Orthodox Observer - March 2003 by Orthodox Marketplace

MARCH 2003 • Vol. 68 • No. 1198

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

Archons Honor IOCC, OCMC at Annual Banquet NEW YORK -- The Order of St. Andrew, the Apostle at its annual banquet on March 8, bestowed its Patriarch Athenagoras Human Rights Award upon International Orthodox Christian Charities and Orthodox Christian Mission Center for their humanitarian and spiritual accomplishments throughout the world. by Jim Golding

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The Order also met over the weekend to install 27 new members of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Several speakers offered praise for the organizations’ accomplishments. Along with Archbishop Demetrios, Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, and Archbishop Iakovos, who established both IOCC and OCMC, speakers included Archons National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis, U.S. Sen. Paul Sarbanes of Maryland, Congressman Michael Bilirakis of Florida, and IOCC co-founder Andrew Athens. Archbishop Iakovos said the two organizations “express Orthodoxy through cooperative movement” and follow Christ’s directive to His Apostles to “go forth and baptize all nations.” In his speech to the gathering, Dr. Limberakis said the two organizations “embody the essence of the Athenagoras Human Rights Award; two agencies of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas – SCOBA – who consistently exemplify by action, purpose and dedication, concern for the basic human rights and religious freedom of all people regardless of race, color or creed. “The International Orthodox Christian Charities, IOCC, and the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, OCMC, are most worthy to receive the 2003 Athenagoras Human Rights Award, and join the ranks of those past honorees who are with us this evening as well as those who are not, including Mother Theresa, President Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Ellie Weisel, Commander Emeritus the late Dr. Anthony Borden, President George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States and former First Lady Barbara Bush.” Dr. Limberakis noted that the two organizations “dispense emergency aid to their fellow man, one by supplying the physical necessities, and the other by providing the spiritual. Both organizations sustain life, the one agency by offering food and medicine, the other by proclaiming the word of God, and thereby ensuring eternal salvation and life after death.”

ARCHONS HONOREES (left) Archbishop Iakovos, Archbishop Demetrios and Archons National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis present the Athenagoras Humanitarian Award to Helen Nicozisis OCMC’s Board President and Fr. Martin Ritsi Executive Director of OCMC. (above) IOCC Board President Bert Moyar and Executive Director Dean Triantafilou accept the award on behalf of their organization.

L-100 ANNUAL CONFERENCE HONORS SARBANES, TENET AND YANNI Arthur Anton Reelected as Chairman

NEW YORK – The Leadership 100 Award for Excellence was presented to U.S. Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes, CIA Director George J. Tenet and the famed contemporary instrumentalist Yanni at the 12th annual conference of the membership of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, held Feb. 19-23, at The RitzCarlton in Amelia Island, Fla. CIA Director Tenet, was the first to receive the honor after delivering a stirring talk at the Forum on Hellenism on Thursday, Feb. 20. The son of Greek immigrants, Tenet called the gathering his “extended family” and said he awoke each morning honoring his father and his mother. P. CHRISTOPOULOS The CIA director described CIA DIRECTOR George Tenet addresses members of Leadership 100 at their annual conference. the current world situation as a “world in turbulence” where conditions of poverty, disease and huARCHONS OF SAINT ANDREW HOLD ANNUAL EVENT u 32 man misery created a sanctuary and breeding ground for terrorism. He said IOCC u20 Archbishop’s Encyclical u11 that while the last 16 months saw success Letters u10 Archdiocese News u2, 3, 5-7 in combating terrorism, there is concern Metropolises’ News u31 Archpastoral Reflections u10 over other looming threats such as the Missions u21 Challenge u 29 spread of AIDS in Africa to Russia, China and Eastern Europe, creating unstable Opinions u10 Classifieds u28 societies. He cited the cooperation of Parish Profile u25 Ecumenical Patriarchate u4 many Arab countries in eliminating the People u25 Family Care u12 worldwide terrorist network. Religious Education u24 Great Lent u12 Tenet said his models for public SCOBA Encyclical u27 Greek Section u15–19 service are the late Sen. Paul Tsongas, Scholarships u8 Holy Scripture Readings u11 Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes and former Rep. John Brademas. Voice of Philoptochos u23 In Memoriam u27

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Interfaith Marriage

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Your Ministry

ARC HDI O C E S E

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MARCH 2003

St. Photios National Shrine Welcomes Leadership 100

HOLY CROSS SENIORS COMPLETE Orientation Visit to Archdiocese

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with genuine gifts to offer in the service of Christ’s Church. We eagerly await their entry into the active ministry, both as lay persons and ordained clergy.” Seniors came away from their tour with an increased awareness of the role of the Archdiocese. Several expressed the following thoughts to the Observer. Melanie Tsikouris of Campbell, Ohio, said she came away from the visit “with a hopeful feeling. I was inspired by some of the new departments the archbishop has put in place, especially evangelism,” she said. “Communications seems to be reaching out.” The day after graduation, she will be married to another Holy Cross seminarian that is studying for the priesthood. Eventually she hopes to work in either social ministry or hospital ministry. Luke Palumbis of Portland, Oregon, who majored in business at the University of Portland before enrolling at Holy Cross, called the visit “a great experience. It’s a wonderful operation,” he said. Jonathan Tartara of Cleveland, studied biology and history at Miami University of Ohio before entering Holy Cross. He said of the orientation, “Seeing everything for ourselves was pretty enlightening.” Deacon Luke Melachrinos of Bethesda, Md., said, “It was very informative. It was good to experience what the Archdiocese does.” Konstantine Salmas, son of Fr. Peter Salmas of San Mateo, Calif., did his undergraduate work at the University of California-San Diego. He said the visit was “overall very productive for us; interaction of personalities and exposure to the New York environment.” Panagiotis Geritsan of Chicago noted about the different ministries of the Church, “We weren’t aware of. It was good to be informed about them.” Jenney Sevetas of Redondo Beach, Calif., said it was “encouraging to hear about the ministries, to hear they’re growing and that there’s a vision.” Damon Smith of Lincoln, Neb., said the tour showed him that “God’s word is continuing and that we can start in lay ministries, one person at a time.” DIRECTOR & EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Stavros H. Papagermanos EDITOR: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) PRODUCTION MANAGER: Costa Eliopoulos COLOR CORRECTION: Abel Montoya ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Soula Podaras CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Nicholas Manginas

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ST. PHOTIOS National Shrine Executive Director the Very Rev. Nicholas Graff greets Nicholas Bouras, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos and other L-100 members. AT St. Photios National Shrine Chapel service (L to R) Bishop Dimitrios, Fr. Triantafilou, Arthur Anton, Metropolitan Alexios, Metropolitan Anthony, Fr. Graff and Archbishop Demetrios.

NEW YORK – Fifteen senior seminarians traveled to the Archdiocese in late February where they received briefings on the work of the various ministries and departments of the Church. Their itinerary began with a stop at St. Michael’s Home in Yonkers, where they were greeted by Bishop Andonios of Phasiani, the director. After attending a paraklesis service at the St. Michael’s chapel, they went on to St. Vladimir’s Theological Seminary in Crestwood for an afternoon visit. The following day, they arrived at Church offices on East 79th Street for Orthros and meetings with Bishop Savas of Troas and Fr. Michael Kontogioris, chancellor and assistant chancellor; respectively. Their three-day visit also included lunch and meetings with Archbishop Demetrios and briefings by representatives of the Registry, Information Technologies and Internet Ministries, Greek Education, and Archives, a visit to St. Nicholas Church in Flushing were they were welcomed by its pastor, Fr. Paul Palesty who explained the ministry of one of the nation’s largest parishes. They also received briefings on other activities of the Archdiocese, including Administration, Total Commitment, Finance, News and Information, GOTelecom and the Orthodox Observer, Ecumenical Relations, and Missions before visiting the nearby Metropolitan Museum. Presentations were also heard from the Sisterhood of Presvyteres, Order of St. Andrew, Leadership 100 and Holy Trinity Cathedral, where Fr. Robert Stephanopoulos, dean, briefed them on the history and mission of the Archdiocesan Cathedral. Next on the agenda was a visit to the National Philoptochos Office then a departure for Garrison, N.Y. and St. Basil Academy for briefings on the Youth Department, Camping Ministry and Ionian Village. The Seminarians stayed overnight at the Academy before returning to Boston. Reflecting on the visit, Chancellor Bishop Savas of Troas commented, “Though few in number, the Holy Cross seniors are a bright and talented group

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

HOLY CROSS seminarians gather with Archbishop Demetrios, Chancellor Bishop Savas of Troas (right of Archbishop), Bishop Gerasimos of Krateia (left).

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The 12th annual Leadership 100 Conference was Feb. 19-23 at Amelia Island, FL. St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Executive Director, V. Rev. Nicholas Graff offered the greetings to the members of the conference at the Welcome Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 20. Fr. Graff welcomed the Leadership 100 members to Florida and shared, “The epic of colonial life for those first Greek settlers to the New World.” He talked about the odyssey of the New Smyrna colony, and the dream of the “Hellenic American.” The odyssey eventually brought the colony to the Avero House in St. Augustine, where the members met for fellowship and worship. Rev. Graff stated, “that dream of the Hellenic American is cradled in St. Augustine, Florida, and the St. Photios National Shrine stands proudly as the ‘Jewel of St. George Street.’” Fr. Graff also thanked the first director, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, and said, “The Shrine is proud to host His Grace’s 20-year celebration to the ordination during the annual Greek Landing Day celebration, June 28 and 29.” Fr. Graff also said, “The responsibility we all have to keep the

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Kandili lit in honor and memory of the first Greek pilgrims, and all our ancestors who came before us.” He then introduced Shrine trustee Nicholas Furris. Mr. Furris unveiled the St. Photios Shrine Archbishop Iakovos Endowment Fund and Enrichment Project. He described the various design changes that are proposed to the audio-visual and exhibit rooms. Mr. Furris said, “This bold endeavor honors both His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos.” Arthur Anton, chairman of Leadership 100, thanked Fr. Graff and present-

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ed him with The Leadership 100 Apple of Appreciation. On Saturday Feb. 22, Leadership 100 members traveled to historic St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. They visited the St. Photios National Shrine on St. George St., and the annual Memorial Service for Leadership 100 members took place in the St. Photios Chapel. Archbishop Demetrios, assisted by Deacon John Vlahos, the past assistant director of the Shrine, celebrated the service. Joining His Eminence in the service were Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco, Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, St. Photios Shrine Foundation President Metropolitan Alexios, and Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos. As Shrine Chairman and on behalf of the St. Photios Foundation, Archbishop Demetrios welcomed all the participants to the Shrine. His Eminence commented on the witness of the National Shrine and its patron, St. Photios the Great. “It is fitting we have this Shrine to commemorate our ancestors, and to have St. Photios as our patron, who sent missionaries and enlightened foreign lands,” said His Eminence.

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MARCH 2003

Leadership 100 Annual Conference Held at Amelia Island, FL u u page 1

Yanni, best known for his groundbreaking concerts at the Acropolis, the Taj Mahal and the Forbidden City, whose albums have global sales of more than 20 million and has received 35 gold and platinum awards, was honored along with Sen. Sarbanes at the Grand Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 22. He said his medium wasn’t words, but music, and that he was stirred by the words acknowledging his achievements. After a temporary absence

Tennis tournament winners Michael Karloutsos and Prudence Markus with His Eminence.

(L to R) Michael Jaharis, Archbishop Demetrios, George Tenet, Arthur Anton and Andrew Athens.

A warm and cordial moment between His Eminence and George Tenet. u

Yanni and Sen. Paul Sarbanes received the L-100 Award of Excellence. u

He urged young Greek Americans to consider careers in public service. Sen. Sarbanes led the Business Forum on Friday, Feb. 21, speaking on his pioneering legislation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which addresses corporate reform and accounting standards and was passed into law last July. He described the intricate process of gaining adoption, which was finally achieved when major corporate scandals continued to shock the nation. The senator, a Democrat from Maryland, cited the necessity of maintaining confidence in America’s capital markets as the major motivation for his actions in combating corruption in corporate management and in auditing firms, as well as in securities trading. He said that the scandals had seriously shaken confidence in a system admired around the world. In response to his remarks, Peter Barris, a Leadership 100 member who heads a venture capital firm, led a panel consisting of Leadership 100 members Charles H. Cotros, recently retired CEO of Sysco Corporation, George Stamas, an international lawyer and Phil Angelides, the California state treasurer. The panel challenged some aspects of the legislation, and Sen. Sarbanes acknowledged that some changes would be necessary, especially regarding additions to his original bill. But all agreed that Sarbanes, the son of Greek immigrants and Maryland’s longest serving U.S. senator, had achieved great success in his legislative leadership.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER CHRISTOPOULOS

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ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS ELECTED MEMBER OF ACADEMY OF ATHENS NEW YORK – The Academy of Athens officially announced Mar. 13, during a plenary session under the chairmanship of its president, Professor Gregorios Skalkeas, the election of Archbishop Demetrios “as an abroad-residing member of the Academy of Athens in the Discipline of Theology in the areas of Ethics and Political Sciences.” The Academy of Athens is the preeminent intellectual institution of Greece. The unanimous election was held during the Nov. 28, 2002 plenary session of the Academy of Athens and was ratified by a Presidential Decree of the President of the Hellenic Republic, which was published in the official Government Gazette (no. 29) of Feb. 12, 2003. Archbishop Demetrios, in a letter of gratitude to Professor Gregorios Skalkeas, stated: “I express my deepest gratitude to the distinguished and erudite members of the Academy of Athens for the truly great honor bestowed upon me, an honor that is symbolically extended to all Greek scholars residing abroad, who through their work project internationally the timelessness and universality of our Hellenic cultural heritage and the Orthodox faith. My induction to the Academy of Athens, the leading intellectual institution of Greece, the center of intensive cultivation and advancement of the sciences, the letters and the arts, is not an ordinary distinction; it constitutes not only a great honor but emphasizes also the tremendous responsibility in responding to the intellectual challenges emanating from such an election and induction in this auspicious and historical center of paideia, science and culture. I wholeheartedly invoke the blessing of God upon the great offering and mission of the Academy of Athens both within and beyond the boundaries of Greece.”

from performing, the unique tries and Information Technology at the musician will launch a 58-city Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and for asU.S. concert tour in March. sisting youth and family ministries. Archbishop Demetrios, Despite major disruptions in travel who joined Leadership 100 due to the severe weather in many parts Chairman Arthur C. Anton in of the country, some 350 members and presenting the awards, said guests attended the Conference, includthe three honorees were all ing Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, agents of transformation in Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco, their respective fields, and he Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, Metrospoke of the Gospel message politan Nicholas of Detroit, and Bishop as one of transformation callDimitrios of Xanthos. ing for the renewal of our lives Over the last three years, Leadership and minds. 100 has grown dramatically, now fast ap(L to R) Jerry Dimitriou, Tim Maniatis, Fr. Alex Karloutsos and The Archbishop led two Mark Stavropoulos. proaching 700 members, and has raised Bible studies, which have close to $40 million in new commitments. become the cornerstone of Archbishop Demetrios, Leadership 100 conferences. in his addresses at all the In other actions, the Leadership 100 meetings and events throughBoard of Trustees re-elected Arthur C. An- out the conference, praised ton to a two-year term as chairman. The Leadership 100, which has Board also re-elected John A. Payiavlas, made more than $13 million vice chairman; Bert W. Moyar, treasurer; in grants since its founding in and Constantine G. Caras, secretary, to 1984, for its $10 million comtwo-year terms as well. mitment to scholarships for In addition, Caras, George Behrakis candidates for the priesthood and George Marcus were re-elected to at Hellenic College/Holy Cross three-year terms on the Executive Com- School of Theology, for its new mittee and 13 members of the Board of program eliminating student Trustees Class of 2003 to three-year terms loan debt for active clergy, for on the Board. underwriting Internet Minis- (L to R) Peter Dion, Michael Jaharis and George Marcus

MARCH 2003

ECUMENICAL

PATRIARCHATE

Ecumenical Patriarchate Creates Metropolis of Spain, Elects New Metropolitans The Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Holy and Sacred Synod has recently created at new jurisdiction in Western Europe, the Metropolis of Spain, and also appointed new metropolitans of Switzerland and France. The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has unanimously elected to the Metropolitanate of Adrianopouleos Metropolitan Damaskinos of Switzerland, to whom it expressed the satisfaction and commendation of the Mother Church for his long and faithful service and offerings in various positions, along with warm wishes for the restoration of his health. In his place, the Synod elected the present Metropolitan Jeremiah of France, whose responsibilities include the directorship of the Orthodox Center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at Chambesy, Geneva, secretary of the preparation of the Great and Holy Council of the Or-

thodox Church and representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the dialogue with the Old Catholics. It detached from the Holy Metropolis of France the Eparchy of All Iberia and established a new Eparchy of the Ecumenical Throne with the title, “Holy Metropolis of Spain,” to which will belong Portugal and the Canary Islands. The see of the new Metropolitanate will be in Madrid. The election of the first Metropolitan of Spain will take place in the near future. The Synod also unanimously elected to the vacant Metropolitanate of France Bishop Emmanuel of Rhigion, director of the Office of the Orthodox Church at the European Union. The new Metropolitan Emmanuel of France will continue to occupy his post in Brussels, while also serving as representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the theological dialogue of Orthodoxy with the Ancient Eastern Churches.

Patriarch Bartholomew Receives Leaders of European Christian Democracy Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received in audience Wilfried Martens, president of the European Rights Party and former prime minister of Belgium, Wim Van Velzen, MEP, vice president of the Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats in the European Parliament, and Professor Antonios Trakatellis, MEP, on Feb.8. The two European Christian Democrat leaders paid tribute to the bi-millennial leadership of Eastern Christianity in the Phanar, founded by the first Christian Apostle Anrdew and represented by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Third Millennium. His All Holiness and the two European Christian Democrat leaders discussed the recent progress in interfaith dialogue and plans for future dialogue meetings, especially with the leaders of the Islamic World. They agreed on 2/27/2003 the theme and propeaceprint8.qxd 5:02 PM gram for the Seventh Dialogue between

the Orthodox Church and European Christian Democrats, which the Ecumenical Patriarchate will host in Istanbul, October 15-17, 2003. The chosen theme of the Seventh Dialogue is “The New Europe After 2004,” focusing on the European Convention, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and preparations for the European Intergovernmental Conference, which will take place under the Italian Presidency during the latter half of 2003. During their discussion, they agreed on the importance of God as the source of human values in past, present and future European history. Also present were Metropolitan Emmanuel, the new metropolitan of France, representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and director of the Office of the Orthodox Church to the European Union, and Stephen Biller, deputy Page 1 secretary general of the Robert Schuman Foundation.

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Great Lent Catechetical Oration On The Commencement of The Holy And Great Lent ÿ BARTHOLOMEW BY THE MERCY OF GOD ARCHBISHOP OF CONSTANTINOPLE, NEW ROME AND ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH, TO THE ENTIRE FLOCK OF THE CHURCH, GRACE AND PEACE FROM OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, AND PRAYER, BLESSING AND FORGIVENESS FROM US Beloved brethren in Christ and dearest spiritual sons and daughters, Tomorrow marks the beginning once again in our life of the period of Holy and Great Lent. It is well known that this is a period of spiritual exercise during which we are assisted by fasting. Our Church, however, places great importance to our sincere repentance, as She taught us at the opening of the “Triodion” with the parable of the sinful publican, who repented and was saved, and the haughty and unrepentant Pharisee, who was condemned in spite of observing the commandments of the law. Today, the Lord stresses, through the reading of the sacred Gospel, that our repentance is accepted only if we forgive all those who did wrong to us. Indeed, we daily ask from our Father in Heaven, through the Lord’s Prayer, to forgive our trespasses as we have forgiven the trespasses of others that have been committed against us. There is a question, however, whether in repeating these words we truly forgive those who do wrong to us, or whether we repeat the words of the Prayer out of habit and without being fully conscious of their significance. My beloved spiritual children in the Lord, there are two characteristics of the noble and sensitive Christian soul. The first one is to grant forgiveness to those who have harmed us, according to the example of the Lord who forgave those that crucified Him and prayed for them; and the second is to give thanks to our great Benefactor, our Lord Jesus Christ, and to every fellow human being who supports us. Our entire Church is full of gratitude to God, and the Sacrament of the Eucharist constitutes an expression of gratitude as its very name, “Divine Eucharist”, signifies. The constant repetition of “glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and unto the ages of ages” is an overflow of our heart, which is filled with thanksgiving. The heart that forgives and gives thanks is full of joy and happiness. On the contrary, the heart that is full of ingratitude and acrimony lives in the terrible antechamber of voluntary hell. The ungrateful person is never satisfied, and he who is constantly dissatisfied is miserable. On the other hand, the resentful person, who constantly brings to mind the evil deed that he suffered from someone else, cannot find peace. The memory of the evil deed is a new appropriation of evil, a continuous resuscitation of the evil deed, which is no longer due to the person who committed it once, but to the person who suffered it but does not wish or is not able to forgive. And yet, the presupposition of us being forgiven by God is that we forgive those who have trespassed against us. Great lent will be of benefit to us, my Beloved spiritual children, only if we enter the spiritual battle it entails with the powerful weapons of granting forgiveness to those who harmed us and expressing our gratitude to those who became our benefactors; principally, of course, to our Lord Jesus Christ, who forgives our sins and prepares for us a place of peace and blessedness. No one whose heart is resentful and ungrateful is accepted into this place and blessedness. It is our wish to all, my Beloved, that we go through this period of the Holy and Great Lent with spiritual and bodily health and with repentance, so that we may arrive at the end of it, purified from every stain of ingratitude and resentment and filled with the spirit of forgiveness and thanksgiving, having our own sins forgiven and our hearts fulfilled in peace and ineffable joy. Amen! Holy and Great Lent, A.D. 2003 Your fervent suppliant before God, ÿ BARTHOLOMEW of Constantinople

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Orthodox Christians Begin Great Lent NEW YORK-- Orthodox Christians entered Great and Holy Lent on Monday, March 10, a day that marked the beginning of the period of prayer and fasting that precedes the celebration of Easter (Pascha), the most sacred and holy day of the Orthodox Church. In his Archpastoral Reflections on the Lenten season, Archbishop Demetrios America, states, “As members of the Body of Christ we are called to grow in our love for Christ and for His brothers and sisters all over the world. This calling comes at a particularly crucial juncture in human history, in an age where the capacity of human beings to love one another as children of God is tested increasingly, and where threats to peace and justice grow insidiously. In the face of war, terror, poverty, disease, environmental degradation, and other threats to the peace of God, we are called to exercise especially heightened vigilance dictated by love. The Lenten season teaches us, through the superb example of our Lord marching toward His crucifixion, not to despair in the presence of distress or suffering, but, rather, to offer the same love and care which God Himself offers to the world.”

Orthodox Lent

Orthodox Christian Lent always begins on “Clean Monday,” the “day of cleansing or purification” when the faithful begin a spiritual and moral purification through fasting, prayer, meditation,

repentance, attending Lenten religious services and partaking of the Sacraments of Confession and Communion. Religious services during the Lenten period are particularly spiritual and especially beloved by Orthodox faithful. They include Compline, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the Salutations to the Virgin Mary including the poetic verses of the Akathist Hymn sung during the first five Friday evenings of Lent, and the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which is celebrated every Sunday during Lent.

Sunday of Orthodoxy

The historical significance of the Sunday of Orthodoxy dates to 787 A.D. when the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council of Nicaea decreed the restoration of the icons as a means for the spiritual growth and formation of the Christian ethos and character in the likeness and image of God and His Saints. In 843 AD, when the veneration of icons was solemnly proclaimed at St. Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople, clergy and monks came in procession and restored icons to their rightful places within the church. Sunday of Orthodoxy is traditionally celebrated in Orthodox Churches worldwide on the first Sunday of Great Lent. Following the Divine Liturgy, the clergy lead the faithful in the Procession of Icons and a recitation of the Declaration of Faith.

Archbishop Dedicates New Center in Virginia FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Archbishop Demetrios made a pastoral visit to St. Katherine Church on Feb. 9 where he celebrated a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and presided over the dedication of the new community center, under construction since August 2001. Assisting His Eminence at the Divine Liturgy were Fr. Michael Eaccarino, pastor of St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, and other area clergy. Before a full congregaHis Eminence with Fr. Eaccarino, Fr.Tavlarides, and other area clergy. tion, the Archbishop delivered a homily concerning the importance construction phase, the theme “Oli Mazi” of having faith during our modern era, (All Together) was proudly displayed on citing the dialogue between Jesus and a banner, in acknowledgement of the colthe Canaanite woman taken from the lective efforts and contributions of the St. Gospel reading of the day, Matthew 15: Katherine parishioners. At a community luncheon that fol22-28. “Today we have need not simply of faith, but of great faith. With great faith, lowed, the Archbishop praised the pawe could work miracles, but do we have rishioners for their diligent labor of love, quality, and excellence. His Eminence’s this great faith?” After the Liturgy, the Archbishop visit to the Falls Church community is led the crowd of approximately 350 one of several visits to various parishes persons to the new community center and metropolises throughout the United for the dedication ceremony, which States over the past few months, during began with a blessing of the waters which he has presided over the dedication of new community centers, gymnasiums, (Aghiasmo) service. During the one-year fund-raising and and other facilities.

21-22.......Archon Retreat at Hellenic College/Holy Cross

20..................................Palm Sunday

25.........Feast of the Annunciation/ Greek Independence Day

27......................................Holy Pacha

1-2.....Holy Eparchial Synod Spring Meeting (NYC) 4-5....Archdiocesan Council Spring Meeting (Washington D.C.)

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30.........NYC Greek Independence Day Parade

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In the Calendar

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20-26..................................Holy Week 28..................Saint George (Observed) MAY 2....Feast of the Life Giving Fountain 16....HC/HC Board of Trustees Meeting 17................HC/HC Commencement 21......Saints Constantine and Helen

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MARCH 2003

Archbishop Makes Pastoral Visit to Jacksonville ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – In addition to attending the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund’s annual conference, Archbishop Demetrios also made a pastoral visit to St. John the Divine Church in Jacksonville, Fla., accompanied by Leadership 100 members and visited the Orthodox Christian Mission Center in St. Augustine.

The Archbishop “turned the tables” by then taking a basket from one of the children and showered them with rose petals. His homily was on the parable of The Prodigal Son…. which he termed “The parable of the forgiving father.” A reception was hosted after the Liturgy by the St. John the Divine Philoptochos.

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CHILDREN OF Jacksonville’s St. John the Divine Church welcome the Archbishop and Leadership 100 members.

In Jacksonville, His Eminence was greeted at the church on Feb. 24 by the local Archons of the Order of St. Andrew, parish council members, the Navy League of America sea cadets color guard and children of the parish in traditional costumes. They showered flower petals in the path of the Archbishop and other Hierarchs.

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Visit to OCMC

On Feb. 22, Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco, Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, the founding director, and 70 members of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund visited the Orthodox Christian Mission Center and St. Photios National Shrine. OCMC is the second largest recipient of grants from Leadership 100, having received over $700,000 for the establishment and support of various missions programs. “This visit was a great encouragement for all of us at the Mission Center,” said Fr. Martin Ritsi, OCMC’s executive director. “We are honored and strengthened by the visitation of the Archbishop and the other hierarchs along with the members of Leadership 100 who came to see the Mission Center.” Small group tours of the Mission Center were followed by refreshments and a general welcome by Fr. Ritsi. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios then addressed all those present with words of thanks, encouragement and endorsement for the ministries of OCMC. “We all have to grow in our understanding of how missions are essential to the faith of Orthodox Christianity and not just an appendix.” His Eminence said to those present. “Much of the work being done here at the Mission Center is made possible by the investment and support of donors like you.” Through out his talk the Archbishop presented different parts of the world involved P. CHRISTOPOULOS in missions. He LEADERSHIP 100 members tour the Avero House at St. Photios National spoke first about Shrine in St. Augustine, (L to R) Archondia Lacas, Anthony Limberakis, Kassandra Romas and Irene Ladas.

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In front of the OCMC, Metropolitans Alexios of Atlanta and Iakovos of Chicago, Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos and Fr. Martin Ritsi.

Hierarchs and L-100 Members Visit OCMC, St. Photios Shrine uuu

Korea, praising it as a “wonderful modern example of mission work”. He spoke about the exciting growth being seen all over Africa especially supported by OCMC’s Support A Mission Priest program. His Eminence also spoke of the good work being done in places like Albania by missionaries and mission teams. For many of the guests this was their first visit to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. As the people left they expressed excitement and interest in seeing the depth and extent of OCMC’s ministry to bring the message of Christ’s salvation and love to the ends of the earth.

At St. Photios

St. Photios National Shrine Executive Director, V. Rev. Nicholas Graff greeted the Archbishop and Leadership 100 members at the St. Photios National Shrine on St. George St., where the annual Memorial

Service for Leadership 100 members took place in the St. Photios Chapel. Archbishop Demetrios, assisted by Deacon John Vlahos, the past assistant director of the Shrine, celebrated the service. Joining His Eminence in the service were Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco, Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, St. Photios Shrine Foundation President Metropolitan Alexios, and Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos. As Shrine Chairman and on behalf of the St. Photios Foundation, Archbishop Demetrios welcomed all the participants to the Shrine. His Eminence commented on the witness of the National Shrine and its patron, St. Photios the Great. “It is fitting we have this Shrine to commemorate our ancestors, and to have St. Photios as our patron, who sent missionaries and enlightened foreign lands,” said His Eminence.

New Board for St. Michael’s Home This year marks the beginning of a new chapter in the 46-year history of St. Michael’s Home with a new Board of Trustees and the implementation of new By-Laws recently approved by the Archdiocese. In addition to several innovative changes, the new By-Laws allow for a percentage of the Board to be elected by the membership and also for term limitations. The new Board was installed on Wednesday Jan. 22 at the Archdiocese with a blessing and affirmation of service administered by Archbishop Demetrios. In another change, officers of that body were elected by the membership rather than appointed as had been the past practice. Elected were: President Steve Kyriakos, Vice-President Maria Logus, Treasurer George Tsandikos, Assistant Treasurer Andre Gregory, Secretary Demi Brountzas and Assistant Secretary Lilly Katos. “Throughout the years, St. Michael’s has been blessed with very dedicated Trustees who did their utmost to promote and enhance this unique ministry of our Church. One of the noteworthy accomplishments, due in part to the efforts of the Board, is the fact that the facility has always been financially self-sufficient, not receiving subsidies from either government agencies or the Archdiocese”, stated the director, Bishop Andonios. His Grace continued, “What impresses me most about this year’s Trustees is the number of young members in their 30s and 40s who are here, selflessly offering their “time, talents and treasures” to assure that the elderly of our community

are provided with the best possible care in a loving Greek Orthodox environment. It’s great mix of very talented men and women, professionals and businesspeople, working for the best interests of St. Michael’s and I am confident that through their efforts the Home will reach even greater heights in its illustrious history of service to the elderly”. Other Board members include: the Rev. Nicholas Anctil, Dr. Helen Bender, Stella Capiris (Archdiocesan District Philoptochos President), George Dariotis, Nikitas Drakotos, Ronnie Kyritsis (New Jersey Metropolis Philoptochos President), Aspasia Melis, Maria Mercardo, Pauline O’Neal, Cornelia Pappas, the Rev. Nicholas Petropoulakos (elected to the Board at the Archdiocesan Clergy-Laity Assembly), Harry Raptakis, Nicholas Tjartjalis, Argyris Vassiliou and Mrs. Karlene Williams. St. Michael’s is the only Greek Orthodox adult home in the United States, licensed by the New York State Department of Health and under the aegis of the Archdiocese. All residents are Greek Orthodox and while most are from the Tri state area (NY, NJ & CT) a growing number of individuals have recently been admitted from Colorado, Mississippi, Florida and other states. The facility can accommodate 60 residents and has been operating at near full capacity since 2001. Plans are under way to expand not only the size of the Home but also the level of care St. Michael’s is permitted by the state to offer.

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SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarship Applications Now Available On-Line Applications are being accepted for scholarships to be awarded from George and Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship Fund of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Gioles Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 with a generous gift in memory of George and Naouma Gioles. At least three scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded for the 2003-04 academic year. Criteria and forms are available on-line at: http://www.goarch.org/en/ archdiocese/administration/chancellor/ giolesscholarship.pdf Applications are also being accepted for the Katina John Malta Scholarship Fund, a new scholarship program established at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America by means of a generous gift from the estate of Katina John Malta. The donation and the formation of the scholarship program has been done in

recognition of the love Katina had for the Church and in honor of the desire she had to help others, especially children and youth. For the 2003-04 academic year, two scholarships will be awarded in the amounts of $2,000 for each scholarship. Criteria and forms are available on-line at: http://www.goarch.org/en/ archdiocese/administration/chancellor/ maltascholarship.pdf Application forms are also available upon request from the Office of the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese - (212) 774-0586 or e-mail ppolychroni@goarch.org. Completed applications should be sent to the Gioles Scholarship Fund, c/o Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Office of the Chancellor, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021. Deadline for applications is April 1. Awards will be announced no later than May 31.

Kero Mantzouras Foundation Awards 2003 Ionian Village Scholarship NEW YORK – The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries has announced the 2003 Ionian Village Scholarship. The Kero Mantzouras Foundation located in New York, has awarded a, $30,000 grant to be used for scholarships for the 2003 Ionian Village program. As a result of this generous grant, families who need financial assistance will be able to send their children to participate in Ionian Village 2003. Both full and partial scholarships in grades 7 through 12, will be awarded to applicant’s who complete the Scholarship Registration process. Scholarship applications are available at www.ionianvillage.org. Applicants must be Orthodox Christians and first-time participants in the Ionian Village program. Only one scholarship per family will be awarded. The application deadline is April 1, 2003. On hearing of the Foundation’s grant, Deacon Constantine Lazarakis, the Ionian Village Director stated “The Kero Mantzouras Foundation should be praised for their efforts in assisting young people who otherwise could not afford the cost of the program”. He also stressed the importance for parishes and local Philoptochos chapters to continue to offer assistance and scholarships for young people from their parishes. Ionian Village has been in existence for more than 30 years. Ionian Village offers three programs: Summer Travel Camp (grades 7-9), Byzantine Venture (grades 10-12) and Spiritual Odyssey (ages 18-30). Since 1970, 15,000 faithful have par-

ticipated in the above programs. Fr. Mark Leondis, director of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries stated that “Every child in our Archdiocese should be given the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program which allows young people to learn about their Faith and Culture in a unique way.” For scholarship and application information, contact the Office of Ionian Village at 646.519.6190 or by e-mail ionianvillage @goarch.org.

THE KERO MANTZOURAS FOUNDATION

Kero Mantzouras was born in Kastoria on Aug. 20, 1906. He was the first of five brothers and one sister born to Demetrios and Panagiota Mantzouras. At age 11 he immigrated with his father to the United States of America. Consequently his father returned to Greece but Kero remained in the U.S., the land that he adopted and grew to love as his own. As it was customary of the time, Keros took his responsibilities as the first born very seriously and throughout his life did whatever he could to help his brothers and sister. Except for a two-year interruption during the World War II when he served in the United States armed forces and the frequent trips to his hometown of Kastoria, Kero was in the fur business for close to 70 years. He had limited formal education and this may explain his continuous efforts to advise, encourage and help others to “go to school.” Mr. Mantzouras passed away on March 24,1989.

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Office of Camping Ministries Immersed in a sea of darkness, the mass of campers trek up the hill in search of the cross. The rustling of bushes and scraping of stones beneath their feet are the only sounds that accompany them on their venture into nature for a late night Paraklesis service. by Anna-Nicole Kyritsis

The cross on the hill at St. Nicholas Ranch is accustomed to visitors at all times of the day and night, especially during the camping season. For, the empty cross not only stands tall as a reminder of Christ’s Resurrection, but for campers it symbolizes their Orthodox faith and serves as a refuge away from the everyday drama that is encountered when one is in high school. At the top of the hill they huddle around the cross, collect candles from a box, and begin to pass the light from hand to hand. As the fire leaps around the circle and engulfs the campers in a soft glow, the service begins and, led by their staff, chants of “Kyrie Eleison” and “Amen” echo throughout the silence. The hymns and chants they learned earlier that week in their music sessions were not foreign to them, for many of these campers hear them during services that they attend throughout the year. Yet tonight, while harmonizing in the circle and singing those praises together amongst a multitude of prayers and salutations, the reality of the service and its meaning seeps into their souls, and they learn more about their Orthodox faith. The development of today’s youth is a vital and tremendous responsibility, and although it regularly falls upon parents and our school systems, it is not enough. The rearing of a child should be concerned with more than his physical, emotional, and mental growth. Perhaps the most crucial concern when raising a child should be his spiritual rearing. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America realizes this great responsibility and has developed a Youth and Young Adult Ministry Department to design and sponsor programs for the Orthodox youth of today. The Office of Camping Ministries exists as part of this department and is responsible for supporting the Orthodox Camping Programs throughout the Archdiocese, so that more youth may share in experiences like the above as campers at every Orthodox camp throughout the nation. These camping programs foster the unique ability for spiritual and developmental growth, supplemental to what is offered at home, school, and in church youth groups. An Orthodox summer camp can be a miraculous place. Nestled away from society, it is brimming with social,

physical, and spiritual challenges. Orthodox camps not only afford campers the opportunity to meet and spend time with other campers of their same age and faith, but serve to reassure them that they all deal with similar issues in their everyday lives. Moreover, camp reinforces what lessons are taught to our youth at home, school, and at church, and provide them with tangible experiences that can bring their Christian development and love for Christ to another level. The Orthodox summer camping program is also unique in that it functions to support further the parish youth ministry programs, such as JOY and GOYA. Each Metropolis within the Archdiocese has one, if not several, Orthodox Camps that are accessible by all parish youth. Each parish is encouraged to send its youth groups to camp, not only to strengthen the Orthodox teachings that they receive in Sunday School classes and youth group events, but to strengthen the bonds that exist within these parish level programs, and improve upon a support system that will carry youth well into their college years. Within the past year, the Office of Camping Ministries has developed many avenues in promoting the educational value of these camps; as well as in developing and maintaining safe Orthodox camp environments. In an effort to support the Metropolis camping programs, and thanks to a generous grant from Leadership 100, the Office of Camping Ministries is hosting an Inter-Orthodox Camp Director’s Conference on March 12-15. Each camp’s director or representative will attend both the American Camping Association’s Tri-State Conference sessions and Orthodox camping workshops, to gain a better understanding of camping standards, camp safety regulations, as well as additional techniques in staff training and camp modernization. With goals to encourage each Metropolis camp to maintain an Orthodox spiritual environment and to adhere to specific camping standards, and to provide Orthodox youth with an outstanding Orthodox education, the Office of Camping Ministries is working with youth ministry leaders to build strong Orthodox youth programs at every level of the Archdiocese. To learn more about the 2003 Camping Programs of our Archdiocese, or for more information about the 2003 InterOrthodox Camp Director’s Conference, please contact the Office of Camping Ministries at (646) 519-6190, via email at camp@goarch.org, or visit the website at www.camp.goarch.org.

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E DITORIAL

Three Struggle toward the Triumph of Pascha

e have just passed the first milepost on our Lenten journey to Holy Pascha with the celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the annual celebration of the restoration of icons to their rightful place within the worship of the Church. In the week preceding it we began the sacred struggle that our Church calls us to each year: the struggle of fasting, watchfulness and prayer. In this struggle we have the opportunity to enliven our faith, to strengthen our weaknesses and to assure ourselves once again of the truth that, after every struggle of the Church, there is victory and triumph. This first phase of the journey involved fasting, both spiritual and material, to avoid those foods, thoughts and

u GMA Report Offensive t Editor, On Thursday, Feb. 6, Good Morning America (ABC) broadcast live from Istanbul and highlighted modern Turkey and its Ottoman heritage. For millions of people the world over who have ancestral or spiritual ties to the history of Asia Minor, Istanbul, and Ephesus it was offensive. Ottoman and modern Turkish culture can and perhaps should be appreciated on their own merits, yet this program seemed to consciously ignore or revise the history of the region and nation to serve what must be considered propaganda now that Turkey is a “player” in the approaching conflict with Iraq. The architecture of the Ottoman period, particularly the Blue Mosque that was highlighted, was directly borrowed from Byzantine Orthodox Christian models, most notably Haghia Sophia, still the most famous historical monument in modern Istanbul. We should note that this Haghia Sophia was built centuries prior to the Ottoman conquest and the building of any mosques. This Byzantine Orthodox influence on Ottoman architecture was completely passed over. Ephesus, founded as a Greek settlement and a center of Hellenic and Christian culture into the modern period, was described as a “Roman” city. While technically true, as the Byzantine Empire was an organic continuation of the Roman Empire in the Orient, it was disingenuous to pass over this aspect of classical and medieval history with silence. To not even mention that the city of Istanbul (Constantinople) was founded as the capital of the Byzantine Orthodox Empire and remained so over one thousand years reveals a profound bias. So too with the documented difficulties of ethnic minorities in both the Ottoman Empire and nationalist Turkey, problems that continue to this day with the frequent if not routine abuses of human rights for those who do not share Turkish ancestry. The Kurdish “problem” may still be the most troubling to the Turkish government. However that same government’s ultra nationalist predecessors all but eradicated the Armenian Christian minority in the nation, not to mention the Greek minority in Istanbul. Furthermore, a

actions that might harm the body and soul and that arouse our passions. We should be more watchful during great length, to be extremely careful about our own spiritual growth and health and be concerned about the spiritual welfare of our family and friends and to protect them from the many temptations that confront us daily. Prayer is the third part of our journey. Prayer is a conversation between man and God. All of our prayer should find their inspiration and spirit from the prayer that Christ taught us, “the Lord’s Prayer. These three examples – fasting, watchfulness and prayer, should inspire and encourage us on the road we are traveling to Pascha and the glorious Resurrection of Christ.

tremendous opportunity to showcase religious pluralism in today’s Turkey was lost by the blatant omission of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the apostolic spiritual center of tens of millions of Orthodox Christians world-wide. These omissions are almost inconceivable given the fact that George Stephanopoulos serves as a regular political correspondent for Good Morning America and that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is headquartered in New York city, the program’s own base. Like Greece, Turkey is a near eastern member of NATO, and a necessary ally in our nation’s current foreign policy. Another nation was a necessary ally just over two decades ago, especially following the Iran hostage crisis. We aided that nation and overlooked its routine abuses of human rights, its minorities, and international law. We helped to arm that nation and relied on its oil. Then that nation invaded Kuwait, and started us on a path culminating today when Good Morning America is able to overlook the same weaknesses in another U.S. ally, not to mention dismiss the sensitivities of millions of persons here and abroad by repeating politically revised history and omitting those civilizations that enriched—literally and figuratively—the Ottoman Empire and modern Turkey. Given all these factors and the feelings of Greek and Armenian Orthodox viewers hopefully a future segment on Good Morning America will tell the other sides of Istanbul’s story. Very Rev. Archimandrite Demetri Kantzavelos Chancellor, Metropolis of Chicago

u Epiphany Tradition t Editor, The January edition of the Orthodox Observer was truly remarkable in its recognition of the wonderful ethnicity associated with Epiphany. The customs of Epiphany conveyed in the article fit well with the Holy Traditions of the Orthodox Church and enhance what is truly a great feast day on our ecclesiastic calendar. It must be said that while customs and culture supplement our faith, it is Holy Tradition that leaves Orthodoxy as the last true sanctuary of Christianity and one of

Archpastoral Reflections

by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America

An Opportunity for Spiritual Growth

uring the Lenten season, we are invited to consider more closely the loving invitation of our Lord to grow in holiness. Following the example of the Saints, we are presented with the formidable task of contemplating the spiritual dimension of our humanity, of looking inward at our own hearts to contemplate the presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, an exercise which draws us closer to our Heavenly Father and to one another. This task of drawing closer to God and others, fundamental to the Orthodox Christian life, involves many facets, rooted in Holy Tradition, which the Church cultivates in the hearts and homes of the faithful. Through the divine services, through the discipline of fasting, through giving alms to the needy, and especially through prayerful devotion, we come to know, as children of God, the redemptive and inexhaustible love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Prayer is an indispensable aspect of our Orthodox Christian identity. It is the means through which we comprehend the mystery and love of the Holy Trinity, and gain insight into ethical principles that guide our daily actions and interactions with others. It is the vehicle through which we approach the Holy Spirit, the Comforter who nurtures the bonds of love among human beings and their Creator. St. Paul advises us to pray unceasingly (1 Thessalonians 5:14), to direct our entire being toward the living Christ, to participate in His crucifixion and resurrection so that by grace, in the words of the Apostle Paul, we may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that if possible we may attain the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:10-11). This is authentic prayer, the instrument and goal of our Lenten journey. As we gather in our parishes as communities of faith and as families, and as we follow the example of Jesus and retreat from the turbulence of society into the stillness of the heart, we discover that authentic prayer extends beyond the communal and individual act of worship. Rather, authentic prayer is a condition of the heart, a state of being in communion with God and with others in ways that occupy and engage the human soul in every dimension of life, even in the most ordinary of daily tasks. Our monastic tradition endeavors to cultivate this awareness with particular emphasis on communal life and prayer. With equal conviction, our parishes strive this season to offer increased opportunities for us to cultivate prayer in daily life, through the Divine services, through the study of Scripture, through retreats and lectures, and through social outreach opportunities. Our Orthodox Christian spiritual tradition is rich with untold treasures. During this Lenten season, I pray that we may be accorded renewed opportunities to reflect upon the splendor of these treasures, so that we may share their fruits among our families, communities, and neighbors in our contemporary society. As we contemplate the passion of our Lord, may the peace of God illumine your hearts, granting unto you closer communion with Him.

the only remaining religious traditions that places enormous value on worship. Case in point, many of us from the Holy Trinity parish recently attended a multi-cultural, multi-faith concert at the B’Nai Emunah Synagogue titled “Together in Song - Sound and Spirit of Tulsa.” The concert consisted of the performance of song and dance for public radio’s “Sound and Spirit” nationally syndicated radio program. Holy Trinity’s “Orthodox Christian Chorus”, an a cappella men’s group, chanted various Orthodox Christian hymns at the event. During the concert a group from the B’Nai Emunah Synagogue performed a song from their Friday evening “worship” service. The performance was accompanied by guitars, drums, and keyboards and had the tempo and sound reminiscent of a Tel Aviv nightclub. The music was very entertaining and rhythmic but not reverential. Astonishingly, B’Nai Emunah is considered a “very conservative” congregation. What most struck me about the group’s performance was not the lack of reverence, as this is common in 21st century American religion, but how truly amazing it is that the American performance culture has infested even the Judaic faith. This example of performance worship begs a more profound question. What re-

maining faith deeply rooted in worship is going to ultimately prevail? Orthodox Christianity, Buddhism, Islam? We can pray that through the work of the Holy Spirit the inhabitants of this world will be lead by Christ’s Holy Church. There was a very good article recently in the Honolulu Advertiser (http: //the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2002/ Dec/29/il/il01a.html) regarding the youth of today searching for more meaning and substance in religion. The article spoke highly of Orthodoxy’s “order” and its connection to a timeless past. Yes, Orthodox Christianity offers adherents, and those seeking truth, a pure and unaltered belief. But we Orthodox should be very defensive of western cultural elements that have been allowed to seep into our faith. Because as we mock other religious traditions for having guitars, drums, and erroneous theology, we find ourselves only a small step away from that travesty. It is a wonderful and beautiful thing to augment our faith with customs; however, in the final analysis we must critically defend our Holy Traditions or, unconscionable as it may be, risk that our future generations will question the foundation of the Christian faith and somehow become attracted to, or search for, other worship-focused religions. John G. Sames Tulsa, Oklahoma.

MARCH 2003

Archiepiscopal Encyclical

Encyclical for the Feast of the Annunciation March 25, 2003 Feast of the Annunciation Day of Greek Independence To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Feast of the Annunciation is a day of paramount significance in the Orthodox Church, one which extols the important role of the Theotokos in the salvation of all humankind. The good tidings of grace announced on this day by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary speak with clarity: The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Presented with such an awesome message, Mary’s response was one of utmost trust and faith: Let it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38). This response of the Virgin Mary displays in a magnificent manner the virtues of devout faith in God, unconditional trust in His divine plan, loving openness to His ways, and resolute acceptance of His will. The decision of the Theotokos to embrace the will of God—to give birth to His Only-begotten Son—had a profound effect upon the human condition. In joyful obedience to the will of God, the Virgin Mary reversed the legacy left to us by Adam and Eve, a painful legacy of separation from God. With her words and actions of loving acceptance, she became the means of a restorative act of the highest order, an act of reconciliation. Through her, Christ came into the world in order to bring the human race once again into a proper relationship with God, to reconcile people to God and to one another. Our Holy Orthodox Church affirms on this day the vital importance of reconciliation in our personal lives and in our contemporary world. Such a reconciliation of human beings to their Heavenly Creator and to one another, a restorative act facilitated by the Theotokos, carries far-reaching social implications. In the presence of strife and the threat of war, our contemporary world is in special need of favorable conditions for security and freedom—conditions which allow peoples from differing cultures, nations, and religions to coexist in peace where hostility and the plagues of evil succumb to the conciliatory power of the love and presence of Christ Jesus our Lord. This desire for social and political conditions that favor life and freedom marked the struggle of our forefathers for independence. In that conflict of the early nineteenth century, known as the epic of 1821, Hellenes banded together in opposition to hostility and oppression, willingly sacrificing their lives so that the Greek nation and sovereign state could exist once again and future generations would be free to live in a country that promoted true worship of God and genuine relationships among fellow human beings. This legacy provided the foundation for the Hellenic nation to flourish, to bring honor to a rich Hellenic and Orthodox heritage, and to join the nations of the world in upholding ideals of peace, justice, and respect for the innate dignity and freedom of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God. Today, the Day of Greek Independence and the Feast of the Annunciation offer to us a day of joint celebration that extols faith in God’s providence, devotion to His will, and reconciliation amongst all human beings of all nations of the earth. As we gather together on this day to mark this glorious Feast, and as we reflect more profoundly upon the restorative act that came through the Virgin Mary, may her words of joyful obedience be ours. May we say unto the Lord, Let it be done to me according to your word, so that we may offer the redemptive voice of faith and reconciliation to our contemporary world. During this Lenten season, I pray that we are especially mindful of this our special role as Orthodox Christians, so that, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, reconciliation, peace, and freedom may come to characterize our personal relationships with God, our nation, and all nations of the world.

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With paternal love in Christ,

†Archbishop DEMETRIOS of America

HOLY SCRIPTURE READINGS

APRIL . . . . . . . .

1 T ....Gen. 9:8-17; Isa 25:1-9; Prov. 12:8-22 2 W .. Gen. 9:18-29, 10:1; Isa. 26:21, 22:1-9; Prov. 12:23-28 3 Th ....... Gen. 10:32, 11:1-9; Isa. 28:14-22; Prov. 13:1-9 4 F ..... Gen. 12:4-7; Isa. 29:13-24; Prov. 13: 19-25, 14:1-6 5 S ...................... Heb. 6:9-12; Mark 7:31-37 6 Sun.................. Heb. 6:13-20; Mk. 9:17-31 7 M ........... Gen. 13:12-18; Isa. 4:8-17, 49:4; Prov. 19:16-25 8 T Gen. 15:1-15; Isa. 40:18-31; Prov. 15:7-19 9 W ...................... Gen. 17:1-8; Isa. 41:4-14; Prov. 15:20-34, 16:3-9 10 Th .............. Gen. 18:20-33; Isa. 42:5-16; Prov. 16:13-33, 17:1-7 11 F ................. Gen. 22:1-18; Isa. 45:11-17; Prov. 17:17-28, 18:1-5 12 S .................... Heb. 9:1-7; Lk. 1:39-49,56 13 Sun...............Heb. 9:11-14; Mk. 10:32-45 14 M ............. Gen. 27:1-41; Isa. 48:17-49:4; Prov. 19:16-25 15 T ................... Gen. 31:3-16; Isa. 49:5-10;

Prov. 21:3-21 16 W ................ Gen. 43:26-30; Isa. 58:1-11; Prov. 21:23-22:4 17 Th ................... Gen. 46:1-7; Isa. 65:8-16; Prov. 23:15-35, 24:1-5 18 F ...... Gen. 49:33, 50:1-26; Isa. 66:10-24; Prov. 31:8-31 19 S ..............Heb. 12:28-13:8; John 11:1-45 20 Sun.........Philippians 4:4-9; John 12:1-18 21 M ................ Exodus 1:1-20; Job 1:13-22; Matthew 21:14-43 22 T Ex. 2:5:10; Job. 1:13-22; Mt. 22:15-23:39 23 W.........Ex. 2:11-22; Job 2:1-10; Mt. 26:6-16; 24 Th I Cor. 11:23-32; Mt. 26:2-20; Jn. 13:3-17, Mt. 26:21-39, Lk. 22:43-44, Mt 26:40-27:2 25 F ..... 1 Cor. 1:18-2:2, Mt. 27:1-66; Lk. 23: 39-43; 1 Cor. 5:6-8; Jn. 19:31-37; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Galatians 3;13-14 26 S ...................... Rom. 6:3-11; Mt. 28:1-20 27 Sun........................ Acts 1:1-9; Jn. 1:1-17 28 M .................... Acts 12:1-11 ; Jn. 1:18-28 29 T ..................... Acts 2:14-21; Lk 10:16-21 30 W ..................... Acts 12:1-11; Jn. 1:35-52

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MARCH 2003

Family Care

Great Lent Preparation

Establishing Routines are Important for Children

How Can a Family Prepare for Pascha?

CONCERNS & ISSUES

In February our attention was directed to the celebration of the birthdays of two esteemed presidents of the United States. In the lives of children the recognition of their birth dates becomes a very significant and memorable event. by Fr. Constantine Sitaras

Although it is very much part of Greek Orthodox custom to celebrate our “Name Day,” the feast of the saint for whom an Orthodox Christian has been named, our American culture places emphasis on one’s birthday. At this time allow me to share some thoughts on birthday celebrations of children. It is interesting how easily in the life of a child’s actions become routinized and part of the act or ritual of an event. What do I mean? Children at St. Basil Academy is asked well in advance of their birthday what kind of birthday cake they would like and what theme i.e. a cartoon character, a sport, etc. They are also asked what they would like as a gift. For the boys sneakers have been the latest craze! We have a set time for the cutting of the cake, on weekdays it’s after school. We light the candles, sing Happy Birthday and blow out the candles. The birthday child with adult supervision takes a knife and first makes the sign of the cross on the cake. A small gesture, but one that has become part of the routine: first things to God our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The children remind each other–“make the cross on the cake!” Pieces are cut and distributed. More planning and a larger celebration are planned for their 16th birthdays. This becomes a very special and meaningful event. This entire procedure is now an established routine for the children. Perhaps the needs of our St. Basil children are different from those of your “average” families. Perhaps, but I think not. With this planning ahead and the engaging of youngsters in that planning and fulfilling their wishes –always within reason of course– we make a strong statement of validation for their very being. We are in a real way validating their very existence by celebrating and placing so much emphasis on their birthdays. Establishing routines are important for children. They grow to feel safe and secure within the realm of those routines.

Our actions make the statement that no matter what your personal situation is, the illness—emotional and/or physical—of parents, their inability to care for them for a myriad of reasons, the abandonment or neglect the child may have experienced, whatever the reason for their placement at our institution, we at St. Basil validate their being, their personhood, the unique gift that they are to our small community and to society at large. We emphasize and celebrate their special day of birth. Why? Because each child is a precious gift of God. Whatever the sometimes sad and tragic circumstances of their lives, youngsters are wonderful, creative, gifted and unique blessings. Although when in pre-adolescence we must remind ourselves of this reality. The children plan their birthdays well in advance. They share the wishes of other children: “Father, Jimmy would like this for his birthday. When is Jimmy’s birthday? In two months.” They share in each other’s joy. At the cutting of the cake, a photograph is taken of each child with his cake and gifts. This, too, has become part of the “ritual” of the birthday celebration. There seems to be a sense of security and stability with the “steps of the birthday party”. The children know what will happen and they feel safe and secure while enjoying their “special day.” Older children share their stories: “When I was younger I was asked about my birthday two months before and had forgotten what I asked for until the day. I was surprised that the cake was what I had requested as well as my gift.” Teenagers understand the impact of their value as creations of God because someone paid attention to the details of their young wishes. Children are children. Respecting them and their wishes, paying attention and, always within reason, making the possible a reality has an amazing impact on the young life of people. Please take time to: • Plan ahead and engage your child in the selection of the cake and gifts. • Establish routines and rituals. They are very important for the feeling of stability and security. • Don’t promise unless you can deliver. What you do for one child must be fair and consistent with each child.

Often Great Lent is taught as a series of “shoulds” - we should go to Church, we should fast, we should pray, we should give alms. This approach focuses on “duty” and can have a negative connotation. We need an attitude adjustment. This year, try for a loving response to what our Lord has done for us. by Phyllis Meshel Onest

What’s Involved in Preparation?

Ask family members how they have prepared for something important. Younger children may remember a piano or dance recital, a sports competition, a test in school. Teens may focus on getting a driver’s license. Parents may reflect on preparing for their wedding day or the birth of their first child. Whatever the experience, ask what was involved in the preparation period. Determine whether both knowledge and practice/action were required. Guide the discussion to allow each family member to share his/her story of preparation. Ask how each felt during the process and after. Originally, Great Lent was the final preparation of the catechumens for their baptism at Pascha. The catechumens would fast, pray, study scripture, and do good works. The rest of the community joined the catechumens as a time for renewing their baptismal commitment to Christ. While the catechumenate has died off in most Orthodox parishes, since most enter the Church through infant baptism, we continue the practices of Great Lent as our personal preparation for Pascha. In this step a variety of methods can be used to teach Great Lent in ways that are appropriate for your children.

Scripture

Review the biblical accounts of the Israelites wandering in the desert (Exodus 14-20) and Christ’s temptation in the wilderness. These are traditional biblical understandings of Great Lent. Study some of the Old Testament passages about the Messiah (Isaiah 11, Isaiah 53, Zechariah 9: 9, the Book of Jonah, and others).

Worship

Examine the special services and prayers of Great Lent. The Pre-Sanctified Liturgies, the Akathist Hymn, and the Canon of St. Andrew are integral parts of the Lenten liturgical life. Talk about the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim [see above], fasting, and the themes of the Sundays before and during Lent. Many helpful resources are available: Sunday bulletins, the parish library, your priest or Church school director. On the Internet, check the Orthodox web sites on the World Wide Web. http://www.theologic.com can get one to most anywhere in the Orthodox Christian world. Books like Great Lent and Of Water and the Spirit by Alexander Schmemann, The Lenten Spring by Thomas Hopko, the Orthodox Study Bible, and others, are available from several distributors of Orthodox materials. Focus on the children’s response to the message of Great Lent. Then answer the question, “How will we prepare for Pascha this year during Great Lent?” Decide what you will do as a family and what you will do individually.

Fasting

For example, parents and teens may choose a more rigorous level of fasting, but everyone in the family will fast at some level. The Church offers a rule to which we strive: no meat, fish, wine, dairy products, olive oil. (Wine and olive oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays.) The degree to which we keep the rule comes with spiritual growth and practice, but it can begin when children are young. But fasting is not limited to food. Throughout the writings of Church Fathers and Mothers, we read that we must also “fast from the tongue” - watch what comes out of our mouths as well as what goes into the mouth. This requires as much effort, at times, as does fasting from food. There’s also “fasting with the arms and legs” - keeping from any evil action; and “fasting with the eyes” - protecting oneself from what is not edifying -zipping through TV channels and viewing a music video, movie previews, or any of a number of other images that are unnecessary, that pull one away from godly thinking.

Worship

Great Lent is the time to increase your family’s frequency of receiving the Eucharist, if it is not already your practice. If a family has never attended a pre-Sanctified Liturgy, decide together to attend, and even to prepare to receive the Eucharist. Preparation to receive the Eucharist includes prayer, fasting and the Sacrament of Confession. In nearly all our parishes, there are Saturday of the Souls liturgies where we pray for the dead. If it is the practice to prepare a special bread or boiled wheat for memorials, involve your children in the preparation.

Almsgiving

Save money individually or as a family to donate to a local charity or the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (P.O. Box 4319, St. Augustine, Fla. 32085-4319, Phone: 904-829-513). The Mission Center offers a collection box that can be the visual focus of your effort. Children can be encouraged to save from their allowance, gift monies, special treats, or lunches.

Prayer & Study

Turn off, or at least limit, the TV. This will provide time for prayer and the study of a book of the Bible as a family. The footnotes and special articles in the Orthodox Study Bible are of great help. With elementary-aged children use the International Children’s Bible. There are several books in the Arch Series that deal with the Paschal story. Plus there are religious videos or ones with a moral theme. Consider using this newfound time to play games such as Bible Pictionary (senior or junior), Bibleopoly, and Bible trivia games. In a society that underestimates the value of discipline and obedience, the teachings and practices of the Orthodox Church appear as antiquated and “unnormal.” But from our perspective this is the norm. As St. Paul reminds us, we are to “live in the world” but not be “of the world.” Christ wants us to transform the world around us. Strive to live “the norm.”

MARCH 2003

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MARCH 2003

‘OLYMPIC’ TORCH LIGHTING HELLENIC MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER PRESENTS

A Night of Comedy

All New Show! “On the Road to the Olympics World Tour” Chicago Theatre 175 N. State Street, Chicago

Friday, May 2, 2003 8pm Tickets start at $25 and are available at the Chicago Theatre box office, all Ticketmaster locations, by phoning Ticketmaster at 312.902.1500 or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com

All proceeds to benefit the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center For more information about sponsorship opportunities or supporting the Hellenic Museum visit www.hellenicmuseum.org or call 312.726.1234.

The first torch-lighting ceremony for the annual Archdiocesan District Olympics took place March 3 at the St. Paul Chapel at Archdiocese headquarters. Archbishop Demetrios lit the torch in the ceremony attended by Olympics Executive Committee members of the Archdiocesan District Olympics. The torch, which was lit from the altar, will circulate among those parishes planning to participate in this years’ program to be held May 23, 24 and 25 at the State University of New York-Stony Brook. The local torch ceremonies began March 9 and will end May 18. For more information on the District Olympics visit their website at www.goado.com.

MAPTIΟΣ 2003

ΕΤΟΣ 68 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1198

ΤΟ ΑΘΗΝΑΓΟΡΕΙΟ ΒΡΑΒΕΙΟ ΣΕ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΥΣ ΜΕΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΚΑΔΗΜΙΑΣ ΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΟΥΣ ΦΙΛΑΝΘΡΩΠΙΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΙΕΡΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΗΣ ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ. – Μέσα σε ατμόσφαιρα ευγνωμοσύνης και αναγνώρισης του φιλανθρωπικού και ιεραποστολικού έργου το Τάγμα των Αρχόντων του Αγίου Ανδρέα, πρόσφερε το Αθηναγόρειο Βραβείο στο Ορθόδοξο Χριστιανικό Κέντρο Ιεραποστολής, γνωστό ως OCMC και στoν Διεθνή Οργανισμό Ορθοδόξου Χριστιανικής Φιλανθρωπίας (IOCC), κατά την διάρκεια του ετήσιου δείπνου των Αρχόντων του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου που πραγματοποιήθηκε στο ξενοδοχείο Χίλτον της Νέας Υόρκης, το Σάββατο 8 Μαρτίου. Και οι δύο οργανισμοί τελούν υπό την εποπτεία της Μόνιμης Επιτροπής Ορθοδόξων Κανονικών Επισκόπων στην Αμερική (SCOBA), της οποίας ως γνωστόν προεδρεύει ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος. Στο δείπνο εκτός από τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο και παρευρέθηκαν και επιφανείς Ελληνοαμερικανοί, στελέχη της Βουλής και της Γερουσίας– ο βουλευτής κ. Μάϊκλ Μπιλιράκης από την Φλόριδα και ο γερουσιαστής κ. Πολ Σαρμπάνης. Την βραδιά τίμησαν και ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Τυράνων, Δυρραχίου και πάσης Αλβανίας κ. Αναστάσιος ο οποίος πραγματοποιούσε ταξίδι στην Αμερική, καθώς και ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος πρώην Βορείου και Νοτίου Αμερικής κ. Ιάκωβος, καθώς και ο πρόεδρος του ΣΑΕ κ. Ανδρέας Άθενς, που είναι και εκ των συνιδρυτών του οργανισμού IOCC. Τους παρισταμένους καλοσώρισε ο διοικητής του Τάγματος των Αρχόντων ιατρός Αντώνιος Λυμπεράκης ο οποίος

D. PANAGOS

Οι νέοι Αρχοντες του Τάγματος του Αποστόλου Ανδρέα με τον διοικητή του Τάγματος κ. Αντώνιο Λυμπεράκη. (κέντρο)

και εξήρε το έργο που επιτελείτε από τους τιμώμενους οργανισμούς ενώ δεν παρέλειψε να αναφέρει ότι η προσφορά τους αντικατοπτρίζει τον ρόλο της Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας στον σημερινό κόσμο. Ο Διεθνής Οργανισμός Ορθοδόξου Χριστιανικής Φιλανθρωπίας έχει, όπως είπε ο κ. Λυμπεράκης, προσφέρει περισσότερα από 160 εκατομμύρια δολλάρια ως βοήθεια σε πάνω από 21 χώρες, ανταποκρινόμενος στις ανάγκες προς τα θύματα του πολέμου, της φτώχειας, των ασθενειών και των φυσικών καταστροφών. Ο κ. Λυμπεράκης αναφέρθηκε και στον ρόλο του Ορθοδόξου Κέντρου Ιεραποστολής που εδρεύει στον Άγιο Αυγουστίνο της Φλόριδα και που εδώ και δύο δεκαετίες

αποτελεί το όχημα μέσα από το οποίο οι Ορθόδοξοι της Αμερικής αναπτύσσουν ιεραποστολικό έργο ανά τον κόσμο. Μέχρι σήμερα, όπως τόνισε, το Κέντρο έχει προσφέρει βοήθεια σε περισσότερες από 35 χώρες υποστηρίζοντας και αναπτύσσοντας τον ρόλο των κατά τόπους Ορθοδόξων Εκκλησιών με πάνω από 800 εθελοντές, με δασκάλους, ιατρικές ομάδες και ομάδες εργατών που συμβάλλουν στο χτίσιμο των ναών, των ιατρικών κέντρων αλλά και που υποστηρίζουν με κάθε δυνατό τρόπο τις ιεραποστολικές ενορίες ενώ έχουν πραγματοποιηθεί πάνω από 230 χειροτονίες κληρικών σε 12 διαφορετικές χώρες.

25 ΜΑΡΤIΟΥ 2003 • ΕYΑΓΓΕΛΙΣΜOΣ ΤHΣ ΘΕΟΤOΚΟΥ HΜEΡΑ EΘΝΙΚHΣ AΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΣIΑΣ

u óåë. 19

ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ

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

Ὁ ἑορτασµός τοῦ Εὐαγγελισµοῦ τῆς Θεοτόκου ἀποτελεῖ γεγονός τεραστίας σηµασίας γιά τήν Ὀρθόδοξο Ἐκκλησία. Εἶναι γεγονός τό ὁποῖο ἐξυµνεῖ τόν σπουδαῖο ρόλο τῆς Θεοτόκου στήν σωτηρία ὁλοκλήρου τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος. Ἡ ὑπέροχη εἴδηση τῆς χάριτος ἡ ὁποία ἀνακοινώθηκε αὐτή τήν ἡµέρα ἀπό τόν Ἀρχάγγελο Γαβριήλ στήν Παρθένο Μαρία εἶναι σαφής: Πνεῦµα Ἅγιον θά ἔλθη ἐπί σέ καί δύναµις τοῦ Ὑψίστου θά σέ ἐπισκιάσῃ· διά τοῦτο καί τό ἅγιον πού θά γεννηθῇ θά ὀνοµασθῇ Υἱός Θεοῦ (Λουκ. 1: 35). Μόλις δέχθηκε τό ἱερώτατο αὐτό µήνυµα ἡ Θεοτόκος ἔδωσε µιάν ἀπάντηση ἡ ὁποία ὑποδηλώνει ὑπέρτατη ἐµπιστοσύνη καί πίστη: Γένοι τό µοι κατά τό ρῆµα σου (Λουκ. 1:38).

Αὐτή ἡ ἀπάντηση τῆς Παρθένου Μαρίας ἐκφράζει µέ ἕναν ὑπέροχο τρόπο τίς ἀρετές τῆς ἀφοσιωµένης πίστεως στόν Θεό, τῆς ἀνεπιφυλάκτου ἐµπιστοσύνης στό θεῖο σχέδιο, τῆς πλήρους καί ἐκουσίας ἀποδοχῆς τοῦ θελήµατος καί τῶν ἐνεργειῶν Του. Ἡ ἀπόφαση τῆς Θεοτόκου νά δεχθῇ τό θέληµα τοῦ Θεοῦ –νά γεννήσῃ τόν Μονογενῆ Υἱό Του– ἐπηρέασε βαθιά τήν γενική ἀνθρώπινη κατάσταση. Δείχνοντας χαρούµενη ὑπακοή στό θέληµα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ Παρθένος Μαρία ἀντέστρεψε τήν κληρονοµιά πού µᾶς ἄφησαν ὁ Ἀδάµ καί ἡ Εὔα, τήν ἐπώδυνη κληρονοµιά τοῦ χωρισµοῦ µας ἀπό τόν Θεό. Μέσω τῶν λόγων καί τῶν πράξεών της, οἱ ὁποῖες ἐκφράζουν τήν στοργική ἀποδοχή τοῦ θείου θελήµατος, ἀπετέλεσε τό µέσον πού ἐπέφερε µία ὑπερτάτου βαθµοῦ ἀποκατάσταση, δηλαδή τήν συµφιλίωση. Μέσω ἐκείνης, ἦλθε ὁ Χριστός στόν κόσµο γιά νά ἐπαναφέρῃ τό ἀνθρώπινο γένος στόν σωστό δρόµο τῆς σχέσεώς του µέ τόν Θεό, γιά νά συµφιλιώσῃ τούς ἀνθρώπους µέ τόν Θεό καί µεταξύ των. Ἡ Ἁγία Ὀρθόδοξος Ἐκκλησία µας κατά τήν ἡµέρα αὐτή ἐπιβεβαιώνει τήν ζωτική σηµασία τῆς συµφιλιώσεως τόσο στήν προσωπική µας ζωή ὅσο καί στόν σύγχρονο κόσµο µας. Ἡ συµφιλίωση αὐτή τῶν ἀνθρώπων µέ τόν Οὐράνιο

u óåë. 18

ΑΘΗΝΩΝ ΑΝΕΚΗΡΥΧΘΗ Ο ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Η Ακαδημία Αθηνών ανακοίνωσε επισήμως κατά την συνεδρίαση της Ολομέλειάς της στις 13 Μαρτίου 2003, υπό την προεδρεία του καθηγητού Γρηγορίου Σκαλκέα την εκλογή του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής κ. Δημητρίου «ως αντεπιστέλλοντος μέλους της Ακαδημίας Αθηνών εξ Ελλήνων του Εξωτερικού εις τον Κλάδον της Θεολογίας εις την Τάξιν των Ηθικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών». Η ως άνω εκλογή πραγματοποιήθηκε παμψηφεί κατά την συνεδρία της Ολομέλειας της Ακαδημίας Αθηνών της 28ης Νοεμβρίου 2002 και επικυρώθηκε μέ Προεδρικό Διάταγμα του Προέδρου της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας το οποίο δημοσιεύθηκε στην Εφημερίδα της Κυβερνήσεως (ΦΕΚ αρ. 29) της 12ης Φεβρουαρίου 2003. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος σε ευχαριστήρια επιστολή του προς τον πρόεδρο της Ακαδημίας Αθηνών καθηγητή Γρηγόριο Σκαλκέα μεταξύ άλλων αναφέρει: «Εκφράζω διά του παρόντος την βαθυτάτην ευγνωμοσύνην μου προς τα εκλεκτά και πεπνυμένα μέλη της Ακαδημίας Αθηνών διά την επιδαψιλευθείσαν όντως μεγίστην τιμήν προς το πρόσωπόν μου, τιμήν η οποία συμβολικώς εκτείνεται εις όλους τους εκτός Ελλάδος Έλληνας επιστήμονας, οι οποίοι διά του έργου των προβάλλουν διεθνώς την διαχρονικότητα και παγκοσμιότητα της Ελληνικής πολιτιστικής κληρονομίας και του Ορθοδόξου πνεύματος. Η ένταξις της ταπεινότητός μου εις την Ακαδημίαν Αθηνών, το κορυφαίον πνευματικόν Ίδρυμα της Ελλάδος, το Ίδρυμα-κέντρον εντόνου καλλιεργείας και προαγωγής των Επιστημών, των Γραμμάτων και των Τεχνών, αποτελεί διάκρισιν ου την τυχούσαν, η οποία πέραν της εξαιρετικής τιμής τονίζει την βαρυτάτην ευθύνην προς ανταπόκρισιν εις τας πνευματικάς υποχρεώσεις εκ της εκλογής και εντάξεως εις τοιαύτης εξόχου περιωπής και λαμπράς ιστορίας Κέντρον Παιδείας, Επιστήμης και Πολιτισμού. Εύχομαι ενθέρμως υπέρ ευλογίας παρά Θεού εις την μεγάλην προσφοράν και αποστολήν της Ακαδημίας Αθηνών εντός και εκτός των ορίων της Ελλάδος».

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ÿ ÂÁÑÈÏËÏÌÁÉÏÓ ÅËÅ~Ù ÈÅÏÕ ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÏÓ ÊÙÍÓÔÁÍÔÉÍÏÕÐÏËÅÙÓ, ÍÅÁÓ ÑÙÌÇÓ ÊÁÉ ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÓ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÇÓ ÐÁÍÔÉ Ô~Ù ÐËÇÑÙÌÁÔÉ ÔÇÓ ÅÊÊËÇÓÉÁÓ, ×ÁÑÉÓ ÅÉÇ ÊÁÉ ÅÉÑÇÍÇ ÐÁÑÁ ÔÏÕ ÓÙÔÇÑÏÓ ÇÌÙÍ ×ÑÉÓÔÏÕ, ÐÁÑ’ ÇÌÙÍ ÄÅ ÅÕ×Ç, ÅÕËÏÃÉÁ ÊÁÉ ÓÕÃ×ÙÑÇÓÉÓ

Ἀγαπητοί ἐν Χριστῶ ἀδελφοί καί τέκνα πεφιληµένα,

Ἄρχεται ἀπό αὔριον διά µίαν εἰσέτι φοράν εἰς τήν ζωήν µας ἡ περίοδος τῆς Ἁγίας καί Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστῆς. Εἶναι περίοδος, ὡς γνωστόν, ἀσκήσεως πνευµατικῆς εἰς τήν ὁποίαν βοηθούµεθα καί διά τῆς νηστείας. Ἀλλά ἡ Ἐκκλησία µας ἀποδίδει µεγαλυτέραν σηµασίαν εἰς τήν εἰλικρινῆ µετάνοιάν µας, ὅπως µᾶς ἐδίδαξεν εἰς τήν ἀρχήν τοῦ Τριῳδίου µέ τήν παραβολήν τοῦ ἁµαρτωλοῦ τελώνου, ὁ ὁποῖος µετενόησε καί ἐσώθη, καί τοῦ τηροῦντος ὅλας τάς πρακτικάς ἐντολάς, ἀλλά ὑπερηφάνου καί ἀµετανοήτου φαρισαίου, ὁ ὁποῖος παρά τήν τήρησιν τῶν ἐντολῶν αὐτῶν κατεκρίθη. Σήµερον ὁ Κύριος, ὅπως ἠκούσαµεν εἰς τό Ἱερόν Εὐαγγέλιον, µᾶς τονίζει ὅτι ἡ µετάνοιά µας γίνεται δεκτή µόνον ὅταν συγχωρήσωµεν ὅλους ὅσοι µᾶς ἔβλαψαν. Καθηµερινῶς, ἄλλωστε, καί ἡµεῖς διά τῆς Κυριακῆς Προσευχῆς, ἀπευθυνόµενοι εἰς τόν Πατέρα ἡµῶν τόν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, νά συγχωρήσῃ εἰς ἡµᾶς τά ἁµαρτήµατά µας, ὅπως καί ἡµεῖς ἔχοµεν συγχωρήσει τά εἰς βάρος µας ἁµαρτήµατα τῶν ἄλλων. Ἀλλά ἐπαναλαµβάνοντες τούς λόγους τούτους συγχωροῦµεν πράγµατι τούς βλάπτοντας ἡµᾶς ἤ ἐκ συνηθείας καί χωρίς συναίσθησιν λέγοµεν τούς λόγους τῆς προσευχῆς Δύο εἶναι, τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά, τά γνωρίσµατα τῆς εὐγενοῦς καί λεπτῆς χριστιανικῆς ψυχῆς. Τό πρῶτον εἶναι ἡ συγχώρησις τῶν πταιόντων εἰς ἡµᾶς, κατά τό παράδειγµα τοῦ Κυρίου ὁ Ὁποῖος συνεχώρησε τούς σταυρωτάς Του καί προσηυχήθη ὑπέρ αὐτῶν. Καί τό δεύτερον εἶναι ἡ εὐχαριστία πρός τόν εὐεργέτην µας Κύριον ἡµῶν Ἰησοῦν κάι πρός πάντα συνάνθρωπον, ὁ ὁποῖος µᾶς εὐεργετεῖ. Ὅλη ἡ Ἐκκλησία µας εἶναι πλήρης εὐχαριστίας πρός τόν Θεόν καί αὐτό ἀκόµη τό µέγα µυστήριον τῆς Θείας Λειτουργίας ἀποτελεῖ ἔκφρασιν εὐχαριστίας καί φέρει τό ὄνοµα Θεία Εὐχαριστία. Ἐκχείλισµα τῆς εὐχαριστούσης καρδίας µας εἶναι καί ἡ συνεχῶς ἐπαναλαµβανοµένη δοξολογία τοῦ Πατρός καί τοῦ Υἱοῦ καί τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος νῦν καί ἀεί καί εἰς τούς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἡ καρδία ἡ ὁποία συγχωρεῖ καί εὐχαριστεῖ εἶναι πλήρης χαρᾶς καί ἀγαλλιάσεως. Ἀντιθέτως, ἡ καρδία ἡ ὁποία εἶναι πλήρης ἀχαριστίας καί µνησικακίας ζῇ εἰς τόν φοβερόν προθάλαµον τῆς ἑκουσίας κολάσεως. Διότι ὁ ἀχάριστος οὐδέποτε ἱκανοποιεῖται, ὁ δέ διαρκῶς ἀνικανοποίητος εἶναι δυστυχής. Ἐπίσης ὁ µνησίκακος, ὁ ὁποῖος ἐνθυµεῖται διαρκῶς τό κακόν τό ὁποῖον ἔπαθεν ὑπό τινος συνανθρώπου, δέν εἰρηνεύει ποτέ. Ἡ ἀνάµνησις τοῦ κακοῦ εἶναι νέα βίωσις τοῦ κακοῦ, εἶναι συνεχιζοµένη δρᾶσις τοῦ κακοῦ, ἡ ὁποία ὅµως δέν ὀφείλεται πλέον εἰς τόν ἅπαξ ἐνεργήσαντα δράστην, ἀλλά εἰς τόν µή θέλοντα ἤ µή δυνάµενον νά συγχωρήσῃ παθόντα. Ἀλλά διά νά συγχωρήσῃ ἡµᾶς ὁ Θεός προϋπόθεσις εἶναι νά συγχωρήσωµεν ἡµεῖς τούς πταίσαντας εἰς ἡµᾶς. Ἡ Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή θά µᾶς ὠφελήσῃ τάκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά, µόνον ὅταν εἰσέλθωµεν εἰς τόν κατ’αὐτήν πνευµατικόν ἀγῶνα µέ ἐφόδια ἰσχυρά τήν συγχώρησιν ὅλων ὅσοι µᾶς ἔπταισαν καί τήν εὐχαριστίαν ὅλων ὅσοι µᾶς εὐηργέτησαν καί πρωτίστως, βεβαίως, τοῦ Κυρίου ἡµῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τοῦ συγχωροῦντος τάς ἁµαρτίας ἡµῶν καί ἑτοιµάσαντος δι’ ἡµᾶς τόπον εἰρήνης καί µακαριότητος. Εἰς αὐτόν τόν τόπον τῆς εἰρήνης καί τῆς µακαριότητος δέν εἶναι δεκτοί ὅσοι ἔχουν εἰς τήν καρδίαν των µνησικακίαν καί ἀχαριστίαν. Εὐχόµεθα εἰς ὅλους, ἀγαπητοί, ὅπως διανύσωµεν τήν περίοδον τῆς Ἁγίας καί Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστῆς ἐν ὑγείᾳ πνεύµατος καί σώµατος καί ἐν µετανοίᾳ καί ὅπως φθάσωµεν εἰς τό τέρµα αὐτῆς κεκαθαρµένοι ἀπό πάσης ἀχαριστίας καί µνησικακίας καί πλήρεις συγχωρήσεως καί εὐχαριστίας, ἵνα καί ἡµῶν ἀφεθῶσιν αἱ ἁµαρτίαι καί πληρωθῇ ἡ καρδία εἰρήνης καί χαρᾶς ἀνεκλαλήτου. Ἀµήν. Ἁγία καί Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή βγ΄

Με επιτυχία πραγματοποιήθηκε η ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Με το Βραβείο Αριστείας της Ηγεσίας των 100, τιμήθηκαν ο Ελληνοαμερικανός γερουσιαστής Πολ Σαρμπάνης, ο διευθυντής της CIA Γεώργιος Τένετ και ο διάσημος μουσικός Γιάννης Χρυσομάλλης, κατά την διάρκεια της 12ης ετησίας Συνέλευσης των μελών της οργάνωσης «Αρχιεπίσκοπος Ιάκωβος-Ηγεσία των 100» η οποία πραγματοποιήθηκε από 19-23 Φεβρουαρίου στο ξενοδοχείο Ritz Carlton στο νησί Amelia της Φλόριδας. Η «Ηγεσία των 100» ιδρύθηκε από τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Ιάκωβο ως αποθεματικό ταμείο και σήμερα λειτουργεί μεν ως ανεξάρτητος οργανισμός αλλά έχει ως σκοπό την οικονομική στήριξη των προγραμμάτων της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής και των Ιδρυμάτων της. Στα πλαίσια της Συνέλευσης διοργανώθηκε Συμπόσιο για τον Ελληνισμό το οποίο παρουσίασε ο διευθυντής της CIA Γεώργιος Τένετ ο οποίος ήταν και ο κύριος ομιλητής. Γιος Ελλήνων μεταναστών ο ίδιος τόνισε ότι θεωρεί όλους τους παρόντες «συγγενικά του πρόσωπα» μέλη της μεγάλης Ελληνοαμερικανικής Οικογένειας.

ρουσίασαν από κοινού ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος και ο πρόεδρος της «Ηγεσίας των 100» κ. Αθανάσιος Αντωνόπουλος (Anton). Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος στην ομιλία του σημείωσε ότι και οι τρεις βραβευθέντες αποτελούν στοιχεία μεταμορφώσεως στους τομείς τους τονίζοντας ότι και το μήνυμα του Ευαγγελίου αποτελεί μήνυμα μεταμορφώσεως και ανανεώσεως της ζωής και του νου μας. Το σύνολο σχεδόν των μελών παρακολούθησαν με μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον τις δύο διαφορετικές ώρες μελέτης της Αγίας Γραφής που παρουσίασε

P. CHRISTOPOULOS

ËÏÃÏÓ ÊÁÔÇ×ÇÔÇÑÉÏÓ ÅÐÉ Ô~Ç ÅÍÁÑÎÅÉ ÔÇÓ ÁÃÉÁÓ ÊÁÉ ÌÅÃÁËÇÓ ÔÅÓÓÁÑÁÊÏÓÔÇÓ

MAPTIΟΣ 2003

Μέλη της Ηγεσίας των 100 (από αριστερά) Τόμ Ντεμέρι, Νικόλαος Μπούρας και Ηλίας Νικοζήσης.

Στιγμιότυπο από το Επιχειρηματικό Συμπόσιο (από αριστερά) Γεώργιος Στάμας, Τσαρλς Κότρος, Φίλ Αγγελίδης (γενικός ταμίας της Καλιφόρνια), Πολ Σαρμπάνης και στο βήμα ο Πήτερ Μπάρρης.

Ο κ. Τένετ μιλώντας για την επίκαιρη παγκόσμια κατάσταση σημείωσε ότι στον σημερινό κόσμο των διεθνών αναταραχών, όπου επικρατούν συνθήκες φτώχειας, αρρώστιας και ανθρώπινης δυστυχίας, εκεί υπάρχει και πρόσφορο έδαφος για την ανάπτυξη της τρομοκρατίας. Παράλληλα είπε ελλοχεύουν και άλλοι κίνδυνοι όπως η εξάπλωση του AIDS σε χώρες όπως η Αφρική, η Ρωσία, η Κίνα και η Ανατολική Ευρώπη, που δύνανται να συμβάλλουν στη δημιουργία πολιτικής αστάθειας. Αναφερόμενος στην προσφορά Ελληνοαμερικανών στην δημόσια και στην πολιτική ζωή της χώρας ο κ. Τένετ είπε ότι προσβλέπει στο παράδειγμα προσωπικοτήτων όπως ο εκλιπών γερουσιαστής Πολ Τσόγκας, ο γερουσιαστής Πολ Σαρμπάνης και ο πρώην βουλευτής Τζον Μπραδήμας, ως πρότυπα προσφοράς προς το κοινωνικό σύνολο και προέτρεψε την νέα γενιά Ελληνοαμερικανών να ασχοληθεί με τα κοινά. Ο γερουσιαστής Πολ Σαρμπάνης ήταν ο συντονιστής του Επιχειρηματικού Συμποσίου, που πραγματοποιήθηκε στα πλαίσια της Συνέλευσης. Ο Ελληνοαμερικανός Γερουσιαστής μίλησε για το σχέδιο νόμου που ο ίδιος συνέταξε και ενεκρίθη από την Γερουσία και προβλέπει διατάξεις σχετικές με τους λογιστικούς ελέγχους των επιχειρήσεων, εν όψει των πολυάριθμων οικονομικών σκανδάλων που παρουσιάσθηκαν τελευταία στην Αμερική. Ο παγκοσμίως γνωστός μουσικός Γιάννης που παρευρέθηκε στο επίσημο δείπνο, το Σάββατο 22 Φεβρουαρίου, δήλωσε τη μεγάλη του συγκίνηση για την αναγνώριση που του έγινε με την απονομή του Αριστείου της Ηγεσίας των 100 και αναφέρθηκε στα μελ λοντικά καλλιτεχνικά του σχέδια. Τα αριστεία στα τιμώμενα πρόσωπα πα-

ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος. Ακολούθησε περίοδος ερωτο-απαντήσεων και ανοιχτής συζήτησης. Οι περίοδοι αυτοί έχουν πλέον καταστεί κύριο και αναπόσπαστο συστατικό των συναντήσεων της «Ηγεσίας των 100» και αποτελούν μοναδικές ευκαιρίες πνευματικής ανάτασης. Εξ’ άλλου το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο της «Ηγεσίας των 100» επανεξέλεξε τον κ. Arthur Anton πρόεδρο για την επόμενη διετία, τον κ. Ιωάννη Παγιαύλα ως αντιπρόεδρο, τον κ. Bert W. Moyar ως ταμία και τον κ. Κων/νο Καρρά ως γραμματέα. Επιπροσθέτως οι κ.κ. Κων/νος Καρράς, Γεώργιος Μπεχράκης και Γεώργιος Μάρκου επανεξελέγησαν για τριετή θητεία στην Εκτελεστική Επιτροπή. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος επαίνεσε την

P. CHRISTOPOULOS

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος καλωσορίζει τον διευθυντή της CIA Γεώργιο Τένετ.

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

MAPTIΟΣ 2003

Συνέλευση της Ηγεσίας των 100

ETA PRESS

P. CHRISTOPOULOS

Ο διευθυντής της CIA Γεώργιος Τένετ (κέντρο) μετά τη βράβευσή του με Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο, με τον Μητροπολίτη Ατλάντας Αλέξιο (αριστερά) και τους Μητροπολίτες Αγίου Φραγκίσκου Αντώνιο και Ντητρόϊτ Νικόλαο.

«Ηγεσία των 100» η οποία έχει κάνει δωρεές άνω 13 εκατομμυρίων δολαρίων από το 1984 που ιδρύθηκε. Πρόσφατα προσέφερε ποσό 10 εκατομμυρίων στο Ελληνικό Κολλέγιο/Θεολογική Σχολή του Τιμίου Σταυρού για υποτροφίες ιερο-

Ο γερουσιαστής Πολ Σαρμπάνης.

σπουδαστών οι οποίοι σκοπεύουν να εισέλθουν στις τάξεις του Κλήρου, και παράλληλα χρηματοδότησε ένα νέο της πρόγραμμα για την αποπληρωμή των σπουδαστικών δανείων των εν ενεργεία κληρικών. Χρηματοδότησε επίσης το Τμήμα Πληροφορικής και Τεχνολογίας της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής και τους τομείς της Νεολαίας και της Οικογένειας. Την Συνέλευση της Ηγεσίας των 100, παρά τις αντίξοες καιρικές συνθήκες που επικρατούσαν σε όλη την χώρα και την μεγάλη δυσκολία μετακινήσεων, παρακολούθησαν πάνω από 350 μέλη μεταξύ των οποίων οι Μητροπολίτες Σικάγου Ιάκωβος, Σαν Φρανσίσκο Αντώνιος, Ατλάντα Αλέξιος, Ντητρόϊτ Νικόλαος, και ο Επίσκοπος Ξάνθου Δημήτριος. Να σημειωθεί ότι τα τελευταία 3 χρόνια ο αριθμός των μελών της Ηγεσίας των 100 έχει αυξηθεί σημαντικά πλησιάζοντας τα 700 μέλη ενώ το κεφάλαιο του αποθεματικού ταμείου έχει αυξηθεί κατά 40 περίπου εκατομμύρια δολάρια από εισφορές νέων μελών.

Στην φωτογραφία διακρίνονται από αριστερά, ο αντιπρόεδρος του Ιδρύματος Αλέξανδρος Ωνάσης (USA) πρέσβης κ. Μάϊκλ Σωτήρχος, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος, ο κ. Μιχάλης Φωτιάδης, αρχιτέκτων και ο καθηγητής κ. Δημήτριος Παντερμαλής, πρόεδρος του οργανισμού για την κατασκευή του Νέου Μουσείου της Ακροπόλεως.

Το νέο μουσείο της Ακρόπολης Έκθεση που παρουσιάζει την μακέτα τα σχέδια αλλά και αυθεντικά δείγματα από τα πιο σημαντικά εκθέματα που προορίζονται να εκτεθούν στο νέο Μουσείο της Ακρόπολης εγκαινίασε ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος στο Ωνάσειο Κέντρο στη Νέα Υόρκη, με την συμμετοχή του καθηγητή Δημ. Παντερμαλή και του αρχιτέκτονα Μπερνάρντ Τσούμι, που σχεδίασε το έργο, αλλά και του διευθυντή του κοινοφελούς

ÅÉÄÉÊÅÓ ÐÑÏÓÖÏÑÅÓ ÔÇÓ ÏËÕÌÐÉÁÊÇÓ ¢íïéîç êáé Êáëïêáßñé ãéá

ÅËËÁÄÁ ÊÁÉ ÊÕÐÑÏ NEW YORK ATHENS Ìåô’ åðéóôñïöÞò

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Εορτασμοί της 25 Μαρτίου στην Νέα Υόρκη ης

Πέμπτη 27 Μαρτίου: Επισκέψεις του αγήματος των ευζώνων της προεδρικής φρουράς στα ελληνοαμερικανικά σχολεία της περιοχής. 3:30 μ.μ. (633 W 3rd Ave.): Τελ ετή επίδοσης της διακηρύξεως για την Ημέρα της Ελληνικής Εθνικής Ανεξαρτησίας από τον κυβερνήτη της Νέας Υόρκης Τζόρτζ Πατάκι. 5 μ.μ.: Δεξίωση υπό του δημοτικού συμβούλου Πίτερ Βαλόν. 8:30 μ.μ. (Σταθάκειο Κέντρο, Αστόρια): Τελευταία Πανομογενειακή Συνεδρίαση για την παρέλαση και παρουσίαση του αγήματος των Ευζώνων. Παρασκευή 28 Μαρτ ίου, 12 μ.μ.(Bowling Green Park, NYC): Έπαρση της Ελ ληνικής και Αμερικανικής σημαίας και ανάκρουση των εθνικών ύμνων. 7:30 μ.μ. Πολιτιστική Βραδιά στην αίθουσα του Crystal Palace στην Αστόρια, ΝΥ. Σάββατο 29 Μαρτίου, 11:30 π.μ. (Trenton, NJ): Επίσκεψη των Ευζώνων και δεξίωση με την συμμετοχή του κυβερνήτη της Νέας Ιερσέης, Τζέϊμς Μακ Γκρίβι. 7:30 μ.μ. Επίσημο τιμητικό δείπνο στο Ξενοδοχείο Χίλτον Κυριακή 30 Μαρτ ίου: Αρχ ιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία, δεξίωση και έναρξη της παρελάσεως στις 1:00 μ.μ. στην 5η Λεωφόρο.

678

NEW YORK LARNACA Ìåô’ åðéóôñïöÞò

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• Ìðïñåßôå íá ìåßíåôå óôçí ðáôñßäá áðü 7 çìÝñåò ìÝ÷ñé 4 ìÞíåò. • ÅðéâÜñõíóç $100 êáôÜ ôç èåñéíÞ ðåñßïäï áé÷ìÞò 15 Áõãïýóôïõ – 15 Óåðôåìâñßïõ áðü ÅëëÜäá • Ôá åéóéôÞñéá ðñÝðåé íá åêäïèïýí åíôüò 10 çìåñþí áðï ôçí çìåñïìçíßá êñÜôçóçò • Áêüìç Ýêðôùóç 200 äïëáñßùí áðü ôéò ðáñáðÜíù ôéìÝò ãéá ðáéäéÜ ìÝ÷ñé 12 åôþí. • Ç ðñïóöïñÜ ëÞãåé 3 Ìáñôßïõ • Áðü ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ ãéá ÁèÞíá Þ Èåóóáëïíßêç Ãéá ôáîßäé ðïõ áñ÷ßæåé:

1 ÁÐÑÉËÉÏÕ Ýùò 14 ÉÏÕÍÉÏÕ ÊÁÉ 1 ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ Ýùò 31 ÏÊÔÙÂÑÉÏÕ.............................................. $678 Ãéá ôáîßäé ðïõ áñ÷ßæåé:

15 ÉÏÕÍÉÏÕ Ýùò Ýùò 31 ÁÕÃÏÕÓÔÏÕ.................................................................................................. $928

• Áðü ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ ãéá ËÜñíáêá Ãéá ôáîßäé ðïõ áñ÷ßæåé:

1 ÁÐÑÉËÉÏÕ Ýùò 14 ÉÏÕÍÉÏÕ ÊÁÉ 1 ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ Ýùò 31 ÏÊÔÙÂÑÉÏÕ.............................................. $728 Ãéá ôáîßäé ðïõ áñ÷ßæåé:

15 ÉÏÕÍÉÏÕ Ýùò Ýùò 31 ÁÕÃÏÕÓÔÏÕ................................................................................................ $1028 • ÅéäéêÝò ôéìÝò éó÷ýïõí áðü 92 ðüëåéò ôçò ÁìåñéêÞò • Öüñïé áåñïäñïìßùí åßíáé åðéðëÝïí. Éó÷ýïõí ðåñéïñéóìïß

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

Με τον καθιερωμένο πανηγυρικό τρόπο θα πραγματοποιηθούν και φέτος οι εορτασμοί της 182ας επετείου της Εθνικής μας Παλιγγενεσίας που θα κορυφωθούν με την Εθνική Παρέλαση της Ομογένειας στην 5η Λεωφόρο που συνδιοργανώνουν η Ομοσπονδία Ελληνικών Σωματείων Μείζονος Νέας Υόρκης και η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή. Το πρόγραμμα των εκδηλώσεως έχει ως εξής: Πέμπτη 20 Μαρτ ίου- 5 μ.μ. (Queens Borough Hall): Τιμητική εκδήλωση που διοργανώνει η πρόεδρος του διαμερίσματος του Queens Helen Marshall σε συνεργασία με τον ομογενή πολιτειακό βουλευτή Μιχά λη Γιάνναρη. Σάββατο 22 Μαρτίου- 5 μ.μ. (Σταθάκειο Κέντρο, Αστόρια): Βραδιά ποιήσεως, μουσικής και χορού. Κυριακή 23 Μαρτίου- 5 μ.μ. (Σταθάκειο Κέντρο, Αστόρια): Μαθητική Θεατρική παράσταση για την 25η Μαρτίου. Τρίτη 25 Μαρτίου: Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία και δοξολογία Τετάρτ η 26 Μαρτ ίου- 5μ.μ. (Kaufman Studios, Astoria NY) Δεξίωση υπό του δημάρχου της Νέας Υόρκης κ. Μάϊκλ Μλούμπεργκ.

ιδρύματος Ωνάση στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες πρέσβη κ. Λουκά Τσίλα. Στα εγκαίνια παρευρέθηκαν επίσης και ο κ. Βασίλης Χαντακάς, γενικός διευθυντής του Υπουργείου Πολιτισμού, ο Γενικός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδας στην Νέα Υόρκη κ. Δημήτριος Πλατής και η νέα Γενική Πρόξενος της Κύπρου κ. Μάρθα Μαυρομάτη. Η έκθεση θα παραμείνει ανοικτή μέχρι τις 9 Απριλίου.

1-800-223-1226 www.olympic-airways.gr Ï Ë Õ Ì Ð É Á Ê Ç Á Å Ñ Ï Ð Ï Ñ É Á • Ç ÄÉÊÇ ÓÏÕ ÅÔÁÉÑÉÁ

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

Ο Υπουργός Εσωτερικών Κώστας Σκανδαλίδης στην Αρχιεπισκοπή ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ. – Ο Υπουργός Εσωτερικών, Δημόσιας Διοίκησης και Αποκέντρωσης κ. Κώστας Σκανδα λίδης επισκέφθηκε τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο στο γραφείο του στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής. Τον κ. Σκανδαλίδη συνόδευε ο σύμβουλος του υπουργείου, συντονιστής για θέματα Ευρωπαϊκής Προεδρίας κ. Γιώργος Νικητιάδης. Κατά την διάρκεια της συνάντησης ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος και ο κ. Υπουργός αντάλ λαξαν σκέψεις «για τρέχοντα άμεσα ανθρώπινα προβλήματα τα οποία αντιμετωπίζονται και στην Ελλάδα και γενικότερα» όπως θέματα μαζικής μετανάστευσης και μετακινήσεως πληθυσμών και άλλα τρέχοντα θέματα της ευρωπαϊκής και διεθνούς σκηνής. Σε δηλώσεις του προς τους εκπροσώπους των Μ.Μ.Ε μετά την συνάντηση, ο κ. Σκανδαλίδης εξέφρασε την «μεγάλη χαρά και συγκίνηση» του για την συνάντηση και συζήτηση με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο, ο οποίος όπως είπε «...με έβγαλε για λίγο έξω από τα προβλήματα της εποχής με την σκέψη του, με την γνώση του και με την σοφία του και την βαθιά ελληνικότητά του. Πιστεύω ότι επήρα δύναμη σήμερα το πρωί». Σε άλλο δε σημείο ο κ. Υπουργός τόνισε: «Στη συζήτηση που κάναμε πάνω στα μεγάλα θέματα της ανθρωπότητας όπως είναι τα θέματα καταπολέμησης της τρομοκρατίας, όπως είναι τα θέματα των αρνητικών συνεπειών της τεχνολογίας, όπως είναι τα θέματα της μετανάστευσης, της μετακίνησης γιγάντιων ρευμάτων, όπως είναι τα θέματα των κοινωνικών δικαιωμάτων και των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων, ακόμα και της ισότητας των φύλλων –γιατί είμαι και γι αυτό εδώ αυτές τις μέρες στον ΟΗΕ – οι θέσεις του [Αρχιεπισκόπου] είναι βαθύτατα προοδευτικές, απορρέουν από μια

πολέμου και το ποια είναι η θέση της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής ο Σεβασμιώτατος δήλωσε: «Είναι ένα θέμα για το οποίο προσευχόμαστε σ υνεχώς πρώτον και δεύτερον προβάλλουμε την ανάγκη – την οποία έχουμε διατυπώσει και σε κείμενο (εγκύκλιος SCOBA πρ. τεύχος)– την ανάγκη εξευρέσεως με κάθε τρόπο λύσεως η οποία θα είναι ειρηνική. Ως Ορθόδοξος Εκκλησία είμαστε η Εκκλησία η οποία στην αρχή της Ο υπουργός κ. Σκανδαλίδης με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο. Λειτουργίας έχουμε μια σοφία και γνώση αλλά ταυτόχρονα μια τριπλή επανάληψη: Εν ειρήνη του Κυπροοδευτική στάση στα προβλήματα ρίου δεηθώμεν… Υπέρ της άνωθεν ειρήαυτά της ανθρωπότητος κι αυτό είναι νης και της σωτηρίας των ψυχών ημών... παρήγορο γιατί αν η Εκκλησία εδώ στο υπέρ της ειρήνης του σύμπαντος κόσμου. κέντρο της Αμερικής, στο κέντρο της Αυτό είναι εθνικός ύμνος σε κάθε ακοαυτοκρατορίας, έχει μια προοδευτική λουθία… και μόνο αυτό φτάνει για να στάση απέναντι σε αυτά, αυτό είναι δείξει τι θέλουμε να κάνουμε. Από την άλλη μεριά είμαστε ενήπαρήγορο και για τον Ελληνισμό αλλά γενικότερα για τον κόσμο και τη ζωή του. μεροι της φοβερής δυσκολίας την οποία Αυτό είναι κι ένας από τους λόγους που σήμερα αντιμετωπίζουν οι ηγεσίες για φεύγω από εδώ χαρούμενος σήμερα το την λύση αυτού του προβλήματος. Δεν είναι κάτι απλό. Είναι σύνθετο και πρωί». Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος αναφερόμενος είμαστε ενήμεροι της συνθετότητος και στο φαινόμενο της μαζικής μετανα- της δυσκολίας γι’ αυτό και προσευχόμεστεύσεως το οποίο συζητήθηκε μεταξύ θα υπέρ της άνωθεν ειρήνης και υπέρ άλλων στην συνάντηση είπε ότι: «...στην σοφίας και συνέσεως για εκείνους που περίπτωση αυτή η Ελλάδα έχει δώσει χειρίζονται τα θέματα». Ο κ. Σκανδαλίδης προσέφερε στον ένα λαμπρό παράδειγμα αντιμετωπίσεως αυτού του θέματος εξαιρετικά Αρχιεπίσκοπο το τελευταίο του βιβλίο ανθρώπινο, εξαιρετικά φιλάνθρωπο και «Μέσα από την Ελλάδα – Όταν οι λέξεις εξαιρετικά σεβαστικό των δικαιωμάτων και τα χρώματα ηχούν» και ο Αρχιεπίτου ανθρώπου να ζήσει και να αναζητή- σκοπος ευχαριστώντας χαρακτήρισε το σει ένα καλύτερο μέλλον για τον εαυτό βιβλίο «εξαιρετική σύνθεση λόγου, χρώματος και ήχου» και αναφέρθηκε του και την οικογένειά του...» Σε ερώτηση δημοσιογράφου για τον στην πλούσια πολιτιστική καταγωγή και αν συζητήθηκε το θέμα του ενδεχόμενου παράδοση του κ. Υπουργού.

ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ ΤΗΣ 25ης ΜΑΡΤΙΟΥ u óåë. 15

Δηµιουργό των καί µεταξύ των, µιά πράξη ἀποκαταστάσεως πού ἐπετεύχθη µέσω τῆς Θεοτόκου, ἀποφέρει κοινωνικά ἀποτελέσµατα ἀνυπολογίστου ἀξίας. Ἐν ὄψει τῆς διαµάχης καί τῆς ἀπει λῆς πολέµου, ὁ κόσµος στόν ὁποῖον ζοῦµε ἔχει µεγάλη ἀνάγκη ἀπό συνθῆκες πού εὐνοοῦν τήν ἀσφάλεια καί τήν ἐλευθερία –συνθῆκες οἱ ὁποῖες ἐπιτρέπουν στούς ἀνθρώπους διαφόρων πολιτισµῶν, ἐθνῶν καί θρησκειῶν νά συνυπάρχουν ἐν εἰρήνῃ. Κάτω ἀπό τέτοιες συνθῆκες ἡ ἐχθρότητα καί οἱ πληγές τοῦ κακοῦ ὑποτάσσονται στήν συµφιλιωτική δύναµη τῆς ἀγάπης καί τῆς παρουσίας τοῦ Κυρίου µας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Αὐτή ἡ ἐπιθυµία γιά τήν διαµόρφωση συνθηκῶν οἱ ὁποῖες εὐνοοῦν τήν ζωή καί τήν ἐλευθερία σηµατοδότησε καί τόν ἀγῶνα τῶν προγόνων µας γιά ἀνεξαρτησία. Στήν ἐθνεγερσία γιά ἀνεξαρτησία τοῦ 1821 οἱ Ἕλληνες συνενώθησαν γιά ν’ ἀντιµετωπίσουν τήν ἐχθρότητα καί τήν καταπίεση, προθύµως θυσιάζοντας τήν ζωή των. Στόχος των ἦταν ἡ ἐπανάκτηση τῆς ἀνεξαρτησίας καί τῆς κρατικῆς ὑποστάσεως τοῦ Ἑλληνικοῦ ἔθνους, ἡ ὁποία θά ἔδιδε τήν δυνατότητα στίς µελλοντικές γενεές νά ζοῦν ἐλεύθερα σέ µιά χώρα ἡ ὁποία θά προωθοῦσε µιάν ἀληθινή λατρεία τοῦ Θεοῦ καί εἰλικρινεῖς σχέσεις µεταξύ τῶν συνανθρώπων των. Ἡ κ ληρονοµιά αὐτή ἀπετέλεσε τό ὑπόβαθρο τῆς ἀκµῆς τοῦ Ἑλληνικοῦ ἔθνους, τό ὁποῖο ἐτίµησε ἔτσι τήν πλουσία Ἑλ ληνορθόδοξη κληρονοµιά του καί συνένωσε τίς δυνάµεις του µέ τίς δυνάµεις τῶν ἄλλων λαῶν τοῦ κόσµου γιά τήν διατήρηση τῶν ἰδανικῶν τῆς εἰρήνης, τῆς δικαιοσύνης καί τοῦ σεβασµοῦ γιά τήν ἔµφυτη ἀξιοπρέπεια

καί ἐλευθερία τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ὁ ὁποῖος ἐδηµιουργήθη κατ’ εἰκόνα καί καθ’ ὁµοίωση τοῦ Θεοῦ. Σήµερα, ἡ ἡµέρα τῆς Ἐθνικῆς Ἀνεξαρτησίας καί ὁ Εὐαγγελισµός τῆς Θεοτόκου µᾶς προσφέρουν µιά διπλή γιορτή ἡ ὁποία ἐξυµνεῖ τήν πίστη µας στήν θεία πρόνοια, τήν ἀφοσίωσή µας στό θέληµα τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τήν συµφιλίωση ἀνάµεσα σέ ὅλους τούς ἀνθρώπους ὅλων τῶν λαῶν τῆς γῆς. Καθώς συγκεντρωνόµεθα γιά νά ἑορτάσουµε αὐτή τήν ἔνδοξη ἡµέρα, καί καθώς ἀναλογιζόµεθα βαθύτερα τήν θεία ἐνέργεια ἀποκαταστάσεως τῆς σχέσεώς µας µέ τόν Θεό µέσω τῆς Παρθένου Μαρίας, προσευχόµεθα νά υἱοθετήσουµε τά λόγια τῆς χαρούµενης ὑπακοῆς της. Εἴθε νά ποῦµε στόν Θεό, Γένοι τό µοι κατά τό ρῆµα σου, οὕτως ὥστε νά µπορέσουµε νά προσφέρουµε στόν σύγχρονο κόσµο µας τήν λυτρωτική φωνή τῆς πίστεως καί συµφιλιώσεως. Προσεύχοµαι τήν περίοδο αὐτῆς τῆς Ἁγίας Τεσσαρακοστῆς νά ἀναλογισθοῦµε ἰδιαιτέρως τόν σηµαντικό µας ρόλο ὡς Ὀρθοδόξων Χριστιανῶν. Εἴθε διά πρεσβειῶν τῆς Θεοτόκου, ἡ συµφιλίωση, ἡ εἰρήνη καί ἡ ἐλευθερία νά γίνουν χαρακτηριστικά τόσο τῆς προσωπικῆς µας σχέσεως µέ τόν Θεό ὅσο καί τοῦ ἔθνους µας καί ὅλων τῶν ἐθνῶν τοῦ κόσµου. Με πατρική εν Χριστώ αγάπη,

† ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος

MAPTIΟΣ 2003

ΟΙ ΝEΟΙ ΑΡΧΟΝΤΕΣ

Κατά την διάρκεια του δείπνου των Αρχόντων ανακοινώθηκαν και τα ονόματα των 27 νέων αρχόντων–μελών του Τάγματος. Την επομένη το πρωί στον Καθεδρικό Ναό της Αγίας Τριάδος, μετά την Κυριακάτικη Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία οι νέοι άρχοντες έδωσαν την διαβεβαίωση πίστεως ενώπιον του Αρχιεπισκόπου κατά την τελετή της χειροθεσίας. Οι νέοι άρχοντες είναι οι: Αχιλλέας Αδαμαντιάδης (Μέριλαντ), Λίον Άνδρης (Μέριλαντ), Πίτερ Μπαγανάκης (Νέα Ιερσέη), Χαράλαμπος Μποζονέλος (Ιλινόϊς), Γρηγόριος Καράς (Οχάϊο), Άρθουρ Τσαγαρής (Νέα Ιερσέη) Αντώνιος Τσαπέκης (Ιλινόϊς), Θωμάς Δημάκος (Κονέκτικατ), Ηλίας Γαϊτάνης (Φλόριδα), Στέφανος Γεώργκεσον (Ατλάντα) Τζόρτζ Κουκουνάρης (Μασαχουσέτη), Κωνσταντίνος Καμάρας (Πενσυλβάνια), Ιωάννης Κασιμάτης (Νέα Υόρκη), Κωνσταντίνος Κυρκώστας (Νέα Υόρκη), Γεώργιος Καλούδης, (Μέριλαντ), Θεόδωρος Κέϊς (Φλόριδα), Νικόλαος Λαρυγγάκης (Βιρτζίνια), Νικόλαος Λούτσιον (Πενσυλβάνια), Βίκτωρ Πανάγος (Μέριλαντ), Κωνσταντίνος Πάπας (Νέα Υόρκη), Σόλων Πάτερσον (Ατλάντα), Νικόλαος Σταύρος (Οκλαχόμα), Κωνσταντίνος Τσακανάκης (Ιλινόϊς), Νικόλαος Τσάκαλος (Μέριλαντ), Εμμανουήλ Τσαγκούρνης (Οχάϊο) και Δημήτριος Ζόναρς (Οχάϊο).

Γραμματόσημο για την ΑΧΕΠΑ

ΟΤΑΒΑ, Καναδάς. – Η Ταχυδρομική Υπηρεσία του Καναδά θα κυκλοφορήσει ένα νέο γραμματόσημο για να τιμήσει το Καναδικό παράρτημα της μεγάλης Ελληνο-Αμερικανικής οργάνωσης ΑΧΕΠΑ, η οποία συμπληρώνει φέτος 75 χρόνια λειτουργίας. Την σχετική ανακοίνωση έκαναν από κοινού στην Οτάβα ο Ύπατος Πρόεδρος της ΑΧΕΠΑ, Δημήτρης Δημητρίου και ο Πρόεδρος του Καναδικού παραρτήματος της οργάνωσης Λάζαρος Καλλιπολίτης, οι οποίοι και εξήγησαν ότι τα Καναδικά Ταχυδρομεία θα κυκλοφορήσουν το νέο γραμματόσημο σε αναγνώριση του πολύχρονου φιλανθρωπικού έργου της ΑΧΕΠΑ καθώς επίσης και της πολύπλευρης προσφοράς της στην κοινωνία και τον πολιτισμό του Καναδά. Τα αποκαλυπτήρια του νέου γραμματοσήμου προς τιμήν της ΑΧΕΠΑ θα γίνουν στο κτίριο του Καναδικού Κοινοβουλίου, στην Οτάβα, ανήμερα της επετείου της ελληνικής παλιγγενεσίας, στις 25 Μαρτίου. Η απόφαση για την κυκλοφορία του νέου γραμματοσήμου πάρθηκε ύστερα από πολύχρονες προσπάθειες που είχε καταβάλει η Ελληνικής καταγωγής βουλευτής Ελένη Μπακοπάνου, που είναι αντιπρόεδρος της Καναδικής Βουλής των Κοινοτήτων και ενεργό μέλος της γυναικείας οργάνωσης της ΑΧΕΠΑ, «Κόρες της Πηνελόπης». Η κυρία Μπακοπάνου είπε ότι είναι η πρώτη φορά που εκδίδεται γραμματόσημο από τα Καναδικά Ταχυδρομεία σε αναγνώριση κάποιας Ελληνικής ομογενειακής οργάνωσης και τόνισε ότι τόσο η ίδια όσο και ολόκληρη η Ελληνο-Καναδική κοινότητα είναι υπερήφανες για την εξέλιξη αυτή. Άλλοι που συνέβαλαν στο να γίνει πραγματικότητα το όνειρο για ένα γραμματόσημο σε αναγνώριση της ΑΧΕΠΑ ήταν ο Φράνκ Αντωνίου και ο Ξενοφών Σκουφάρας, που έχουν και οι δύο υπηρετήσει σε διάφορα ηγετικά αξιώματα της ΑΧΕΠΑ στον Καναδά.

MAPTIΟΣ 2003

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Αναγνώριση του φιλανθρωπικού και ιεραποστολικού έργου u óåë. 15

Ο Διοικητής του Τάγματος των Αρχόντων έκανε ιδιαίτερη μνεία στους εμπνευστές και ιδρυτές των δύο οργανισμών και ιδιαίτερα τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Ιάκωβο, τον Ανδρέα Άθενς και τους άλλους πρωτοπόρους για τους οποίους αναφώνησε Άξιοι! Τα βραβεία που απονεμήθηκαν από τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο, τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Ιάκωβο και τον κ. Λυμπεράκη παρέλαβαν εκ μέρους του IOCC ο πρόεδρος του εκτελεστικού του συμβουλίου Άρχων Μπέρτ Μόγιαρ και ο εκτελεστικός διευθυντής κ. Κωνσταντίνος Τριανταφύλ λου, εκ μέρους δε του OCMC η κ. Ελένη Νικοζήση και ο εκτελεστικός διευθυντής π. Μάρτιν Ρίτσι. Παρόντες στην εκδήλωση ήταν και ο Θεοφιλέστατος Επίσκοπος Ξάνθου κ. Δημήτριος, που διετέλεσε επικεφαλής του Κέντρου Ιεραποστολής, καθώς και ο πρέσβης επί τιμής κ. Άλεξ Ρόντος, ο οποίος είχε διατελέσει πρώτος εκτελεστικός διευθυντής του IOCC. Ο κ. Ανδρέας Άθενς, πρόεδρος του Συμβουλίου Α ποδήμου Ελ ληνισμού σήμερα, επί σειρά ετών αντιπρόεδρος του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου παλαιότερα και πρωτεργάτης της ιδρύσεως του IOCC, στον χαιρετισμό του επεσήμανε ότι το έργο του αποτέλεσε την βάση των προσπαθειών του ΣΑΕ για τα προγράμματα ιατροφαρμακευτικής περίθαλψης ελληνορθοδόξων στις χώρες της πρώην Σοβιετικής Ενωσης, την Αλβανία και αλλού. Ο Μακαριώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αλβανίας κ. Αναστάσιος ανέφερε ότι ο ίδιος αντιπροσωπεύει τρόπον τινά τις χιλιάδες των ευεργετηθέντων ανθρώπων που έγιναν αποδέκτες της προσφοράς και της αγάπης των δύο οργανισμών οι οποίοι τους βοήθησαν στην διάνοιξη νέων οριζόντων. Τόνισε δε ότι ως Ορθόδοξοι έχουμε την αποστολή να φέρουμε στον κόσμο το μήνυμα της ελπίδος, της αγάπης και της πίστεως. Αποδεχόμενος την τιμή ο πρόεδρος του οργανισμού IOCC αναφέρθηκε στους κοινούς στόχους των προσπαθειών των δύο οργανισμών που είναι η παροχή υλικής βοήθειας αλλά και η κάλυψη των πνευματικών αναγκών. Επεσήμανε επίσης την σημαντική οικονομική στήριξη

της «Ηγεσίας των 100» προς αμφότερους τους οργανισμούς. Ο π. Μάρτιν Ρίτσι, ευχαριστώντας εκ μέρους του Κέντρου ορθοδόξου Ιεραποστολής, τόνισε ότι θα πρέπει να είμαστε έτοιμοι να μεταδώσουμε το μήνυμα του Ευαγγελίου ανά πάσα στιγμή και προς πάσα κατεύθυνση αναφέρθηκε στις ακάματες προσπάθειες των εθελοντών της Ιεραποστολής. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος στην ομιλία του ανέφερε τις εντυπώσεις που σχημάτισε σχετικά με το έργο και την προσφορά των ανωτέρω οργανισμών όταν σε παλαιότερη επίσκεψή του σε νοσοκομείο της Μόσχας αντίκρυσε το λογότυπο του IOCC στις συσκευασίες εφοδίων, φαρμάκων και τροφίμων τα οποία είχε αποστείλει ο Οργανισμός. Το παράδειγμα αυτό, ανέφερε ο Σεβασμιώτατος αποδεικνύει την τεράστια αξία και προσφορά του οργανισμού αυτού, ο οποίος αποτελεί ζωντανό κομμάτι της SCOBA και αφού οι οργανισμοί λειτουργούν υπό την εποπτεία της SCOBA ανέφερε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος η τιμή έμμεσα ανήκει και σ’ αυτήν. Αναφερόμενος στο έργο που επιτελεί το Κέντρο Ορθοδόξου Ιεραποστολής ο Σεβασμιώτατος επεσήμανε ότι ο οργανισμός OCMC αποτελεί παράδειγμα των θεμελιωδών αρχών της Εκκλησίας «της αγάπης και της αλήθειας», και τόνισε ότι «αν δεν προσφέρουμε αγάπη, δεν υπάρχει τίποτα γιατί η αγάπη είναι το κεντρικό μήνυμα, που προσφέρει ο οργανισμός IOCC κι αν δεν προσφέρει αγάπη, δεν προσφέρει τίποτα», κατέληξε. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος πρόσφερε επίσης εκ μέρους του Τάγματος των Αρχόντων επιταγές προς ενίσχυση του έργου των οργανισμών.

Εμπόριο και Πολιτισμός στην Hermes Expo ΝΕ Α ΥΟΡΚ Η. - Η 12η Έκθεσ η ελληνικών προϊόντων “Hermes Expo International” ανοίγει τις πύλες της στις 5 Απριλίου 2003 στο ξενοδοχείο Trump Marina Grand Ballroom, στο Ατλάντικ Σίτι της πολιτείας της Νέας Ιερσέης. Η διοργάνωση προσελκύει κάθε χρόνο αγοραστές και κοινό που μόνο στις ΗΠΑ αντιπροσωπεύουν μια αγορά της τάξεως των 10 δισεκατομμυρίων δολαρίων και πολλές ευκαιρίες για περαιτέρω επέκταση επιχειρηματικών δραστηριοτήτων. Στην Hermes Expo παρουσιάζονται πολλές δυναμικές ελληνικές, ελληνοαμερικανικές και αμερικανικές επιχειρήσεις, που επειδή ακριβώς είναι επιτυχημένες, αναζητούν νέους δρόμους επέκτασης και πέραν του Ατλαντικού ανοίγοντας ένα μοναδικό εμπορικό δρόμο με τη γενέτειρα, τα Βαλκάνια και την Ευρώπη, ενισχύοντας με τον τρόπο

αυτό και την ελληνική επιχειρηματική δραστηριότητα, μέσω της ομογένειας των ΗΠΑ και συγχρόνως κάνοντας γνωστό τον ελληνικό πολιτισμό μέσα από τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά των εκατοντάδων ελληνικών προϊόντων. Η έκθεση αυτή, πέρα από τον εμπορικό της χαρακτήρα, έχει κι ένα πολιτισμικόπολιτιστικό χαρακτήρα, μοναδικό στα Ελληνοαμερικανικά δρώμενα. Ο μελλοντικός καταναλωτής-αγοραστής, έρχεται σε μια μοναδική επαφή με το κα λύτερο που έχει να δείξει σήμερα εμπορικά και πολιτιστικά η Ελλάδα, αποδεικνύοντας ότι τα ελληνικά προϊόντα, είναι ανωτέρας ποιότητας και δυναμικής, αλλά και οι Έλληνες κατασκευαστές και δημιουργοί μοναδικοί στο είδος τους. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες καλέστε το (610) 446-1463, ή απευθυνθείτε στο Info@hermesexpo.com .

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αναστάσιος τιμήθηκε από την Θεολογική Σχολή του Αγίου Βλαδίμηρου ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Επίτιμος διδάκτωρ της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Αγίου Βλαδίμηρου, που υπάγεται στην Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία της Αμερικής (πρώην Ρωσική Μετροπόλια) ανακηρύχθηκε στη διάρκεια ειδικής τελετής ο Μακαριώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Τυράνων, Δυρραχίου και πάσης Αλβανίας κ. Αναστάσιος που βρέθηκε στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες για να συμμετάσχει στις εργασίες Συμποσίου Ορθοδόξου Ιεραποστολής καθώς και για σειρά διαλέξεων στο Ορθόδοξο Ινστιτούτο Πατριάρχου Αθηναγόρα στο Όκλαντ της Καλιφόρνια.

Η Εκκλησία, επεσήμανε, πρέπει να διδάξει όλα τα έθνη και να μοιραστεί ότι διαθέτει, χρησιμοποιώντας μάλιστα το παράδειγμα της Αλβανίας, τόνισε ότι εκεί είναι σε εφαρμογή με πρωτοβουλία της Εκκλησίας προγράμματα κοινωνικά, πολιτιστικά αλλά και προγράμματα που αφορούν το περιβάλλον. Ζούμε, υπογράμμισε ο κ. Αναστάσιος, μια νέα εποχή αποστολικής αναγέννησης, που ξεπερνάει τα τοπικά όρια και έχει την μορφή της παγκόσμιας αντίληψης, την φλόγα, το πνεύμα α λ λά και το ήθος. Τα

ETA PRESS

Ο Μακαριώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Τυράνων, Δυρραχίου και πάσης Αλβανίας κ. Αναστάσιος έγινε δεκτός με ενθουσιασμό από τους πιστούς που συγκεντρώθηκαν στο αμφιθέατρο του Αγ. Βλαδίμηρου.

Στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αναστάσιο απονεμήθηκε με απόφαση της Συγκλήτου της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Αγίου Βλαδίμηρου Διδακτορικό δίπλωμα της Θεολογίας (Honoris Cause) κατά την διάρκεια ειδικής τελετής που έλαβε χώρα στο αμφιθέατρο της Σχολής στις εγκαταστάσεις της στο Γιόνκερς βόρεια της Νέας Υόρκης. Στην τελετή παρευρέθηκαν πάνω από 300 φοιτητές, καθηγητές, κληρικοί και αντιπροσωπεία Ιεράς Ελ ληνορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής με επικεφαλής τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο, οι οποίοι είχαν την ευκαιρία να παρακολουθήσουν την διάλεξη του Αρχιεπισκόπου Αναστασίου που ακολούθησε με θέμα «Επαναπροσδιορισμός του Αποστολικού Έργου στον 21ο αιώνα». Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αναστάσιος μίλησε για το εύρος και τις δυνατότητες της ιεραποστολής τόσο στην Αφρική όσο και στην Αλβανία και τόνισε ότι η ιεραποστολή αποκτά σήμερα νέες διαστάσεις μετά την ανακατανομή τ ης πολιτ ικής και οικονομικής δύναμης. Χρειάζεται είπε, η κινητοποίησή μας σε σχέση με τα γεγονότα στον παγκόσμιο χώρο και η εξεύρεση λύσεων στα προβλήματα που απασχολούν την ανθρωπότητα, και τόνισε ότι η ιεραποστολή και το ιεραποστολικό έργο αποτελεί μέρος του γενετικού υλικού της Εκκλησίας μας.

σύνορα, είπε δεν προσδιορίζονται πλέον γεωγραφικά. Επίσης, ανέφερε ότι είμαστε αντιμέτωποι με μια νέα τραγωδία τ ης φτώχειας και των ασθενειών όπως το AIDS. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αλβανίας που είναι βαθύς γνώστης της συμβολής του αποστολικού έργου στον σύγχρονο κόσμο, παρατήρησε ότι ο κύκλος της Αποστολικής διακονίας δεν έκλεισε με τους 12 Αποστόλους, αλλά επεκτάθηκε σε όλόκληρη την ζωή της Εκκλησίας. Τον προσεχή Ιούνιο θα κυκλοφορήσει, από τις εκδόσεις της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Αγίου Βλαδίμηρου, στην αγγλική γλώσσα ένα νέο βιβλίο του Αρχιεπισκόπου Αναστασίου με τίτλο: «Αντιμετωπίζοντας τον Κόσμο». Στο βιβλίο θα παρουσιάζονται οι απόψεις του σχετικά με την καλύτερη δυνατή αντιμετώπιση από την πλευρά της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας της διαμόρφωσης των παγκόσμιων συνθηκών. Της απονομής του τιμητικού διπλώματος προηγήθηκε κατανυκτικός εσπερινός στο παρεκκλήσι των Τριών Ιεραρχών. Παρόντες εκτός από τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο ήταν ο Μητροπολίτης Χέρμαν, ο oποίος ηγείται της OCA και προεδρεύει της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Αγίου Βαδίμηρου, ο Μητροπολίτης Θεοδόσιος, ο Μητροπολίτης Τυάνων Παΐσιος και οι Επίσκοποι Ξάνθου Δημήτριος και Τρωάδος Σάββας, από την Αρχιεπισκοπή και οι Αρχιεπίσκοπος Πέτρος και Επίσκοπος Νίκων της OCA.

MARCH 2003

Second Meeting on the Family

Help Orphans Find Their Way Home BUCHAREST, Romania - When the curtain of communism was pulled back from Romania in 1989, the world was shocked to learn of the condition of orphans living in government-run institutions. Tens of thousands of children were discovered to be living in squalor. Although the situation of Romania’s orphanages has improved since 1989, it is still in a troubled state. An estimated 43,000 children currently live in orphanages where they receive limited basic care, almost no schooling and none of the nurturing stability that comes with having a family.

abandoned children and their families, has been showing steady progress. In six months of work, IOCC has successfully reintegrated more than 90 children with their families. Using methods that address the root causes of abandoning children, the IOCC team first works with families in order to help them become economically stable so that they are able to take their children back into their homes. By providing the families with job skills and some temporary material assistance, IOCC is helping these families reclaim their children. However, this is just the beginning. IOCC realizes that the communities surrounding poor families who have abandoned their children have the greatest potential for providing longterm solutions. The problems of families and abandoned children can be addressed by increasing the capacity of communities to support these families in crisis. To this end, IOCC and the Orthodox Church have established more than 30 community-support groups that are helping to identify families at-risk of abandoning their children. Also, these groups help counsel and support families that have reintegrated abandoned children into their families. One of the main activities of these support groups is to identify and encourage mothers who have not abandoned a child to serve as mentors This family participates in one of IOCC’s community sup- to parents and families who port groups as mentors. The husband and wife, who have are reintegrating or adopting managed to keep and provide for their children despite children. These “Mentor Motheconomic hardships, work with couples that are considered ers” are an important part of at risk of abandoning their children. the help provided to struggling families and have proven to be Despite the high number of children an innovative and effective tool in fighting living in institutions, very few of them child abandonment. are actually orphans. Eighty-six percent “It’s a complex, yet effective model,” of all children in Romania’s orphanages said IOCC’s Romania Program Coordinahave at least one parent still alive. These tor, Nicholas Chakos. “There are many children have been abandoned because reasons that a family will abandon a child, of the economic hardships faced by their and if you don’t address these, reinteparents and families. grating a child back to its family will be IOCC is one of the most active orga- difficult. We’ve found that by creating a nizations in Romania working to prevent safety net within the community, strugchild abandonment and helping children gling parents are less likely to consider make the transition from state-run orphan- giving up their children.” ages to stable, loving homes. Each month, new community supAs part of a U.S. Agency for Interna- port groups are being formed, and after tional Development (USAID) program, receiving intensive training, they become IOCC and the Romanian Orthodox vital networks of assistance to anyone Church are seeking to reduce the num- who needs it. ber of children living in orphanages by “Our success in this project,” Cha50 percent. In addition, the partners are kos said, “has been based on the power working to reduce the number of current that a community has to support its most abandonment cases by 90 percent. The needy members.” project covers the counties of Dolj, Gorj For more information about IOCC’s and Mehedinti. programs in Romania and elsewhere, IOCC’s program, based on building please visit www.iocc.org or call toll-free the capacity of communities that surround 1-877-803-4622.

GOA

The second meeting of the Roundtable on the Family was held at Saint Basil Academy on March 6 under the direction of Archbishop Demetrios and with the coordination of Rev. Father Constantine L. Sitaras. Participants from throughout the USA included both clergy and lay people with experience and professional training in various areas of family life. During the meeting Fr. Frank Marangos presented a report from one of the sub-committees that is addressing the topic of worship in the home.

IOCC Supports Effort to Stem Alcohol Abuse in Alaska BALTIMORE - The U.S. Program of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is getting behind an effort to address the “scourge” of alcohol abuse in Alaskan communities. The program launched by the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska, calls for the training of fourth-year seminarians in substance abuse counseling. IOCC’s support will build the capacity of the diocese and St. Herman’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska, to combat the problem of alcohol abuse. “Substance abuse is a widespread problem for both the native and non-native people of Alaska which the Church confronts daily,” said Bishop Nikolai of the Diocese of Alaska. “Last year, we extended our seminary program and further developed the capacity of Orthodox Christians in Alaska to undertake effective and meaningful action against this cause of suffering.” St. Herman’s Seminary has contracted with Joseph Lind of the South Central Foundation in Anchorage, one of the largest native health corporations in Alaska, to provide the training. IOCC’s support will help pay for the training. Wherever it works, whether in Alaska or Africa, IOCC seeks to build the capacity of local organizations to address local problems. One of the priorities of the U.S. program is to identify and strengthen domestic Orthodox initiatives, making them sustainable over the long term, said U.S. program Director Robert Pianka. “This is an example of how IOCC’s U.S. program applies in the United States the skills it honed over 10 years of working overseas,” Pianka said. “Through the Orthodox institutions and faithful in Alaska, we can respond to the call to help people in need,” he added. “We are obliged to build an effective, permanent capacity against this scourge, and we urge all Orthodox to join this partnership.” With the training, and eventual certification, priests will be able to offer professional substance abuse counseling in rural communities that are otherwise outside the reach of treatment programs. The Diocese of Alaska, part of the Orthodox

Church in America, has 87 churches and chapels served by 25 priests, and covers 586,000 square miles. Orthodox priests are uniquely positioned to reach and work productively with the large, isolated population of Alaskans in need of drug and alcohol treatment, said Mary Ann Khoury, author of an IOCC needs-assessment in Alaska. “The native clergy really need to have this training so they can work with the people in the community, Orthodox and non-Orthodox,” said Ms. Khoury, director of the DUI Victims Center in Wichita, Kan. “Substance abuse is just a huge need, and (the clergy) would be very crucial player in the treatment of the problem.” According to a recent study by the Alaska Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Alaska has more alcohol-related deaths per capita than any other U.S. state. The study found that 9.7 percent of adult Alaska residents were dependent on alcohol, and another 4.1 percent were diagnosed as alcohol abusers. Among the obstacles to treatment cited by abusers was the lack of nearby treatment facilities. Nor are Orthodox Christians, who constitute 37.5 percent of the Native Alaskan population, immune to the problem. In February 2001, for example, the Diocese of Alaska reported 37 alcoholrelated deaths. The fourth-year seminarians will receive their training in Anchorage, where they can engage in fieldwork with hospitals, prisons and missions accessible from Anchorage. The goal of the program is for seminarians to obtain certification as substance abuse counselors, which they can use over the course of their careers as priests. In addition to enabling the training, IOCC is seeking grant funding to build on this year’s efforts, Pianka said. Founded in 1992, IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians. In just 10 years, IOCC has delivered more than $140 million in relief and development programs in 21 countries. To learn more about IOCC’s programs in the Unites States and beyond, please visit www.iocc.org.

MARCH 2003

MIS SIONS

Gambia Receives First Visit from Bishop ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The Orthodox Christian Mission Center recently announced that Bishop Panteleimon of Ghana made his first visit to the smallest country in Africa, the Republic of Gambia. The country is one of 10 in his diocese. Gambia is three countries away from Ghana in Western Africa and is bordered on all sides by Senegal. With an estimated population of 1,456,000, 90 percent of the country is Muslim. Gambia is just over 4,360 square miles in area, of which approximately 366 square miles consist of water – the Gambia River that runs through the country. “This is a very peaceful country and the people are friendly. Orthodoxy is completely unknown here,” Bishop Panteleimon said in a statement to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, which helps support the Church in Gambia. “There is a

great possibility to establish a small school or a medical clinic to help the people here and demonstrate Christ’s love.” His Grace visited several villages along the river and near the capital city, Banjul. One of the villages he discovered was named “Ghana Town.” The people of Ghana Town are Ghanaians who came to Gambia generations ago. They speak the same language as in Ghana and were gracious and hospitable to Bishop Panteleimon. To help this brand new mission work of the Orthodox Church get off the ground, those interested can make a donation by mail, fax or online by going to http: //www.ocmc.org/giving/index.htm. Bishop Panteleimon calls on all Orthodox Christians to pray for the people of Gambia, as they are being introduced to the light of Orthodoxy.

21 N

A Musical Treasury for Children

Introduce your children or grandchildren to Greek language and culture in a way they love... through music!

Fun Songs for Learning Greek

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meets at the Wailuku Union Church, 327 South High Street, Wailuku, across from the county buildings and next door to the wailuku library. The schedule will begin with the Divine Liturgy for Palm Sunday on April 20. Services will be held every evening thereafter culminating in the joyous Resurrection Orthros and Liturgy at midnight

Saturday. The beautiful Paschal Vespers of Agape will be held Sunday, April 27 followed by a community Easter picnic. All are welcome. For more information on the exact schedule of services, directions to the church or picnic, and other inquiries on services at the Mission during the rest of the year, call toll free 1-866-MAUI-GOC (1-866-628-4462). Details of visiting Maui can be found on the website www.gohawaii.com. The Maui Orthodox Mission is under the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco through its Commission for Orthodox Missions and Evangelism.

OCMC Recruiting Mission Team Members ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The Orthodox Christian Mission Center is accepting applications from Orthodox Christians needed to serve on mission teams to help make a difference in the world. Applications are still being accepted, but time is running out. All those willing to follow in the footsteps of saints, who are ready and willing to share their faith, their time and talents are being called to serve for one to four weeks this summer. Several Orthodox communities in need will benefit from the team members’ efforts and witness. Two mission teams will travel to Ghana, where the Orthodox Church is steadily growing under harsh economic conditions. The first team of 10 people will go in July for three weeks to help the local Orthodox with building a church and assist in evangelistic efforts. Those with construction experience and those who know how to use a hammer are encouraged to apply. A second team will go to Ghana in August for three weeks on an evangelism mission. This team will visit villages where there is an Orthodox presence and where there is not. The Orthodox Church in Ghana has more than 4,000 members, but there remains a great shortage of priests.

Clergy, seminarians, presbyteres, students and anyone ready to share the Orthodox Christian faith are encouraged to apply. People are also needed to serve infants and children in two very different parts of the world. One team will go to Romania in August for two weeks to assist at a home for abandoned infants and women at risk of abandoning their children. At the newly established Protection of the Theotokos Infant and Maternal Center team members will help with infant care. Those with experience in child-care and pro-life counseling are encouraged to apply. Another team will be in July for three weeks to help out at the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orthodox Orphanage in Guatemala City. Team members will assist in classroom activities, play sports, do arts and crafts, go on field trips and show love to over 150 children as well as witness their Orthodox faith. Although it is not required, Spanish-speaking applicants are encouraged to apply, as well as all those with child-care and any other kind of teaching experience. For more information on teams and for a downloadable application please go to: www.ocmc.org/teams.

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MARCH 2003

Daughters Of Penelope Hold National Conference EAST ELMHURST, N.Y. - The Daughters of Penelope held their first national conference Jan. 18 at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel in East Elmhurst. It was a day that will forever be a part of the history of the Daughters of Penelope. “The success of the conference is due to the dedication, determination and love our membership has for the Daughters of Penelope,” stated Grand President Evellyn Tsiadis.

In his address to the attendees, His Eminence stated, “We have a quest, a search, a thirst for substance. Obvious and visible the Daughters in their work represents that. It is beautiful, encouraging and heart warming to see this in the Daughters.” His Eminence told the members, “You have a connection with things that need the utmost care and the more I come across what the Daughters

GRAND PRESIDENT Tsiadis presents His Eminence with the newly established Daughters of Penelope Wall of Honor Award.

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It was both an honor and privilege to have Archbishop Demetrios as the honored guest of the luncheon. Upon presenting His Eminence with a framed metal sculpture of Penelope. Grand President Tsiadis announced that His Eminence was the first recipient of the newly established Daughters of Penelope Wall of Honor Award. “I thank you very much for honoring us here this afternoon with your presence. Your kindness, humanness, intellect and wit are only a few of the special qualities you possess and share with us all as our spiritual leader,” said Grand President Tsiadis. “You have made this an historical day for us by attending your first Daughters of Penelope event and it is with great honor that I bestow upon you this award in recognition of your exemplary leadership and service and up holding the principles and ideals of the Daughters of Penelope.” His Eminence, graciously accepted the award, saying “I will treasure it for what Penelope and the Daughters of Penelope stand for: purity, honesty and integrity.” In keeping with the tradition of celebrating St. Basil Day, His Eminence presided over the slicing of the vasilopita bread. Grand Governor Karen Stamatiades received the slice with the gold lira coin.

represent, I am impressed.” In closing, His Eminence spoke of the work and courage of women in the Old and New Testament, and that two important spiritual messages were revealed to women the resurrection of Christ and the story of the Good Samaritan. He also told them, “You are Greek Orthodox Christian ladies who are following this noble line of women in continuity, increasing what we do for the people and the Church. Your generation creates in the United States a Greek Orthodox presence that is significant and tremendous.” Conference Chairman Anna-Helene Panagakos, grand governor, planned an event-filled conference consisting of miniworkshops as well as special guest speaker Patricia Davey of the LAM Foundation, a special project of the Daughters. Ms. Davey spoke of her battle with lymphangioleiomyomatosis, a rare lung disease that affects almost exclusively women, in the prime of their life. She shared stories of the anguish and pain she endured and the triumphant lung transplant she received two years ago this past December. Meeting courageous women like Davey is truly an inspiration to us all reinforcing our commitment to helping find a cure for this disease.

Canada to Issue Stamp Honoring AHEPA IONIAN VILLAGE BUILDS FAITH AND FRIENDSHIPS THAT LAST A LIFETIME! Name_______________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City________________________ State _________ Zip_______________ Phone_____________________ E–mail ___________________________ Parish Priest/Community_______________________________________

Please check the program in which you are interested:  Summer Travel Camp, 7th–9th grades, June 30–July 17, 2003  Byzantine Venture, 10th–12th grades, July 23–August 9, 2003  Spiritual Odyssey, Ages 19–30 years, July 13–July 28, 2003 Complete and mail this form to: Ionian Village 83 St. Basil Rd Garrison, NY 10524 For more information, visit our website at www.ionianvillage.org, or contact Ionian Village at (646) 519–6190 or via email at ionianvillage@goarch.org Ionian Village is a program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

OTTAWA, Canada — The Canada Post Corporation will officially issue a postage stamp commemorating the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association’s (AHEPA) 75-year history in Canada on March 25 in Ottawa, announced Supreme President Dr. James F. Dimitriou and Canadian President Lazarus Kalipolidis. The honor will recognize the organization’s long-standing philanthropic, civic and educational activities. “We are excited about this unique tribute and we are equally proud of the AHEPA family of Canada. This wonderful accomplishment is a reflection upon their hard work and service to the community, and it is a triumph for Canadian citizens of Hellenic descent,” said Dr. Dimitriou. In recognition of the stamp’s release, a very special unveiling ceremony and banquet will be held March 25 in the west block of the Canadian Parliament buildings. “It is the first time in Canada Post’s history that a commemorative stamp is issued recognizing a Hellenic organization in Canada,” said Eleni Bakopanos, member of Parliament and assistant deputy speaker of the House of Commons, following the

announcement from Canada Post. “This is an honor not only for AHEPA but also for the Hellenic-Canadian community at large, that is, all of us.” Canadian President Kalipolidis credited Bakopanos, who is a member of the Montreal Daughters of Penelope chapter; AHEPA District 23 Gov. Frank Antoniou, and past Canadian President Xenophon Scoufaras for the success of this initiative. “We are grateful to the Canadian government and thankful for the hard work of Member of Parliament Eleni Bakopanos,” said Kalipolidis. “This ambitious accomplishment could not have been possible with her support and the dedication our AHEPA leaders in Canada.” In Canada, the organization donates more than $300,000 a year toward education and charities at the local, national and international levels. To order the stamps and First Day Cover (FDC) envelopes: Stamp Product No. is: 403536107. A Pane of 16 stamps is $7.68. FDC No. is: 403536121 and the cost is $1.48. Contact the National Philatelic Center, 800-565-4362 or at www.canadapost.ca.

MARCH 2003

The Voice of

Philoptochos

More Than Seventy Years of Christian Philanthropy The philanthropic endeavors of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society during the past seven decades is a genuine expression of Christian charity, which has embraced an enormous manifestation of love. by Terry Kokas

This manifestation of love has been evident in the multitude of meaningful programs and activities undertaken during the seventy years of its existence. Philanthropia is a tradition of the Greek Orthodox Church, dating from the Byzantine Empire, which was the first State to offer philanthropic and charitable assistance to its citizens. St. James, in his Epistle, Chapter 1, Verse 22, exhorts all Christians to be “Doers of the Word, and hearers only.” The members of the Philoptochos are “doers,” Their accomplishments are monumental and are recorded in the annals of every chapter of the organization. The beginning of the Philoptochos Society can be traced to the late 19th century when hundreds of immigrants were arriving daily in the United States from Greece. Asia Minor and Constantinople. In 1894, Fr. Paisios Ferentinos, who was serving the Holy Trinity Church in New York City, undertook, with the assistance of Mrs. Amalia Feramoschos and Mrs. Penelope Eleftheropoulos, the formidable task of welcoming the new emigres and assisting them to acclimate themselves to their new environment. Throughout the nation women’s clubs were being formed: in New York City, Chicago, Lowell, Philadelphia, Birmingham, Boston, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Milwaukee, Newark, and wherever there were Greek Orthodox churches. In 1902, the first Ladies Philoptochos was officially established at the Holy Trinity Church in New York City, under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Methodios Kourkoulis, and the leadership of three prominent ladies in the Greek community: Mrs. Anthony Rallis, Mrs. Nicholas Calvocoresis and Mrs. George Galatis. The Society applied for a charter to the state of New York as a philanthropic agency engaged in charitable activities rendering services to the poor. In 1909, a Philoptochos Society was formed in Chicago, using the Hull House, a social service center, as its headquarters. Miss Jane Addams, a fervent Philhellene, was the director and founder of Hull House, and rendered immeasurable services to the Greek community. The first tangible evidence of the benevolence of Greek women was officially recorded on June 29, 1920, in a volume edited by the Rev. Dr. Demetrios Constantelos, in a compilation of encyclicals of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, spanning more than 70 years: “Encyclicals and Documents of the Greek Orthodox Church of America – the First Fifty Years.” A document included in this volume is a letter addressed to Archbishop Alexander of Rodostolou from Mr. J.P. Xenides, who was the secretary of the Relief Committee for Greeks of Asia Minor. The letter thanked the Archbishop for contributions received, among which was a $200 donation from the Greek Women’s Benevolent Association of Chicago. This was in response to the appeal Archbishop Alexander had sent to the Churches and individuals – probably in 1919 – urging the Greek Orthodox in America to deprive themselves in order

to send a generous contribution to the victims of Turkish barbarism.” In 1922, The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America was founded and received its incorporation from the state of New York. Archbishop of Rodostolou was the first primate of the Church. The Archdiocese was organized and functioned under the ecclesiastical and spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Incorporation charter and the early years

After several years the state of New York granted a charter to the Holy Trinity Philoptochos Society in New York City that was received on July 23, 1928. This Charter or Incorporation was issued under the Membership Corporation Law, in the name of the “Greek Ladies Philoptochos Adelphotis of New York, Inc.” thereby recognizing it as a local philanthropic organization. On February 28, 1931, Archbishop Athenagoras was enthroned as Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America. He was highly regarded as a man of vision with extraordinary administrative ability. A new era in the life and mission of the Greek community commenced under his leadership. These were turbulent times for the Greeks in America. Archbishop Athenagoras soon realized the urgency of providing adequate philanthropic and relief services to the poor and suffering omogenia. With the convening of the Archdiocese Fourth General Assembly in New York City in November 1931, the Philoptochos Society was an important item on the agenda. A decision was taken to establish a national women’s organization as the official philanthropic auxiliary of the Church, merging all of the existing chapters, which numbered more than 300, to function under the Archdiocese constitution with specific By-laws issued for the Philoptochos. Archbishop Athenagoras, immediately set about developing the proper legal structure for the new organization. Cognizant of the fact that the Holy Trinity Philoptochos had received its incorporation or charter from the State of New York, the Archbishop and executive committee of the Society deemed it prudent to utilize this Incorporation. Mrs. Eriphili Vrachnos, president of the Philoptochos, presented the charter to Archbishop Athenagoras, and a central council was appointed that included the executive committee of the Holy Trinity Philoptochos Society, and the presidents of all Philoptochos chapters in the greater New York Area, with the Archbishop serving as president. The ladies were as follows: Despina Rallis, Amalia Feramoschos, Eriphili Vrachnos, Despina Vlahakis, Elpiniki Zogdu, Matina Politou, Panagiota Atheneou, Aikaterini Gamanos, Olga Kallimachos, Stella Korakidou, Sofia Limberopoulou, Maria Xenicou, Aikaterini Papagiannis, Alexandra Falbo, Eleni Christidou, Zenobia Psakix, Aglaia Polyzoidou. This became the nucleus of the national Federation of Greek Laides Philoptochos Societies of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America. For the next several months, the Philoptochos Societies continued their work, aiding the sick, the needy, the poor, the imprisoned, and the impoverished. They served on educational committees, organized choirs, baked the “prosforo,”

COMMITTEE MEMBERS (L to R) standing: Christine Haidos, Zoe Vidalakis, Tania Grafos, Georgia Kezios, Mary Kezios, Connie Cooper, Virginia Noyes, Bebe Paul and seated: Diane Bissias, Christine Peratis, Rita Stephanou, Bess Pappas, Katrina Beers and Elaine Bissias.

St. Sophia Cathedral Chapter Celebrates 45th Presentation Ball LOS ANGELES – St. Sophia Cathedral Philoptochos Society of Los Angeles celebrated its 45th Debutante Presentation Ball on Feb. 1, at which five young ladies were presented. General chairman of the event were Katrina Beers of Yorba Linda and Rita Stephanou of Newport Beach. President of the organization is Bess Pappas of San Marino. The Ball is a major fundraiser for the philanthropic activities of the Philoptochos Society. Among this chapter’s charities are: Kids “n” Cancer Foundation, UCLA Pediatric Unit, Foundation for the Junior Blind, Los Angeles Missions, Pediatric AIDS Unit, Children’s Hospital (nationwide), Mother Teressa Charitable Fund, and St. Sophia Camp. Introducing the young ladies was

master of ceremonies actor Thaao Penghlis. Mr. Penghlis appears as Tony DiMera on the daytime serial “Days of Our Lives”. After the debutantes were presented they performed an interpretive Greek dance that was followed by the traditional waltz with their fathers. This year’s debutantes were Katerina Nicole Captanis, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. George Captanis, of Long Beach; Cristina Joanne Edwards, daughter of Mrs. Michael Arthur Johnston of Orange and Mr. Ronnie Glen Edwards of Anaheim; Christina Georgiou, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Nicholas Georgiou, of Brea; Whitney Ann O’ Regan, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Charles Patrick O’Regan of Cerritos; and Alexis Matina Ranglas, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Gerry Athan Ranglas, of Rancho Santa Fe.

sewed the altar cloth, offered friendship and fellowship to newcomers, and supported a variety of civic and community programs to raise funds for their respective parishes. On Oct. 20, 1932, Archbishop Athenagoras issued his first encyclical to the Philoptochos chapters, listing a series of by-laws and guidelines under which the organization would function under the constitution of the Archdiocese. The Archbishop expressed his “joy” for the opportunity to “send this important communication to the Greek women of America.” He acknowledged receipt of the documents on the organization of the “Adelphotis – Sisterhood, in accordance with the constitution of the Archdiocese” and the ratification of the Society’s elections. The central committee of the Adelphotis was established to strengthen the organization, to serve the local chapter and to present an organized program to the Greek community. A very important task has been entrusted to the women. We will not mention here the decades of philanthropic activities of the Greek women in the social and philanthropic sector, however the desired results were not achieved due to the lack of a systematically structured organization, with the proper authority to guide this effort. “The Fourth General Assembly of the Archdiocese, convening at the Annunciation Church in New York City from Nov.

14 – 20, 1931, voted this authority and ratified a constitution which will be of valuable assistance to you.” The encyclical also stated that in Article 9 of the by-laws under the Constitution, required that the priest serve as president of the Philoptochos in order to offer counsel to the local organization. The officers of the local Philoptochos chapter shall be elected by its members, according to Article 9. Archbishop Athenagoras’ request The Archbishop requested that the “Philoptochos plan many events for the entire family, featuring music, lectures, performances, sponsoring bazaars and the St. Basil’s pita, charging a small admission fee and having a raffle. For the children, develop a separate club under your chapter, which should have its own president, present children’s observances and meetings, so that the youth will become accustomed to your good example and will be of greater interest to them.” He asked that they study the by-laws and implement them for edification of Greek Orthodox Christians in America. “Please contact the City Hall, the Welfare Department and the American philanthropic offices in your city to make your work more fruitful.” “The Archdiocese has acquired two homes and orphanages at Pomfret, Conn., and St. Stefanos Monastery at Gas-

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MARCH 2003

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The Tiles of Spiritual Re-Entry

“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” Luke 15:24

At 9 a.m. (EST) on Feb. 2 NASA lost contact with the space shuttle Columbia. It was flying at an altitude of 200,000 feet and traveling at 12,500 mph. by Fr. Frank Marangos

As Columbia entered the earth’s atmosphere it suddenly broke up and splintered into a mass of burning wreckage. The explosion was heard and felt from California to Louisiana. In an attempt to offer consolation to stunned Americans across the entire Nation, President Bush offered the following prayer: “The crew of the shuttle Columbia did not return safely to Earth. Yet, we can pray that all on board are safely home.” The recent tragedy of the Space Shuttle Columbia has engendered a great deal of speculation. As it prepared to re-enter earth’s atmosphere the space craft broke up into hundreds of pieces. But why did it explode? Why did NASA lose contact with it? Numerous opinions and theories have been expressed to satisfy the curiosity of both scientist and citizen. The shuttle has more than 20,000 thermal tiles to protect it from the extreme heat of re-entry into the atmosphere. If it has loose, damaged or missing tiles in crucial spots, a spacecraft can overheat, break up and plunge to Earth in a shower of hot metal. Rather than speculate on the cause of Columbia’s unfortunate demise this article will examine the disaster against the backdrop of the familiar Parable of the Prodigal Son and draw several spiritual applications for our lives. The Great Feast of Pascha celebrates the safe re-entry of humanity to its eternal homeland. This most important liturgical cycle of “spiritual return” is preceded by a 70-day season that is divided into three parts: (a) Pre-Lent, (b) Great Lent, and (c) Holy Week. Pre-Lent is comprised of five Sundays the third of which is dedicated to the recollection of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Appearing only in the Gospel of St. Luke (15:11-32) the story of the Prodigal encapsulates the theological missive of the entire Paschal season. Listening to the parable’s message of God’s loving forgiveness, we are invited to “come to ourselves.” Like the prodigal son, we are challenged to consider ourselves as being “in a far country.” Far from our Father’s house, we are summoned to make the necessary adjustments for a safe return to God. When compared to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the unfortunate tragedy of Columbia provides the faithful with numerous spiritual lessons. In many ways the unsuccessful re-entry of Columbia underscores why it is crucial for us to seriously examine the direction and speed of our spiritual trajectory. Only when we adequately re-aligned our lives and our spiritual tiles are in robust condition can we appropriately prepare to celebrate Pascha and thereby successful return to our “Father’s House.”

I. Our Direction

The valiant crew of Columbia enjoyed the attainment of their profession’s ultimate aspiration to escape the forces of gravity and explore the recesses of space. Simultaneously, however, they most certainly relished the day when they would return to earth! Even if they were intent with extending their excursion into space, their provisions could not have indefinite-

ly prolonged their stay. While outer space How does one slow down and stop? may indeed be the ultimate direction and How can we change our direction when vision of every astronaut’s lifetime goal, we have been so intoxicated with the purearth represents their “homeland.” It is the suit of such extreme quests? location of their birth and their families. What is the process by which our soEarth’s atmosphere provides the very ciety may re-enter the atmosphere of our breath of life. Father’s House? The Parable of the Prodigal Son What are the titles that are necessary is concerned with the direction of our for spiritual reentry? If we truly desire spiritual as well as professional aspira- to re-approach our “Father’s House,” tions. When compared to the vision of great care should be taken to ensure the unrestricted scientific condition of our soul’s advances, the parable assembly! discloses the manner Several Church in which humanity may Fathers have provided avoid technological and valuable insights to ethical recklessness. these important quesNumerous theolotions from their exegegians as well as social sis of the Parable of the philosophers have Prodigal Son. warned that each scienPatristic Exegesis tific advance carries a St. Clement of Alcorresponding ethical exandria interprets the burden. While it is not parable of the Prodigal the thesis of this writer Son in an allegorical to advance the perilous fashion. He suggests notion that the explothat the inheritance rations associated with that the prodigal the space program or squanders in the “far accruals in medical country” should be unresearch should be derstood as humanity’s The Return of the Prodigal Son necessarily understood “ability to reason.” as movements away from our “Father’s Numerous Church Fathers insist that House,” great care should nonetheless be the capacity to think is a divine charactaken to safeguard against such arrogant teristic and as such a valuable inheritance prodigality. that we have received from our Creator. If mankind’s creativity is understood While Clement believes it is in humanity’s as a characteristic of our God-imparted nature to expand our rationality through a rationality then every exploration, no responsible use of this God-given creative matter how distant, will never exceed the process, he warns that we should guard boundaries of our “Father’s House!” against utilizing this inheritance for arroUnfortunately, there are occasions gant and selfish purposes and thus falling when our technological agenda overruns into spiritual prodigality! our Lord’s natural designs. When human“The possession of reason,” Clement ity discovers that its trajectory is towards writes, “is granted to all for the pursuit the “far-off country” it would do well to of what is good, and for the avoidance of emulate the manner in which the prodigal what is bad.” Through a “bad use of the assessed his direction and made the neces- knowledge given to us,” Clement warns, sary adjustments in order to return to his “we land in the profligacy of evil practices, father’s house. and waste the substance of reason.” Canticle Eight of the Orthros service II. Societal Speed Speed was the enemy of the space for the Sunday of the Prodigal Son undershuttle Columbia. In order to safely land scores the result of squandering our use of the shuttle it was necessary to abruptly reason. “Ruled by corrupting thoughts,” change its direction, slow its velocity, re- insists the hymn, we, like Prodigal, “beenter the earth’s atmosphere and bring come full of darkness, separated from the vehicle to rest, all within a 15-minute God, and lose possession of ourselves.” The final hymn of the Orthros service period of time. indicates that Christ came in order to die Speed made this desire a most daunting goal! In the final analysis, the on the Cross so that, “He may snatch us shuttle broke apart while being exposed from the beast and re-cloth us in our origito the peak temperature of 3,000 degrees nal rainments.” Emphasizing the hymnology of the on the leading edge of its wings, while Church, Clement urges his listeners to traveling at 12,500 mph, or 18 times the “employ the gift of reason for actions of speed of sound. Speed is also the enemy of spiritual prudence,” and thereby, “return to a near progress. Unlike the Church, however, so- relationship with our heavenly Father.” Like Clement, St. Gregory Palamas ciety is regrettably intoxicated with speed. The media appears to celebrate occasions interprets the “substance” of the prodigal son’s wealth as “above all, his inborn of velocity’s triumphs. From sport’s car to airplane, phone mind.” The eating of the pods of the swine call to Internet connection, student indicate for Palamas, “the extreme filthigraduation to promotion, from puberty ness of the passions.” When we occupy to sexual activity, society seems to vener- our minds with the satisfaction of such self-centered and arrogant “pods” we ate extremism. “distance ourselves from God.” The popular magazine called The Palamas warns that here, in the far Fast-Lane features stories that celebrate country and apart from God, we, like the how many companies as well as individuprodigal “will never be able to satisfy our als have been able to break free from the shameful impulses because satisfaction tyranny of previously set boundaries. naturally produces a change in relation Unfortunately, even science and medto what is being consumed.” icine are not immune to such extremist postures. Without a simultaneous increase Spiritual Tiles in wisdom, society’s ever-quickening steps NASA insists that there was nothing towards cloning and other genetic-based the crew could have done to provide adresearch can speed us along a path of equate protection for re-entry. Even if the unforeseen consequences. The pursuit astronauts had gone out on an emergency of these forms of activities, however, has space-walk, there was no way they could serious consequences. have safely checked under the wings and

repaired damaged heat-tiles. “There’s nothing that we can do about tile damage once we get to orbit,’’ a NASA representative said. “We can’t minimize the heating to the point that it would somehow not require a tile. So once you get to orbit, the tile insulation is all you have for protection on the way home from the extreme thermal heating during re-entry.’’ Humanity begins its return to the Father’s House when we come to our senses, and realizes the distance that our actions have created between ourselves and God. However, like that of a returning yet damaged space shuttle, both Palamas and Clement concur that “no one can manage the steps of repentance on his own . . . the Father of Mercies must come to meet us and help us live a virtuous life!” While our damaged and lost spiritual tiles must be repaired and replaced only Christ Himself can cloth us with garments appropriate for our return. According to the Church Fathers spiritual garments are not obtained by self-mastery but must be placed upon us by the “servants of the Church.” The servants who cloth the Prodigal son are interpreted by Clement and Palamas as the “priests of the Church,” who in obedience to the Father’s directives “recloth the penitent” for their safe return! Consequently, each article of clothing placed on the prodigal by the servants is understood by Palamas in a theological fashion. The “robe” placed on the returning prodigal symbolizes the son-ship humanity receives through Holy Baptism. The “ring” symbolizes the “seal of the Holy Spirit” which provides the Grace of “contemplative virtue on the active part of the soul.” The hand upon which the ring is placed symbolizes the earnest of the inheritance to come. Finally, the shoes that are ordered to be placed on the prodigal symbolize for Palamas “the holy protection and assurance” that the faithful will be able to “tread upon snakes and scorpions and all the power of the enemy.” Palamas concludes by stating, “these gifts are so surpassingly great that even the angels desire to look into the things that He has bestowed upon us.” Like Palamas, Clement suggests that the garments paced upon the Prodigal represent the robe of immortality, the divine ring, seal, impress and signature of divine consecration and glory that every penitent can receive. For Clement, the shoes placed on the returning son are the “imperishable shoes by which we may place our feet on holy ground.” They “do not impede or drag to the earth, but are buoyant and ascending, and waft to heaven, and serve as a chariot as one needs to return his mind towards the Father.” These spiritual garments are, in the final analysis, the tiles of repentance, that provide the Grace by which we may abandon the evil one and his herds and begin our gradual decent. Through the assistance provided by the spiritual tiles of the robe, ring, and shoes, we are able withstand the friction of re-entering the atmosphere of our heavenly homeland! Slowly withdrawing from the lifethreatening trajectories of self-centered extremes we may one day safely enter the pastures of our Father’s Province and find rest in God’s Eternal Celebration! The Columbia joins the Challenger disaster of 1986 as two metaphorical bookends of the spiritual journey. While Challenger exploded during its initial minutes of lift-off, Columbia imploded upon re-entry!

u page 27

MARCH 2003

PEOPLE

uCretans Honor Manatos

The Cretan Brotherhood of New York recently honored National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes President Andrew E. Manatos at their 24th annual dinner. Manatos was presented with an award, before the over 350 in attendance, “for his leadership in the Greek-American community and his continued efforts in bringing issues affecting Greek-Americans to the forefront of the political arena.” Those presenting the award to Manatos included World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Secretary Charles Marangoudakis; New York state Assemblyman Michael Gianaris; Cretan Brotherhood of New York President George Kougientakis; and Education Attache of Greece Nikos Nikolidakis. Manatos’ family immigrated from Chania, Crete to America in the early 1900s.

u Alumna Honored University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee recently honored Gregoria Karides Suchy with its Distinguished Alumni Award. She taught more than 53 years at UWM’s Music Department and continues her association with the school as a composer.

u Singers Help Center A benefit concert by the soloists of the Symphony Orchestra of Athens and vocalist Nadia Weinberg was held March 7 at the Lefrak Concert Hall at Queens College in Flushing, NY, to benefit the Kyrenia Cardiovascular Center. The event organizers were Philip Christopher, national chairman; and Dr. William Tenet, director. The soloists of the Symphony Orchestra of Athens are a critically acclaimed ensemble, consisting of leading soloists and concert artists of Greece.

u Visits Congress Andrew Gounardes of Brooklyn, son of Dr. and Mrs. Steven Gounardes, recently participated in the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, with other high school students from across the nation. They met with members of Congress during their visit. Andrew was the only student selected to speak on the floor of the House.

u Speaks to Chians The Chian Federation in Astoria, N.Y., recently heard a presentation by scholar Dr. John Siolas on Hellenism in ancient and Christian thought.

u Medal Recipient Yiannis Sakelaris, son of George and Carol Sakelaris of Schererville, Ind., has received the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting’s St. George medal at a recent ceremony at St. George Church after completing the requirements for award. The St. George program is intended as a primer for the young Scout to explore the basic fundamentals of the Orthodox Christian Church that include the foundation of faith, Christ’s love and the Church. He was presented the award by Fr. Constantine Aliferakis, pastor.

u Scholarship Winner Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting recently awarded Colin Athanasios Chambers with a scholarship. He was presented with a check by Fr. Charles P. Sarelis at his home parish of Annunciation Church in Kansas City, Mo.

Young Parish Develops Quickly in Kodak’s Hometown

hough only in existence seven years, Holy Spirit Church more than makes up for in the involvement and support of its parishioners what it lacks in history. Its extensive youth programs, in particular, and pan-Orthodox character are hallmarks of the community. Since its beginnings as a mission church in 1995, the community has made rapid strides in becoming a fullfledged progressive parish. Membership consists mostly of Greek Americans through the fourth generation, some immigrants from Greece, other Orthodox Christians of Albanian, Romanian, Lebanese,

PARISH

nity achieved a milestone, becoming a full-fledged parish. The members chose to name their church after the Holy Spirit. Support and contributions to the new community came from many Greek Orthodox parishes in Western New York and the local Ukrainian Orthodox church, and from as far as Florida. Fr. Anthony moved on to Detroit in June 1996 after nine months of service and Fr. George Savas, a Chicago native who previously had served Holy Trinity Church in Charleston, S.C., was assigned to Holy Spirit. With extensive involvement in youth programs at the Diocese and Archdiocese levels, Fr. George greatly expanded the parish youth activities.

spent two days in the parish and held an open forum. In April 2000, Holy Spirit Church received its permanent Archdiocesan charter. Fr. George moved on to St. Clair Shores, Mich., in October 2001 and Fr. Patrick was assigned to the parish. A native of Huntington, W.Va., Fr. Patrick and his presbytera, Mary, are both converts to the Orthodox faith. He grew up as a Roman Catholic but left the Church during his college years. He holds a masters from Marshall University in Huntington and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Massachusetts. He taught for four years at the University of Alabama-Birming-

p ro f i l e

Name: Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit Location: Rochester, N.Y. Metropolis: Detroit Size: about 145 families Founded: 1995 Clergy: Fr. Patrick Cowles, (Holy Cross ’93; Ph.D., U. of Mass.) Web site: www.goholyspirit.org e-mail: fpholyspirit@hotmail.com Noteworthy: Community has a strong youth program

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Carpatho-Russian and Ukrainian background, and a number of converts. There are many children. “One of the things I liked about the parish when I came here was the emphasis on the kids and church school program,” said Fr. Cowles, who has pastored the community for about a year and a half. According to a parish history by Irene Georgantas, the first parish council president, several Orthodox Christians, including some from Rochester’s already existing Annunciation Church, met in late summer 1995 to organize a mission parish and received permission to do so from Bishop Maximos, at the time the locum tenens of the Detroit Diocese. He placed them under Annunciation Church in Buffalo as a mission parish, with a membership of 50 families. Several founding members were on the staff of Rochester Institute of Technology and they arranged to hold the Sunday Divine Liturgy at RIT’s Interfaith Center at no cost. Bishop Maximos temporarily assigned Fr. Ken Anthony, a native of Syracuse, N.Y., as the first priest of Holy Spirit parish. By November, there were 100 regular worshippers and, on Christmas Eve, the final liturgy took place at the Interfaith Center. The parish’s real estate committee leased space at a warehouse/office building and community members converted it into an Orthodox place of worship. By February 1996, the commu-

These included JOY, HOPE, GOYA, Orthodox Campus Fellowship and the Sunday school and Greek school. He also established a Bible study. Sunday school now has an enrollment of about 90 students. The Greek school has 10 children.

Finding a new home

As the community began to outgrow its facility, efforts were made to find a more suitable, permanent house of worship. With dreams of building a Byzantinestyle church, a building fund drive was launched. However, it was determined that such a project was financially unfeasible. But an existing church, the South Avenue Baptist Church in a stable working class neighborhood near central Rochester, became available and the community purchased the building in May 1998. It took only two weeks to transform the Baptist church into an Orthodox house of worship and the Thyranoixia (door opening) service took place June 20 with Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos officiating. In addition to the church proper, the property includes a fellowship hall that contains classrooms and office space, and the new Transfiguration Chapel adjoining it that Fr. George built single-handedly, according to the parish history. An anonymous donor in the parish financed its construction. The following year, the community received its first visit from newly ordained Bishop Nicholas of Detroit, who

ROCHESTER

ham and did research in urban affairs. At this time, he experienced a series of personal crises and began a spiritual search. “In my mid-30s, realized I wanted a living God in my life,” said Fr. Patrick. “As I began to explore options, I found myself much more strongly attracted to Orthodoxy. I really felt by the end of the process that I had been given a gift of renewed life in a real sense.” He continued, “I felt such tremendous gratitude to God for leading me to the Church that I wanted to serve the Church.” Fr. Patrick attended St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary, then transferred to Holy Cross where he graduated and was ordained at age 43. After serving a parish in Greece for a year, he returned to the United States and served as pastor of Assumption Church in Louisville, Ky., prior to coming to Rochester. The priest marvels at the interest and involvement of so many parishioners in the life of the church. “What I like best about the community is the fact that so many of the members are so actively involved,” he said. “About 60 families in one or more ministries of church.” That interest also is reflected in weekly attendance figures. Fr. Patrick estimates that, of about 350 persons in the community, nearly 200 are in church every Sunday. “That’s very gratifying,” he said. “It makes my ministry easier and more challenging. This is a group that wants more active ministry.” Youth programs continue to enrich the community’s children, and extend beyond the bounds of the parish. Every year there are activities planned with other Greek Orthodox

u page 26

INTERFAITH



Some Differences Between Past and Present Generations Life in America has changed since the 50s when my parents were raising a family. Maybe I’m wrong but it seems that there was a lot less mixing going on when I was a kid. It’s different today. I hardly know a couple that doesn’t have a mixed religious and ethnic background. This wasn’t the case when I was growing up…. I think these changes are generally a good thing.” by Fr. Charles Joanides, Ph.D., LMFT

E-mail Respondent

As these observations indicate, we live in a society that emphasizes tolerance and respect for difference. It is not uncommon in our society to interact with people from many different backgrounds. Members of previous generations were not as likely to crossover ethnic, religious, racial and class boundaries with the same ease as those from present generations. As a result, when contemporary young adults’ dating patterns and mate selection patterns are compared with the social norms of their parents’ and grandparents’ generation, research indicates that people are not only mixing, but are also intermarrying in record numbers. Couples’ comments from the Interfaith Research Project (IRP) corroborated this. Participants also repeatedly drew comparisons between their own perceptions of intermarriage, and their parents’ and grandparents’ view. Respondents in the IRP repeatedly offered the following observations. Past generations of Greek Orthodox Christians attended services because the Church met their ethno-religious needs. By comparison, present generations are less likely to be as connected to their ethnic roots. One respondent’s remarks were typical of many others, “Sure I attend, because I have a relationship with other Greeks in my area, but I also attend because I want a relationship with God. I don’t think it was quite the same with my parents. I think they attended primarily because they had a Greek background.” Many Greek Orthodox churches are still decidedly ethnocentric entities. However, as each successive generation loses touch with its ethnic background, ethnocentric attitudes are either disappearing or softening. Typical reflections like the following few were repeatedly offered to confirm this statement. “I’m a second generation Greek Orthodox Christian who’s married to a Lutheran. If the church was as Greek as it was when I was growing up, there’s no way that I could have suggested that we make my church our family church.” Another respondent stated, “I know this might not please a lot of people, but the make-up of our churches is changing…. All these intermarriages are an example of what I’m trying to say. I’m glad the Church is doing something to try and meet these changing needs.” In the future, most Greek Orthodox churches will likely survive as a result of the religious connections their members have, and not because of their members’ ethnic background. IRP Respondent’s remarks repeatedly reinforced this observation. The following remarks are indicative of what most participants stated. “I’m a third-generation Greek Orthodox Christian, who places less importance the word ‘Greek,’ and more importance on the words ‘Orthodox Christian.’ I suspect that when it comes to my parents, it was the reverse. I also won’t be surprised if our children – who are a mixture of Greek,

French and Asian -- will place even less importance on the Greek part than I do.”

Other Related Observations

While younger married cohorts have a connection to their faith and culture, they are decidedly more likely to mix with non-Greeks than their parents, and their grandparents. Participants speculated that this might be the case because their cultural and religious ties are weaker than previous generation’s ties. Previous generations spoke more Greek, and intermarried with less frequency. Their need to hear English in church was not as great as it is today. By comparison, many Greek Americans are less likely to speak Greek, and more likely to intermarry. As a result, contemporary congregations that are filled with intermarried couples are less interested in hearing Greek and have a greater need to hear the services celebrated in the vernacular – English. When compared with previous generations, younger married cohorts are less likely to view the world in ethnocentric and nationalistic terms. Contemporary generations are more sensitive to the divisions that ethnocentric and nationalistic attitudes can cause. Preferences regarding family worship are also different. Previous generations were more likely to childproof the church. Participants speculated that because children could be disruptive, they were sent to Sunday school during liturgy. Baby Boomers and Generation “X”ers are more tolerant of children’s distractions, value family worship and want their children to experience the services with their parents. According to participants’ comments, the primary factors motivating contemporary couples decision to marry are perceived compatibility, and their love for one another. Conversely, respondents speculated that these reasons were not as likely to be the primary reasons that compelled their parents, and especially their grandparents, to marry. Many members of previous generations were motivated to marry as a result of family connections and pragmatic concerns such as the size of a prospective bride’s dowry. Participants also stated that they believed their generation had more permission to crossover ethnic and religious boundaries than their parents and grandparents. They stated that previous generations believed that intermarriages were likely to fail because of couple differences. By comparison, contemporary dating partners do not ascribe to this logic. They are less concerned with a person’s religious and cultural background than previous generations. Their interest is more focused on selecting someone who has a similar value system. In relation to these points, participants stated that they were more concerned with selecting someone with a similar Christian value system rather than someone from the same religious and cultural background. They also believed that their mutual love for one another, and their willingness to make their marriage work, would help them resolve any challenges they encountered related to their religious and cultural differences. Current generations place a higher value on other factors. Compatibility issues, and their mutual love for one another, prompt them to believe that these factors will make their marriages successful. The thought of arranged

MARCH 2003

Syndesmos Seeks Stewards for July General Assembly ATHENS, GREECE – Syndesmos, the World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth, is recruiting Orthodox young adults from around the world to serve as stewards at its 50th anniversary General Assembly, slated to convene at Resurrection of Christ Theological Academy, Durres, Albania July 14-20, 2003. “Syndesmos, which today counts 126 member movements in 42 countries around the world, was established in 1953 as an international network of Orthodox youth movements and theological schools,” according to the Very Rev. John Matusiak, communications director of the Orthodox Church in America and former Syndesmos vice-president. “Among Syndesmos’ founders are Archbishop Anastasios, who as Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania will have the honor of hosting the Assembly; and the late Fathers Alexander Schmemann and John Meyendorff, both former deans of St. Vladimir Seminary.” Assembly stewards will provide practical support for the Assembly’s 200-plus delegates. “Being a steward means hard work

– from making photocopies to carrying chairs or planning cultural events,” says Mr. Hildo Bos of Amsterdam, Holland, Syndesmos President. “It also is a rare occasion to be a part of a unique international Orthodox meeting of great significance. It means working, praying and enjoying yourself together with other Orthodox youth from around the world.” Stewards will prepare for their task during a training program, which will be conducted July 8-14, one week before the Assembly’s opening. Potential stewards, who are responsible for covering their own travel expenses, must be between 18 and 35 years of age. Syndesmos will provide all stewards with complimentary room and board, while a limited number of travel subsidies will be provided. For more information or to obtain a steward application, contact the Syndesmos General Secretariat, PO Box 66051, Holargos 15510, Greece; tel. +302106560991; fax +302106560992; e-mail syndesmos@syndesmos.org. or visit: www.syndesmos.org. Application deadline is May 1.

PARISH PROFILE u page 25 parishes in Western New York, including a summer camp program with the churches in Syracuse and Buffalo. Fr. Patrick also has plenty of help in the altar, with as many as 20 youths, ages 8 to 18, qualified as altar boys. As many as six assist on any given Sunday.

Self-sufficient

Members of Holy Spirit Church provide strong financial support for the various programs. Since its founding, the parish has been self-sufficient and relies on the Stewardship Program as its major revenue source, supplemented by various fund-raisers during the year. Most of the parishioners work in the professions and in the high-tech industries that are a major component of Rochester’s economy. The city of about 250,000 also is home to corporate giants that include

Kodak and Xerox; and the University of Rochester, and Rochester Institute of Technology. Holy Spirit parishioners are well represented in these institutions. The parish continues to expand its ministries. Most recently, a Philoptochos chapter was established and Fr. Patrick said various service projects are being undertaken as part of an outreach to the greater community, including the Southeast Ecumenical Ministries, which serves low-income people in the city. Among the future goals of the parish, high on the list is expanding membership and reaching out to the unchurched. “We want to reach out to any and all people looking for a traditional spiritual home,” said Fr. Patrick. –compiled by Jim Golding

PHILOPTOCHOS u page 23 tonia, N.C. It is urgent that we establish a children’s home and orphanage and I would be happy if you would undertake the sustenance of the orphans of the community.” The historic encyclical inaugurated the National Philoptochos Society, encompassing every aspect of service Archbishop Athenagoras envisioned for the organization to assist the Greek Orthodox community. Following this initial encyclical from Archbishop Athenagoras granting official status to the Ladies Philoptochos as a Archdiocesan philanthropic organization, the mission of the Adelphotis began in earnest to comply with the By-laws and to serve effectively the Greek community.

In October 1935, the first general assembly of the Philoptochos Adelphotis was convened in Boston with Archbishop Athenagoras presiding. The sessions were held in the Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Cambridge, Mass. In his letter to the Philoptochos chapters and the other women’s clubs invited to participate, the Archbishop listed the following: The Hotel Minerva in Boston was designated to house the delegates. Room rates were $2.00 per day. Luncheon was available at a cost of .50 cents. Dinner at a cost of .75 cents. A letter from Patriarch Photios was read to the delegates and elicited great joy among the ladies.

marriages and, or limiting their search to a certain pool of people seems alien and out of step with today’s societal standards and so, does not cross their minds. Finally, participants stated that they were not was not as likely for them to accept the Church’s teachings when compared to previous generations. Inter-

married spouses indicated that they would not blindly accept certain rules without a “good, convincing” explanation. They further stated that they were more likely to reject church teachings than previous generations if they perceived them as being harmful to individual, couple and family well-being.

MARCH 2003

In Memoriam

The Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas

Sunday of Orthodoxy March 16, 2003 To all the Clergy and the Laity of the Holy Orthodox Churches in the Americas Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As Hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, we address you in the love of Jesus Christ on the occasion of the Feast of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, a day when we specifically celebrate the restoration of the use of icons in our worship. The significance of this day, however, does not rest solely on icons, but also in the celebration of the fullness of our Orthodox Christian faith and its triumph over forces that have sought to diminish its power and integrity. On this day, in every Orthodox Church throughout our country and our world, the affirmation of this faith as recorded by the Seventh Ecumenical Council is proclaimed triumphantly and with one voice: This is the faith of the Apostles! This is the faith of the Fathers! This is the faith of the Orthodox! This is the faith, which has established the universe! Our Orthodox faith is the Apostolic faith. Its power and truth rests upon the living testimony of the Apostles who were called by Christ to see His miracles firsthand, to hear His words of truth and wisdom, and to give witness to the wonders of His glory. After His Resurrection, Christ commissioned the Apostles to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:19). So great was their fervor for this sacred endeavor that they could not remain silent in the face of persecution or even death, but were inspired to speak of what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:20). Our Orthodox faith is the faith of the Fathers of the Church. The Fathers were pinnacles of learning, education, and human understanding--figures of towering spiritual and intellectual abilities, who used the tools of prayer and philosophy to expound upon the essential truths of the Christian faith. With their shining examples of brilliance, we proclaim on this Sunday of Orthodoxy that our faith is one of profound spiritual and intellectual sophistication. Our Orthodox faith is universal, for the Good News of salvation extends to all humanity. The Apostles themselves confirmed that to the nations also God has granted repentance unto life (Acts 11:18). The Creator of the universe offers to every person, each being created in His likeness and image, abundant mercy that leads to eternal life. This Orthodox faith has been proclaimed by the Church down through the centuries. Today, as faithful clergy and lay people, members of the Body of Christ who are guided by the Holy Spirit in our Apostolic witness, we offer to our contemporary world the rich heritage of this faith in ways that nurture, enrich, and refresh lives, families, and communities. The healing power of our united Christian witness is especially crucial for our modern age, which is plagued by attitudes of racism and bigotry, assaulted by increased threats of war and terror, and challenged by environmental degradation and poverty. Before these and other ills, we offer the saving truth and compassionate service of our holy, apostolic, and universal faith. As Hierarchs of the Orthodox Churches in the Americas, we pray that the light of the unadulterated truth of our Orthodox Christian faith shine before all people of this land, so that all may know the transforming presence and the infinite mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord. May our Lenten journey towards His glorious Resurrection grant you continued spiritual fortification and strength; may we continue to grow in the apostolic fervor and witness of our Orthodox faith; and may the peace and grace of the Holy Trinity dwell among us now and for all eternity. ÿ Archbishop Demetrios Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

ÿ Metropolitan Herman Orthodox Church in America

ÿ Metropolitan Philip, Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese

ÿ Archbishop Nicolae, Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada

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

ÿ Metropolitan Joseph, Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese in the USA

ÿ Metropolitan Nicholas, American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church

ÿ Metropolitan Constantine Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA

The Very Rev. Michael Karloutsos The Very Rev. Michael Karloutsos, a distinguished Archimandrite of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and beloved family patriarch, passed away on March 1, 2003 from heart failure due to natural causes. Fr. Karloutsos, was born in Springfield, Mass. on Dec. 17, 1919 and was raised in Latzoi, Pyrgos, Greece by his parents, Nicholas and Stavroula Britzikis Karloutsos. Fr. Michael married his childhood sweetheart, the late Presbytera Olga Douros, in 1936. Soon after the end of WWII, they moved to New York City to create a better life and more promising future for their children. On Dec. 27, 1949 he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Arsenios and on Jan. 20, 1950, a priest by the same hierarch and, once again, at St. John Greek Orthodox Church on 17th Street in Manhattan. On April 13, 1955, Fr. Michael at the youthful age of 34, lost his much loved wife Olga, who died sadly at age 33, leaving her six children to be raised solely by their widowed father. Fr. Michael served the Archdiocese of America both humbly and proudly for 54 years. He dutifully ministered at the following parishes: St. Spyridon, Detroit; Assumption, Bayard, Neb.; St. John, Charleston, W.Va.; Sts.. Constantine and Helen, Middletown, Ohio; Holy Trinity, Concord, N.H.; St. Nicholas, Jamestown, N.Y.; St. John, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Holy Trinity, Orlando, Fla.; Sts.. Anargyroi, New York; and St. Nicholas, Wilmington, N.C. For his dedicated service to the Church of America on Sept. 4, 1975 Archbishop Iakovos elevated him to the high rank of Archimandrite. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his ordination

to the priesthood, he was honored to receive a congratulatory letter and cross of commendation from His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Fr. Michael Karloutsos is survived by his children: Nicholas Karloutsos of Danbury, Conn.; Stella Pappas of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; James Karloutsos and his wife, Athena, of Boston; Fr. Alexander Karloutsos and his wife, Presbytera Xanthi, of Southampton, NY; Fr. Peter Karloutsos and his wife, Presbytera Maria, of Danbury, Conn.; and Helen Mouhos of Livonia, Mich. Fr. Michael was a proud family man who also was loved and respected by his 16 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Fr. Michael was waked at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Danbury, Conn. on Tuesday March 4. Family members, many friends from all over the country and many other faithful attended the Divine Liturgy celebrated Wednesday, March 5 followed by the rite of burial service for the priest, presided over by Archbishop Demetrios. Also present were Archbishop Iakovos and more than 40 clergymen; deacons, priests and hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and the OCA. After almost 50 years of separation, Fr. Karloutsos was laid to rest with his beloved wife, Olga, and his dearly loved mother, Stavroula, in the Orthodox Christian section of St. Peter’s Cemetery in Danbury. The family had requested in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to be given to any of the following: Holy Cross Seminary, Brookline, Mass; Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons Building Fund, Southampton, N.Y.; The Assumption Benevolent Fund, Danbury, Conn. May his memory be eternal.

Fr. Andrew Karas Fr. Andrew Karas, 76, a retired priest, died Feb. 7. He was born in Lamia, Greece and completed grammar school, high school and the Pedagogical Academy in Lamia, and the Officers Academy in Kerkyra before coming to the United States in 1955. He married Elizabeth C. Boerner of Ware, Mass., in 1960. She preceded him in death in 1984. He was ordained a deacon in September 1962 at Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline, and as a priest at St. Demetrios

Church in Biddeford, Maine, in September 1962 by Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos. He also attended Tulane University in New Orleans for a year, and then transferred to Michigan State University where he earned a master’s in social science in 1975. He served the communities of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Webster, Mass., Assumption in Flint, Mich., St. Demetrios in Sarnia, Canada, Panaghia Pantovasilissa in Lexington, Ky, and Assumption in Lousiville, Ky. He retired in 1990.

��

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ÿ Bishop Ilia Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION u page 24 Similarly, the first as well as the final steps of any spiritual quest should be undertaken with great care. Perhaps, this is one way we may understand the nuance of the Vesperal hymn of the Sunday of the Prodigal Son that invites the faithful to “ learn the mystery of the Prodigal Son!” By focusing our attention on the spiritual insights provided in this most important parable of our Lord we may

avoid the temptation of launching ourselves into prodigality as well as the friction associated with the rapid re-entry of self-determined repentance. Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos is executive director of the D.R.E. and Professor of Religious Education at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology frfrank@goarch.org.

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MARCH 2003

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MARCH 2003

Challenge

YOUTH MINISTRY

e-mail: youthofce@goarch.org

What’s Up... CONFESSION? the lord of the rings with

Media Review:

The recent Lord of the Rings movies based upon J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels have become a huge success with age groups of all kinds. Two movies in the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, have already been released and have set the stage for the climax in the third and final film.

You are traveling somewhere… maybe you are on a vacation, perhaps a day trip to a favorite place, or even just across town to the supermarket. Along the way, the landmarks begin to look less and less familiar. The thought begins to enter your mind that maybe you are lost! At this point, you are

by Garen Collett

by Luke Palumbis

forced to make a decision. Do you admit that you are lost, or not? If you tell yourself that it will start to look familiar at any moment, the likelihood of you finding your way is slim-to-none and you may never reach your destination. If you admit that you are lost, you can then try to find a way to get directions; look at a map, call a friend, or perhaps even log onto the GPS system in the car! The key here is that you admit you’re lost and search for help so that you can get back on track with your journey. If you choose this option, the odds are on your side that you will get to that place you want to go! As Christians, we are on a journey. Our journey, however, does not lead us to a sandy beach, a friend’s house, or a supermarket – our Christian life is a journey directed toward the light of God! The path that we travel upon has been laid down and illumined for us by the Word of God, Jesus Christ Himself, and the life of the Orthodox Church. Our responsibility is to move forward on this path, each day progressing, as we strive to get closer to Christ. Although the path has been laid down, and the way is illumined, each day we find ourselves on a dark side street. When we fall off the path that leads to Christ, we begin to move in another direction, a direction that leads us somewhere other than Christ. So, if we are lost, how do we find a way back to the path that leads us to eternal life. The Bible is very clear to tell us that the way we get back onto this path is through repentance. Repentance is a very simple word that has a lot of confusion around it. How do we repent? Very simply put, the word repentance means, “to change.” We must change the actions, the behaviors, and the thoughts that have taken us off the path toward Christ. As our Christian journey is a life-long journey, the process of repentance is also a life-long process. Your effort to change must be legitimate and consistent in order to keep you on the path. Challenge is the Youth & Young Adult Ministries supplement to the Orthodox Observer.

Articles reect the opinion of the writers. Write to: Youth & Young Adult Ministries, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 83 St. Basil Rd., Garrison, New York 10524 or email: youthofce@goarch.org

The Orthodox Church plays an essential role in this process of repentance. By going to confession, we affirm to God that we recognize we have lost our direction. We then ask Him for forgiveness of our sins, the very things that have taken us off the path. Through the sacrament of confession, God forgives us of our sins, inspiring us to continue along the path to salvation. The sacrament of confession is a loving, “spiritual road map” that the Orthodox Church offers to us when we are lost. The sacrament of confession is in no way a punishment! So, what happens when we go to confession? Typically, confession happens in the church and begins with prayer before the icon of Christ. We then state those sins that have separated us from God. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the priest who is present at the confession typically offers spiritual direction to help us quickly return to the path leading toward Christ. The confession ends with the priest reading the prayer of absolution. So, as you journey down your spiritual path and you begin to think you might be lost, what will your decision be? Will you admit that you are lost? Will you try to find directions so that you can make your way back onto the path? The decision you make carries a lot more weight than on other journeys, because the reward is far more valuable than vacation time, or anything else that we can imagine. The reward we may be given at the end of this journey is life eternal, sharing in the life of God! The sacrament of confession is a means to heal our souls when we have bruised them with our sins. Therefore, feel comfortable, feel confident, feel honored, and feel blessed to receive this loving gift that our Lord offers to us, as we strive to move forward, toward Him on our journey as Orthodox Christians. Luke Palumbis is a senior a Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

The movies create a fantasy world of good vs. evil with the story of a group of heroes traveling to destroy an evil ring that could bring about the destruction of Middle Earth. J.R.R. Tolkien, being a devout Catholic, fills his novels with Christian imagery and lessons based upon Christian morals. These hidden themes bring a different side to the story, which are normally overlooked by many viewers and readers. The Dark Lord Sauron in the movies and novels is an obvious reference to Satan and all things that are evil in the world. He seeks the ring and tempts Frodo, the ring bearer, constantly. Frodo begins to find himself being overcome by the evil force of the ring, and his companions can sense a change about him. Here Tolkien parallels the struggles of Frodo to how the devil is constantly tempting us and trying to sway us to perform evil thoughts and deeds. Our life is a constant struggle and Tolkien describes that through the quest of Frodo and his companions. Knowing and being aware about such hidden themes and imagery will help us as Chris-

Did You Know…

CONFESSION

• Confession is one of the greatest gifts we have been given. It may seem intimidating but once you begin to confess regularly to a priest you will learn how it is an important thing we can do for our salvation and our life. • Remember, priests go to confession too! So, they know what it is like to be in your shoes. • A great book to read about the importance of confession is the Forgotten Medicine: The Mystery of Repentance by Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev. To order this book, go to www.light-n-life.com. • To prepare to for confession go to www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/ and click on the Preparation for Holy Confession link… and start preparing.

tians to understand things better whether it be a song, movie, or situation. If we can learn to analyze what we are doing, we can learn to steer clear of evil, and choose the better path. The movie producers do an excellent job of staying close to the themes of the novels. Catchy stunts and amazing graphics bring the movie to life and make it exciting for all viewers. The movies are rated PG-13 because of battle scenes and violence, but it’s not like we have another Saving Private Ryan on our hands. If you plan on seeing the movies I would strongly encourage reading the novels as well, because not only does it help to understand the movie, the novels are a great read and you can easily find yourself reading for hours. The Lord of the Rings movies provided a vibrant and elaborate fantasy world for all viewers to enjoy. But next time you see the movie I challenge you to try and find Tolkien’s hidden symbolism and see if you can get more out of the movie than just face value. The power of analysis is a key factor for all Orthodox Christians because we must be able to interpret our world and not be manipulated. The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy movie, which provides much entertainment for all people but also has a deeper theme to it, which we as Orthodox Christians should strive to understand. Garen is a high school student who attends Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas, Texas.

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

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MARCH 2003

Archbishop Anastasios of Albania Receives Honorary Doctorate, Delivers Lectures Crestwood, NY. – Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres and All Albania recently traveled to the U.S. where he received an honorary degree at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary in Crestwood, N.Y., and was the featured speaker at a Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute lecture at Assumption Church in Oakland, Calif. On Feb. 27-28, Metropolitan Herman of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and president of St. Vladimir’s Seminary presented His Beatitude with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree at the start of a two-day symposium on Orthodox missions, held at the John G. Rangos Family Foundation Building.

the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.

In California

On March 2-3, His Beatitude delivered the Distinguished Lecture series of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute at Ascension Cathedral, Oakland. His first lecture was titled, “Religion and the Peace of the World.” The second lecture was “Religion and Poverty” and the third was on “An Apostolic Experiment: The Resurrection of the Church of Albania.” For more than 40 years, Archbishop Anastasios has been recognized internationally for his work in mission and evangelism. Throughout the 1960s and

American Foundation For Hellenic Studies Established in Atlanta ATLANTA – A Center for Hellenic Studies has been established by The American Foundation for Hellenic Studies, a nonprofit community-based organization, in partnership with Georgia State University, the largest university in the metropolitan Atlanta area. The American Foundation began its quest to promote Hellenism on the university level because of its strong belief in the ideals of Hellenic culture, its traditions and its values.

orary Foundation trustee, was named a Distinguished Professor of Georgia State during his visit and pledged the moral and financial support of the Greek government to the program. On May 10, 2002, the Center’s first chair, the Founding Chair in Contemporary Hellenic Studies, was dedicated. The American Foundation presented $100,000 to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences as the first payment on its pledge of $500,000 toward the chair’s endowment. Georgia State will match this amount to complete the endowment of $1 million for the first chair. Another integral part of the program is the Distinguished Lecture Series, launched in September 2001, with former Gov. Michael S. Dukakis as the guest lecturer.

Dukakis, Vryonis among speakers

ETA PRESS

ARCHBISHOP ANASTASIOS (left) presents an icon of the Resurrection to St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Dean John H. Erickson (center) and Metropolitan Herman (right), primate of the Orthodox Church in America accept the icon.

A record crowd of more than 300 persons, including Archbishop Demetrios, turned out to hear Archbishop Anastasios deliver the keynote lecture, “Rediscovering Our Apostolic Identity in the 21st Century.” “We find ourselves at the dawn of apostolic work in the 21st Century. With every new generation we must be ready to explore the new and creative, but also engage the old –the apostolic,” Archbishop Anastasios said and he explained that “the work of missions is part of the Church’s genetic material, as if it constituted its DNA.” “The apostolic vocation belongs not just to individuals but to the entire Church; Christ was not addressing –was not limiting Himself– only to his 12 disciples or any other limited number of people,” he explained. In addition to Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Herman, other hierarchs attending included Metropolitan Theodosius, former primate of the OCA; Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos and Bishop Savas of the Archdiocese; Metropolitan Paisios of Tyana; and Archbishop Peter and Bishop Nikon (OCA). The second day of the symposium featured the following lectures and discussions on current issues facing Orthodox missions today. • Mission and Philanthropy, Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St Vladimir’s Seminary • Challenges Facing Modern Missions, Rev. Luke Veronis, OCMC Missionary to Albania • Renewing the Spirit of Missions in the Local Parish, V Rev. Constantine Nasr, Pastor of St Elijah Orthodox Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma • Youth and Mission, Rev. Michael Nasser, Director of College Ministries for

70s, he worked as a missionary in Africa. In 1981 he became the acting Archbishop of East Africa, working to restore the local Orthodox Church there. In 1992, Anastasios was elected Archbishop of Tirana and Albania by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Albania had been one of the most militantly atheistic of the communist states, outlawing all religions in 1967 and systematically working to eliminate all elements of religious life in the nation. Following the fall of communism, the Orthodox Church began a slow re-birth and the Ecumenical Patriarchate acted to restore the Autocephalous Church of Albania. Since the election of Archbishop Anastasios, the Orthodox Church in Albania has steadily been reborn, churches being opened and built, clergy being educated, schools being established, and a radio station and newspaper being inaugurated. The lecture series is one of the signature events of the PAOI and has brought some of the most respected and wellknown scholars on Orthodox theology to the Bay Area. The series was recently named for long-time Institute Director Paul G. Manolis. The mission of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute is to educate, communicate, promote and sustain the traditions, values, teachings and culture of Orthodox Christianity. The Institute is an inter-Orthodox endeavor, representing the diversity of Orthodoxy in America. It is an affiliate member of the Graduate Theological Union of the University of California-Berkeley. In addition to offering courses in Orthodox Studies at the GTU, the PAOI serves the faithful of the Bay Area, providing educational opportunities throughout the year and also sponsors the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at UC-Berkeley.

Gov. Dukakis addressed the students at Georgia State and was also THEODORA CAMPBELL; Dr. Kleris, and Dr. Adamson hold a mock- the keynote speaker at a up of a check for $100,000 presented to Georgia State University fund raising endowment on Feb. 2 by the American Foundation for Hellenic Studies for banquet held at Atlanta’s 103 West Restaurant. the Founding Chair in Contemporary Hellenic Studies. Dr. Spyros Vryonis of “It is important that we encourage California, renowned teacher of Hellenism the dissemination of our rich and noble and Orthodoxy, has also been featured in heritage through worthy programs such as the lecture series, and on Feb. 2-3, of this this,” states Dr. George S. Kleris, president year, Dr. Constantine Papadakis, president of the Foundation’s Executive Committee. of Drexel University in Philadelphia, Penn“We all want the Center for Hellenic Stud- sylvania, was the guest lecturer. ies at Georgia State University to reach a Following the Divine Liturgy on Sunstandard of excellence in education and day morning, Dr. Papadakis addressed in reputation that all other such centers the congregation of Atlanta’s Annunciawill aspire to emulate.” tion Cathedral with an imaginative and Georgia State, with an enrollment thought-provoking presentation of the of 34,000 students, has an international future of Hellenism. He was honored Sunfocus and is dedicated to multi-cultural day evening at a dinner in the Cathedral’s activities, thus making it a natural fit with new Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Community the American Foundation’s mission of Center, where he gave a detailed presentapromoting and disseminating Hellenic tion, with slides, of democracy as practiced culture: ancient, Byzantine and modern. in ancient Athens. In October 2000, the Center was honDr. Papadakis concluded his visit to ored to have Foreign Minister George A. Atlanta with a presentation at Georgia Papandreou of Greece present for its of- State, which covered the remarkable conficial inauguration. tributions of ancient Greece to science Other notables at the inaugural week- and technology. end were Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, For more information, contact TheoAlexandros Philon, former ambassador to dora Campbell, who may be reached at the U.S. from Greece, Dimitris Macrynikolas, the above address; at phone number consul of Greece in Atlanta, and Dr. Louis W. 404-262-1230, or at e-mail address: Sullivan, president of the Morehouse School theodora.campbell@americanfoundation of Medicine and former Secretary of Health forhellenicstudies.org. and Human Services in Washington. The website address is: www.america Foreign Minister Papandreou, an hon- nfoundationforhellenicstudies.org.

U. of Chicago OCF Celebrates Feast Day

CHICAGO – The University of Chicago Orthodox Christian Fellowship celebrated their patron saints’ feast day, the Three Hierarchs, with a vespers and artoclasia. The OCF chapter, sponsored by Sts.

Constantine and Helen Church in Palos Hills, Ill., has an active weekly program for Orthodox students, families and staff. Fr. Nicholas Jonas serves as the chaplain. Its web site is www.ocf.uchicago.edu.

Correction In a story about plans for rebuilding World Trade Center (O.O. Vol. 68 – Issue 1197, Feb. 2003, p. 5) it was incorrectly stated that one of the two plans under consideration at the time, provided a location for the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church across from St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Chapel. It should have read: …across from St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel. The architectural plans finally approved provide for the original location as the site for rebuilding St. Nicholas

MARCH 2003

Festival of Orthodox Christianity Report

Rev. Andrew J. Barakos of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, Ariz., answers a question during the Church’s second annual SpiritFest held in October.

Annual Event Showcases the Orthodox Faith SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – More than 750 persons attended the recent SpiritFest II event at Assumption Church. “SpiritFest is a festival of the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith,” said Fr. Andrew J. Barakos, presbyter at Assumption. “People are captivated by the architecture of our new church building and also have a continued interest in finding out and knowing what this community is about.” Both the architecture of the new building and the community’s expression of faith have been beacons for the neighboring people. The SpiritFest event, under the direction of George Spelius, provided the neighbors and people passing by the church with the opportunity to tour the facilities and learn more about the Orthodox Christian faith. This year’s event also gave attendees the chance to see the new Byzantine icon of the Platytera. Local clergy and laity gave presentations throughout the day. At regular intervals, parishioners led church tours that concluded with Fr. Barakos providing an overview of the Orthodox Church including its faith, icons, and worship. SpiritFest attendees also heard a variety of liturgical hymns as sung by members of the Assumption choir, under the direction of Terri Alexon. Prior to the singing, Fr. Barakos explained that everything in the Orthodox Church helps the parishioner worship. “Icons help the soul visually while the choir’s singing provides hymns for the soul.” Besides the activities in the church, a constant flow of visitors made their way to the community center throughout the

day. People had the opportunity to browse the bookstore. Crafts and activities were available for children. Informational brochures on the Orthodox Christian faith, worldwide missions, and the weekly, local radio program were available. SpiritFest is only a small part of many programs available through Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Other activities include the weekly radio ministry entitled, “For the Life of The World,” (www.forthelife.org) heard each Sunday at 4 p.m., weekly Bible study, Studies in Orthodoxy, men’s spiritual breakfast, youth program, and an annual Greek food festival. More information can be found at the church web site www.assumptionaz.org. SpiritFest attests to the fact that people are interested in learning about Orthodox Christianity and seek a deeper understanding of spirituality in their lives. “In many cases we are seeing a dissatisfaction in some of the other churches in America,” said Fr. Barakos. “The dissatisfaction stems from instability, so we have people in Arizona and throughout the country looking for stability in their faith and church.” Allan Boyd of Chandler, a convert to the Orthodox faith who is mentors the altar boys during worship services sees Orthodox Christianity as the complete faith. “I read and studied the faith for seven years on my journey to becoming Orthodox,” says Boyd. “The Orthodox faith is truth in advertising in that it has all the elements of true worship having continued in its unaltered Apostolic faith and practice for over 2,000 years.”

DALLAS – The Festival of Orthodox Christianity 2003 was a glorious event held Feb. 8. NTOM, North Texas Orthodox Missions, a pan Orthodox outreach of all area Orthodox parishes hosted about 480 folks who gathered at Holy Trinity Church where they heard three dynamic speakers and enjoyed special exhibits and bookstores. The program included morning and evening prayer offered by clergy from all jurisdictions accompanied by area parish choirs and chanters celebrating both the Russian and Byzantine traditions. There were also musical interludes spaced throughout the day. Fr. Anthony Savas of Holy Trinity Church kept the program running smoothly as master of ceremonies. Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver provided an Orthodox perspective of the end times. His Eminence reminded us that the last of the seven original churches of the New Testament, the church of Smyrna, survived up until 1922. And that an “explosion of knowledge” was one event that would precede the last days. But he was also careful to explain that in recent times there have been many who have “cried wolf.” Moreover, that these false predictions can lead us to become complacent and unprepared —much like the parable in the book of Matthew of the ten virgins. In the questions following he explained why the idea of a rapture contradicts scripture. Khouri Frederica Matthewes Green reminded us that we not lose sight of the importance of repentance. That many churches today have watered down Christ’s message stressing His mercy and

compassion and ignoring His message of repentance and contrition. This imbalance has led many denominations to advertise their church to newcomers with feel-good advertising. Especially now as we approach Great Lent and Pascha we need to humble ourselves and with a contrite spirit repent of our sins and seek forgiveness from one another and from God. The afternoon talk by Dr. George Bithos entitled: “Orthodox Spirituality: A blueprint for living” extended Frederica’s message of repentance to the concept of living a full life in Christ. Repentance is the first step on our journey toward Christ in our divine ascent through the process of theosis. During the lunch break, people were invited to tour the church, chat with the speakers, visit bookstores and exhibits in the community center, and attend a book signing by Frederica. A special exhibit on loan from the Heartland Orthodox Museum from Topeka, Kansas, about how immigrant communities brought the Orthodox Church to America was made possible through the hard work of Marvin Vann. A free CD was produced and distributed by Jason Barker from St. Barbara Orthodox Church in America as a resource for learning about our faith. Warren Caterson traveled from OCMC located in St. Augustine Florida to join us. These were but a few highlights from the exhibit area. Audio recordings of the presentations will be available for sale in mid-March and throughout the upcoming pan Orthodox Sunday Vespers during Great Lent. Check www.NTOM.org on the Internet to see photographs and to order recordings.

Chicago Junior Olympics The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago has announced that planning for the 22nd annual Junior Olympics has begun. The annual Memorial Day weekend event will be held on May 23-25 and hosted again by the community of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Palos Hill, Ill. This year more than 2,200 young people, ages 7-18, from over thirty different parishes, are expected to participate in a conglomeration of individual and team athletic events. This year’s program will include swimming, track & field, soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, 10K run, bowling, tennis, chess, checkers, and table tennis. Moreover, several different collegiate will be presented on behalf of the Junior Olympics to athletes showing a strong spiritual life, academic record, community involvement and writing skills. Once again the facilities being used in the Junior Olympics include Sts. Constantine and Helen Church complex, A.A. Stagg

High School, and Moraine Valley Community College, all in Palos Hills. With each passing year, this event has become all the more larger and stronger. It is through the Stewardship contributions of the participating parishes, various individuals, organizations and businesses as well as the hard work of each and every volunteer, that this event has been a success for twenty-one years. The Junior Olympics are open to all young people, ages 7-18, of the Greek Orthodox Faith (with the 10K run open to all ages). Registration must take place through your own parish. For more information regarding the Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics, contact your local Greek Orthodox parish or Fr. Nicholas Jonas, general chairman, Tom De Medeiros, director of publicity and volunteers, or Chris Avramopoulos, director of Registration at 708 974-3400. Sts. Constantine and Helen Church is located at 11025 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills.

Illinois Church Celebrates Feast Day

The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, Ariz. is a magnificent structure and a true oasis in the desert combining traditional Byzantine architecture with a copper dome and natural color accents. While the new church building is only a year old, the Assumption parish was established in Scottsdale in 1988.

AURORA, Ill. – St. Athanasios Church recently celebrated the name day of the community. Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Jan. 19 at the community in recognition of the festal day. A luncheon honoring St. Athanasios was held following the Liturgy on the 19th. Along with presiding over the festivities, His Eminence also tonsured 17 altar boys to the minor order of reader in the church.

His Eminence officially installed and welcomed Fr. Peter Spiro as the new pastor of St. Athanasios, recalling a rich history of pastoral guidance throughout Fr. Spiro’s education, and the days when Father was a young altar boy as well. Father Peter has been the pastor of the church since September 2002. St. Athanasios Church is located at 1855 East Fifth Avenue in Aurora Illinois 60504 www.stathanasios.org 630-851-6106.

MARCH 2003

IOCC, OCMC RECEIVE ATHENAGORAS HUMANITARIAN AWARD u u page 1 He continued, “IOCC has distributed more than $160 million in aid through its initiatives both domestically and in 21 countries around the world. It has carried out its mandate of humanitarian service with distinction, responding to the needs of victims of war, poverty, disease and natural disasters. IOCC has earned numerous commendations for both its organizational efficiency and program effectiveness.” About the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, the international missionary agency of SCOBA, Dr. Limberakis said the organization “is a worthy recipient of the Athenagoras Award. For almost two decades, the Mission Center has been the vehicle for Orthodox Christians in America to participate in the Church’s missionary endeavors around the world,” he said.

D. PANAGOS

NEW ARCHONS of the class of 2003 surround Archbishop Demetrios, Dr. Anthony Limberakis and Mr. Nicholas Bouras, immediately after their induction ceremony at the Cathedral of Holy Trinity.

BERT MOYAR

D. PANAGOS

“Since its inception in 1985, the Mission Center has offered missionary support to over 35 countries through sending long-term and short-term missionaries, supporting the development of indigenous Orthodox churches, and funding educational and philanthropic programs,” Dr. Limberakis said. During this time, the Mission Center has sent more than 800 dedicated volunteers on teaching, building and medical teams, conducted 25 building and restoration projects of churches, schools and medical clinics, and financially supported over 230 indigenous Orthodox clergy in 12 countries.” He continued, “The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle is deeply honored to recognize these vital organizations represented this evening by their board presidents and executive directors, for IOCC Archon Bert W. Moyar and Constantine M. Triantafilou and for OCMC Mrs. Helen Nicozisis and Fr. Martin Ritsi. We wish to recognize the founding fathers and principal personalities of these organizations as well, His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, who was a great driving force as well as, Archon Andrew A. Athens and Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos. We proclaim these individuals, both those who have already served and who now currently serve these noble institutions as AXIOI! AXIOI! AXIOI!” Mr. Athens, who served as president of the Archdiocesan Council when he helped establish IOCC in 1992, said the IOCC “has proven if you respond to a real need you will grow.” He noted that, over the past 10 years, the organization has provided $160 million worth of program services around the world. “This is a greatly needed work. It’s marvelously effective.” Mr. Athens, who now serves as the president of the World Council of Hellenes (SAE), said IOCC served as the inspiration for SAE’s Medical Relief Initiative, which is

active in providing medical aid to Hellenes living in Ukraine, southern Albania, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other countries. Archbishop Anastasios stated, “I represent thousands of people who have received your gifts and your love. They have opened a new horizon.” His Beatitude also noted the organizations efforts “help us to listen a little more when we say ‘I believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.’” Following a video tribute by GOTelecom, Dr. Limberakis and Archbishop Demetrios presented the award to IOCC Board President and Archon Bert Moyar and Executive Director Dean Triantafilou, and OCMC Board President Helen Nicozisis and Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi. In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Moyar observed the two pan Orthodox organizations share a common goal in providing material and spiritual needs. He also noted the strong support received from the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. “Without its support in its (IOCC’s) early hears, we might not be here,” he said. Fr. Ritsi of the OCMC said, “We must be ready at all times to carry the gospel entrusted to us.” He spoke of the efforts of the missionaries living in other countries, some of them at risk to their lives and health, among them Mr. Triantafilou who had been active in the Balkans during the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo before assuming his present post.. Fr. Ritsi also acknowledged the pioneer work of Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos who, as an archimandrite, helped establish the success of the mission center. In his reflections, Archbishop Demetrios told of his visit to Moscow in 2000 that included a tour of a mental hospital where he saw stacks of food boxes provided by the IOCC. His Eminence said the example shows “the tremendous value of the IOCC as an instrument of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). Both organizations are under SCOBA, which is also honored through their existence,” noted the Archbishop, who serves as SCOBA chairman.

D. PANAGOS

Fr. RITSI, OCMC Executive Director explains the scope of the organization’s missionary work

His Eminence also acknowledged a “common denominator” in the existence and success of these organizations. “Who is the ‘common denominator?,’ – Archbishop Iakovos,” he said. “This Archbishop started SCOBA, IOCC and OCMC,” His Eminence said of his predecessor. “The Bible says to remember your leaders whose faith and life we have to imitate.” He said that truth is the essence of the OCMC and serves as an example of the fundamental elements of the Church, “truth and love brought together.” “If we don’t offer the truth, then there is nothing,” the Archbishop said. “Love is the main thing,” he said that IOCC provides. “If it doesn’t offer love, it doesn’t offer anything. “IOCC addresses the needs of the mind and body, while OCMC provides for the soul.” His Eminence also presented checks to both organizations on behalf of the Archons.

New Archons

Also during the banquet, which was underwritten by Archon Nicholas J.

Bouras, the 27 Archon candidates were introduced. They were inducted in ceremonies held Sunday, March 9 at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral. They are as follows: Achilles Adamantiades, North Bethesda, Md.; Leon Andris, Potomac, Md.; Peter Baganakis, New Milford, N.J.; Haralambos Bozonelos, Mt. Prospect, Ill.; Gregory Caras, Dayton, Ohio; Arthur Chagaris, Mahwah, N.J.; Anthony Chapekis, Northbrook, Ill.; Thomas Demakes, Swampscott, Mass.; Peter Demakos, Stamford, Conn.; Louis Gaitanis, St. Augustine, Fla.; Stephen Georgeson, Atlanta; George Koukounaris, Nahant, Mass.; Dean Kamaras, Pittsburgh; John Kassimatis, Garden City, N.H.; Gus Kyrkostas, East Marion, N.Y.; George Kaludis, Potomac, Md.; Theodore Kays, Coral Gables, Fla.; Nicholas Larigakis, Alexandria, Va.; Nicholas Loutsion, Canonsburg, Pa.; Victor Panagos, Gaithersburg, Md.; Gus Pappas, New City, N.Y.; Solon Patterson, Atlanta; Nick Stavros, Tulsa, Okla.; Constantine Tchakanakis, Aurora, Ill; Nicholas Tsakalos, Phoenix, Md.; Manuel Tzagournis, Columbus, Ohio; and Demetrius Zonars, Dayton, Ohio.