peace and sacrificial love of the Cross exist among nations and within the lives of people. Further, may you be strengthened with hope and assurance that the sad conditions of this world will pass away and all things will be made new within the reality of the Kingdom of God, wherein “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We call upon all Orthodox Christians to be steadfast in prayer and service during this Lenten season, offering our worship to God and our ministry to all those in need. Let us pray together for reconciliation among nations, for the establishment of justice, and for the restoration of peace. In faithful commitment to God and in love for others, let us bring solace and peace into the lives of our fellow human beings through acts of charity and words of kindness. May we be willing to offer sacrificially for the spiritual and physical needs of others. In the days before us, may His goodness and love for all humankind reassure, strengthen, and guide all of you, and may “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). With paternal love in Christ, † DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

† IAKOVOS Metropolitan of Chicago

† ANTHONY Metropolitan of San Francisco

† MAXIMOS Metropolitan of Pittsburgh

† METHODIOS Metropolitan of Boston

† ISAIAH Metropolitan of Denver

† ALEXIOS Metropolitan of Atlanta

† NICHOLAS Metropolitan of Detroit

APRIL 2003

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APRIL 2003

OUTREACH and EVANGELISM

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Some Practical Steps Management expert Peter Drucker was told the story of a museum that once polled its visitors to determine why they had come to the museum. The greatest percentage of visitors replied that they came into the museum because it was raining outside. The second most frequent response was that they came in to use the rest room. by Fr. James W. Kordaris

To this story, Drucker responded with the question, “How many of these visitors came back?” God brings people through the doors of our churches for many reasons. How many of these visitors will come back? When Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” He gave us the great commission which today calls us to transform the parish into an agency of Christian mission. This will require a renewed effort to reach out and welcome all parishioners, inactive Orthodox, visitors, inquirers and all who walk through the doors of our churches. Described in this article are practical first steps toward parish renewal, outreach & evangelism that may be implemented in every parish.

Visitors

With our doors open to visitors, it is suggested they be welcomed publicly by the priest at the conclusion of the liturgy and invited to the coffee hour, setting the tone for the congregation’s response and personal welcome. Names, addresses and telephone numbers must be obtained using either a guest book or a guest card that may be completed before entering the church. Ushers/greeters must be shown the importance of reaching out to visitors, with a warm greeting and a Sunday bulletin. The church hall should be set up with a visitors’ table at which would be stationed parishioners interested in this outreach mission of the Church. Available at the table would be information on the parish, its programs, membership directory, bulletin, upcoming events and brochures on Orthodoxy. All items the visitor receives should be well marked with the name, address, telephone, e-mail and website of the parish, and the name of the priest. If visitors would like, they may be added to the parish mailing list for bulletins and special events.

Public Awareness

Dignified and respectful ads could appear regularly in the Saturday religion section of the local newspapers as a resource to visitors and to those who have recently moved to the area. The same ad could also appear in the area Yellow Pages telephone directory. Area hotels should be made aware of the parish location and worship schedule. There is nothing more frustrating than desiring to attend liturgy and not being able to find the local Orthodox parish.

Local Ecumenical Activities

Be aware of opportunities for Christians of different traditions to cooperate at the grass roots level, especially food banks, soup kitchens, and social service agencies. Stay open to the possibilities for the shar-

ing of resources toward a common goal with Christians of other traditions. Be aware of those special occasions when Christians come together for public prayer, such as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January), Thanksgiving, Advent, Lent, September 11, or a special day of prayer called for by a national leader.

Parish Bookstore / Book Table

There is a hunger for knowledge among people of growing faith. There has also been an increase in the amount of Orthodox writing available in English due to many excellent translations of classic works. This is complemented by the great number of writings in English by current Orthodox theologians. Awareness may be raised through book reviews in the church bulletin, recommendations from the pulpit – especially of books appropriate to the current cycle of worship, and parish book discussion groups.

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The Parish Council and Missionary Vision

Place missions on the agenda of annual planning meetings with the suggestion that the parish begin its commitment to mission with a line item in the budget for the Missions (domestic & abroad). Establish a parish committee for Parish Renewal, Outreach and Evangelism.

Publications

Great care must be given to parish mailings (bulletins, stewardship packets, special letters, notices, etc.). For those who rarely come to church, this will be their impression of the parish, clergy and staff. Priests and qualified parishioners might offer to periodically submit articles, commentaries and/or book reviews to the local newspaper on religious topics of general interest. The parish could invite reporters to cover the traditions and services of Lent, Holy Week and Pascha, offering background information on Orthodox beliefs, customs and traditions of the season.

Computer Publications & Communication

Equip the parish with a computer, and set up a parish website. The site could include all information that is distributed in bulletins, schedules, pamphlets, as well as photos, letters from the pastor and/or parish council president. Assistance in this area is available from the Archdiocesan Department of Information Technologies.

Conclusion

There is nothing that is done in the parish that is not apostolic. Parish renewal, outreach and evangelism is not a person, a committee, a mission center or a project. It is an attitude. Everything we do is an opportunity for renewal. Every person, every project, and every list of names offers potential for outreach. There is no limit to the time we may spend on evangelism. Parish renewal, outreach and evangelism is a person-to-person process. Fr. Jim Kordaris is director of the Archdiocesan Department of Parish Renewal, Outreach & Evangelism. A revised & expanded version of this article will soon be distributed to parishes as a booklet by the same title. Inquiries and comments may be sent by e-mail to ParishRenewal@goarch.

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APRIL 2003

Happy Easter From

Mr. Nicholas J. Bouras Summit, New Jersey

AΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2003

ΕΤΟΣ 68 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1199

ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΗ ΑΠΟΔΕΙΞΙΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΩ ΑΓΙΩ ΠΑΣΧΑ

ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΩ ΑΓΙΩ ΠΑΣΧΑ Πάσχα 2003

Ἡ Ἑορτή τῶν Ἑορτῶν

ÿ ÂÁÑÈÏËÏÌÁÉÏÓ

«Ἐν Αὐτῷ Ζωή ἦν, καί ἡ Ζωή ἦν τό Φῶς τῶν ἀνθρώπων. Καί τό Φῶς ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ φαίνει, καί ἡ σκοτία αὐτό οὐ κατέλαβεν».

ÅËÅ~Ù ÈÅÏÕ ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÏÓ ÊÙÍÓÔÁÍÔÉÍÏÕÐÏËÅÙÓ, ÍÅÁÓ ÑÙÌÇÓ ÊÁÉ ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÓ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÇÓ ÐÁÍÔÉ Ô~Ù ÐËÇÑÙÌÁÔÉ ÔÇÓ ÅÊÊËÇÓÉÁÓ ×ÁÑÉÍ, ÅÉÑÇÍÇÍ ÊÁÉ ÅËÅÏÓ ÐÁÑÁ ÔÏÕ ÅÍÄÏÎÙÓ ÁÍÁÓÔÁÍÔÏÓ ÓÙÔÇÑÏÓ ×ÑÉÓÔÏÕ

ἀπό τό Εὐαγγέλιο τῆς Κυριακῆς τοῦ Πάσχα Ἰωάννου 1:4-5

Πρός τούς Σεβασµιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Κοινοτικῶν Συµβουλίων, τά Ἡµερήσια καί Ἀπογευµατινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φι λοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυµον πλήρωµα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχ ιεπισκοπῆς Ἀµερικῆς.

Ἀδελφοί συλλειτουργοί καί τέκνα εὐσεβῆ καί φιλόθεα τῆς Ἐκκλησίας,

Χριστός Ἀνέστη!

Ἀδελφοί καί ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ,

Σήµερα τό βράδυ ὑψώνουµε τήν Πασχαλινή λαµπάδα καί πορευόµενοι µέσα στή σκοτεινή νύκτα λαµπρύνουµε τόν κόσµο γύρω µας µέ τό Χαρµόσυνο Φῶς, διακηρύσσοντας θριαµβευτικά τήν δόξα τοῦ Ἀναστάντος Κυρίου. Ἡ λαµπάδα στό χέρι µας δέν ἀποτελεῖ ἁπλό µέσο τοῦ ἑορτασµοῦ µας, ἀλλά ἕνα βαθύτατο σύµβολο τῆς ἀλήθειας τῆς πίστεώς µας. Μέ τήν λαµπάδα αὐτή ἐκφράζουµε τήν βιωµατ ική πεποίθησ ή µας ὅ τ ι σ τό σκοτάδι τῆς ἀνθρώπινης καταστάσεως ὑπάρχει ἕνα µόνο φῶς, ὅτι στήν σκιά τοῦ θανάτου ὑπάρχει µόνο µία πραγµατικότητα ἡ ὁποία κοµίζει εἰρήνη καί χαρά. Αὐτή εἶναι ἡ ἀκτινοβολία ἡ ὁποία ἐκπέµπεται ἀπό τόν τάφο τοῦ Χριστοῦ, αὐτ ή εἶναι ἡ ἀ λήθεια ὅ τ ι Χρισ τός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς µνήµασιν ζωήν χαρισάµενος. Τί εἶναι αὐτό τό σκοτάδι τῆς ἀνθρώπινης καταστάσεως πού µᾶς περιβάλλει; Εἶναι ἡ µαύρη σκιά τῆς ἁµαρτωλότητός µας καί ἡ ἄγνοιά µας σχετικά µέ τό θέληµα τοῦ Θεοῦ γιά τήν ζωή µας. Εἶναι ἡ πνευµατική σύγχυση, ἡ θλίψη τῆς ἐνοχῆς, ὁ φόβος τῆς ἀπορρίψεως καί τῆς ἀποτυχίας. Μέσα σ’ αὐτό τό σκοτάδι ξεπροβάλλει τό φῶς τοῦ Πάσχα. Ἐκεῖνος πού φορτώθηκε τίς ἁµαρτίες µας πάνω στόν Σταυρό ἀναστήθηκε, νικῶντας πλήρως τόν θάνατο. Στήν ἔγερσή Του ἐκ τοῦ τάφου διαπιστώνουµε τήν ἐγγύηση τοῦ Θεοῦ γιά τήν ἐλευθερία µας, τήν ὑπόσχεσή Του γιά µιά νέα ζωή θείας δικαιοσύνης. Δέν στενάζουµε πιά κάτω ἀπό τό βάρος τῆς ἐνοχῆς, ἀλλά κρατῶντας ψηλά τήν Πασχαλινή λαµπάδα τῆς Ἀναστάσεως ἀναφωνοῦµε µαζί µέ τόν Ἅγιο Ἰωάν νη τόν Χρυσόστοµο: Μηδείς ὀδυρέσθω πταίσµατα· συγγνώµη γάρ ἐκ τοῦ τάφου ἀνέτειλε.

u óåë. 16

Ο Θωμάς θέτει τον δάκτυλον εις τον τύπον των ήλων. Τοιχογραφία από το Καθολικό της Μονής Βλαχερνών, 13ος αιώνας.

ΕΚΚΛΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΥ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΕΙΟΥ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ

Το Οικουµενικό Πατριαρχείο Κωνσταντινουπόλεως λίγες µόνο ώρες πριν την έναρξη του πολέµου στο Ιράκ εξέδωσε το ακόλουθο ανακοινωθέν επαναλαµβάνοντας τις προσευχές του για την επικράτηση της ειρήνης και την από Θεού φώτιση των ισχυρών της γης. «Ἐνώπιον τῶν λίαν κρισίµων ἡµερῶν τάς ὁποίας διέρχεται ἡ ἀνθρωπότης, τό Οἰκουµενικόν Πατιαρχεῖον ἐπαναλαµβάνει καί πάλιν καί πολλάκις τήν εὐχήν καί τήν προσευχήν του ὑπέρ τῆς εἰρήνης καί τῆς ἀποφυγῆς τοῦ πολέµου ἔστω καί τήν ὑστάτην αὐτήν στιγµήν καί κάµνει ἔκκλησιν πρός πάντα δυνάµενον νά συµβάλῃ πρός τήν κατεύθυνσιν αὐτήν νά ἐξαντλήσῃ ὅλας τάς δυνατότητάς του, ὥστε νά µή θρηνήσῃ ἡ ἀνθρωπότης νέας ἑκατόµβας θυµάτων καί φρικτά ὁλοκαυτώµατα.

Ἐπί τῇ εὐκαιρίᾳ τό Οἰκουµενικόν Πατριαρχεῖον ὑπενθυµίζει ὅτι ἡ βασική προϋπόθεσις τῆς εἰρήνης εἶναι ὁ σεβασµός τῆς ἱερότητος τοῦ ἀνθρωπίνου προσώπου καί τῆς ἐλευθερίας καί ἀξιοπρεπείας του, ἐκ τοῦ ὁποίου γεννῶνται ὅλαι αἱ λοιπαί προϋποθέσεις τῆς εἰρηνικῆς συµβιώσεως τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐπί τῆς γῆς, µέσα εἰς τήν ἀγάπην τοῦ ἑνός Θεοῦ καί Πατρός, ὁ ὁποῖος δέν εἶναι Θεός πολέµου καί µάχης, ἀλλά καταλλαγῆς καί εἰρήνης. Εἴθε ἡ εἰρήνη καί ἡ εὐδοκία νά ἐπικρατήσουν ὁριστικῶς ἐπί τῆς γῆς, εἰς δόξαν Θεοῦ καί εὐηµερίαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, τούς ὁποίους πάντας ἐξ ἴσου ὁ Θεός ἀγαπᾷ». Ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις, τῇ 19ῃ Μαρτίου 2003 Ἐκ τῆς Ἀρχιγραµµατείας Τῆς Ἁγίας καί Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου

«Ἰάσω τό σύντριµµα τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος, Κύριε, τῷ θείῳ σου αἵµατι ἀνασκευάσας αὐτήν», ψάλλει ὁ Ἅγιος Ἰωάννης ὁ Δαµασκηνός, ἀπευθυνόµενος πρός τόν σταυρωθέντα καί παθόντα καί ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστάντα Κύριον ἡµῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν. Καί ἀναφωνεῖ ἕτερος ὑµνῳδός: «συνελήφθης, οὐκ αἰσχύνοµαι, ἐµασ τ ίχθης, οὐκ ἀρνοῦµαι, σταυρῷ προσηλώθης, οὐ κρύπτω, εἰς τ ήν ἔγερσ ίν σου καυχῶµαι˙ ὁ γάρ θάνατός σου ζωή µου. Παντοδύναµε καί φιλάνθρωπε Κύριε, δόξα σοι» (Στιχηρόν Σαββάτου βαρέος ἤχου). Ἐπανειληµµένως ἡ ἀνθρωπότης κατά τήν πάροδον τῶν αἰώνων ἔχει παρασκευάσει τό ἑαυτῆς σύντιµµα. Ἑκάστην µάλιστα φοράν κατά τήν ὁποίαν υἱοθετεῖ τήν ὑπεροψίαν καί τήν βαβελικήν νοοτροπίαν τῆς οἰκειοποιήσεως θείων ἱκανοτήτων καί ὑποκαταστάσεως τοῦ νόµου τοῦ Θεοῦ διά τῶν ἀνθρωπίνων ἐπιθυµιῶν καί φιλοδοξιῶν, ἐπέρχεται ἡ βαβελική σύγχυσις, αἱ ἐναντιοφωνίαι, αἱ ἀσυνεννοησίαι, αἱ διενέξεις καί τά συντρίµµατα. Πολλοί κατέστρεψαν εὐηµερούσας αὐτοκρατορίας ὅταν ἐπεθύµησαν νά αὐξήσουν αὐτάς. Πολλοί αὐτοκατεστράφησαν ὅταν ἔθεσαν σκοπούς ὑπερηφάνους. Πολλοί ἐταπεινώθησαν ὅταν ὕψωσαν τό ἰδικόν των ἀνάστηµα ἀπέναντι τοῦ ἠθικοῦ νόµου τοῦ Θεοῦ. Πολλοί κατέστρεψαν ἄλλους ἐν τῇ ἐπιθυµίᾳ των ὅπως ἐπικρατήσουν αὐτῶν καί διεπίστωσαν εἰς τό τέλος ὅτι ἡ ζηµία τήν ὁποίαν οἱ ἴδιοι ὑπέστησαν ἦτο µεγαλυτέρα ἐκείνης τήν ὁποίαν προεκάλεσαν. Ἀντιθέτως πρός ὅλους αὐτούς οἱ ὁποῖοι διά τῆς ὑπεροψίας, τῆς ὑπερηφανείας, τῆς φιλοδοξίας καί τῶν συναφῶν ἐγωκεντρικῶν ψυχικῶν ὁρµῶν προεκάλεσαν τό σύντριµµα τοῦ κόσµου, ὁ Κύριος ἡµῶν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός ἐδέχθη µετά περισσῆς ταπεινοφροσύνης νά ὑποστῇ πάντα ὅσα ὁ κοσµοκράτωρ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου καί τά ὄργανα αὐτοῦ ἠθέλησαν νά ἐπιβάλουν ἐπ’αὐτοῦ διά νά ἐξουδενώσουν αὐτόν καί µείνουν µόνοι κυρίαρχοι τοῦ κόσµου. Συνελήφθη ὡς ταραχοποιός, ὁ εἰρηνοποιός.

u óåë. 18

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΑΠΡΙΛIΟΣ 2003

Συνεργασία Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Ο ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΟΣ IOCC ΣΤΗΝ και Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού ΠΡΩΤΗ ΓΡΑΜΜΗ ΤΗΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΙΣΤΙΚΗΣ ΒΟΗΘΕΙΑΣ ΑΝΤΑΛΛΑΓΕΣ ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΦΟΙΤΗΤΩΝ

Στην φωτογραφία από αριστερά ο Ευρωβουλευτής καθηγητής Αντώνης Τρακατέλης, η αντιπρύτανις του Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης κ. Ολυμπία Γκίμπα Τζιαμπίρη, ο πρύτανις του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης καθηγητής Μιχάλης Α. Παπαδόπουλος, ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος, ο πρόεδρος της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού π. Νικόλαος Τριανταφύλλου και ο αντιπρύτανις καθηγητής Ιωάννης Αντωνόπουλος.

ΒΟΣΤΩΝΗ. – Ο Πρόεδρος της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού της Βοστώνης π. Νικόλαος Τριανταφύλλου και ο Πρύτανις του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης υπέγραψαν συμφωνία που προάγει την συνεργασία μεταξύ των δυό Θεολογικών Σχολών. Ο απώτερος σκοπός αυτής της ακαδημαϊκής σ υνεργασ ίας είναι ο αμοιβαίος εμπλουτισμός των μεταπτυχιακών προγραμμάτων ειδίκευσης που προσφέρουν τα τμήματα της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου και η Θεολογική Σχολή του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Η συμφωνία των δύο Θεολογικών Σχολών είναι τριετής με δυνατότητα ανανέωσης, ύστερα από σχετική απόφαση των δύο ιδρυμάτων. Η συμφωνία προβλέπει την αμοιβαία ετήσια ή εξαμηνιαία ανταλλαγή διδακτικού προσωπικού και μεταπτυχιακών φοιτητών μεταξύ των δύο Θεολογικών Σχολών. Οι επισκέπτες καθηγητές θα δίδουν διαλέξεις, θα διδάσκουν μαθήματα και θα συμμετέχουν σε κοινά ερευνητικά προγράμματα και επιστημονικά συνέδρια. Μέσα στα πλαίσια της συνεργασίας των, τα δύο ιδρύματα επίσης θα ανταλλάσουν επιστημονικά δημοσ ιεύματα και επετ ηρίδες. Οι αμοιβαίως ανταλλασόμενοι μεταπτυχιακοί φοιτητές θα μπορούν να παρακολουθούν μαθήματα μεταπτυχιακής ειδίκευσης χωρίς καμία οικονομική επιβάρυνσ η για τα σ υμβα λ λόμενα ιδρύματα. Για την εκπλήρωση των ανωτέρω, θα καταρτίζεται και θα υπογράφεται ανάμεσα στις Θεολογικές Σχολές Πρόγραμμα Εργασίας, που θα καλύπτει όλη την ακαδημαϊκή χρονιά και θα περιλαμβάνει τα ονόματα των μελών του Διδακτικού προσωπικού, που θα ανταλλάξουν τα δύο ιδρύματα, τους επιστημονικούς τομείς σ τους οποίους θα αναφέρονται οι δια λέξεις ή/και η ερευνητική δραστηριότητά των, καθώς και το χρόνο της μετακίνησης τους με βάση την απόλυτη αμοιβαιότητα και ισοτιμία. Για την Θεολογική Σχολή του Τιμίου Σταυρού η συνεργασία αυτή συμβάλλει στην παγίωση, ανάπτυξη και σύσφιγξη μιάς δυναμικής σχέσης με την Ελληνική θεολογική σκέψη. Οι καλύτεροι εκ των αποφοίτων του Τιμίου Σταυρού θα

ενθαρρύνονται να συνεχίζουν μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές ειδίκευσης στον κοινό πρόγραμμα σπουδών με το Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσα λονίκης που θα τους εισαγάγει στην Βιβλική, Πατερική, και σύγχρονη Ελληνική Θεολογική γραμματεία. Παράλληλα οι ομογενείς φοιτητές θα μετέχουν στην Ορθόδοξη πνευματική και πολιτιστική εμπειρία όπως βιώνεται στην Θεσσαλονίκη. Οι επισκέπτες καθηγητές του Τιμίου Σταυρού στην Θεσσαλονίκη με την διδασκαλία τους, τις διαλέξεις και την συμμετοχή τους σε μεταπτυχιακά σεμινάρια σπουδών θα προσφέρουν στους φοιτητές ευκαιρίες να μελετήσουν και να γνωρίσουν το Θεολογικό προβληματισμό και την μεθοδολογία της Ελληνικής Ορθόδοξης σκέψης στην διασπορά. Για τα τμήματα της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης, η συνεργασία των δυό σχολών δίνει την ευκαιρία στους φοιτητές να θεολογήσουν και να προβληματιστούν σ’ ένα πρωτόγνωρο γι΄αυτούς πολιτιστικό περιβάλλον και να γνωρίσουν την αγγλόφωνη Ορθόδοξη και Χριστινιανική γραμματεία. Οι Έλληνες επισκέπτες καθηγητές στον Τίμιο Σταυρό θα έχουν την ευκαιρία να προσφέρουν διαλέξεις, να ανταλλάσσουν θεολογικό προβληματισμό με τους συναδέλφους των και να συμβάλλουν με την παρουσία τους στην ανάπτυξη των αμοιβαίων σ χέσεων α λ ληλοεμπλουτισμού των ακαδημαϊκών προγραμμάτων και των δύο θεολογικών σχολών. Ο Πρόεδρος της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού τόνισε: “Η ισότιμος συνεργασία της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού με την Θεολογική Σχολή του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου αποτελεί ιστορικό ορόσημο που σηματοδοτεί την ωριμότητα της θεολογικής σκέψης στην Αμερική και την επιμονή της να βρίσκεται πάντοτε σε άμεση σχέση με την Ορθόδοξη θεολογική σκέψη όπως εκφράζεται ιδιαίτερα από την Θεολογική Σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης. Πιστεύουμε πως ο αμοιβαίος εμπλουτισμός Θεολογικής σκέψης και προβληματισμού που προβλέπει η Σύμφωνία θα έχει ευεργετικές επιπτώσεις και στην ζωή και μαρτυρία της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας τόσο στην Αμερική όσο και στο Μητροπολιτικό Κέντρο.”

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ. – Καθώς εξελίσσεται η ανθρωπιστική κρίση στο Ιράκ, ο Διεθνής Οργανισμός Ορθοδόξου Χριστιανικής Φιλανθρωπίας (IOCC) σε συνεργασία με άλλους εκκλησιαστικούς οργανισμούς ξεκινά επιχείρηση διανομής ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας, τροφίμων και φαρμάκων στο Ιράκ. Ο Διεθνής Οργανισμός Ορθοδόξου Χριστιανικής Φιλανθρωπίας (International Orthodox Christian Charities IOCC) είναι ένας μη κυβερνητικός, μη κερδοσκοπικός οργανισμός ο οποίος ιδρύθηκε με πρωτοβουλία του Αρχιεπισκόπου πρώην Βορείου και Νοτίου Αμερικής κ. Ιακώβου πριν από 11 περίπου χρόνια με σκοπό την αντιμετώπιση διεθνών ανθρωπιστικών κρίσεων με την συμμετοχή των Ορθοδόξων της Αμερικής. Να τονιστεί ότι ο οργανισμός αυτός τελεί υπό την αγίδα και την εποπτεία της Μονίμου Επιτροπής Ορθοδόξων Κανονικών Επισκόπων στην Αμερική (SCOBA), της οποίας ως γνωστόν προεδρεύει ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος. Ο διευθυντής επιχειρήσεων του οργανισμού (IOCC) Ντέϊβιντ Χώλντριτζ ο οποίος βρίσκεται στο Αμάν της Ιορδανίας και συντονίζει την ανθρωπιστική βοήθεια με το Συμβούλιο Εκκλησιών της Μέσης Ανατολής, δήλωσε ότι ήδη αυξάνουν οι ανθρωπιστικές ανάγκες στο Βόρειο Ιράκ όπου 300 με 400 χιλιάδες άνθρωποι έχουν εκτοπισθεί ενώ στην Βαγδάτη υπάρχει άμεση ανάγκη ιατρικής φροντίδας. «Αντιμετωπίζουμε μια επικείμενη κρίση», είπε, «με ένα πληθυσμό παιδιών, ηλικιωμένων και ανήμπορων που τραυματίζονται, δεν υπάρχει αμφιβολία γι αυτό, φανταστείτε τι μπορεί να δημιουργήσουν οι συνεχείς βομβαρδισμοί κάθε νύχτα».

Ιδιαίτερα ευάλωτοι είναι οι άνθρωποι με αναπνευστικά προβλήματα λόγω του πυκνού καπνού από τις φωτιές και τους βομβαρδισμούς και εκφράζονται φόβοι για δραματική άνοδο προβλημάτων υγείας. Ο Διεθνής Οργανισμός Ορθοδόξου Χριστιανικής Φιλανθρωπίας, σύμφωνα με την πάγια τακτική του και όπως και σε άλλες χώρες, θα εργαστεί για την ενδυνάμωση των τοπικών ορθοδόξων εκκλησιών εντός και γύρω από την Βαγδάτη ώστε να αποτελέσουν τα κέντρα διανομής της ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας. Υπολογίζεται ότι 125 χιλιάδες ορθόδοξοι ζουν στο Ιράκ και ανήκουν στην Αντιοχιανή Ορθόδοξη κοινότητα, στις 36 ενορίες της Συριακής Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας (περίπου 45 χιλιάδες) και στις 12 ενορίες της Αρμενικής Αποστολικής Εκκλησίας (20 χιλιάδες περίπου μέλη). Το σύνολο των χριστιανών του Ιράκ συνιστά μόλις το 3% του πληθυσμού. Ο οργανισμός IOCC έχει παρουσία στην Μέση Ανατολή από το 1997 και σήμερα λειτουργεί προγράμματα στους Αγίους Τόπους και στον Λίβανο, ενώ από το 1992 έχει διανείμει περισσότερο από 160 εκατομμύρια δολάρια βοηθείας σε 21 χώρες. Άμεσος σκοπός του οργανισμού είναι να συγκεντρώσει το ποσό του 1 εκατομμυρίου δολαρίων για την παροχή έκτακτης ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας, φαρμακευτικού υλικού και τροφίμων στους δοκιμαζόμενους συνανθρώπους μας στην Μέση Ανατολή και για το σκοπό αυτό ζητά την συμβολή όλων. Ο τηλεφωνικός αριθμός χωρίς χρέωση είναι 1-877-803-4622, η σελίδα του διαδικτύου είναι www.iocc.org/iraq ή μέσω ταχυδρομείου στην διεύθυνση IOCC, Middle East Crisis, P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, MD 21263.

ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΩ ΑΓΙΩ ΠΑΣΧΑ u óåë. 15

Τί εἶναι αὐτό τό σκοτάδι τῆς ἀνθρώπινης καταστάσεως πού µᾶς περιβάλλει; Εἶναι τό σκοτάδι τῆς ἐχθρότητος καί τῶν συγκρούσεων µεταξύ τῶν ἀνθρώπων. Ἐµεῖς πού θά ἔπρεπε νά ζοῦµε ἁρµονικά ὡς ἀδελφοί καί ἀδελφές εἴµαστε χωρισµένοι λόγῳ βίας, ἐχθρικότητος καί προκαταλήψεων. Μέσα σ’ αὐτό τό σκοτάδι τῆς διχόνοιας λάµπει τό φῶς τοῦ Πάσχα, Ἐφάνη γάρ ἡ κοινή Βασιλεία, ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Ἀναστάντος Χριστοῦ. Ἐκεῖνος πού συνέτριψε τίς πύλες τοῦ Ἄδου καί διέρρηξε τά δεσµά του, ἔχει τήν δύναµη νά γκρεµίσῃ ὅλα τά τείχη τῆς ἐχθρότητος πού ὑψώνονται µεταξύ µας, ἔχει τήν δύναµη νά µᾶς ἑνώσῃ ἐν Αὐτῷ (Ἐφ. 2:14). Γι΄ αὐτό καί µποροῦµε µέ τό Πασχαλινό φῶς νά φωτίσουµε τά πρόσωπα τῶν ἀνθρώπων γύρω µας καί νά ψάλουµε µέ µία φωνή: Ἀναστάσεως ἡµέρα, καί λαµπρυνθῶµεν τῇ Πανηγύρει, καί ἀλ λήλους περιπτυξώµεθα. Εἴπωµεν, ἀδελφοί, καί τοῖς µισοῦσιν ἡµᾶς, συγχωρήσωµεν πάντα τῇ Ἀναστάσει. Τί εἶναι αὐτό τό σκοτάδι τῆς ἀνθρώπινης καταστάσεως πού µᾶς περιβάλλει; Εἶναι ἡ τραγωδία τῆς θνητότητός µας, ὁ φόβος τοῦ θανάτου πού µᾶς κρατᾶ δέσµιους καθ’ ὅλη τήν διάρκεια τῆς ζωῆς µας (Ἑβρ. 2:15). Εἶναι τό σκοτάδι τό ὁποῖο διαλύεται ἀπό τό Ἀναστάσιµο φῶς. Διότι, καθώς λαµβάνουµε τό φῶς, βιώνουµε µιά πρόγευση τῆς µελλοντικῆς ἐκείνης στιγµῆς κατά τήν ὁποία θά ἀνοίξουµε τά µάτια µας ξυπνῶντας ἀπό τόν ὕπνο τοῦ θανάτου γιά νά ἀντικρύσουµε τήν ἀκτινοβολία καί τήν ἄφατη ὀµορφιά τῆς νέας ἀναστηµένης ζωῆς µας µέ τόν Ἀναστάντα Κύριο. Ἀπόψε, ὁ καθένας µας κρατᾶ µιά λαµπάδα καί λαµβάνει τό Ἀναστάσιµο φῶς. Κατά τόν ἴδιο τρόπο, πρέπει καί ὁ καθένας µας νά δεχθῇ τήν πραγµατικότητα τήν ὁποία συµβολίζει αὐτό τό φῶς. Πρέπει, ὅλοι µας, νά ἐνστερνισθοῦµε µέ ὅλη µας τήν ψυχή τήν πεποίθηση ὅτι Χριστός ἐγερθείς ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀπαρχή τῶν κεκοιµηµένων ἐγένετο. Αὐτή εἶναι ἡ πίστη ἡ ὁποία καίει σά µιά ἄσβεστη φλόγα στήν Χριστιανική ψυχή. Αὐτό εἶναι τό φῶς πού ὑπερνικᾶ τό σκοτάδι τῆς ἁµαρτίας, τῆς διχόνοιας καί τῆς θλίψεως ἐν ὄψει τοῦ θανάτου. Γι’ αὐτό καί ἄς ἀκούσουµε καί ἄς δεχθοῦµε τήν πρόσκληση τοῦ Θεοῦ αὐτή τήν ἁγιώτατη νύκτα: Δεῦτε, λάβετε φῶς ἐκ τοῦ ἀνεσπέρου φωτός, καί δοξάσατε Χριστόν τόν Ἀναστάντα ἐκ νεκρῶν! Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη! Μετά θερµοτάτων Πασχαλινῶν εὐχῶν καί ἀγάπης ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἀναστάντι,

ÿ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ÄçìÞôñéïò

ΑΠΡΙΛIΟΣ 2003

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

O ΑΡΧΙΜ. ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΟΣ ΚΟΥΡΟΥΝΗΣ ΕΞΕΛΕΓΗ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ ΝΕΑΣ ΙΕΡΣΕΗΣ

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.– Η Αγία και Ιερά Σύνοδος του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, κατά την συνεδρίαση της 12ης Α πρι λίου 2003, υπό τ ην προεδρεία τ ης Α.Θ.Π. του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου κ.κ. Βαρθολομαίου, εξέλεξε παμψηφεί τον Πανοσ ιολογιώτατο Αρχ ιμανδρίτ η Ευάγ γελο Κουρούνη Μητροπολίτη Νέας Ιερσέης. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος ευθύς ως έλαβε διά τηλεομοιοτύπου το επίσημο σχετικό έγγραφο του Παναγιωτάτου Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου εδήλωσε τα εξής: «Συγχαίρω από καρδίας τον Θεοφιλέστατον εψηφισμένον Μητροπολίτην κ. Ευάγγελον, τον οποίον γνωρίζω επί πολλά έτη, αρχικώς ως φοιτητήν της Ιεράς Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού και εν συνεχεία ως κληρικό της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής. Καθ’ όλη αυτή την μακρά διάρκεια πολλών ετών και παρά τις συχνά δυσμενείς συνθήκες, ο εψηφισμένος Μητροπολίτης επέδειξε ολόψυχη αφοσίωση στον Θεό, ακλόνητη προσήλωση στα δόγματα, τούς κανόνες και το ήθος της Εκκ λησίας, ζήλο για την διάδοση του Ευαγγελίου, εμμονή στην Ελ ληνική πολιτιστική κληρονομιά και την Ορθόδοξη παράδοση και μεγάλη επίδοση στα λειτουργικά θέματα. Είμαι βέβαιος ότι διά της χάριτος και δυνάμεως του Θεού ο νέος Μητροπολίτης της Νέας Ιερσέης της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής θα αναδειχθεί γνήσιος μιμητής του καλού Ποιμένος Ιησού Χριστού και θα οδηγήσει το ευλαβές ποίμνιο της θεοσώστου Μητροπόλεώς του «επί ζωής πηγάς υδάτων» (Αποκ. 7:17). Ο Πανοσιολογιώτατος Αρχιμανδρίτης Ευάγγελος Κουρούνης είναι ο ιερατικώς προϊστάμενος της Ελληνορθοδόξου Κοινότητος της Αστορίας και του Καθεδρικού ναού του Αγίου Δημητρίου τα τελευταία δύο χρόνια. Γεννήθηκε στη Νέα Υόρκη το 1961 από γονείς καταγόμενους από την Κάλυμνο της Δωδεκανήσου. Εφοίτησε στα

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698 989 $

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ημερήσια σχολεία του Αγίου Ελευθερίου και του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος της Νέας Υόρκης. Μετά τις εγκύκλιες σπουδές του ενεγράφη στο Ελληνικό Κολέγιο της Βοστώνης από όπου αποφοίτησε το 1983. Συνέχισε τις σπουδές του στην Θεολογική Σχολή του Τιμίου Σταυρού από την οποία απεφοίτησε με Masters Θεολογίας το 1986. Εφοίτησε ακόμη στο Οικουμενικό Ινστιτούτο Bossey του Πανεπιστημίου της Γενεύης από όπου απέκτησε Πιστοποιητικό Οικουμενικών Σπουδών. Εχειροτονήθη διάκονος στις 1 Φεβρουαρίου 1987 και ιερέας στις 30 Ιουλίου 1989 από τον Θεοφιλέστατο Επίσκοπο Μελόης κ. Φιλόθεο. Στις 30 Μαρτίου 1991 ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Ιάκωβος του απένειμε το οφφίκιο του Αρχιμανδρίτου. Υπηρέτησε ως διάκονος στο Ορθόδοξο Κέντρο του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου στο Σαμπεζύ–Γενεύης στην Ελβετία το 1987-88 και ως διάκονος του Αρχιεπισκόπου Ιακώβου και βοηθός διευθυντής του τμήματος αρχείων της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής το 1988-89. Από τον Αύγουστο του 1989 έως και τον Σεπτέμβριο του 1993 υπηρέτησε ως εφημέριος στον καθεδρικό Ναό του Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας και αμέσως μετά εδιορίσθη πρωτοσύγκελος της Επισκοπής Νέας Ιερσέης όπου υπηρέτησε μέχρι τον Μάρτιο του 1999. Διετέλεσε διευθυντής του Ληξιαρχικού γραφεου της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής μεταξύ 1996-2001 και πρόεδρος του Πνευματικού της Δικαστηρίου μέχρι σήμερα. Η χειροτονία του στο επισκοπικό αξίωμα έχει προγραμματισθεί να γίνει το Σάββατο 10 Μαΐου στον Καθεδρικό Ναό της Αγίας Τριάδος και η ενθρόνιση την επομένη Κυριακή 11 Μαΐου.

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1 Áðñéëßïõ - 12 Éïõíßïõ

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ÅÉÄÉÊÅÓ ÔÉÌÅÓ ÊÁÉ ÁÐÏ ÁËËÅÓ ÐÏËÅÉÓ

ÐÅÔÁÎÔÅ ÓÔÇÍ ÁÈÇÍÁ BUSINESS CLASS êáé óáò ðñïóöÝñïõìå ïðïéïíäÞðïôå ðñïïñéóìü åíôüò ÅëëÜäïò ÄÙÑÅÁÍ*

ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΣΙΑ Q ÐåôÜìå ìå ôá êáéíïýñãéá ôåôñáêéíçôÞñéá AIRBUS 340 ÷ùñßò óôáèìü.

Q Åêðôþóåéò ãéá ðáéäéÜ Ýùò 12 åôþí. Q ÐåôÜôå óå ïðïéïäÞðïôå óçìåßï ôçò ÅëëÜäïò ÄÙÑÅÁÍ*.

Q Áíá÷ùñÞóåéò êáé åðéóôñïöÝò áðü ôï

Üíåôï êáé ðïëõôåëÝò ôÝñìéíáë ONE 1 ôïõ áåñïäñïìßïõ ÊÝíåíôé**.

(*) Ìéá ðôÞóç ãéá O/W Þ äýï ðôÞóåéò ãéá R/T. (**) Öüñïé êáé ôÝëç áåñïäñïìßïõ åðéðëÝïí.

ÄéáêåêñéìÝíç ÈÝóç $ $ RT 2,595 - 1,751 OW SEP 1 - OCT 31, 2003 APR 1 - JUN 14, 2003

ÄéáêåêñéìÝíç ÈÝóç $ $ RT 2,135 - 1,390 OW NOV 1, 2003 - MAR 31, 2004

ÄéáêåêñéìÝíç ÈÝóç $ $ RT 1,853 - 1,039 OW

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

ÄÇÌ. ÐÁÍÁÃÏÓ

ΟΥΑΣΙΝΓΚΤΟΝ. – Εκδηλώσεις τιμής και μνήμης πραγματοποιήθηκαν και φέτος στην Ουάσινγκτον ανήμερα της 182ας επετείου της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας, της διπλής Εθνικής και Θρησκευτικής γιορτής της 25ης Μαρτίου. Από την τελετή που διοργανώνει παραδοσιακά ο Λευκός Οίκος, (από αριστερά) η πρέσβειρα της Κύπρου στις ΗΠΑ Ερατώ Κοζάκου-Μαρκουλή, ο πρέσβης της Ελλάδος στις ΗΠΑ Γεώργιος Σαββαΐδης, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος, ο προσωπάρχης του Λευκού Οίκου εκπροσωπώντας τον προέδρο Μπους Άντριου Κάρντ και ο ελληνοαμερικανός διευθυντής της CIA Τζόρτζ Τένετ.

JUNE 15 - AUG 31, 2003

1-800-223-1226 www.olympic-airways.gr

Ï Ë Õ Ì Ð É Á Ê Ç Á Å Ñ Ï Ð Ï Ñ É Á • Ç ÄÉÊÇ ÓÏÕ ÅÔÁÉÑÉÁ

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΑΠΡΙΛIΟΣ 2003

ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÍ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÅÉÏÍ Εγκαινιάσθηκε ο ανακαινισμένος ναός της Αγίας Τριάδος Σταυροδρομίου ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΗ – Άνοιξε τις πύλες του στους πιστούς ο Ναός της Αγίας Τριάδος Σταυροδρομίου – Πέραν, μετά τα ανακαινιστικά έργα που πραγματοποιήθηκαν στο εσωτερικό και το εξωτερικό του Ναού και τα οποία διήρκεσαν περίπου δύο χρόνια.

Πόλεως. Στην ευρύτερη περιοχή του Σταυροδρομίου, είχαν ήδη κτιστεί δυο Ναοί των Εισοδείων της Θεοτόκου το 1804 και των Αγίου Κωνσταντίνου και Ελένης το 1861 οι οποίοι όμως δεν κάλυπταν τις αυξανόμενες ανάγκες των Ορθοδόξων της Πόλεως. Ένα μικρό ξύλινο εκκλησάκι ανεγέρθη το 1862 με την ονομασία Άγιος Γεώργιος στο χώρο όπου αργότερα κτίσθηκε το Ζάππειο Παρθεναγωγείο. Ωστόσο το νέο αυτό παρεκκλήσιο δεν κάλυπτε τις ανάγκες των πιστών που συνεχώς πλήθαιναν. Μετά από την εξασφάλιση αδείας για την ανέγερση νέου Ναού αφιερωμένου στην Αγία Τριάδα, πραγματοποιείται η κατάθεση του θεμελίου λίθου στον παλαιό χώρο του Κοιμητηρίου, τον Αύγουστο του 1867 από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Γρηγόριο ΣΤ΄. Το αρχικό σχέδιο του Ναού ήταν του αρχιτέκτονα Ποτεσσάρου, ο οποίος στη συνέχεια εγκαταστάθηκε στο Παρίσι. Κατόπιν τούτου τις σχετικές τροποποιήσεις του σχεδίου ανέλαβε ο αυτοκρατορικός κάλφας Βασιλάκης εφέντη Ιωαννίδης του οποίου η συνεισφορά ήταν σημαντική.

ôïõ Íéêüëáïõ Ìáããßíá

Τα θυρανοίξια του Ναού τελέσθηκαν από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη κ. Βαρθολομαίο την Κυριακή 23 Μαρτίου με την παρουσία εκατοντάδων πιστών. Πολλοί οι επίσημοι καλεσμένοι και οι προσκυνητές, ανάμεσά τους οι Γεν. Πρόξενοι της Ελλάδος Π. Καλογερόπουλος, της Γαλλίας και της Γερμανίας, ά λ λοι διπλωμάτες, Ιεράρχες του Οικουμενικού Θρόνου, παράγοντες της Ομογένειας, μαθητές του Ζαππείου και Ζωγραφείου Λυκείου με τους διευθυντές και καθηγητές τους και πλήθος πιστών από την Κωνσταντινούπολη και την Ελλάδα. Ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας αφού τόνισε ότι η ημέρα αυτή θα μείνει αλησμόνητη, επεσήμανε το γεγονός της αναγκαίας ριζικής ανακαινίσεως του Ναού η οποία κατέστη εφικτή με την γενναιοδωρία του αειμνήστου Άρχοντος Μεγάλου Λογοθέτη και Μεγάλου Ευεργέτη του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου Παναγιώτη Θ. Αγγελόπουλου. Επίσης μίλησαν για το γεγονός της ανακαινίσεως και το ιστορικό του Ναού της Αγίας Τριάδος ο Αρχιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος Μητροπολίτης Τρανουπόλεως Γερμανός και ο Πρόεδρος της Εφοροεπιτροπής της Μεγαλονύμου Κοινότητος Σταυροδρομίου ιατρός Γ. Πετρίδης.

Ιστορικά στοιχεία Ο Ιερός Ναός της Αγίας Τριάδος Σταυροδρομίου εγκαινιάσθηκε το 1880. Στα μέσα του 19ου αιώνα Ρωμιοί κάτοικοι της Πόλεως άρχισαν να εγκαθίστανται στο Σταυροδρόμιο. Το 1860 συγκρότησαν την Αδελφότητα του Αγίου Μηνά με σκοπό την ανέγερση ενός παρεκκλησίου στον περίβολο του Κοιμητηρίου της περιοχής αυτής για την εξυπηρέτηση

ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

Το εσωτερικό του μεγαλοπρεπούς ανακαινισμένου ναού της Αγίας Τριάδος Σταυροδρομίου.

των λατρευτικών τους αναγκών. Ήταν εποχή που η περιοχή άρχισε να αναπτύσσεται σταθερά και να διευρύνονται οι συνοικίες της με την προσέλευση όλο και περισσοτέρων, κυρίως Ομογενών μας, αλ λά και πολιτών άλλων εθνοτήτων από διάφορες περιοχές της

ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΗ ΑΠΟΔΕΙΞΙΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΩ ΑΓΙΩ ΠΑΣΧΑ u óåë. 15

Ἐµαστίχθη ὡς κακοποιός, ὁ εὐεργέτης καί θεραπευτής. Καί τό µέγιστον, ἐσταυρώθη ὡς κακοῦργος, ὁ ἀθῶος καί αγαθότατος. Καί το ἀποτέλεσµα; Ὅταν ὅλοι οἱ ἀντίπαλοι τῆς ταπεινοφροσύνης καί τῆς εἰρήνης ἐνόµιζον ὅτι ἡ πλάξ τοῦ τάφου ἐσκέπασε διά παντός τόν κηρύττοντα κηρύγµατα ἀνατρέποντα τάς ἰδικάς των πεποιθήσεις περί τοῦ ὀρθοῦ καί τοῦ δέοντος, Οὗτος ἀνέστη, ἐξῆλθε τοῦ τάφου ἄφθορος καί ἐθεράπευσε τό σύντριµµα τοῦ κόσµου. Καί ἔκτοτε θεραπεύει κάθε νέον σύντριµµα τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος, διότι ἀνασκευάζει, διότι ἀνακαινίζει, διότι ἀναγεννᾷ αὐτήν. Πολλά τά συντρίµµατα τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος τά ὁποῖα βιοῦµεν καί σήµερον. Συντρίµµατα κτιρίων καί ἄλλων ἔργων, συντρίµµατα ἀνθρωπίνων σωµάτων καί µελῶν, συντρίµµατα τοῦ φυσικοῦ περιβάλλοντος, µά πρό πάντων συντρίµµατα ἠθικῶν καί πολιτιστικῶν ἀξιῶν. Ὅλα τά συντρίβει ἡ ὑπεροψία, ἡ συνοδευοµένη ὑπό τῆς ἰσχύος. Καί ἡ µόνη ὁδός ἰάσεως καί θεραπείας τῶν συντριµµάτων αὐτῶν εἶναι ὁ ἐκ ταπεινώσεως δεχθείς τόν ἑαυτοῦ κατά τό ἀνθρώπινον συντριµµόν καί ἕνεκα τούτου ἀξιωθείς τῆς κατά τό ἀνθρώπινον ἀναστάσεως. Ἐν µέσῳ τόσων θανάτων καί τόσης ἀκοῆς νέων βιαίων θανάτων ὡς παραδοξότατον ἠχεῖ τό τῆς ἀνασ τάσεως ἄγ γελµα. Ὅµως εἶναι τό µόνον ἐλπιδοφόρον καί τό µόνον ἀληθινόν. Καί εἶναι ἀ ληθέστερον παντός ἄ λ λου, ὅσον ἡ ζωή εἶναι ἀληθεστέρα πραγµατικότης πάσης προσπαθείας ἐξαλείψεως αὐτῆς. Διότι ἡ ζωή εἶναι ἔκφανσις καί φανέρωµα τῆς ἐξ ἀγάπης δηµιουργικῆς δράσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ καί καµµία ἀντίζωος καί θανατική δύναµις δέν ἠµπορεῖ νά ἀντιστρατευθῇ ἐπιτυχῶς τήν θείαν αὐτήν δηµιουργικήν δύναµιν.

Ὁ Κύριος προαναγγέλλων τόν θάνατόν Του εἰς τούς µαθητάς Του ἀπηύθυνεν εἰς αὐτούς τήν προτροπήν «θαρσεῖτε, ἐγώ νενίκηκα τόν κόσµον». Ἐνίκησε διά τῆς ἀντιστροφῆς τῶν ἀνθρωπίνων ἀξιῶν, διά τῆς ἀποδοχῆς ὡς ὑπερτέρας ἀξίας τῆς µισητῆς παρά τῶν πολ λῶν ταπεινώσεως, καθ’ ὅν χρόνον οἱ πάντες τότε ἐπεζήτουν καί ἐξακολουθοῦν οἱ πλεῖστοι καί σήµερον ἐπιζητοῦντες τήν δόξαν καί τήν τιµήν. Αὐτήν τήν προτροπήν ἐπαναλαµβάνοµεν καί ἡµεῖς πατρικῶς πρός ὑµᾶς, τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά. Θαρσεῖτε καί ἀγαλ λιᾶσθε διότι ἡ ἐπί τοῦ κόσµου νίκη τοῦ Χριστοῦ, πνευµατική καί ἄσχετος πρός τήν κοσµικήν ἐπικράτησιν, προσφέρεται εἰς ὅλους ὅσοι τήν ἐπιθυµοῦν καί ἀποδέχονται τό τίµηµα τῆς ταπεινώσεως διά τοῦ ὁποίου ἐξαγοράζεται. Σιγησάτω πᾶσα ἀντιλέγουσα σάρξ βροτεία. Ἰδού ἐκπορεύεται ἀπό τοῦ τάφου ὁ βασιλεύς τῆς δόξης. Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Καί ἀπέδειξε τήν ἄπειρον ἰσχύν τῆς ταπεινώσεως καί τῆς εἰρήνης. Οὐδέν ἄλλο νικᾷ τόν θάνατον. Εἴθε ὁ ἀναστάς Κύριος νά θεραπεύσῃ καί κάθε σύντριµµα τῆς συγχρόνου ἀνθρωπότητος καί νά χαρίσῃ εἰς ὅλους εἰρήνην καί ζωήν, χωρίς µίση καί αἱµατοχυσίας, µέ καταλλαγήν καί εἰρηνικήν συνεργασίαν διά τό καλόν ὅλων. Ἀµήν.

Ἅγιον Πάσχα 2003

ÿ ] Ï Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò äéÜðõñïò ðñüò ×ñéóôüí[ ÁíáóôÜíôá å[õ÷Ýôçò ðÜíôùí ]õì`ùí^

ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

Το εξωτερικό του ναού στο χιονισμένο τοπίο.

Η αποπεράτωση του Ναού πραγματοποιήθηκε μετά την εξασφάλιση «δανείου» τεσσάρων χιλιάδων χρυσών λιρών από τούς Μεγά λους Ευεργέτες Ευστάθιο Ευγενίδη, Παύλο Στεφάνοβικ Σκυλίτση, Γεώργιο Ζαρίφη και Γεώργιο Κορωναίο και με την συμπαράσταση πάντα του ως άνω κάλφα. Ο Ναός της Αγίας Τριάδος που «υψώθηκε» στα υψώματα του Σταυροδρομίου, εγκαινιάσθηκε ανήμερα της εορτής της Υψώσεως του Τιμίου Σταυρού, 14 Σεπτεμβρίου 1880, από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Ιωακείμ Γ΄, παρουσία χιλιάδων Ομογενών. Την ημέρα των εγκαινίων οι προαναφερθέντες ευεργέτες–δανειστές πρόσφεραν στον δίσκο τα γραμμάτια του δανείου το οποίο οι ίδιοι είχαν εξοφλήσει. Την γενναία αυτή χειρονομία τους μιμήθηκαν και πολλοί άλλοι εκκλησιαζόμενοι. Έκτοτε ο Ναός αυτός απετέλεσε καύχημα της εκκλησιαστικής και πολιτιστικής δραστηριότητος της Ελληνικής Κοινότητος του Σταυροδρομίου. Ο Ναός της Αγίας Τριάδος παρουσιάζει αρχιτεκτονικά στοιχεία του εκλεκτικισμού του 19ου αιώνα, δηλαδή χαρακτηριστικά από διαφόρους ρυθμούς ναοδομίας και ως μνημείο αποτελεί μια αναγεννησιακή παρουσία στην καρδιά της νέας Πόλεως, του Πέραν. Κατά τα γεγονότα της 6-7 Σεπτεμβρίου 1955, ο Ναός υπέστη σοβαρότατες καταστροφές και λεηλασίες. Η Αγία Τριάδα, που επί 123 χρόνια δεσπόζει της πλατείας Ταξίμ, θα συγκαταλέγεται πλέον στους ναούς και τα καθιδρύματα του Γένους μας που ανακαινίσθηκαν επί Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου, στην προσπάθεια του να διασωθεί η πνευματική και πολιτιστική κληρονομιά της Ρωμιοσύνης στην Πόλη.

ΑΠΡΙΛIΟΣ 2003

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ΣΕ ΓΚΡΙΖΟ ΦΟΝΤΟ ΚΑΙ ΜΕ ΤΣΟΥΧΤΕΡΟ ΚΡΥΟ Κυμάτισαν οι σημαίες και παιάνισαν τα εμβατήρια

ΝΕ Α ΥΟΡΚ Η. – Κάτω από ένα γκρίζο ουρανό, με τσουχτερό κρύο και ψιλή διαπεραστική βροχή κατά περιόδους α λ λά και με την σκέψη όλων στραμμένη στις πολεμικές επιχειρήσεις στο Ιράκ και υπό το άγρυπνο βλέμμα των αστυνομικών αρχών που έλαβαν δρακόντεια μέτρα ασφαλείας πραγματοποιήθηκε φέτος η παρέλαση του Ελληνισμού της Μητροπολιτικής Νέας Υόρκης στην 5η Λεωφόρο, που διοργάνωσε η Ομοσπονδία Ελληνικών Σωματείων Μείζονος Νέας Υόρκης. Όμως η συνεργία των αντίξοων συνθηκών αν και δεν στάθηκε αρκετή να ακυρώσει την πραγματοποίηση της παρέλασης συνέβαλε σίγουρα στην μειωμένη συμμετοχή του κόσμου. Τόσο τα συναισθήματα εθνικής περηφάνιας όσο και το πνεύμα τιμής και μνήμης των αγωνιστών του ’21 ήταν διάχυτα και έδωσαν την ευκαιρία στους Ομογενείς να προβάλλουν και να διατρανώσουν την πίστη τους στα ιδανικά της ελευθερίας και της ανεξαρτησίας των λαών. Το κύριο θέμα της φετινής παρέλασης ήταν οι Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες του 2004 στην Αθήνα και μεταξύ των επισήμων τελεταρχών ήταν και μια πρώην Ολυμπιονίκης, η Ειρήνη Αϊνδηλή, η οποία είχε διακριθεί με την ομάδα ρυθμικής γυμναστικής στο Σίδνεϋ. Χαρακτηριστικό των καιρών που ζούμε αλ λά και των νέων συνθηκών ασφαλείας που έλαβαν οι αρχές, ήταν το γεγονός ότι η παρέλαση διελύθη φέτος στην συμβολή των οδών 79ης και 5ης λεωφόρου αντί να συνεχιστεί μπροστά από την Αρχιεπισκοπή και στην συνέχεια μπροστά από το Γενικό Προξενείο της Ελ λάδος και μέχρι την 3 η λεωφόρο, λόγω του ότι επί της 79ης οδού και ακριβώς απέναντι από την Έδρα της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής βρίσκεται η κατοικία του δημάρχου Μπλούμπεργκ και ακριβώς παραπλεύρως έχει την έδρα της η Μόνιμη Αντιπροσωπεία του Ιράκ στα

Από την πρωτεύουσα της πολιτείας της Νέας Υόρκης Ώλμπανυ ήρθαν τα μέλη της Αγίας Σοφίας φέρνοντας μηνύματα υπέρ των Ολυμπιακών Αγώνων του 2004.

Ηνωμένα Έθνη, ενώ επί της οδού δέσποζε μια άρτια εξοπλισμένη κινητή μονάδα διοικήσεως της αστυνομίας της Νέας Υόρκης. Όπως κάθε χρόνο η συμμετοχή των Ευζώνων της Προεδρικής Φρουράς έδωσε ένα ιδιαίτερο χρώμα στην παρέλαση, τους οποίους ιδιαίτερα φέτος συνόδευσε το παιάνισμα και οι ήχοι των εμβατηρίων της μικτής Φιλαρμονικής των Ενόπλων Δυνάμεων από την Ελλάδα που έδωσε τον ξεχωριστό ρυθμό στο βάδισμα ξυπνώντας σε πολ λούς ομογενείς μνήμες από εορτασμούς των εθνικών επετείων στην Ελ λάδα. Οι μουσικοί της στρατιωτικής μπάντας απέσπασαν ιδιαίτερα χειροκροτήματα αλλά και τον θαυμασμό όλων για την παρουσία τους καθώς με παγωμένα τα δάκτυλα και τα χείλη συνέχιζαν να παίζουν καθ’ όλη την διάρκεια της παρέλασης. Οι άσχημες καιρικές συνθήκες δεν κατόρθωσαν να αλλοιώσουν ούτε την θέληση των μικρών μαθητών που παρέλασαν με τα κοινοτικά σχολεία μας φορώντας αδιάβροχα αλλά και των μεγαλυτέρων μαθητών που απτόητοι αντί για ομπρέλες κρατούσαν τις σημαίες της Ελλάδας και της Αμερικής. Της παρέλασης προπορεύθηκαν ως τελετάρχες ο πρόεδρος και ο αντιπρόεδρος τ ης Διακομματικής Επιτροπής της Βουλής για τον Απόδημο Ε λ ληνισμό, Γρηγόρης Νιώτης και Παναγιώτης Σκανδαλάκης και τα μέλη βουλευτές Μαρία Αρσένη και Γιώργος Καλαϊτζής. Επίσ ης ως τελ ετάρχ ης συμμετείχε και ο γνωστός ομογενής επιχειρηματίας και φιλάνθρωπος κ. Άγγελος Τσακόπουλος, από τ ην Κα λιφόρνια. Την Κυβέρνηση της Ελλάδος εκ προσώπησε ο υφυπουργός Εξωτερικών, αρμόδιος για θέματα Αποδήμου Ε λ ληνισμού κ. Ο Πρόεδρος της Ένωσης του Αποστόλου Παύλου ΕλΓιάν νης Μαγκριώτ ης. ληνοαμερικανών Αστυνομικών Νέας Υόρκης Δημήτρης Ρουμελιώτης με το Δήμαρχο, τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο και τα Κοντά στους Ομογενείς βρέθηκε φέτος και ο δυο του παιδιά ντυμένα με εθνικές ενδυμασίες.

Μαρίκα Μαρή, Μις Ελληνική Ανεξαρτησία 2003.

ÄÇÌ. ÐÁÍÁÃÏÓ

Το άγημα της Προεδρικής Φρουράς με το διοικητή τους σε μια αναμνηστική φωτογραφία με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο.

Δήμαρχος Χίου Μάρκος Μενής καθώς επίσης και οι ομογενείς πολιτικοί Μάϊκλ Γιάνναρης, πολιτειακός βουλευτής της Νέας Υόρκης και Δημήτρης Γιάνναρος, πολιτειακός βουλ ευτ ής του Κονέκτικατ.

Δοξολογία Το πρωί της Κυριακής, Κυριακή της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως εψάλει δοξολογία στον Καθεδρικό ναό της Αγίας Τριάδος, παρουσία των επισήμων και του αγήματος της Προεδρικής Φρουράς. Στην δοξολογία παρέστη και ο Υπουργός Εθνικής Άμυνας της Ελλάδος Γιάννος Παπαντωνίου. Ο κ. Μαγκριώτης μετέφερε τον χαιρετισμό της Ελλάδος και συνεχάρη την Ομογένεια για την προσήλωση στις παραδόσεις και στα ιδανικά της ελευθερίας και της δικαιοσύνης. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος καλωσόρισε στον Καθεδρικό ναό τους Εύζωνες που στάθηκαν περήφανα μπροστά από την Ωραία Πύλη και απηύθυνε δέηση για τα στρατευμένα νιάτα της Αμερικής και της Ελλάδος. Ακολούθησε η επίσημη δεξίωση στο ξενοδοχείο Πλάζα με την παρουσία των αρχών με επικεφαλής τον Δήμαρχο της Νέας Υόρκης κ. Μάϊκλ Μπλούμπεργκ, αλλά και πολλούς εκπροσώπους των τοπικών αρχών. Ανάμεσα τους ο πρέσβης της Ελ λάδας στην Ουάσινγκτον Γιώργος Σαββαΐδης καθώς και η πρέ-

σβειρα της Κύπρου κ. Ερατώ ΚοζάκουΜαρκουλή. Ο δήμαρχος Μπλούμπεργκ επεσήμανε ότι η Ελλάδα είναι η κοιτίδα της ελευθερίας και επαίνεσε την απόφαση της Ομογένειας να πραγματοποιήσει την παρέλαση παρ’ όλους τους εύλογους ενδοιασμούς λόγω του πολέμου στο Ιράκ λέγοντας ότι έτσι δίνουμε το μήνυμα στους τρομοκράτες ότι δεν έχουν κερδίσει και δεν θα κερδίσουν ποτέ. Οι επίσημοι πρώτοι έφθασαν στην ειδική εξέδρα και η παρέλαση ξεκίνησε με την ανάκρουση των εθνικών ύμνων της Ελ λάδας και των ΗΠΑ από την φιλαρμονική των Ενόπλων Δυνάμεων και αμέσως μετά πέρασε μπροστά από τους επισήμους το άγημα των Ευζώνων που καταχειροκροτήθηκε, ακολουθούμενο από το άρμα της «Μις Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησία» τίτλο που φέτος κατέκτησε η Μαρίκα Μαρή. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος, οι τελετάρχες αλλά και άλλοι επίσημοι από την Ελλάδα παρέμειναν στις θέσεις τους χαιρετώντας και χειροκροτώντας μέχρι να περάσει και το τελευταίο τμήμα, και το τελευταίο σωματείο και η τελευταία κοινότητα. Σημαντικό μέρος της φετινής παρέλασης μεταδόθηκε ζωντανά στην Ελλάδα και την Κύπρο μέσω του δορυφορικού καναλιού της ΕΡΤ.

APRIL 2003

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ÁíÝóôç!

H E

Best Wishes for a

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aster ANONYMOUS

APRIL 2003

Your Ministry

AND

THE

ARCHDIOCESE

Journey of Faith

In recent months, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website has featured a new addition to its growing supply of parish ministry resources. This new resource is the Journey of Faith website, an educational tool which is dedicated to bringing the dynamic ministry of the spiritual leader of our Church in the United States, Archbishop Demetrios, into the hearts and homes of faithful everywhere. As His Eminence shares the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with parishes throughout our country, this new website offers faithful the unique opportunity to virtually “travel” alongside him. Each entry features a comprehensive article, offering a narrative on the events of each visit, replete with quotations from the Archbishop, as well as a featured photo. Additionally, links to other relevant websites are featured, as well as links to articles relating to the Orthodox Faith and the Orthodox Church. This website is an invaluable tool for parish ministry because it communicates on a wide scale the national pastoral activity and message of the Archbishop to the faithful. Since the Journey of Faith website first appeared in September 2002, it is has chronicled the many visits of His Eminence to parishes across the nation, relaying a consistent pastoral message which is characterized by three central themes: 1) an emphasis upon cultivating loving relationships with one another, 2) a commitment to quality and excellence in all things for the glory of God, and 3) a fervent desire to offer our Orthodox faith to our neighbors in contemporary America in ways that vitalize and enrich. Those who have had the opportunity to witness this message firsthand are struck by the power of its simplicity and the strength of its unifying effect upon the congregation. Relaying this message to parishioners throughout the Archdiocese, who might otherwise not have the opportunity to personally encounter the message of the Archbishop, is critical in communicating a common vision toward growth in Jesus Christ. Past visits which have been chronicled

on the Journey of Faith website include, on a national level, the visits of His Eminence to the Diocese Center in Denver, and to parishes in Richmond, Va.; San Diego, Calif.; and Tarpon Springs, Fla., among many others. On the local Archdiocesan district level in New York, the Journey of Faith website first chronicled the pastoral activity of His Eminence to faithful during the painful one-year memorial of the national tragedy of September 11. Over the course of the past 7 months, the website has featured local pastoral visits made by His Eminence to communities in Flushing, Astoria, Brooklyn, Long Island, Middletown, as well as to several parishes in Manhattan. These efforts have given faithful a closer glimpse into the pastoral role of His Eminence, a role that is both national and local. New entries to the Journey of Faith website are posted on a regular basis, and plans to expand the technological capabilities and resources of the website are in progress. These plans envision the inclusion of audio and video links that could be downloaded and heard/viewed in their entirety, as well as photo galleries from each visit of the Archbishop. Additionally, articles which appear on the Journey of Faith website are regularly incorporated into the Orthodox Observer, offering readers the opportunity to view content from the website in published form. As clergy, lay ministers, and faithful, you are encouraged to take advantage of the rich resources of the Journey of Faith website by sharing its articles with members of your congregation, family, and friends. In so doing, you will be introducing them to the spiritual leader of our Archdiocese, edifying them with relevant educational material, and affirming the essential truth that all Greek Orthodox faithful throughout our country are united with one another in the common pursuit of growing in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. To view the Journey of Faith website, simply visit http://www.goarch.org/en/archbishop/ demetrios/jof/. A spiritually edifying and enlightening journey awaits you.

Web Site on Orthodox Response to Iraq War During this critical time in the life of our nation and our world the Department of Internet Ministries has created a special web site providing an Orthodox response to the war in Iraq. The purpose of this site is to provide a centralized site where the Orthodox faithful and online visitors may go to receive updated messages of faith and information from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Within this web site you will find: • Messages and official statements from the Holy Eparchial Synod, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and SCOBA providing pastoral comfort and direction from our spiritual leaders, inspiring faith, hope and loving action. • Official news releases that are continuously updated with the latest communications from the Archdiocese, • Scripture references providing the words of life, peace, and salvation. •Prayers, hymns, and liturgical services, both in text and audio, for the purpose of joining the heavenly host of saints and angels who are continuously interceding on our behalf.

Petitions are included for the courageous men and women who serve in our armed forces and who face uncertain dangers and the threat of death, for the safety of all who peacefully inhabit areas of conflict, especially for the innocent children of our world, and for the wisdom of God ...to abide in the hearts of the leaders of our nation as they make decisions that will undoubtedly affect millions of human beings. • Age-appropriate sessions for speaking to the youth during times of violence and crisis in the world, web links and other resources. • With a humanitarian crisis looming in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq, there is a link to information from International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and how they are working with its church partners to arrange distributions of emergency food and medicines. Internet Ministries is dedicated towards expanding this web site, so that it may serve its purpose of providing a central location of resources and help. The website address is: www.goarch.org/ en/special/response.

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APRIL 2003

SCOBA Hierarchs Issue Appeal For Prayer NEW YORK. – The Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas issued the following appeal on April 4 calling upon the Orthodox faithful to intensify prayers for peace. We, the hierarchs of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas are compelled by our spiritual obligation as peacemakers, to express the anguish in our hearts that, once again, due to the presence of sin and evil in the world, nations and people of faith have been unable to avoid a dreadful confrontation. As heads of Orthodox Christian communities in North America we are compelled to call our pious clergy and faithful to pray for peace and for respect of the sanctity of all human persons. We ask our churches to open their doors during this season of the Great Lent for people to enter, light a candle, and pray for peace and reconciliation among nations. We exhort our faithful to pray for all the people who live in areas of conflict, for the innocent women, children and elderly who live in places of high risk and harm, for those in flight, for refugees throughout the region who join others on a journey of profound uncertainty.

We pray for the security and well-being of our military personnel, for advisors and diplomats, and for families at home, who must live in fear for the safety of their loved ones. We pray for our President and all civil authorities, for their discernment and divine guidance during this difficult time. This tragic war, combined with the threat to security at home, has created enormous fear and anxiety throughout the world. Only the Prince of Peace, who said “My peace I give to you” (Lk 14:27), can allay this fear and anxiety. Please know, dearly beloved that our humanitarian aid agency, the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), has already prepared itself to address the tremendous needs that will confront the world in the days ahead. This response will include the distribution of “survival packs” to persons fleeing Iraq, provisions of medical assistance to ill or disabled refugees in Jordan, and the distribution of humanitarian relief within Iraq. We urge you to help IOCC in this massive philanthropic effort. May the peace and love of God be with all of you. With paternal love and blessings,

ÿ Archbishop Demetrios Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

ÿ Metropolitan Herman Orthodox Church in America

ÿ Metropolitan Philip, Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese

ÿ Archbishop Nicolae, Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada

ÿ Metropolitan Christopher, Serbian Orthodox Church in the US and Canada

ÿ Metropolitan Joseph, Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese in the USA

ÿ Metropolitan Nicholas, American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church

ÿ Metropolitan Constantine Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA

ÿ Bishop Ilia Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America

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Bishops Urge Pan-Orthodox Support for IOCC Iraq Aid “Light a Candle and Pray for Peace”

BALTIMORE – The Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) is appealing to its member jurisdictions to unite behind an Orthodox humanitarian effort to help the suffering people of Iraq and the Middle East. SCOBA issued the appeal for prayer and support early this month. SCOBA is the parent body of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), the official humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians. “We are compelled to call our pious clergy and faithful to pray for peace and for respect of the sanctity of human persons,” the nine hierarchs said. “We ask our churches to open their doors during this season of Great Lent for people to enter, light a candle, and pray for peace and reconciliation.” The statement went on to encourage Orthodox Christians in the United States to support the humanitarian efforts of IOCC in Iraq. “IOCC has already prepared itself to address the tremendous needs that will confront the world in the days ahead,” the bishops said. “We urge you to help IOCC in this massive philanthropic effort.” IOCC is appealing for $1 million to provide emergency relief, life-saving medicines and medical supplies to suffering people in the Middle East. It is coordinating its Middle East crisis response with church partners in Iraq and Jordan. That response will include the distribution of humanitarian relief - food parcels, tents and bedding, drinking water, first-aid kits - within Iraq and the provision of medical assistance to ill or disabled refugees. Founded in 1992, IOCC has been

active in the Middle East since 1997. It currently has programs of relief and development in Lebanon and the Holy Land, as well as supporting a program for refugees and asylum seekers in Turkey. In Iraq, IOCC will work to build the capacity of local Orthodox churches in and around Baghdad to provide assistance to their surrounding communities, said IOCC Chief Operating Officer David Holdridge. IOCC also will seek to train and deploy workers from Iraqi parish communities to assist vulnerable Iraqis of all religious and ethnic backgrounds, Holdridge said. Christians constitute approximately 3 percent of the population in Iraq, about 140,000 of which are Orthodox Christians, according to the World Christian Encyclopedia. The SCOBA hierarchs said Orthodox Christians in the U.S. should pray for “all the people who live in areas of conflict, for the innocent women, children and elderly who live in places of high risk and harm, for those in flight, for refugees throughout the region who join others on a journey of profound uncertainty.” The hierarchs also said, “This tragic war, combined with the threat to security at home, has created enormous fear and anxiety throughout the world. Only the Prince of Peace, who said, ‘My peace I give to you’ (Luke 14:27), can allay this fear and anxiety.” To help IOCC’s efforts call toll-free1877-803-4622, or make a gift on-line at www.iocc.org/iraq, or mail a check or money order to IOCC, “Middle East Crisis,” P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225.

APRIL 2003

The Voice of

PRESIDENT’S PASCHAL MESSAGE Beloved Ladies of Philoptochos, As we proceed through this very Holy and sacred journey of Great Lent, into Pascha, the true Festival of Festivals, the Feast of complete joy, hope, reawakening and eternal life, it becomes more evident to me as an Orthodox Christian that there is a great desire and tremendous responsibility to achieve the ultimate goal of an Orthodox Christian, namely, to move closer to God in His likeness and image. This is a time for renewal, special prayer, self-examination, sacrifice, fasting, introspection and reflection. These actions result in a thoughtful evaluation of ourselves, just as Jesus did during His fast for 40 days before His Crucifixion. It is a time that we give immense consideration to Georgia Skeadas acts of charity and mercy, by visiting the sick, consoling the unfortunate and giving assistance to the poor and needy. It is through our acts of charity, our dedication to philanthropy and an intensified commitment in this regard that we begin to approach the objective of loving God and one another. It has been written that, when Christ comes to judge us, the criterion of His judgment will be love-not a mere humanitarian concern for abstract justice and the anonymous and faceless poor, but concrete and personal love for the human person, any human person that God helps us to encounter in our lives. To quote His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, “Through prayer, through fasting, and through selfless acts of charity, we approach the inexhaustible love of God.” The bonds that connect us are the bonds of love, God’s love for us, and our love for God and our neighbors. It is during this time of Great Lent that we are called to grow closer to Christ and build deeper bonds with Him and therefore with all human beings. “Now abide faith, hope, and love, these three: but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:6) Upon our baptism, the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit, along with Christ, comes to dwell in the innermost shrine of our hearts. It is a combination of this indwelling of the Holy Spirit and our allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into love which must then manifest itself as loving service and outreach towards others. True love of God will always be true love for all humankind. “Bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience. Do all you can to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together.” (Ephesians 4:2) Our growing love is a continuous movement towards God’s love. The love of God and the love of other people, all humankind, are so related that it is impossible to love God and not love others. To be compassionate and understanding, and to offer encouragement towards the suffering of others, is love. God is love. To achieve perfect love with God and with one another is the ultimate Christian goal, because this union brings us much closer to the image and likeness of God. “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) I believe that you can see, as I have seen, that, in every aspect of our Greek Orthodox faith, the word love prevails. As I have stated in every message that I have given, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios shared with me the following thought, namely, Philoptochos represents the heart of the Gospel, which is love. In the writings of St. John Chrysostom, the terms agape (love) and philanthropy are used interchangeably. page 26

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St. Louis Chapter Celebrates 50 Years ST. LOUIS – St. Nicholas Philoptochos Society recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and honored several members as “Women of the Year.” Honorees included: Helen Alexandres, Ruth Caron, Anna Cassimatis, Georgia Casten, Calliope Costas, Mary Coukoulis, Katherine Ellis, Ann Frangoulis, Bess Glastris, Lula Leontzinis, Veda Martin,

Philoptochos More Than Seventy Years of Christian Philanthropy

PART 2 Archbishop Athenagoras addressed many communications to the women, over the years, offering suggestions, counseling their efforts, praising their accomplishments, as he did on June 17, 1936, stating in an encyclical to the Priests, Board of Trustees and all Greek Orthodox Christians in the Archdiocese: “the mission promoted by the Philoptochos in many parishes has accomplished miracles.” by Terry Kokas

On another occasion the Archbishop offered many suggestions to increase the membership of the Philoptochos in order to aid the poor. He asked that the ladies be concerned for the school and the students who are poor; he asked that the Feast day of Saints Cosmas and Damianos, which is observed on November 1st, be designated as the Patron Saint of the Philoptochos (unless the local chapter has another patron Saint already designated); and he asked that the organization observe “Brotherhood Day, Thanksgiving Day, Halloween, the Christmas Tree, and the St. Basil’s Pita.” On July 17, 1936, Archbishop Athenagoras, in an encyclical to the Greek Orthodox community, expressed concern for the education of the youth. He asked that a survey be undertaken to learn how many Greeks were members of the parish and how many were not; how many Afternoon Schools and Sunday Schools were functioning and how many parishes had Philoptochos Chapters. He urged the establishment of Afternoon Schools and Sunday Schools where they did not exist and organize Philoptochos Societies in their respective communities. He further asked the Philoptochos, if at all possible, to take responsibility for both of these schools. The Holy Cross Theological School was founded in June, 1937, in Pomfret, Conn., by Archbishop Athenagoras who announced to the Philoptochos Society that it would begin functioning the following September. The Archbishop directed a special appeal to the Philoptochos to “devote” themselves to the Theological School, “where your children will be educated as teachers and priests.” He exhorted the Greek women to prove once again “your strong faith and you will triumph” by un-

FIRST PRESIDENT – Agatha Vernicos of London and New York, first national president of the Philoptochos Society.

dertaking this worthy project. The Ladies Philoptochos Societies accepted the challenge. Throughout the Theological School’s history, the Philoptochos has contributed generously in numerous ways. One famous event was the “fasoulatha” dinners held in the Church halls with proceeds sent to the School. In his encyclical, Archbishop Athenagoras stated, “with the establishment of the Holy Cross Theological School, a new page has been turned in the history of the Greeks in America and the great role of the women will be recorded.” In the ensuing years the Philoptochos was – and still is 66 years later - in the forefront of activity to aid the School and its vitally important programs.

Sioux Falls Chapter Has Cardiac Project Drive SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Members of Philoptochos chapter at Transfiguration Church held a special offering after Liturgy for their cardiac project in February. Members handed out chocolate hearts as people left the church, Lynn Assimacopoulos reported.

Kathryn Souris, Androniki Thavorides and Xanthula Tripolitis. Among those attending the program were the Very Rev. Demetri C. Kantzavelos, representing Metropolitan Iakovos; and Fr. Douglas Papulis, pastor.

Aliquippa Chapter Holds Lowell Chapter Awards Membership Drive Four Scholarships

LOWELL, Mass. – Transfiguration Ladies Philoptochos recently presented scholarships to four recent high school graduates. Recipients were Stephen Economou, son of James and Thea Economou of Dracut, Mass.; Jennifer Nelligan, daughter of Dorothy Nelligan and the late Thomas Nelligan of Lowell; George Nicolopoulos, son of George and Helen Nicolopoulos of Lowell; and Sophia Tournas, daughter of Charles and Maria Tournas of Lowell.

Aliquippa, Pa. – The Philoptochos chapter of Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church recently was featured in a local newspaper on its membership drive, including a luncheon featuring guest speaker Presbytera Pearl Veronis. Presbytera Veronis spoke on Orthodox Christian missionary activities. The Philoptochos chapter supports such philanthropic projects as Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children’s Cancer Fund, Meals on Wheels, Light of Light Missions in Pittsburgh and the community library.

ARCHDIOCESAN DISTRICT Philoptochos officers and board members with His Eminence.

APRIL 2003

“ Let all creation rejoice, and all the earthborn be glad; for Hades, the enemy has been despoiled. Let the women meet me with myrrh; For I redeem Adam along with Eve, And all their descendants, All will rise on the third day.” (The Paschal Canon: Ninth Ode)

CHRIST HAS RISEN! TRULY HE HAS RISEN On behalf of the faithful Of The Metropolis of Atlanta

†ALEXIOS METROPOLITAN OF ATLANTA

“Let the whole world, visible and invisible, keep the feast For Christ is Risen, our Eternal Joy.” – Paschal Canon

English Yupik (Alaska) Spanish Swahili Albanian Korean

Christ is Risen Xris-tusaq Ung-uixtuq Cristo ha Resucitado Kristo Amefufukka Krishti u Ngjall Kristo Gesso

Indeed He is Risen Iluumun Ung-uixtuq En verdad ha Resucitado Kweli Amefufukka Vërtete u Ngjall Buhar ha sho nay

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center wishes the whole world a blessed Pascha! (904) 829-5132 www.ocmc.org

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

A MESSAGE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AHEPA

A parapono has been created according to many AHEPA members and many others in the Hellenic World, ever since AHEPA’s Board of Directors voted for an Athens Convention, and then cancelled. Twice! Years 2002 and 2003. Reasons of accommodations and security issues were cited. Naturally the Press here and in Greece have written and editorialized by asking this question with a parapono: “If the largest American Greek Organization, AHEPA, votes not to come to Greece on the eve of the Olympic Games, then what is the rest of the world to think?” Therefore because the Board of Directors have jurisdiction over AHEPA’s Conventions, they need to correct this misunderstanding, say some members who are knowledgeable of this scenario and remind everyone that this issue is vital and important for AHEPA’s special relationship with Greece. We urge the officers at their spring meeting, to think hard and reconsider and vote for an Athens Supreme Convention in 2004, 2-3 weeks before the summer Olympiad, despite the expected congestion. Or, alternately consider a shorter three-day only convention in Athens, and if desired, simultaneously, both here in the U.S. and in Greece. A convention across two continents connected via the Internet or a live feed. As for the concern on monies for down payment on accommodation we suggest borrowing from wealthy chapters who would be pleased loaning for a better interest. Many Ahepans will be in Greece for the Summer of 2004 anyway, for vacation, relatives, or to partake in the Olympiad. Then this question pops up. Why not have the convention in Greece before the Olympiad. That’s convenient to all, and also cures the parapono. Members with interest on this topic keep this advertisement. Those planning to visit Greece in the summer of 2004, please keep in communication with this Independent Committee at fax: (713) 861-8929. Those members or all those of Hellenic descent who want to send a message to AHEPA’s Board of Directors, fax them today at (202) 232-2140. Brothers, think of this unique moment with the Olympiad in mind, let us connect with Greece. By making a statement to the Hellenic World that we cherish our Heritage, and for AHEPA’s sake, and for our children, we need to do the right thing, by voting to hold our AHEPA’s 82nd International Supreme Convention in Athens, Greece in 2004. Let’s make the members dream come true, while AHEPA’s spirit will intertwine forever with the 28th Olympiad in “ELLAS.” INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE - MEMBER AHEPANS - FAX (713) 861-8929 JIMMY PAPADAKIS – Ahepa Past Supreme President-Sons of Pericles-Alexander the Great Chapter – Houston NICK C. TSIOTOS – Past President Sons of Pericles-Ahepa Chapter-Boston-Author: “The Golden Greek” TONY K. TSOUNAKAS (Treasurer) – Ahepa Chapter-Houston-Former President St. Basils Church-Houston FOTIS N. DEMERIS – Former President Annunciation Cathedral-Houston-Alexander the Great Chapter-Houston MARY VERGES – Past Grand President, Daughters of Penelope-Ahaia Chapter-Houston JOHN N. BANTSOLAS – Ahepa Chapter-Fayeteville-President St. Constantine & Helen Church-Feyeteville, NC HARRIS J. PAPPAS – Alexander the Great Chapter-Houston DENNIS A. MOUSTAKIS – President, Ellas Soccer Club-Ahepa Chapter-Houston A.C. SOFFOS – Former Ahepa Chrm., Am. Revolution Bicentennial Com. Supreme Conv. -Houston. Councelor, Independent Com. - “Olympic Ideal,” Director Exe. Int.-Athens-Houston.

IOCC to Honor Bishop Dimitrios at Chicago Banquet CHICAGO – Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, who has worked hard to promote the humanitarian work of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) across jurisdictional lines, will be honored at the ninth annual Pan-Orthodox banquet in Lombard, Ill., on May 18. The annual awards dinner will take place at The Carlisle hotel. The IOCC Chicago Metropolitan Committee, one of 27 such groups across the country that advance the IOCC’s humanitarian mission through fund-raising and volunteer work, organizes the event. “For years, we have been seen as a Church that is not interested in the poor or the refugee or the neglected. We had no agency doing these things,” Bishop Dimitrios said of the Orthodox Church. “Now people can’t say that anymore. Now we have, for the first time, our own humanitarian aid agency, and the work that it’s doing is considerable.” In addition to his position as ecumenical officer for the Greek Archdiocese, Bishop Dimitrios is general secretary of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), the parent organization of IOCC. Bishop Dimitrios has been a strong advocate and supporter of IOCC since its inception in 1992. As a bishop, he promotes the work of IOCC both in his capacity as ecumenical officer and as general secretary of SCOBA. “IOCC is certainly the most dynamic agency of SCOBA,” he said. “It has proven over the years that it can provide assistance and that it can deliver - food and medical supplies and help to people desperately in need, in places where other agencies might not go. IOCC fills that great void.”

His Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos.

His Grace said IOCC is a good example of what Orthodox Christians can do if they work together across jurisdictional lines for a common purpose. The Chicago Metropolitan Committee gives its annual Crystal Globe Award to someone who has done an exemplary job promoting the cause of IOCC. For reservations for the 5:30 p.m. banquet, call (847) 679-0831 or (847) 394-3946. Founded in 1992, IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians. In just 10 years, it has delivered more than $160 million in humanitarian assistance in 21 countries. To learn more about IOCC’s relief and development programs, visit www.iocc.org or call toll-free 1-877-803-4622.

IOCC, U. Of Florida Partner to Send Interns Abroad BALTIMORE - International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is expanding its Honors Intern Program through a partnership with the University of Florida. The new agreement allows IOCC to place students from the university’s graduate and professional schools as interns in IOCC field offices overseas. “This partnership is an exciting opportunity for IOCC to build on its internship program,” said IOCC Executive Director Constantine M. Triantafilou. “It enables us to reach out to more students and to train them for humanitarian service, which is an important part of our mission.” IOCC becomes the sixth humanitarian organization to participate in the World Citizenship Program, a joint endeavor between the University of Florida International Center and the Coca-Cola Foundation. The World Citizenship Program was established in 1999 with funding from the Coca-Cola Foundation. Through the program, University of Florida students are placed in overseas internships with partner organizations such as IOCC. Other partner organizations include CARE, UNICEF and the American Red Cross. Having IOCC as part of the World Citizenship Program brings “new opportunities and new countries,” said Dennis C. Jett, dean of the University of Florida International Center. “IOCC is active in Eastern Europe, and we haven’t sent people to that part of the world before. This (partnership) opens up a new dimension and new possibilities.” Previous interns have been sent to developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin and Central America. IOCC expects to receive three fully

funded interns who will serve three-month internships in IOCC country programs. The first, Marco Gemignani, a doctoral-level psychology major from the university’s School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will intern at the Orthodox Pastoral Counseling Center in Belgrade, Serbia. The others, Beth Dawkins, a master’s level early childhood education major, and Kelli Moore, a doctoral candidate in political science, will intern at the Health and Socialization of Women in Rural Areas project in Tirana, Albania, operated by Diakonia Agapes (“Service of Love”), the relief and development arm of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania. Both the counseling center and Diakonia Agapes are partners with IOCC in their respective countries. Specific projects are currently being designed for the internships, which will be served this summer. “This offers students the ability to go out to developing countries to do work that needs to be done for the partner organization and to increase their international awareness,” said Anna Tietz, director of the World Citizenship Program. “IOCC has definitely brought to the table more of the Balkan states, which is a positive draw and allows us to reach out further.” The IOCC-University of Florida internships are over and above the Honors Internships that IOCC already offers on an annual basis. One of those internships is scheduled to begin in August. Two additional internships are scheduled to be awarded later this year. For more information about IOCC internships and programs, please visit www.iocc.org or call toll-free 1-877803-4622.

APRIL 2003

PEOPLE

uPriests Honored The Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting presented its Prophet Elias Award for outstanding service to Orthodox youth through the Church and Boy and Girl scouts to the following priests: the Very Rev. John T. Bacon of Chelsea, Mass.; and Frs. Angelo H. Gavalas of New York, Joel I. McEachen of Ansonia, Conn., and Constantine Sitaras of St. Basil Academy, Garrison, N.Y. The presentations took place in a ceremony held April 12. It marked the first time n the EOCS’ 43-year history the award was presented to clergy.

uNamed Judge The U.S. Senate on March 13 affirmed Thomas Varlan of Knoxville, Tenn., as a U.S. Federal District Court judge by a vote of 97-0. President Bush nominated Varlan, 46, in 2002. Judge Varlan is past president of the St. George Church parish council and currently heads its stewardship committee. He also is an Ahepan and a former law director for the city of Knoxville.

uHellenic Honorees New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr., recognized five Greek Americans on March 31 for their accomplishments. They were Academy Award-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, philanthropist and community activist Margo Catsimatidis, Dr. James H. Doundoulakis, president of the Academy of Osseointegration in New York; Savas Konstantinides, president of Omega Brokerage in Astoria, Queens; and Harry Psomiades, founder and director of the Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, City University of New York at Queens College.

uBook Signing The Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center in Chicago recently welcomed Alex Spanos, entrepreneur, philanthropist, owner of the San Diego Chargers, and author of Sharing the Wealth: My Story, for a presentation and book signing.

uActivist Honored California Congresswoman Diane Watson recently honored Greek Orthodox layman Nicholas Royce of Hollywood for his 50 years of achievement in show business. In addition to his professional dancing throughout the nation and appearances on such TV shows in the 1950s as Milton Berle, Ed Sullivan and Kate Smith, Mr. Royce has been an activist for the Greek Orthodox faith since World War II. Now retired, he continues to work to broaden public understanding of the faith and volunteers for such a causes as the homeless, abused children and AIDS victims. He was also honored recently by the Los Angeles Jazz Society.

uSpeaks to Students Hellenic scholar Dr. Demetrios Katsarelias, representing the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation Inc., recently spoke to a group of about 60 St. John’s University students in Queens, N.Y., about the ongoing events of the organization. His talk was sponsored by the Greek Club at St. John’s and Sigma Chi Beta fraternity.

Getting Ahead in the ‘Hat City’

embers of Assumption Church and their pastor pursue many outreach programs and ministries that have an impact on a wide area of southwestern and western Connecticut and part of Upstate New York’s Hudson Valley. This includes support of local and state social services and Archdiocese programs and institutions. “The parish is big supporter of St. Basil Academy,” said Fr. Peter Karloutsos. Church school takes up regular collections for the Academy and the local Philoptochos chapter has sponsored a child from St. Basil’s to attend Ionian Village. The Danbury parish, located about 5 miles from the New York state

PARISH

and the Three Hierarchs Fellowship of the Hudson Valley, which includes several Upstate New York churches. Head-ing for ‘Hat City’ While some Greek immigrants in New England made shoes, notably in Haverhill, Mass., Hellenes who arrived in this far western part of the region in the late 1800s and early 1900s worked in the hat factories that comprised an important part of the local economy. From the late 1700s to early 1950s, Danbury was nicknamed “The Hat City” in honor of this first major industry. Many of the immigrants from the many parts of Greece who manufactured hats, eventually opened their own businesses, including shops associated with millinery

After Fr. Peter Karloutsos arrived in 1978, the parish sold its property and purchased a new site where the present church is now located on Clapboard Road. A new building fund drive began in 1980 with a $59,000 donation from Anastasia Carastratis and plans were soon made to construct a new Byzantine church. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place in October 1981 for the first phase of the project, a community hall. The first service took place in the hall in time for Easter 1983. The Byzantine church was completed on May 17, 1987 and Bishop Athenagoras officiated at the Thyranoixia (door opening) service.

p ro f i l e

Name: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Location: Danbury, Conn. Diocese: Archdiocese District Size: about 350 families Founded: 1938 Clergy: Fr. Peter C. Karloutsos (Holy Cross ’74) Web site: www.assumptionchurch.org e-mail: frpeter@assumptionchurch.org

Noteworthy: Parish has strong outreach program border, is about a 15- to 20-minute drive from the Academy. For the past 10 years, the parish has supported a Connecticut-run program called “Adopt-a-Social Worker” in which churches and congregations provide support to social workers in their area. “Some of our people – give furniture, money to send children to camp, food, bedding,” said Fr. Peter. “Whenever they have a need they come to us.” The parish supports other local social services and agencies, including a soup kitchen; an almshouse, a women’s shelter; and a children’s clinic. Assumption Church makes its meeting facilities available for a local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter and also supports a program in cooperation with another church, Holy Trinity Carpatho-Russian church, to teach Hispanic students English. A Hispanic teacher who converted to Orthodoxy started the program. Children and young people of the community participate in parish life through Little Angels, JOY and GOYA, and in a Greek dance program that consists of some 100 young people in four groups ages 6 through college. The church also engages in several pan-Orthodox activities through the year with three other parishes in Danvers. “We’re very supportive of each other,” said Fr. Peter. At the state and regional level, Fr. Peter is a member of the Connecticut Clergy Association and the Fellowship of Orthodox Churches in Connecticut,

ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH goods, restaurants and other stores.

Parish beginnings

According to a parish history from Fr. Peter, the few families who lived in Danbury in the 1920s “felt the great need to establish a church to teach their children the Orthodox Christian faith, the Greek language and culture.” A committee formed in 1927 established a Greek school named Proodos (Progress) on Main Street in downtown Danbury, which operated for 10 years. On major feast days and holy days, a visiting priest would come to celebrate the liturgy in the building that housed the school. With the help of the local AHEPA chapter, the Greek community established a permanent church in 1937-38, with the blessings of Archbishop Athenagoras, who granted the charter in 1938. Fr. Theodore Scartsiaris was the first permanent priest. He held services at another Main Street building. The community purchased a large Victorian-style house in 1940 that served as church and community center until the 1960s. Beginning in 1962 with the priest at the time, Fr. John Orfanakos, Assumption parish launched a building fund drive for a new church. A parish house was purchased on the near north side of Danbury. Under Fr. Orfanakos’ successor, Fr. Peter Kostakos, more property was acquired next to the parish house site.

DANBURY

During this period two ordinations took place at the parish. The first young man from Danbury to enter the priesthood, Fr. Paul Kaplanis was ordained to the deaconate in October 1984. In January 1981, Fr. Nicholas Lassios was ordained as a priest with a lay profession.

Great spiritual progress

In the more than 25 years since the arrival of Fr. Peter, the community’s longest-serving priest, many of the present ministries and programs were initiated. Improvements were made to the Church school program, increasing the number of students and teachers and more boys were recruited to serve in the altar. Church school now has more than 200 children, ages 3 through 12th grade. The establishment of the choir, adult religious education class and the Greek cultural school and Greek dance group also were major highlights of the past quarter-century. The Greek school has 38 students. Fr. Peter, who was honored in March for his 25th anniversary as pastor, has a highly active ministry that goes beyond his parish responsibilities. At the Archdiocese level, he serves as president of the Holy Cross Alumni Association, and was the first chairman of Archdiocese Benefits Committee. He performs a prison ministry with visits to the Danbury federal correction institution, and to inmates in New York state and Pennsylvania, Fr. Peter comes from a family of priests. His father, the Rev. Michael Karloutsos, who recently passed away, served many parishes in the Archdiocese.

u page 26

APRIL 2003

Reflections on the Greek Adverb Simeron Orthodox hymnography has a unique way of transcending time and joining the past with the present in order to project and proceed into the future. A very common word that proliferates in our Orthodox hymns and prayers is the Greek adverb simeron, which literally means Today. Here are some classic examples that illustrate eloquently the point: by Fr. George Nicozisin

CHRIST IS RISEN! From

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH WESTFIELD, NJ

The Christmas Orthros kontakion hymn proclaims. “Today the Virgin gives Birth to the Omnipotent One.” The magnificent Epiphany prayer recited at the Great Water Blessing Service cries out: “Yesterday [Lord] we saw You a Babe in the manger; Today we behold You in all Your splendor and glory parting the waters of the Jordan river.” Each time we approach the eucharistic chalice to partake of the Precious Body and Life-giving Blood of our Redeemer, we bow our heads humbly and pray: “O Son of God, receive me at Your Mystical Feast [again] Today.” What about Holy Thursday evening? How can we begin to describe the spiritual aura and feeling that literally grips our very being, as the priest emerges from the depths of the holy altar, bearing our Crucified Christ in his arms, chanting those awesome, haunting and soul-searching words: (“Simeron kremmatai epi Xilou

PARISH PROFILE u page 25 When Fr. Peter graduated from Hellenic College in 1969, his two older brothers, Fr. Alex Karloutsos and James Karloutsos, graduated from Holy Cross. “Archbishop Iakovos commended my father who, as a single parent and priest, was able to do this for his children,” Fr. Peter said.

Current parish life

Christ is Risen!

O en hydasi tin yin kremasas.) Today hangs on the Cross He Who suspended the land in the midst of the waters.” On March 25th the Feast Day of The Annunciation, we hearken to the Archangel Gabriel when he announces: “Today is the beginning of our salvation...The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin.” Each Sunday liturgy is a new act of salvation. Thus the hymn sung at the conclusion of the Sunday Orthros service is also a call to worship: “Today salvation is wrought for the world.” Our Orthodox liturgical theology uses the adverb “Simeron” to enable us to mystically fuse the past with the present. Sacramentally we re-enter the historical event and make it a unique and refreshingly new act of worship for us. The classic example par excellence is Easter Pascha. See how eloquently and dynamically the Easter Pascha Orthros katavasia hymn proclaims: “Today salvation has come to the world for Christ is Risen Almighty!” Finally, that which transforms the historical and biblical event into a living realty is when the liturgical bread and wine are consecrated into the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and, when we receive from the eucharistic chalice of that historical, biblical and liturgical event again Today!

From a community of Greek immigrants who owned restaurants, confectionaries or other businesses, or worked in factories, the parish now is mostly American-born who work in the professions. Among their largest employers are Union Carbide, headquartered in Danbury, IBM and other corporations. There also are several converts, mostly through inter-marriage. Services are still bilingual, but with an emphasis on English. Fr. Peter credits the progress made in

the community to many parish volunteers. “We have volunteers for everything,” he said, including the psalti, choir, clerical work, Greek festival and the stewardship program, the parish’s major income source. “Their stewardship is also the time they give,” he said. In describing his community, Fr. Peter used the word “love” frequently. “We always talk about love. We are a church family, supportive of one another, caring for one another,” he said. “The parishioners feel we’re part of a church family.” Among the priest’s goals is to “make sure that the generation raised under our current ministry continues to fulfill their Orthodox Christian faith. I pray I’ll be able to celebrate their marriages, baptize their marriages, baptize their children to continue legacy of their ancestors,” he said. – Compiled by Jim Golding

PRESIDENT’S PASCHAL MESSAGE u page 23

From

Mr. Peter Vlachos & Family

Thus, philanthropy is defined as love, a love of mankind demonstrated through acts of practical kindness to all people. We, the Ladies of Philoptochos, show a deep and abiding love for humankind. Our love manifests itself in our promotion of the well being of all humankind through our continuous actions, as an organization, on all levels, to provide aid, assistance, support, encouragement and benevolence to a myriad of recipients. “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” (Romans 12:4-6) It is God who has entrusted us with a multitude of glorious gifts. These gifts are the talents that we all possess. It is crucial to use these talents in the pursuit of love and philanthropy. It is what we do with our God given talents that is the ultimate gift back to God. Philanthropy is the ultimate definition of man’s relationship to God. Our acts of philanthropy are a true imitation of God’s example and, therefore, need to

be placed at the highest priority in our everyday lives. I would like to express my great love and great appreciation for your participation in the preservation of our Orthodox faith and traditions and in the enhancement of our charitable and philanthropic programs. I am extremely proud to be the President of an organization that, over the course of its history, has contributed millions of dollars to our charitable and philanthropic programs. May you experience continued success, and may all of your endeavors be filled with love, unity, and respect for one another and all mankind. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) May each and every one of you be graced with an abundance of God’s blessings, and may His perfect love be with you and guide you each and every day. Kalo Pascha! With love in Christ, Georgia Skeadas National Philoptochos Society

APRIL 2003

METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO Another Successful Folk Dance Festival Held in Anaheim ANAHEIM, Calif. – Some 105 dance groups participated in the annual Folk Dance Festival of the Metropolis of San Francisco in February. “We are extremely pleased with the festival this year,” said FDF Board Chairman Peter Preovolos. “It was one of the largest participation years we’ve had in the 27 year history of our program.” “We were very honored that our Cultural Night event was once again the chosen venue for the presentation of the Elios Society Cultural Achievement Award,” Mr. Preovolos said. The Folk Dance & Choral Festival also honored its annual Humanitarian Award recipient. This year there were two, Thoefanis Economidis and Eve Condakes.

Award winners

The following are winners in the FDF competition categories: InterMetropolis Division – Los Akrites, Chile.

Dance Competition Awards

METROPOLITAN ANTHONY (above) gives the invocation for the start of the Dance Festival. He is joined by Metropolitan Tarasios, Bishop Anthimos, Folk Dance Festival organizers and other clergy. (left and below) Two of the many groups competing in the festival perform on stage in Anaheim.

The highlight of the weekend by far though was the international participation. The Metropolis of Canada was represented by young adults from Edmonton, Alberta. This was their second appearance at the FDF. But possibly the most exciting and inspiring part of the weekend was the first time inclusion and participation of nearly 50 young adults in three different dance groups from South America. The three teams from Chile, Argentina and Brazil were representatives from the first ever International Greek Dance Festival of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and South America held in Iguazu, Argentina earlier this year. In addition to these dances from the metropolises to the north and south, we were very honored to have in attendance

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VALERIE ROUMELIOTIS receives the FDF Humanitarian Award from Metropolitan Anthony on behalf of recipient Eve Condakis, former National Philoptochos president. Also shown is FDF Chairman Peter Preovolos.

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APRIL

28...................St. George (observed)

Division 1 Choral award: St. John the Baptist Church, Anaheim. Instrumental Award, St. Nicholas, Northridge, Calif.; Intermediate - St. John the Baptist, Anaheim Advanced Intermediate Nativity of Christ, Ignacio, Calif. Senior - Annunciation, Modesto, Calif. Advanced Senior - St. George, Downey, Calif. Division 2 Primary - St. Nicholas, San Jose, Calif. Advanced Primary

- Annunciation, Sacramento Junior - Assumption, Long Beach, Calif. Advanced Junior - Nativityof Christ, Ignacio, Calif. Choral Sweepstakes Awards Division 1 - Holy Trinity, Portland, Ore. Division 2 - Assumption, Long Beach Dance Sweepstakes Awards Division 1 - Assumption, Long Beach Division 2 - Ascension, Oakland.

11.....Saint Bartholomew–Patriarch’s Name Day 15........................ Feast of Pentecost 21........ St. Basil Academy Graduation 22.......................... All Saints Sunday

21........... Sts. Constantine and Helen

28-29...Greek Landing Day Celebration – St. Photios Shrine

26............................... Memorial Day

29........................Sts. Peter and Paul

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APRIL 2003

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APRIL 2003

Challenge

YOUTH MINISTRY

e-mail: youthofce@goarch.org

What’s Up?

Media Review:

EVERWOOD The angry, disenchanted teen and the frustrated, guilt-ridden parent; the story has been around for as long as kids have had parents. How many times have your parents embarrassed you? How many times have they hurt your feelings by just not getting it? How many times have you felt they did not trust you because they wouldn’t let you go out on a date, with friends, or on an unsupervised trip? Teens are always trying to go out on their own, become their own person, and parents are often trying to protect the teenager that they can only see as a little boy or girl.

CHRIST IS RISEN!

It seems that lately when I read the newspaper or watch the news on TV, I can’t help but feel depressed. War the space shuttle disaster, nightclub tragedies, are just some of the headlines. Everywhere we look these days, we see articles and discussions about the war in Iraq. Are we doing the right thing by attacking Iraq? by Khalil Samara

Should we have gone in earlier? Was there a peaceful diplomatic solution to removing Saddam Hussein from power? Is this what God wants for us? Does he want us to suffer? Doesn’t God want us to be happy and live in peace with each other? God wants for us to be at peace with each other, loving each other, and enjoying the beauty of His created world. After the devil tempted Adam and Eve, sin entered the world because God gave us the gift of free will. He loves us so much that He allows us to choose what we want to do. We can choose to be with Him or not with Him. Because of this, we live in an imperfect world that is confined to sin. Before Christ came, there was no hope of something to look forward to. When we died, that was it. Because of God’s everlasting love for us, He sent His only-begotten Son to become a human and live with us for one reason. To save us! Christ lived as a fully human person and experienced all the emotions, feelings, and temptations that we as humans experience. His life on Earth was a guide to show us how we too can live a righteous life in this sinful world. Christ ended His time on Earth by voluntarily submitting to be crucified: a most humiliating and painful death. It was through His death that He was able to break the bonds of Hades, and lead us to everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven: eternal paradise. The Resurrection is the whole key to our faith as Christians. Pascha (the Greek word for Passover) is known as the “feast of feasts.” This is the biggest celebration in the entire church year. Christ’s Resurrection from the dead changed the world forever, because it gave us the hope of the world to come. The Resurrection gives us hope of a better world that is not only free from sin, but an eternally perfect world with God. Pascha is more than just the day that our fasting ends and we can eat meat again. It is more than just a celebration of the church to celebrate with family and friends. It is what defines us as Christians. So what does this mean for us? How does the Resurrection play a part in our daily lives? We must challenge ourselves to keep the Resurrection at the forefront of our minds, so that whatever we do, wherever we go, our faith as Christians will guide us to make the right decisions. The easy way out is to give in to the pressures of society. Be proactive and think about the following

In today’s world, parents who have very busy schedules, and teens that have more opportunity to learn adult lessons early in the game make these problems worse. As teenagers grapple with sexuality; drug abuse; violence; intense friendships; and increasing pressures to succeed, many parents cannot, or choose not to spend the time and energy it takes to guide their teens through one of the toughest and most important times of life, junior high and high school years. Things can get so bad between parents and their teenage children that you could scream. Sometimes it seems we would be better off if they would just leave us alone! The WB’s Everwood tells the story of one family, focusing primarily on the father-son relationship between Ephraim and his over achieving father, Dr. Brown. Until Ephraim was about 15, Dr. Brown spent all of his nights at work, missing piano recitals, birthday parties, and anything important in Ephraim’s life. When Ephraim’s mother dies unexpectedly in a car accident, Dr. Brown has to step up

and start acting like a parent. He moves the family from New York, to Everwood, Colorado and tries to build a relationship with the son he has neglected for years. Of course, Ephraim is angry with his father for not being there for years, and Dr. Brown has a lot of learning to do in the parenting department. But Dr. Brown is persistent, while Ephraim’s need to be loved by his father is still greater than his anger. With a lot of yelling matches and guilt-trips along the way, they begin to build a true relationship. It is great to see how forgiveness, persistence, love, and just being there can change the relationship between parents and their children. The WB’s Everwood is well acted and written. More importantly, it can be wake up call for parents and kids. Parents have responsibility to their teens, and teens need the guidance, love, and presence of their parents. The Church calls Orthodox Christians to keep their priorities straight, and to go after the spiritual things in life. Part of the spiritual life is a strong relationship between parents and their children based on guidance, obedience, forgiveness, and most importantly love. For your part, remember that you need your parents love. Even when they are driving you crazy, even when they sound stupid, even when they are being over-protective, you need them there, and they usually want what is best for you. Try to at least stay open to their perspective. As for parents, don’t be afraid to speak up and let them know that you need them. Ask them to spend time with you, and don’t stay to far from them. Today is the most important day of your life, because there may not be another. So make today count in your relationship with mom and dad.

LET THE CELEBRATION CONTINUE

Parent and Youth Worker’s Corner

by Dn. Constantine Lazarakis

things to help make the right decisions: • Be Committed - In high school and college, my friends never understood why I went to church so often during Great Lent, and especially during Holy Week. My friends would say, “You went to church on Sunday, why are you going again tonight?!?” We must be committed to our faith to prepare ourselves for the world to come. Make time to attend services or activities at the Church as your first priority. • Dare to be Different – The way that we as Christians act should be different than others. The world should be able to recognize us as Christians simply by our actions. The way we lead our lives should reflect that we have hope of the Resurrection and the life in Christ’s Kingdom. This means that we should have a positive outlook on life, both when times are tough and when they are good. Our lives as Christians are meant to be lights to light the world with the good news of Christ’s Resurrection. When other people are down about things, be there to cheer them up. Choose the “glass is half-full” approach as opposed to the “glass is halfempty.” Smile! Have a positive attitude with things. • May I help you? – Christ came to save us. He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). Christ’s life and death on the cross is an example of how we are called to serve our brothers and sisters in the world. Service comes in many forms including volunteering, helping the less fortunate, teaching youth, and using the talents that God gave us for the glory of His holy name. The cross that most of us wear around our necks is a reminder of what Christ did for us. If you notice, the cross that most of us as Orthodox Christians wear does not have the crucified Christ on it. Instead, it is the cross of the Resurrected Christ. In other words, the Cross is empty because Christ is not dead. He is alive with God the Father in heaven. Sometimes our crosses will have ICXC NIKA on them, which means Jesus Christ Conquers. Christ has destroyed the confines of death for us, so that we can have hope of everlasting life with him. Let us rejoice in this, and proclaim loudly the Paschal Troparion: Christ is Risen from the dead trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life! Khalil Samara, originally from Sherwsbury, Mass. is a Masters of Divinity student at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

Did You Know…

• The week after Pascha is called bright week. During this week, there is no fasting. Each day the Resurrection liturgy is celebrated. • Also check out the Altar, the cross that normally has Jesus hanging on it is empty. • We do not kneel in church during the consecration of the gifts until after Pentecost. • We don’t just say “Christ is Risen!” on Easter Sunday. We should be greeting fellow Christians with this for the 40-day period after. • For more information on the celebration, go to www.goarch.org/en/ special/lent.

Challenge is the Youth & Young Adult Ministries supplement to the Orthodox Observer. Articles reect 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: youthofce@goarch.org

For a session on Confession and/or a Family Activity go to our website at: http://www.goarch.org/en/ archdiocese/departments/youth/ youthworkers/sessions/ Save the Date – National Pan Orthodox Youth Worker Conference Sept. 18-21, 2003 Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center – Dunlap, California Nov. 6-9, 2003 - Antiochian Village – Ligonier, Pennsylvania More details to follow soon! If you’re not already, sign up for our youth worker list server! We send weekly resources, ideas and activities for parents and youth workers. To sign up, send an e-mail to listserv@listserv.goa rch.org. Leave the subject blank and in the body of the e-mail type in “subscribe youth” (without the quotation mark). You’ll get confirmation of your subscription shortly after.

APRIL 2003

Golf Tournaments to Benefit Loyola Marymount University to Honor Metropolitan Anthony Metropolis of Boston Retreat Center LOS ANGELES – Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco will be honored May 17 by Loyola Marymount University for his pastoral, spiritual and administrative leadership in the Church, and for his exemplary service to the community. The banquet coincides with the 25th anniversary of His Eminence’s elevation to the rank of bishop. The celebration is organized by the Friends of Hellenic Studies and the Basil P. Caloyeras Center for Modern Greek Studies at LMU. Born on the island of Crete, Metropolitan Anthony graduated from the Theological School of Halki of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1960. He came to the United States for graduate studies in 1961 and earned a Master’s of Divinity at Yale University. He also pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Chicago and the University of Wisconsin. He served as a priest in Connecticut, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Montreal. Ecumenism and the preservation of the Orthodox faith and the Hellenic heritage have been the life-long goals of His Eminence, and the care of the sick, the needy and the downtrodden are his constant concern. Since his enthronement as Bishop in 1978 and Metropolitan in 1997, the number of parishes in the Diocese of San Francisco has nearly doubled, and programs of religious education, including continuing professional education for the clergy, have been established. In addition to California, the Diocese includes Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The list of His Eminence’s philan-

thropic and Christian deeds includes: The St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, the annual Diocese Folk Dance Festival, the creation of three monasteries, and the Student Aid Endowment Fund to assist students at Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Mass. He has participated in interfaith and ecumenical conferences, and served on several commissions, including the San Francisco Mayor’s task force for AIDS relief, hunger, homelessness, and others. He has received numerous citations and awards in the United States and abroad. Proceeds from the gala benefit banquet for Metropolitan Anthony will go to the Basil P. Caloyeras Center for Modern Greek Studies at LMU, the only university in the western United States where a Minor in Modern Greek Studies may be obtained. For more information or for reservations, call (310) 338-4463 About Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles Founded in 1911, Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles is the eighth largest of the nation’s 28 Jesuit colleges and universities and the largest Catholic university in Southern California. With a strong base in the liberal arts, LMU serves more than 5,300 undergraduates and about 3,000 graduate students. LMU includes four colleges: the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, the College of Business Administration, the College of Communication and Fine Arts, and the College of Science and Engineering, as well as the School of Education, the School of Film and Television, the Graduate Division, Continuing Education, and Loyola Law School. For more information, visit the LMU website at www.lmu.edu.

METROPOLITAN METHODIOS of Boston accepts a check for $25,000 from representatives of the St. George Cathedral Parish Council in Manchester, N.H. which is the grand sponsor of the June 3 Northern New England Golf Outing to benefit the Metropolis Camp & Retreat Center. (l. to r.): Dick Anagnost, second vice president; George Copadis, president; Metropolitan Methodios, Mark Adam, a St. George parishioner and chairman of the Golf Outing, Maria Dongas, first vice president and Chris Chrisafidis, second vice president.

BOSTON – Clergy and laity are working together with Metropolitan Methodios to ensure that the ministries of the Metropolis of Boston continue to improve and expand. During a recent joint meeting of the Metropolis Council and the Camp and Retreat Center Committee enthusiasm was high for the two golf tournaments that will benefit the Metropolis Camp and Retreat Center in New Hampshire, which is fast becoming a

beacon of Orthodoxy in New England. The second annual Northern New England Golf Outing will take place on June 3 at the Wentworth By The Sea County Club in New Castle, N.H. Mark Adam is chairman. The third annual Golf Classic in the Boston area will take place Aug. 19 at the Juniper Hills Country Club in Northboro, Mass. Dr. Monthe Kofos is chairman.

St. Photios Shrine to Celebrate 235th Landing of First Greek Colony ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – St. Photios National Shrine will celebrate the 235th landing of the first Greek colony to the New World, June 28-29. On June 26, 1768, 400 Greeks arrived in Florida at the colony of New Smyrna. Following the demise of the colony, the remaining Greeks fled to St. Augustine, where they were welcomed. It was in the Avero House where the Greeks would gather for worship services. This building was purchased by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in 1966, and dedicated as the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in 1982. This historic journey across the sea and the story of this first Greek colony is commemorated at the annual Greek Landing Day Celebration. Greek Landing Day will include church services at St. Photios Chapel, a festival celebration, and the luncheon. Following the Divine Liturgy and memorial services on Saturday, June 28, the opening ceremony will take place at the Shrine’s Constantine Sisters Courtyard. The celebration will continue with Greek food, refreshments, gifts items, and live music. Greek dancers throughout the local area will perform folk dances. Ceremonies and services will be presided over by Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, the St. Photios Shrine Archdiocese coordinator. Executive Director, the Very Rev. Nicholas Graff, announced that the celebration

would honor Bishop Dimitrios at the luncheon on June 29 for the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. His Grace was appointed executive director of the St. Photios Foundation in February 1982. In 1983, he was ordained to the holy priesthood, and ordained as Bishop of Xanthos at St. George Cathedral in Philadelphia, on May 31, 1998. The luncheon will take place at the Casa Monica Hotel in downtown St. Augustine. St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, a self-supportive institution of the Archdiocese, consists of exhibits depicting the life of early Greeks in America, and the St. Photios Chapel. The shrine is a living memorial to those first settlers and to all the Greek Orthodox pioneers whose love of freedom and desire for a better life for themselves and their children brought them to this New World. The National Shrine is located on 41 St. George St. in historic downtown St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. St. Photios Foundation Trustee, Maria Carantzas of Jacksonville, Fla., will chair Greek Landing Day Celebration 2003. Information and luncheon tickets available at the St. Photios National Shrine P.O. Box 1960 – St. Augustine, FL 32085, telephone, (904) 829-8205; e-mail, info@StPhotios.com

Following the meeting (l to r): Fr. Paul Bebis, Ted Arend, Arthur Theophilopoulos, Fr. Al Demos, chancellor of the Metropolis; Fr. Chris Stamas, Fr. Michael Sitaras and Fr. Anthony Evangelatos.

12th Scholarship Fund Gala May 9 NEW YORK – The Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund will honor Tina Fey, star and Emmy-Award winning head writer of “Saturday Night Live,” and The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA) at the 12th annual HTSF “Live From New York” Gala at the New York Hilton on Friday, May 9. Singing sensation AMBER will perform at the event. More than 1,200 guests are expected to attend and returning as scholarship presenters this year will be many past honorees, including CBS Anchorman Ernie Anastos, John Aniston of “Days of Our Lives,” Humanitarian Tita ScandalisMonti, Special Effects Creator/Director Patrick Tatopoulos and Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, among others. Over $100,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students from across the United States. The event will also feature a silent auction including jewelry, vacations, and many celebrity items such as a Pete Sampras autographed tennis racket. HTSF will bestow its Humanitarian

Award upon the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA). Named after the son of the late Aristotle Onassis, the Onassis Foundation’s mission is to disseminate Hellenic civilization throughout the United States. By cooperating with universities, colleges, and art institutions, in America, Canada and Greece, it also promotes bilateral cultural relations. In carrying out the mission of the Onassis Foundation (USA), the Onassis Cultural Center presents cultural and artistic activities concerning ancient, Byzantine and modern Hellenic civilization. Activities include art exhibitions, theatrical and dance performances, musical events, lectures and poetry readings, and film screenings. The Onassis Foundation also finances a University Seminars Program with the aim to increase awareness and interest in Greek civilization. For further information, to receive an invitation or to purchase tickets, visit the HTSF Website at www.HTSF.org or call (212) 986-6881 or 333-7456.

APRIL 2003

Metropolis of Denver to Welcome Oratorical Festival Finalists St. John Chrysostom Oratorical festivals have recently been held in many parishes throughout the Archdiocese. First place speakers advanced to their District level, whereupon two finalists in each division were selected to speak at their respective Metropolis Oratorical Festival. by Presbytera Margaret Orphanakos

From there, each Metropolis will select a Junior and a Senior Division speaker to participate in the 2003 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Finals. Fr. Frank Marangos, director of the Department of Religious Education, has announced that the Archdiocese Finals will be hosted by the Metropolis of Denver and will take place at St. Catherine Church in Greenwood Village, Colo. on June 7. The host committee, under the co-chairmanship of Rev. Fr. Louis Christopulos and Evan Armatas, is finalizing the events for the Festival weekend that begins on June 6. Following the arrival of the eighteen finalists and their families on Friday afternoon, the festivities will begin with a Paraklesis and a welcome reception at the Assumption Cathedral of Denver. One of the highlights of the evening will be a question and answer session with Archbishop Demetrios and His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah at the

SF Choir Federation Conference Set

The Church Music Federation of the Metropolis of San Francisco will hold its 2003 conference June 19-22, hosted by Church of the Resurrection in Castro Valley, Calif., and St. Nicholas Church, San Jose. Dr. Tikey Zes will serve as adult choir director; Diakonissa Pat Tsagalakis will direct the youth choir and George Duvall will be Byzantine chant director.

new Metropolis Center. On Saturday morning, everyone will gather at St. Catherine Church where the speeches will be presented. The results will be announced at a luncheon in honor of all the participants. Following the luncheon, the finalists and their families will tour the Denver area and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. On Sunday, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be held at the Church of St. Catherine followed by a luncheon celebrating the grand opening of the new complex of classrooms, gymnasium, and offices. The theme for the 2003 Oratorical Festival is Orthopraxia. One of the six topics in the junior division is: The Orthodox Church provides us with numerous prayers to help us communicate with God and to grow spiritually. Tell us about your favorite prayer. One of the senior division topics is: How does the Orthodox Faith direct your convictions about the ethical questions currently being debated about genetic research? It is always quite remarkable to see how Orthodox teenagers address these challenging topics. Regardless of a speaker’s advancement, the lessons learned from researching and speaking about the topic lead to a better understanding of the Orthodox Faith for both speaker and listener. Those participants who are chosen to represent their Metropolis at the Archdiocese Finals have the opportunity to receive a college scholarship. The top three speakers in each division receive a college scholarship in the amount of $2,000, $1,500, and $1,000 respectively. The remaining 14 finalists receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. These awards are made possible by many generous donations to the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Scholarship Foundation. For more information, contact the Department of Religious Education at (800) 566-1088.

New Parish Organized in New Jersey The Metropolis of New Jersey has recognized a new Greek Orthodox parish in Hunterdon County organized recently by some 100 member-families. Services take place in a private home through the generosity of a parish founder. Hunterdon County is one of the fastest-growing counties in New Jersey and has an increasing population of Greek Orthodox families. Through the cooperative efforts of the parish council and the New Jersey Metropolis, parishioners are confident the small community will continue to grow and prosper. A building fund has been established to pursue the dream of building a church in the area to serve the needs of current and future Greek Orthodox Christians. Fr. James Kordaris serves as the community’s temporary pastor. He recently succeeded Fr. Nicholas Soteropoulos, who has served many Greek Orthodox communities during his long and distinguished tenure. Previously, Fr. Bill Gikas served as pastor and was instrumental in early efforts to organize the community, Sunday school and to obtain a charter. Fr. Demetrios Constantelos, a prominent Byzantine historian and scholar, also served the parish for a short period.

Currently, the parish is reaching out to fellow Greek Orthodox Christians, churches and organizations for their support and has launched its first major fund raising effort, “The Building Our Future” dinner dance, to be held May 18 at The Pines Manor on Route 27 in Edison, N.J. A commemorative journal will be published and distributed to all attendees at this event. For more information about the event, call Ronnie Mavrode at (908) 788-3763, or Eva Tsistinas-Kubu at (908) 806-4200. The “Building Our Future” Dance and Commemorative Journal Committee of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Hunterdon County can be contacted at: 670 Route 12, PO Box 2502, Flemington, NJ 08822, (908) 782-9741; or Web: www.go.church.org.

NJ Diocese Holds Dance Festival

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Diocese of New Jersey Greek Folk Dance Festival took place in February at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, with 15 dance groups from seven parishes. A professional dance troupe, “Akrites,” from New York offered instruction to participants at all levels, including JOY, GOYA and YAL.

Ocean County Holds Second Annual Greek Flag Raising

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently hosted the second annual Greek Flag Raising Ceremony at the Administration Building in Toms River celebrating Greek Independence Day. The event was sponsored by St. Barbara Church of Ocean County, Toms River. From left, holding the Greek flag before it was hoisted are John Contos, first vice president, St. Barbara Parish Council; Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, Sheriff William L. Polhemus, Fr. George Nikas, St. Barbara Church; Alexander B. Condos, Seaside Park Mayor Anthony Benyola, John Sevastakis, president, St. Barbara Parish Council; and John F. Russo Jr., Dover Township mayor.

National Board Votes to Expand Media Ministry FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The National Board of Directors of Orthodox Christian Networks recently met in Ft. Lauderdale to discuss the expansion of the media outreach of OCN. The flagship program of OCN, “Come Receive the Light,” is now the only Orthodox Christian radio program in the country distributed by satellite and available to radio stations around the US via the Salem Satellite Network. The growth of this unique radio program has been both strong and steady. With a weekly presence in six markets in the U.S., Come Receive the Light is the only Orthodox Christian radio program with the potential of a national outreach. Fr. Christopher Metropulos, the founder and co-host of this weekly magazine style program, set the stage at the board meeting for the future vision of the ministry. He said: “A clear vision, along with the courage to follow through, dramatically increases our chances of coming to the end of our lives, looking back with deep abiding satisfaction and thinking with God’s help I did succeed.” With that said, Fr. Metropulos pre-

sented the challenge of making Come Receive The Light available in the top 25 markets in the U.S. in three years on a weekly basis, and moving to a daily program in five years. The first step in making this goal a reality will be the growth of the staff at OCN. The Board agreed to bring on additional staff to make this effort a success. A threemonth long intensive capital campaign was also instituted to fund the additional budget needs. Come Receive the Light is the national media voice for the Orthodox Christian Church. This 26 minute long form program features weekly special guests talking about contemporary issues from the timeless perspective of the Orthodox Christian faith. News features, encouraging devotionals, and radio dramas of past heroes of the Christian faith make this program one of the most unique radio ministries in the nation. For more information on how to add Come Receive The Light to your station’s line up, contact: Chuck Powell 1-877-273-2348.

Koraes School Holds Science Fair PALOS HILLS, Ill. – Koraes Greek American School of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church recently held its annual science fair under the supervision of science teacher Elizabeth Yurcisin. Categories consisted of environmental science, behavioral science, botany, consumer science, microbiology and chemistry. The following students in grades 4-8 placed in the top three of each category: 4th Grade – Tina Kalas (first), Efthimia Peiralis (second) and Anthony Argires (third) 5th Grade – Stamati Stamatiou and

George Chialdikas (tied, first), Leo-Paul Bezanis and Yanni Karahalios (tied, second), Billy Vergados and Yanni Petropulos (tied, third) 6th Grade – Melissa Marx (first), Alexa Hamelin, Angela Pappas, Alexia Ekonomou, Dimitri Karas and Steven Demgerontas (tied, second), Diana Burns (third) 7th Grade – Andreas Skarpathiotis (first), Constantine Pitsilos and John Avtzis (tied, second), Lazarus Margaris (third) 8th Grade – Billy Kalas (first place), Tomo Lazovich (second), Jada Nettle and Li’Anna Drossos (tied, third)

MARCH 2003

NEW YORK’S GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

NEW YORK – Neither the gray skies and the cold, blustery weather nor the intermittent rain nor the high security alert in the country and New York City in particular, were able to deter the many thousands of parade marchers and spectators who made this year’s Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue a reality. But all the inclement weather along with the universal focus on the war in Iraq significantly diminished the normally large turnout, on Sunday, March 30. It was Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross and Archbishop Demetrios celebrated the Divine Liturgy and Doxology at Holy Trinity Cathedral in the morning. Among those attending was Greece’s Minister of Defense Yannos Papantoniou. New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg who spoke at a Plaza Hotel reception prior to the parade commended the Greek-American Community for deciding to go ahead with the festivities as scheduled. His Eminence, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other officials led off the parade, followed by the Greek presidential guard, the Evzones who traditionally travel from Greece to partake in the celebrations. This year a philharmonic military band of the joint Greek Armed forces also made the trip and played throughout the parade, receiving praise from everyone. The numerous organizations, communities, schools and floats proceeded up Fifth Avenue past the reviewing stand at 69th Street up to 79th Street. Unlike past years, the marchers did not turn east on 79th to file past Archdiocese headquarters because of security reasons. A NYPD mobile command unit was parked in front of the Archdiocese building as the residence of New York’s Mayor is directly across and Iraq’s UN Mission is in the same block. Angelo Tsakopoulos, an entrepreneur and philanthropist from California was the parade’s grand marshal along with the members of the parliamentary committee for Greeks Abroad consisting of Chairman Grigoris Niotis, Vice-Chairman Panagiotis Skandalakis and members Maria Arseni and George Kalaitzis. Also present were ambassadors of Greece George Savvaides and Cyprus Erato Kozakou-Marcouli and the consul generals of Greece Dimitris Platis and Cyprus Martha Mavrommatis. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Magriotis represented the Greek government. Archbishop Demetrios and many other officials endured the bitter cold for more than three hours and remained on the reviewing stand until the very last group paraded by. Apostolos Tomopoulos, president of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York -organizer of the parade and Sotirios Vahaviolos of Trenton, NJ who successfully served as chairman of the Parade for a second consecutive year both said they were very pleased with the turnout. Other Greek Independence Day-related activities included Mayor Bloomberg’s reception at the Museum of the Moving Image-Kaufman Astoria Studios in Astoria on March 26, where he presented a proclamation. Gov. George Pataki also presented a proclamation during a reception he hosted at the state’s executive offices on March 27. On March 28, the American and Greek flags were raised and the national Anthems were sung in the heart of New York’s Financial District near Battery Park on Friday, March 28. The Evzones of the Greek presidential guard honored all events with their presence and also made appearances at other area venues over a period of several days prior to and after the parade, including a doxology and reception at the Archdiocese on March 31 hosted by Archbishop Demetrios.

Low Key, Continues Tradition

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2 1. The Evzones of the Presidential Guard. 2. Captain Dimitrios Roumeliotis, president of St. Paul’s Society, the Greek-American Law Enforcement Officers Assn., receives a NYC Council proclamation honoring the Society from councilman Peter Valone Jr. 3 & 4. Students are waving Greek and American flags, either marching up the parade route or riding on one of the floats. 5. Leading the parade among others (l to r) Ambassador George Savaides, Greek Parliament member Maria Arseni, NY State Assemblyman Mathew Mirones, NY State Representative Michael Giannaris and Greek Parliament member George Kalaitzis. D. PANAGOS PHOTOS

5 6. NY Governor hosted a reception. (l to r) Consul General of Greece Dimitris Platis, Consul General of Cyprus Martha Mavromatis, Miss Greek Independence 2003 Marika Maris, NY State Assemblyman Mathew Mirones, Governor George Pataki, Archbishop Demetrios, former New Yorker and councilwoman of the City Council of Athens Yvette Jarvis and AHEPA’s Supreme President Dr. James Dimitriou. 7. The Philharmonic band of the Greek Armed Forces as it marches up Fifth Avenue. 8. Mayor Bloomberg speaks about the virtues of the Greek-American community.