Orthodox Observer - June/July 2003 by Orthodox Marketplace

JUNE - JULY 2003 • Vol. 68 • No. 1201

Priest’s Son, Seminarian Die During Fishing Trip MANCHESTER, N.H. – Two young men, one the son of a priest of the Archdiocese and the other a seminarian at Hellenic College, died June 6 while fishing along the New Hampshire coast. Athan P. Chamberas, 29, son of the Rev. Peter and Georgia Chamberas of Hebron, pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Concord, and Michael Vougias, 21, son of Photios and Joanne Vougias, also of Manchester, had first been reported missing from a lobster fishing boat June 6, according to published reports. Chamberas, a part-time lobsterman and Vougias went out on a 36foot lobster boat, the Black Beauty, owned by Chamberas, in late afternoon on June 6. According to news reports, the two may have boarded a small skiff later to go oyster fishing. The reports said the Coast Guard had launched an immediate search with a rescue boat from Portsmouth harbor, along with two helicopters and a Falcon jet. Crews from the state’s Fish and Game Department, Marine Patrol and local police and fire departments from several coastal communities assisted. After a five-day search, Vougias’ body was discovered June 11 in Great Bay, off the coast of Portsmouth.

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Elenie Huszagh Honored at HC/HC BROOKLINE, Mass. – Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology awarded six undergraduate and 33 master’s degrees, and honored National Council of Churches President Elenie K. Huszagh, J.S.D., with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree at 61st annual commencement ceremonies May 17.

33 Degrees Awarded at 61st Commencement Ms. Huszagh, who was installed in November 2001 as the NCC’s 21st president, is the first Orthodox layperson and the first Orthodox woman to become NCC president and one of only five laypersons to serve as president in the Council’s history. For more than 20 years she has served in various capacities with the National Council of Churches, from recording secretary to participation in several international delegations visiting countries such as the former USSR and Cyprus. Her many years of involvement with the Council culminated in 1999 when the General Assembly unanimously made her NCC-president elect. She also provided distinguished service to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for 30 years. In 1974, Archbishop Iakovos chose Ms. Huszagh as one of five women to be the first women ever to serve on the Archdiocesan Council.

George Peet

HIS EMINENCE ARCHIBISHOP DEMETRIOS presenting Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree to Elenie K. Huszagh, J.S.D. Also shown is Rev. Nicholas C. Triantafilou, President of HC/HC.

Over the years, Ms. Huszagh has served the Council in numerous capacities including as vice-president from 1988 to 1990. For many Greek Orthodox faithful, Ms. Huszagh is best identified as the woman who presided over several plenary sessions of the Archdiocese Clergy-Laity congresses. In 1996, Ms. Huszagh was awarded the Medal of St. Paul, the highest honor the Archdiocese bestows upon a layperson. Most recently, Ms. Huszagh’s deep commitment to her Orthodox Christian faith, her

experience in the life and administration of the Archdiocese, her Christian spirit, and her legal expertise, resulted in her appointment as a member of the Archdiocese Charter Review Committee which assisted in the production of the new charter. In her address to the graduates, Ms. Huszagh spoke of her role at NCC president in terms of Archbishop Demetrios’ theme for last year’s Clergy-Laity Congress, “Offering our Orthodox Faith to Contem-

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Events Mark the Elevation of the Metropolis of Atlanta ATLANTA – The Metropolis of Atlanta officially celebrated its elevation from a diocese to a metropolis with ceremonies on May 31. In attendance was Archbishop Demetrios who officiated at the enthronement of Metropolitan Alexios. The celebration began with a concert on Friday, May 30 at the Metropolitan Annunciation Cathedral. Many neighboring churches participated in the concert including choirs from St. Phillip’s A.M.E. Church and St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church. The Elevation and Enthronement Processional took place the following morning as Greek Orthodox Christians from communities all over the Metropolis attended. Parishioners held palm branches and flowers as a multitude of Orthodox clerics, monks, nuns and Archons proceeded from the Metropolis chapel to the cathedral for the enthronement. In his address to the faithful at his enthronement, Metropolitan Alexios said, in part: “The meaning of Saint Peter’s words cause my knees to tremble before God as I ascend the throne of the newly elevated Metropolis of Atlanta an Eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and member of our Holy Archdiocese of America.” “I stand in awe much like the moment

JUNIOR OLYMPICS IN CHICAGO, NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK u 31, 32 A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO ARCHBISHOP IAKOVOS

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THE ARCHIBISHOP is handing the episcopal staff to Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta just before his formal enthronement, as Metropolitan Paisios of Tyana (center) and Bishop John of Amorion (left) look on.

of my first enthronement, in comprehending the lofty responsibility of shepherding a dynamic and outstanding God-loved Metropolis, I am most aware of the expectations behind this sacred endeavor. I have

been called to serve God and all the faithful of this newly elevated Holy Metropolis.” “Therefore, it is important for me

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Archbishop’s Encyclical ................ u 11 Archdiocese News ....................... u 2-3,6 Challenge ......................................u 29 Classifieds ....................................u 28 Ecumenical Patriarchate ..............u 4-5 Greek Section ...............................u15-19 Holy Scripture Readings ...............u 6 Inter-Church Pilgrimage ...............u 9 IOCC News ...................................u 22 Metropolises’ News ......................u30-31 Missions ........................................u 21 OCMC News ..................................u 20 Opinions .......................................u 10 Orthodoxy Worldwide ...................u 27 Parish Profile ................................u 25 Parish Renewal .............................u 14 Scholarships .................................u 24 Special Interest .............................u12,27 Voice of Philoptochos ..................u 23

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JUNE - JULY 2003

33 Degrees awarded at HC/HC Commencement

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porary America,” and of the Orthodox role in promoting ecumenism beginning in the early years of the 20th century with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and continuing with Archbishop Iakovos and Archbishop Demetrios in keeping with Christ’s “Great Commission” in Matthew 28:18.

George C. Chryssis, Vice Chair Board of Trustees.

She said, in part, “We…have an obligation to heed the directive of our Log to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations …teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always to the close of the ages.” “This cannot be accomplished if we don not share our faith and our vision with our fellow Christians in this area which we call the ‘Ecumenical Movement.’ If

the Church is, as we believe, the Body of Christ, then it is essential that all of its members be joined together – at least in common endeavor as part of the journey towards the Unity of the Church.” Ms. Huszagh also spoke of how Orthodox Christians should relate to contemporary society and the politicization that characterizes modern life. “First, one must ask what is correct – not what would Jesus do” But, rather, what should I do as a believer in Christ,” she said. “While we cannot know the mind of Christ, we must be prepared to use our minds in a Christ-like manner in making our decisions. Second, we must not fear to act so that we may be participants in any potential solutions that may present themselves. Denial or avoidance is not an acceptable answer.”

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The 2003 Holy Cross Graduates

George Peet photos

Hellenic College Valedictorian Giuseppe Mario Landino

Holy Cross Valedictorian Melanie Ann Tsikouris

Holy Cross Valedictorian Daniel Keith Miles

In his commencement address, HC/ HC President Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou discussed the theme of faith and its importance in this scientific and technological age. He said, in part that “Faith, coupled with learning, is the dominant thread in our beautiful tapestry we know as Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and Hellenic College. Our dual heritages of Christian Orthodox faith and Hellenic culture enrich our lives, strengthen our spirits and inspire us to seek excellence in all of our endeavors. “We praise God this day for the faith we witness in you, our graduating seniors of Hellenic College and Holy Cross.”

At Vespers the previous evening, Archbishop Demetrios presented the graduating Holy Cross seniors with their stavrophoria and also presided at the Divine Liturgy on Saturday morning. In his exhortation to the graduates, His Eminence urged them to act toward the challenges facing the Church within the firm basis of Christ and His teachings for the witness of Christianity in the modern world.

Landino, Christ Gus Margellos and Palas Haralampos. Six Holy Cross graduates received Master of Theology degrees: Khalil Ashkan zad, Thomas Dallianis, the Very Rev. Anastasios Tasopoulos, Laney John Ross II, Spyridon Stoligkas and the Very Rev. Michael Ziebarth. Eleven students earned Master of Theological Studies degrees: Stavros Eustratiou Anagnostopoulos, Nektarios S. Antoniou, Andrew Scott Catey, Iulian Damian, Justin Norman Dargavel, William Michael Datch, Richard Fillon, Eva Kokinos, the Rev. Neophytos David Kongai, Mary Landino and Megan Nutzman. Master of Divinity degrees were awarded to the following 17 graduates: the Rev. Alexander Chetsas, Panagiotis Demetrios Goritsan, the Rev. Demetrios Govostes, Chrysanthos Kerkeres, Larry W. Legakis, Gregory Manoli Lemelson, the Rev. Romanos Malouf, Deacon Luke Murphy Melackrinos, Daniel Keith Miles, Lukas Aristides Palumbis, Panagiotis Pantelis, Costas Pieri, Konstantine Salmas, Jennifer Ann Servetas, Konstantine Salmas, Jennifer Ann Servetas, Konstantine Symeonides, Jonathan Thomas Tartara, and Melanie Ann Tsikouris.

The graduates

The following six Hellenic College students earned bachelor of arts degrees: Demetrios Kounavis, Basil Ayete Labi, Michael John Lambakis, Giuseppe Mario

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JUNE - JULY 2003

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Archdiocese Commits September 11th Funds To NYDRI NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios recently announced a pledge of $50,000 to NYDRI (New York Disaster Recovery Interfaith), a 9/11-related aid project administered by the Council of Churches of the City of New York (CCCNY). As of December 2002, nearly all the funds collected by the September 11th Fund of the Archdiocese have been distributed. Additional donations received since the beginning of 2003 have made it possible for the Archdiocese to continue to offer assistance to those still impacted by the tragic events of September 11th. “The Orthodox have been a part of the CCCNY for many years and this is a unique opportunity for our Church to step up to the table in a very substantial and tangible way to support one of the worthwhile projects of the CCCNY,” stated Father David Kossey, who as a member of IOCC is representing the Archdiocese at the project’s meetings. “Our participation in this program is a very real expression of support not only for those affected by the disaster but also for the city of New York which is suffering a severe financial crunch, the result not only of the downturn in the country’s economy, but also as a direct result of the events of September 11th,” added Father Kossey. According to Bishop Andonios, who has been overseeing the September 11th Fund, “It is truly remarkable that the Arch-

diocese continues to receive contributions to assist those affected by this disaster. This continued outpouring of love and concern certainly testify to the magnanimity of our people and to their deep sense of philanthropy. Through the generosity of our community we have not only been able to provide for our own communicants impacted by this disaster, but also to extend a helping hand to the greater community in which we live.” NYDRI is an interfaith group involved in a variety of charitable works throughout the city and among its projects, is the “Unmet Needs Roundtable” -- which as its name suggests, provides assistance to people directly affected by September 11th whose needs are no longer being met by other charities. At Roundtable meetings, social workers present cases of those still suffering from the September 11th attacks, and who are in need, but these needs are no longer being addressed by any other agencies. Cases are verified and documented; the Archdiocese has already assisted several individuals and families who have not been able to get help anywhere else. This commitment by the Archdiocese to the NYDRI is further confirmation of the vital role that the Archdiocese and the Orthodox Church are playing in assisting those in need, as well as participating in the post 9/11 work being done by this and other organizations in the city.

ARCHBISHOP Demetrios reflects in front of the memorial site at the Oklahoma City bombing site.

Archbishop Consecrates Oklahoma’s St. George, Offers Memorial Day Service at Bombing Site OKLAHOMA CITY – Archbishop Demetrios consecrated the new St. George Church on May 25. The celebration began with the Consecration Great Vespers on Saturday, May 24, with a procession of the holy relics of St. George the Great Martyr, St. Panteleimon the Great Martyr and Healer and the Holy Fathers martyred in Sinai at Raitho. Archbishop Demetrios, with Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver as co-celebrant, placed the relics in the altar. Several past priests of the parish also attended the weekend events. Following the vespers, a dinner took place with the

parish leaders and visiting clergy. The Archbishop and Metropolitan celebrated the Consecration Service on Sunday with members of the Oklahoma City parish (175 families) and faithful from area Orthodox churches of various jurisdictions in attendance. After the service, a luncheon followed in the Church hall. The formal consecration banquet took place that evening. On Memorial Day, Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Isaiah, and St. George parishioners visited the Oklahoma City bombing site where the Archbishop offered a Trisagion service for those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

2004 CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS to Convene in New York

THE ENTHRONEMENT ceremony for Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta.

Elevation of the Metropolis of Atlanta u u page 1 to express my deep gratitude to His AllHoliness, our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and to the Hierarchs of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as to all who served with me, clergy and laity throughout my tenure in the Episcopal office and especially here in the beautiful Metropolis of Atlanta.” In addition to Archbishop Demetrios, Orthodox Hierarchy included Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, Metropolitan Paisios of Tyana, and Bishop John of Amorion, priests representing the 66 Greek Orthodox communities in the Metropolis, monks and nuns from the monasteries in Lawsonville, N.C. and Ocala, Fla. Visiting clergymen included Monsignor R. Donald Kiernan, Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, Right Rev. Neil Alexander, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

and Leland C. Collins, executive director of the Georgia Christian Council. After the enthronement, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin addressed the crowd of over 500 at the luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Other notable community leaders speaking at the banquet included state Sen. Liane Levitan (D) and DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones. The day’s events ended with a glendi at the Annunciation Cathedral Kartos Ballroom. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated Sunday morning at the Annunciation Cathedral followed by a farewell luncheon. The Metropolis of Atlanta oversees the Greek Orthodox churches in Georgia and others in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee; a total of 66 churches. There are more than 2,000 Greek Orthodox families in the Atlanta area.

NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios has announced that the 37th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Convention will convene next year in New York from July 25 to 29. The Congress will be held at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. Its theme will be “Building Communities of Faith and Love: Orthodox Parishes in Worship and Ministry.” Following the 2002 Congress theme, “Offering our Orthodox Faith to Contemporary America,” this theme will direct the preparations and work of the Congress in assisting and strengthening our Orthodox parishes, the primary places of worship, ministry, and offering. Commenting on the theme and the importance of the Congress, Archbishop Demetrios stated, “This Congress will provide a unique opportunity to assist all of our parishes throughout America with the vital work that they do on a daily basis. All of our resources will be focused on equipping the faithful to build their parishes through worship and ministry, through ways that strengthen faith and offer service to anyone in need so that all may know the redeeming love of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Archbishop will preside at the Congress, which is expected to attract several thousand participants, including delegates from the more than 500 parishes of the Archdiocese. Special features of this congress will

A view of the New York Marriott Marquis hotel

include an educational program with more than 50 workshops specializing in parish and family ministry; a grant program that will waive the registration fees of the 150 smallest parishes of the Archdiocese; and a special exhibit section of unique parish ministries and Archdiocesan ministry programs. Registration information, and schedules, articles, and exhibitor applications will be sent to the parishes soon and also made available on the Archdiocesan web site at http://www.goarch.org.

JUNE - JULY 2003

ECUMENICAL

PATRIARCHATE

Ecumenical Patriarch Hosts 5th Environmental Symposium on the Baltic During the first week of June a group of marine scientists, politicians and policy makers joined theologians and religious leaders from many faiths on a ship in the Baltic Sea. by Fr. John Chryssavgis and Margaret Baker

They were guests of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I for the fifth of his international and interdisciplinary Symposia: ‘Religion, Science and the Environment.’ Among the official guests was Archbishop Demetrios, accompanied by Rev. Panteleimon Papadopoulos. Patriarch Bartholomew has made the waters of the world his special concern, and his earlier Symposia have been held on the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, the Danube and the Adriatic.

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PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW addresses the Symposium participants, Cardinal Walter Kasper is seated next to him representing Pope John Paul II who also sent a message.

Orthodox view of priesthood. Humans bring God’s blessing to the world, which has been offered to God. When humans make themselves the ultimate point of reference, he said, they condemn the world to finitude, mortality, decay and death. They see themselves not as priests of creation but as God. Metropolitan John was critical of the concept of “steward,” which he felt emphasized a managerial attitude toward nature on the part of humanity. He expressed the conviction that the concept of “priest” could serve as a corrective and complementary understanding of the role of human beings within the natural environment. In this theological setting the symposium addressed not only the immediate issue of pollution but also the wider questions of the stewardship of knowledge. Who controls what we are allowed to know about political and economic realities, about the development of research and its future applications? What are the consequences of multinational companies patenting and thus controlling the fundamentals of life itself? The Symposium asked whether the western model of development inherently led to inequality. It also discussed the ecological footprint - the biologically productive area needed to produce the recourses and absorb the waste of an individual’s lifestyle - which should be about 1.9 hectares. The current world average is 2.3 hectares, of which the USA claims 9.7, Finland 8.3, but China only 1.5. Government ministers and academic representatives presented the local situation: the consequences of factory fishing and poor wastewater management to the whole marine ecosystem, the dangers of transporting hazardous substances in old

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A VISIT to a wastewater treatment plant at Viikinmaki-Helsinki, where effluent is biologically treated before it is released into the Baltic Sea.

Journalists and television crews from all over the world accompanied the Symposium on a ship, as it sailed from Gdynia, Poland to Kaliningrad, Russia, to Tallinn, Estonia, Helsinki, Finland and finally to Stockholm, Sweden. Participants heard papers from regional specialists and scholars, saw films about the Baltic sea and states, and made land visits to sites of ecological significance such as nature reserves, a wastewater treatment plant, and a beach threatened by development for tourism. Each day’s deliberations were based on a Scriptural theme: ‘Dominion over the earth’ (Genesis 1.28); ‘Eat freely of every plant in the garden except…’ (Genesis 2.16); ‘The Spirit of wisdom and understanding (Isaiah 11.2); ‘Do justice, love kindness, tread gently’ (Micah 6.8); ‘Tell your children and let your children tell their children’ (Joel 1.3). There were regular services, hosted by the various denominations in attendance, in a variety of churches: a modern Catholic church in Poland, a tiny wooden Orthodox church in Estonia, the great Orthodox cathedral in Helsinki, St Jakob’s Lutheran church in Stockholm. Concern for the environment is of ecumenical significance, rising above doctrinal differences and relating to the future of humanity on this planet.

The Symposium opened with an address by the Ecumenical Patriarch, followed by a greeting from the Pope who recalled the Common Declaration on Environmental Ethics that he and the Ecumenical Patriarch had signed at the end of the Fourth Symposium in Venice (June 2002). The common understanding was that an inner change of heart was necessary, which would lead to the rejection of unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. The Ecumenical Patriarch himself reflected on the words “God saw everything that He had made and behold it was very good” (Genesis 1.31), and on humanity’s duty “to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2.15) The Patriarch further stated, “Human beings were not intended simply to enjoy the world, but also to keep it safe. There is a structure inherent in the creation, which has to be respected, and nature would only supply our needs if we showed self-restraint in using its resources. The creation is for all...” and the Ecumenical Patriarch drew attention to the sharp contrast between Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Germany, among the twenty richest countries in the world, and the other Baltic states “whose national income was a small fraction of their neighbors.”

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ECUMENICAL Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Demetrios of America together with the President of Estonia Arnold Rüütel and other dignitaries.

Metropolitan John of Pergamon, (better known to non-Orthodox and Orthodox alike as the theologian and author John Zizioulas), recalled the disastrous legacy of those European philosophers who taught that humans could be the masters and possessors of nature (e.g., Descartes), and the resulting capitalist views of work and the economy. The Calvinist tradition, too, had played its part, and “without such religious ideas, the appearance of the ecological crisis would probably be difficult to explain historically.” Better than the traditional description of the human as “steward of the creation,” he suggested we might think of ourselves as “priests of creation,” with all the rich theology implicit in the

single hulled vessels, and the special ecological problems of the Baltic states soon joining the European Union. The positive and hopeful conclusion of the symposium was that God has not abandoned the creation; human beings, therefore, made as they are in the image of God (Genesis 1.26) must not abandon it either. The Symposium has an English language website (a useful resource for students, teachers, and clergy): www.rsesymposia.org, where symposium papers and other up-to date information can be found. Ms. Barker is a member and Fr. Chryssavgis is theological advisor to the Religious and Scientific Committee.

JUNE - JULY 2003

Fifth Meeting Held Between Orthodox Christianity, Judaism THESSALONIKI – The Fifth Academic Meeting between Judaism and Orthodox Christianity on “Faithfulness to Our Sources: Our Common Commitment to Peace and Justice,” took place May 27-29 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (ThessalonikiPerea). The meeting was organized by Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, who heads the Office of International and Intercultural Affairs to the Liaison Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the European Union, Brussels, in cooperation with the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations, New York, cochaired by Rabbi Israel Singer who is also chairman of the World Jewish Congress, and Rabbi Joel Meyers who is also the executive vice president of the Rabbinical Assembly. The highlight of the consultation was the opening presentation by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who emphasized “Judaism and Christianity have been living in a state of dialogue for two thousand years,” and strongly endorsed continuing the dialogue and furthering partnership efforts. In the course of his remarks the Ecumenical Patriarch denounced religious fanaticism and rejected attempts by any faith to denigrate others.

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At the consultation meetings (l to r) Dr. Michel Friedman, president of the European Jewish Congress, Andrew Athens, Rabbi Israel Singer, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Magriotis, Metropolitan Emmanuel of France and Rabbi Joel Meyers.

Greek government officials who addressed the gathering included Ioannis Magriotis, vice minister of foreign affairs and Evangelos Venizelos, minister of culture. Introductory remarks were delivered by Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, Rabbis Joel Meyers and Israel Singer and

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ECUMENICAL Patriarch Bartholomew lays a wreath at the Holocaust Monument in Thessaloniki.

Bartholomew Rededicates Holocaust Monument THESSALONIKI -- Expressing “endless grief” at the execution of tens of thousands of Thessaloniki’s Jewish population during World War II, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said the Holocaust Monument in Thessaloniki affirmed that we are to fight for the creation of a peaceful world where all people will co-exist in harmony. “We should explain to our children and our fellow human beings,” the leader of the world’s 250 million Orthodox Christians stressed, “that such crimes of the past must never be repeated, since they were a result of hatred and misjudgment.” Minister of Culture of Greece Evangelos Venizelos and World Jewish Congress Chairman Rabbi Israel Singer also addressed delegates of the Fifth Consultation Between Judaism and Orthodoxy, which had concluded a two-day meeting here. Participants joined the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki for what was described as a rededication of the Holocaust Monument. The group also visited the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki and gathered for a ceremony at the Jewish community where the Patriarch and Andrew Athens, president of the World Council of Hel-

lenes, who had hosted the consultation, were made honorary citizens of the Jewish community. Rabbi Singer was similarly honored the day before. In accepting the honor, the Ecumenical Patriarch declared, “It is in our interest to have justice and equality for all minorities since whatever people offer and recognize in any country to minorities, the same will be enjoyed in their own country.” In addressing the consultation last Tuesday, the Patriarch said, “Fanatics are not the elect of a specific faith but rather the weakest among its believers.” The interfaith meeting, attended by more than 60 delegates of the two faiths from around the world, issued a final communique calling for an effort to “educate the faithful of both religions to promote healthy relationships based on mutual respect and understanding to confront bigotry and fanaticism.” In addition, the communique called for an annual day devoted to Jewish-Christian relations, welcomed new developments that could bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians and urged the immediate recognition of Patriarch Irineos of Jerusalem by the government of Israel.

Andrew A. Athens president, World Council of Hellenes. Messages were delivered from the Patriarch of Alexandria and the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Present at the meeting were more than 60 delegates from around the world. Among the observers present were representatives from the Vatican and the World Council of Churches. The consultation’s theme was analyzed by focusing on three subjects, each of which was addressed by a lecturer from the Orthodox and Jewish traditions; in each case, considerable discussion followed. The first subject was “Athens and Jerusalem -- Memory and Recollection,” for which Rabbi Dr. Alan Brill (USA) and Professor Dr. Vlassios Phidas (Greece and

Geneva) presented lectures. On the subject of “Commitment to Peace and Justice in the Jewish and Orthodox Traditions” presentations were made by Rabbi Daniel Polish (USA) and Mr. Roman Silantiev (Russia). The final plenary “Religions as an Ethical force in a World in Crisis” was addressed by Bishop Irinej (Serbia) and Rabbi David Rosen (Israel). The participation by the Ecumenical Patriarch in the rededication of the Thessaloniki Holocaust Memorial on May 29 was a poignant reminder of the near total destruction of the Thessaloniki Jewish community by the Nazis during the Second World War. The current small but vibrant Jewish community, led by David Saltiel and Moses C. Constantinis, remains in the tradition of the past glory of the historic Thessaloniki community once known as the Jerusalem of the Balkans. A permanent Holocaust memorial day is to be established on Jan. 27 similar to that observed in other European countries. During the course of the consultation an Orthodox participant stated that anti-Semitism is anti-Christian and the consultation adopted this as an abiding principle. Jewish participants added their concerns cautioning against gratuitous, inflammatory anti-Israel behavior as a cause of anti-Semitism, which was accepted by the assemblage. The following principles were adopted by the conference: Judaism and Christianity while hearkening to common sources inviolably maintain their internal individuality and

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JUNE - JULY 2003

Greek Landing Day Celebration Honors Bishop Dimitrios ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Photios National Shrine Greek Landing Day Celebration 2003 honored the 20th anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos. The event took place Sunday, June 29, at the Casa Monica Hotel. Bishop Dimitrios was the first executive director of the St. Photios Shrine. His Grace was appointed by Archbishop Iakovos in 1981, and over the years was responsible with overseeing the comple-

tion, opening and operation of the National Shrine. “There is not a blade of grass (at the Shrine) that does not reflect his (Bishop Dimitrios’) nurturing over the years,” said the Very Rev. Nicholas Graff, the current executive director of the St. Photios Shrine. Bishop Dimitrios is the ecumenical officer of the Archdiocese. He also serves as the Archdiocese coordinator to the Shrine, as liaison to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and to the Orthodox

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Mayor of St. Augustine George Gardner, (l to r) Shrine executive director V. Rev. Nicholas Graff, His Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Shrine chaplain Rev. Nikitas Theodosion, godparents of the Shrine, Mrs. Georgia and Dr. George Croffead, and Foundation Vice-President Harry Thomas Cavalaris participate in the Greek Landing Day Celebration 2003 opening ceremony.

Christian Mission Center (OCMC). On June 26, 1983, he was ordained to the priesthood in St. Augustine. He was ordained Bishop of Xanthos at St. George Cathedral, Philadelphia, on Sunday, May 31, 1998. St. Augustine Mayor George Gardner welcomed His Grace and offered greetings. Emeritus trustee and godparent of the Shrine Dr. George Croffead reflected on how he treasured the many years of working together with his Grace. St. Photios Foundation Vice President Harry Thomas Cavalaris thanked the bishop for the “sweetness of his love.” Bishop Dimitrios’ brother, Jon Couchell stated, “What is sad in my mind is that he (His Grace) was not made a bishop sooner.” OCMC Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi, commented, “It was the faith and vision of one dynamic man that pulled together the Mission Center and the Shrine.” On behalf of the St. Photios Foundation, Fr. Graff presented Bishop Dimitrios with the proclamation stating that, “the National Shrine is honored to celebrate the 20th anniversary to the priesthood of His Grace Bishop Dimitrios, the St. Pho-

tios Greek Orthodox National Shrine’s first executive director, and in recognition and heartfelt appreciation as our first director, our perpetual spiritual leader, and outstanding service offered to the St. Photios Shrine throughout the years. God Grant You Many Years!” Reflecting on the comments and greetings to the 170 guests in attendance, including more than 60 family members that gathered for the Couchell-Trakas family reunion, Bishop Dimitrios simply stated, “I was doing my job the best I can.” The bishop also thanked Archbishop Iakovos for giving him the opportunity to open the Shrine and to have it “represent St. Photios, as a missionary, proclaiming Christianity to the world.” Bishop Dimitrios thanked the Founders of the Shrine, the local communities and all those who have helped make the Shrine what it is today. He added, “I am very blessed to have family support.” He closed the afternoon urging all Orthodox Christians to spread the Faith. “It is not work for just the clergy who are present. We need your help to go out to this country and to all the world to teach Orthodox Christianity,” he said.

HOLY SCRIPTURE READINGS JULY . . . . . . . . 1 T ......... I Cor. 12:27-13:7; Mt 10:1, 5-8 2 W ............. Heb. 9:1-7; Lk. 1:39-49, 56 3 Th .......... Rom. 8:22-37 ; Mt. 10:23-31 4 F .........Rom. 9:6-19; Mt 10:32-36,11:1 5 S Gal. 5:22-52; Mt 11:27-30 6 SUN ........... Rom. 5:1-10; Mk. 6:22-33 7 M............... Gal. 3:23-4:5; Mk. 5:23-34 8 T ................ I Tim. 4:9-15; Mt 11:16-20 9 W ............Rom. 11:13-24; Mt 11:27-30 10 Th ..........II Cor. 6:1-10; Luke 7:11-16 11 F ...............Rom. 6:11-17; Mt 8:14-23 12 S ................. Titus 3:8-15; Mt 5:14-17 13 SUN ........ Rom. 16:9-13; Mt. 12:9-13 14 M..... I Cor. 13:11-14:5; Mt 12:14-16, 22-30 15 T ............Rom. 11:7-16; Mt. 12:28-45

16 W ............ Gal. 3:23-4:5; Mk. 5:24-34 17 Th ................ Rom. 8:1-13; Mt 13:3-9 18 F ............... Rom. 8:14-21; Mt. 9:9-13 19 S .... James 5:10-20; Mt. 8:28-34, 9:1 20 SUN .... Rom. 16:17-24; Mt. 13:10-23 21 M ............ I Cor. 9:2-12; Mt. 13:24-30 22 Ty........... I Cor. 2:9-3:8; Mt. 13:31-36 23 W .......... I Cor. 3:18-23; Mt. 13:36-43 24 Th ............ Gal. 4:22-27; Lk. 6:16-21; 25 F ............. Gal. 3:28-4:5; Mk. 5:24-34 26 S .................. II Tim. 2:1-10; Mt. 9:1-8 27 Sun.............. Acts 6:1-7; Mt 13:54-58 28 M ................. II Tim. 2:1-10; Mt. 9:1-8 29 T ....I Cor. 6:20-7:12 Mt. 114:1-13 30 W ............I Cor. 7:12-24; Mt 14:35-11 31 Th .......... I Cor. 7:24-35; Mt 15:12-21

Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos with members of the Nisiotes Dance Troupe of the Holy Trinity Church in St. Augustine, FL, at the Greek Landing Day Celebration 2003.

JUNE - JULY 2003

Archdiocese Website Wins Award for Best Spiritual Site NEW YORK— Archbishop Demetrios has announced that the Archdiocese’s web site (www.goarch.org) has received the prestigious Webby People’s Voice Award as best “Spirituality” web site on the Internet at the 7th Annual Webby Awards. “By receiving this award we gain a new understanding, a new consciousness of our responsibility as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to demonstrate, across time and space, the power of the Gospel and our fundamental mission to bear witness to the reality of Christ, Who saves and is present in our midst through His Church,” His Eminence said. “The website is an essential tool for the accomplishment of the work set before us by the Lord in His Great Commission to go forth into the world to preach the Gospel. May we use this vital medium to assert ourselves in an appropriate, authentic and Orthodox way, offering on many different levels the transmis-

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sion of the life of communion that exists in God.” “Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and testament to the vision, hard work, and people who have worked on the Archdiocesan web site and supported this department,” said Theo Nicolakis, director of the Archdiocese’s Information Technology and Internet Ministry departments. “Moreover, we are deeply thankful to the countless thousands who voted, and it is our prayer that this web site and the department’s efforts will continue to glorify God and spread the Good News about the Orthodox Christian faith.” The Archdiocesan web site offers a vast selection of inspirational, educational, multimedia, and interactive content on the Orthodox Christian faith and life. Special features of the site include Online Chapel, which offers the daily scripture readings, lives of the saints, prayers, and weekly reflections; Iconograms electronic greeting cards; dozens of full-length, Emmy Award-winning GOTelecom videos; extensive information about Orthodox Christianity; a searchable online

parish directory; virtual reality tours of Orthodox Churches; live and pre-recorded audio broadcasts of services; and distance learning classes. The Webby Awards are the leading international honor for web sites. Hailed as the “the online Oscars” by Time and presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, the awards recognize the best web sites on the Internet in 30 categories. The Webby People’s Voice Award is the fifth award the Department of Internet Ministries has won over the past year for its work on the new Archdiocesan web site, which was launched in June of 2002. Since its inception in 1994, the Department of Internet Ministries has been pioneering the use of the Internet, multimedia, and technology for the Orthodox Church. The department is charged with the development and expansion of the Archdiocese’s presence on the Internet, the creation of multimedia programs, as well as the development and integration of new technologies for Orthodox Christian ministry. To assist the Metropolises, parishes, organizations, and institutions of the Archdiocese further their outreach, Internet Ministries offers a plethora of services and programs such as free web site, email, and list server hosting as well as practical tools such as online calendars and message boards.

His Eminence Visits Staten Island Community Archbishop Demetrios visited the parish of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas in Staten Island, N.Y. on April 13. It was the third time he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the parish. The local newspaper, the Staten Island Advance, covered the Archbishop’s officiating of the service. Fr. Nicholas Petropoulakos, pastor, told the newspaper he received a call from Archbishop Demetrios the previous Thursday announcing his desire to visit his parish. “He said he wanted to have a nice liturgy someplace and he thought of us,”

Fr. Petropoulakos told the Advance. In his sermon, The Archbishop “urged parishioners to reconsider their relationship to Jesus Christ and to understand that He came in perfect love to serve all humanity,” the Advance reported. Following the Liturgy, the Sunday School children presented His Eminence with a picture of a cross fashioned from their handprints. “I take this as a very precious gift today,” he told the students. “It shows we are together, serving, offering our hands.”

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JUNE - JULY 2003

Eula Caras Carlos Offers $1 Million for HC-HC’s LOFOS Campaign BROOKLINE – In thanksgiving to God for all remembrances of her beloved husband, Andrew, and for allowing her more than 15 cancer-free years, Eula (Kyriakoula) Caras Carlos of Atlanta has become the first major steward of the new League of Faithful Orthodox Stewards (LOFOS) annual giving campaign of Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology. Her gift of $1 million to LOFOS, payable over the course of five years, guarantees the success of this new stewardship movement for HC/HC. Asked why such a large gift for Hellenic College and Holy Cross, Mrs. Carlos responded, “…Have you ever thought where we would be as a people and as a Church without Hellenic College and without our seminary? Where would we get our priests and our Church leaders? What I love about the LOFOS program is that it makes it possible for everyone, rich or poor to support our school. We only have one School. We all owe it to our forefathers, who sacrificed so much to establish it, to do our best to support it.” LOFOS, conceived by Fr. Petros Kopsahilis, author of the instrument and vision, is God’s loving call to all faithful Orthodox Christian Stewards in this hemisphere to enter a life devoted to the support and success of this unique institution’s mission. Mrs. Carlos, in keeping the torch of a long family legacy of stewardship and devotion to the Church challenges individuals to do something about becoming committed to the school’s mission. Andrew and Eula Carlos have for decades reached out in strong leadership and stewardship to their church and community and to numerous philanthropic, educational and medical research causes. They did all this while they were building a most respectable company and raising their three sons and one daughter. “God bless and keep Eula Caras Carlos! She turned LOFOS into a mountain by this most meaningful generous

Mr. and Mrs. Carlos

act,” Archbishop Demetrios said of Mrs. Carlos’ gift. Fr. Nicholas C. Triantafilou, HC/HC president, who worked with both Andrew and Eula in various capacities, echoed His Eminence’s sentiments. “Soon, we here at Hellenic College and Holy Cross will be climbing a holy mountain, not a holy hill. And we will have Andrew and Eula Carlos to thank for it.” The LOFOS Annual Giving Campaign will be officially unveiled during the Feast of the Holy Cross, Sept. 14, but a LOFOS mailing to the faithful asking for support of the school will go out before that date. LOFOS will every Orthodox Christian in this country to do one easy thing: Take the number 21 in thanksgiving to God for 21 centuries of His love, grace, and forgiveness, put next to it as many zeros as God has blessed you with financial ability and mail the amount to: LOFOS Annual Giving Campaign; Hellenic College-Holy Cross; 50 Goddard Avenue Brookline, MA 02445 For more information on how to become a LOFOS member, call Fr. Kopsahilis at (401) 821-8344 or (617) 549-3601.

GOTelecom Offers Videotapes of Holy Week Services Celebrated by Archbishop Demetrios The Great and Holy Week constitutes, for all Christians, a period of intense religious awareness and an opportunity for personal recollection. Through this week we call “Great and Holy”, the Passions of our Lord Jesus Christ are remembered; the faithful participate in the services and, through the intensity of the entire liturgical and ceremonial activity, participate in the Passion. For the Greek Orthodox Church, it is a period of intense emotions. From the triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, to the moments filled with anticipation prior to Christ’s arrest, from the painful time of His torture and crucifixion, to the solemnity of the grave and finally to the joy and celebration of His Resurrection, the Orthodox Church follows the Savior’s steps, day by day, minute by minute, participating in His Passion, feeling the pain and the joy, praising the day that Christ gives the gift of eternal life to all humankind. Greek Orthodox Telecommunications (GOTelecom), the Emmy-Awardwinning television ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, was offered the unique opportunity to videotape Archbishop Demetrios’ first Holy Week as

Archbishop of America. In April 2000, GOTelecom traveled with His Eminence as he celebrated Holy Wednesday, the Sacrament of Holy Unction at St. Paul Cathedral in Hempstead, Holy Thursday at St. Demetrios of Jamaica, NY, and Great and Holy Friday the Lamentations, and the Resurrection Service at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in NYC. The services aired live on National Greek T.V. and Antenna Satellite Network. Taped delayed broadcasts were on the national Odyssey Channel, Telecare, the Prayer Channel and on Cablevision of Peabody-Lynnfield. The edited programs also contain translations and explanations that take us through the significance and importance of Orthodox Christian Holy Week. These programs are now being offered to parishes and families for their home viewing. The programs are offered as follows: Holy Wednesday & Holy Thursday – 2 hours $29.95; Great Friday & the Resurrection – 2 hours $29.95; BOTH Tapes $50.00. (Please add $6 per order for shipping and handling). If you are interested in the tapes for your home or parish call GOTelecom at 212-570-3588 to order.

JUNE - JULY 2003

Metropolitan Anthony Leads Inter-Church Pilgrimage

SAN FRANCISCO – Metropolitan Anthony and the hierarchs of two other Churches, Roman Catholic Archbishop William Levada and Episcopal Bishop William Swing recently decided to expand the dialogues they have held for several years to another level. More than a year ago, Metropolitan Anthony posed the idea of undertaking pilgrimages to the historic centers of the three Churches – Canterbury, Rome and Constantinople. Metropolitan Anthony greets Pope John Paul II The idea became a reality, as the three Church leaders departed on The following day, they visited the April 1. Their first destination was London, center of world Orthodoxy, the Fanar, where common prayers were offered in where the clergy offered common prayers the Cathedral of St. Paul. at the patriarchal chapel in the presence of In a particularly moving moment, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. their host, Bishop of London Richard His All-Holiness then received them Chartres, asked the three religious lead- for a special audience. ers to offer a common blessing to the large All the participants, and especially crowd of churchgoers. the non-Orthodox, were particularly imAfterward, the delegation continued pressed with the Patriarch’s affability and their pilgrimage to the world center of An- the long discussion they had with him glicanism, Canterbury. Other highlights in concerning a variety of issues. England included the palace of Lambeth, His All Holiness presented the del-

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The Inter-Church delegation is received by Pope John Paul II.

the tour of Parliament and the Westminster Abbey. Their next destination was Assisi, Italy where they visited the Basilica of St. Paul. Archbishop Levada provided dinner that evening. The second stop was a vivid journey by bus to the Monastery of St. Francis of Assisi, where the monastery abbot, Fr. Vincent, hosted a luncheon. The itinerary included the Church of Our Lady of the Angels and the tomb of St. Clare. The next day, Pope John Paul II received the delegation in a special audience, where he presented them with commemorative medallions as a blessing. Other stops in Rome included the Church of St. Susanna, the Lateran Museum, and the necropolis under the Vatican where the tomb of the Apostle Peter is located. Common prayers were offered in one of the local chapels for unity and peace, and Mass was conducted by Archbishop Levada in St. Peter’s Basilica. A tour of the basilica followed. Before departing, the group also visited the catacombs of St. Sebastian. On April 9, the group arrived in Constantinople. A patriarchal delegation led by Metropolitan Theoliptos of Iconium, the patriarchal chancellor, met them at the airport shortly after midnight.

egation with commemorative crosses and medallions. A tour of the Patriarchal Church of St. George followed. The group also visited Halki, location of the Holy Trinity Theological School and Monastery. Metropolitan Apostolos of Moschonisia, the abbot, greeted them and Professor Vasilios Stavrides briefly recounted the history and significance of the theological school. Returning to Istanbul, Metropolitan Anthony hosted a dinner that the Patriarch also attended. During their stay, the group toured St. Sophia Church, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring in Baloukli, where they viewed the tombs of the patriarchs. The pilgrimage concluded with the Akathist Hymn service, which the Ecumenical Patriarch officiated together with the Holy Synod. One of the Greek Orthodox participants, George Marcus, furnished a dinner that evening for the group and which the Patriarch also attended. Mr. Marcus had hosted a dinner in Rome for the group, and made two donations of $50,000 each, to Pope John Paul and to Patriarch Bartholomew, for the philanthropic needs of their communities.

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JUNE - JULY 2003

E DITORIAL Putting the Focus on Our Youth More than at any other time of year, over the past few weeks we have directed our attention beyond the everyday concerns of our own busy lives to focus on the accomplishments of our children. Since mid-May our little (and not so little) ones have completed Kindergarten, graduated from Greek school, high school, or college. The energies they have devoted to their studies, along with the prayers and guidance of their parents, have resulted in their progression up another notch of the education ladder. Others have harnessed their energies to participate in Archdiocese and Metropolis-sponsored activities that help in their own way to build a foundation for the future involvement of the young people in the Church -- the annual Memorial Day youth Olympics that have become a well-established tradition in the Archdiocese. For many years, several thousand children in the Chicago and New Jersey Metropolises and the Archdiocesan District, encouraged and supported by their parishes and youth ministries of each jurisdiction under the umbrella of the National Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, have come together in Christian fellowship and fun to vie for gold, silver or bronze medals. In the process, they form long-lasting bonds of friendships beneficial to their Orthodox Christian life. Thanks to months of preparations by the volunteers who organize the events and work feverishly to find sponsors necessary for the financial support of the program, these JOY and GOYA athletes experience wellorganized events that develop a spirit of camaraderie. Most importantly, the spiritual ele-

hat about all “those converts?” What about all those people coming into our Greek Orthodox Church who are not Greek? Or those who are not even from a “traditional” Orthodox background? by Fr. Luke Veronis

Recently, I heard different negative comments about the so-called “convert problem” in our Church. I have heard about some who feel threatened by the entrance of too many converts into “our” Church, implying that they may endanger our holy tradition and jeopardize the fullness of Orthodoxy in America. Some even think that too many converts entering our seminary may water down the Orthodox ethos of our theological school. When I hear such comments, however, I must admit that I am perplexed. Ultimately, what is the purpose and vision of the Church? What does it mean to be “one, holy, catholic and apostolic?” St. John Chrysostom stated many years ago, “There are two types of bishops. One who says, “My parish is my universe,” and the other who says, “The universe is my parish.” Since Chrysostom clearly believed the latter, what can we say about an ecclesiol-

ment of the Church is never far from the athletes’ consciousness as they compete in a spirit of Christian fellowship, and guided with prayers through their triumphs and disappointments by the parish priests and youth directors present at the events. On another level, hundreds of teen-agers from every Metropolis prepare four- or five-minute speeches each spring for the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, a major program of the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education. They diligently research and spend hours polishing and rehearsing their presentations on a variety of topics relating to the faith. By June, the field of participants has narrowed to one junior level and one senior level representative from each Metropolis that competes at the national finals. The successful speakers reap immediate rewards in the form of scholarships and savings bonds, and through the benefits they receive in having learned and imparted their knowledge about a particular facet of Orthodox Christianity and how it affects them personally. The faithful of the Archdiocese also reap the rewards of these youth programs, in the form of increased participation and interest by our youth in the Church, and the satisfaction of doing our part in supporting these youth programs. So, when the subject of support of our youth programs arises at a conference or congress, consider the far-reaching effects these programs can have on our young people and the future of the Church. It is in all of our best interests to support them and those who work to bring them about.

Archpastoral Reflections by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America

REST AS AN ACT OF REVERENCE FOR CREATOR This month of June, we joyously cross the threshold of the long-awaited summer season. For many of us, the summer months provide an opportunity to take a respite from our labors, a welcome invitation to pause from our work or studies, and to consider the vital role of rest in our lives. Our cherished time away from work grants us the benefit of revitalizing ourselves once again, allowing us to return to our labors with renewed minds and spirits. We human beings are cyclic creatures, repeating patterns of labor and rest on an annual basis, in harmony with the seasons, so that our lives may be filled with order, rhythm, and structure. The healthy interrelationship between labor and rest is widely affirmed within our contemporary society; our resting from the burdens of work, anxiety, and stress contributes to productive work environments as well as healthy relationships. Understood as a theological concept, rest is of far more than mere practical or functional significance, however. There is a sacred dimension to rest, a model offered to us by God, Himself, Who according to the Bible rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done (Genesis 2:2). This supreme model suggests that rest is far more than a mere cessation of worldly activity; rather, rest is a spiritually imitative act of profound reverence for our Creator. To rest is to recognize with humility our privileged place in the grand scheme of God’s Creation, to participate in His divine creative act through our human acts of worship, praise, and love. Thus, our resting from our labors during the summer period can never translate into a “vacation” or departure from our worship and praise of God. Quite the contrary, our resting from our labors grants us especially refreshing opportunities for spiritual renewal, occasions to retreat away from the demands of the workplace so that we may revitalize our souls through prayer and the quiet contemplation of God. We are given the perfect example of spiritual retreat in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who relieved His intense labors of ministry with the spiritual benefits of rest as an opportunity of being alone with God the Father. On so many occasions, we find Christ retreating from society in order to find rest and strength through prayer and the contemplation of the will of His Heavenly Father. His regular act of rest was, in and of itself, a spiritually invigorating act, rooted in faithful religious observance, steadfast obedience to God, and undying love for all humanity. As we enter the summer season, I pray that we may especially remember the sacred dimension of rest, and the tremendous opportunities for spiritual renewal that our periods of vacation present to us. May God, the Creator of all humankind, keep you forever in His loving protection, and may He transform your time of vacation into a time of spiritual and bodily renewal.

The ‘Problem’ of Converts ogy that sees the entrance of the “other” into our Church as a corruption of the traditional, authentic character and identity of Orthodoxy. This heresy of parochialism, unfortunately, is a common attitude that has plagued the people of God throughout her history. The ancient Israelites too often viewed the “nations” as the enemy; Jewish Christians in the early Church were scandalized to see Gentiles and Greeks entering into their community without first becoming Jews; and even today, some Greeks express their dismay when too many non-Greeks become Orthodox. Instead of a worldview where God the Creator of all is at the center, slowly the ego – whether the individual ego: I, me, my, mine; or the communal ego: my people, my parish, my language, my culture – gradually takes over and this self-centered mentality distorts a proper Orthodox worldview. The other day in our Church’s lectionary, I came across St. Peter’s encounter with Cornelius, the Roman Centurian (Acts 10-11). As I meditated on this passage, I thought to myself, “Isn’t this an appropriate and clear message for our Church today?” Peter’s heavenly vision destroyed

his attitude of parochialism, opening his eyes to something unimaginable to the Jewish Christian of his day. Enlightened by this vision, he broke Jewish tradition by entering the home of an “unclean” Roman and baptizing an entire household of Gentiles. Following this experience, Peter understood the character of the Church in a new way: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right” (Acts 10:34). When the rest of the Church in Jerusalem criticized him for his actions, fearing that his precedent would corrupt the traditional, authentic character and identity of the people of God, Peter explained that the Holy Spirit had come upon these “unclean” Romans the same way it came upon the Apostles. And he went on to explain, “If God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God!” From the beginning, Jesus Christ made abundantly clear that the purpose of the Church is to reach out to all people and bring them into her saving embrace. This is why Christ commanded his disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). This is why St. Paul

explains, “There is no longer Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; for you are all one in Christ” (Gal 3:28). He wrote elsewhere that God “desires all people be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). This past semester, I have been offering a class on the “Challenges of Modern Missions” at both Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and St. Vladimir’s Seminary. As we discussed the theme of missions and evangelism, it occurred to me how ridiculous such statements about “too many converts in the Church” actually are. Ultimately, shouldn’t that be the goal of our Church? Don’t we constantly want to have more and more converts, and invite more and more of America to become part of the Orthodox Church? As hard as this concept may be for some people to understand and accept, it will only become more difficult in the future as the cultural makeup of our Church inevitably changes, as more and more of the “other” enter in. In the end, we must ask ourselves, “Are we the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, or are we no more than an ethnic cultural club or a social country club?” Holy Scripture clearly reveals how Christ’s love embraces all people of the

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JUNE - JULY 2003

Archiepiscopal Encyclical Independence Day July 4, 2003 To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America. My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On July 4th, we gather as families and communities to celebrate the independence of our nation. We affirm on this important day the values of freedom and liberty that have characterized our national spirit for over two centuries. As we celebrate this national holiday, we are granted the occasion to consider that freedom and liberty are not only treasured values, but are essential and universal conditions for cultivating loving relationships with God and with others. Our cultural and religious legacy as Greek Orthodox Christians reminds us of our sacred responsibility to ensure that all people have access to the same fruits and blessings that we enjoy as citizens and residents of a free nation. In our communities and parishes, we meet this responsibility through upholding our commitments to philanthropy, through cultivating openness in our hearts toward strangers in our midst, through our unconditional love for our neighbors, and through our true worship of God, Who created all human beings in His perfect image and likeness. Seen in this light, our July 4th celebrations are opportunities to consider freedom and liberty not only as inalienable rights of all men and women, but as treasured gifts which God has lovingly given to all persons. Our festivities are also opportunities to grasp the meaning of freedom in its ultimate sense, a sentiment expressed by St. Paul that where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). More than attributes of a political independence, freedom and liberty are conditions of the human soul, fruits that blossom as our hearts struggle to be liberated from the passions of this world and as we grow in our recognition of the presence of God within one another. This is the essence of our Orthodox Christian heritage and witness, an indispensable element of the fabric of our American nation. On this Day of Independence, I pray that God may deepen our understanding of freedom and liberty in all their dimensions, that our love for Him and for one another may be also intensified. May His peace and abundant blessings abide in your hearts forever. With paternal love in Christ,

†Archbishop DEMETRIOS of America

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A Birthday Tribute to Archbishop Iakovos ��

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by Rev. C.N. Dombalis

Archbishop Iakovos, has earned everlasting thanksgiving. Neither will our land of the free, nor the communicants of Orthodox Christianity ever forget, in an era torn by racial bigotry, Archbishop Iakovos embraced diversity as an expression of heavenly creativity. If someone was different from himself in language, heritage, and race, His Eminence rejoiced in this. Men and women of all religious beliefs were challenged by this prelate’s courage to a great task, to address some of the major themes and to tie those themes to universal ideals and values and beliefs. On this day, Archbishop Iakovos, speaks to us of the past, of the Greek Orthodox settlers who went before us to Florida in the 1700s and the meaning to them of the Christian life in critical times derived from a mutually espoused Orthodox Christian faith. The record they wrote has become history and their presence shouldered a significant contribution that has help make this land of the free, great. The relentless determination of Archbishop Iakovos, our grandparents and par-

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ents defended democracy as conceived by their ancient ancestors against those who would deny the fundamental rights and dignity of man. May our thoughts on this day remind all who pass that we must keep the Orthodox Christian faith, for it is our best assurance of possessing a meaningful life and the concept of freedom spawned by the ancients of Hellas. Fr. Dombalis is retired dean of Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Richmond, Va.

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One July 29, the Greek Orthodox Christian Church in America remembers the meaning of commitment. Our memory defines the ultimate tribute to one who celebrates his 92nd birthday.

JUNE - JULY 2003

Made Possible by Priest’s Heroic Act

Young Man’s Life Saved Through Philoptochos Ministry

he following is a true–life story and only one example about the scope and depth of the national Philoptochos social services department and the goodness of the Greek Orthodox people. by Helen Lavorata

Many are aware of the generosity of the ladies Philoptochos Society as the heart of the Archdiocese, but there are times when one is called to be more than just a philanthropist by words or donations, but through actions. One person, a 16-year-old boy, Michael Dermos experienced God’s perfect love for his children through the efforts of the Social Service department of the National Philoptochos Society and through the philanthropic actions of a priest of the Archdiocese, Fr. John Heropoulos of St. Paraskevi Church in Greenlawn, N.Y. Michael’s plight first came to the attention of the National Philoptochos social worker, Diamond Prassakos last October with an e-mail forwarded from Archbishop Demetrios’ Office.

FR. JOHN HEROPOULOS

In the e-mail, Michael’s father said his son was suffering from a failure of both kidneys and was receiving dialysis three times a week; he was hoping Philoptochos could assist in the search for a kidney donation as Michael was on a one-to-five-year waiting list. Ms. Prassakos spoke with Demetrios

and Maria Dermos, the boy’s parents, and was informed that Michael had had health problems since he was two and their hopes for him living a normal life were fading quickly after both of his kidney’s failed. Upon gathering the pertinent information, one important fact being that Michael was of type “O” blood, the Philoptochos social work office prepared a letter which was sent to every Philoptochos metropolis president for distribution to their local chapters requesting that they pass along information regarding Michael’s case to their members and fellow parishioners. To emphasize the importance of finding a matching donor quickly, a letter from Bishop Andonios of Phasiane was faxed to all the parish priests of the direct Archdiocesan District and the New Jersey metropolis for inclusion in their church bulletin. The letter stated the important facts and that the Philoptochos office should be contacted for further information. Fr. John, knowing he was an “O”blood type, immediately contacted the Philoptochos to inquire about the testing process to see if he could be a compatible organ donor. Fr. John was asked to call the Hackensack University Hospital in New Jersey. He underwent a series of medical tests for four months prior to surgery to see if he was an appropriate match and to make sure that his vital organs could stand up to the surgery. Just prior to Pascha, Fr. John received the good news that all the tests proved positive, and that he in fact could donate a kidney to Michael. Upon receiving this information a date for surgery was scheduled at Hackensack University Hospital for May 12, so Fr. John could fulfill his responsibilities for Holy Week and Pascha first. He informed the doctors that he wished to remain completely anonymous until it was clear that the operation was successful. At six that morning Fr. John’s surgery began. Michael’s was scheduled to begin a half hour later. The surgery for both parties lasted much longer than expected, as there were unforeseen difficulties. But God’s miracle took place – the transplant was successful and the kidney began to function. Three days later, before Fr. John left the hospital he was taken into Michael’s room to meet him and his family for the first time. Upon donation of his kidney, Fr. John

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MICHAEL DERMOS

reflected, “I truly feel blessed that God gave me an opportunity to help another person in a very practical way. Fourteen years earlier, I was ordained on the day before the surgery was scheduled. I never have believed in coincidences and knew that it was a sign that the operation was to take place the day after the anniversary of my ordination. Also, 14 years ago, it was Mother’s Day and the Sunday of they Myrrh-bearing Women, as it was this year. All these things were signs to me that it was the right thing to do and that by giving Michael my kidney, I was also thanking God for all the gifts I’ve been given in my life. I consider that God gave me the greatest of gifts in allowing my organ to match Michael’s, and in so doing, in a small way, make the life of this young man a little better.” Michael expressed his thoughts and feelings in a letter of gratefulness received at the National Philoptochos Office. In it he says, “I don’t think there is a word in the dictionary to express my thanks and gratitude to the beloved Rev. Fr. John Heropoulos for saving my life. My ordeal started when both of my kidneys failed and I had to have dialysis three times per week. “I was unable to go to school or to play with my friends. I thought that I would be spending my life on the dialysis machine, which caused me much pain. My parents were not found to be appropriate donors and all hope was gone. Because of my lack of hope, I was very depressed. “My parents approached the Archdiocese for help and through the unceasing efforts of the National Philoptochos Society and Bishop Andonios, a letter was sent in hope of finding a kidney donor. This is the letter that Fr. John read, which motivated him to become a lifesaver. If it wasn’t for this letter, nobody would have known about my case and I would still be going through dialysis.” Michael had been experiencing a lot of pain and other complications during the four months that Fr. John was being tested anonymously as a potential donor. His parents, as well as his siblings, Vasilios and Anna Maria were suffering along with him. Michael concludes, “I thought that nobody was out there for me. However, I was wrong. You don’t know what you

have done for me. You saved my life and I started a new life beginning May 12, 2003. I can’t wait to meet each one of you and to thank you from my heart – the ladies of the National Philoptochos, Bishop Andonios and the social worker, Diamond Prassakos that worked so hard on my case. All of you - please accept my sincere thank you!” “It was heartwarming and gratifying to see the selfless humanitarian response by the Greek community to Michael’s need”, remarked Ms. Prassakos. “No individual or family is immune to hardships or difficult moments in their lives, and for this reason Philoptochos is always there – providing support, compassion and understanding. The Social Service department of Philoptochos, strives to bring awareness of the services, programs and other resources, which can be tapped to provide a better state of living for people in various states of need.” National Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas stated that, “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 people through our continuous actions as an organization, on all levels, to provide aid, assistance, support, encouragement and benevolence to a myriad of recipients. It is through our acts of charity, our dedication to philanthropy and commitment in this regard that we begin to approach the objective of loving God, and one another. The ultimate example of this love, for all of us, was shown by Fr. John’s most humble and most humanitarian gift of a kidney to save a stranger’s life. He made real the fact that our acts of philanthropy are a true imitation of god’s example and therefore need to be placed at the highest priority in our lives.” The mission of Philoptochos is to help people in very practical and human ways and to help make people’s lives better in every aspect. It is a hands on, life-saving organization that is not only concerned with fund-raising but in fact is a vital ministry that strives to embody in a physical sense the love of God for his fellow human beings. 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. By the Grace of God, the prognosis is that Michael has been given the opportunity to live life as any other 16-year-old boy should. In this miracle of life for Michael, we see the miracles that can happen when all of the ministries of the church work together for the greater good. The Archdiocese, the National Philoptochos, the parishes and parish priests and the Greek Orthodox community, truly can make a difference when we all strive to offer our best to make the world a better place. Please know that your love, concern, action and generosity can truly make a difference when you support the numerous programs of the church. You could be saving someone’s life.

Addition

The parish of St. Nicholas Church in Newark, N.J., was inadvertently not included in the listing in May’s Observer of the communities having achieved 100 percent of their stewardship obligations for 2002.

JUNE - JULY 2003

Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Launches InterOrthodox Press BERKELEY, Calif. – Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute has launched InterOrthodox Press, a new publishing house, to promote PAOI, its lectures and other programs and to publish works by significant scholars and thinkers on topics concerning the Orthodox Church. The name Inter-Orthodox Press was selected to reflect the pan-Orthodox or inter-Orthodox nature of the Institute. The first title published by the new imprint is Christos Yannaras’ The Church in Post-Communist Europe, which is now available. According to Institute Director Dr. Anton Vrame, “InterOrthodox Press hopes to provide another avenue for academic publications. We feel that there is room for another scholarly imprint for Orthodox scholars and authors on Orthodox topics. The growth in the number of scholars on Orthodoxy is substantial and they need more outlets for publication. We hope that they will consider working with us.” “We plan on starting small and publish just three works in the coming ear. They are works generated by the Institute, in particular the Distinguished Lecture series,” according to Vrame. “We are fortunate to have texts by some of the leading thinkers in the Orthodox world: Yannaras,

Kyriaki FitzGerald and Archbishop Anastasios of Albania.” The first title of the Institute, now available, is the lectures delivered by Christos Yannaras in 1998, The Church in Post-Communist Europe. In this book, Yannaras presents the reigning consumerism of our day as a cause not only of the fall of communism, but also the dysfunction of the Orthodox Church. He suggests that we have lost our sense of relationship or communion, preferring a consumerist approach to faith. Religiosity has become just one more entertainment for consumption, rather than deepening our relationships to God and to one another. Christos Yannaras is the leading philosopher in Greece today. He is professor of philosophy at the Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences in Athens. Most of his writings are still in Greek, waiting for translation. To English audiences, he is best known for his books, The Freedom of Morality and Elements of Faith: An Introduction to Orthodoxy. To obtain a copy of The Church in Post-Communist Europe ($6.95, plus shipping), contact the Institute at 510649-3450.

Professor Delivers Annual Patriarch Athenagoras Lectures BROOKLINE, Mass. – The annual Patriarch Athenagoras Memorial Lectures at Holy Cross School of Theology were given this year by distinguished University of Thessaloniki scholar Professor Gregorios Ziakas. His topic was “Orthodoxy Christianity and the Religions: Images of the Religious Other” and “Islam and Orthodox Christianity: Confrontation or Dialogue.” Professor Ziakas emphasized the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the entire Orthodox Church constantly offers fervent prayers and exerts every effort to secure harmony and peace among all people. He spoke of dialogue and friendship that bring mutual understanding between peoples and religious traditions. He stated that, “Dialogue minimizes distances and creates the presuppositions for mutual understanding, respect and peaceful coexistence of the peoples.” And especially, “The dialogue with the Islamic world has a distinct and vital importance for the Orthodox Christian Church. Islam is our direct and immediate neighbor in the East and is not foreign to us. For fourteen centuries now the Orthodox Christian Faith and Islam have

existed and lived together in close connection with each other.” He also spoke of the responsibility of religious leaders to work together for peace. He said that, “This responsibility in the dialogue with the great world’s religions and in the preservation of the universal spiritual and moral values the extols the dignity of the human being.” Attending the lectures was Hellenic College/Holy Cross President Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, several Boston area and Boston Theological Institute professors. Dr. Rodney Petersen, executive of the Boston Theological Institute, Dr. Dianne Kessler, executive of the Massachusetts Council of Churches and others. Fr. George C. Papademetriou, lectureship chairman presided at the lectures. George and Crystal Condakes sponsor the Patriarch Athenagoras Memorial Lectures in memory of their father Peter J. Condakes, Patriarchal Archon. HC/HC faculty members hosted the lectures, including the dean, Fr. Emmanuel Clapsis. The committee included the Rev. Dr. George C. Papademetriou, chairman; the Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos and Dr. James Skedros.

Educational Workshops from C-L Congress Now On-Line NEW YORK -- As part of the on-going effort by the Archdiocese to provide timely resources for ministry, recordings of the educational workshops of the 2002 Clergy-Laity Congress are now available on the Archdiocesan web site: http://www.goarch.org/en/resources/ clergylaity/2002/. Twenty-six of the workshops were recorded at the Congress, and the presentations are now available in both Real Audio and Quicktime formats. Some resource materials are also provided in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format as they have been made available by the presenters. Following the theme of the Congress, Offering Our Orthodox Faith to Contemporary America, the sessions address topics of Missions, Ecumenical Relations, Religious Education, Parish Administration, Steward-

ship, Marriage and Family, Greek Education, Philanthropy, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and Communications. This on-line resource will be beneficial to clergy, teachers, youth workers, and parish leaders as the quality presentations address critical subjects in the life and ministry of parishes. In addition, the format provides ease of use, both at home and in the parish, so that clergy and ministry leaders can integrate this tool into their training programs. The 2002 Clergy-Laity Congress was held June 30-July 5, 2002 in Los Angeles. Over 50 educational workshops were held and were attended by more than 1,800 participants. Plans are already under way to enhance this program for the 2004 Congress, with both audio and video resources to be made available through the web site.

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JUNE - JULY 2003

The president was preparing to exit Air Force One on an official visit. Before exiting the plane he took what seemed like a very long time checking his appearance in the mirror – first his hair, then his tie, and then his suit. When an aid teased him about his vanity, the president replied, “When I go out that door, I’m not just a man – I am the United States of America.”

PARISH RENEWAL - OUTREACH and EVANGELISM

The Parish Council on the Front Lines

by Fr. James W. Kordaris

In much the same way, parish council members represent their parish and the Orthodox Christian faith. As leaders of the community, parish council members are on the front lines and are able to have a long-term effect on their parish. To serve on the parish council is a ministry and those who serve are called to represent Christ to all whom they meet in all aspects of life.

Mission of the Parish Council

The mission of the parish as defined in the Uniform Parish Regulations – and therefore the mission of the Parish Council – is “…to keep, practice and proclaim the Orthodox Christian Faith pure and undefiled.” In the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the Rich Man walked by poor Lazarus every day. The Rich Man didn’t hate Lazarus – he just ignored him, committing the sin of indifference. The opposite of love is not hate. The opposite of love is indifference. We have been blessed with great treasures of the faith and Lazarus lies at our gate. Lazarus is the visitor that walks through the doors of our church on Sunday morning. Lazarus is the nonOrthodox spouse. Lazarus is the lapsed Orthodox Christian visiting the parish after a long absence. Like the Rich Man in the parable, we often walk right by without

noticing, and they eat from the crumbs that fall from our table. If we believe that in Orthodoxy we have the fullness of the Truth, then we have the great responsibility – the Great Commission – to share it with everyone. As Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of ALL nations – ÅÉÓ ÐÁÍÔÁ ÔÁ ÅÈÍÇ.

Ambassadors of Faith

For non-Orthodox as well as for inactive Orthodox Christians, entering an Orthodox church can be a very uncomfortable, intimidating experience. Research has shown that non-believers attend church at least once each year, and when they attend, they are profoundly affected by their first impressions. It is also important to note that the percentage of Greek Orthodox Christians marrying non-Orthodox Christians is in the range of 70-90%. Some priests will tell you that it is closer to 100%. If we don’t make Orthodoxy real and accessible to the non-Orthodox spouse, then eventually we will lose the couple and their children. Often the first person our visitors see is a member of the parish council. Reaching out to those who enter our doors with a handshake, a greeting and a welcoming smile could be the most important missionary work we do. Simply put -- friendliness has eternal implications.

Unless people see in us the light and the love of Christ, they will not believe.

Choosing Suitable Candidates for the Parish Council

Parishioners are often nominated as candidates for the Parish Council because of their education, business experience or legal background. The best parish council members are not necessarily those who are business-oriented, but rather, those who are Church-oriented and Christ-centered. To be a good council member, one must be active in the worship and sacramental life of the Church. The best candidates are easy to find – they are in church.

We are Conciliar

The priest is head of the parish, and is charged with the guidance of the total parish program. The parish council consists of the priest, and the elected lay members, and is referred to as a board only when so required by local statute. In internal matters of the church, we always use the designation of parish council. This is because one of the identifying traits of the Orthodox Church is that we are conciliar – decisions are made in council. To refer to the Parish Council as “The Board” is a symptom of our inclination to apply the corporate paradigm to the operation of the Church. Although some tools used in corporate life may also be

useful in the operation of the church, the corporate paradigm falls short and reduces the local church to something less than she was meant to be.

Setting An Example for the Parish

The duties of a parish council member (UPR Ch 2, Article XII) include regular attendance at divine services and participation in the sacramental life of the Church, “…thereby setting an example for the parish.” To set an example for the parish will require that we overcome the stereotype of the parish council member who is rarely seen in church. It is easy to be like Martha -- Jesus, the Son of God, came to dinner and Martha spent the entire time in the kitchen “anxious and troubled about many things.”

A Commitment to Serve

In the Oath of Office, the parish council members affirm that they “…will fulfill faithfully and sincerely the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council….” No contract is signed, but a promise is made which rests on the shared commitment of all council members to serve the Church, which is the Body of Christ on earth. We are His hands, feet, eyes and more. To serve on the council is a ministry and a mission. We are called to use the gifts with which we have been blessed to carry out the work of the Church. Fr. Jim Kordaris is the director of the Archdiocesan Department of Parish Renewal, Outreach & Evangelism. Prior to becoming a priest, Fr. Jim served for six years on the parish council of the St. Mary’s/Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, including two years as president. Inquiries and comments may be sent by e-mail to ParishRenewal@goarch.org. Website: www.renewal.goarch.org.

Η ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΚΑΘΕΔΡΙΚΟΥ ΝΑΟΥ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΤΡΙΑΔΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΝΕΑΣ ΥΟΡΚΗΣ ΣΤΟΝ ΑΝΤΕΝΝΑ SATELLITE

O ANTENNA SATELLITE στο πλαίσιο του ενδιαφέροντός του για την ομογένεια και την προώθηση της Ελληνικής παιδείας και Ελληνικής Ορθοδοξίας στις ΗΠΑ μεταδίδει κάθε Κυριακή 10 με 12 το πρωί την Θεία Λειτουργία απευθείας από τον Καθεδρικό Ναό της Αγίας Τριάδος στη Νέα Υόρκη. Εκτός από την Κυριακάτικη λειτουργία οι τηλεθεατές του ΑΝΤΕΝΝΑ θα έχουν την ευκαιρία να παρακολουθούν έκτακτες μεταδόσεις από τον Καθεδρικό Ναό κατά τη διάρκεια των μεγάλων εορτών της Ορθοδοξίας μας.

ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ - ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2003

ΕΤΟΣ 68 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1201

Μετά από 6 αιώνες εψάλη η Θεία Λειτουργία στην Πέργαμο ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΗ. – «Ζωντανή κι’ αναστημένη να σε νοιώσω μητέρα μου Πέργαμο», έλεγε σε ποίημά του ο Περγαμηνός ποιητής Βάσος Καπάνταης, λίγα χρόνια πριν φύγει από τη ζωή το 1987, μακριά από την αγαπημένη του πατρίδα. ôïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ Ìáããßíá

Μαζί μ’ αυτόν εκατοντάδες άλλοι συμπατριώτες του, οι οποίοι επέζησαν από την σφαγή των τσέτιδων που μπήκαν στην Πέργαμο στις 16 Σεπτεμβρίου 1922, αναπολούσαν τις όμορφες στιγμές που έζησαν στην Μικρασιατική αυτή ιστορική πόλη. Ο τόπος αυτός είναι βαθιά συνδεδεμένος με τον χριστιανισμό αφού η Εκκλησία της Περγάμου είναι μία από τις επτά Εκκλησίες της Αποκαλύψεως. Δύο δεκαετίες σχεδόν μετά την νοσταλγική ευχή του Βάσου Καπάνταη, ένας αναστάσιμος αέρας φύσηξε πάνω απ’ την Πέργαμο. Την Πέμπτη 8 Μαΐου 2003 ανήμερα της μνήμης του Αγίου Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου, η Ορθόδοξη Θεία Λειτουργία ακούστηκε ξανά, ο

ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

Θεία Λειτουργία στον ερειπωμένο ναό του Αγίου Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου στην Πέργαμο της Μ. Ασίας. Προΐσταται ο Μητροπολίτης Περγάμου Ιωάννης.

αέρας μύρισε λιβάνι και οι διακόσιοι περίπου προσκυνητές που παρέστησαν εκφράσανε την ευχή η Ανάσταση στην

6 1η Τ Ε Λ Ε Τ Η ΑΠ Ο Φ Ο Ι Τ Η Σ Η Σ

Την Ελένη Χιούτζακ τίμησε η Θεολογική Σχολή

Πέργαμο να συνεχισθεί. Ο ναός του Αγίου Ιωάν νου του Θεολόγου που σήμερα δεν έχει στέγη, λειτουργήθηκε μετά από 6 αιώνες, από τότε που η Πέργαμος καταλήφθηκε τον 14ον αιώνα από τους Σελτσούκους. Πρώτος μεταξύ των προσκυνητών ο Προκαθήμενος της Ορθοδοξίας ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος, εμπνευστής του προσκυνήματος στην Πέργαμο. Μαζί του ο οικείος Μητροπολίτης Περγάμου Ιωάννης, ο οποίος για πρώτη φορά προσκύνησε και λειτούργησε στον αγιασμένο τόπο της Περγάμου. Την χαρά και την συγκίνησή τους μοιράστηκαν Ιεράρχες, κληρικοί και πιστοί από την Κωνσταντινούπολη, την Μυτιλήνη, την Αθήνα, την Κατερίνη, την

Κομοτηνή, την Κοζάνη, την Κύπρο κ.ά. Έμοιαζε ως μια «ειρηνική παλιννόστησις των Μικρασιατών στις προγονικές τους εστίες» όπως είχε πει ο Βάσος Καπάνταης σε ομιλία του προβλέποντας για το τι πρόκειται να συμβεί αν η Τουρκία ενταχθεί στην μεγάλη Ευρωπαϊκή οικογένεια. Μά λιστα ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος στην ομιλία του στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας αναφερόμενος στον γλύπτη και ποιητή Β. Καπάνταη και τα όσα είχε πει προφητικώς πρόσθεσε ότι τελούνται Θείες Λειτουργίες «ήδη από τώρα, πριν η Τουρκία εισέλθει εις την Ε.Ε. και αυτό χάριν εις την καλήν διάθεσιν των εφ’ ημάς εντεταγμένων Αρχών, εις την καλήν διάθεσιν της Κυβερνήσεως και χάρις εις τας προσπαθείας πολ λών ανθρώπων οι οποίοι υπό την έμπνευσιν και την καθοδήγησιν και της Μητρός Εκκλησίας της οποίας το κήρυγμα είναι πάντοτε φιλειρηνικόν και είναι πάντοτε μήνυμα αγάπης, αυτοί οι άνθρωποι εδημιούργησαν αυτήν την ατμόσφαιραν η οποία καθιστά δυνατήν την σημερινήν Λειτουργία μας εις αυτόν τον ιερόν αρχαίον χώρον». Της Θείας Λειτουργίας προεξήρχε ο Μητροπολίτης Περγάμου Ιωάννης συμπαραστατούμενος από τους Μητροπολίτες Μυτιλήνης Ιάκωβο και Μοσχονησίων Α πόστολο. Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος παρέστη συμπροσευχόμενος μαζί με τον Μητροπολίτη Θηβών Ιερώνυμο. Μεταξύ των διακοσίων περίπου προσκυνητών παρέστη και ο Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στη Σμύρνη κ. Σέκερης με την σύζυγό του ενώ παρευρέθηκαν και οι τοπικές αρχές της Περγάμου.

u óåë. 18

Η 37η ΚΛΗΡΙΚΟΛΑΪΚΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ

Οι απόφοιτοι του Ελληνικού Κολεγίου (όρθιοι) με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο (κέντρο) και τον Μητροπολίτη Βοστώνης κ. Μεθόδιο τους οποίους περιβάλλουν (από αριστερά) ο Επίσκοπος Φασιανής κ. Αντώνιος, ο πρόεδρος της Σχολής π. Νικόλαος Τριανταφύλλου, η πρύτανις του Ελληνικού Κολεγίου κ. Λίλυ Μακράκη, ο Επίσκοπος Ξάνθου κ. Δημήτριος και ο Επίσκοπος Κρατείας κ. Γεράσιμος.

ΒΟΣΤΩΝΗ – Την Ελένη Χιούτζακ τίμησε με διδακτορικό δίπλωμα Ανθρωπιστικών σπουδών το Ελληνικό Κολέγιο και η Θεολογική Σχολή του Τιμίου Σταυρού στο Μπρούκλάϊν της Μασσαχουσέτης, κατά την διάρκεια της 61ης τελετής αποφοίτησης. Η κ. Χιούτζακ είναι η πρώτη ορθόδοξη από τις τάξεις των λαϊκών και μάλιστα γυναίκα που υπηρετεί ως η 21η Πρόεδρος του Παναμερικανικού Εθνικού Συμβουλίου των Εκκλησιών (NCC), έχοντας συμπληρώσει 20ετία ευδοκί-

μου υπηρεσίας στον οργανισμό αυτό σε διάφορες θέσεις μέχρι την εκλογή της στη θέση της προέδρου το 1999. Ιδιαίτερη είναι η προσφορά της τα τελευταία 30 χρόνια στην Ελ ληνική Ορθόδοξη Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής. Το 1974 επελέγη από τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Ιάκωβο ως μία από τις πέντε πρώτες γυναίκες που συμμετείχαν στο Αρχιεπισκοπικό Συμβούλιο στο οποίο υπηρέτησε από διάφορες θέσεις και μάλιστα

u óåë. 17

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.- Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος ανεκοίνωσε τις ημερομηνίες της 37 ης Κληρικολαϊκής Συνέλευσης της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής και του Συνεδρίου της Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητος που θα πραγματοποιηθούν στην Νέα Υόρκη από 25 έως 29 Ιουλίου 2004. Η Κληρικολαϊκή που θα λάβει χώρα στο ξενοδοχείο Marriott Marquis της Νέας Υόρκης, στο κέντρο του Μανχάτταν θα έχει ως θέμα: «Δημιουργία κοινοτήτων πίστεως και αγάπης: Η λατρεία και η διακονία στις ορθόδοξες κοινότητές μας» και το οποίο αποτελεί συνέχεια του θέματος της προηγούμε νης Κληρικολαϊκής του Λος Άντζελες (2002) το οποίο ήταν «Προσφορά της Ορθοδόξου Πίστεώς μας στη σύγχρονη Αμερική». Το κύριο θέμα των εργασιών της προσεχούς Κληρικολαϊκής θα είναι η στήριξη και ενίσχυση της Ορθοδόξου ενορίας που αποτελεί το σημείο αναφοράς της λατρείας, της διακονίας και της προσφοράς. Αναφερόμενος στο θέμα ο Σεβα-

σμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος τόνισε: «Η Κληρικολαϊκή αυτή θα προσφέρει μια μοναδική ευκαιρία στήριξης του ζωτικού έργου που οι κοινότητές μας επιτελούν σε καθημερινή βάση. Οι προσπάθειές μας θα σ υγκεντρωθούν στην προσφορά δυνατοτήτων στους πιστούς ώστε να εφοδιασθούν με υλικό που θα οικοδομήσει τις κοινότητες με βάση την λατρεία και την διακονία και θα δυναμώσει την πίστη και την προσφορά βοηθείας σε όσους έχουν ανάγκη, ώστε να γίνουν όλοι κοινωνοί της σωτήριας αγάπης του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού». Η προσεχής Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευση θά περιλαμβάνει εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα και πολλά εξειδικευμένα σεμινάρια σχετικά με την ενορία και την οικογένεια. Προβλέπεται επίσης η κάλυψη των εξόδων συμμετοχής στην Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευση των 150 μικροτέρων και κατά συνέπεια οικονομικά ασθενέστερων ενοριών της Αρχιεπισκοπής από διάφορες χορηγίες. Σχετικές πληροφορίες θά παρέχονται στην ιστοσελίδα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής www.goarch.org.

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ - ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2003

ΠΑΝΗΓΥΡΙΚΟΙ ΕΟΡΤΑΣΜΟΙ στην Μητρόπολη Ατλάντας

ETA PRESS

Ο Νίκος Μούγιαρης παρουσιάζει το Βραβείο Ελευθερίας στον Τζορτζ Τένετ (κέντρο) και τους περιβάλλουν (από αριστερά) Άντριου Μανάτος, Βασίλειος Τένετ, η μητέρα του Ευαγγελία Τένετ, ο πρώην Κύπριος υπουργός εξωτερικών Αλέκος Μιχαηλίδης, η πρέσβυς της Κύπρου στις ΗΠΑ Ερατώ Κοζάκου-Μαρκουλή, ο πρέσβυς της Ελλάδος στον ΟΗΕ Αδαμάντιος Βασιλάκης και ο πρόεδρος της Κυπριακής Ομοσπονδίας Αμερικής Πανίκος Παπανικολάου.

ΑΤΛΑΝΤΑ – Με πανηγυρικό τρόπο ο πιστός λαός της Μητροπόλεως Ατλάντα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής γιόρτασε την ανύψωση της Επισκοπής σε Μητρόπολη και την ενθρόνιση του Μητροπολίτου Ατλάντας κ. Αλεξίου. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος προέστη της τελετής της ενθρονίσεως ενώ παρέστησαν ο Μητροπολίτης Νέας Ιερσέης κ. Ευάγγελος, ο Μητροπολίτης Τυάνων κ. Παΐσιος, ο Επίσκοπος Αμορίου κ. Ιωάννης και δεκάδες ιερείς από τις 66 ενορίες της Μητροπόλεως. Ο Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Ατλάντας κ. Αλέξιος στον ενθρονιστήριο λόγο του τόνισε την σημασία της καθοριστικής σχέσης με την «μητέρα Εκκλησία, το σεπτόν κέντρο της Ορθοδοξίας, το Οικουμενικόν μας Πατριαρχείο...» αλλά και

της σχέσεως ως μέρος της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής, θεωρώντας απαραίτητη «....την σύμπλευσι της Ιεράς Μητροπόλεώς μας με το κέντρον της Εκκλησίας μας εις την Αμερική, δηλαδή την Ιεράν μας Αρχιεπισκοπή, της οποίας μόνον τμήμα και μέρος της είμεθα ...», σημείωσε. Ευχαρίστησε δε τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη κ. Βαρθολομαίο και την περί αυτόν Αγία και Ιερά Σύνοδο του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου καθώς και τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο. Μετά την ενθρόνιση παρετέθη γεύμα στο ξενοδοχείο Hyatt όπου η δήμαρχος της πόλης προσεφώνησε τους 500 και πλέον προσκεκλημένους. Οι εορτασμοί της ημέρας κατέληξαν με παραδοσιακή γιορτή στην μεγάλη κοινοτική αίθουσα του Ιερού Ναού του Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου.

Οικογένεια, Κληρονομιά και Θρησκεία τα πιο πολύτιμα εφόδια για τον Τζορτζ Τένετ ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ . – Την οικογένεια του, την πολιτιστική ταυτότητα και κληρονομιά του και την ελληνορθόδοξη θρησκεία του κατονόμασε ως τα πιο πολύτιμα όπλα και εφόδια του ο Διευθυντής της Κεντρικής Υπηρεσίας Πληροφοριών CIA, ελληνοαμερικανός Τζoρτζ Τένετ καθώς αποδεχόταν το «Βραβείο Ελευθερίας» με το οποίο τιμήθηκε από τον Παγκύπριο Σύνδεσμο Αμερικής σε ειδική εκδήλωση που πραγματοποιήθηκε στο ξενοδοχείο Χίλτον. Ήταν μια όμορφη βραδιά, γεμάτη μηνύματα για τον ρόλο και τις προοπτικές της Ομογένειας αλλά και την συμβολή της στην προβολή των εθνικών θεμάτων, στην

Α ΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ

Ἡμέρα Ἀνεξαρτησίας 4 Ἰουλίου 2003 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 Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυµον πλήρωµα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀµερικῆς.

Ἀδελφοί καί ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Τήν 4η Ἰουλίου συγκεντρωνόµεθα στά σπίτια καί τίς κοινότητές µας γιά νά ἑορτάσουµε τήν ἀνεξαρτησία τοῦ ἔθνους µας. Αὐτή τήν σηµαντική ἡµέρα ἐπιβεβαιώνουµε τίς ἀξίες τῆς ἐλευθερίας καί τῆς ἀνεξαρτησίας οἱ ὁποῖες χαρακτηρίζουν τό πνεῦµα τοῦ ἔθνους µας γιά περισσότερο ἀπό δύο αἰῶνες. Καθώς ἑορτάζουµε αὐτή τήν ἐθνική ἑορτή, ἔχουµε τήν εὐκαιρία ν’ ἀναλογισθοῦµε ὅτι ἡ ἐλευθερία καί ἡ ἀνεξαρτησία δέν εἶναι µόνο ἀξίες πολύτιµες, ἀλλά οὐσιαστικές καί παγκόσµιες συνθῆκες γιά τήν καλλιέργεια σχέσεων ἀγάπης µέ τόν Θεό καί µέ τούς ἀνθρώπους. Ἡ πολιτιστική καί θρησκευτική κληρονοµιά µας ὡς Ἑλλήνων Ὀρθοδόξων Χριστιανῶν µᾶς ὑπενθυµίζει τήν ἱερά εὐθύνη µας νά διασφαλίσουµε τήν πρόσβαση ὅλων τῶν ἀνθρώπων στούς καρπούς καί τίς εὐλογίες πού ἀπολαµβάνουµε ὡς πολίτες καί κάτοικοι ἑνός ἐλευθέρου ἔθνους. Στίς κοινότητες καί ἐνορίες µας ἐκπληρώνουµε αὐτή τήν εὐθύνη µέ τήν ὑποστήριξη τοῦ ἔργου τῆς φιλανθρωπίας, µέ τήν καλλιέργεια τῆς θέρµης στήν καρδιά µας γιά ὅλους τούς ξένους πού ὑπάρχουν ἀνάµεσά µας, µέ τήν ἀνυστερόβουλη ἀγάπη µας γιά τούς γείτονές µας καί µέ τήν ἀληθινή λατρεία

µας πρός τόν Θεό, ὁ Ὁποῖος δηµιούργησε ὅλα τά ἀνθρώπινα πλάσµατα κατ΄ εἰκόνα καί καθ’ ὁµοίωσή Του. Θεωρούµενες ὑπ΄ ἀπ’ αὐτό τό πρῖσµα, οἱ ἑορταστικές ἐκδηλώσεις µας γιά τήν 4η Ἰουλίου ἀποτελοῦν εὐκαιρία γιά νά ἀντιληφθοῦµε τήν ἐλευθερία καί τήν ἀνεξαρτησία ὄχι µόνο ὡς ἀναφαίρετα δικαιώµατα ὅλων τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἀλλά ὡς πολυτιµότατα δῶρα τά ὁποῖα χάρισε ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ σέ ὅλους τούς ἀνθρώπους. Οἱ ἑορτασµοί µας εἶναι ἐπίσης εὐκαιρία γιά νά κατανοήσουµε τό µήνυµα τῆς ἐλευθερίας στήν ἀπόλυτη ἔννοιά του, µιά ἀλήθεια πού ἐξέφρασε ὁ Ἀπόστολος Παῦλος λέγοντας ὅτι ὅπου εἶναι τό Πνεῦµα τοῦ Κυρίου, ἐκεῖ εἶναι ἡ ἐλευθερία (2 Κορ. 3:17). Ἡ ἐλευθερία καί ἡ ἀνεξαρτησία, περισσότερο ἀπό χαρακτηριστικά µιᾶς πολιτικῆς ἐλευθερίας, εἶναι καταστάσεις τῆς ἀνθρωπίνης ψυχῆς, εἶναι καρποί πού ἀνθίζουν καθώς οἱ καρδιές µας προσπαθοῦν ν’ ἀπελευθερωθοῦν ἀπό τά πάθη αὐτοῦ τοῦ κόσµου καί καθώς ὡριµάζουµε στήν ἀναγνώριση τῆς παρουσίας τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀνάµεσά µας. Αὐτή εἶναι ἡ οὐσία τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Χριστιανικῆς κληρονοµίας καί µαρτυρίας, ἕνα ἀναπόσπαστο στοιχεῖο τῆς δοµῆς τοῦ Ἀµερικανικοῦ ἔθνους µας. Αὐτή τήν Ἡµέρα τῆς Ἀνεξαρτησίας, προσεύχοµαι ὁ Θεός νά διευρύνῃ τήν δυνατότητά µας νά κατανοήσουµε τήν ἀνεξαρτησία καί τήν ἐλευθερία σέ ὅλες των τίς διαστάσεις καί ἡ ἀγάπη µας γιά Ἐκεῖνον καί γιά τούς συνανθρώπους µας νά ἐνταθῇ. Εἴθε ἡ εἰρήνη καί οἱ πλούσιες εὐλογίες Του νά ἐνοικοῦν µόνιµα στίς καρδιές σας.

Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη,

ÿ ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αµερικής Δηµήτριος

οποία παρευρέθηκαν περισσότεροι από 800 ομογενείς και κάτω από δρακόντεια μέτρα ασφαλείας είδαν έναν από τους πιο ισχυρούς άνδρες των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών, να χορεύει ζεϊμπέκικο παρέα με τον αδερφό του, αλλά και τον άκουσαν να επαινεί την Ομογένεια για τον ρόλο της στα εθνικά θέματα. Η εκδήλωση ήταν μια από τις σπάνιες ευκαιρίες που έχει η Ελληνοαμερικανική κοινότητα να αναγνωρίσει την συμβολή των ανθρώπων που ξεπήδησαν από αυτή και σήμερα κατέχουν αξιοζήλευτες θέσεις στην κοινωνία. Το βραβείο απένειμε στον κ. Τένετ ο εκτελεστικός αντιπρόεδρος του Παγκυπρίου κ. Νίκος Μούγιαρης, ενώ τον παρουσίασε ο δίδυμος αδερφός του ιατρός Βασίλειος Τένετ. Ο πρόεδρος του Παγκυπρίου κ. Φίλιπ Κρίστοφερ επεσήμανε ότι σημαντικό μερίδιο της επιτυχίας του Τζορτζ Τένετ ανήκει στην μητέρα του Ευαγγελία, 85 χρονών που με δάκρυα στα μάτια είδε τον γιο της να δέχεται τα θερμά χειροκροτήματα και την αναγνώριση του κοινού. Απλός, ζεστός και φιλικός με όλους, ο διευθυντής της CIA αποδεχόμενος το Βραβείο και αναφερόμενος στο Κυπριακό επεσήμανε ότι 30 χρόνια είναι πολλά και ότι είναι λογική η επιθυμία να βρεθεί λύση πολύ σύντομα, σημειώνοντας ότι το Κυπριακό είναι εξ’ ίσου σημαντικό με το Μεσανατολικό από πλευράς ασφάλειας, δικαιοσύνης και ελευθερίας. «...δεν ζητάμε πολλά, το ξαναλέω, είπε, έχουν περάσει πάρα πολλά χρόνια».

Περήφανος... «Είμαι περήφανος», ανέφερε, «που δέχομαι το βραβείο αυτό. Όλοι, με ρωτούν πως είναι να είσαι διευθυντής της CIA; Είναι μια σκληρή δουλειά… Οι τελευταίοι 22 μήνες ήταν ιδιαίτερα σκληροί. Είχαμε την 11η Σεπτεμβρίου, τον πόλεμο κατά της τρομοκρατίας, τον πόλεμο στο Ιράκ. Αλλά, όταν με ρωτούν πως τα καταφέρνω έχω μια πολύ απλή απάντηση: Έχω μια σπουδαία οικογένεια, μια σπουδαία κληρονομιά, μια σπουδαία πολιτιστική ταυτότητα και μια σπουδαία θρησκεία», δήλωσε με περηφάνια. Ο κ. Τένετ ανακάλεσε πρόσφατη ομιλία του προς τους απόφοιτους του

u óåë. 19

ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ - ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2003

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Γιορτάστηκαν τα ονομαστήρια Βραβεύτηκε η παρουσία της Αρχιεπισκοπής στο Διαδίκτυο του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Ειδική εορταστική εκδήλωση για τα ονομαστήρια του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου πραγματοποιήθηκε ανήμερα της εορτής του 11 Ιουνίου, στο κατάμεστο α πό κόσμο αμφιθέατρο του Πολιτιστι κού Κέντρου της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής στην Αστόρια. Στο πλούσιο και επιμελημένο καλ λιτεχνικό πρόγραμμα σ υμμετείχαν το Εργαστήρι της Ελληνικής Μουσικής, το Ίδρυμα Ελληνικής Μουσικής, η Χορωδία του ιερού ναού των Αγίων Γεωργίου και Αικατερίνης καθώς η πολλά υποσ χόμενη Μαθητική Χορωδία της Αρχιεπισκοπής. Κύριος ομιλητής στην εκδήλωση ήταν ο Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Νέας Ιερσέης κ. Ευάγγελος που με θέμα «Ο Πατριάρχης του Γένους» παρουσίασε το έργο και την ζωή του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου κ. Βαρθολομαίου. Στο πρώτο μέρος της εκδήλωσης που είχε τον τίτλο «Με το λύχνο του Άστρου» και το επιμελήθηκε ο Δημήτρης Ματσούκας η παιδική χορωδία της Αρχιεπισκοπής παρουσίασε γνωστά μελοποιημένα ποιήματα των Οδυσσέα Ελύτη, Γιάννη Ρίτσου, Νίκου Γκάτσου και Νίκου Καβαδία καθώς και των Ευαγόρα Παλληκαρίδη, Δημήτρη Λυμπέρτη και Μανώλη Αναγνωστάκη. Πήραν μέρος οι: Ιωάννα Κουρκουμέλη, Αρης Κουρκουμέλης, Διονύσης Αναστάσης, Ελλη Αναστάση, Μητροφάνης Ανθόπουλος, Ελένη Τουμαρά, Α λεξία Αστρινίδη, Αννα Αστρινίδη, Ελεάνα Αγκοπιάνη, Χριστίνα Μαυρίκη, Παναγιώτης Κούζιλος, Ελένη Γιάνουλα, Κατερίνα Διαμαντή, Θεοδώρα Χιώτη, Νικολέτα Βασιλείου, Δημήτρης Του-

μαράς καθώς και οι Γιώργος και Βασί λης Χολέβας. Τα σκηνικά και τα κοστούμια επιμελήθηκε η Έλλη Χριστοφή Ματσούκα ενώ στην ορχήστρα έπαιξαν οι μουσικοί Κώστας Ψαρός – μπουζούκι, Γιάν νης Μουτσάκης – κρουστά, Βάσος Βασιλείου – Πιάνο, Zafer Towil – βιολί και Δημήτρης Ματσούκας – κιθάρα. Ο διευθυντής του Πολιτιστικού Κέντρου Επίσκοπος Απαμείας κ. Βικέ ντιος απήγγει λε ποίημα του με τίτλο «Ο Πατριάρχης Γιορτάζει». Στο δεύτερο μέρος ο τενόρος Κωνσταντίνος Γκατζής και η σοπράνο Κάτια Ζάλ λα–Ροζάτη τραγούδησαν με την συνοδεία χορωδίας τραγούδια από την πολιτιστική μας κληρονομιά. Χαιρετισμό απηύθυναν εκ μέρους του Γενικού Προξένου της Ελλάδας η πρόξενος κ. Ειρήνη Πεντζαροπούλου, και ο πρόεδρος της Εφορείας του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Πολιτιστικού Κέντρου κ. Νίκος Ανδριώτης. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος συνεχάρη τους συντελεστές της εκδήλωσης και εξέφρασε την χαρά του για την συμμετοχή των παιδιών και των καλλιτεχνών. Αναφέρθηκε επίσης στο πρόσφατο Οικολογικό Συνέδριο που διοργάνωσε το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο στην Βαλτική στο οποίο συμμετείχε και ο ίδιος μετά από πρόσκληση του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη. Στον επίλογο της πολύ όμορφης αυτής εκδήλωσης ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος και οι ιερείς που παρακολούθησαν την εκδήλωση έψαλλαν το πολυχρόνιο του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου μας κ. Βαρθολομαίου.

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.– Με το βραβείο καλύτερης παρουσίας από πλευράς πνευματικότητος βραβεύτηκε η ιστοσελίδα της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής στο διαδίκτυο (www. goarch.org), κατά την διάρκεια του 7ου ετήσιου διαγωνισμού διαδικτυακών βραβείων. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος εκφράζοντας την ικανοποίησή του για την βράβευση τόνισε: «Η αναγνώριση αυτή αποτελεί μια υπενθύμιση του μεγέθους της ευθύνης που φέρουμε στη χώρα αυτή, αλλά και της αποστολής που έχουμε για την διάδοση του Ευαγγελίου». Οι ιστοσελίδες της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής στο διαδίκτυο είναι πλούσιες σε πνευματικό και εκπαιδευτικό περιεχόμενο καθώς και πληροφοριακό υλικό επί της Ορθοδόξου πίστεως και ζωής. Συμπεριλαμβάνουν καθημερινά ευαγγελικά αναγνώσματα, τους βίους των Αγίων, ορθόδοξες ηλεκτρονικές ευχετήριες κάρτες με

6 1η Τ Ε Λ Ε Τ Η ΑΠ Ο Φ Ο Ι Τ Η Σ Η Σ u óåë. 15

ως αντιπρόεδρος το 1988-1990. Προήδρευσε πολλών συνελεύσεων της Ολομέλειας πολλών Κληρικολαϊκών Συνεδρίων και το 1996 τιμήθηκε με το Μετάλ λιο του Αποστόλου Παύλου, την ανώτατη τιμή της Εκκλησίας μας για λαϊκό. Πιο πρόσφατα πρόσφερε τις υπηρεσίες της, την πολύπλευρη πείρα της και τις νομικές της γνώσεις στην Αρχιεπισκοπική επιτροπή αναθεώρησης του Συντάγματος της Αρχιεπισκοπής. Στην ομιλία της προς τους αποφοί-

BUSINESS CLASS êáé óáò ðñïóöÝñïõìå ïðïéïíäÞðïôå ðñïïñéóìü åíôüò ÅëëÜäïò ÄÙÑÅÁÍ*

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.

JUNE 15 - AUG 31, 2003

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

ETA PRESS

τους η κ. Χιούτζακ αναφέρθηκε στο μεγάλο θέμα της προσφοράς της Ορθοδόξου πίστεώς μας στην αμερικανική κοινωνία ακολουθώντας την προσταγή του Χριστού για την κήρυξη του Ευαγγελίου στα πέρατα της γης. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος ο οποίος ετέλεσε την τελετή της Σταυροφορίας και προεξήρχε της Θ. Λειτουργίας, συνεχάρη την κ. Χιούτζακ, απένειμε τα πτυχία σε 6 αποφοίτους του Ελληνικού Κολεγίου και 33 μεταπτυχιακά διπλώματα στους αποφοίτους της Θεολογικής Σχολής.

ÐÅÔÁÎÔÅ ÓÔÇÍ ÁÈÇÍÁ

Η Λυσιστράτη του Αριστοφάνη

Μια παράδοση πολλών χρόνων συνέχισε και φέτος το Απογευματινό Σχολείο του Αγίου Νικολάου του Flushing της Νέας Υόρκης με την παρουσίαση του πάντα επίκαιρου έργου «Λυσιστράτη» του Αριστοφάνη. Η διδασκαλία του έργου έγινε από την δασκάλα κ. Πέγκυ Σιμάκου ενώ την επιμέλεια είχε ο πρώην πρόεδρος του Συλλόγου Γονέων και διδασκάλων κ. Ευγένιος Μπουζαλάκος. Εικονίζονται (από αριστερά) Δημήτριος Λουριδάς (Ανδροκλής και Στρατιώτης Α΄), Χαρά-Μαίρη Παπαθεοδώρου (Λυσιστράτη), Αγγελική Μπουζαλάκου (Μυρρίνη), Κατερίνα Δήμου (Κορυφαία), Σταυρούλα Οικονόμου (Σπαρτιάτισσα), Χρυσούλα Σπυράκη (Άρτεμη), Βασιλική Παπαγερμανού (Ασπασία) και Αγγελική Πετροπουλέα (Κλεονίκη). Στην παράσταση έλαβαν μέρος και οι Βασίλειος Ντεμίρης (Γέρος Α΄), Δημήτριος Ανδριανόπουλος (Γέρος Β΄), Γιάννης Μπρακατσέλος (Γέρος Γ΄), Χρήστος Λουριδάς (Γέρος Δ΄) Παναγιώτης Στρατουδάκης (Αστυνόμος), Αναστάσιος Συκόπουλος (Στρατηγός), Σταύρος Λουριδάς (Στρατιώτης Β΄), Νικόλαος Καλοειδάς (Κινησίας) και Γιάννης Οικονόμου (γιος του Κινησία).

εικόνες αγίων, κατάλογο όλων των ορθοδόξων ενοριών στην Αμερική, οπτικοακουστικά βοηθήματα και παρουσιάσεις, ζωντανές και μαγνητοσκοπημένες μεταδόσεις τη Θείας Λειτουργίας καθώς και σεμινάρια μέσω διαδικτύου. Τα διαδικτυακά βραβεία (Webby Awards) αποτελούν την κατ’ εξοχή διάκριση και αναγνώριση διεθνώς για ιστοσελίδες και διαδικτυακούς κόμβους και παρουσιάζονται από την Διεθνή Ακαδημία Ψηφιακών Τεχνών και Επιστημών που επιβραβεύει τις καλύτερες ιστοσελίδες σε 30 κατηγορίες. Το Τμήμα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής που έχει επιφορτισθεί με την δημιουργία και επίβλεψη των ιστοσελίδων στο διαδίκτυο έχει προγραμματίσει την περαιτέρω ανάπτυξη των δραστηριοτήτων του και κυρίως την προσφορά υπηρεσιών προς τις Μητροπόλεις, τις κοινότητες, τους οργανισμούς και τα ιδρύματα της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής.

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ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ - ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2003

ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÍ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÅÉÏÍ ΑΚΑΔΗΜΑΪΚΗ ΣΥΝΑΝΤΗΣΗ ΙΟΥΔΑΪΣΜΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΥ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ Κοινή δέσμευση για την ειρήνη και την δικαιοσύνη ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ. – Με θέμα «Πιστότης εις τας πηγάς: κοινή δέσμευσις διά την ειρήνην και την δικαιοσύνην» πραγματοποιήθηκε από 27 μέχρι 29 Μαΐου η Ε΄ Ακαδημαϊκή Συνάντηση μεταξύ του Ιουδαϊσμού και της Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας στο ξενοδοχείο Hyatt Regency της Θεσσαλονίκης. Την οργανωτική ευθύνη της συναντήσεως είχε ο Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Γα λ λίας κ. Εμμανουήλ, επί κεφαλής του Γραφείου Διεθνών και Διαπολιτισμικών Υποθέσεων του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου για την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση στις Βρυξέλλες, εν συνεργασία με τη Διεθνή Ιουδαϊκή Επιτροπή και με την συμπροεδρία του Ραβίνου Israel Singer, προέδρου του Παγκοσμίου Ιουδαϊκού Συμβουλίου, και του Ραβίνου Joel Meyers, εκτελεστικού αντιπροέδρου της Ραβινικής Συνελεύσεως. Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης κ. Βαρθολομαίος, ο οποίος άνοιξε τις εργασίες της Συναντήσεως, στην εναρκτήρια ομιλία του υπογράμμισε ότι ο «Ιουδαϊσμός και ο Χριστιανισμός ευρίσκονται εις μιαν κατάστασιν διαλόγου επί δύο χιλιάδες έτη», και προέτρεψε την συνέχιση του διαλόγου και την διεύρυνση των προσπαθειών συνεργασίας και αποκήρυξε τον θρησκευτικό φανατισμό. Συγκεκριμένα ανέφερε ότι είναι συμφέρον όλων μας να επικρατεί δικαιοσύνη και ισότητα δυνατοτήτων και ευκαιριών για όλες τις μειονότητες σε όλο τον κόσμο και τόνισε ότι «...οι φανατικοί δεν είναι οι εκλεκτοί μιας συγκεκριμένης θρησκείας αλλά οι πιο αδύναμοι». Ο Υπουργός Πολιτισμού κ. Ευάγγελος Βενιζέλος και ο Υφυπουργός Εξωτερικών Ιωάννης Μαγκριώτης απηύθυναν χαιρετισμό εκ μέρους της Ελληνικής Κυβερνήσεως ενώ ο Μητροπολίτης Γαλλίας Εμμανουήλ παρουσίασε εισαγωγική ομιλία καθώς και οι Ραβίνοι Joel Meyers και Israel Singer και ο πρόεδρος του Συμβουλίου Αποδήμου Ελληνισμού Άντριου Άθενς. Μηνύματα έστειλαν και οι Πατριάρχες Αλεξανδρείας και Ιεροσολύμων. Στην Συνάντηση έλαβαν μέρος 60 περίπου εκπρόσωποι από πολλές χώρες του κόσμου, παρέστησαν δε ως παρατηρητές εκπρόσωποι του Βατικανού και

δικαιώματα, οι οποίες αναφέρονται ειδικότερα στις ανάγκες των θρησκευτικών μειονοτήτων. Συμφωνήθηκε η ίδρυση μονίμου Συντονιστικής Επιτροπής και η ανάπτυξη συνεχών σχέσεων. Η Επιτροπή αυτή θα προωθεί τις διακηρυχθείσες στην Συνάντηση αρχές και θα ενισχύει περαιτέρω τον διάλογο και την ανάπτυξη κατανοήσεως μεταξύ των δύο θρησκευτικών κοινοτήτων. Προτάθηκε επίσης η καθιέρωση κατ’ έτος μιας ημέρας, αφιερωμένης στις ιουδαιο-χριστιανικές σχέσεις και η κοινή οργάνωσή της από τις αντίστοιχες θρησκευτικές κοινότητες. Η συνδιάσκεψη ενθάρρυνε επίσης την ανάπτυξη προγραμμάτων, τα οποία θα μπορούσαν να φέρουν την ειρήνη μεταξύ του Ισραήλ και των Παλαιστινίων και αξίωσε την άμεση αναγνώριση του Πατριάρχου Ιεροσολύμων Ειρηναίου από την κυβέρνηση του Ισραήλ.

Στο μνημείο του Ολοκαυτώματος ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

ΟΙ σύνεδροι και άλλοι επίσημοι στην τελετή στο μνημείο του Ολικαυτώματος.

του Παγκοσμίου Συμβουλίου Εκκλησιών. Το κύριο θέμα της συνδιασκέψεως ανελύθη σε τρία ειδικότερα θέματα και για το κάθε ένα από αυτά παρουσιάσθηκε εισήγηση και ακολούθησε συζήτηση. Το πρώτο ειδικό θέμα ήταν «Αθήναι και Ιερουσαλήμ: Μνήμη και Περισυλ λογή», το οποίο εισηγήθηκαν ο ραβίνος Δρ. Alan Brill από τις ΗΠΑ και ο καθηγητής Δρ. Βλάσιος Φειδάς. Το δεύτερο ειδικό θέμα «Δέσμευσις διά την ειρήνην και την δικαιοσύνην εις την ιουδαϊκήν και την ορθόδοξον παράδοσιν» εισηγήθηκαν ο ραβίνος Danie Polish (Η.Π.Α.) και ο κ. Roman Silantiev από την Ρωσσία. Το τελικό θέμα «Αι Θρησκείαι ως ηθική δύναμις εις ένα κόσμον εν κρίσει» εισηγήθηκαν ο Θεοφιλέστατος Επίσκοπος Ειρηναίος από την Σερβία και ο ραβίνος David Rosen από το Ισραήλ.

Αρχές – Συμπεράσματα Κατά τις εργασίες της συνδιασκέψεως υιοθετήθηκαν οι παρακάτω αρχές: 1. Ιουδαϊσμός και Χριστιανισμός, καίτοι εμμένουν αυστηρώς στις κοινές

πηγές, εν τούτοις διατηρούν την εσωτερική τους αυτοτέλεια και ιδιαιτερότητα. 2. Ο σκοπός του συγκεκριμένου διαλόγου είναι η άρση των προλήψεων και η ανάπτυξη πνεύματος αμοιβαίας κατανοήσεως και εποικοδομητικής συνεργασίας για την αντιμετώπιση κοινών προβλημάτων. 3. Ειδικές προτάσεις πρέπει να εκπονηθούν για την εκπαίδευση των πιστών των δύο Θρησκειών και την ανάπτυξη υγιών σχέσεων που θα βασίζονται στον αμοιβαίο σεβασμό και την κατανόηση για την αντιμετώπιση της μισαλλοδοξίας και του φανατισμού. 4. Εν πλήρει συνειδήσει της κρίσεως των ηθικών και πνευματικών αξιών στον σύγχρονο κόσμο, θα προσπαθήσουμε να επισημάνουμε τα ιστορικά πρότυπα ειρηνικής συνυπάρξεως, που μπορούν να εφαρμοσθούν στις μειονοτικές ιουδαϊκές και ορθοδόξους κοινότητες της Διασποράς. 5. Θα αξιοποιήσουμε τις πνευματικές μας πηγές για την οργάνωση προγραμμάτων προς ανάπτυξη και ενίσχυση των κοινών μας αξιών, όπως η ειρήνη, η κοινωνική δικαιοσύνη και τα ανθρώπινα

Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης, κ. Βαρθολομαίος κατά την διάρκεια ειδικής τελετής και κατάθεσης στεφάνων στο Μνημείο του Ολοκαυτώματος της Θεσσαλονίκης, εξέφρασε την απέραντη θλίψη του για την εκτέλεση χιλιάδων Εβραίων της Θεσσαλονίκης στον Β΄ Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο και ανέφερε ότι το μνημείο αυτό θα πρέπει να μας θυμίζει τον αγώνα και την προσπάθεια που όλοι πρέπει να κάνουμε για τη διατήρηση της παγκόσμιας ειρήνης και της αρμονικής συνύπαρξης των λαών. Και κατέληξε λέγοντας: «Θα πρέπει να εξηγήσουμε στα παιδιά και τους συνανθρώπους μας ότι τέτοια εγκλήματα του παρελθόντος δεν θα πρέπει σε καμία περίπτωση να επαναληφθούν μια που ήταν αποτέλεσμα μίσους και εσφαλμένων αποφάσεων». Οι συμμετέχοντες επισκέφτηκαν επίσης το Εβραϊκό Μουσείο της Θεσσαλονίκης. Σήμερα, η σύγχρονη, μικρή αλλά δραστήρια ιουδαϊκή κοινότητα, υπό την ηγεσία των κ. Δαυίδ Σαλτιέλ και Μωϋσέως Κ. Κωνσταντίνη, παραμένει πιστή στην παράδοση της παλιάς δόξας της ιστορικής κοινότητας που ανθούσε στην πόλη.

Μετά από 6 αιώνες εψάλη η Θεία Λειτουργία στην Πέργαμο u óåë. 15 Στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος τέλεσε τρισάγιο υπέρ αναπαύσεως «των ειρηνικώς κοιμηθέντων και μαρτυρικώς τελειωθέντων» κατοίκων της Περγάμου. Στην ομιλία του ο Μητροπολίτης Περγάμου κ. Ιωάννης μεταξύ άλλων τόνισε: «... ο Ιωάννης ο οποίος εκήρυξε ακριβώς σ’ αυτή την περιοχή του κόσμου και έζησε εδώ σε βαθύτατη ηλικία γήρατος, δεν μπορούσε, κατά την παράδοση πλέον ούτε να κάνει τίποτε άλλο, παρά να περιφέρεται και να λέγει μόνο τρεις λέξεις στους ανθρώπους: «αδελφοί αγαπάτε αλλήλους», σαν να συνοψίζει μέσα σ’ αυτές τις τρεις λέξεις όλα όσα είχε να πει με το Ευαγγέλιον, τις Επιστολές του με την Αποκάλυψή του –με όλη του τη ζωή. Και δεν είναι τυχαίο αυτό αδελφοί μου. Την στιγμή αυτή που εδώ αξιούμεθα

ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης κ. Βαρθολομαίος ατενίζει τα ερείπια του Ναού.

από την χάρη του Κυρίου να τελούμε τη Θεία Λειτουργία, αισθανόμεθα τον Άγιο Ιωάννη να περιφέρεται εδώ, ανάμεσά μας και να μας λέγει τα ίδια λόγια. Να απευθύνει αυτά τα λόγια πρώτα σ’ εμάς τους πιστούς, τους Χριστιανούς και ιδιαίτερα στους Ορθοδόξους. Να καταλάβουμε ότι χωρίς την αγάπη δεν μπορούμε να είμεθα πιστοί εις το κήρυγμα και μήνυμά του. Αλλά την αγάπη αυτή την απευθύνει ο Άγιος Ιωάννης προς τους εγγύς και τους μακράν προς τον κόσμο ολόκληρο, μάλιστα δε προς τους λαούς της οικουμένης, τους λαούς τους οποίους τους καλεί σε αγάπη. Διότι τίποτε δεν είναι πιο σημαντικό από την αγάπη μεταξύ των λαών, όταν μάλιστα οι λαοί αυτοί συμβαίνει να γειτνιάζουν μεταξύ τους». Την παραμονή της ημέρας της Θείας Λειτουργίας ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος μαζί με τον Μητροπολίτη Περγάμου περιηγήθηκαν την αρχαία και νέα Πέργαμο.

ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ - ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2003

Ομογενής Μαέστρος διευθύνει «ΕΡΜΙΟΝΗ» στο Carnegie Hall ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Μια σημαντική πρεμιέρα που εντυπωσίασε τους φίλους της Όπερας είχαν την ευκαιρία να παρακολουθήσουν όσοι βρέθηκαν στις 3 Ιουνίου στο Κάρνεγκι Χολ. Πρόκειται για την όπερα του Ροσίνι «Ερμιόνη» εμπνευσμένη από την Ελ ληνική Μυθολογία, με την Ελ ληνίδα Σοπράνο Ειρήνη Τσιρακίδη στον ομώνυμο ρόλο. Τη Φιλαρμονική του Μανχάτταν διηύθυνε ο ομογενής Μαέστρος Πίτερ Τιμπόρης, γενικός διευθυντής της MidA merica Productions που επιμελήθηκε και την παραγωγή και είναι μέλος της «Ηγεσίας των 100». Πρωταγωνιστικό ρόλο είχε και ο Ελληνοκύπριος βαρύτονος Κωνσταντίνος Γαννούδης. Η Ειρήνη Τσιρακίδη είχε παρουσιάσει την «Ερμιόνη» με την Όπερα του Ντάλας, τον περασμένο Φεβρουάριο. Για την συμμετοχή της εκείνη οι κριτικοί διέκριναν το πλούσιο ταλέντο της και επεσήμαναν ότι πρόκειται για μια πολύ σημαντική παρουσία, με ιδιαίτερο πάθος στην φωνή της. Τους υπόλοιπους ρόλους της όπερας μοιράστηκαν η μέτζο-σοπράνο Βικτώρια Λιβενγκουντ, η σοπράνο Τζοάνα Γουάιζμεν, η σοπράνο Κρίστεν Λέσλι και οι τενόροι Μπρούς Φορντ, Μπάρι Μπάνκς και Ντέιβιντ Ανταμς. Συμμετείχαν επίσης οι χορωδίες «Αρκάδιαν Κοράλ» και «Ρίτσμοντ Κοράλ. Μιλώντας σχετικά με το έργο που διάλεξε ο Πίτερ Τιμπόρης επεσήμανε ότι αγάπησε το έργο του Ροσίνι με την πρώτη φορά που το άκουσε και τόνισε ότι αποτελεί ένα έργο έντονης και δραματικής μουσικής αξίας. Στο πρόγραμμα της παραστάσεως, οι παραγωγοί εκφράζουν ευχαριστίες και στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο.

Οικογένεια, Κληρονομιά και Θρησκεία u óåë. 16 Πανεπιστημίου «Τζορτζ Τάουν», από το οποίο τιμήθηκε με διδακτορικό δίπλωμα λέγοντας: «είπα στους αποφοίτους ότι ένα από τα μυστικά της ζωής είναι να γνωρίζεις σαν άνθρωπος από που έρχεσαι και που πηγαίνεις. Τους είπα ότι έχω συναντήσει, προέδρους, πρωθυπουργούς, βασιλιάδες, βασίλισσες, γερουσιαστές, βουλευτές και πρεσβευτές, αλλά τα δύο πιο σημαντικά πρόσωπα που συνάντησα στην ζωή μου είναι η μητέρα και ο πατέρας μου». Και σε άλλο σημείο της ομιλίας του κατέληξε: «Σκέφτομαι λοιπόν, ότι έρχομαι από μια οικογένεια, από μια κοινότητα, την Ελληνοαμερικανική, που μου έδωσε το σθένος και την δύναμη...»

ÃÉÁ ÄÉÁÖÇÌÉÓÅÉÓ ÓÔÏÍ

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇ ôçëåöùíåßóôå óôï:

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ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Το Ελληνικό και Λατινικό πολιτισμικό υπόβαθρο

Χριστιανική θρησκεία εγεννήθηκε στα σπλάχνα του εξελληνισμένου Ιουδαϊσμού αλλά εγαλουχήθηκε και αναπτύχθηκε στην αγκαλιά του Ελληνισμού. Χωριστά από τον υπερφυσικό παράγοντα, με βάση μόνο τα ιστορικά δεδομένα, οφείλουμε να ομολογήσουμε ότι η επιτυχία του Χριστιανισμού πρέπει να αναζητηθεί στον ελληνικό παράγοντα –στη γλώσσα, την γεωγραφία, την πολιτισμική παράδοση, τον τρόπο του σκέπτεσθαι, την αντίληψη περί θρησκείας και των αδέκαστων και συνεχών αναζητήσεων του ελληνικού πνεύματος. Οι πρώτοι Χριστιανοί ήσαν Ιουδαίοι αλλά και εξελληνισμένοι Ιουδαίοι, διάφοροι ελληνόφωνοι, μη ελληνικής φυλετικής καταγωγής, αλλά και γνήσιοι Έλληνες, όπως ôïõ ð. Äçìçôñßïõ Éù. ÊùíóôáíôÝëïõ βεβαιώνει το Ευαγγέλιο του Ιωάννη, οι Πράξεις των Αποστόλων αλλά και άλλες πρωτοχριστιανικές πηγές. Λόγου χάριν, στον βίο του Αγίου Βαρνάβα γίνεται λόγος για την ιεραποστολή του Παύλου και Βαρνάβα, οι οποίοι «ευηγγελίσαντο τον λόγον του Κυρίου, και πολλούς των Ιουδαίων και Ελλήνων εφώτισαν». Οι πρώτες πόλεις που εδέχθησαν τον Ιησού Χριστό ως τον αναμενόμενο Μεσσία του αρχαίου Ισραήλ και ως τον Άγνωστο Θεό, τον προαιώνιο Λόγο των Ελλήνων, ήσαν Ελληνικές. Η Ελληνική γλώσσα δεν ήτο μόνο ένα μέσον επικοινωνίας, αλλά και ένας φορέας της διανόησης, του τρόπου του σκέπτεσθαι και φιλοσοφείν των Ελλήνων. Ο τρόπος οργανώσεως των πρώτων εκκλησιών σε ελληνικές πόλεις ήτο Ελληνικός. Οι πρώτες εκκλησίες ήσαν όπως οι ανεξάρτητες πόλεις κρατίδια του αρχαίου Ελληνισμού. Το σύστημα συνόδων, τοπικών και οικουμενικών, ήτο ελληνικό, δημοκρατικό. Διά τους πρώτους τέσσερους αιώνες, αν όχι περισσότερο, ο Χριστιανισμός ήτο μία Ελληνική θρησκευτική και πολιτισμική επανάσταση. Και τούτο επετεύχθη επειδή από τα πρώτα χρόνια της διαδόσεως του Χριστιανισμού έγινε η συμφιλίωση της Χριστιανικής πίστεως με τα ελληνικά γράμματα και την ελληνική σκέψη. Χωρίς να υποτιμούμε την σημασία της πολιτικής ενότητος που έγινε διά των κατακτήσεων της Ρώμης η οποία διευκόλυνε την από πόλη σε πόλη ιεραποστολή, ήτο η Ελληνική πολιτισμική ενότητα του αρχαίου κόσμου, που ξεκίνησε από τον τέταρτο προ Χριστού αιώνα και συνεχίστηκε χωρίς διακοπές διά οκτώ τουλάχιστον ακόμη αιώνες, μέχρις ότου η Αγία Γραφή μεταφράστηκε στην Λατινική και άρχισε αξιόλογη Λατινική εκκλησιαστική και θεολογική γραμματεία. Η λατινική θεολογία αρχίζει από τον ιερόν Αυγουστίνο. Οι αντιθέσεις που παρατηρούνται στις σχέσεις μεταξύ Ελληνικής Χριστιανικής Ανατολής και Λατινικής Χριστιανικής Δύσεως ύστερα από τον πέμπτον αιώνα, όχι μόνο στη θεολογία αλλά και στον τρόπο διοικήσεως, οφείλονται στις πολιτισμικές διαφορές μεταξύ της Ελληνικής και Ρωμαϊκής ιστορικής εμπειρίας και νοοτροπίας. Υπήρχαν διαφορές στην προσέγγιση του προβλήματος που αφορούσε τις σχέσεις κλασσικής παιδείας και Χριστιανικής πίστεως. Από την εποχή του φιλοσόφου και μάρτυρος Ιουστίνου και των άλλων απολογητών, κατόπιν των μεγάλων Αλεξανδρινών Κλήμεντος και Ωριγένους, των μεγάλων Πατέρων Βασιλείου, Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου και Γρηγορίου Νύσσης και μεταγενεστέρων μεγάλων πατέρων, η αρχαία ελληνική παιδεία έγινε και παιδεία των Χριστιανών και ένας από τους δύο αρμούς στην εκπαίδευση του Χριστιανικού Ελληνισμού κατά την βυζαντινή χιλιετία. «Η Αναγωγή της πίστεως εις γνώσιν» έγινε σύνθημα και αρχή διά τον Χριστιανικόν Ελληνισμόν εν αντιθέσει προς την θέση της Χριστιανικής Λατινικής Δύσεως, η οποία είδε την αρχαία ελληνική γραμματεία έργον του Σατανά, όπως βεβαιούται από την στάση του Τερτυλλιανού, του πάπα Γρηγορίου του Μεγάλου και άλλων τινων. Οι γέφυρες που προσπάθησαν να θεμελιώσουν τις σχέσεις μεταξύ ελληνικής φιλοσοφίας και Χριστιανικής πίστεως στη Δύση, Λατίνοι πατέρες και διανοούμενοι, όπως οι Ιερώνυμος, Βοήθιος και Κασσιόδωρος, δεν άντεξαν στις επιθέσεις από το στενό νομικιστικό συντηρητικό λατινικό πνεύμα. Η Δύση χρειάσθηκε να περάσουν αιώνες διά να ανακαλύψει τη σημασία της κλασσικής κληρονομιάς. Η Ελληνική θρησκευτική σκέψη υπεγράμμισε τη σημασία της φιλανθρωπίας – αγάπης του ενανθρωπήσαντος Θεού, του σταυρωθέντος και αναστάντος από αγάπη διά την σωτηρία του ανθρώπου, ενώ η Λατινική Δύση, αυστηρή ακόλουθος της ρωμαϊκής αντιλήψεως περί νόμου ομιλεί διά την εξιλαστήριο σταυρική θυσία ως ανάγκη διά την αποκατάσταση της δικαιοσύνης του Θεού. Τούτο, όπως και άλλες διδασκαλίες, περί προπατορικού αμαρτήματος, περί γάμου και αγαμίας, εξηγεί εν μέρει γιατί στην Ορθοδοξία δεν αναπτύχθηκε ο σχολαστικισμός αλλά επεκράτησε το πνεύμα της πνευματικής ελευθερίας εντός του ευρυτάτου κλίματος

της εκκλησιαστικής ζωής. Χάρις ή νόμος; το πνεύμα ή το γράμμα του νόμου; αγάπη ή δικαιοσύνη; Ερωτήματα στα οποία έχουμε διαφορετικές απαντήσεις από Έλληνες και Λατίνους πατέρες. Οι διαφορές μεταξύ του Ελληνικού και του Λατινικού τρόπου αντιμετωπίσεως προβλημάτων επισήμου κράτους, ή επικρατούσης θρησκείας στο κράτος, και θρησκευτικών μειονοτήτων εμφανίζονται νωρίς στην ιστορία της Χριστιανοσύνης. Εκτός μερικών εξαιρέσεων, στην Ελληνική Ανατολή δεν δημιουργήθηκε Ιερά Εξέταση και δεν συντάχθηκε κατάλογος απαγορευμένων βιβλίων. Στην ιστορία του Χριστιανικού Ελληνισμού παρατηρούμε περισσότερες τιμωρίες δι’ εξορίας και σπανίως τιμωρία διά πυρός και μαχαίρας, περισσότερο διάλογο, θέσεις, αντιθέσεις και συνθέσεις και ολιγώτερον αυταρχισμό στην διαδικασία αιρέσεων και αντιφρονούντων. Οι εξαιρέσεις δεν αναιρούν τον κανόνα. Ο θεσμός των Συνόδων, τοπικών και οικουμενικών, αλλά και η αυτονομία και το αυτοκέφαλον της σημερινής ανά τον κόσμο Ορθοδόξου Καθολικής Εκκλησίας, είναι θεσμός Ελληνικός και μας υπενθυμίζει το θεσμό των αμφικτυονίων, που απέβλεπαν στον θρησκευτικό και πολιτικό σύνδεσμο πολλών ανεξαρτήτων και αυτοκεφάλων πόλεων, κρατιδίων του αρχαίου Ελληνισμού. Ο Ρωμαιοκαθολικός παπικός μοναρχισμός είναι κληρονομιά από τον Ρωμαϊκό αυτοκρατορικό συγκεντρωτισμό. Οι Ρωμαιοκαθολικές αξιώσεις περί εξουσίας και πρωτείου πάπα, ως διαδόχου του Αποστόλου Πέτρου δεν ευσταθούν ιστορικώς αλλά και αγιογραφικώς. Ο παπικός συγκεντρωτισμός εξελίχθηκε σαν μια ανάγκη της εποχής κατά την οποία η Δυτική Ρωμαϊκή Αυτοκρατορία ευρίσκετο στο έλεος των βαρβαρικών επιδρομών και της ρωμαϊκής πολιτικής παρακμής. Περί τα τέλη του πέμπτου αιώνα, η Εκκλησία της Ρώμης, κατ’ απομίμηση του Ρωμαϊκού αυτοκρατορικού θεσμού, είχε αξιώσεις να επιβληθεί εφ’ όλης της Χριστιανικής Εκκλησίας. Οι επίσκοποι της Ρώμης απαιτούσαν απόλυτη υποταγή και εδίδασκαν ότι ο πάπας λογοδοτεί μόνο στο Θεό. Με την παρακμή και πτώση της αυτοκρατορικής ή πολιτικής εξουσίας, ο πάπας παρέλαβε τα σκήπτρα της εξουσίας και ζηλοτύπως ζητούσε τα προνόμια της πρωτοκαθεδρίας εφ’ όλης της πρώην Ρωμαϊκής Αυτοκρατορίας, αξιώσεις αντίθετες από την πρωτοχριστιανική πράξη και το Ελληνικό πνεύμα της συναλληλίας και συνοδικότητος που επικρατούσε στην νέα διαμορφωθείσα Ελληνορωμαϊκή Χριστιανική Αυτοκρατορία. Ένα παράδειγμα. Στις αρχές του έκτου αιώνα, ο πάπας της Ρώμης Σύμμαχος (498-514), αδιάλλακτος στις απαιτήσεις του, με αξιώσεις ότι ίστατο υπεράνω πατριαρχών και αυτοκρατόρων, έγραψε στον «συνετό, πεπαιδευμένον, επιεική τε και μεγαλόδωρον» (Ιωάννης Λυδός) και περισσότερον Ελληνόφρονα, τον εκ Δυρραχίου αυτοκράτορα Αναστάσιο (491-518) και απαιτούσε όπως ο Αναστάσιος επιβάλλει διά βίας τις αποφάσεις της τετάρτης οικουμενικής συνόδου και τιμωρήσει όσους δεν συμφωνούσαν με τις θεολογικές του απόψεις. Ο Αναστάσιος, που τον διέκρινε η μετριοπάθεια και ανθρωπιστική ανεκτικότητα, απήντησε ως εξής: «Η αιδεσιμότητά σου είναι δυνατόν να συμβάλλει στην πτώση μου, μπορεί να με υβρίσει, αλλά δεν μπορεί να με διατάξει. Δεν μπορώ να επιβάλλω την πίστη μιας μερίδος του λαού μου επί των άλλων που διαφωνούν διότι κάτι τέτοιο θα γέμιζε τους δρόμους της Κωνσταντινουπόλεως με αίμα.» Ο Αναστάσιος ακολούθησε το ελληνικό και όχι το ρωμαϊκό ήθος. Και η Εκκλησία της Κωνσταντινουπόλεως συνεφώνησε μαζί του, αν και μερικοί τον εκατηγόρησαν ως Μονοφυσίτη. Σε διαφορές που προκύπτουν μεταξύ Εκκλησίας και Κρατικής Εξουσίας, εμείς οι Ελ ληνορθόδοξοι έχουμε κληρονομήσει μια παράδοση που απαιτεί διάλογο, συμβιβασμούς, ανεκτικότητα, αρμονία – αρχές που κληρονομήσαμε από τον αρχαίο, μη Χριστιανικό, αλλά και τον Χριστιανικό Ελληνισμό της βυζαντινής χιλιετίας. Το γεγονός ότι και στο Βυζάντιο υπήρξαν αυτοκράτορες που εξήσκησαν καισαροπαπισμό και πατριάρχες που προσπάθησαν να μιμηθούν τους συναδέλφους των της παλαιάς Ρώμης και να επιβάλλουν παποκαισαρισμό δεν αναιρεί τον κανόνα, κατά τον οποίο η δυαρχία και η αρμονία μεταξύ τους δύο ήτο η επικρατέστερη πολιτική. Η Ρωμαιοκαθολική Εκκλησία μέχρι σήμερα πολιτεύεται με νόμους και θεσμούς που κληρονόμησε από την αυτοκρατορική και συγκεντρωτική Ρωμαϊκή Αυτοκρατορία, ενώ η Ελληνική Ορθόδοξος Εκκλησία, παραμένει συνεχιστής αρχαίων Ελ ληνικών θεσμών, και θεματοφύλακας του ελληνοχριστιανικού πνεύματος των μεγάλων πατέρων και οικουμενικών διδασκάλων. Ο Πρωτοπρεσβύτερος π. Δημήτριος Ιω. Κωνσταντέλος είναι Ομότιμος Καθηγητής Πανεπιστημίου.

JUNE - JULY 2003

OCMC Board Members Complete Pilgrimage to Alaska Sites KODIAK, Alaska – As they venerated the relics of St. Herman of Alaska in the Holy Resurrection Cathedral here one last time before departing for their homes in the “Lower 48,” members of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) board understood much more about Orthodoxy in this place where it first came to North America over 200 years ago. by Clifford T. Argue

Ten Board members and the son of one had completed a whirlwind four-day pilgrimage to various Orthodox sites in the Anchorage and Kodiak areas following the Board’s spring meeting in Portland, Oregon. The OCMC and its predecessor mission boards and committees of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese have been long-time and consistent supporters of Orthodoxy in Alaska. Donations have been made to individual clergy, parishes, and St. Herman Theological Seminary in Kodiak, with special emphasis on funding of training the seminarians in drug and alcohol counseling. More recently, OCMC short-term mission teams have traveled to the 49th state to assist with religious instruction in remote villages. This summer four OCMC teaching teams will travel throughout the state visiting small communities that in some cases only see a priest a few times a year. While there are more than 90 parishes in Alaska, only 30 priests are available to serve them. The board members saw and experienced a wide variety of the Orthodox presence in Alaska from the traditional and by far largest body, the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska of the Orthodox Church in America, founded by Russian monks in Kodiak in 1794, to much more recent parishes of the Greek and Antiochian Archdioceses and a school and coffeehouse

OCMC BOARD members (from left) Andrew Yiannakos, Cina Daskalakis, Fr. Chad Hatfield, Teresa Polychronis, Thalia Karakitsios, Fr. Martin Ritsi, Bishop Nikolai, Helen Nicozisis, Betty Slanta, Cliff Argue, and Deacon Euthym Kontaxis.

operated by the Bulgarian Diocese. The pilgrims also went to Spruce Island near Kodiak where St. Herman lived for many years ministering to the local native population. OCMC participants on the pilgrimage were Fr. Martin Ritsi, executive director, St. Augustine, Fla; Helen Nicozisis, board president, Lancaster, Pa; Fr. Chad Hatfield, vice president, Kodiak, Alaska; Betty Slanta, secretary, Alexandria, Va.; Deacon Dr. Euthym Kontaxis and his son Michael, 10, Rancho Mirage, Calif.; Teresa Polychronis, New York; Cina Daskalakis, Boca Rotan, Fla.; Thalia Karakitsios, New York; Andrew Yiannakos, Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Clifford Argue, Mercer Island, Wash. Bishop Nikolai of the OCA Diocese, a former OCMC board member, hosted

the OCMC group. He welcomed them at a dinner at his chancery in Anchorage and provided warm hospitality throughout the visit in Kodiak. His Grace expressed appreciation for the strong relationship between OCMC and Alaska and challenged the board to plan to build a church in the state, much as OCMC has done in Africa and elsewhere through donations and construction teams. While in Anchorage, the group visited St. John’s Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral and its surrounding complex including a K-8 community school, young singles residence program facility, and chapel in Eagle River, hosted by Fr. Marc Dunaway, pastor; nearby Eklutna Historic Park incorporating St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (OCA) and a cemetery with graves covered by

unique “spirit houses” for native Athabascan Indians, most of whom are Orthodox, hosted by Fr. Hieromonk Yakov; and St. Innocent Orthodox Cathedral (OCA), center of church life for many Orthodox in the Anchorage area and the constant stream of visitors from outlying village throughout the state, hosted by Fr. Michael Oleksa, dean and well-known author and lecturer on Orthodoxy in Alaska. A number of Greek immigrants arrived in Anchorage when it was founded just under a century ago. They came to work on the railroad, seek their fortunes in the mines, be fishermen, and eventually some opened restaurants. Holy Transfiguration Church started in the early 1960’s in a small cinder-block building near mid-town and today has a former mansion on a fiveacre site south of the city. Fr. Leo Schefe and Presbytera Candace, recently arrived from New Zealand and the congregation welcomed the OCMC group for morning Orthros service and breakfast. The parish hopes to someday build a Byzantine-style church on its property. The group also toured the Anchorage Museum of History and Art for a quick lesson in Alaskan history from pre-historic times through the Russian period of ownership to the present oil-based economy. They heard from curators Mina Jacobs and Barbara Smith about the work of a new organization, ROSSIA, which is dedicated to preserving the historic and often environmentally threatened Orthodox Churches in Alaska. Here in Kodiak, the OCMC pilgrims visited St. Herman Seminary which trains native Alaskans for service in the church, made the trip to Spruce Island, and participated in evening Vigil and Sunday morning Hierarchal Divine Liturgy at Holy Resurrection Cathedral.

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JUNE - JULY 2003

MIS SIONS

Orthodox Scouting Awards

OCMC Helps to Feed Thousands In India ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- Through its Agape Canister humanitarian aid program the Orthodox Christian Mission Center has been helping to feed thousands in the slums of Calcutta, India since 1996. The Philanthropic Society of the Orthodox Church in India, which is an OCMC Agape Canister program grant recipient, runs two feeding programs. These programs have improved the quality of life and life expectancy for thousands. Homeless children are fed daily and nonperishable food is distributed to impoverished families, the elderly and many disabled people weekly. This ministry helps widows, lepers, the blind and the lame. Both of these feeding programs are seeing increased numbers of people in need. Today, nearly 250 children gather daily in the churchyard to receive milk and biscuits. Boys and girls, ranging in age from six months to 16 years, partake of the food. Most of the children who depend on this program are homeless or come from very poor homes and the biscuits they receive are likely their only meal of the day. There has also been a tremendous rise in the number of people who

come seeking help from the weekly outreach. In 2002, 6,000 people, including 1,700 families and 900 individuals, came to the church to receive nonperishable food items. Lentils, rice and other staples of the Indian diet are distributed to help prevent starvation and disease. The recent increases of people in need seeking help have made it difficult for the Philanthropic Society to provide all essentials. To accommodate the increasing numbers of people the Society has cut back on the number of items they give out each week. They used to give out flour, oil and soap, but have eliminated these in order to help feed more people. While these programs are helping thousands, there is still so much more that could be done. Fr. Ignatios Sennis, a missionary from Greece and the founder of the Philanthropic Society said recently, “It is our hope to be able to provide all the essential items in the near future for the weekly program and to provide vitamins for the children at least twice a week. The Society needs all the support it can get, especially as more and more needy people require our assistance.”

Missionaries Needed in Guatemala ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- With the expansion of its existing missionary quarters under way, the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orthodox Orphanage in Guatemala City has put out a call for long-term missionaries. “We would like to accept up to four long-term missionaries at the Hogar. They could have some background in elementary education, early child development, physical therapy or speech therapy, child care and other related fields,” wrote OCMC missionary Fr. Timothy Ferguson after consulting with Mother Inés, the director of the orphanage. “We need people who can interact with the children on a daily basis – especially the toddlers and infants.” The Hogar Rafael Ayau is run by Orthodox nuns and many of the staff are women. “We would like a balance between male and female volunteers since the children have had few positive male figures in their life,” continued Fr. Timothy Ferguson. In the past, most OCMC long-term missionaries have been women and they are especially looking for male role models for the children. Missionaries live on the orphanage

compound - fully surrounded by a brick wall in the middle of Guatemala City - that is a haven for the battered, neglected and orphaned children that are brought there. Since the children have already experienced a great lack of stability in their short lives, long-term missionaries have the potential to promote a feeling of security by their presence. Well-grounded, mature individuals are needed to nurture the children and to help them along in the healing process. Applicants ideally would already speak or have some knowledge of Spanish, but language training prior to service can be arranged if necessary. Terms for missionaries are typically two years or more, but shorter time periods may be considered. Check out www.ocmc.org/ missionaries to find out more about OCMC missionaries. For more information on how to become a long-term missionary, please contact the Orthodox Christian Mission Center’s Missionary Director, Maria Gallos, at missionaries@ocmc.org or at (904) 829-5132.

PILGRIMAGE TO ALASKA SITES u page 20 Seminary Academic Dean Fr. Chad Hatfield and Administrative Dean Archimandrite Benjamin hosted the group at various times. They also toured St. Innocent Academy, a school for “at risk” Orthodox youth from around the country, operated under the Bulgarian Diocese by Fr. Paisius De Lucia, and Monk’s Rock Bookstore and Coffeehouse. Fr. Martin Ritsi, OCMC executive director, gave the graduation address at the Seminary. The four days in Alaska offered a deeply rewarding spiritual experience for the OCMC Board members who participated. It also served as a reconfirmation of the need for continued support of Alaska by OCMC. There were many op-

portunities for worship, fellowship and interaction with local Orthodox, learning, and something Orthodox do very well – eating. Being the Paschal season, a common thread wherever the group went was the joyous singing of “Christ is Risen” not only in traditional languages like English, Greek, Slavonic, and Arabic, but also in Alaskan native tongues such as Yupik, an Eskimo dialect from the YukonKuskokwim area. While for most on the pilgrimage it was the first time to be in Alaska, all agreed it likely would not be the last time they visit this “Great Land,” where Orthodoxy was planted in North America and today needs support to maintain a strong presence. For more information on the Diocese of Alaska, go to http://alaskanchurch.org/

Fr. John Heropoulos presented Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts representing 20 different troops from St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church in Greenlawn, New York with their Orthodox Scouting awards – the St. George Medal, Chi Rho Medal and Alpha Omega awards. Award recipients were – For the St. George Medal: Samantha Courbanou, Alexis Dimitriou, Christina Dimitriou, Alaina Dimitriou, Kristen Dorsey, Demi Kaitery, Stephanie Kostopoulos, Georgina Kostopoulos, Stephanie Larkin, Martine LaSorsa, Cynthia Plackis, Eleni Toubanos. For the Chi Rho Medal: Alexis Dimitriou, George Dimitriou, Julianna Ioannou, Athena Kaitery, Demi Kaitery, Spiridoula Kokkosis, Angela Kokkosis, Stephanie Kostopoulos, Georgina Kostopoulos, Alexandra Kranidis, Jamie Ramerini, Leah Smilios. The Alpha Omega award recipient was Soultania Makrides.

Greek Museum Founders Meet with Archbishop Katherine R. Boulukos of St. Paul Cathedral in Hempstead, N.Y. and Anastasia Nicholas, from Annunciation Church in Manhattan met recently with Archbishop Demetrios to discuss the work they are doing towards the creation of The Greek Museum, the Center for Greek American Heritage in the New York area. Mrs. Boulukos said there is a great need to establish such a museum, which is dedicated to preserving and recording the history and culture of the Greek immigrants. Since similar museums exist in Chicago and Salt Lake City and His Eminence agreed that the time was long overdue for New York to have its own, Mrs. Boulukos said. The museum would include an oral history department that would tell the story of the immigrants from individual video interviews. There would be displays about the early life of the immigrants, and the contributions of the various fraternal and regional organizations. In addition, it would showcase the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Church in New York City, trace the various early

trades, and include a time line that would document the earliest arrivals. It would also include a Library and a music collection. The Archbishop congratulated the two women for obtaining charter status from the state of New York and the taxexempt status from the federal and state governments. He agreed that this would be a valuable educational tool. The plan includes for a professional curator to include a hands on display for children. His Eminence encouraged the women to fulfill this challenging task that they have been working on for seven years, Mrs. Boulukos reported. The women expressed their difficulty in convincing fellow Greeks that it is possible to establish such a museum in the New York area despite the financial crisis the city is facing today. The museum is accepting artifacts, photocopies of documents, and other relevant items. They can be reached by email at: the greekmuseum@aol.com. Their web site address is: http://www.greekmuseum.org, mailing address: PO Box 1863, Grand Central Station, NY 10163.

AHEPA Promotes “Operation USO Care Package” WASHINGTON-The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is promoting the United Service Organizations’ (USO) “Operation USO Care Package.” “We are excited to be an official partner with the USO on such a meaningful philanthropic and patriotic endeavor as ‘Operation USO Care Package,’” said AHEPA Supreme President Dr. James Dimitriou. “If we can, in some small way, offer a sense of comfort and home to our heroes, then we’ve provided a great service of which we are proud.” According to the supreme president, AHEPA will initiate a four-month fund raising campaign, directing its chapters and members to support our troops by making a generous contribution to this program. The goal is to donate a minimum of $10,000. “This is a great opportunity for AHEPA, like it has so many times in its history, to mobilize its vast grassroots network in a

demonstration of patriotism,” said AHEPA Executive Director Basil N. Mossaidis. “Also, we hope to have some of our chapters provide logistical assistance in the preparation and handing out of care packages to our troops when they deploy.” AHEPA will promote the USO initiative on its Web site, www.ahepa.org http:/ /www.ahepa.org, in its official publication, The AHEPAN, and through an aggressive grassroots campaign to its chapters and members across the world. “USO appreciates AHEPA’s offer to promote this initiative among its members throughout the world to show our fighting men and women that they are remembered by Americans of Greek descent back home,” said Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro president. “This program is possible because of the support from corporations, individuals, and associations like AHEPA that donate funds to sponsor the packages or items requested by military personnel.”

JUNE - JULY 2003

Priest’s Son, Seminarian Die During Fishing Trip

IOCC Chicago Committee Honors Bishop Dimitrios

BISHOP DIMITRIOS with IOCC staff, board members and volunteers at the ninth annual Pan-Orthodox Grand Banquet in Chicago. With him are (from left) IOCC Development Officer Dan Christopulos, banquet Chairwoman Margo Anos, IOCC board member Donna Haddad Conopeotis, board member James Thomas, Chicago Metropolitan Committee Chairman Dr. George Dalianis and IOCC Church Liaison Alexis Troubetzkoy.

CHICAGO – Calling International Orthodox Christian Charities an “organization of action,” Bishop Dimitrios was honored Sunday as a man of action by IOCC’s Chicago Metropolitan Committee. Bishop Dimitrios, ecumenical officer of the Archdiocese, was the honoree at the committee’s ninth annual Pan-Orthodox Grand Banquet. “When we stand before Christ, he will not ask us if we are a lawyer or a millionaire or even a cleric; he will ask us if we fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and imprisoned,” Bishop Dimitrios told the crowd of 300 at The Carlisle in Lombard, Ill. “I am a man of few words. I much prefer action. That is why I am so supportive of IOCC. It is an organization of action,” he said. Bishop Dimitrios was recognized for his longstanding support of IOCC, the official humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians. In addition to his work 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. In both capacities, His Grace has been active in promoting the work of IOCC. “Your commitment to the Orthodox Church, to people around the world, your

humble spirit, your quiet approach and your quick wit are inspiring and contagious,” said IOCC Executive Director Constantine M. Triantafilou. “On behalf of the board of directors of IOCC, the staff and all our beneficiaries, I thank you.” Among those attending the banquet were Orthodox faithful from the Greek, Serbian, Antiochian, OCA and Romanian churches in Chicago. “The banquet exemplified the pan-Orthodox spirit,” said Dr. George Dalianis, chairman of the Chicago committee. “The warmth and congeniality that permeated the evening is what made it so special.” The Chicago committee is one of 27 such groups across the country that advance the humanitarian mission of IOCC through fund-raising and volunteer work. In addition to Bishop Dimitrios, the other attending hierarchs were Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, Bishop Job of the Diocese of Chicago and the Midwest (OCA), and Archbishop Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada. Keynote speaker was Alexis Troubetzkoy, international church liaison for IOCC. Master of ceremonies was longtime Chicago newsman Bud Photopulos, and banquet chairwoman was Margo Anos. Since its founding in 1992, IOCC has delivered more than $160 million in humanitarian assistance in 23 countries.

IOCC Staff Member Gets Romanian Orthodox Church Honor BALTIMORE – The Romanian Orthodox Church recently bestowed upon Nicholas Chakos, former program coordinator for IOCC-Romania, its Patriarch Miron Cross, the highest lay honor it grants. The award is given for outstanding social service on behalf of the Orthodox Church. Attending the April 18 awards ceremony in Bucharest were Patriarch Teoctist, Bishop Ciprian, IOCC-Romania Program Coordinator Will Clowney, and Chakos. Patriarch Teoctist commended Chakos for his work with IOCC in service to the Romanian people, especially during the floods of 2000. “It was an awesome honor,” Mr. Chakos said. “It’’ a strong validation of the great things that we’ve been able to accomplish there as IOCC. And it shows not only the great needs that exist in Romania but also how effective we can be as partners with the Church.” Chakos was granted the honor by a unanimous vote of the Holy Synod. The award is named after Patriarch Miron, the first patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox

Church, who served from 1925-1939. “This award exemplifies IOCC’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with the Orthodox Church wherever it works,” said IOCC Executive Director Constantine M. Triantafilou. “It demonstrates that IOCC has been true to its mission as an agency of the Orthodox Church.” Chakos served at IOCC’s Bucharest office for three years. In that time, IOCC provided emergency relief to victims of flooding, helped open a multi-purpose youth center in Bistrita, and began a project to prevent child abandonment and reintegrate orphans with their families. Chakos, who now is program officer for European development at the IOCC Athens office, said he received the award on his last day in Bucharest. “I was called in to say my final farewell to the patriarch and to introduce Will (Clowney),” he said. “All of a sudden, the patriarch stood up and they told me to stand up, that they would like to present me with this award. I didn’t even know this was coming.”

u page 1 Chamberas’ body was found June 15 nearby. Hundreds of people gathered at St. George Cathedral in Manchester the night of June 11 for a memorial service for Vougias, and to continue prayers for Chamberas’ safe return. Fr. Chamberas had served as dean of the Manchester cathedral for several years in the 1990s. Upon learning of the tragedy, Archbishop Demetrios flew to New Hampshire outh State College. to comfort the families and for Vougias’ The Manchester Union-Leader reportwake. ed that he had a lifelong love of fishing and On June 15, Metropolitan Methodios swimming. He became certified in scuba of Boston officiated at the funeral. He diving in college, volunteered with the was assisted by Fr. AthaNew Hampshire Fish and nasios Demos, the Boston Game Department and Metropolis chancellor; Fr. spent a summer building a Stylianos Mouksouris, dean fish ladder for the National of St. George Cathedral; Fr. Park Service in Tongas NaNicholas Triantafilou, presitional Park, Alaska. dent of Holy Cross-Hellenic After graduating from College; Fr. Alkiviadis Calicollege he worked for the vas, professor emeritus at state’s fish hatchery in BrisHoly Cross; Fr. Elias Velotol and at Toombs Door Co. nis, also from Holy Cross; while he worked on designFr. John Maheras of Nativing and building aerated ity-Assumption parish of and naturally temperatureCohasset, Mass., Fr. Angelo controlled holding tanks Pappas, pastor of St. Nichofor hatching and raising las, Portsmouth, N.H.; and salmon and trout. Fr. Alexander Combassor, In addition to working of the Russian Orthodox part-time on a commercial parish in Manchester. lobster boat, he bought and Archbishop Demetrios Athan Chamberas refurbished a classic woodofficiated at the funeral hulled Nova Scotia boat, the for Chamberas on June 18 at St. George Black Beauty. Cathedral with more than 600 persons He also designed a lobster trap that attending. Also participating were Met- was approved by the New Hampshire Fish ropolitan Methodios, Bishop Elias of and Game Department. He aspired to be Philomelion of the Albanian Orthodox a professional lobsterman. Diocese of America; and 45 priests from In addition to his parents; he is surNew England, New York, New Jersey and vived by two sisters, Alexia Chamberas North Carolina. of New York and Anastasia Leondis of Fr. Mark Leondis, director of the Arch- Thiells, N.Y., wife of Fr. Mark Leondis, diocesan Department of Youth and Young director of the Archdiocesan Department Adult Ministries, Chamberas’ brother-in- of Youth and Young Adult Ministry; a niece law, delivered the eulogy. and nephew; a grandmother; and aunts, Vougias was a student at Hellenic Col- uncles and cousins. lege and had just completed his first year. A Trisagion service was held Tuesday He planned to become a priest. He was an evening, June 17 with more than 1,000 altar boy at St. George Cathedral and was attending. very involved with church functions. In lieu of flowers, memorial donaChamberas was born in Boston and tions may be made to Hogar Raphael moved to New Hampshire in 1991. He Ayau Orthodox Orphanage c/o The Rev. graduated from Manchester Central High and Mrs. Peter Chamberas, 439 N. Shore School and earned a degree from Plym- Road, Hebron, NH 03241.

CHRISTIANITY, JUDAISM u page 5 particularity. The purpose of our dialogue is to remove prejudice and to promote a spirit of mutual understanding and constructive cooperation in order to confront common problems. Specific proposals will be developed to educate the faithful of both religions to promote healthy relationships based on mutual respect and understanding to confront bigotry and fanaticism. Being conscious of the crises of ethical and spiritual values in the contemporary world, we will endeavor to identify historical models of peaceful coexistence, which can be applied to minority Jewish and Orthodox communities in the Diaspora. We will draw from our spiritual sources to develop programs to promote and enhance our common values such as

peace, social justice and human rights, specifically addressing the concerns of religious minorities. It was agreed to establish a permanent coordinating committee to maintain and foster continuing relationships. The Committee would jointly monitor principles enunciated at the meeting and would further enhance the dialogue and foster understanding between the respective religious communities. Also a proposal was made to establish an annual day devoted to Jewish-Christian relations to be organized together by respective religious communities. In addition, the consultation also welcomed new developments that could bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians and urged the immediate recognition of the Patriarch Irineos of Jerusalem by the government of Israel.

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JUNE - JULY 2003

The Voice of

Philoptochos

More Than 70 Years of Christian Philanthropy Part 4 Archbishop Michael was elected primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Americas in 1949. Under his spiritual guidance, the Philoptochos continued its mission of humanitarian services. by Terry Kokas

They assisted the Archbishop in establishing the Greek Orthodox Youth of America, and participated in an arduous campaign, launched by the Archbishop, to have the U.S. Government place the initials, G.O. on dog tags to accurately identify Greek Orthodox members of the Armed Forces. This was a remarkable accomplishment by the Greek Orthodox community. Archbishop Michael, in 1951, placed the administration, budget and supervision of St. Basil Academy under the Archdiocese. Since its establishment, the Philoptochos had been totally responsible for its operation. The Society continues to this day its dedicated support of the institution. A devastating earthquake shook the Ionian Islands in 1953 and once again the Philoptochos chapters rallies its forces to

Author’s Book Signing Luncheon Held NEW LONDON, Conn. – Enosis Philoptochos Society of St. Sophia Church joined hands with Dione Chapter 143 Daughters of Penelope to host an author’s book signing luncheon, March 22 at the parish Hellenic Center. by Penny Maistros

The event, co-chaired by Penny Maistros and Emily Mitchell, featured three respected Greek American authors who talked about their works. Proceeds from this very successful affair will benefit their scholarship funds. Appearing was Thea Halo, author of Not Even My Name, a memoir of the Pontic Greek genocide of the early 20th century. Her mother, Sano Halo, survived it as child, and recounted her experience to her daughter during a trip to Turkey. The book won the AHEAD 2002 Freedom Award and has inspired state proclamations honoring the survivors. Sano Halo received the New York Governor’s Award for Excellence and was honored in the Congressional Record. Also at the luncheon was Dr. Peter Kalellis, a family and marriage therapist, lecturer, and writer, who wrote One More Spring, a novel about the Nazi occupation of the Greek island of Lesbos. He not only recounts the pain and horror of that time but also young and courageous hope. Dr. Kalellis has written more than 25 books including Pick Up Your Couch and Walk, Restoring Yourself, and books on the Orthodox faith. The third author on the program, Alexia Lewnes, is a journalist whose special interest is children’s issues. Her book, Misplaced, is her study of five homeless young people living on the streets of New York, whom she chronicled for more than four years. She is the winner of a Prudential Fellowship for Children and the News. The program attracted more than 180 people from St. Sophia parish and many from the community at large, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

DELEGATES TO THE 1st Convention of the Greek Ladies Philanthropic Societies of North America. Boston, Mass. October 7, 1935.

offer considerable assistance, sending food, clothing, medicine and financial support to the beleaguered people of the Ionian Islands. A new plateau was reached in 1956, when the Philoptochos National Conference, for the first time, was convened simultaneously with the Archdiocesan Clergy-Laity Congress in Washington, D.C. At this conference the Philoptochos was urged to participate in local chapters of the

United Council of Church Women. At the initiative and leadership of Archbishop Michael, an old age home was founded in Yonkers, N.Y. in 1958. Among its founders were prominent Ladies of the Philoptochos, including Sophie Hadjiyanis and Katherine Zoullas. The Society organized many special fund-raising events donating the proceeds to furnish the rooms of the home. Substantial support from the Ladies

Philoptochos Society has continued to the present. During the Clergy-Laity Congress and Philoptochos Conference in Salt Lake City, Archbishop Michael became ill and returned to New York. He died shortly thereafter. Several months later the old age home was named, “St. Michael’s Home for the Aged” dedicated to the memory of its founder, the beloved Archbishop Michael.

Archdiocesan Philoptochos “Panaghia Perivleptos” The Archdiocesan Philoptochos “Panaghia Perivleptos” was established in 1979 following the changes in the Archdiocesan Charter of 1977. by Terry Kokas

The Archdiocesan Philoptochos is under the spiritual leadership of Archbishop Demetrios. The president of the Archdiocesan Philoptochos is Stella Capiris of Westport, Conn. The Executive Board includes: Georgia Vlitas, Staten Island, N.Y.- first vice president. Sophia George, Fort Lee, N.J. - second vice president. Demi Brountzas, Astoria, N.Y. - recording secretary. Marina Katsoulis, Manhasset, N.Y., -corresponding secretary. Helen Misthos, Whitestone, NY -treasurer. Kalli Tsitsipas, Huntington, CT -assistant treasurer. Lily Katos, Douglaston, NY - advisor. The Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral chapter in New York was the first Philoptochos Society chapter established in the United States, in 1902. The first president of the Cathedral Philoptochos was Erifili Vrachnou. The current president is Mary Christy. Their numerous philanthropic contributions are spectacular, from the weekly “Feeding of the Homeless,” to the financial support for the Greek and Greek American children who suffer from life threatening illnesses, to the families of the firefighters who were victims of the September 11th tragedy, are only very few of their many philanthropies. The Cathedral Philoptochos is one of the many chapters of the Archdiocesan Philoptochos “Panaghia Perivleptos.” The Philoptochos chapters include Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, Upstate New York, Lower Connecticut, and Washington. All Archdiocesan Philoptochos chapters support the National Philoptochos programs and commitments, especially St. Basil Academy, Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, the St. Michael’s Home, Social Services, Cardiac Fund, Children’s Medical Fund, and the Hellenic Cultural Center in Astoria, NY.

The five Brooklyn and Staten Island chapters have sponsored a combined luncheon for the past 30 years contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the institutions of the Archdiocese. During the past few years the Combined Luncheon’s proceeds of $100,000 have been given to the St. Michael’s Home for a nursing home in Yonkers, N.Y. In addition, the Nassau, Suffolk, Queens Philoptochos chapters recently contributed $42,000 for the St. Michael’s Nursing Home, a facility being planned for the near future. Mrs. Capiris has traveled extensively visiting the chapters, attending meetings and special events, such as the 70th anniversary of the St. Sophia Cathedral Philoptochos in Washington and the 40th anniversary of the Holy Cross chapter in Brooklyn, N.Y. The Archdiocesan Philoptochos, for the first time this past year held a religious retreat at Holy Trinity Church in New Rochelle, N.Y., with Archbishop Demetrios the special speaker which was truly an inspirational experience. Dr. Anton Vrame made a presentation of “Panaghia Icons” that was well received. For the first time an Archdiocesan Philoptochos board meeting was held at the Hellenic Cultural Center in Astoria, N.Y., which is one of their commitments. The Center presents interesting lectures and exhibits focusing on Hellenic traditions. At the conclusion of the meeting a check was presented to the Center for $1,500 to be used towards the purchase of a TV station. Mrs. Capiris, in her report to the National Board meeting in Washington, commended several chapters that have undertaken the financial support of the education of one child at St. Basil’s Academy at a cost of $7,095 annually. The chapters are Holy Trinity, Bridgeport, Conn.; Archangel Michael, Roslyn, N.Y.; Cathedral Philoptochos, New York; St. George, Norwalk, Conn. and Sts. Constantine and Helen of Washington. Stella Capiris and her husband, George, have two sons and one grandchild. Mrs. Capiris has served in many capacities

in her parish, Holy Trinity in Bridgeport, Conn. including parish council president. The Archdiocesan Philoptochos Board members include: Kathy Boulukos, Mary Constantinidi, Despina Fassuliotis, Stella Fiorentino, Roula Georgiou, Venetia Hatzikiriakos, Maria Kouttron, Effie Verven Panagiotopoulos, Irene Panagos, Barbara Pappas, Paula Strouzos, Alexandra Tsiatis, Cathy Zoumboulis.

Ode to Philoptochos

You are: The helping hand of the traveler The healing of the sickly The golden hop of the suffering The silver of the needy! You are working always so tirelessly To bring to them your charity! You are: The ceiling of the homeless And the concern of all the poor As constantly you are fighting Strongly to provide them all With a livelihood! You are: The food of every hungry The moon and the Sunray of all The refuge of the orphan And every unlucky soul! To you every body is looking up With some kind of hope, to warm His body from life’s unfriendly cold! And you without hesitation You are always providing help With such maternal affection! You are: The intercession of The Theotokos! And the pride of Jesus Christ! They named you Beautiful Compassionate “PHILOPTOCHOS” With the Golden heart, Because you are working All the time so very hard! And all the shining stars around You who are decorating you Are all your golden precious Ladies who are representing you!

Dimitrios Trigonis

Dimitrios Trigonis is choir member of Holy Trinity Church in Bridgeport Conn.

JUNE - JULY 2003

Archdiocesan Presbyters Council Meets in Illinois OAK LAWN, Ill. – The Archdiocesan Presbyters Council convened its regular spring meeting June 2-4 at St. Nicholas Church in Oak Lawn, hosted by Frs. Timothy Bakakos and John Kaloumas, the Chicago Metropolis representatives to the APC. APC members selected Stone Mountain, Ga., as the site of the National Clergy Retreat on Nov. 5-7. Bishop Gerasimos of Krateia and Fr. Costa Sitaras will be the facilitators for the retreat, which will focus on clergy wellness. Other actions at the spring meeting included the adoption of an on-going education program for the clergy to be presented for approval to Archbishop Demetrios. A new committee on vocations was developed with the charge for all priests to seek out dedicated men from various walks of life to minister as clergy within the church. A statement was also drafted applauding and supporting Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, president of Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology, and his staff for their outstanding work. Issues concern-

ing the charter were also discussed. Along with APC members, Bishop Savas of Troas and Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Archdiocese chancellor and assistant chancellor respectively, participated. Fr. Costa Sitaras and Fr. James Gordon also attended. For the first time, the APC, and the executive boards of the Retired Clergy Association and National Sisterhood of Presvyteres all attended and expressed their common concerns facing clergy families. The joys and concerns, the successes and shortcomings, and opportunities for ministry and service to the Church were discussed. The APC is an advisory body to the Archbishop comprised of clergy representatives from throughout the country. Each metropolitan Clergy Syndesmos selects two members to this Council who discuss issues relating to ministry within the parish and the Church at large. Officers are: Fr. James C. Moulketis, president; Fr. Timothy Bakakos, vice-president; Fr. Tom Chininis, treasurer; and Fr. Paul Kaplanis, secretary.

Antenna Satellite Begins Live Broadcasts from Cathedral NEW YORK – Antenna Satellite North America began live broadcasting of the Divine Liturgy every Sunday from Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral on Palm Sunday, April 20. Antenna Satellite is available throughout North America. For information in your area contact Antenna Satellite TV at (212) 688-5475. Antenna joins Time Warner Digital, Channel 509 (National Greek Television-NGTV), which began broadcasts of the Cathedral Liturgy in February 2002, and broadcasts between 10 a.m. and noon in Metropolitan New York and northern New Jersey. The Divine Liturgy also is broadcast live every Sunday on the Internet from 9

a.m. to noon on the Cathedral website: http://www.thecathedral.goarch.org and the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: http://live.goarch.org. Special services of Lent, Holy Week and major Feast Days are also broadcast throughout the year on the Internet. As of April 2003, the Liturgy (tape delayed) is broadcast on Cablevision Public Access in Long Island on Channel 20, Tuesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.; in Connecticut (Greenwich and Westport) and New Jersey on Channel 77, Sunday mornings, 10 - 11 a.m., and in Westchester County, Channel 18 (Harrison/Port Chester) and Channel 76 (New Rochelle/Pelham) Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

SCHOLARSHIPS 2003-04 Gioles Scholarship Awards Announced The Archdiocese has awarded three $1,500 George and Naouma Gioles Scholarships for the 2003-04 academic year. The Gioles Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 with a generous gift in memory of George and Naouma Gioles. At least three scholarships are awarded annually to Greek Orthodox high school seniors or college students committed to serious study in a degree-earning undergraduate program at an accredited college or university. The Gioles Scholarship Committee selected the following recipients from numerous applications submitted by young men and women from throughout the

nation: Stephanie Kalamaras, Joliet, Ill; Justin Leh, Knoxville, Tenn.; and Theodora Tarnoff, Philadelphia. Applicants are asked to provide transcripts of previous academic work, letters of recommendation, and evidence of financial need. Applications and guidelines for the 2004-05 academic year are available upon request from the Office of the Chancellor, Scholarship Office, 10 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021, with an application deadline of April 15, 2004. Applications are also available on-line at: http://www.goarch.org/ en/archdiocese/administration/chancellor/ giolesscholarship.pdf.

First Katina John Malta Scholarships Awarded NEW YORK -- The Archdiocese recently announced the recipients of scholarship awards for the 2003-04 academic year from the Katina John Malta Scholarship Program. The scholarship Fund is a new program the Archdiocese has established through a generous gift from the Katina John Malta estate. This year, $11,000 in awards were presented to the following recipients: Julian Shirland of Bellevue, Wash; Dean Moll of North Royalton, Ohio; Dean Arnaoutakis of Dunedin, Fla.; George Arnaoutakis of Dunedin, Fla., Niki Stamos of Campbell, Ohio; Emmanuel Vozos of Union, N.J.; and Amanda Georgantas of Shorewood, Ill. These students were selected by the Scholarship Committee from the numerous applications the Archdiocese

received. Each scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. The donation and the formation of the scholarship program has been done in recognition of the love Katina had for the Church and in honor of the desire she had to help others, especially children and youth. The program will award at least two scholarships for $2,000 each academic year. The program is open to all Orthodox students from SCOBA jurisdictions. Application forms are available from the Office of the Chancellor, Scholarship Office, 10 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021. Application deadline for 2004 will be April 15, 2004. Applications are also available on-line at: http://www.goarch.org/en/ archdiocese/administration/chancellor/ maltascholarship.pdf.

USAID Administrator Addresses YAL Conference Institute of Theological Education Set in August at HC/HC NEW YORK -- Andrew Natsios, administrator of the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) addressed the annual National Conference of the Greek Orthodox Young Adult League (YAL) at a luncheon, Saturday, July 5 in Baltimore. The annual YAL National Conference took place July 3-7. Mr. Natsios’ presentation offered a hands-on view on translating faith into works, and will discuss the concept of service and its applications to philanthropy. Mr. Natsios, an Orthodox Christian, heads USAID, the lead federal agency in providing economic and humanitarian assistance to developing countries. USAID also has a lead role in rebuild-

JUNE

ing post-war Iraq. Mr. Natsios has also served as vicepresident of World Vision, a leading non-profit international humanitarian organization. Archbishop Demetrios attended some conference events and presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, July 6, at the Annunciation Cathedral. He also addressed conference participants at the grand banquet Sunday evening. Keynote speaker for the conference was Fr. George Liacopulos, pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Workshops and discussions were also held on contemporary and traditional spiritual challenges and opportunities.

In the Calendar

28-29..................Greek Landing Day Celebration – St. Photios Shrine 29................... Saints Peter and Paul JULY 3-7.........YAL Conference –Baltimore, Maryland

20............................... Prophet Elias 27........................ Saint Panteleimon

AUGUST 6.............. Transfiguration of our Lord 7-10...Tri-Level Institute of Theological Education (HCHC – Brookline, MA)

4.........................Independence Day

15........... Dormition of the Theotokos

10-13.........National Forum of Church Musicians Annual Meeting

29...Commemoration of Beheading of John the Baptist

BROOKLINE, Mass. – Holy Cross School of Theology, the Archdiocesan Department of Religious Education and the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicals will sponsor a Tri-Level Institute of Theological Education on Aug. 7-10 on the campus of Hellenic CollegeHoly Cross. The Institute theme will be “Offering Orthodoxy to Contemporary America.”

Summer 2003 Schedule of Speakers & Topics

Elenie Huszagh, J.S.D., president of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, will deliver the keynote address. Other Adult Education Program speakers and topics are as follows: Dr. Bruce Beck, “Orthodoxy and the Bible Belt;” the Rev. Dr. Alkiviadis Calivas, “September 1: A Day of Prayer for the Environment;” Dr. Nicholas Constas, “Orthodox Identity and the Contemporary World: Problems and Possibilities; ” Rev. Dr. Demetrios Demopulos, “Science, Technology and the Fathers;” the Rev. Dr. George Dragas, “The Church and the Ethics of War; ” Rev. Dr. Nicholas Krommydas, “The Parish as Healer and Reconciler of God’s People;” Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, “Preaching to a Postmodern Audience;” Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou, “The Challenge of Faith in the 21st Century.” The Clergy Program will include a keynote address from Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, who will speak on “The Pastoral

Epistles: Building a Foundation.” Other speakers and topics will include:

Dr. Emmanuel Chris, “Clergy Self and Family Care;” the Rev. Dr. Charles Joanides, “Interfaith Ministry;” Michael Kallas, “Confronting Drug & Alcohol Problems in the Parish;” Dr. George Stavros, “Crisis Intervention & Responding to Needs;” the Rev. Dr. George Papademetriou, “Orthodoxy and Islam;” Dr. Lewis Patsavos, “Canons and Church Governance;” Dr. James Skedros, “Saints of the Future” and the Rev. Dr. Theodore Stylianopoulos, “Scripture in Worship.” The Church Music Program will include a keynote address by Archimandrite Ephrem Lash on “The Challenges of English and Orthodox Hymnology.” Speakers and their topics will include: Dr. Vicki Pappas, “The Use of English in Greek Orthodox Church Music: Where are We and Where are We Going?;” Presbytera Anna Gallos, “Composing Orthodox Music for English Texts;” Dr. Alexander Lingas, “What Maintains Tradition – and What Doesn’t?;” Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis, “Chanting with English Texts;”and Dr. Tikey Zes, “Singing in English: Exploring Current Repertoire.” The Rev. Nicholas Kastanas and Rick Vanderhoef will offer Byzantine chant training classes and there will be other plenary sessions and practicum workshops for composers, directors, singers, and chanters. Invitations are being extended to other national church music leaders and clergy to serve as faculty.

JUNE - JULY 2003

Parish’s Great Mission Is Its Great Support for Missions

or nearly 40 years, Annunciation Church has demonstrated that it is possible to give strong support to the Church’s national and worldwide ministries while ministering to the needs of parishioners. More than any other community, Annunciation has been at the forefront of supporting the missionary programs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and of SCOBA, financially and through active participation. The existence of the formal missions effort of the Archdiocese began through the efforts of one person – the parish priest Fr. Veronis. His interest in missions began in the days when he was a student at Boston University and the University of Athens. “I met a lot of international students at both schools,” Fr. Veronis said. In Athens, I saw Orthodox students from Africa and the Middle East and the first thing I did when I came back in 1961 was to begin an avid correspondence with the African students.” As a result he started raising money in his parish to help the fledgling churches in those nations in Africa having Orthodox Christian populations and established scholarships for foreign students to attend Holy Cross School of Theology. The program developed into a “Lenten Self-Denial Club” at the parish, and Fr. Veronis was invited to other area communities to present the idea. He gave a formal presentation on missions at the 1964 Clergy-Laity Congress in Montreal and introduced the idea of starting an office of missions in the Archdiocese. Archbishop Iakovos approved the concept and he created the Standing Committee of Orthodox Missions as a permanent committee. Bishop Silas served as chairman, Fr. Veronis was appointed vice chairman and about 25 volunteer members of clergy and laypersons were named to the committee. By 1984, the program had expanded considerably and the committee asked the Clergy-Laity Congress to create an official Department of Missions. The new department was based in St. Augustine, Fla., with Fr. Dimitrios Couchell as its director. It came under SCOBA in 1994 and became pan Orthodox in scope. Fr. Veronis was elected president of the Board of Missions in 1984. For his long service and support of the program’s St. Augustine headquarters was named The Fr. Alexander Veronis Mission Center in 1988. Among the board members are two Annunciation parishioners, successful businessman Lou Nicozisis and his wife, Helen. Mrs. Nicozisis is currently the Missions Board president and also president of the Endowment Fund for Orthodox Missions. (In 1980, Mrs. Nicozisis was elected the parish council’s first woman president). In 1989, the endowment fund achieved its goal of raising $1 million for missions. It is also working to endow at chair at Holy Cross. Over the years, the parish has sponsored numerous missionaries and mission programs, and also ministered locally to refugees and the downtrodden. Annunciation has sponsored national mission tours for a priest from Uganda in 1965 and for Fr. Paul de Bellester of Mexico in 1966; adopted a black family of 10 in 1968 and helped them purchase their first home, sponsored a Vietnamese boat family in 1975 and a second Vietnamese family in 1979, has sponsored 30 Cypriot orphans since 1974, and has sent hundreds of boxes of books, Bibles and clothing to missions in Kenya and Alaska. Each year the parish generates as much as $90,000 for missions, beyond

the revenue needed for its regular operating budget. Members of the community also have undertaken missionary roles in numerous countries. Fr. Veronis himself led a summer mission to Kenya to build a medical clinic. Other parishioners who have been active in missions abroad included his son, Luke, a graduate of Holy Cross and currently the director of Resurrection Orthodox Seminary in Durres, Albania. Fr. Luke has become a powerful advocate of missions in his own right, having served as a missionary throughout the world and speaking to parishes throughout the United States and at the seminary on the importance of this ministry.

P A R I S H

One of the frequent retreat speakers has been Archbishop Demetrios when, as Bishop Demetrios Trakatellis of Vresthena, he was a Holy Cross faculty member. In 1969, he presided at the groundbreaking for the educational building. The facility includes 15 classrooms and a gymnasium.

Local action

Annunciation Church has a local focus in its humanitarian efforts as well. Over the past 30 years, parishioners have raised about $3.2 million in the Crop Walk for the hungry program, with 25 percent of that amount benefiting Lancaster County food banks. Fr. Veronis also participates in programs sponsored by local religious organizations.

was celebrated on the Feast of the Annunciation. Within a few years the various auxiliary organizations of the parish were established, including the Greek school (current enrollment of the afternoon school is 45 students), an AHEPA chapter, Ladies Society, Maids of Athena, Daughters of Penelope and the Sunday School. By the early 1950s, continued growth of the parish brought the need for a new facility and a building program was begun. In 1956, Fr. Stanley Harakas, a Pennsylvania native, became the community’s first American-born pastor. It was under his leadership that the par-

p ro f i l e

Name: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Location: Lancaster, Pa. Metropolis: Pittsburgh Size: about 1,400 baptized (nearly 500 families) Founded: 1921 Clergy: Fr. Alexander Veronis (Lafayette College – B.A. in English and history, ’54; Holy Cross, ’58; Boston University – STM pastoral psychology, ’60; University of Athens School of Theology – licentiate in Orthodox theology, ’61; Lebanon Valley College - honorary doctorate in Divinity, ’94);

Fr. Joseph Toroney (Weekend assistant priest, Russian Orthodox background)

e-mail: AChurch642@aol.com Noteworthy: enthusiasm and support for missions, Bible study and other ministries of the Church can best be described in superlatives.

ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH COMPLEX

Humble beginnings Scriptural progress seven-fold An unusual manufacturing business Along with support of missions, the spiritual growth of the parish is a top attracted the first Greeks to this city in the priority at Annunciation Church. Since heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch country, 1977, seven Bible study classes are held about 70 miles west of Philadelphia and a on a regular basis and tailored to various few miles east of the Susquehanna River. (The Pennsylvania Dutch are Anabaptists segments of the community. Fr. Veronis offers a weekly Bible who came from Germany around 1709. class in Greek, another geared to They are a familiar site in the region, travchildren in the JOY (Junior Orthodox eling from place to place by horse and buggy, as they consider motor vehicles Youth) group; another to G O Y A , and mechanical deone for young adults; vices as being of the another for women devil). Lancaster and taught by also is the birthPresbytera Pearl; place of Presia class for couples, dent James Buand an Orthodox chanan, Lincoln’s study group for predecessor, converts. There (1857-61). also are OrthoLANCASTER Between dox instructional 1898 and 1902, classes for nonabout 200 Greek Orthodox wanting immigrants from the islands of Kos and to learn about the faith. “The result of learning about the Chios came to work at a factory that made Bible and the faith is they acquire a animal traps. Lancaster had been a manufacturing church “fronima” (discipline) and an attitude (toward the faith) that is very center since the 1700s. The Conestoga wagon and Pennsylvania rifle (also called positive,” said Fr. Veronis. Annunciation also has its regular the Kentucky rifle) were produced here. By 1909, liturgies took place at variSunday School program, with 275 children enrolled, 40 teachers and ous halls around the city. Between 1918 and 1921, St. John’s Evangelical Church two superintendents. Throughout the year there are was used for services. Annunciation was and still is the only guest speakers, including many professors from Holy Cross and Metropolitan Orthodox Christian church in all of LanMaximos who, as bishop of the Pitts- caster County, which has 700 churches burgh Diocese in 1979, made his first (one church for every 600 persons). In 1921, the fledgling community pastoral visit and remarked that Annunciation Church “is what a Christian par- purchased a Methodist church building near downtown for $14,500 that became ish should be, an example to others.” Two retreats – one in the fall, an- its home for the next 40 years. The parish received its charter in other in the spring, take place each year. The parish rents a nearby Roman Catho- September of that year and the first Divine Liturgy in the transformed church lic monastery for overnight retreats.

ish built its new facility in the western part of the city. The three-acre site includes the church and an education building and multi-purpose hall. The new church was completed in 1960 at a cost of $240,000. Archbishop Iakovos consecrated the facility in 1967. Fr. Veronis, a native of Easton, Pa., succeeded Fr. Harakas in 1961 and has since become the community’s longestserving priest. Almost immediately he established the Lenten Self-Denial Club to support the missions effort that was his goal. Another “mission” of Annunciation Church is to support Holy Cross School of Theology. The community provides annual scholarships to anyone in the parish who wants to study at the school. “I always encourage young men to think about the priesthood,” said Fr. Veronis. Typically there are two to four students from Lancaster attending Holy Cross. Since 1943, 10 priests of the Archdiocese have come from Annunciation. The parish also was one of first to bring in lay assistants, Fr. Veronis explained. “We have brought in several that we eventually ordained and got second priest.” There have been 10 lay assistants since 1976. Additionally, five young women from the community have become presbyteres.

Demographics

Fr. Veronis estimates about 60 percent of the parish is Greek American or immigrants from Greece that he describes as “a very pious stock of people who are really church-oriented.” There is a large number of converts and Orthodox Christians representing

u page 26

JUNE - JULY 2003

WCC Head Praises Orthodox Role Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Holds 64th Meeting World Council of Churches General Secretary the Rev. Dr. Konrad Raiser emphasized the importance of the Orthodox contribution to the WCC during a public lecture at a recent symposium. The extensive summary began with “the fundamental decision on the part of the Orthodox Churches to assume a leading role in giving shape to the modern ecumenical movement,” translated in the encyclical of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople that proposed the establishment of a “league (fellowship) between the Churches” for the first time in 1920. According to Raiser, perhaps the most important Orthodox contribution to the WCC was the “consistent expression of the Orthodox commitment to the ecumenical fellowship of Churches, which has been re-affirmed in response to questions and sometimes harsh criticism from within.” And the “second major Orthodox contribution to unfolding the self-understanding of the WCC” was to establish the christocentric affirmation of its Basis (the confession of “the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior” in a Trinitarian setting (“to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”) Raiser also referred to several other Orthodox contributions, such as the awareness of conciliarity – “the fact that the Church in all times needs assemblies to represent it and has in fact felt this need” – as “a fundamental dimension in the understanding of the Church;” the decisive influence of Orthodox thinking

in the convergence documents on Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry, “particularly in terms of emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit;” and the “understanding of the missionary vocation of the church as well as of its diaconal service.” “There is no doubt for me that the active presence of the Orthodox churches in the WCC has been essential in shaping the understanding of our common ecumenical calling,” stated Raiser towards the end of his presentation. And now, “the Special Commission and its recommendations have moved us to the point where the Orthodox contribution to the life and work of the WCC can be developed in fresh and constructive ways,” he concluded. Besides professors and members of the WCC Steering Committee, the symposium and discussions were attended by representatives of other churches and academic institutions, a number of Orthodox priests and students, and several WCC staff members. The World Council of Churches (WCC) is a fellowship of churches, now 342, in more than 100 countries in all continents from virtually all Christian traditions. The Roman Catholic Church is not a member church but works cooperatively with the WCC. The highest governing body is the assembly, which meets approximately every seven years. The WCC was formally inaugurated in 1948 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Its staff is headed by General Secretary Konrad Raiser from the Evangelical Church in Germany.

Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Launches InterOrthodox Press BERKELEY, Calif. -- Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute has launched InterOrthodox Press, a new publishing house, to promote PAOI, its lectures and other programs and to publish works by significant scholars and thinkers on topics concerning the Orthodox Church. The name Inter-Orthodox Press was selected to reflect the pan-Orthodox or inter-Orthodox nature of the Institute. The first title published by the new imprint is Christos Yannaras’ The Church in Post-Communist Europe, which is now available. According to Institute Director Dr. Anton Vrame, “InterOrthodox Press hopes to provide another avenue for academic publications. We feel that there is room for another scholarly imprint for Orthodox scholars and authors on Orthodox topics. The growth in the number of scholars on Orthodoxy is substantial and they need more outlets for publication. We hope that they will consider working with us.” “We plan on starting small and publish just three works in the coming ear. They are works generated by the Institute, in particular the Distinguished Lecture series,” according to Vrame. “We are fortunate to have texts by some of the leading thinkers in the Orthodox world: Yannaras,

PARISH PROFILE u page 25 22 nationalities, including Russian, Serbian, Albanian, Bulgarian, Carpatho-Russian, Polish, Egyptian, Ethiopian and Syrian. “We have an open door policy,” said Fr. Veronis. “We invite anybody in if they are interested in Orthodoxy. We have a wonderful cross section of people.” The “engine” that enables Annunciation Church to pursue its wide range of programs and ministries is stewardship – not merely in terms of money, but also in time and talent of individuals. “We have a really positive response to

church from the community. There’s a lot of stewardship in terms of time and talent and resources,” Fr. Veronis said. Fr. Veronis also credits the church’s “really great staff of five people” that assists him in the community’s wide array of activities. Financially, out of a total annual budget of $650,000, about $370,000 comes from stewardship. Other revenue comes from the parish’s “Greek bazaar,” now in its 46th year. It attracts about 10,000 visitors over a two-day period. –– compiled by Jim Golding

NEW YORK -- The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation held its 64th meeting from May 27 to 29, 2003, at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary in Crestwood, New York. It was hosted by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), and was cochaired by Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk of Cincinnati and Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh. The main focus of the meeting was a continuation of the Consultation’s fouryear study of the filioque question. The original version of the NiceneConstantinopolitan Creed that dates from the 4th century and is still used by the Orthodox states that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father.” The word filioque (“and from the Son”) was later added to the Latin version of this Creed used in the West, so that the phrase would read that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father and the Son.” This modification appeared in some areas of Western Europe as early as the 5th century but was accepted in Rome only in the 11th century. This change in the wording of the Creed and the underlying variations in understanding the origin and procession of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity have long been considered a church-dividing issue between our two communions. Two papers were delivered in the first theological session. The Rev. John P. Galvin spoke on “The Economic and the Immanent Trinity: A Survey of Recent Catholic Discussion.” The Rev. Robert Stephanopoulos then presented an article by Metropolitan John (Zizioulas) of Pergamon, “One Single Source: An Orthodox Response to the Clarification on the Filioque,” the 1995 Vatican document that set forth the position of the Catholic Church on this difficult issue. The subsequent theological sessions were devoted entirely to considering the text of a draft agreed statement on the Orthodox and Catholic traditions concerning the origin of the Holy Spirit. It was carefully examined, and the members had an opportunity to offer observations and comments on each paragraph. A revised version of the text will be produced over the summer and sent to the members who will be invited to submit further reflections in view of drafting a third version for consideration at the Consultation’s next meeting. Two evening sessions were devoted to an examination of current events in the lives of our churches. These information sessions considered the appointment of Brian Farrell as Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting

Unity and of Angelo Amato as secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the presence of a Vatican delegation at the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the Feast of St. Andrew in November 2002, the approval of a new charter for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the new titles given to its metropolitans, developments in SCOBA, relations between the Vatican and the Moscow Patriarchate, the move of the headquarters of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to Kiev and the possible establishment of a Ukrainian Greek Catholic patriarchate, the effort to create a united Russian Orthodox jurisdiction in Western Europe, the visit of a Vatican delegation to the Church of Greece and the visit of a Serbian Orthodox delegation to the Vatican in February 2003, the election of Archimandrite Evangelos Kourounis as Metropolitan of New Jersey, developments in the international Orthodox-Catholic dialogue, the “Christian Churches Together in the USA” initiative, the new papal encyclical “Ecclesia de Eucharistia,” the response of our churches to the war in Iraq, a symposium on the “Petrine ministry” in Rome with the participation of Orthodox theologians, the Princeton Statement on Christian Unity, and developments regarding the ordination of married men to the priesthood in Eastern Catholic jurisdictions outside their homelands. Consultation members attended a Divine Liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Maximos in the seminary chapel on the morning of May 28. The 65th meeting of the Consultation is scheduled to take place from Oct. 23-25, 2003, at St. Paul’s College in Washington, and the 66th meeting will be held from June 1-3, 2004, at Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Mass. In addition to the two co-chairmen, the Orthodox members of the Consultation include Fr. Thomas FitzGerald (secretary), Archbishop Peter of New York (OCA), Fr. Nicholas Apostola, Professor Susan Ashbrook Harvey, Fr. Alkiviadis Calivas, Fr. James Dutko, Professor John Erickson, Father Alexander Golitzin, Father Emmanuel Gratsias, Dr. Robert Haddad, Fr. Paul Schnierla, and Fr. Robert Stephanopoulos. Orthodox staff members are Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, general secretary of SCOBA and Fr. Gregory Havrilak, associate general secretary of SCOBA. Additional Catholic members are Fr. Brian Daley, SJ (secretary), Msgr. Frederick McManus, Prof. Thomas Bird, Father Peter Galadza, Msgr. John D. Faris, Father John Galvin, Sister Jean Goulet, CSC, Fr. Sidney Griffith, ST, Father John Long, SJ, Father David Petras, Professor Robin Darling Young, and Fr. Ronald Roberson, CSP (staff).

CONVERTS u page 10 world. We are even given a vision of this unlimited love, when we see how on judgment day there will be saints clothed in white robes “from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Rev 7:9). Those who fear the many converts entering into the Church may embrace the motto: “The parish is my universe; my own people are my universe; my own language and culture are my universe.” This, however, was never the vision of our Church Fathers. The Philokalia teaches “Blessed is the one who rejoices in his salvation, but even more blessed is the one who rejoices in the salvation of the other.” Chrysostom affirms, “I do not believe in the salvation of anyone who does not try to save others.”

This is why he boldly proclaimed “The universe is my parish!” When a former Protestant once approached Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, and said to him, “Your Beatitude, I’m a convert.” The Archbishop responded, “Really? So am I.” The person looked astonishingly at the Archbishop, as he continued, “Yes. Every day I convert myself again and again to Christ our God.” Isn’t that so true! In the end, aren’t we all converts? So why should the converts be “a problem?” Fr. Luke Veronis and his family have been serving as a missionary in Albania for nine years. Recently, he was on sabbatical, teaching a missions class at Holy Cross School of Theology and St. Vladimir’s Seminary.

JUNE - JULY 2003

To All Graduates – Congratulations and Some Sound Advice

My dear graduates: What I will impart to you are “words of wisdom.” They are not my words but from some of the men and women whom we all respect and admire and whose words have withstood the test of time. by Fr. Nicholas L. Vieron RCA Epistle editor

Of course I shall share with you some of my own thoughts, too – you can’t be around almost 80 years and not have some personal observations. Let me begin with a personal observation: Our spiritual lives are, I suspect, the most important aspect of our existence. They mold all the other attributes we are blessed with. Therefore, I want to declare to you what is the most important source of faith, religion, Church, in the world. I’ll come straight to the point - it is YOUR Faith! Your tradition. For me, it’s Greek Orthodox. I worship in the shadow of the cross in that ancient Church known as Eastern Orthodoxy. Hopefully, your spiritual life and mine lead us to be humbly proud of our spiritual roots - but it also teaches us to reach out and embrace the person who is seemingly different from us. The real world is composed of so many different sources of spiritual life, all of them pointing out to peace and love, hope and brotherhood/sisterhood, under our one source of Power, Light and Knowledge. Take for example the seven astronauts who tragically disintegrated into space that Saturday morning over Texas skies. For 16 days they traveled around our world - in love and harmony - in cooperation and love. They were black, white brown, some were married, some were single, some worshipped in the shadow of the cross, one near the Star of David. That beautiful girl from India was Hindu. Yet they lived and worked in harmony. If only we on this good earth could emulate them.

Importance of spiritual life

Our spiritual life is important. Having established that truth, let us point to our physical aspect of living. Our bodies are important. We are “temples of God.” We house the Holy Spirit. We are a reflection of Divinity. When Jesus made His claims, “I am the bread of life, I am the Good Shepherd, I am the Door, the Way, the Alpha and the Omega” - when he came to the claim, “I am the Light of the World,” he pointed to us and said, “And YOU are the light of the world – “let your light so shine before the people....” It is almost as if He said, to you girls for instance, “You are a goddess!” Not in the same sense that young man who was trying to impress you said it. First of all, you should not have believed it! But in a manner that lifts you and me up to an even higher plateau of responsibility. With that truth in mind, I, therefore, must try not to contaminate my physical life. I am going to say something you’ve heard a thousand times before. Hear it again from this old priest. If you smoke, try to stop. If I had not stopped smoking 26 years ago when my first grandchild was born, I would not be blessed to be here with you this today. If you enjoy a drink now and then, do so in moderation, unless, of course, your tradition directs you to total abstinence, in which case you will be better off. And, as far as foreign substance is concerned, you know exactly what I am referring to, don’t even experiment with it. Nothing but disaster, heartache and pain can come of it. If a friend offers you a joint, know that he is not your friend. Don’t ever say, “Well, no one really said that to me. They kind of hinted around, but....” No! Here I am telling you.

Listen to this old priest. There is someone like me who loves you very much, here on this earth or embraced by God in His Heavenly Kingdom, he or she wants and craves the best for you. Here is one of the many beautiful aspects of our spiritual lives. If we should stumble and fall, we, with the help from Above and with support from our fellow man, can rise again! Life is, unfortunately, filled with small failures, hopefully small, but however downward the spiral may be, we can always rise again. Take an example from the world of sports. In basketball, the team, with the most rebounds, usually wins. In baseball, a .300 hitter is considered great. That means he failed 7 out of ten times. Some of the first Christians tried to make the Church perfect and admit into it only those considered perfect. They were called the Donatists. The Church declared that wrong. The Church is a hospital for the ill, for the fallen with all his/her shortcomings, to hopefully return to a higher level of living. Your Faith makes similar provisions.

Exhortations

And now for some far more important exhortations. Why? Because I’ll be quoting others. But first, I want to share a thought or two with your parents and your teachers - directed to us ministers, also. St. John Chrysostom was one of the greatest Christian preachers, if not the greatest, who ever lived. Yet, he is quoted as saying, “After good example comes the instrument of preaching.” We ministers, parents and teachers should adhere to the words of St. John Chrysostom. This is what our students, our children “hear” loud and clear, not our preaching but our example, so that we can raise “An athlete in Christ.” These are our beloved athletes we have groomed, and as for you graduates not to blame your parents for your shortcomings, but to accept responsibility for our thoughts and for our actions. A popular writer, Dr. Kurt Vonnegut, at an MIT commencement address said to the young graduates: “Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts. Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.” – “Don’t waste your time on jealously.” – “Remember the compliments you receive. Forget the insults. Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll divorce at 35, maybe you’ll dance at your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either.” Remember my dear people, and this goes for all of us, “No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.” Remember that the biggest lie on the planet is, “When I get what I want, I’ll be happy.” No! Let’s be happy with what blessings we have - with the cards dealt to us. Bear in mind that “life’s precious moments don’t have value unless they are shared, or, as John Lennon wrote just before he was gunned down, “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” Also, let’s always remember, “Life is a journey.....not a destination. Let’s enjoy the trip.” But, if God forbid, we are dealt a bad hand, let’s recall the words to live by Tuesdays with Morrie Schwartz, “Don’t stay preoccupied with your body or your illness. Recognize that your body is not your total self, only part of it.”

Signs of maturity

Your maturity begins to manifest itself when you graduates begin saying something like this to your parents: “Please dad, don’t buy that for me – it’s much too expensive!” – “That’s okay, mom, none of my friends are allowed to do it either”

– “I promise not to get a tattoo....where is shows!” This is my favorite, when you announced to your parents: “I am not going out this weekend - I must study for that exam!” Or, better still, when you declare, “I enjoy going to church with you, dad.” My granddaughter, LeeAnn, who graduated from high school last month, asked me, “Papou, what do you expect of me in the future?” That was easy. My answer was probably the same as that of someone who loves you very much: “May your spiritual values, my dearest LeeAnn, continue to blossom so that you may achieve greatness before God and Man – serving and pleasing both.” Finally, when you receive your di-

ploma you will walk away with only one thing that no one else has. There will be hundreds - rather, thousands of high school graduates throughout the world, with some going to Harvard, some immediately getting a job. But you will be the only person alive who will have sole custody of your life. Your particular life. Your entire life. You will be making decisions that will effect your life. In a way, you’ve been doing this all along. Fr Nicholas L. Vieron is editor of the Epistle, the newsletter of the Retired Clergy Association, and pastor emeritus of Annunciation Church, Memphis, Tenn. (901) 323-9530 - nvieron@bellsouth.net

All Saints Orthodox Church In Tanzania Diocese Completed KASIKIZI, Tanzania – With the help of all saints, the Church of All Saints, Kasikizi, is completed. It is shining, reflecting Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy. In Kasikizi community and in the neighboring communities, whispering is going on about the church shinning, imitating the saints who have glorified God by their holy lives and, thus, set their life as an example of virtue. Fr. George Livanos, parish priest of All Saints Church in Canonsburg, Pa., mobilized the faithful of his parish to build a sister church in Tanzania. In addition to this he led the American team that accomplished much here. Through his concerted efforts the new church build-

ing was realized. The American team did it through the efforts of Fr. Martin Ritsi, executive director of Orthodox Christian Mission Center, and with the blessings of all the hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas. The team consisted of faithful from the U.S. and Canada. The driving force behind all the participants was the common faith – the Orthodox faith. Kasikizi became a center to show this common faith through works. Through the prayers of all saints, at Kasikizi, the faithful showed their faith in works – the All Saints Church.

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JUNE - JULY 2003

Challenge

YOUTH MINISTRY

What’s Up? “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” - Hebrews 12:1 Are you ready? There is a great race ahead of you. The prize is better than anything you can imagine. You don’t need any special skills to run this race but you need to be ready to train for it. So, what type of athletes are needed? Athletes for Christ! by Melissa Bazos

Sometimes we underestimate the importance of our spiritual training. We put our spiritual training guide in a box that we take out on Sunday morning and then tuck nicely away after church that same day. We think that going to church on Sunday and just being a good person is enough to be an Athlete for Christ. Let’s think about it like this: what would happen if a track runner only trained one day of the week? The day of the big race comes and he is off. He starts off strong neck and neck with the other runners, but quickly, that changes. He begins to fall behind. He feels short of breath and still has a way to go to finish. He can see the other runners passing him as he quickly falls behind. He tries to speed up to catch them but instead his legs give out and he falls to the ground. There he sits in pain watching all of the other runners cross the finish line. And so it is with our spiritual life. If we are just training one day a week, it is very difficult for us to have the endurance to finish the race. So where do we start? As any athlete would tell you, training begins with a good coach. A coach helps you progress through your training safely and wisely. When we start training for something, we are often over excited and try to do too much. We don’t yet have the endurance to continue so we stop. Our coach knows the shape we are in and can help start our training with the proper focus. Where can an Athlete for Christ get a coach? Check with your priest! He will make an excellent guide for you as you train. Athletes have examples of people who have completed the race before them. A basketball player may look towards Kobe Bryant or baseball player to Derek Jeeter as examples. These people set the standard for what is considered excellence in their sport. As spiritual athletes, we have that in Jesus Christ, the Theotokos and all of the Saints. If we take time to learn more about them and their training, our path can become clearer. Also, take a look around, we have examples around us of people trying to live a Christ centered live. Surround yourself with people who, like you, are trying to run the race. To be an athlete takes discipline. You must constantly be working toward your goal. It involves patience. You can’t expect to run a marathon a week after you begin

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running the race running. It involves denying yourself certain things you may want because they are not good for your training. Being a Christian isn’t easy as some people would like to lead you to believe. There are constant hurdles that you will come across. They may seem insignificant at the time like missing church one Sunday, not taking time for reading the bible, or not fasting on Wednesday and Friday. But when you add them up they are all designed to keep you from training… to keep you from progressing in your spiritual life. Here is some food for thought before you go to meet with your coach: • Prayer - “Prayer refreshes and enlivens the soul, as outer air refreshes the body. When we pray we feel stronger and fresher, as we feel physically and spiritually stronger and fresher when we walk in the fresh air.” St. John Kronstadt How much do I pray personally during each day? How do I pray? • Confession “Enter into the Church and wash away your sins. For here there is a hospital and not a court of law. Do not be ashamed again to enter the Church; be ashamed when you sin, but not when you repent.” St. John Chrysostom Do I regularly go to confession (at least three times a year)? How do I prepare for confession? • Almsgiving - “It is the poor man who holds out his hand but it is God Himself who receives whatever you give to the poor.” St. John Chrysostom Do I give of my time to help the ministry of the church and others? Do I give of my talent to help the ministry of the church and others? Do I give of my treasure to help the ministry of the church and others? • Worship - “We are commanded to worship, not on special days, but continuously - all our life through, and in all possible ways.” St. Clement of Alexandria. What services do I attend at church? Do I actively participate in the service by keeping my mind focused? Do I understand the importance of the different services? • Fasting - “Fasting in respect of food is of no benefit to those who fail to fast with all their senses; for whosoever is successfully waging his battle must be temperate in all things.” St. Isidore of Pelusium. When do I fast? How do I fast? • Spiritual Reading - “Understand the word of Holy Scripture by putting them into practice, and do not fill yourself with conceit by expiating on theoretical ideas.” St. Mark the Ascetic. How often do I read the bible? Do I read other spiritual books? When I read something I don’t understand, how do I find answers? Are you ready to be an Athlete for Christ? There is a race before us all. The prize is not for one but for all who finish. Are you ready to run the race? If you are: On your mark, get set, GO!

Media Review:

SMALLVILLE

Since the hit show Smallville began airing, my brothers and I have been watching it every Tuesday. We set our television to automatically switch to the channel so that our show will come on at the expected time. by Joseph Al-Shanniek

Whoever is in the television room instinctively knows that the majority of the older boys’ dorm at St. Basil Academy can hardly wait to see what will happen next. Smallville is just like the multitude of other hit programs the W.B. airs weekly, but has some significance because it descends from an American super-icon, Superman. Smallville gives my dorm and I a chance to come together and share a similar taste for once, but there is more to this show that just the positive social benefits it brings to us. Clark Kent, the most central character, has superman abilities. He has the ability to see through walls, breathe freezing air, shoot fire out of his eyes and has the strength of innumerable men. He slowly gains his superman abilities as he goes through his teen-age years. Where can we Christians gain our power? Christ’s supernatural, mental and psychological abilities, which are revealed to us through his Gospels, descend from God the Father, who allows his followers (the faithful) to be given different powers that are greater than superman’s and actually exist! Because we were created in the likeness and image of God, as we are taught in Genesis, we have the potential to build extraordinary gifts within ourselves. We can become like God (who is Christ) by listening to what the Teacher told his disciples. By prayer and fasting we can become greater than the false images given off by icons like Clark Kent, because once we begin to become like our “superman” (who was human and God), we will begin to radiate love and will lose the will to be a part of the competitiveness of society

Did You Know… the ladder

“Jacob dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the Lord stood above it…” Genesis 28:12-13. This icon shows a ladder from earth to heaven. As we climb this ladder, we have the angels and Christ there to guide us but we also have demons trying to knock us off. It is important that we hold fast and work to climb the ladder.

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(either through our looks or through our schooling). We would slowly stop trying to be more than we are, impressing our teachers, employers and friends. Anyone who watches Smallville knows that Superman’s powers do not really exist. Superman is portrayed with the image of someone who has great glory because he can shoot fire out of his eyes and dodge bullets. Christ has greater glory because His powers not only exist, but also play a role in our everyday lives. Out of all the multitude of powers (gifts) Christ has, he has given us the most powerful. This power is called Agape or in English, Love. Teens like you and I have the potential to become Christ-like because the gift of love is inside us all. Unfortunately, because we are very sensitive, different situations test our tolerance. Our ability to love is jeopardized when our feelings are hurt. We loose sight of God’s image and likeness within ourselves. The spiritual side of our image feels injured and our sin shows forth when we are being tested. For example, people do drugs because many say they need an escape. What they are doing is escaping from the torment their hurt image “their soul” is feeling. The only problem is that no escape will ever fulfill their unquenched thirst for something more. That something more is the spiritual (invisible) power of Christ that can slowly, humbly and gently quench our need for love and free us from dependence on sinful things. We can begin our search for Christ by receiving His Body and Blood. We should try to receive as often as possible preparing ourselves with prayer, fasting and forgiving those who hurt us. Throughout this article I hope you realized the power of Christ’s love and that it will strengthen you. I enjoy watching Smallville because it entertains me every Tuesday and brings the dorm together, but I just wanted to bring attention to the one who really exists is powerful and has instructed us. Joseph is a sophomore in high school. He lives at St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison, N.Y.

Parent and Youth Worker’s Corner For a session on Running the Race and/or a Family Activity go to our website at: http://www.goarch.org/en/ archdiocese/departments/youth/ youthworkers/sessions/ 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.goarch.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.

JUNE - JULY 2003

Chancellor Named Metropolis of Boston Ministry Awards Dinner Chicago President of Death Penalty Opponents

BOSTON – The 17th annual Metropolis of Boston Ministry Awards Dinner took place on Sunday, June 8 with more than 750 persons attending from throughout New England. by Sophia Nibi

Metropolitan Methodios instituted the awards dinner in 1986 “to express our gratitude to the faithful who do so much for their local parishes and for our Metropolis.” Every year on the second Sunday in June, the New England Greek Orthodox family gathers to celebrate stewardship of time and talents, to renew friendships and to make new acquaintances. They come to receive the blessings and the appreciation of their spiritual leader, Metropolitan Methodios, who looks forward to the opportunity to “thank God for blessing our communities in New England with priests and laity who, (quoting from St. Ignatios’ letter to St. Polycarp), ‘toil together, struggle together, run together, suffer together, lie down together, rise up together as God’s stewards and assessors and ministers.’” As he does every year, Metropolitan Methodios presented the Ministry Award to individuals from each parish in the Metropolis. He also presented the Ministry Award to individuals whose stewardship goes beyond the local parish to benefit all the ministries of the Metropolis and the Church at large. Among them: • Chrysanthe Dikos, a steward at St. Philip Church in Nashua, N.H. A behind-thescenes doer, Mrs. Dikos’ stewardship goes beyond her parish and touches the lives of the guests of the Metropolis Philoxenia House whom she visits regularly with family and friends. She is personally generous and inspires others to be generous towards this ministry that has expanded greatly during the past 17 years, enabling the Metropolis to reach out and touch more lives in their hours of great need. • Paraskeve Kantges, truly a woman of action. She believes that we should do all we can to ensure that we should do what we can so that the youth of our Church learn about our precious faith and become active Orthodox Christians. She devotes her God-given talents and blessings to assist the ministries of the Metropolis of Boston. A steward at Sts. Constantine and Helen parish in Cambridge, Mass., and a supporter of programs at various other communities, Paraskeve is a great benefactor of the Camp & Retreat Center in Contoocook, N.H., which she visits frequently. • George Markakos has worked tirelessly for the projection of the priceless Hellenic culture. A steward of St. Catherine parish in Quincy, George is president of the Federation of the Hellenic American Societies in New England and dedicates much energy, time and talent to the annual Greek Independence Day Parade and other related activities. He and his wife, Zanetta, frequently host

guests from the Philoxenia House for holiday meals at their home, and greatly support this ministry of the Metropolis. • Christopher Pappas is a member of the younger generation whose upbringing has provided him with the priceless heritage of faith, and pride in his Hellenic heritage. A steward of the St. Demetrios parish in Weston, Christopher embodies the hope for the future of Orthodoxy. Quiet and humble, Chris does what he can for the good of his parish, the ministries of the Metropolis of Boston and the Archdiocese. He has assisted Metropolitan Methodios in the production of a touching video on the Metropolis Philoxenia House and one on the Camp & Retreat Center in New Hampshire. • Nicholas Philopoulos is a sensitive man, a man who likes to quietly help people in need. An Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Mr. Philopoulos is a successful businessman whose generosity to programs and ministries of the Church, such us Hellenic College and our Camp & Retreat Center aim to ensure the perpetuation of the Greek Orthodox Faith and Hellenic traditions. Last year, Nick Philopoulos honored his late mother, Helen, in a manner which aptly describes his philosophy of life. In her memory, he dedicated a bedroom in the Philoxenia House, ensuring that those who need assistance while in Boston for medical treatment will have a beautiful place to stay. • George Toumpouras is a man of unconditional love and respect for the Greek Orthodox Faith which he hopes future generations will also love and respect. Towards this end, he wholeheartedly supports projects which he feels will en sure Orthodoxy’s future. An Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Mr. Toumpouras played a major role in the construction of the beautiful Cathedral Center and picturesque chapel in Brookline and, on the same grounds, the functional center of the Metropolis of Boston from which its ministries emanate. As Metropolitan Methodios often says, “If it hadn’t been for George Toumpouras we wouldn’t have built our Center.” • Arthur Triantafel, a steward of St. George parish in Lynn, is a tireless churchman, a man of genuine humility and love for the Greek Orthodox Faith and Hellenic tradition. He has dedicated his life unselfishly to the mission of the Church. His enthusiasm and efforts – whether on the parish council, building committee, or working for the many projects of AHEPA – are well known.

CHICAGO – The Very Rev. Archimandrite Demetri Kantzavelos, chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago, was elected president of the Illinois Coalition Against the Death Penalty at the group’s annual meeting June 18. “I’m deeply grateful for this honor, which I assume with a single regret: that our organization is not yet obsolete,” Fr. Kantzavelos said. “I hope to be president of the Coalition when the death penalty is abolished in Illinois – meaning I hope this occurs during the coming year that constitutes my term.” A longtime social-justice activist and death penalty opponent, Fr. Kantzavelos was spiritual advisor to Archimandrite Demetri Kantzavelos. Andrew Kokoraleis, whose 1999 execution was the last in the state before then-Gov. George Ryan imposed a moratorium on executions. Fr. Kantzavelos also has led opposition to the death penalty in the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, of which he is an active member and treasurer. This group, consisting of leaders from the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Protestant and Jewish communities and institutions, has called for the statewide suspension of the death penalty. In 1992, he created the Greek Orthodox Bishop’s Task Force on AIDS, the nation’s only Greek Orthodox social service agency for Greek Orthodox faithful living with HIV/AIDS. The chancellor is a native of Chicago’s West Side.

Chicago’s St. Demetrios Observing 75th Year CHICAGO -- This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of St. Demetrios Church at 2727 W. Winona St. Various events and celebrations are scheduled over the next few months. On Saturday, Sept. 27, the annual dinner dance will take place for, not only those now active as stewards of the worshiping body, but also for many others whose lives have touched the community through these many years. Many thousands who have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony at St. Demetrios are invited to be present. Many more thousands have passed through the education programs, both Solon Greek School and St. Demetrios religious education. Countless have participated in the social, cultural, recreational, and athletic programs and events. The Sept. 27 gala event will take place at the Marriott hotel, 8535 W. Higgins in Chicago. This celebration, as well as the other year’s events, will highlight the growth of the community since its founding in 1928. The community has consistently had about 800 stewards and serves well over one thousand families who live on the north side of the city as well as in the north suburbs. St. Demetrios Church has been a stabilizing factor in the Lincoln Square community. Thousands of children have been educated in its Solon Greek School that is also observing its 75th anniversary as well as in its Religious Education Program. The church supports a full time nursery and Kindergarten program and afternoon and Saturday Greek language classes. The church’s parishioners and friends have stepped forth to present a gift in anticipation of this 75th commemoration. The focal point of any community – the altar, is being renovated with a new iconostasion, its new Byzantine iconography, a bishop’s throne, pulpit, and chanters’ stands. A new carpet in the main Church and stained glass windows in the Chapel will soon add to the renewal of the edifice. All of this activity – renovation and celebration – are a sign of life and vitality. John Vlahos, Parish Council president, invites all to share in the community’s events. On Aug. 15-17, there will be a huge outdoor festival, featuring food, loukoumades, pastries; games, rides, and activities for children; and an agora and cafenion for adults. On Oct. 25-26, the church will extend its hospitality to all who come to observe its feast day. Proistamenos is Fr. Apostolos N. Georgiafentis, and Fr. Christos Webb is the associate priest. The anniversary theme is, “Growing in Faith Through Service and Witness.”

JUNE - JULY 2003

Chicago Olympics Event Draws More Than 2,000 Young Athletes

ith a pride that shines like the sun itself across the centuries, more than 2,200 Greek Orthodox Junior Olympians from the 59 parishes in the six-state Metropolis of Chicago joined the 22nd annual Junior Olympics on May 24-25, in several south suburban locations. After a formal lighting of the Olympic torch presided over by Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, youngsters ages 7 to 18 competed at events ranging from a 10K run and tennis matches to checkers, chess and table tennis. An especially spirited wheelchair basketball match delighted all who watched, and college scholarships totaling $2,000 were awarded to athletes whose spiritual life, academic record, community involvement and writing skills complemented their athletic achievements. Metropolitan Iakovos was joined by Metropolitan Tarasios of Buenos Aires at several of the medal presentation ceremonies.

1 – DASHING OFF from the starting line was Dimitra Georgoussis of the All Saints Parish in Joliet, IL, who competed in the 400 Meter Run, ages 13-15 and earned a silver medal. 2 – ANNA MARIA Siavelis of the Holy Trinity parish in Chicago earned a bronze medal in the softball throw competition. 3 – A PROUD MOMENT for the winners of the Long Jump competition, ages 16-18 who prevailed over the other athletes. Michael Menus of St. Demetrios in Elmhurst, IL won the gold, Billy Schmidt of All Saints in Joliet, IL won the silver and Tasso Angelopoulos of SS. Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills, IL won the bronze medal. Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago and Metropolitan Tarasios of Buenos Aires awarded the medals. 4 – ANOTHER POPULAR event was the Girls 400 Meter Run, ages 16-18: Gold medallist Christina Loukas of SS Peter and Paul in Glenview, IL; silver medal winner Paula Tsiftilis of St. Sophia in Elgin, IL; and bronze medallist Amanda Georgantas of the All Saints parish in Joliet, IL. Metropolitan Iakovos applauds the winners.

Illinois Church Celebrates 25th Year 4

ELGIN, Ill. – St. Sophia Church will celebrate a quarter century of Orthodox witness in the Fox Valley community with a “25 th Anniversary Gala” on Sunday, September 28, 2003, at the Meridian Banquets in Rolling Meadows, Ill. Tickets are $100.00 per person. For more information call 847-888-2822.

Metropolis of New Jersey Holds34thJuniorOlympics ELIZABETH, N.J. – About 400 young people from 17 parishes took part in the 34th annual Junior Olympics of the Metropolis of New Jersey on Memorial Day weekend. This year’s program included the firsttime participation by St. Thomas Church of Cherry Hill. Also attending for the first time was recently enthroned Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey. He provided the participants with great inspiration and spoke about the importance of such programs for bringing Greek Orthodox youth closer to the Church. “In the eyes of God, you are all winners!” he told them.

Competition on Saturday, May 24, took place in the Dunn’s Sports Center in Elizabeth. Preliminary events included the following in both the junior and senior girls’ and boys’ categories: 400M Run; 100 M Run; 800 M Run; 4x400M M Relay; 4x400M Relay; and Mixed Team 4x200 M Relay. Indoor swimming events included: girls’ and boy’s 50 yard breaststroke; girls’ and boys’ 50 yard freestyle; girls’ and boys’ 50 yard backstroke; and mixed 200 freestyle relay. Saturday’s program concluded with a volleyball tournament in which Piscataway won the gold medal. A dinner-dance took place in the evening. Sunday’s events took place at the Elizabeth High School outdoor athletic facilities. They began with the 2003 Junior Olympic Parade led by the Olympic flag; Mr. and Miss Junior GOYA Angela Plakoudas of Holmdel and Emmanuel Vossos of Union; and young people from St. Demetrios Church of Perth Amboy, where the first Junior Olympic program was held 34 years ago. The parade procession included participants from the remaining 16 churches. Sunday’s events included finals for the running held on Saturday in addition to boy’s and girl’s shot put; boy’s and girl’s long jump; and girl’s softball throw. The annual Chris Gacos Memorial Marathon, which has become the highlight of Junior Olympics, was cancelled because of rain. There were either gold, silver or bronze medal winners from all 17 participating churches. St. Barbara Church of Ocean County received the greatest number of gold medals (12) and the greatest total number of medals (23). Organizers of the Olympics included Fr. Bill Gikas, the Metropolis’ youth director; and Andrew Hios, the Junior Olympic Committee chairman.

JUNE - JULY 2003

Archdiocese District Olympics Draws Record Numbers Despite Weather The threat of rain hanging over the 25th annual Archdiocesan District Youth Olympics failed to put a damper on the turnout and the participation in the many athletic events scheduled Memorial Day weekend. Nearly 1,100 GOYA and JOY members, a record number, from 23 communities of the district competed in track and field, soccer, tennis, volleyball, swimming and other sports held at the State University of New York-Stony Brook campus. Opening ceremonies began with a level of pomp and ceremony unequaled in previous years. An opening procession in the Indoor Sports Complex included the carrying of the Olympic torch, a Scottish bagpipers of the Northport Pipe and Drum Band, a U.S. Marine Honor Guard from the 6th Communication Battalion in Amityville, Long Island, and a procession of athletes from each community, which ranged from Kimisis Church in Southampton to St. Sophia Church in Albany, N.Y., and Annunciation Church in Stamford, Conn.

10 ORTHODOX OBSERVER

For one of the founders of the Archdiocese District Olympics, Executive Committee Chairman Alex Constantinou, it was an especially memorable 25th anniversary. His grandson, Stephen, of St. Paraskevi in Greenlawn, Long Island, competed in his first Olympics. On Sunday, the second full day of events, Fr. Mark Leondis, director of the Archdiocese Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, officiated at the Divine Liturgy attended by several hundred athletes and parents. He was assisted by Dn. Constantine Lazarakis, assistant director. Goyans participated in 61 events. “Joyans” were in 44. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded athletes from a wide representation of parishes.

11 Among the winners in the GOYA major team events, the St. Nicholas-Flushing girls won the gold in soccer. The boys’ gold was won by Holy Trinity-Hicksville. Resurrection Church-Glen Cove won the gold in co-ed softball for the second consecutive year. The volleyball boys gold medal was won by Assumption-Port Jefferson, while the girls from Annunciation-Stamford, Conn. took the gold. JOY soccer boys gold medal winners were Resurrection-Glen Cove (ages 7-9 category; St. Demetrios-Astoria (ages 1012 category). Girls gold medal winners in soccer were Archangel Michael-Roslyn (ages 7-9) and St. Paraskevi-Greenlawn (ages 10-12).

1. Boys and girls volleyball teams from West Nyack. 2. Hicksville boys soccer gold medallists. 3. The Olympic flame signals the start of the festivities. 4. A JOY relay team member from West Babylon. 5. Two GOYA Boys soccer teams battle it out. 6. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Archdiocesan District Olympics. 7. A high jumper from Rye. 8. A GOYA Girls high jumper. 9. GOYA Girls relay event. 10. Tennis Girls 11. JOY Chess tournament participants. 12. Two girls volleyball teams. 13. The thrill of victory.

D. PANAGOS PHOTOS