Orthodox Observer - September 2006

SEPTEMBER 2006 • Vol. 71 • No. 1225

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

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A Great Clergy-Laity Congress K AT R I N A One Year Later NEW ORLEANS – As the eyes of the world were glued to the television set in disbelief, those of us who had evacuated from the impacted area of Hurricane Katrina wondered, “To what will we return?”

“When will we be able to return?” “What should we do next?”

by Fr. Antony Stratis

Not surprisingly, members of our Holy Trinity Cathedral family (not unlike all others from the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama Gulf Coast) were reaching out to one another, as well as being reached out to by our new neighbors, by our Metropolis of Atlanta and our Archdiocese.

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ARChBIshOP’s FIRsT VIsIT TO I.V.   see last page

Ecumenical Patriarchate . . . . . . 4 Archbishop’s Encyclical ...............  11 Challenge .....................................  27 Classifieds ..................................... 28 Greek Section .............................. 15-18 Opinions .......................................  10 Parish Profile ................................  19 Philoptochos ................................  26

The 38th Clergy Laity Congress is now history but in the estimation of many, it will go down as the best ever. The conclave offered more spiritual activities, including workshops, worship services and meaningful and beneficial activities and programs for delegates and their families.

FULL COVERAGE: pgs. 3, 6-9, 22-25

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SEPTEMBER 2006

Archbishop Demetrios Commemorates 5th Anniversary of sept. 11 NEW YORK - Archbishop Demetrios took part in several events commemorating Sept. 11, 2001 including his celebration of the Divine Liturgy and Holy Trinity Cathedral Memorial service on Sept. 10.

Attending that service were families of victims from throughout the Greater New York area and members of the diplomatic corps of Greece and Cyprus.

The Archbishop also expressed his condolences and offered words of encouragement to the families of the 30 Greek American victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Later that afternoon, President George Bush had invited Archbishop Demetrios and other religious leaders to join him in a White House Service of Remembrance for September 11th at St. Paul’s Chapel at Ground Zero. At the service, His Eminence read an appropriate passage from Romans 8:35-39: “Who shall separate us from Christ?

Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’

ARCHBISHOP Demetrios addressing the congregation at the White House Service of Remembrance for September 11th at St. Paul’s Chapel at Ground Zero. President Bush, Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg are seated in the first row.

PHOTOS D. PANAGOS

MEMORIAL Service at the St. Nicholas site. Many parishioners and victims’ family members were in attendance. Among them were Port Authority Police chief George Albin and inspector John Kassimatis.

A MOMENT OF SILENCE in tribute of those who perished on Sept. 11. Laying a flower are Port Authority Inspector John Kassimatis and his wife. who lost her brother Prokopios Zois in the Twin Towers.

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors though Him who loved us.

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, “Nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Archbishop also commented on the profound changes to society wrought by those attacks, stating that humanity now

Thousands of people, including news media representatives from around the world gathered in the area around Ground Zero for the commemoration.

The Archbishop then proceeded to the site of the destroyed St. Nicholas Church and to Ground Zero, for a Trisagion (memorial service) for the victims’ families and survivors.

At the service, His Eminence repeated an earlier theme of the profound effects of Sept. 11, with the current condition under which people live requires being “ready for the unexpected and unthinkable.”

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lives under a new condition where terrorism and security dominate everyday life and people are “preoccupied with survival.”

He also said that “with the crucifixion of Christ, you have the end of terrorism,” since through the Lord’s death and resurrection, we can overcome the world’s evils.

Monday morning, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. Archbishop Demetrios joined New York Gov. George Pataki, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other dignitaries at the annual commemoration of the reading of the victims’ names at Ground Zero.

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He added, “No one can replace the people that were lost, “ but the resurrection gives hope of being together in the afterlife.

At Ground Zero, His Eminence placed a rose on the “footprint” of where the North Tower of the World Trade Center stood.

In mid-afternoon, he went to the Fire Department of New York Museum to view the “Faces of Ground Zero, Portraits of the Heroes of 9/11” exhibit by former Life magazine photographer Joe McNally.

He visited briefly with the photographer and museum officials.

The life-size portraits, which included that of His Eminence, were part of a book “One Nation America - Remembers September 11, 2001,” published in 2001.

At 6 p.m. the Archbishop participated in an Interfaith Memorial Service at St. Paul’s Chapel at Ground Zero, which was attended by several hundred representatives of various faiths in the city.

Archbishop Demetrios offered a prayer at the service with three special petitions: for the souls of the victims, for those who fell in the line of duty attempting to save the victims, and for members of the armed forces.

SEPTEMBER 2006

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MORE WORshIP sERVICEs FEATURED AT 38th C-L CONGREss A greater number of worship services highlighted the Clergy-Laity Congress in Nashville than were held at previous congresses.

At the hierarchal Divine Liturgy that marked the beginning of the 38th ClergyLaity Congress on July 16, more than 1,300 faithful filed the Presidential Ballroom.

Archbishop Demetrios concelebrated the service with the Patriarchal representative, Metropolitan Demetrios of Sevasteia, the Metropolitans of the Archdiocese, along with the chancellors and heads of the clergy syndesmos of each Metropolis.

In keeping with the theme of the Congress, “Sharing the Truth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ,” Archbishop Demetrios offered his homily on the day’s gospel reading from Matthew 5:14-19, in which Christ tells his followers they are the “light of the world.”

“He didn’t say ‘you have to be the light of the world, or you are obligated to be the light of the world. He told them they are the light of the world,’” the Archbishop said.

His Eminence added, “He says it to everyone who follows in the footsteps of the Holy Apostles, even 20 centuries later.”

He said that Christians are called to be “transmitters of the Light of Christ” in terms of offering Christ as the “absolute, definitive truth that prevails over error, lying and wrong perceptions.”

Archbishop Demetrios noted that the Light of Christ throws away darkness of sin that could influence human minds and serves to eliminate confusion, forgiveness in human thinking and perceptions.

He cited contemporary life as a prime example of the darkness that Christians bearing the Light of Christ are meant to dispel.

“Our world, unfortunately, has daily experience with what is sin and evil,” His Eminence said, in the form of wars, exploitation, injustices, corruption, rejection and poverty as sin due to “other elements.”

“We have plenty of sin and evil,” he continued. “Here is the need for us to be the ‘Light of Christ’ that eliminates sin and evil, which happened once and for all on the cross.”

AT THE CONCLUSION of the Divine Liturgy Archbishop Demetrios of America with Patriarchal representative Metropolitan Demetios of Sevasteia (to his R) and the hierarchs of the Holy Eparhial Synod (L to R) Metropolitans Evangelos of New Jersey, Nicholas of Detroit, Isaiah of Denver, PHOTOS D. PANAGOS Maximos of Pittsburgh, Iakovos of Chicago, Methodios of Boston, Alexios of Atlanta and Gerasimos of San Francisco.

“Victory over sin is a given and we are the carriers of the light that declares that victory,” he said. “We are the light in terms of reconciliation and rapprochement among people as individuals and nations, this crying out from Iraq, the Middle East, South America – anyplace where humans conflict among themselves.

The Archbishop noted “a wonderful coincidence” with the epistle reading that calls for the faithful to learn to be leaders in good works. He said we are to connect it with the gospel and be leaders in being and shining the Light of Christ.

Memorials for hierarchs Following the Liturgy, Archbishop Demetrios conducted a memorial service for Archbishop Iakovos and Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco, both of whom

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Plenary sessions Act on significant Finance and Administration Proposals NEW YORK – The 38th Clergy Laity Congress is now history but in the estimation of many, it will go down as the best ever.

The conclave offered more spiritual activities, including workshops, worship services and meaningful and beneficial activities and programs for delegates and their families.

A total of 717 delegates representing 329 parishes attended the July 16-22 event. Despite concerns about the turnout before the event, it turned out to be one of the best attended. However, attendance at the Young Adult Conference held the weekend leading up to the Congress, was lower than in past years.

The Congress also featured a cultural event that proved to be a big hit, an evening at the Nashville Parthenon, a full-size replica built in 1897 of the original temple in Athens, Greece, that drew more than 1,700 persons.

lion, and a $19.4 million budget for fiscal year 2008.

Archdiocese finances were an area of significant improvement during the past year. Where a deficit of $1 million had existed in 2004, the Archdiocese ended 2005 with an adjusted surplus of about $2 million.

Plenary session actions

Major change

Delegates at the two plenary sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, July 20-21, approved reports and recommendations from Hellenic College-Holy Cross, and the following committees: Administration, Youth, Greek Education, Outreach and Evangelism, Communications, the Chaplaincy, Finance, Interfaith Marriage, Leadership 100, Philoptochos, Institutions, Technology, Archons, Religious Education, and Science and Technology.

The recent SWOT survey undertaken by the Archdiocese and a report on the Orthodox Christian Mission Center also were presented.

Among the key decisions of the Congress was a change in how the national ministries of the Archdiocese are funded, basing the commitment of a parish from income to expenses.

Delegates also approved a proposed budget for fiscal year 2007 of $18.1 mil-

In his report on Hellenic CollegeHoly Cross, the Rev. Nicholas Triantafilou, school president, discussed the success of programs at the schools, including the Kalinikion Institute for the Greek Language, the addition of new faculty and administra-

HC/HC

tors and finances.

He noted that, while the amount of unrestricted gifts has been declining for several years, the goal is for HC/HC to become self-supportive.

Enrollment has been increasing since 2005, with Hellenic College experiencing an 79 percent rise in the number of students and Holy Cross has had a 31 percent increase.

Administration

The Administration Committee report

by Tony Stefanis of Atlanta presented the proposed amendments to the Archdiocese regulations on dispute resolution procedures, governing the process to be followed for settling serious conflicts within a parish and to higher levels of jurisdictions.

A recommendation that future clergylaity congresses be held every three years instead of every two for cost effectiveness was referred to the Archdiocesan Council for further study.

However, the next Congress already has been announced for 2008 in Washington.

Presiding hierarch was Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago.

Youth

Youth Committee Chairman Thomas

Kanelos of Niles, Ill., discussed several goals for the Department of Youth Ministry over the next two years, including much needed renovations for Ionian Village.

Greek Education

Dr. Ioannis Efthymiopoulos, director of Greek Education at the Archdiocese, reported that the curriculum and teaching methods for the Greek language are being evaluated and modernized based on a recent survey undertaken among Greek educators around the country.

Outreach & Evangelism

Catherine Lingas of Portland, Oregon, discussed several initiatives being undertaken by the department, headed

by Fr. James Kordaris. Her report included resolutions that every parish establish a missions, outreach and evangelism committee, and that they should include a budget line item for that ministry.

Communications

Committee Chairman Clifford Argue of Seattle discussed several action items proposed by the committee, including increasing the frequency of the Orthodox Observer and expanding the scope of PRAXIS magazine to include the various ministries of the Archdiocese. He also

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SEPTEMBER 2006

ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE Patriarchal Message to the 38th Clergy Laity Patriarch Bartholomew According to our Great brothers, holy Hierarchs, most Holy Mother Church of Christ devout Clergymen and most piboth love and truth are idenous lay people, to hold fast onto tified with the Holiest Jesus the traditional spiritual legacy Christ and are not rather imand to conjure up innovative personal concepts. Thus, since ways in order to spread the Orthe Church is also identified thodox message of the Church, with the Lord Jesus Christ, it the arc of Truth and Love. becomes evident that the theoUnfortunately, our person logical pair of Love and Truth will be deprived of the joy to constitutes an essential means participate in your blessed Confor her missionary expression gress, which is so much necesto the world. sary for further fulfillment of Besides, the very loving the diverse mission of the Holy way through which the living Archdiocese; however, we are truth was revealed to us is quite sending His Eminence Metrocharacteristic, since it did not politan Demetrios of Sevasteia, stop at being a simple theory OPENING of the Congress Exhibit Area a most beloved brother and and moral teaching; it was inconcelebrant of our Humility, as stead sealed with the immense world-saving sacrifice of Jesus official Patriarchal Representative, to bring to your coveted love Christ on the cross on the prayers and affection of Mother Church.

Golgotha; this sacrifice bequeathed us “an example, that we Thus, from Constantinople we paternally congratulate all should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). beloved participating members of the 38th Clergy Laity Congress, With these introductory thoughts we greet with enthusiasm, and bestow upon each one of you the Patriarchal blessing of our and with anticipated hope we bless the 38th Clergy Laity Congress Humility; we raise our imploring hands and pray to the Lord to of our Holy Archdiocese of America, which is the largest and by far give you Self-truth and Self-love, to bless your Congress with rich most active Holy Eparchy of our Ecumenical Patriarchate, under fruits, for the joy of the Great Holy Mother Church of Christ and the strong prelacy of your very beloved Eminence. the glory of our Triune God, Whose the abundant Mercy and Knowing well of the most particular existing conditions of rich Blessing and the Divine Grace may be with you all, brother your life and church presence and activity within the reality of the Hierarchs and God-blessed children.

USA that is replete with people of many cultures and religions, †BARTHOLOMEW which we follow closely either directly or by other means, we Patriarch of Constantinople, beloved brother in Christ admire you for the much praised effort undertaken by all beloved

Calls for Dialogue Based on Tolerance

The recent reaction to certain remarks made by Pope Benedict XVI in a speech he delivered to an academic audience at the University of Regensburg on Sept. 12 has caused deep concern to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of more than 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.

“Today,” said Patriarch Bartholomew, “dialogue is more useful and necessary in relation to the past. For this reason, our only course should be toward sincere dialogue based on tolerance.”

Defining his position as one of mutual love and respect, the Ecumenical Patriarch continued by suggesting that, “While there are so many possibilities for cooperation and common values, particularly among the three monotheistic religions, it is necessary to avoid situations which can offend each others beliefs and displease each other.”

Patriarch Bartholomew is the 270th successor of the Holy Apostle Andrew. Pope Benedict has accepted the invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, Turkey on the Feastday of St. Andrew the Apostle, the brother of Saint Peter, on Nov. 30.

NJ Resolution Urges Turkish Recognition of Patriarchate New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine signed an Assembly and Senate Joint Resolution on Aug. 2 urging the government of Turkey to stop racial and religious discrimination, and immediately recognize the religious authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Orthodox Christian Church.

The state of New Jersey is the first state to pass such a resolution, thus setting the tone for other states to follow in the renouncing of Turkey’s deplorable treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and other minority religions within their country. Legislators Steve Corodemus, Upendra Chmukula, Joseph Kyrillos and Bob Smith sponsored the resolution.

The resolution reads: m“The Governor and Legislature of the State of New Jersey call on the Government of Turkey to eliminate all forms of discrimination, particularly those based on race or religion, and to immediately grant the Ecumenical Patriarch appropriate international recognition, ecclesiastic succession and the right to train clergy of all nationalities. The State of New Jersey also requests the Government of Turkey to respect the property rights and human rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate without compromise and continue the advancement of processes and programs to modernize and democratize its own country, in light of its potential

accession to the European Union.”

Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, played a major role in mobilizing efforts for the successful passage and signing of the bill.

In a letter to Gov. Corzine, Metropolitan Evangelos noted, “As talks of Turkey’s accession into the European Union are under way, the citizens of New Jersey, through their elected officials, have a unique and historical opportunity to remind the Turkish government of its intolerance regarding human, civic and religious rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and all minority religions as well as its obligation to positively change their

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rom 1997 up until today, hellenicare’s programs in Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia and Albania have: v Assisted nearly 1,000,000 people; v Provided $120 million (US) in medical care, medicines, food, clothing and medical equipment; v Provided more than 2.6 million health services; v Created jobs for 200 doctors and nurses; v Owns and operates six medical centers, six mobile medical units and 34 nurses’ stations; v Conducted HIV/AIDS awareness training reaching 250,000 people; v Screened 25,000 people for heart disease; v Provided breast cancer mammography screening to more than 2,500 women; and v Conducts periodic food distribution programs to poor Hellenes in Georgia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

strategy and policy regarding such.”

According to Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, the National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew, an organization of leading Orthodox Christians in the United States dedicated to the support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, “As Americans, we are blessed to live in a country founded on religious freedom. We commend the governor and the legislators of New Jersey for following the conscience of our founding fathers who championed the inalienable right of religious freedom.” Limberakis said he hopes that “every other state legislature would emulate New Jersey’s historic example and follow suit!”

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SEPTEMBER 2006

Ernest Villas Passes after 50 Years Distinguished Service

D. PANAGOS

CUTTING the ribon at the opening ceremony are (L to R) Metropolitan Iakovos of Mytilene, Archbishop Demetrios, Michael Jaharis, Minister of the Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Metropolitan of Mithymna Chrysostomos.

Michael Jaharis Establishes Elderly Care Facility in Mytilene MYTILENE, Greece – During his recent first official visit to Ionian Village in early August, Archbishop Demetrios also made a special trip on a philanthropic mission with Archdiocesan Council Vice President Michael Jaharis to the native island of the philosopher Aristotle.

His Eminence celebrated a Divine Liturgy and officiated at the opening ceremony and blessing service on Aug. 11 for the Zaharios Model Care Facility for the Elderly.

The center was built by funds given

by Mr. Jaharis and his wife, Mary, in the village of St. Paraskevi.

The Jaharises, whose roots also originate in Mytilene, provided 3 million euros in memory of their parents for the facility’s construction, which began following the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2004 on land donated to the municipality by

another benefactor, Cleo Platonos.

The state-of-the-art facility functions as a residence and support center for the local elderly population, including those with special needs.

It employs medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, a social worker and a physical therapist.

The day of the grand opening, the entire village turned out for the special event, which greatly moved the Jaharises.

Mr. Jaharis at that time also gave an additional 300,000 euros for the center’s initial operating expenses.

Among the dignitaries present were the local mayor, the island’s Metropolitans, Iakovos of Mytilene and Chrysostomos of Mithymna, Greek government officials including Minister of the Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Minister of the Aegean Aristotelis Pavlidis.

A YOUNG LADY in traditional costume welcomes Mary and Michael Jaharis on behalf of the citizens of St. Paraskevi.

WESTON, Mass. – Ernest A. Villas, former director of the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education, passed away on July 14 after 50 years of faithful service to the Archdiocese.

Mr. Villas was 81.

Archbishop Demetrios of America, in Nashville to preside over the 38th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, offered his condolences immediately upon hearing of the passing of this dedicated laymen.

“In the person of Anastasios Villas, we are bidding farewell to a remarkable worker of the Church who offered, throughout his entire life, truly superb service to the youth, the laity, and the Religious Education Department of the Archdiocese. We fervently pray for the repose of his noble mind and soul and we truly hope that his example will have many followers.”

Born in Minneapolis on July 30, 1924, he was the son of the late Angelus and Emily Villas.

Mr. Villas was a graduate of the University of Minnesota and Columbia University. He served in the US Navy in WWII on the troop ship USS West Point in the European Theater and on the USS FDR in the Pacific Theater of the war. Completing his studies at the Naval School of Music, he served as the bugler on the USS FDR. Following his discharge he returned to Minneapolis where he attended the University of Minnesota and became the first chair in the UM band.

Following graduation he was named acting bandmaster.

He left this position to assume direction of the famous all-girl band,

orchestra and chorus of the Hormel Company of Austin, Minn. Following this he attended Columbia University in NYC to pursue a master’s degree in education and returned to Minneapolis to direct the North High School Band.

Mr. Villas was a founding member of the Upper Midwest Hellenic Orthodox Youth Federation (1940 –1950), the forerunner of the Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA), where he met his future wife at a convention held in Minneapolis in 1954. Moving to New York, Villas assumed the directorship of the newly created Department of Laity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

Mr. Villas also served as executive chairman of several clergy-laity congresses and executive director of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

After 20 years of service in New York he was appointed director of the Department of Religious Education on the campus of Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology, where he developed a new parish catechetical curriculum. He retired in 1997.

He is survived by Vasiliki (Shuris), his devoted wife of 49 years, and his two sons, Lee of New York City and Dennis of Seattle. He was predeceased by a son, Michael; a daughter Emily, and a brother, Leonidas.

Funeral took place at the Holy Cross Chapel in Brookline, Mass., followed by a memorial luncheon at St. Demetrios Church in Weston, MA. Burial was at the Linwood Cemetery in Weston. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Archbishop Iakovos Library Fund, 50 Goddard Ave., Brookline, MA 02431.

SEPTEMBER 2006

Archbishop’s Challenge in Faith and Love In his opening keynote address to the 38th Clergy-Laity Congress, Archbishop Demetrios reflected on the Congress theme: “Sharing theTruth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ.”

Speaking at the Philoptochos Breakfast on July 17, The Archbishop said the purpose of the Congress is to “translate the theme – “Sharing the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ” – into projects and actions.

The Archbishop said this means the faithful are to share Christ’s love and truth “with our brothers and sisters of the Orthodox faith, and with our non-Orthodox, even non-Christian neighbors, colleagues and citizens of this country, and beyond America.”

He called the theme, “a very serious challenge” and the delegates should question themselves whether they will go into their meetings “responsibly, bravely and dynamically” with the theme or treat it “as a nice religious slogan” that has “no important consequences.”

The Archbishop urged the delegates to keep that question at the forefront as they deliberate in their meetings. “Please let the theme of our congress be real,” he said.

Remember those who have departed

Archbishop Demetrios also reminded Congress participants of several events that have affected the Archdiocese including the passing of Archbishop Iakovos in April 2005, and of Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco in December 2004.

He said while the passing of the two hierarchs has been painful, on the positive side he noted the appointment of a new Metropolitan of San Francisco, Gerasimos, as well as the ordination of 40 new priests over the past two years.

Administratively, he noted the new revised Regulations for the Archdiocese, approved by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2005, are “an excellent tool to help us in our administrative work in the parishes, metropolises and Archdiocese in general.

Archbishop Demetrios expressed his “deep appreciation” to those who worked on the charter. In the same time period, the Patriarchate also approved the “General Regulations for the establishment and operation of the Holy Monasteries in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,” and the “Regulations regarding the auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese.”

Efforts for Patriarchate

His Eminence also noted that the Archdiocese has stepped up efforts to enlist the support of the U.S. government, especially the State Department, in helping to resolve major issues affecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including its religious freedoms in Turkey. Through the Archons, this effort has expanded to the European Union in hopes of pressing Turkey to resolve these issues.

SCOBA activities

The Archdiocese has also acted in concert with the Standing Conference of

Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America on the philanthropic and missionary fronts, Archbishop Demetrios reported.

Through the International Orthodox Christian Charities, considerable humanitarian aid has been offered to victims of Hurricane Katrina, or victims of wards “in Iraq, Israel and the Middle East in general.”

In 2005 alone, the IOCC provided $32 million in aid.

Along the same lines, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) has under taken a project to build a training center

petent clergy, a strong spiritual identity, the important and unique message of the Church, the electronic media and competent volunteers and laity.

Perceived weakness include a lack of understanding of the faith by the faithful, little understanding of Orthodoxy by those outside the Church, a low awareness of Orthodoxy in America, lack of uniform liturgical texts in English, inadequate funding, poor fiscal planning and a lack of strategic planning.

Perceived opportunities for the Archdiocese include: marriage between Ortho-

NASHVILLE Mayor Bill Purcell and Archbishop Demetrios exchange gifts during the opening ceremonies.

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(below) MORE than thirteen hundred people attended the Opening Breakfast.

in St. Augustine, Fla., “for people involved in the mission work of our Church in various countries,” the Archbishop said.

He noted that, “at this moment, OCMC is paying half the salary for every Orthodox priest in Africa.” The total number is about 250 priests.

Another important SCOBA activity Archbishop Demetrios discussed is the work of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, which is now active at more than 200 universities.

His Eminence said these efforts are examples of how the Archdiocese “has been playing a central role” in pan-Orthodox unity.

The Archbishop also praised the philanthropic activities of the Philoptochos, citing the “outstanding work” of the National Philoptochos in aiding victims of unexpected catastrophes, such as Hurricane Katrina, and the involvement of the Metropolis of Atlanta is assisting people at the scene of the disaster.

Focus still on family Archbishop Demetrios reminded the audience that, while 2005 was declared the “Year of the Family,” the Church still continues to work with “zeal and patience in programs and activities for family guidance and support.” He added, “The special care for the family did not end with the closing of …2005. It continues undiminished, since the family remains at the center of our attention, love and care.

His Eminence also discussed the findings of the SWOT survey conducted by the Archdiocese in 2005-06, in which many parishes participated.

The Archbishop said the finds for perceived strengths include: the spiritual leadership of the Archdiocese, Orthodox theology and worship, skilled and com-

Worship Services

dox and non-Orthodox, emerging technologies and resources, an increased interest from non-Orthodox, ease and utilization of communication media, Orthodox in key business, political and educational positions, an increased interest in maintaining fiscal responsibility and increasing interest in traditional values and issues of faith in America.

Perceived threats: the number of Orthodox who are not well informed about their faith, the Archdiocesan financial debt, a diminishing pool of clergy, increasing secularization, legal liabilities, the weakening of the institution of marriage and a weakening family structure.

In commenting on the survey, specifically on the concerns about the faithful not knowing the faith and related topics, the Archbishop posed the question “Do we know the truth of the Gospel, so we can share it.”

He said the faithful cannot share the gospel if they do not know it. “Ignorance of the truth in the Gospel means, in essence, that we do not know Christ, that we do not know him.”

He continued, “If He is the truth of the Gospel and if we don not know it, then we do not know Christ. Practically and urgently, therefore, “Sharing the truth of the Gospel means first increasing and improving among our people our knowledge of Christ and His revealed truth.”

He said parishes should be centers for “continuous catechism, education and training for acquiring the needed deep and intimate knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and of the truth of His “Gospel.

To this end, the Archbishop said, “no parish should be left without an adult catechism and without constant instruction in the Gospel.

Along with sharing the Truth of the Gospel, the Church is called to “Share the love of Christ.”

The Archbishop pointed to the example of Philoptochos in its greatly increasing philanthropic role and saluted the organization on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.

“Sharing the love of Christ is a trademark of Orthodoxy,” Archbishop Demetrios said.

died in 2005, for the victims of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus that occurred in July 1974 and for two lay leaders of the Church, Dr. Andrew Kopan and Archon and former Archdiocesan Council member, and Ernest Villas, longtime director of the Archdiocesan Department of Religious Education.

Among those attending were U.S. Sen. and Mrs. Paul Sarbanes of Maryland.

As Archbishop Demetrios noted at the start of his homily, the Presidential Ballroom unintentionally had a Byzantine motif.

At the center of the ceiling, intersecting crossbars formed a cross within a circle and above the exits on either side of the spacious facility the designs formed arches reminiscent of Byzantine domes.

The Liturgy books provided for the faithful included the Orthros service as well as the Divine Liturgy, in Greek and English.

The Committee for Translation included Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, host priest Fr. Mark Arey, Fr. Parthenios Turner and Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos.

The Archbishop praised the performance of the choir, which consisted of 120 members of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, and the Mid-Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians.

Guest conductor was Ms. Evey Simon.

Guest organist was Ms. Lana Shulman.

At the cantor’s stand was Leonidas Kotsiris, protopsalti of Holy Trinity Church in Nashville and chanters from the parish.

The iconostasion was created by Constantine Pylarinos and the iconography was done by Panteleimon Kourtides.

One characteristic that has distinguished the 38th Clergy Laity Congress apart from any other is the number of worship services available to the faithful.

“There were a record number of services,” Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit told the Observer, and that some 70 prosforo loaves were used. A total of 15 services, four services on most days, were held; and the Young Adult Conference had two prayer services.

Archbishop Demetrios noted that the July 20 Feast Day Liturgy of Prophet Elias drew more than 300 worshipers.

Along with the opening Hierarchical and Synodical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, July 16, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated Monday through Thursday at either 7 or 7:30 a.m.

Monday through Wednesday, the Reading of the Sixth Hour took place at 11:30 a.m. The Canon of the Theotokos was prayed Monday, July 17, at 4:30 p.m., the Canon to St. Nektarios was prayed at 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 18, and the Great Vespers of Prophet Elias was held on Wednesday, July 19 at 4:30 p.m., with the Liturgy on the saint’s feast day taking place the following morning.

A small compline prayer service was held at 11 p.m. each night.

SEPTEMBER 2006

A Cultural Event at a Quintessential Nashville Symbol It seems like a contradiction for a place known as “Music City USA” to also be the site of the only replica of one of Ancient Greece’s most enduring symbols.

But Nashville is full of surprises and its culture for some 200 years has been inspired more by classical Greece and Rome than by country-western music.

by Jim Golding

Its strong emphasis on education for more than 200 years, especially ancient Greek and Roman learning and ideals.

At least six colleges and universities were founded in the 19th century in Nashville, including Vanderbilt University, with curricula placing heavy emphasis on Greek and Latin subjects.

Two of the universities, Fisk and Roger Williams, were founded immediately after the Civil War to educate freed slaves.

It was decided to offer classical training, rather than industrial or vocational. Eight of the first twelve courses students took were Greek and Latin-related subjects.

One of the most prominent graduates to emerge from Fisk was W.E.B. DuBois, founder of the NAACP. Vanderbilt University currently offers Greek and Latin to the Ph.D. level.

The admiration of classical Greek, especially Athenian culture is also reflected in the architectural tradition of many other public, commercial and residential buildings in Nashville.

But the Parthenon is the most recognized symbol of the city’s cultural and architectural tradition.

On the near west side of downtown Nashville, not far from Music Row where Country-Western and Gospel music stars produce their recordings, and across the street from the sprawling Baptist Hospital complex is the spacious Centennial Park, established in the mid-1890s on the site of an old racetrack.

As the first of more than a dozen tour buses loaded with Congress delegates pulled in to the parking area of the park on Tuesday, July 18, a (Greek) chorus of “ooohs,” “wows” and “amazings” could be heard as everyone’s eyes became fixed on the exact replica of the famous temple first built by Pericles in ancient Athens in 447 B.C. The 46 Doric columns of the building rest on a platform 228 feet long and 101 feet wide. The columns of the peristyle are 34 feet high and six feet in diameter at base.

Largest attendance

More than 1,700 persons attended the evening cultural event, “A Classic Southern Summer Night,” that included an awe-inspiring tour of the Parthenon’s interior with its nearly 42-foot tall statue of Athena Parthenos, a traditional southernstyle barbecue, and performances by the popular award-winning Country-Western group Diamond Rio and The Levendes Greek band.

A spectacular night fireworks display topped the celebration.

It was the largest-attended event of the Congress with the Parthenon being the centerpiece of the experience.

Two visitors’ comments were typical: “It’s fantastic isn’t it?” Lila Prounis of New York said while standing in the midst of the Parthenon’s “naos.”

Stella Capiris of Bridgeport, Conn., exclaimed, “It’s absolutely fantastic. It was worth coming to see. If you don’t see anything else, just seeing this building is just superb.”

The excitement continued through the night as the delegates enjoyed a barbecue that featured Buffalo wings, hickory-smoked pork barbecue, roasted

D. PANAGOS

ARCHBISHOP Demetrios and Metropolitans Demetrios of Sevasteia and Nicholas of Detroit with the members of the Nashville Dance Group.

Clergy and Laity at the steps of the Nashville Parthenon.

corn, black-eyed peas, watermelon, Music City “mac and cheese” and other southern delights.

Among those attending were Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Demetrios of Sevasteia, Holy Synod members and auxiliary bishops.

They were briefed by Ms. Wesley Paine, director of the Parthenon since 1979 as they, too, stared up in awe at the magnificent building’s interior.

Ms. Paine told the Observer that from 120,000 to 140,000 visitors a year come to the Parthenon.

In addition to serving as the Parthenon’s director, Ms. Paine is also the coauthor of “Classical Nashville: Athens of the South” published by the Vanderbilt University Press, and is a founding member of Theatre Parthenos, an independent arts organization that sponsors productions of ancient Greek dramas in English translation on the steps of the Parthenon.

It presents plays such as Oedipus the King, Medea, Antigone, The Trojan Women, and others.

Other regular programs and cultural offerings include staff-led educational lectures and tours, a teacher’s packet provided for school groups, an annual lecture series Parthenon Symposia, and free musical concerts in the fall.

The Parthenon is under the city Department of Parks and has a staff of 12, including a curator of an art exhibit and employees of the museum shop located at the building’s ground level.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

After normal visiting hours, the facility may be reserved for special events such as the Congress delegates’ visit, wedding receptions or other functions by any member of the Friends of Centennial Park group who donates at the Olympian giving level of $3,500 a year or more. The Friends help support the Parthenon’s operation.

Its members include Congress Chairmen George and Lee Ann Anderson.

Planning and organizing the cultural event took the efforts of 50 to 60 volunteers from Holy Trinity parish, Fr. Mark Arey, pastor, told the Observer.

Heading that effort was parishioner Christopher “Butch” Spyridon, and his wife, “Sunny” (baptismal name Nicolette).

Butch is the brother of former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense and Bush administration official Barbara Sypridon Pope.

He also is head of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Sunny is a well-known producer of music industry events. “Sunny basically produced the Parthenon event,” Fr. Mark said.

Also prominently involved were several parish youth who comprise the “Palamakia” dancers that entertained the audience with several dances.

Temporary, then permanent

The Parthenon was originally built in 1896-97 to commemorate the state of Tennessee’s centennial.

According to “The Parthenon in Nashville” written by Wilbur F. Creighton Jr., Nashville civic leaders were considering a suitable symbol to highlight the

city’s reputation as “The Athens of the South.”(Originally known “The Athens of the West,” in early U.S. history when Tennessee was one of the western states on the “frontier” before the nation expanded beyond the Mississippi.

The nickname may have been coined as early as 1840 by Philip Lindsley, a former classics professor at Princeton University in New Jersey who served as president of the University of Nashville from 1825 to 1850.

Lindsley, along with Andrew Jackson and another classics educator, they provided the impetus for Nashville’s enthusiasm for ancient Greek and Roman ideals.

The director-general of the Centennial, Major E.C. Lewis, proposed in 1893 that a full-scale replica of the ancient Parthenon be constructed as an appropriate symbol for the city.

Maj. Lewis wrote to King George I of Greece for copies of drawings and photos of the ruins of the actual acropolis.

The materials provided were based on the extensive drawings of the original Parthenon completed by a French diplomat, Jacques Carry, in 1674, about 13 years before gunpowder stored inside the building exploded and destroyed most of the building.

The original structure was built materials that included a type of plaster used for exterior construction and wood.

As part of the Centennial observance, other structures, including a replica of an Egyptian pyramid, Roman, Renaissance buildings, a Cuban village, a Chinese street and other structures, were erected in what became known as the “White City” in Centennial Park.

The exhibition was to last for six months before all the buildings were to be demolished.

But Nashville’s citizens, seeing the replica as an ideal symbol for their city, protested against tearing down the Parthenon and it alone was spared.

From 1898 to about 1920, the Nashville Art Association held periodic exhibitions at the Parthenon.

The significance of the Nashville Parthenon to scholars, Classical Nashville states, “is it is the only place in the world where one can see the whole Parthenon as the Greeks built it, to get a physical sense of the space and the way in which the statue of Athena filled it, and thereby

 page 9

SEPTEMBER 2006

Congress Delegates Approve Several Resolutions Delegates to the 38th Clergy-Laity Congress approved several resolutions presented by the Resolutions Committee chaired by Helen Bender and presented by Kathy Walsh, including a call for support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The resolution calls upon the U.S. government to intensify its efforts so that the Turkish government will honor its human rights and treaty commitments and recognized the legal status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Violence Against Children Delegates express solidarity with SCOBA and other initiatives that protest abuse and violence toward children. Their resolution also supports programs that advance the welfare and the protection of children in America against every form of spiritual, physical and emotional violence.

Peace Delegates call upon governments and people to support the resolution of disputes peaceably and without force, and urge the U.S. government to continue and intensify its cooperation with other governments in order to restore peace in the world.

Illiteracy, Poverty Delegates, emphasizing the Congress theme to “Share Truth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ,” call upon the Archdiocese and the faithful to work with other communities of faith to eliminate illiteracy, alleviate disease and eradicate poverty and hunger throughout the world.

Congratulations to Delegates approved a resolution congratulating the Ladies Philoptochos Society on its 75th anniversary celebration and a resolution thanking Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Demetrios of Sevasteia, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Metropolitans of the Holy Eparchial Synod, the Auxiliary Bishops, Michael Javari’s, , Emanuel Demos, Jerry Dimitriou and all who came together for the Congress.

Other resolutions Though not part of the Resolutions Committee items presented for approval, delegates also approved two resolutions for the Chaplaincy: a resolution to encourage the Chaplaincy.

“We strongly encourage the Secretaries of Defense, Army, Navy and Air Force as well as governors, mayors and all civil authorities to do all in their power to maintain vibrant, effective chaplaincies in their areas of responsibilities.

Another resolution relating to the Chaplaincy calls on the Holy Eparchial Synod to “indicate support for our military and public service personnel and their families through the appropriate means.”

Sen. Sarbanes Honored at Opening Keynote Breakfast

U.S. SENATOR Paul Sarbanes and his wife Christine with Metropolitan Demetrios of Sevasteia (left) and Archbshop Demetrios and Metropolitan Nicholas. (right)

The Opening Keynote Breakfast for the 38th Clergy-Laity Congress included a tribute to U.S. Sen. Paul Sarbanes of Maryland, who is retiring after 30 years in Washington.

Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, who welcomed the delegates to his city said that Sen. Sarbanes “is a model and example for young people of what a public servant is.

Metropolitan Demetrios of Sevasteia read a letter of congratulations from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, which said in part, “You are one such loving and faithful son of our Ecumenical Patriarchate. You have utilized your ability for the common good.” The Metropolitan also noted Sen. Sarbanes long years of support for the Patriarchate and presented

the senator with the Cross of the Great Church of Christ.

Archbishop Demetrios presented Sen. Sarbanes with a replica of the feather pen and inkwell used by the Founding Fathers to sign the Declaration of Independence.

In his comments, the senator praised the community of Holy Trinity and its pastor, Fr. Mark Arey, along with Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit for their efforts in organizing the successful Congress.

The Senator noted that Nashville was home to the replica of the Parthenon and is known as the “Athens of the South” for its leadership in education and culture.

He also called Mayor Purcell “one of the best young mayors in the country and has made education the major focus of his budget.”

Of his experience in Congress, Sen. Sarbanes said that one of the challenges the body faces is :the need to assure the independence and vitality of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

He said the Turkish government has been “placing the Patriarchate under tremendous pressure, taking control of church properties, and closing and failing to all the reopening of Halki seminary.”

He also said there has been “a failure to meet the standards of religious freedom set by the European Union and that Turkey endangers its chances of membership.

“We must work toward the reopening of Halki and not restrict the activities of the Patriarchate.

He said that, for many of his colleagues, “It’s all new to them.”

The senator also expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the Greek Orthodox community throughout his career.

He also credited his parents for bringing him up with the proper values.

He noted that “an absolutely essential part of my education took place in my home.”

The senator recalled that, growing up in a rural part of eastern Maryland, his family would drive 100 miles to church in Wilmington, Del., twice a month. “That helped to shape us,” he said. “It was a powerful influence on us.

The Church is the essence of what we’re about as a community. The Church gives us basic framework as a community.

It is the Church that responds to our spiritual needs.”

Sen. Sarbanes concluded, “I want to thank each and every one of you for all you do to strengthen the Church and make it a vital institution and to enable community to thrive and prosper.”

C h urc h M u s ician s Hold P roductive C onference NEW YORK – Convening in conjunction with the Clergy-Laity Congress in Nashville, The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians discussed several ongoing plans and activities, received a visit from Archbishop Demetrios and honored two members with the prestigious St. Romanos Medallion for their outstanding contributions to church music.

Members of the National Forum also sang at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Opryland Resort hotel.

Archbishop Demetrios addressed the National Forum members on July 18.

“I have words of thanks for you for your long, long-standing work,” he told them, and offered exceptional praise for their performance at the Sunday liturgy.

“Sunday’s offering was outstanding,” he said. “I heard plenty of comments that this choir contributed significantly to the worship.” He also noted the work being done by the Forum to standardize the texts of the music used in worship services.

“When we have a standard text, it’s a tremendous assistance,” he said.

His Eminence also thanked the group for their “tremendous financial offering to the school,” referring to a gift of $375,000 to Hellenic College-Holy Cross in 2005 to further the study of music. “It was an unexpected and exceedingly pleasant thing,” he said.

Forum members sang recently standardized English versions of “Christos Anesti” and “May their memory be eternal” from the memorial service for the Archbishop and National Chairman Vicki Pappas discussed four areas in which the Forum is active: helping choir directors, undertaking a youth initiative, working with chanters and the “Oli Mazi” project to

D. PANAGOS

MEMBERS of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians with Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit.

standardize the English responses during the Liturgy until the Holy Synod provides an definitive translation. Ms. Pappas said Forum members would continue to refine the versions of 12 hymns that have been included in the standardization project.

Earlier in the meeting, Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit spoke about the use of Greek and English in the Liturgy and translations of musical texts, noting there has not be a standard translation of many of the hymns used.

He also pointed to the problem that not all parishes have choirs or musical tradition and rely “on the same old operatic sound of over-60 people. No young people are drawn to it.”

Archbishop Demetrios said that more should be done “to make music attractive to young people.” He also said both Western and Byzantine style is needed for church music and that the Forum must be “be more insistent” that the Holy Synod will provide an authorized English text for use in the Liturgy.

“Keep asking for those texts so we

can move forward,” the Metropolitan said.

The Metropolitan said both languages are still needed, but because more and more people don’t understand the Greek, he is also “an advocate of what meets the needs of the people.”

On Sunday, July 16, National Forum Chairman Dr. Vicki Pappas presented medals to Fr. Nicholas Kastanas, pastor of St. Athanasius Church in Arlington, Mass., and adjunct professor at Holy Cross School of Theology, and to Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis, a professor of music at the State University of New York in Potsdam, who pioneered women chanters in this country.

Dr.Pappas, also noted that the NFGOCM is celebrating the 30th year of its charter, and that the organization is focusing on projects in four areas – Starting a Youth Music Program in the Parish, the annual Liturgical Guidebook edited by Peter Vatsures; a Guide to Congregational Singing; and a compilation of The Psalm Verses of the Antiphons by Fr. John Maheras and Dr. Nicolas Maragos.

SEPTEMBER 2006

The Little Community That Could–and Did Tennessee is known as “the Volunteer State” and the Greek Orthodox community of Nashville’s tireless efforts to produce what many delegates have called the “best clergy-laity congress ever” convincingly demonstrate that folks here live up to the name.

appearance. “There are 700 churches in Nashville and he gave up Sunday with his family and with his own church to come on Pentecost.”

As a way of further building community pride and enthusiasm in the weeks leading to the Congress, Fr. Mark designated the Sunday after Pentecost as ‘nametag Sunday’ and instructed his parishioners to “talk to five people you’ve never talked to.”

“The result was we were prepared and ready to go as a community, said Fr. Mark. “Everyone knew each other, and people were smiling and happy.”

He added that “the Archdiocese was wonderful to us, very encouraging, and Metropolitan Nicholas was nothing less than an absolutely supportive leader.”

by Jim Golding

In an interview with the Observer following the event, Fr. Mark Arey, pastor of the host parish of Holy Trinity Church credited the “tremendous volunteer spirit” of his community as the major factor in the success of the Congress.

The idea for hosting the Congress sprang from a successful Metropolis Clergy-Laity Conference held in Nashville in 2003 under Fr. George Vaporis, the pastor then.

Fr. Arey noted, “There is an incredible amount of talent here and the idea was born to host the Congress.”

During the same interview, Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit said that “an important selling point for having the Congress in Nashville was that 50 percent of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive.”

He added, “Our hope was to have more families attend and that was one of the reasons for the family synaxis.”

The Metropolitan said there was uncertainty over whether a congress could be successfully held in a smaller community.

“Nobody really knew what would happen,” he said. “It’s not Los Angeles, New York or Chicago. People don’t have a sense of Middle America.”

He continued, “In last analysis, this was well attended. Whatever problems we anticipated we met.” He said that, while there may have been a few “glitches” that occur with any such gathering, overall “this was a seamless event.”

Fr. Mark said that, shortly after the decision was made to select Nashville, Archbishop Demetrios appointed George Anderson and his wife, Lee Ann, as national co-chairmen.

George Anderson, a former parish council president, is president of Tennessee’s largest insurance brokerage firm. Lee Ann served as director of the Sunday School.

Metropolitan Nicholas appointed the core host committee to begin the work of organizing the Congress.

Successful results

News anchors-parishioners

A TOKEN of appreciation and love from the Archbishop to Fr. Mark Arey.

Entire community involved

Meanwhile, Fr. Mark, who had been serving a parish in New York City, arrived at the parish in November 2004, after Fr. Vaporis went to a parish in Michigan. Fr. Mark previously served as pastor at Holy Trinity from 1983-88.

Cultural Event at the Parthenon  page 7 gain some understanding in tangible form of the civilization that created it.”

As for the statue of Athena Parthenos, to the ancient Athenians, the statue represented “a civic deity. Athenians believed she ensured the progress, prosperity and health of their city.”

To Nashville, classical Athens “symbolizes a society that respects art, education and democracy. The Parthenon epitomizes classical Nashville and translates into physical form the attributes so admired in ancient Athens.

The structure began to deteriorate and a movement got under way in 1921 to reconstruct the building of permanent materials, mostly steel-reinforced concrete.

But no money was available for the statue for several decades. In the mid1960s there was a renewed interest in creating the statue. School children, visitors and citizens began to contribute coins and dollars over a period of 12 years and $30,000 was raised by 1982.

A noted Nashville sculptor, Alan LeQuire, was commissioned to do the statue. He did extensive work in research

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Holy Trinity Church in Nashville.

He cited several examples of the selfless volunteer spirit in the community, Among them is parish Philoptochos President Lisa Solon, who coordinated efforts with Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos leaders Katherine Kotis and Maria Stavropoulos to supply 40,000 homemade koulouria.

“All churches of the metropolis contributed,” said Fr. Mark, “including 13,000 from the Metropolis headquarters alone.”

Fr. Mark added, “This was the ‘perfect storm’ of parish, metropolis and Archdiocese cooperation, each of us doing our best in a perfect combination.”

Later, Ms. Solon was recognized at the National Philoptochos meeting and received a standing ovation. However, she was not present but was out helping a priest who lost his plane ticket. “That’s what this parish is like,” Fr. Mark said.

in Greece. The completed statue, made of plaster and other materials was unveiled in 1991.

As mentioned previously, Greek Revival architecture was used in many buildings in Nashville for many decades before the construction of the Parthenon.

The first major public building in Nashville, the State Capitol, unlike the U,S. Capitol and other state capitol buildings, was designed in the style of a Greek temple.

Renowned architect William Strickland of Philadelphia chose that style “because of his belief that the proportions of Greek temples represented eternal principals of wisdom, strength and beauty,” Classical Nashville states.

The Capitol sits atop the highest hill in downtown Nashville and, along with several surrounding government buildings, provides the city with its own “acropolis.”

Other examples of Greek, and even Roman architecture abound, including the county government building, Baptist, Presbyterian and other churches, libraries, school buildings, banks, a war memorial, and private residences.

D. PANAGOS

He set out to maximize parish participation. “This community has a spirit of volunteerism,” said Fr. Mark, “Their spirit is remarkable,” The parish has about 150 families and Fr. Mark estimates that most are converts, as he is, who converted “not necessarily through marriage,” but because they sought the faith on their own.

He said that Holy Trinity “is one of most multi-ethnic parishes” of the Archdiocese. “Half are converts, and half the parish council members are converts.”

From this membership, the core host committee consisted of about 25 persons.

Another 75 to 100 people, “at least half of parish,” became physically involved in the work, Fr. Mark noted. “That’s pretty remarkable.”

He said the committee members “came from every walk of life in the parish” – Goyans, Philoptochos, converts, young adults, older members, immigrants, someone from every facet of the community.

Civic involvement

Among those in the greater community who expressed their enthusiasm and support of having the Congress in Nashville was Mayor Bill Purcell, Fr. Mark had brought the mayor to the Archdiocese in late fall to discuss the Congress preparations and also invited him to Holy Trinity parish to help generate enthusiasm for the upcoming Congress.

“He came on Pentecost and addressed the congregation,” said Fr. Mark, who was very impressed at Mayor Purcell’s

The involvement of the community extended to the news media. Two Holy Trinity parishioners also are news anchors on two major networks’ local affiliates, NBC and CBS. Local NBC news anchor Demetria Kalonidis of WSMV-TV Channel 4 conducted a wide-ranging interview with Archbishop Demetrios the first day of the Congress.

The CBS anchor, Chris Clark Boutsaris, a 41-year veteran of WTVF-TV Channel 5, served as master of ceremonies at the grand banquet July 20.

Other examples include vocalist Cynthia Anderson (no relation to George and Lee Ann), who sang the National Anthem at the opening breakfast, Another parishioner, Anna Maria Miller, a music teacher, sang the national anthems of Greece and the United States at the Philoptochos banquet.

Her husband and sons, instrumentalists, accompanied her.

Another parishioner, pianist John Jonethis, provided the entertainment during the early part of the program.

Positive effect

The experience of hosting the Congress has had a significant impact on Holy Trinity parish, Fr. Mark said. “We’re very happy, very pleased, and very blessed.”

He added that, “Everyone is grateful to the Archbishop for bringing the ClergyLaity Congress here. “The experience has taught the community that, if we can participate in this, then we can do anything as a parish. The parish has grown in terms of spirituality in the last year and a half.”

Their effort certainly impressed Archbishop Demetrios who, on two separate occasions, at the conclusion of the second Plenary session on July 20 and at the Grand Banquet that evening, made the unprecedented gesture of declaring Holy Trinity in Nashville as “Parish of the Year.”

10

SEPTEMBER 2006

Archbishop Demetrios Beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We enter the Ecclesiastical New Year on this day of September 1, 2006, in the aftermath of our very blessed 38th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, held this last July in Nashville.

Together, during our time in Nashville, we contemplated and witnessed the tremendous power of the theme of this Congress, “Sharing the Truth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ,” for it inspired us to produce tangible and lasting work products for the strengthening of the ministries of our Archdiocese.

Thus, it continues to serve not merely as a theme, but as a true road map for all of us to follow in our words and deeds throughout this Ecclesiastical New Year.

Our work during our 38th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress produced many important tools for the enhanced sustainability and effectiveness of the manifold ministries of our Archdiocese.

Among these included is our adoption of more efficient financial strategies to empower our Archdiocese, Metropolises, and parishes with greater resources to advance our mission in our nation as the Greek Orthodox Church.

We adopted these measures in mutual recognition of our need to dedicate ourselves more fully as Christians to the important principles of participation, accountability, transparency, and fairness in the way we address issues of finance.

These very important principles also apply to our internal governance and administration across all levels of Church life.

The theme of our Congress also found tangible expression in a comprehensive series of dispute resolutions to effectively settle any disagreements among ourselves as a united Christian community.

These resolutions are important because they reflect Christian dignity in the manner by which we choose to resolve possible disagreements.

They reveal that despite whatever disagreements we may have as communities, we endeavor to hold ourselves to the wise words of the Apostle Paul who appealed to the Corinthians…that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment (I Corinthians 1:10).

At the same time, these dispute resolutions encourage dialogue, espouse peacefulness, and reduce frivolousness and financial waste.

Our Clergy-Laity Congress also included a rich educational program which, in light of the Congress’ theme, spiritually fed our faithful on a variety of subjects including the problem of poverty, controversial issues surrounding advanced technologies and bioethics, as well as the challenges of outreach and evangelism, to name a few.

We passed a series of resolutions calling for peace in the world, an end to poverty, and an end to violence against children. We also passed a resolution demanding that the religious freedom of our Ecumenical Patriarchate be respected.

It is our heartfelt prayer that these resolutions will not remain solely inscribed on paper as lofty expressions, but rather that they will provide us with a blueprint to begin this Ecclesiastical New Year with specific and attainable goals in view, so that we may live in accordance with Christ’s mandate to share His Gospel and His love with all.

Beloved Brothers and Sisters, This day of September 1, is important for another reason that is equally applicable to the theme of this recent Congress in that it marks the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment, following the precedent established by our Ecumenical Patriarchate.

As Orthodox Christians who are committed to “Sharing the Truth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ,” it is our role to serve truly as “priests” of His creation.

Our call to people and governments to exercise restraint from exploiting the God-given natural resources of our planet solely for monetary gain is a call to a sacrifice that grants life, that safeguards the health of our natural environment and protects against its abuse.

This too is a way of sharing Christ’ Gospel and love, because we know that it is He Who sanctifies the entirety of Creation.

On this blessed Feast of the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year, we have much for which to offer our thanks to God. We have much to reflect upon and to consider as we strive to do His work and ministry.

We have much to offer to others, to our nation, and to our world as we share the enduring truth of His Gospel and His limitless love.

I pray that this Ecclesiastical New Year may be a year of peace and tranquility for you and for all inhabitants of our world, particularly in places that experience the very real and sad problems of war and strife.

May the infinite love of God and His abundant mercy permeate your hearts, your homes, and our earth now and always.

 Thanks for article Editor, It was with joy that I read the article about St. George Orthodox Church in Oklahoma City. How can I relate the struggles of Greek Orthodoxy in Middle America?

In 1920-1945, there were few ethnic immigrants in Oklahoma City, so that Greek Orthodoxy was totally foreign to the citizens of that beautiful city.

As the handful of Greek immigrants progressed, some fifty families, their children were endowed with such an example of dedication, love and loyalty to our faith that today those descendants remain steadfast in their love of our church.

Most significant was the visit of Archbishop Athenagoras in 1946. He came to dedicate the small but elegant church of St. George.

He reached out to the children of those immigrants with his wisdom, his vast knowledge in literature, history and current events. He endeared us to become true believers in the Greek Orthodox faith.

Thank you for the article.

Archon Robert and Theodora Skarlis Pittsburgh, Pa.

 Remembering Ernie Villas Editor, Whoever has been involved in Church affairs, religious education, oratorical festival or music has heard the name, “Ernie.”

This can only be Ernest Villas, recently departed from our lives.

Our family was one of the fortunate families to have Ernest Villas as a brotherin-law, a friend and an uncle. Such was the case when he married our sister, Vicki Shuris.

His devotion to the Church, who at the time was undergoing changes, and moving onto the new century was ongoing.

Ernest never considered anything an obstacle that couldn’t be met. With faith and love he would find a solution.

His entire life was of faith, love, service and devotion to his family. Vicki and two sons, Lee and Dennis.

Ernie didn’t ever sermonize. His entire life and being was sermon enough.

Elizabeth Antonakos Quincy, Mass

 Excellent article Editor, While the feature, May 29, 1453: The Fall of Constantinople, was excellent, I wonder why such a lengthy article is in The Orthodox Observer. Certainly, this was the beginning of the torment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate by the Turks.

Was pointing this out the purpose? If so, this doesn’t take two editions to make this point. Plus, the church was tormented by the Byzantine throne far longer.

For example, the author points out that the last emperor tried to force the false union with the Roman Church that had been rejected by the monks and people when presented by his uncle a few years before.

If the point was to lament the passing of the archetypical Orthodox culture, then the correct focus should be on the year 1204 – The Fourth Crusade, when the city

was sacked and occupied by the Venetians and their allies.

That year was when the fullness of that culture effectively ended, not 1453.

Churches and homes were sacked. Untold wealth in gold, silver and art was shipped to Italy, France and Germany. Holy relics packed for shipment west and north.

Libraries and schools burned.

Institutions of Orthodox charity and culture shuttered. Residents fled to the west, enriching Western culture. They scattered north, south, and east, too. The city thereafter was a shell of itself.

If the point was to hail the bravery and steadfastness of the defenders of the city, then fine, but there are modern day examples, such as the defiance of the Greeks to the fascist Italians - Oxi Day, with the pushing back of Mussolini’s forces in Albania; and the stout Greek resistance to the German armored thrusts in 1941, and in Crete, which forced Hitler to delay the invasion of Russia, allowing winter to slow, then stall his columns; and the guerilla warfare, with terrible reprisals, thereafter.

But today, in spite of the stupidity and cowardice of the Turkish government, the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Diaspora is stronger in the essentials of Orthodox Christianity than heretofore.

Peter Mertzanis Langhorne, Pa.

 Judgment call Editor, Lack of space, I realize, makes it impossible for the Orthodox Observer to publish all letters it receives. Another factor should come into play in choosing not to publish a letter: judgment.

That should have been exercised in the June-July issue when the screed on propaganda appeared. In it, George Callas used a variety of hate-based irrationales to justify a holy war between Christianity and Islam.

Good judgment should have ruled that such an intemperate letter not be published. Instead we are given the injunction to “love one’s enemies.” If we are to avoid having that guideline lapse into a platitude, letters that urge hate should not appear on your pages.

George Beres Eugene, Oregon

 Pomfret survivors Editor, It was with great interest that I read your article “A Parallel Between the Last Titanic Survivor and Our Pomfret Survivors”

by Fr. Nicholas L. Vieron, Class of 1947 in your May 2006 issue. He mentions that “of the 241 enrolled at our seminary while in Pomfret, 138 graduated.”

I was a little disappointed, however; that he did not take it one step further while he was consulting with Fr. George Poulos and mention the four remaining priests of the founding class who started their studies in 1937 at Pomfret when the school began and graduated in 1942.

They are: Fr. Kalpaxis of Baltimore, Md.; Fr. Michaelidis of Mass.; Fr. Papadeas of Florida; and Fr. Constantine J. Andrews of Upper Darby, Pa.



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SEPTEMBER 2006

Archiepiscopal Encyclical

The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross 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 Distinguished Archons of the Order of St. Andrew, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, the members of our Parishes and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I write to you in the love of Christ our Lord on the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. On this important Feast of our Holy Orthodox Church, we gather together as a community and elevate the symbol of the cross in our midst.

This is a fitting occasion to consider the supreme meaning of this symbol and its centrality in our lives as Orthodox Christians.

The cross is a symbol of intriguing contrast and incredible power. What was once a vicious instrument of execution by the state in ancient Roman times was transformed into an invincible weapon of peace and a symbol of everlasting life.

This transformation of the cross from a symbol of death to a symbol of life would not have been possible were it not for the redemptive work of Jesus, the “theanthropos” (God-man), Who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).

We should keep this awesome concept at the forefront of our minds as we strive to emulate Jesus through renouncing our attachments to the material things of this world, and through rendering selfless service to our neighbors by sharing in their burdens.

Here, we are guided by the demanding words of Jesus, Whosoever would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Mark 8:34).

This phrase beautifully encapsulates our Christian calling. It references the cross in a way that moves beyond symbolism, revealing the cross as an instrument of identity that confirms our belonging to a Christian community of believers whose members share in their obedience to Jesus Christ, in their denial of selfish interests, and in their commitment to building up one another as members of His body.

Our Christian identity is reinforced every time we behold the image of the cross each time we make the sign of the cross, and, most notably, through selfless acts of service to our neighbors.

The raising of the cross is a visible pronouncement of peace and victory over what at times may seem to be overwhelming forces of chaos and despair, particularly in the midst of strife among nations and ominous threats of terrorism in our world today.

Our exaltation of the cross on this day, our willful obedience to Jesus Christ, and our desire to follow Him through selfless service to others, brings us closer to understanding the comforting words of St. Paul, if we have been united with (Christ) in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His (Romans 6:5).

My beloved Brothers and Sisters, The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is also important because it is the patron feast of our Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, a place where diverse men and women come from across the world to study Orthodox Christian theology, to learn firsthand the value of service, and to prepare for positions of leadership and ministry within the Church and society.

Many of these students are men who have committed themselves to preparation for the holy priesthood, and who have chosen the arduous path of self-denial by taking up their cross as followers of Jesus Christ.

All of them are students who have chosen a special place to study and to grow within a unique and sacred Orthodox Christian environment.

Accordingly, I ask you to honor our tradition on this day to offer special prayers and gifts of financial support for our Holy Cross School of Theology.

May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was crucified on the Cross for our salvation, be with you each and every day of your lives, and may the victory of the Cross grant you peace and inspiration in your offering of selfless service to others in Christ’s holy name.

With paternal love in Christ,

† Archbishop Demetrios of America



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The founding class of Pomfret may be an even BETTER parallel with the last survivor of the Titanic than the entire school.

Since these four priests have touched so many of your reader’s lives in their divine journey, I thought it could have made an interesting article much more meaningful to the people throughout our archdiocese who have kept their “ship of faith” and might remember their associations with these clergymen over the years.

Demetra C. Andrews-Vartian Houston

All letters to the editor must contain a verifiable name, address and daytime phone number.

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

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SEPTEMBER 2006

Communicating the Faith

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seeking a Peace the Lasts “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7 Our contemporary world is characterized by conflict. Apart from geo-political, economic and religious clashes that are televised from locations around the globe, conflict also includes the disagreements and disharmony faced at work and school, in our families and with our neighbors.

Unfortunately, the most regrettable conflicts often occur between people attending local churches, synagogues and other houses of worship. Left unresolved, faithbased, political and personal disputes can cause psychological rifts so severe that the result is religious wars, suicide bombers, broken friendships, partnerships, divorces and divided churches.

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Marking the beginning of a New Ecclesiastical Year, the month of September provides Orthodox Christians with an opportunity to seek reconciliation with the environment (God’s creation) as well as with those with whom we have experienced the adverse consequences associated with conflict and strife.

Coinciding with Rosh Hashanah, the most solemn days of the Jewish New Year during which Jews begin a process of self-examination and repentance that ends with the holiday of Yom Kippur, the New Ecclesiastical Year provides Orthodox faithful a wonderful opportunity to likewise humbly seek forgiveness and reconciliation with others by vigilantly seeking the “peace of God that transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

An ancient Jewish story beautifully describes the peace-bestowing power of forgiveness. The legend details the reconciling love of two brothers who lived on Mount Moriah. One brother lived alone.

The other had a wife and family. Although they lived in adjacent houses, however, the brothers shared the tedious work of farming the same hill.

One year, the two brothers came to a bitter disagreement. Consequently, at the time of harvest, each brother garnered an equal share of the fruit of his labors without speaking to the other. When they had finished, they returned to their respective homes to rest in preparation for the difficult day of threshing ahead.

During that night, however, the single brother had a change of heart and decided to return to the threshing floor and carefully redistributed the harvest. He would reduce his portion of the sheaves to make his brother’s pile larger. “It is neither right nor necessary for me to keep an equal portion of God’s bounty,” he thought.

“My brother is a good man caring for a wife and family. It is better that he receive a bigger portion.”

At approximately the same time, the married brother also awoke. He told his wife, “It is unfair that my brother has an equal share of the harvest. I already receive a greater share of happiness because of the love I have from you and our children.

My brother has neither.” He dressed and started towards the threshing floor where he would transfer a portion of his sheaves to the pile of the single brother.

That night, as they walked towards the threshing floor, both brothers were determined to bless the other. They arrived simultaneously. In an instant, they

both understood the other’s heart and embraced in brotherly love. According to Jewish tradition, God chose this very site – the spot where love triumphed over conflict, and peace overcame disunity - for the construction of His Holy Temple.

It is inevitable that differences are going to arise among spiritual brothers and sisters. We need to agree, however, that no matter how much our opinions may differ, we should always seek to reconcile when our relationship with those holding opposing views escalates to hatred and discord. Conflict in a church that interrupts the work of Christ is a very serious matter. In his letter to the Philippians St. Paul emphasizes the dangers of theological disagreement and inter-personal conflict. While the church at Philippi was probably one of the greatest churches of the first century, it stood on the brink of destruction because of the conflicts that existed between some of its members.

In the fourth chapter of his Epistle to the Church in Philippi St. Paul specifically describes a situation between two women.

Similar to the story of the two Jewish brothers, the two spiritual sisters named Euodia and Syntyche were also in need of arbitration and forgiveness. In order to avoid the deleterious consequences of disharmony St. Paul appeals to the Philippian Church leaders to mediate a lasting concord – a “peace which passes all understanding” - between these two women.

Although the exact issue of the women’s conflict is unknown we may speculate with some degree of certainty that it was not theological. The previous portion of St. Paul’s letter dealt with the theological conflict created by false teachers that threatened the teachings of the Christian church. The names of Euodia and Syntyche were never mentioned. We may, therefore, safely assume that their conflict was based on personal disagreement, or a struggle over power, as most church disputes have to do with personal rather than theological matters.

In addition to being committed members of the Church in Philippi, Euodia and Syntyche are also described as Church leaders who have, in the past, labored side-by-side with Paul in spreading the gospel.

The disagreement between the women, however, was certainly of some consequence as St. Paul brings it to the attention of the whole fellowship of the Philippian church. He does so, however, not to embarrass the two women but to emphasize the significance of their disharmony. Disagreements can be divisive and painful, but especially if they exist between leaders in the church. Conflict involving church or parish leadership often causes fragmentation and polarization among its membership.

St. Paul understands all too well that left unresolved, such conflicts threaten our spiritual life and fellowship with God! In his wonderful book entitled Caring Enough to Confront (1973) David Augsburger, outlines four primary attitudes typically used to deal with conflict. Augsburger discusses trust, anger, prejudice, blame, guilt, loyalty, and conscience and describes a lifestyle for Christians who care enough to risk confronting others when differences become important.

In the first approach that some people employ to overcome conflict, coercion is used to force others to conform to our

  page 29

SEPTEMBER 2006

13

commentary

Does God Have a MySpace?

Although the Internet Website MySpace.com started out as a place for musicians and artists to share and promote their work, it has rapidly evolved into the most popular website for young people to socialize and connect. By simply logging on, anyone (while one must be at least 14 years old with no way of verifying) can create a personal profile and site.

by Fr. Angelo Artemas

MySpace now has over 100 million profiles, and functions similar to a mall where kids electronically hang out.

Much like when they physically hang out, a typical profile shows that kids connect about music, sports, movies, school, and friends; plus there is a rich supply of whining, gossiping and swearing.

And unlike at malls, kids can hang out on MySpace and other social websites 24 hours a day. Also unlike at malls, thousands of sexual predators are surfing the net obtaining information on kids, with or without privacy restrictions.

While many kids insist that it is their private space, nothing about the internet is private; it is referred to as the World Wide Web. Once information is typed in, it is available to friends and enemies, parents and predators.

And unlike what is spoken when friends are physically together, internet words seem to live on and on. Certain employers and college admissions officers are starting to Google and search profiles of applicants in order to get a better idea of their character. One’s internet activity is now the most public thing about them.

A lot of people are disturbed by the idea that their internet activity is not private. People do not like being watched, especially teenagers by adults. People often behave differently when being watched.

What many people conveniently ignore or have forgotten is that God sees and hears everything. Whether on Pluto or Earth, home or school, work or play, God is everywhere. In addition to everything else in the world, the internet is His space (is HisSpace trademarked?).

Perhaps the more negative thing about the Internet is not predators and pornography, but the negative character

being shaped online. If one would not use certain words or say something about someone else in their presence, it should not be communicated to others on the Internet.

If one would not say or do something in front of parents, teachers, college admissions officers or future bosses, it should not be communicated on the internet. If one would not do or say something in the presence of God, it should not be on the internet, or anywhere else for that matter.

As one more communication tool, the internet affords the opportunity for users to share, research, learn, mature and grow more responsible. There are pitfalls and opportunities.

Regarding Internet activity, concerned parents should note the following: 1. Computers should be in an open space such as a kitchen or family room with the monitors facing out – not in kid’s rooms.

2. No last names, addresses, birthdates, school names, park district or community information, or specific information about looks or body style should be included on a profile or shared on line. 3. Personal pictures should not be posted on profiles, nor should friends post pictures of other friends. 4. While not foolproof, privacy measures by MySpace and other sites should be activated. 5. Due to the ease of impersonating other users, always verify plans by phone before agreeing to meet friends at outside locations. 6. Limit social time spent online to no more than a half hour at a time, while encouraging kids to make plans to get together in person, preferably at their own home. 7.

Remain informed about internet activity, reminding kids that trust and privacy are earned by responsible and mature activity and behavior. 8. Log into and implement BeNetSafe.com that allows for daily reporting of kid’s online activities. 9. Log into GetNetWise.org which offers filtering software and safety advice.

Everything we say and do is in the presence of God. Let it be for the betterment of others and ourselves.

Fr. Artemas is pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Glenview, Ill., and former director of the Archdiocese Youth Office.

Global Telethon for hellenicare, Nov. 18-19 CHICAGO – Working in cooperation with the global satellite media station ERT World based in Greece, a worldwide Telethon for hellenicare is scheduled to be broadcast on Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19. Its theme is “Hellenes Everywhere. Hope Everywhere! Right to survive. Hope for a better life. Support for human rights.” The Telethon includes a documentary on Andrew A. Athens’ life work and the impact of hellenicare’s philanthropic outreach. Funds raised from the Telethon will support hellenicare’s mission of improving the life and living conditions of vulnerable historic Hellenic communities in the Diaspora.

Hundreds of thousands of Hellenes live in poverty in the Diaspora. Many are without jobs, food, clothing, shelter and even basic medical care.

In 1997, after witnessing the harrowing conditions many Hellenes in the Black Sea countries and Albania were living in, Andrew A. Athens, founding president of the World Council of Hellenes (SAE), established hellenicare – a worldwide non-governmental, humanitarian organization. hellenicare is the only humanitarian organization targeting Diaspora Hellenes that is run by Hellenes.

hellenicare has helped nearly one million people living in the Black Sea countries and Albania. Nearly $120 million (US) worth of medical care, medicines, medical supplies and equipment have already been distributed through hellenicare’s six clinics, six mobile medical units and 34 nurses’ stations.

Providing a wealth of programs, hellenicare offers health care services, distributes humanitarian assistance, creates jobs, improves living conditions through infrastructure restoration projects, addresses rising human and religious rights violations and offers training to local leaders.

The contributions of hellenicare have had a beneficial impact on the life and living conditions of Hellenes and their neighbors. In these historic Hellenic communities, hellenicare is the only source of assistance. Presidents and ministers in the countries where hellenicare is operating its programs, have and continue to publicly acknowledge hellenicare as the organization where “the Greeks are helping our people.”

For information contact: hellenicare, 980 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1210, Chicago, IL 60611, Telephone: (312) 3377243, www.hellenicare.org/telethon

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SCHOLARSHIPS Malta Scholarship Program Awards $28,000 for 2006-07 Academic Year The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese recently announced the recipients of scholarship awards for the 2006-07 academic year from the Katina John Malta Scholarship Program.

This year, $28,000 in awards were given to the following 13 students: Vasilike Bakogiannis of Plainview, N.Y. (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese); Amanda Marie Georgantas of Shorewood, Ill. (GOA); James Elias Georgantas of Shorewood, Ill. (GOA); William Michael George of Denville, N.J. (American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese in the U.S.A.); Anastasia Eftihia Leventopoulos of Chicago (GOA); Taryn Faye Lyman, Fort Wayne, Ind. (GOA); Julia Matthews of Kingsburg, Calif. (Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada); Alexandra Petrelis of Campbell, Ohio (GOA); Stephen N. Popovich of Hebron, Ind. (Serbian Orthodox Church); Christopher Shadid of Johnstown, Pa. (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America); Emily Mae Tjuanakis of Claremont, Calif.

(Orthodox Church in America); Jason J.

Varounis of Port Orange, Fla. (GOA); Emmanuel Vozos of Union, N.J. (GOA).

The Katina John Malta Scholarship Fund is a scholarship program that was established in 2002 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.

The program awards at least two scholarships of $2,000 each academic year and is open to all Orthodox students of the SCOBA jurisdictions.

Application and guidelines for the 2007-08 awards will be available after January 1, from the Office of the Chancellor, Scholarship Office, 10 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021 Application deadline for 2007 will be April 15. Applications are also available online at: http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/administration/chancellor/maltascholarship.pdf

Gioles Scholarship Awards $7,500 Through the George and Naouma Gioles Scholarship Program the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has awarded five scholarships for the 2006-07 academic year.

The scholarships, totaling $7,500, were given to the following students: Donna Balaouras of Watertown, Mass., Ypapanti Meris of Campbell, Ohio, Efthimia Mitches of Garrison, N.Y; Anastasia Eftihia Leventopoulos of Chicago and Alexis Umowski of Town of Washington, N.J. These individuals were chosen by the Scholarship Committee from numerous applications submitted by Greek Orthodox young men and women from throughout the Archdiocese.

The Gioles Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 with a generous gift in

memory of George and Naouma Gioles.

At least three scholarships are awarded on an annual basis to Greek Orthodox high school seniors or college students who are committed to serious study in a degree earning undergraduate program at an accredited college or university.

Applicants are asked to provide transcripts of previous academic work, letters of recommendation, and evidence of financial need. Applications and guidelines for the 2007-08 academic year will be available after Jan. 1, 2007 from the Office of the Chancellor, Scholarship Office, 10 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021, with an application deadline of April 15, 2007.

Applications are available online at http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/ administration/chancellor/giolesscholarship.pdf

International Conference on Religious Tourism The Cyprus Tourism Organization in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization and the Church of Cyprus is organizing the 1st International Conference on Religious Tourism (ICORET) in October 2006 in Cyprus.

It is anticipated that the industry servicing the sector worldwide and especially in Europe and the Mediterranean region, such as travel agents, destination management companies, industry analysts and the church body itself will participate.

Aiming to tap into what is part of a $18 billion industry and representing part of the 25% of the meetings industry in the US alone, the conference will formally instigate an initiative of elevating the status of religious tourism in Cyprus, the nearby region and in Europe, will cover both the demand and supply perspective of religious tourism and will provide networking opportunities to interested parties.

The conference aims to cover both the demand and supply perspective of religious tourism. The focus will primarily be on Christianity and on how can involved parties handle challenges that are expected to have a positive influence in the development of this type of tourism.

In addition to an array of renowned speakers invited to the conference, other guests will produce papers addressing

current issues, providing best practice solutions, and using relevant examples.

The following areas are of interest: The importance of religious tourism as a special form of tourism; The importance of religious tourism in promoting cultural dialogue and social understanding; Ways to promote synergies among authorities and agents promoting religious tourism; Best Practices in product organization and promotion of religious tourism; New trends in religious tourism development; How religious tourism remains a focal point of international tourism; Respect and protection of places of worship.

The Cyprus Tourism Organization is the semi-governmental organization responsible for the development of tourism and for the marketing of the national tourism product of Cyprus. With a wellstanding leisure travel industry in place and a 30-year background in the business travel industry alone, the Cyprus Tourism Organization has set the business and special interest travel industry as one of its major priorities within the framework of the Tourism Strategy for up to 2010.

Working towards this goal, the organization actively promotes Cyprus and participates in specialty events worldwide. For online registration and information visit: www.icoret.org

ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2006

ΕΤΟΣ 71 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1225

Η πιο επιτυχής Κληρικολαϊκή των τελευταίων χρόνων NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Γύρω από τον Παρθενώνα του Νάσβιλ, της πόλης που είναι γνωστή και ως «Αθήνα του Νότου», συγκεντρώθηκαν στο περιθώριο της 38ης Κληρικολαϊκής Συνέλευσης της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής δύο χιλιάδες περίπου Ελληνορθόδοξοι ομογενείς, αντιπρόσωποι των κοινοτήτων από όλη την Αμερική, μέλη της Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου αλλά και των οργανώσεων Νεολαίας αλλά και των διαφόρων άλλων τμημάτων, οργανισμών και ιδρυμάτων της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής. Η πολιτιστική βραδιά μέσα και δίπλα στον Παρθενώνα του Νάσβιλ – ο οποίος αποτελεί ακριβές αντίγραφο σε φυσικό μέγεθος του πρωτοτύπου – ήταν μια ευκαιρία ανάπαυλας από τις εργασίες του Συνεδρίου που περιλάμβανε περιήγηση στο εσωτερικό του Παρθενώνα, όπου βρίσκεται επιβλητικό άγαλμα της Αθηνάς, και στο παρακείμενο μουσείο. Παράλληλα ένα μεγάλο πανηγύρι στήθηκε στον παραπλεύρως χώρο με γεύσεις από τον αμερικανικό νότο και με ένα πρόγραμμα ελληνικών παραδοσιακών χωρών, μουσικής country από το πολυβραβευμένο συγκρότημα Diamond Rio. Μετά την συναυλία το συγκρότημα παρουσίασε στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο έναν «Χρυσό Δίσκο», για την παρουσία του στην πόλη της Νάσβιλ επ’ ευκαιρία της Κληρικολαϊκής Συνέλευσης. Τον νυχτερινό ουρανό πάνω από τον Παρθενώνα φώτισαν χιλιάδες πυροτεχνήματα καθώς η ελληνική μουσική και ο χορός συνέχισαν μέχρι αργά. Η 38η Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευση Η 38η Κ ληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευση που πραγματοποιήθηκε φέτος από 15 έως 21 Ιουλίου, στην πόλη Nashville της πολιτείας του Τενεσί, συνέρχεται ανά διετία υπό την προεδρία του Αρχιεπισκόπου και αποτελεί το ανώτατο νομοθετικό σώμα της Αρχιεπισκοπής και ασχολείται με όλα τα θέματα που αφορούν στη ζωή και αποστολή της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής εξαιρουμένων των κανονικών και δογματικών θεμάτων. Στη φετεινή Κληρικολαϊκή συμμετείχαν δύο χιλιάδες περίπου πιστοί από όλη την επικράτεια της Αρχιεπισκοπής, συμπεριλαμβανομένων παρατηρητών, προσκεκλημένων και χιλίων περίπου

Ελληνορθόδοξη Γιορτή στον Παρθενώνα

αντιπροσώπων των 510 ενοριών. Το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο και τον Παναγιώτατο Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη κ. Βαρθολομαίο εκπροσώπησε ο διευθυντής του ιδιαίτερου Πατριαρχικού Γραφείου Μητροπολίτης Σεβαστείας Δημήτριος. Κύριο θέμα της συνέλευσης ήταν το μήνυμα: «Μεταδίδουμε την Αλήθεια του Ευαγγελίου και την αγάπη του Χριστού». Στο θέμα αυτό στηρίχθηκαν οι εισηγήσεις και τα εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια των διαφόρων τμημάτων και διακονιών της Εκκλησίας.

Θεία Λειτουργία και μνημόσυνο Χίλιοι τριακόσιοι περίπου πιστοί παρακολούθησαν την Κυριακή 15 Ιουλίου την Πανηγυρική πολυαρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία στην οποία προέστη ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος συλλειτουργούντων του Μητροπολίτη Σεβαστείας Δημητρίου και όλων των Μητροπολιτών μελών της Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συνόδου. Στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας εψάλη ειδικό Αρχιερατικό μνημόσυνο υπέρ αναπαύσεως των ψυχών των προσφάτως εκδημησάντων ιεραρχών, του Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής Βορείου και Νοτίου κυρού Ιακώβου και του Μητροπολίτου Αγ ίου Φραγ κ ίσ κου κ υρού

ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Αντωνίου. Παράλληλα ετελέσθη ειδικό μνημόσυνο για τα θύματα της τραγικής εισβολής των Τούρκων στην Κύπρο το 1974. Το μεσημέρι της Κυριακής εγκαινιάστηκε σε αίθουσα του ξενοδοχείου η έκθεση που λειτούργησε στο περιθώριο του συνεδρίου, με εκκλησιαστικό υλικό και άλλα ενδιαφέροντα προϊόντα και υπηρεσίες, με εκθέτες από όλη την Αμερική αλλά και την Ελλάδα. Το επίσημο πρόγραμμα της 38ης Κληρικολαϊκής ξεκίνησε την Δευτέρα 16 Ιουλίου στην μεγάλη αίθουσα συνεδρίων του ξενοδοχειακού συγκροτήματος Gaylord Opr yland Convention Center, με πρωινό εργασίας κατά την διάρκεια του οποίου ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος εκφώνησε την Εναρκτήρια Ομιλία του θέτοντας τον τόνο και το πλαίσιο των εργασιών της Κληρικολαϊκής. «Συναντώμεθα εδώ, στην όμορφη και φιλόξενη πόλη Nashville, για να μεταφράσουμε σε έργα και πράξεις το θέμα της Συνελεύσεώς μας: «Μεταδίδουμε την αλήθεια του Ευαγγελίου και την αγάπη του Χριστού», που σημαίνει, μεταδίδουμε την αλήθεια και αγάπη του Χριστού στους αδελφούς και τις αδελφές μας της Ορθοδόξου πίστεως, στους μη Ορθοδόξους, ακόμη και στους μη

Χριστιανούς γείτονες, συναδέλφους και συμπολίτες μας αυτής της χώρας και πέραν της Αμερικής», είπε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος. Στη συνέχεια ο Σεβασμιώτατος αναφερόμενος σε ένα νέο επιμορφωτικό πρόγραμμα ως «αναπόσπαστο, μεθοδικό και απαραίτητο έργο ζωής όλων των ενοριών» προδιέγραψε ένα πρότυπο σχέδιο για τα επόμενα χρόνια το οποίο θα περιλαμβάνει Κατηχητικό και Ελληνικό Σχολείο για κάθε κοινότητα, πρόγραμμα επιμόρφωσης επί της αληθείας του Ευαγγελίου για τις οικογένειες των μικτών γάμων και κατηχητικά μαθήματα για ενηλίκους. Παράλληλα προδιέγραψε τομείς «έργων αγάπης» και παρότρυνε τις ενορίες να αποδυθούν σε έναν καλό αγώνα για την ανοικοδόμηση οίκων ευγηρίας απανταχού της Αμερικής, δημιουργία και λειτουργία παιδικών σταθμών προσχολικής ηλικίας σε κάθε ενορία, προγραμμάτων στήριξης ασθενών και αναξιοπαθούντων και προγραμμάτων εθελοντισμού για την ανακούφιση των συνανθρώπων μας. Στο πρόγευμα παρακάθισε μεταξύ άλλων και ο εληνοαμερικανός γερουσιαστής Πολ Σαρμπάνης, Οι σύνεδροι απέδωσαν ιδιαίτερες τιμές και χειροκρότησαν θερμά τον απερχόμενο γερουσιαστή για την σημαντική πολυετή προσφορά του. Εκ μέρους του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίου, ο Μητροπολίτης Σεβαστείας Δημήτριος, επέδωσε στον γερουσιαστή τον Χρυσό Σταυρό του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, ενώ ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος κ. Δημήτριος του πρόσφερε ως δώρο ενα πιστό ιστορικό αντίγραφο της πένας με την οποία υπεγράφη η «Διακήρυξη της Ανεξαρτησίας» των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών. Ο δήμαρχος της πόλης Νάσβιλ κ.

Bill Purcell υποδέχτηκε με θερμά λόγια τους συνέδρους και τόνισε ότι στα προσωπά τους καλοσωρίζει την Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία, στο προπύργιο των Εκκλησιών του νότου, δηλαδή εκεί όπου έχουν την έδρα τους τα οι Εκκλησίες των Βαπτιστών και των Μεθοδιστών. Το πρωί της Τρίτης συνεδρίασαν οι προπαρασκευαστικές επιτροπές που

 óåë. 16

Ἡ ἑορτή τῆς Ἰνδίκτου ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις Μετά πολλῆς ἱεροπρεπείας καί ἐκκλησιαστικῆς τάξεως ἑωρτάσθη ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις ἡ ἑορτή τῆς νέας Ἰνδικτιῶνος καί ἡ ἑορτή τῆς Παναγίας τῆς Παμμακαρίστου, ὡς καί ἡ ἡμέρα προσευχῶν ὑπέρ τῆς προστασίας τοῦ φυσικοῦ περιβάλλοντος. Ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης, ὁ Πατριάρχης, ἐχοροστάτησεν ἐν τῷ Π. Πατριαρχικῷ Ναῷ κατά: α) τόν Μ. Ἑσπερινόν τῆς ἑορτῆς, Πέμπτης, 31ης Αὐγούστου, ἐκκλησιασθέντων πολυμελῶν ὁμίλων προσκυνητῶν ἐξ Ἑλλάδος, οὕς προσεφώνησεν ὁ Πατριάρχης, παρουσιάσας εἰς αὐτούς τόν νεοεκλεγέντα Σεβ. Ἀρχιεπίσκοπον Κρήτης κ. Εἰρηναῖον, ἐν συνεχείᾳ δέ ὡμίλησαν οὗτος, ὁ Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Ἐλευθερουπόλεως κ. Χρυσόστομος καί ὁ Πανοσιολ. Ἀρχιμανδρίτης κ. Φιλόθεος Θεοχάρης, ἐπί κεφαλῆς ὁμίλου προσκυνητῶν ἐκ τῆς Ἀδελφότητος Προκοπιέων Χαλκίδος, καί

β) τήν Θείαν Λειτουργίαν τῆς Παρασκευῆς, 1ης ἀρξαμένου μηνός Σεπτεμβρίου, ἐν συγχοροστασίᾳ μετά τῶν Σεβ. Ἱεραρχῶν Γέροντος Ἡρακλείας κ. Φωτίου, Σικάγου κ. Ἰακώβου, Πέργης κ. Εὐαγγέλου, Λύστρων κ. Καλλινίκου, Ἑλβετίας κ. Ἱερεμίου, Δέρκων κ. Κωνσταντίνου, Θεοδωρουπόλεως κ. Γερμανοῦ, Ἡλιουπόλεως καί Θείρων κ. Ἀθανασίου, Τρανουπόλεως κ. Γερμανοῦ, Κρήτης κ. Εἰρηναίου, Σύμης κ. Χρυσοστόμου, Βοστώνης κ. Μεθοδίου, Ἴμβρου καί Τενέδου κ. Κυρίλλου, Πριγκηποννήσων κ. Ἰακώβου, Μυτιλήνης κ. Ἰακώβου, Λάμπης, Συβρίτου καί Σφακίων κ. Εἰρηναίου, Φιλαδελφείας κ. Μελίτωνος, Σεβαστείας κ. Δημητρίου, Κορέας κ. Σωτηρίου, Μύρων κ. Χρυσοστόμου, Μοσχονησίων κ. Ἀπο στόλου, Γαλλίας κ. Ἐμμανουήλ, Ἐλευθερουπόλεως κ. Χρυσοστόμου καί Νέας Ζηλανδίας κ. Ἀμφιλοχίου.  óåë. 17

16

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2006

ΙΣΤΟΡΙΚΗ ΠΡΩΤΗ ΕΠΙΣΚΕΨΗ ΒΑΡΘΟΛΟΜΙΟ, Ηλείας – Η χαρά, η ζωντάνια και η δυναμικότητα και η ομορφιά είναι στοιχεία έκδηλα με την πρώτη ματιά στο Ιονικό Χωριό. ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý

«Το Ιονικό Χωριό δεν είναι μια κατασκήνωση μες τις πολλές, δεν είναι σημαντική διότι είναι μια κατασκήνωση με ωραίες κατασκευές, ούτε διότι είναι σε ένα υπέροχο τοπίο. Είναι σημαντική διότι είναι μια κατασκήνωση εκφραστική ενός λαού σε κατάσταση αποστολής», τόνισε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος κατά τη διάρκεια δείπνου που παρέθεσε για τους επίσημους προσκεκλημένους του.

οποία ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος με απόφαση του Δημοτικού Συμβουλίου ανακηρύχθηκε επίτιμος δημότης Βαρθολομιού και ανταλλάχθηκαν συμβολικά δώρα. Το ίδιο βράδυ ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος δείπνησε με τους κατασκηνωτές, τους ομαδάρχες και το προσωπικό στην τραπεζαρία της κατασκήνωσης. Είχε δε την ευκαιρία να αναγνωρίσει το έργο και να τιμήσει τον κύριο Χριστόφορο και την σύζυγό του Σοφία, οι οποίοι εργάζονται και φροντίζουν την κατασκήνωση επί μακρά σειρά ετών. Ακολούθησε ένα όμορφο ψυχαγωγικό πρόγραμμα στο μικρό αμφιθέατρο του Ιονικού Χωριού με παραδοσιακούς χορούς της Ελλάδος.

ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Ο ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ανάμεσα σε μια ομάδα παιδιών Ιερέων στην Κληρικολαϊκή.

Ελληνορθόδοξη Γιορτή στον Παρθενώνα  óåë. 15 ετοίμασαν τις αναφορές των διαφόρων τμημάτων της Αρχιεπισκοπής. Την ίδια μέρα ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος συναντήθηκε με τα μέλη των διαφόρων οργανισμών, όπως τα μέλη των Χορωδιών, τον σύνδεσμο των Πρεσβυτέρων και τα παιδιά των Ιερέων.

Εργασίες ολομέλειας Οι εργασίες της ολομέλειας των συνέδρων ξεκίνησαν το σημέρι της Τετάρτης με τις αναφορές των διαφόρων επιτροπών και την έγκριση των εκθέσεων. Μεταξύ αυτών η επιτροπή Ελληνικής Παιδείας, η επιτροπή Επικοινωνιών, η επιτροπή Οικονομικών, η επιτροπή για τη Θεολογική Σχολή και άλλες. Στην αναφορά της Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου αναφέρθηκε ότι συμμετείχαν στις εργασίες της ολομέλειας της 377 αντιπρόσωποι και μέχρι σήμερα η Εθνική Φιλόπτωχος έχει διαθέσει το ποσό των 5.2 εκατομμυρίων δολαρίων. Μόνο κατά την διάρκεια του συνεδρίου της Φιλοπτώχου στο Νάσβιλ διατέθηκε το ποσό των 530 χιλιάδων δολαρίων σε διάφορα κοινωφελή ιδρύματα.της χώρας Επίσης στην διάρκεια των εργασιών της Ολομέλειας έγινε δεκτή προς μελέτη και παραπέμφθη στη αρμόδια επιτροπή πρόταση του Μητροπολίτη Βοστώνης Μεθοδίου όπως η Κληρικολαϊκή διεξάγεται στο μέλλον ανά τριετία και κατά την τελευταία εβδομάδα του Ιουνίου. Κατά την διάρκεια της τρίτης αυτής μέρας του Συνεδρίου ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος

παρέστη στο πρωινό που παρέθεσαν οι συνταξιούχοι κληρικοί, στο δείπνο των εν ενεργεία ιερέων μετά των οικογενειών τους, στο δείπνο των Αρχόντων, ενώ αργά το βράδυ μετέβη στην συνάντηση των αποφοίτων της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Pomfret του Κονέκτικατ.

Επίσημο δείπνο Το επίσημο αποχαιρετιστήριο δείπνο της Κληρικολαϊκής δόθηκε το βράδυ της Πέμπτης 20 Ιουλίου. Την Ελληνική Κυβέρνηση εκπροσώπησε ο πρέσβης κ. Κάρολος Γαδής. Το πρόγραμμα του επίσημου δείπνου παρουσίασε ο ελληνικής καταγωγής δημοφιλής τηλεπαρουσιαστής και πρώην πρόεδρος της τοπικής κοινότητας της Αγίας Τριάδας Κρις Κλάρκ. Το πρωί της τελευταίας μέρας ο Σύνδεσμος Κληρικών της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής παρέθεσε πρόγευμα εργασίας κατά τη διάρκεια του οποίου ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος συνόψισε τα πορίσματα και το αποτέλεσμα των εργασιών. Κατά την διάρκεια της παραμονής του στο Νάσβιλ ο Σεβασμιώτατος παραχώρησε σ υνέ ν τε υξη σ το Κανά λι 4 (WSMV-TV) και στην ελληνικής καταγωγής δημοσιογράφο Δημήτρια Καλοδήμου, καθώς και στην απεσταλμένη δημοσιογράφο του Ασοσιέϊντετ Πρες. Επίσης ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος συναντήθηκε εθιμοτυπικά και με τον ομοσπονδιακό βουλευτή του Τενεσί Jim Cooper με τον οποίο συζήτησαν θέματα σχετικά με τις θρησκευτικές ελευθερίες στη Τουρκία και το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο.

— Σ.Π.

Ο ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ καλωσορίζει στο Ιονικό Χωριό τον Μητροπολίτη Ηλείας Γερμανό, τον Υφυπουργό Εξωτ. Θεόδωρο Κασσίμη και τον Μητροπολίτη Ατλάντας Αλέξιο.

Το Ιονικό Χωριό, οι καλοκαιρινές κατασκηνωτικές εγκαταστάσεις της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής, βρίσκεται σε μια ειδυλλιακή παραθαλάσσια τοποθεσία στον Νομό Ηλείας κι αγναντεύει απέναντι τη Ζάκυνθο. Από της ιδρύσεώς του το 1970 από τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Ιάκωβο, το Ιονικό Χωριό έχει φιλοξενήσει πάνω από 15.000 κατασκηνωτές από την Αμερική και τον Καναδά, καλλιεργώντας και πλαταίνοντας τους δεσμούς της νέας γενιάς με τη γενέτειρα και τις ρίζες τους. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος ταξίδεψε εκεί στις αρχές Αυγούστου πραγματοποιώντας την πρώτη του επίσκεψη στις κατασκηνώσεις νέων της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής στην Ελλάδα. Κατά την άφιξή του στο Βαρθολομιό υπό τους ήχους της Δημοτικής Φιλαρμονικής, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος έγινε δεκτός με τιμές και ενθουσιασμό από τον Μητροπολίτη Ηλείας Γερμανό, τον δήμαρχο, τις τοπικές αρχές και πλήθος κόσμου που είχε συγκεντρωθεί στην πλατεία και στην είσοδο του Ιερού Ναού της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου του Βαρθολομιού, όπου στη συνέχεια ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος τέλεσε δοξολογία. «Σας υποδεχόμεθα με ιδιαίτερη τιμή και σεβασμό σήμερα στην Ηλεία, εδώ στο Βαρολομιό, στο Ιονικό Χωριό, εδώ κοντά στην Ήλιδα, την διοργανώτρια πόλη των Ολυμπιακών Αγώνων και την Ολυμπία», είπε στην προσφώνησή του ο Μητροπολίτης Ηλείας και Ωλένης κ. Γερμανός και πρόσθεσε: «Η παρουσία σας σήμερα στην Ηλεία, άγιε Αμερικής, τιμά και υψώνει παγκόσμια τον ηρωικό και ιστορικό τούτο τόπο μας... δια τούτο σας ευγνωμονούμε και απονέμομε στο τίμιο και άγιο πρόσωπό σας την υψίστη τιμή και τον μέγιστο σεβασμό μας». Ακολούθησε σεμνή τελετή κατά την

Το πρωί της 8ης Αυγούστου ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος παρακάθισε στο πρόγευμα με τους ελληνοαμερικανούς κατασκηνωτές και στη συνέχεια συνοδευόμενος από τον διευθυντή του Τμήματος Νεολαίας π. Μάρκο Λεοντή και τον υπεύθυνο του Ιονικού Χωριού π. Κωνσταντίνο Λαζαράκη, περιηγήθηκε στις κατασκηνωτικές εγκαταστάσεις. Δύο ομάδες κατασκηνωτών κάθονταν σε κύκλο κάτω από τα πεύκα, συζητώντας θέματα ορθόδοξης πίστης και ζωής. Καθώς ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος πλησίασε και κάθισε μαζί τους, οι νεαροί κατασκηνωτές προσπαθούσαν να ορίσουν τον τρόπο με τον οποίο η Ορθοδοξία αντικατοπτρίζεται στην καθημερινή ζωή τους και το τι σημαίνει ορθοπραξία. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος άκουσε πρώτα προσεκτικά τις απόψεις των παιδιών, συμμετείχε στο διάλογο και τους μίλησε για την προσευχή ως τρόπο συνεχούς επικοινωνίας με το Θεό. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος εντυπωσιάστηκε από την επόμενη ομάδα που επισκέφθηκε, η οποία βρίσκονταν στο μέσο ενός μαθήματος Βυζαντινής Μουσικής. Ακολούθησαν διάφορα αλλά μαθήματα του προγράμματος όπως αυτό της χειροτεχνίας, της ζωγραφικής και αγιογραφίας. Τριάντα περίπου αγόρια και κορίτσια που έπαιζαν ποδόσφαιρο τράβηξαν την προσοχή του Σεβασμιωτάτου ο οποίος παρακολούθησε λίγα λεπτά από το παιγνίδι τους και μετά φωτογραφήθηκε μαζί τους. Η περιήγηση συνεχίστηκε στα γραφικά δρομάκια και στις ασπρισμένες αυλές τις γεμάτες από τις μυρωδιές πολύχρωμων λουλουδιών, τις πορτοκαλιές και λεμονιές. Το εσπέρας, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος υποδέχθηκε τους επίσημους προσκεκλημένους του στο Ιονικό Χωριό και τους ξενάγησε στους διάφορους χώρους και εγκαταστάσεις. Ακολούθησε δεξίωση στους χώρους της αίθουσας τελετών που είχε δωρίσει στο «Ιονικό Χωριό» ο Αλέξαν-

ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2006

17

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ΤΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ ∆ΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ ΣΤΟ ΙΟΝΙΚΟ ΧΩΡΙΟ δρος Ωνάσης και φέρει το όνομα του. Εκεί στον περίβολο, με φόντο το Ιόνιο Πέλαγος και το αυγουστιάτικο φεγγάρι που ξεπρόβαλλε από το βαθυγάλανο της θάλασσας ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος παρέθεσε δείπνο. Μια ομάδα κατασκηνωτών έψαλλαν του εθνικούς ύμνους της Ελλάδος και των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών. Ο Μητροπολίτης Ηλείας Γερμανός ευλόγησε την τράπεζα. Ο διευθυντής του Ιονικού Χωριού π. Κωνσταντίνος Λαζαράκης παρουσίασε τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο ο οποίος καλωσόρισε τους εκλεκτούς επισκέπτες και τους εκπροσώπους του Τύπου. Ο Δήμαρχος του Βαρθολομιού Στέφανος Αδαός και ο Νομάρχης Ηλείας Τάκης Δημητρουλόπουλος απηύθυναν χαιρετισμούς, ο Νομάρχης μάλιστα επέδωσε στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο ως αναμνηστικό δώρο της επισκέψεώς του ένα κομμάτι μαρμάρου από αυτό που κτιστήκαν τα μνημεία της Ολυμπίας. Ο υφυπουργός εξωτερικών αρμόδιος για θέματα Αποδήμου Ελληνισμού κ. Θεόδωρος Κασσίμης που τίμησε με την παρουσία την εκδήλωση, καθώς και ο πρόεδρος και αντιπρόεδρος της Μόνιμης Διακομματικής Επιτροπής της Βουλής κύριοι Ευγένιος Χαϊτίδης και Γρηγόρης Νιώτης αντίστοιχα, στις ομιλίες τους εξέφρασαν τον εντυπωσιασμό τους από την επίσκεψή τους στο «Ιονικό Χωριό» και τόνισαν την πρόθεσή τους να στηρίξουν με κάθε δυνατό τρόπο τους σκοπούς και την λειτουργία του θεσμού. Ακολούθησε ένα σύντομο καλλιτεχνικό πρόγραμμα στο οποίο νέες και νέοι ελληνοαμερικανοί χόρεψαν ελληνικούς παραδοσιακούς χορούς και τραγούδησαν

ΦΩΤΟ: ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Ανοιχτή συζήτηση είχε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος με τους νέους και νέες του Ιονικού Χωριού κάτω από τη σκιά των πεύκων.

στα Ελληνικά δημοτικά τραγούδια και ύμνους καταχειροκροτούμενοι από τους παρευρισκόμενους μεταξύ των οποίων συγκαταλέγονταν και οι βουλευτές Ηλείας Παναγιώτης Αδρακτάς και Γιώργος Κοντογιάννης, ο Γενικός Γραμματέας της Περιφέρειας Δυτικής Ελλάδας Παναγιώτης Καβαδδάς, οι διοικητές της ΣΕΤΤΗΛ και της 117 Πτέρυγας Μάχης Ανδραβίδας Γεώργιος Ψαράκης και Αναστάσιος Κατσίμπρας, ο αναπληρωτής Αστυνομικός Διευθυντής Ηλείας Σωτήρης Χρονόπου-

λος και πολλοί άλλοι επίσημοι Ο Μητροπολίτης Ηλείας κ. Γερμανός στην ομιλία του τόνισε τον ιδιαίτερο ρόλο του Ιονικού Χωριού στη σύσφιξη των δεσμών με την ελληνορθόδοξη Ομογένεια της Αμερικής και εξέφρασε την ιδιαίτερη χαρά του λαού της Ηλείας για την ιδιαίτερη ευλογία. «Η ομιλία μου σήμερα θα μπορούσε να περιοριστεί στην όμορφη και ζωντανή παρουσία αυτών των παιδιών που είχατε όλοι την ευκαιρία να θαυμάσετε και να

χειροκροτήσετε», είπε μεταξύ άλλων ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος και τόνισε ότι τα παιδιά που συμμετέχουν στα κατασκηνωτικά προγράμματα του «Ιονικού Χωριού» γίνονται οι καλύτεροι κήρυκες της Ελλάδος και του πολιτισμού της. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος λίγο πριν αναχωρήσει από το Ιονικό Χωριό εξέφρασε την μεγάλη του χαρά και την πλήρη ικανοποίησή του από την σύντομη αλλά πλούσια εμπειρία της επισκέψεώς του.

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

ÁÐËÇ ÌÅÔÁÂÁÓÇ ΜΕΓΑΛΟ το ενδιαφέρον της πολιτικής ηγεσίας για το Ιονικό Χωριό. ∆ιακρίνονται ο Υφυπουργός Εξωτ. Θεόδωρος Κασσίμης(α) και ο Βουλευτής Γρηγόρης Νιώτης.

Ἡ ἑορτή τῆς Ἰνδίκτου ἐν τοῖς Πατριαρχείοις  óåë. 15 Μετά τό Ἱ. Εὐαγγέλιον ἀνεγνώσθη, ἀπό τοῦ Ἱεροῦ Ἄμβωνος, εἰδικόν Μήνυμα τῆς Α. Θ. Παναγιότητος, ἐπί τῇ ἡμέρᾳ προσευχῶν ὑπέρ τῆς προστασίας τῆς κτίσεως, ὑπό τοῦ Πανοσιολ. Ἀρχιμανδρίτου κ. Ἐλπιδοφόρου, Ἀρχιγραμματέως τῆς Ἁγίας καί Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου. Παρέστησαν συμπροσευχόμενοι ὁ Θεοφιλ. Ἐπίσκοπος Κνωσσοῦ κ. Εὐγένιος, ὁ Πανοσιολ. Ἀρχιμανδρίτης κ. Νεκτάριος Σελαλματζίδης, Ἐπίτροπος τοῦ Παναγίου Τάφου ἐνταῦθα, πλεῖστοι Κληρικοί ἐκ διαφόρων Ἱερῶν Μητροπόλεων ἐντεῦθεν καί ἐκ τοῦ ἐξωτερικοῦ, ἐκπρόσωποι τοῦ Μοναχισμοῦ, ὁ Ἐξοχ. κ. Λεωνίδας Χρυσανθόπουλος, Πρέσβυς-Γενικό ς Γραμμ ατεύ ς τοῦ Ὀργανισμ οῦ

Οἰκονομικῆς Συνεργασίας Μαύρης Θαλάσσης «ΟΣΕΠ», ὁ Ἐντιμ. κ. Ἀλέξανδρος Ἀ λεξανδρῆ ς, Γενικός Πρόξενος τῆ ς Ἑλλάδος ἐνταῦθα, Ἄρχοντες Ὀφφικιάλοι τῆς Ἁγίας τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μ. Ἐκκλησίας, παράγοντες τῆς Ὁμογενείας καί πλῆθος πιστῶν ἐντεῦθεν καί ἐκ τοῦ ἐξωτερικοῦ. Μετά τό πέρας τῆς Θείας Λειτουργίας, ἀνεγνώσθη ὑπό τῆς Α. Θ. Παναγιότητος, τοῦ Πατριάρχου, ἡ νενομισμένη εὐχή καί Πρᾶ ξι ς τῆ ς νέ α ς, ΙΕ´, Ἰνδικτι ῶνο ς, ὑπογραφεῖσα ἀκολούθως ὑπ᾿ Αὐτοῦ τε καί ὑπό τῶν συγχοροστατησάντων ἁγίων Ἀρχιερέων, οἵτινες ἀντήλλαξαν μετ᾿ Αὐτοῦ τόν ἐν Χριστῷ ἀσπασμόν, ἐπί τῷ νέῳ ἐκκλησιαστικῷ ἔτει. Ἐν κατακλεῖδι, ὁ Πατριάρχης, ἡγίασε τό ἐκκλησίασμα διά τοῦ Ἁγιασμοῦ τῆς 1ης τοῦ μηνός.

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•$65 åðéðëÝïí åðéâÜñõíóç êáõóßìùí ãéá êÜèå äéáäñïìÞ •$25 åðéðëÝïí åðéâÜñõíóç ãéá üóïõò ôáîéäåýïõí ÐáñáóêåõÞ, ÓÜââáôï Þ ÊõñéáêÞ •ÐáéäéÜ 2-11 åôþí ðëçñþíïõí 25% ëéãüôåñï

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ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2006

Α ρχιεπισκοπικη Εγκυκλιος

1η Σεπτεμβρίου 2006

Ἔναρξη Νέου Ἐκκλησιαστικοῦ Ἔτους

ΦΩΤΟ: ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

ΘΕΡΜΗ χειραψία του ελληνοαμερικανού ευεργέτη Μιχαήλ Τζαχάρη με τους κατοίκους της γενέτειράς του, στη Αγία Παρασκευή Μυτιλήνης.

Ζαχάρειος Πρότυπος Μονάδα Φροντίδας Ηλικιωμένων

Τη Ζαχάρειο Πρότυπη Μονάδα Φροντίδας Ηλικιωμένων «Η Αγία Παρασκευή» στο ομώνυμο χωριό της Λέσβου εγκαινίασε ο Αρχ ιεπίσ κοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος κατά την επίσκεψή του στο νησί τον περασμένο Αύγουστο. Στην τελετή των εγκαινίων του Κέντρου, το οποίο χαρακτηρίστηκε ως «ένα πραγματικό στολίδι» για την περιοχή, παρέστησαν οι Μητροπολίτες Μυτιλήνης Ιάκωβος και Μηθύμνης Χρυσόστομος, οι υπουργοί Εσωτερικών, Δημόσιας Διοίκησης και Αποκέντρωσης Προκόπης Παυλόπουλος και Αιγαίου και Νησιωτικής Πολιτικής Αριστοτέλης Παυλίδης, καθώς και πλήθος κόσμου. ôçò ÑåâÝêêáò Ðáðáäïðïýëïõ

Το υπερσύγχρονο Κέντρο που άνοιξε τις πύλες του στους ηλικιωμένους του νησιού, βοηθώντας σε μεγάλο βαθμό στον τομέα της φροντίδας τους, αποτελεί δωρεά του επιφανούς Ελληνοαμερικανού επιχειρηματία και αντιπροέδρου του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου Εμμανουήλ- Μιχαήλ Τζαχάρη και της συζύγου του Μαίρης Τζαχάρη που κάλυψαν εξ ολοκλήρου τη δαπάνη ανέγερσης και εξοπλισμού της Μονάδας στη μνήμη των γονιών τους. Ο θεμέλιος λίθος του Κέντρου τέθηκε τον Ιούνιο του 2004 σε οικόπεδο που

δώρισε στο δήμο η κ. Κλειώ Πλάτωνος και δύο χρόνια αργότερα το όραμα του μεγάλου ευεργέτη της Αγίας Παρασκευής, έλαβε «σάρκα και οστά», έτοιμο να υποδεχθεί τους πρώτους ενοίκους και το προσωπικό του. Η μονάδα στοίχισε περί τα τρία εκατομμύρια ευρώ, ενώ την ημέρα των εγκαινίων ο κ. Τζαχάρης επέδωσε στο δήμαρχο της ιδιαίτερης πατρίδας του Αγίας Παρασκευής και νέα επιταγή ύψους 300.000 ευρώ για την κάλυψη των πρώτων αναγκών και των λειτουργικών εξόδων της μονάδας. Στη σύντομη ομιλία του ο υπουργός Εσωτερικών Προκόπης Παυλόπουλος συνεχάρη την οικογένεια Τζαχάρη για αυτή τους την κίνηση και ζήτησε συγγνώμη από τον κόσμο της Αγίας Παρασκευής που η κυβέρνηση δεν πρόλαβε να πραγματοποιήσει μια τέτοια Μονάδα, ενώ και ο υπουργός Αιγαίου Αριστοτέλης Παυλίδης έκανε λόγο για μία από τις σημαντικότερες προσφορές στον τόπο. Για τον μέγα ευεργέτη Εμμανουήλ Τζαχάρη μίλησε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος, αποκαλύπτοντας στους παριστάμενους και ανάλογες δωρεές του στην Αμερική. Εμφανώς συγκινημένος ο Εμμανουήλ Τζαχάρης δεν έκρυψε τη χαρά του που βρέθηκε και πάλι στην ιδιαίτερη πατρίδα του, το νησί της Λέσβου και του δόθηκε η ευκαιρία να προσφέρει κάτι στους κατοίκους της.

Μια αξέχαστη στιγμή για όλους ήταν τα εγκαίνια της νέας Μονάδας Φροντίδας Ηλικιωμένων στην Αγία Παρακευή Μυτιλήνης. Ιδιαίτερα συγκινημένος ο ευεργέτης Μιχαήλ Τζαχάρης.

Προσφιλεῖς ἀδελφοί καί ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Εἰσερχόμεθα στό Νέο Ἐκκλησιαστικό Ἔτος αὐτή τήν 1η ἡμέρα τοῦ Σεπτεμβρίου 2006 μετά τήν ὁλοκλήρωση τῆς εὐλογημένης μας 38ης Κληρικολαϊκῆς Συνελεύσεως ἡ ὁποία πραγματοποιήθηκε τόν περασμένο Ἰούλιο στήν πόλη Nashville, Tennessee. Μαζί, στή διάρκεια τῶν ἐργασιῶν τῆς Συνελεύσεώς μας, διερευνήσαμε καί καταθέσαμε τή μαρτυρία μας σχετικά μέ τήν τεράστια δύναμη τοῦ θέματος αὐτῆς, «Μεταδίδουμε τήν Ἀλήθεια τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου καί τήν Ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ», διότι μᾶς ἐνέπνευσε νά παραγάγουμε ἔργα ἁπτά καί διαρκῆ γιά τήν ἐνίσχυση τῶν διακονιῶν τῆς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς μας. Γι’ αὐτόν τόν λόγο τό θέμα τῆς Συνελεύσεώς μας ἐξακολουθεῖ νά ὑφίσταται ὄχι ἁπλῶς ὡς θέμα, ἀλλά πλέον ὡς καθοδηγητικό κείμενο τό ὁποῖο ὅλοι πρέπει νά ἀκολουθοῦμε ἐν λόγοις καί ἔργοις κατά τήν διάρκεια αὐτοῦ τοῦ Νέου Ἐκκλησιαστικοῦ Ἔτους. Οἱ ἐργασίες μας κατά τήν διάρκεια τῆς 38ης Διετοῦς Κληρικολαϊκῆς Συνελεύσεώς μας παρήγαγαν πολλά σημαντικά ἐφόδια καί ἐργαλεῖα γιά τήν δυναμική ὑποστήριξη καί ἀποτελεσματικότητα τῶν πολλῶν καί ποικίλων διακονιῶν τῆς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς μας. Μεταξύ αὐτῶν συγκαταλέγεται καί ἡ υἱοθεσία ἀποτελεσματικοτέρων οἰκονομικῶν στρατηγικῶν μέ σκοπό τήν ἐνδυνάμωση τῆς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς, τῶν Μητροπόλεων καί ἐνοριῶν μας μέ περισσότερα μέσα ὥστε νά προαχθῇ ἡ ἀποστολή μας ὡς Ἑλληνικῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Ἐκκλησίας ἐντός τοῦ ἔθνους μας. Υἱοθετήσαμε αὐτά τά μέτρα ἀναγνωρίζοντας ἀπό κοινοῦ τήν ἀνάγκη νά ἀφιερώσουμε τούς ἑαυτούς μας μέ ὁλοκληρωτικό τρόπο ὡς Χριστιανοί στίς σημαντικές ἀρχές τῆς συμμετοχῆς, εὐθύνης, διαφάνειας καί δικαιοσύνης στόν τρόπο μέ τόν ὁποῖο χειριζόμεθα θέματα οἰκονομικῆς φύσεως. Αὐτές οἱ πολύ σημαντικές ἀρχές ἰσχύουν, ἐπίσης, καί σέ θέματα ἐσωτερικῆς διακυβερνήσεως καί διοικήσεως ὅλων τῶν ἐπιπέδων τῆς ζωῆς τῆς Ἐκκλησίας. Τό θέμα τῆς Συνελεύσεώς μας ἐφαρμόσθηκε ἐπίσης μέ ἁπτό τρόπο καί σέ μία σειρά μεθόδων διευθετήσεως διαφορῶν, μέ τίς ὁποῖες ἐξομαλύνονται ἀποτελεσματικά διαφορές ὅπως ἁρμόζει σέ μία ἑνωμένη Χριστιανική κοινότητα. Αὐτές οἱ διευθετήσεις εἶναι σημαντικές διότι ἀντανακλοῦν Χριστιανική ἀξιοπρέπεια μέσα ἀπό τόν τρόπο τόν ὁποῖον ἐπιλέγουμε γιά νά λύσουμε πιθανές διαφωνίες. Ἀποκαλύπτουν ὅτι παρά τίς οἱεσδήποτε διαφωνίες τίς ὁποῖες ἐνδέχεται νά ἔχουμε ὡς κοινότητες, προσπαθοῦμε νά τηρήσουμε τούς σοφούς λόγους τοῦ Ἀποστόλου Παύλου ὁ ὁποῖος ἔκαμε τήν ἀκόλουθη ἔκκληση στούς Κορινθίους: Παρακαλῶ δέ ὑμᾶς ἀδελφοί διά τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἵνα τό αὐτό λέγητε πάντες καί μή ᾖ ἐν ὑμῖν σχίσματα, ἦτε δέ κατηρτισμένοι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ νοΐ καί ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ γνώμῃ (Α´ Κορ. 1:10). Ταυτοχρόνως, αὐτές οἱ διευθετήσεις διαφορῶν ἐνθαρρύνουν τόν διάλογο, καλλιεργοῦν τήν εἰρήνη καί μειώνουν τήν ἐπιπολαιότητα καί τήν οἰκονομική σπατάλη. Ἡ Κληρικολαϊκή μας περιελάμβανε, ἐπίσης, ἕνα πλούσιο ἐκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα τό ὁποῖο, ἐν σχέσει μέ τό θέμα της, προσέφερε πνευματική τροφή στούς πιστούς μας ἐπί διαφόρων θεμάτων ἀνάμεσα στά ὁποῖα συγκαταλέγονται τό πρόβλημα τῆς πενίας, ἀμφιλεγόμενα θέματα σχετικά μέ προηγμένες τεχνολογίες καί βιοηθική, καθώς καί προκλήσεις στούς τομεῖς τῆς προσεγγίσεως τῶν ἀνθρώπων καί τῆς ἱεραποστολῆς. Ἐλάβαμε σειρά ἀποφάσεων κάνοντας ἔκκληση γιά εἰρήνη στόν κόσμο, γιά ἀποτελεσματική ἀντιμετώπιση τῆς πενίας, καί γιά τόν τερματισμό τῆς βίας μέ θύματα τά παιδιά. Ἀποφασίσαμε, ἐπίσης, νά ζητήσουμε τόν σεβασμό τῆς θρησκευτικῆς ἐλευθερίας τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ μας Πατριαρχείου ἀπό ὅλους. Προσευχόμεθα ὁλόθερμα οἱ ἀποφάσεις αὐτές νά μή μείνουν ἁπλῶς ἐκφράσεις ὑψηλῶν ἰδεωδῶν καταγραμμένες σέ χαρτί, ἀλλά, μᾶλλον, νά καταστοῦν σχέδιο καί νά μᾶς ὁδηγήσουν σέ ἕνα Νέο Ἐκκλησιαστικό Ἔτος κατά τό ὁποῖο θά στοχεύσουμε σέ εἰδικούς καί πραγματοποιήσιμους στόχους, οὕτως ὥστε νά ἐπιτύχουμε νά ζοῦμε σύμφωνα μέ τήν ἐντολή τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἡ ὁποία μᾶς καλεῖ νά μεταδίδουμε τό Εὐαγγέλιό Του καί τήν Ἀγάπη Του σέ ὅλους. Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές, Ἡ ἡμέρα τῆς 1ης Σεπτεμβρίου εἶναι σημαντική καί γιά κάποιον ἄλλο λόγο ὁ ὁποῖος ταιριάζει ἐξίσου στό θέμα τῆς πρόσφατης Κληρικολαϊκῆς: Ἡ 1η Σεπτεμβρίου ἀποτελεῖ τήν Ἡμέρα Προστασίας τοῦ Φυσικοῦ Περιβάλλοντος, ἀκολουθώντας μία παράδοση πού θεμελίωσε τό Οἰκουμενικό Πατριαρχεῖο μας. Ὡς Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί οἱ ὁποῖοι ἔχουμε δεσμευθεῖ νά «Μεταδίδουμε τήν Ἀλήθεια τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου καί τήν Ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ» , ἔχουμε τό καθῆκον νά ὑπηρετοῦμε ἀληθινά ὡς «ἱερεῖς» τῆς δημιουργίας Του. Ἡ ἔκκλησή μας στούς λαούς καί τίς κυβερνήσεις νά ἐπιδείξουν σύνεση καί νά μήν καταστρέφουν τούς θεόσδοτους φυσικούς πόρους τοῦ πλανήτη μας γιά οἰκονομικό ὄφελος, ἀποτελεῖ ἔκκληση θυσίας ἡ ὁποία χαρίζει ζωή, διασφαλίζει τήν ὑγεία τοῦ φυσικοῦ περιβάλλοντός μας, καί προστατεύει ἔναντι τῆς καταχρήσεώς του. Αὐτό ἀποτελεῖ ἀκόμη μία μορφή μεταδόσεως τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου καί τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Χριστοῦ, διότι γνωρίζουμε ὅτι Ἐκεῖνος καθαγιάζει ὁλόκληρη τή Δημιουργία. Σέ αὐτή τήν εὐλογημένη ἑορτή τῆς ἐνάρξεως τοῦ Νέου Ἐκκλησιαστικοῦ Ἔτους, ἔχουμε πολλά θέματα γιά τά ὁποῖα ὀφείλουμε εὐγνωμοσύνη στόν Θεό. Ἔχουμε πολλά νά σκεφθοῦμε καί νά ἀναλογισθοῦμε καθώς προσπαθοῦμε νά ἐπιτελέσουμε τό ἔργο καί τή διακονία Του. Ἔχουμε πολλά νά προσφέρουμε στούς ἄλλους, στό ἔθνος μας, καί στόν κόσμο μας καθώς μοιραζόμεθα τήν αἰώνια ἀλήθεια τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου Του καί τῆς ἀπέραντης ἀγάπης Του. Προσεύχομαι, αὐτό τό Νέο Ἐκκλησιαστικό Ἔτος νά ἀποτελέσῃ ἔτος εἰρήνης καί γαλήνης γιά σᾶς καί ὅλους τούς κατοίκους τῆς γῆς, εἰδικά στά μέρη ἐκεῖνα τά ὁποῖα βιώνουν τά πολύ πραγματικά καί θλιβερά προβλήματα πολέμων καί διαμάχης. Εἴθε ἡ ἄπειρη ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τό ἔλεός Του νά διαποτίζουν τίς καρδιές σας, τά σπίτια σας καί τή γῆ μας τώρα καί πάντοτε.

Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη,

ÿ ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

19

SEPTEMBER 2006

PEOPLE A progressive parish in Kentuky’s largest city Many candidates A large field of Greek American candidates will seek federal and major state offices in November.

They include: John Sarbanes, who is running in Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District. He is the son of retiring U.S. Sen. Paul Sarbanes; Gus Bilirakis, running in Florida’s 9th Congressional District. His father, Mike Bilirakis, represented the district the past 24 years; Zach Space, seeking Ohio’s 18th Congressional District seat. Grandfather Zacharias Space, immigrated from Ikaria; Kostas Alexakis, seeks the 1st Congressional District seat in Maryland. Alexakis was born in Sparta, Greece; California state Treasurer Phil Angelides is running for governor against Arnold Schwarzenegger. His mother’s family is from Smyrna, father’s family from Cephalonia; Florida state Attorney General Charlie Crist, is running for governor. Family is from Cyprus; Nevada state Sen. Dina Titus is running for governor. Her grandfather, Arthur Constandinos Cathones, immigrated from Trikala; Christy Mihos is running for governor of Massachusetts. His family is from Sparta; Alexi Giannoulias is running for Illinois state treasurer. Mother’s family is from Crete. Father immigrated from Kalavryta; Drew Theodore is running for comptroller general of South Carolina. His is the son of former Lt. Gov. Nick Theodore, whose family comes from Krokeas, Sparta.

Mother’s family comes from Mytiline.

Peter Alec Frangedakis, a member of St. John’s Church in Sterling Heights, Mich., is running as an independent candidate in the 81st State Representative District in Michigan. His parents are Arthur and Susan Frangedakis of St. Clair Shores and are members of St. Nicholas Church in Troy.

Attends conference Cook County, Ill., Treasurer Maria Pappas recently attended the 13th annual General Assembly of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy in Venice, Italy. She joined participants from many countries to discuss the importance of Orthodox Christianity and its contribution to the culture of Europe.

L.I. honorees County Executive Thomas Suozzi of Nassau County, Long Island, recently honored five persons at the annual Greek American Night held at Eisenhower Park for their contributions and leadership in their communities. They were: Georgia Kontogiannis, a member and benefactor of Holy Resurrection Church in Brookville, member of Philoptochos board and Cooley’s Anemia Foundation board She and her family donated $1 million to the September 11, 2001 Disaster Relief effort and donated food through their family owned company for Hurricane Katrina relief; Chris Neocleous, president of Archangel Michael parish in Roslyn, leading community to build a new church complex in Port Washington; Andrew Louca, past president of St. Demetrios parish in Merrick, served many years as Greek Festival chairman, set Iconography project in motion, a main fund raisers to replace the church roof and dome; Cynthia Golding, Church School director at St. Demetrios Merrick; past board member of Philoptochos and Greek School, conducts religious education workshops for the children at St Demetrios more than 11 years; John Malafis, past president of St. Markella parish in Wantagh, actively involved in fund-raising.

LOUISVILLE– There are many close ties between Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city, and Nashville, site of this year’s Clergy-Laity Congress -- about 185 miles of them to be exact.

They’re the ties that bind the rails of the historic former Louisville & Nashville Railroad that are the main rail link between the two cities and the major port city of Charleston, S.C. which Greek immigrants helped to build in the mid-to late 1800s. These railroad builders returned to their homeland by the 1890s, but others came in their

P A R I S H

1940s and ‘50s, which was a time of great progress in the community. Many of the younger generation pursued their education and entered numerous professions.

One of these younger Greek Americans of the parish, Bill Gianacakes, at the urging of his uncle, Louis Maniatis, went on to Holy Cross Seminary and became ordained as a priest. He also changed his name to Gaines and for many years was head of the Archdiocese Campus Ministry Program.

Fr. William Gaines, now a “retired” priest, resides in New Orleans (Metairie)

Ministries that Fr. Larry conducts include a weekly Bible study and catechism class.

In addition to the educators, doctors, attorneys and other professionals in the community, others are employed in one of the large corporations located in the city, including the automakers Ford and General Motors that have plants in Louisville, and United Parcel Service that has a major distribution center here.

Another employer in past years was the Bluebird Pie Company, a

p ro f i l e

Name: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Location: Louisville, Ky. Metropolis: Detroit Size: about 80 families Founded: 1925 Clergy: Fr. Eleftherios “Larry” Lagakis (Holy Cross ’03) E-mail: postmaster@assumption.win.net Noteworthy: oldest Greek Orthodox parish in Kentucky ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

place during that decade that was the start of mass migration to the U.S. from Greece over the next 30 years.

Some of the Greeks who arrived established small businesses, according to a history by Dr. Marios Stephanides.

Dr. Stephanides wrote “A History of the Greeks in Kentucky, Vol. 1 1900-1950” in 2001.

One of the first to arrive was Constantine C. Gianacakes from Arcadia, who established an ice cream business with 20 horse-drawn carts and pushcarts. About 1898, Charles and John Damaskes established the Preston Confectionary, as did six brothers named Makres related to the Gianacakeses.

Another immigrant, Nicholas Mastoras, arrived in the United States in 1914 from the island of Othoni, near Kerkyra. He first settled in Birmingham, Ala. After World War II, he became a U.S. citizen and changed his name to Masterson. Today, his family operates Louisville’s largest catering service.

Along with a few other families who settled here during the first two decades of the 20th century, the community had sufficient numbers for the founding of a church.

After its incorporation in 1925, the parish received a state charter in 1926 and its ecclesiastical charter from the Archdiocese in 1927. That same year, parishioner Louis P. Maniatis organized the local AHEPA chapter, named in honor of World War I Greek American hero George Dilboy.

Fr. Anthony Iatrides served as the community’s first priest, from 1927-30.

During this period, Greek immigrants congregated on the near southwest side of downtown Louisville. The area was known as “Greek Town” until the 1950s.

The second generation, the first born in America, came of age in the

and is president of the Retired Clergy Association, after having served several parishes over the years.

Greek-owned business based in Dayton, Ohio.

Parish organizations

Presently, the community’s main goal is to complete its building program.

Several years ago the parish purchased a church building and a threeacre site from the Church of the Nazarene in the suburb of Lyndon, on the east side of Louisville.

Worship services are being held in the church pending the completion of the new Byzantine-style building on the same property. There is still interior work to be completed.

Once the new church begins to function, the former worship site will continue to serve as the social hall.

Phase I of the parish’s building program will also include an education wing and church office.

A second phase will include other buildings as the community grows, Fr. Larry said.

He noted that parishioners have raised more than $700,000, mostly through pledges, to build the new church.

“They’re willing to work hard for Christ’s Church,” the priest said. “It’s an amazing thing. They’re a very active group of people.”

Most parish revenue is derived from stewardship and dues, supplemented by the Greek festival that takes place the last weekend in June. The community also holds a glendi.

Among the community’s involvement in the greater Louisville community is participation in the “Festival of Faith,” an annual event hosted by the City of Louisville Department of Cultural Affairs, which showcases the different faiths and cultures of the city.

The parish’s very active Daughters of Penelope chapter was established in 1955. Over the years, the organization has received many awards for its service projects. Its members are also highly active in the church.

Along with the Daughters, the church has a strong Philoptochos chapter and other parish organizations, including youth groups that include JOY and GOYA. The community has a Sunday school with about 40 children. There currently is no Greek school, but plans are in the works to re-establish one.

Fr. Lagakis, who has served the parish since March, when he succeeded Fr. Nicholas Nichols, along with his presbytera, Jennifer, also a Holy Cross graduate) describes his ministry as “wonderful and exciting.” He arrived at the parish following two years at the parish in Cincinnati where he served as assistant priest.

His parish straddles the Ohio River, with “quite a few in the southern Indiana area,” Fr. Larry said. This includes the city of New Albany and Jeffersonville, both located directly across from Louisville, and some from as far as Evansville, about 115 miles downstream to the west.

In Kentucky, some parish members live in the Fort Knox area, about 40 miles to the south. Assumption parish consists of many of the old families that founded the community, along with a mix of converts and Orthodox Christians of Arab and Eritrean background.

There also are a few students at three major universities in Louisville: the University of Louisville, Bellamon University and Spaulding University, where there were many students from Cyprus.

“At one point, this parish had a ton of Cypriot college students,” Fr. Larry said.

New church

31 — Compiled by  Jimpage Golding

20

SEPTEMBER 2006

Katrina: One year Later

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Many of our friends have given us the opportunity to publish their greetings. We hope you will also choose to do so.

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SOON after Katrina, Fr. Milton Gianulis led the effort to restore the Cathedral.

  page 1 Two questions that kept coming up among us “refugees” were, “How did our Cathedral fare?” and “How did our fellow parishioners make out?”

Fortunately, our web site continued to function, allowing emails to get through, and most of us had cell phones, even if the reception was not always dependable.

In the first days and weeks following the hurricane, a couple of events took place which were clearly indicative of the hand of our Lord. On September 8, the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, our resourceful parish President John Georges and Treasurer Christ Kanellakis, along with first-responders and I.O.C.C. operatives Fr. Peter Preble and Fr. Angelo Pappas, were able to return to the Cathedral (before the flood waters had totally receded).

Once they opened the door to the Cathedral, they saw floating on the water in front of them an icon of the Panagia!

Then, upon initial inspection, they realized that the floodwater level had reached to the Iconostasis (about three feet deep), but just short of the Holy Altar (which remained dry)!

The next week, immediately following the receding of the flood waters in that part of town, Commander Milton Gianulis, a chaplain from the USS Iwo Jima, under Capt. Richard Callas, brought a crew of sailors to offer a much-needed initial clean up of the Cathedral and Center.

A couple of days later, in thanksgiving, Fr. Milton celebrated the Divine Liturgy (even amidst the oppressive heat), with a handful of faithful, sailors, and news reporters in attendance.

Besides the significant impact of the hurricane and flood upon the Cathedral complex (from Hurricane Rita as well as from Katrina), the homes (many of them belonging to our parishioners) in the surrounding area were devastated.

The clear majority of our parishioners had been residents of either Orleans Parish or neighboring Jefferson Parish.

Most of those from Orleans, as well as the families from neighboring St. Bernard Parish and some from St. Tammany Parish, are still unable to return to their homes.

Most of those from Jefferson Parish suffered significant damage (albeit not to the same degree). Many parishioners from areas beyond those civil Parishes suffered damage as well.

Beyond the impact to homes, many lost their sources of income as well.

In the year since that time, approximately two-thirds of our parishioners have

returned, while many have moved away (either immediately or in more recent months).

Our contact list of the parishioners’ whereabouts began being compiled immediately after the evacuation began. This way, everyone’s (often changing) location could be tracked.

Locally, Divine Liturgies began being celebrated almost immediately, at first in the Church in Baton Rouge, where many parishioners took refuge.

On Sept. 25, we relocated to Jefferson Parish and began holding services closer to home.

On that first Sunday, Metropolitan Alexios presided over the Liturgy. Finally, Christmas weekend, after much dedication and hard work by so many people, we were able to return to our Cathedral.

Two weeks later, we received His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew for his historic visit to New Orleans and our Cathedral, where he was welcomed by numerous civic and religious leaders and hundreds of faithful.

Prior to our return to the Cathedral, many of our ministries had already returned to service. A committee was put in place to assist with aid to hurricane victims.

The greatest amount of help came from our Archdiocese and Metropolis, Philoptochos, with much assistance also coming from IOCC, AHEPA., as well as parishes and faithful from all over.

We were blessed with Orthodox Christians coming from other parts of the country to assist with much needed hands-on labor, including groups from St. Nektarios Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and college students with OCF. In an attempt to return to “normal life,” as early as October, our GOYA and Philoptochos began meeting in homes and planning activities.

In January, our Sunday School began holding classes again. Being back in our own location, the full sacramental life of the community began to return.

Then, working with a very truncated preparation schedule, we started working towards our annual Greek festival, with the help of so many from near and far, we were able to give back to our civic community, which is still limping along.

We have been blessed with being able to provide a location for countless neighborhood groups and associations of our city to gather.

As we approach the one year anniversary of Katrina, we will hold a doxology and special prayers on Aug. 27, remembering all the victims and thanking our beloved Lord for providing us with strength and resources over the past year.

We will also be participating in citywide prayer services on Aug. 29. Our parish is a bit smaller for the time being, but even so, with the new ecclesiastical year just ahead, our ministries will be returning in full force.

Meanwhile, we will be continually offering our prayers to God that the Gulf region be spared of any hurricanes -- at least for a few years to come!

For the inheritors of the first Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America, there was never any debate as to whether we would return and rebuild – only a matter of how soon it could be done.

We are thankful for all the help, offered by so many from throughout the Archdiocese of America and beyond. We are particularly thankful to the Holy Trinity for guiding us along the way in His love and mercy.

Fr. Stratis is dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral.

SEPTEMBER 2006

Metropolitan Methodios Hosts Religious Leaders on 9/11 BOSTON – Metropolitan Methodios hosted the interchurch and inter-religious leaders of Massachusetts at the Metropolis of Boston on Monday, Sept.

11 to assess the “sense of well being” among the citizens of the Commonwealth in a public atmosphere of heightened anxiety, fear and mistrust.

The leaders met for more that two hours and each had the opportunity to share positions and concerns, and discuss various issues faced by all religious communities. A news conference followed.

Metropolitan Methodios was an active participant during the meeting where he encouraged interfaith conversations and relationships. He and the other leaders reaffirmed their shared principles of peace, justice and unity, stressing the need to avoid demonizing those of other faiths who do hold opposing views.

All participants reasserted their resolve to continue fostering inter-religious relations, both to achieve cooperation and understanding and to promote this spirit in the society at large.

Metropolitan Methodios and other leaders resolved to sustain their relationship, thus removing barriers of mistrust and building bridges of fellowship. The leaders issued the following statements: People of faith share these values An appeal from interreligious leaders and representatives in Massachusetts Soon after September 11, 2001, leaders and representatives from the many religious communities who live, work, and worship in Massachusetts came together to assess the “sense of well-being” among us in a public atmosphere of heightened anxiety, fear, and mistrust.

Although Christian, Jewish, and Islamic organizations had fostered interfaith dialogues and relationships—in some cases, for many years—this was the first occasion when the official circle was widened to include other neighbors--Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs.

We are people of prayer. We have learned through our prayerful relationships that this must be the basis for all our thoughts and actions. Since that first meeting, we have continued to meet periodically. Our purposes are the same: • to assess the sense of well-being of religious, racial, and ethnic communities in the Commonwealth; • to provide opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding among religious leaders and representatives; • and to discuss opportunities for interfaith service or action.

If anything, subsequent developments have heightened the need to cultivate such interfaith conversations and relationships.

The decision to choose September 11, 2006 as the day to reconvene was made because we want to witness publicly to common values that we share as representatives of diverse religions: • In response to those who attempt to use religion to divide, we affirm to one another, and to the world, the shared principles for peace, justice, and unity that are central teachings of our scriptures and traditions.

• We recognize the need to engage in dialogue with or, when appropriate, to challenge those in our own faith com-

munities who may not affirm these common values.

• People of faith should not demonize those of other faiths or those who hold opposing views.

• Fundamental human rights and inherent human dignity always must be respected and protected.

• Criticism of policies or actions of opponents in a conflict should avoid appeals to prejudice toward religious, racial, or ethnic groups.

• People of faith seek reconciliation and promote justice–the restoration of right relationships in personal, religious, political, and economic spheres.

• In order to be a convincing witness to the world, we affirm that this reconciling spirit is a way of being and a way of behaving.

In naming these common values, we pledge to abide by them. In doing so, we acknowledge that participants in faith communities sometimes have fostered destructive negativity. We reject such negativity in all its manifestations.

We reassert our unwavering resolve to continue with our constructive interreligious relations, both to achieve mutual understanding and cooperation, and to promote this spirit in the practical affairs of our multi-cultural society. Therefore, we give full support to all efforts at building inter-religious relations and inter-cultural initiatives that are guided by such a spirit.

We invite others to do so, as well. In the coming year, a unique convergence of calendars offers a special opportunity to do this together.

In October 2006 and 2007, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish High Holy Days and Sukkot will coincide.

This sacred month also includes the Christian Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), who prayed that he be made an instrument of peace; and the Worldwide Communion Sunday of Protestants, to recognize their unity in Christ; and major feast days of the Orthodox Christians that is an affirmation of the unity they confess and seek.

The convergence of these religious observances will not recur for another 30 years.

The confluence of holy days in these several religious traditions will provide an occasion for interfaith dialogue and to affirm these common values.

We encourage people of faith in communities throughout the Commonwealth to seize this opportunity to gather and witness to these positive affirmations and common values.

Released by members of the Convening Committee for the Massachusetts Interreligious Leaders and Representatives Group.

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SEPTEMBER 2006

Archbishop Demetrios’ KEYNOTE ADDRESS to the Introduction

By the grace and love of God, we are together once again for the 38th Clergy Laity Congress of our Holy Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We are meeting here, in the beautiful and hospitable city of Nashville, Tennessee, in order to translate into projects and actions the theme of our Congress: “Sharing the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ”, which means sharing the truth and the love of Christ with our brothers and sisters of the Orthodox faith, and with our nonOrthodox, even non-Christian neighbors, colleagues, and citizens of this country, and beyond America.

The task is truly monumental. It constitutes a responsible answer to the call for mission addressed to us by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself when He said, Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15). Offer the Gospel of the truth, the Gospel of the love of Christ to the ends of the Earth. Share with every human being the supreme joy of the liberating truth and the indescribable experience of the limitless love of Christ.

Viewed from such an awesome perspective, the theme of the present 38th Congress of our Church “Sharing the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ” becomes a very serious challenge: The question is: Are we going to deal in our meetings responsibly, bravely, and dynamically with this theme or are we going to treat it as a nice religious slogan, of a rather decorative nature and of no important consequences for our lives?

I would like for you to keep this question present and active throughout the days of our blessed meetings here. Please let the theme of our Congress be the real focus and the stimulating challenge during our discussions and actions here. Nashville has a big name as a major U.S. center for producing music. Can we not make Nashville also a great place for producing our own Gospel music of truth and love through our 38th Congress?

Some events and facts since our last Clergy Laity Congress in New York 2004

As we start our work here, we remember a number of events and facts which happened in the two years since our last Clergy Laity Congress.

1) We remember the falling asleep in the Lord of our beloved Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America. A great Church leader of this Archdiocese for 37 years, he left us on April 10 of last year. Filled with the peace of God, anticipating with joy and faith his encounter with Christ, displaying an amazing dignity up to the last minute of his earthly life, he departed this world praying for us and blessing the name of the Lord. May the memory of Archbishop Iakovos be eternal!

We also remember the falling asleep in the Lord of the beloved Brother Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco. After a heroic fight against an unexpected deadly form of cancer, he breathed his last on Christmas day in the year 2004 leaving behind the legacy of a dynamic, creative and faithful hierarchical ministry. May his memory be eternal!

We also gratefully remember the priests, presbyteres, archons, and lay leaders of our Archdiocese who offered their noble services to the Church for many years and passed away during the last two years. May their memory also be eternal!

2) We painfully experienced all the above mentioned departures. But the merciful God gave us, at the same time, the

comfort and the joy of having a new Metropolitan of San Francisco in the person of Metropolitan Gerasimos, enthroned on April 2 of last year, as well as the gratification of having a good number of new clergy approximately 40, by ordination or incardination during the same 2-year period. We thank the Lord for these gifts.

3) Following last Clergy Laity congress, we were in the advantageous position of having the revised Regulations approved by our Ecumenical Patriarchate and published and put into effect in 2005.

Thus, in one booklet of Regulations containing 35 articles, we have an excellent tool to help us in our administrative work in the Parishes, the Metropolises and the Archdiocese in general.

During the same period and in accordance with our Charter (Articles 21 and 15), our Holy Eparchial Synod prepared a) the “General Regulations for the establishment and operation of Holy Monasteries in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America”, and b) the “Regulations regarding the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese”. These two new sets of Regulations were approved by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, published and put into effect last year. To our Ecumenical Patriarchate, to our Hierarchs, to the members of the pertinent Archdiocesan Committees, to the members of the 35th, 36th, 37th Clergy Laity Congress in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and New York respectively, and to all Brothers and Sisters who worked so diligently, so responsibly and so tirelessly for the preparations of the Charter and the

various Regulations mentioned above, we express on behalf of our Eparchial Synod our deep gratitude.

4) Since the last Clergy Laity Congress in New York, our work for our Ecumenical Patriarchate took a different turn. We drastically increased our efforts to have the U.S. Government, the State Department in particular, involved in the hard task of resolving the major issues that infringe upon the religious freedom of our beloved and venerable Patriarchate.

At the same time, through the intense and persisting actions of our Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and with the assistance of other influential people, we expanded our activities in the territory of the European Union aiming at pressing Turkey for the elimination of issues that plague our Patriarchate.

5) During the past two years, in spite of some difficulties, the work that we do with the help of God in SCOBA has been steadily progressing. Thus, IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) offered increasing and considerable help in catastrophic cases like hurricane Katrina and in areas of conflict or war like Iraq, Israel and the Middle East in general.

Only in 2005, IOCC offered $32 million in services.

On the other hand, OCMC (Orthodox Christian Mission Center) is one more growing activity of SCOBA. At OCMC, beyond their growing important work, they are now in the process of starting to build a new home and center in St. Augustine, Florida, in order to create a training

center for people involved in the mission work of our Church in various countries outside the USA. OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship) constitutes another important SCOBA activity. This is an effort to create Orthodox Christian Student groups in the American Colleges and Universities. We now have such groups in 200 Universities.

These are a few recent examples of the important work produced by SCOBA through several other activities. This work is a specimen of pan-orthodox unity and nature. I am mentioning it because by the grace of God our Archdiocese has been playing for years now a central role in it, a role of offering extensive and decisive resources, coordination and personnel.

We are responsibly and methodically cultivating the spirit of unity in action among all Orthodox in America in terms of real cooperation and common tasks for the witnessing of Orthodoxy.

6) In the past two years we have seen a significant increase in the philanthropic work of our Church, especially by our Ladies Philoptochos Society. It is noteworthy that in the specific case of unexpected catastrophes, like hurricane Katrina, our Church as a whole, our National Philoptochos and our Philoptochos chapters of the Metropolis of Atlanta in the district of which the destructed areas belong, did outstanding work. We thank all these noble workers of love and care and we are grateful to God for them.

7) The year 2005 has been designated as the Year of the Family. Many of the faithful have been working with zeal and patience in programs and activities for family guidance and support. Gratitude belongs to them. But the special care for the family did not end with the closing of the year 2005. It continues undiminished, since the family remains at the center of our attention, love and care.

I do not want to continue mentioning events and facts of the past two years which are related to important areas of Church life and activities like Communications, Religious Education, Greek Education, Finances, Youth, Leadership 100, Faith Endowment, etc. We will have the opportunity to discuss them at length in the various meetings here.

Let us then proceed now to a brief presentation of suggestions for planning and action related to the theme of our Congress “Sharing the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ”.

Suggestions related to the theme of this Congress

1) We have plenty of data that help us offering pertinent suggestions.

We have, in addition, a recent excellent tool that promises to facilitate our effort, and this is the SWOT survey which was conducted by our Archdiocese in the past months. Many of you are aware of it since several have participated in the survey.

The SWOT, an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, is a survey that is largely used as an instrument for improvement by various organizations. You will receive a report about the findings and results of our survey, and there will be in our meetings more detailed information on SWOT. At this point allow me to refer only to some basic information from the SWOT survey connected to perceived Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats related of our Archdiocese. This will help us better understand the meaning and the implications of our theme “Sharing the Truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ.” a) Perceived as Strengths of the Archdiocese (results by SWOT) • The spiritual leadership of the

SEPTEMBER 2006

Delegates of the 38th Clergy-Laity Congress

D. PANAGOS

YOUNG ADULTS of the 38th Congress gather around the hierarchs for a group photo.

Archdiocese • The Orthodox Theology and worship • The skilled and competent Clergy • The strong spiritual identity • The important and unique message • The electronic media • The competent volunteers and laity b) Perceived as Weaknesses of the Archdiocese (results by SWOT) • Lack of understanding of the Orthodox Faith by the faithful • Little understanding of Orthodoxy by those outside the Church • Low awareness of Orthodoxy in America • Lack of uniform liturgical texts in English • Inadequate funding • Poor fiscal planning • Lack of strategic planning c) Perceived as Opportunities for the Archdiocese (results by SWOT) • Marriage between Orthodox and Non-Orthodox • Emerging Technologies and Resources • Increased interest from non-Orthodox • Ease and utilization of Communication Media • Orthodox in Key Business, Political and Educational Positions • Increased interest in maintaining fiscal responsibility • Increasing interest in traditional values and issues of Faith in America d) Perceived as Threats to the Archdiocese (results by SWOT) • Number of Orthodox who are not well informed about their Faith • Archdiocesan financial debt • Diminishing pool of Clergy • Increasing secularization • Legal liabilities • Weakening of the Institution of Marriage • Weakening of family structure 2) Keeping in mind the information just presented, we can now present some comments on our theme, “Sharing the Truth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ.”

The first question: Do we know the truth of the Gospel, so that we can share it? Do we know the truth of the Orthodox Faith based uniquely on the absolute truth revealed to the world by the Son of God Jesus Christ in His unchanging, definitive, eternal and universal Gospel?

Please, remember what our people said in the SWOT survey about perceived major weaknesses including the lack of understanding of the Orthodox Faith by our faithful and by the people outside of the Church.

How can we effectively share the truth of the Gospel if we display such fundamental ignorance of it? Ignorance of the truth of the Gospel means, in essence, that we do not know Christ, that we do not know Him. He declared: I am the Truth (John 14:6). If He is the truth of the Gospel and if we do not know it, then we do not know Christ. Practically and urgently, therefore, “Sharing the truth of the Gospel” means first increasing and improving among our

people our knowledge of Christ and of His revealed truth. As we have emphasized in our last Congress, our parishes should be centers for continuous catechism, education and training for acquiring the needed deep and intimate knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and of the truth of His Gospel. Teaching the truth of the Gospel has been an absolute priority in the sacred ministry of Christ Himself, in the apostolic activities, in the attitude of the Fathers, and in the life of the Church throughout a history of almost 2000 years. It must be an absolute priority for us, too.

The question is: Where do we stand on this issue? One would answer that we have our Sunday or Catechetical Schools.

Is the work of those Schools satisfactory? We often hear complaints about inadequacy, deficiency, watered down teaching, etc. We need changes here if we intend to teach properly our children the truth of the Gospel. We also have the adults. As Eparchial Synod we know that there are parishes in our Church that do praiseworthy work for the adult Orthodox education. But such a training and function should be an integral methodical, and indispensable work in the life of each and every parish. No parish should be left without adult catechism, without offering to the grown ups a constant instruction on the truth of the Gospel.

However, this is only part of the work needed. “Sharing the truth of the Gospel” also means transmitting it to the people, the communities and the society in general outside our own circle. Are we doing that? A huge field for such an activity is the intermarried family, which is listed as the top opportunity for our Church in the SWOT survey. It is the top opportunity indeed, because this is a field open and ready for immediate action for sharing the truth of the Gospel, for sharing the joy of Orthodoxy. Such action should be a serious part of the agenda in every parish.

• Imagine the excitement of having in each and every parish a full, well organized program for offering to the interfaith family the truth of the Gospel.

• Imagine the joy of having in each and every parish catechetical and Hellenic culture schools to teach effectively the truth of Orthodoxy and the treasures of the universal Greek language and culture!

• Imagine the exhilaration of having in each and every parish a school of the Gospel, teaching the adults, in methodically organized courses, the truth of the Gospel as a content of faith. Imagine a continuous adult Gospel education!

Imagine? Why imagine. This is not a matter of imagination. This is a blueprint for action in the next years! This is the

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expected reality if we intent to fulfill our mission as Greek Orthodox Church in America.

We know well that in this case we need the proper tools in terms of adequate guidance, pertinent material both in printed and in electronic form and constant support. And of course, funds are necessary, too.

3) Our theme, however, speaks also about the love of Christ. “Sharing the love of Christ!” Of course we do that. Every time that we offer assistance to the needy, support to the failing, food and drink to the hungry and thirsty, and compassion to the injured and mistreated, we are automatically sharing the love of Christ, because we do what the Lord Himself would have done under the same circumstances. But “sharing the love of Christ” means more. It means increasing both in terms of quantity and quality our personal sharing the love of Christ with others; any others, whether inside or outside of our Church. It also means doing this not only as individuals but even more as Greek Orthodox communities, as Orthodox presence in America.

We have been blessed to have in our parishes the dedicated groups of the Ladies’ Philoptochos Society. They have offered for 75 years significant assistance in matters of philanthropic activity. We wholeheartedly thank them. Sharing, however, the love of Christ with other human beings is not to be limited only to our gracious and dedicated ladies. This is a fundamental commandment of our Lord, a strong sign that we are His disciples and that we belong to His kingdom.

Sharing the love of Christ is the trade mark of Orthodoxy. A huge field of action is open in front of us and we cannot close our eyes and ignore it: • Imagine the number of homes for aged people which we as Church could build all over America!

• Imagine the centers for the daily care for pre-school children that we could open attached to our parishes, thus relieving thousands of working mothers, and connecting thousands of parents to the Church!

• Imagine the visiting services that we could offer to many people who live alone and are sick, and desperately need someone to be with them for one or two hours, to read for them from a good book and to talk to them!

• Imagine the opportunities which we could create in our neighborhoods and in our towns by becoming the strong volunteers in initiatives for the relief from catastrophic events of all sorts!

Imagine! Why imagine? This is not a matter of imagination. This is a blue

print showing the potential for action in the next years.

Of course, in sharing the love of Christ we have a long way to go. But we should not be afraid of the distance. We are challenged to move on, having Christ with us day and night.

Epilogue

Thanks be to God Who helps us in “Sharing the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ”, in a certain way and to a certain degree. My short and rather telegraphic analysis, however, implies that we need improvement and changes. Changes on the personal level and changes on the community level. The efforts for a full and appropriate training and education in matters of our Orthodox Faith, the acquisition and sharing of the truth of the Gospel with others, and the sharing with them of the love of Christ, need extensive and effective work and resources. They also need generous funding.

We know that the resources and the funds for the vital services and ministries of our Archdiocese can and must be found.

We are deeply thankful for the constantly displayed generosity of our people as individuals and as communities. But funding should cover the urgent needs of our ministries. And we pray that the present 38th Clergy Laity Congress will, with the help of the merciful God, proceed with the decisions, which are appropriate for the translation of the theme “Sharing the Truth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ”, into a living, beautiful reality for our Church and for the glory of God. In the Gospel of Luke, during the course of a teaching addressed to His disciples, the Lord Jesus Christ raised a totally unexpected and truly terrifying question: When the Son of Man comes, will he find the faith on earth? (Πλήν ὁ Υἱός τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐλθών, ἆρα εὑρήσει τήν πίστιν ἐπί τῆς γῆς;) (Luke 18:8). This utterly dramatic question points to the unthinkable possibility that when He appears in His second coming, the Lord might not find the faith on earth. A total disappearance of the faith from the face of the Earth!

The question of the Lord aims not at sending a terrifying signal to us as His disciples. It rather constitutes a strong call for action. Let us then have the boldness to say to Christ, that as far as it depends on us, we will do anything possible and impossible to keep the faith alive to the end of time to the end of history, since with His help, we will be sharing the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ with every human being, with our children and with our children’s children. Under all circumstances, under all conditions of the present or the future!

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SEPTEMBER 2006

Congress Ends with Traditional Clergy Breakfast The 38th Clergy-Laity Congress ended quietly on Friday, July 21, with a final official event, the Clergy Breakfast attended by more than 200 priests and Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Demetrios of Sevasteia and several members of the Holy Synod.

Outgoing Archdiocese Presbyters Council President Fr. James Moulketis presided over the breakfast and introduced the new board and new Benefits Committee chairman.

The new officers are: President Fr. Stephen Tsichlis of St. Paul Church, Irvine, Calif.; Vice President the Rev. Archimandrite Tim Bakakos of St; Nicholas Church in Oak Lawn, Ill.; Secretary Fr. Paul Kaplanis of Holy Trinity Church, Raleigh, N.C.; and Treasurer Fr. Bill Christ of Holy Trinity Church in Tulsa, Okla.

In his comments to the gathering, Archbishop Demetrios praised Fr. Moulketis for his four years as APC president his service as a Navy chaplain.

His Eminence also said the Holy Synod “is always in the forefront of caring” about the well-being of the priests of the Archdiocese and their families. “You have all the freedom and ease to communicate at any time for any problem or question.”

He added, “You as clergy are the lynchpins to the communities of the faith-

  page 29

D. PANAGOS

Hierarchs and other clergy gathered for a farewell breakfast on the last day of the 38th Congress.

38th Clergy-Laity: Significant Finance and Administration Proposals  page 3 requested delegates to provide names of communications professionals in their areas and distributed a “communications satisfaction inventory” (survey) of five pages soliciting their responses to questions on the Archdiocese’s communications efforts.

FAITH ENDOWMENT

Archdiocesan Council Vice Chairman Michael Jaharis mentioned a new endowment fund for the Church called FAITH and introduced Peter Kikis of Rye, N.Y. who has been selected as president.

Mr. Kikis said the fund would be used to strengthen the Church and to support its national ministries.

He said that, initially, the goal is to raise $100 million through limited donations of $1 million each, then to eventually open up the fund to donations of any amount.

CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM

In his presentation, Navy Chaplain Fr. John Kalantsis described the chaplaincy as “a ministry that takes place outside the Church building at the spiritual frontiers of human life.”

He also said it is “an icon of American religious freedom,” and called up the faithful to not turn their backs “on who we are as God’s children” in view of the increasing expulsion of religion from the public square.”

Major issues discussed in the committee meetings included the role of clergy and lay persons, prison ministry, college campus ministry and establishing pastoral care link of r military families on the Archdiocese website. Two resolutions were approved: Encouragement of the Chaplaincy by the U.S. Congress, Department of Defense and Veterans Administration, and Support for uniformed public servants and their families.

Presiding hierarch Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver is the Military Ordinary of the Archdiocese.

FINANCE

The new method of financing the Archdiocese national ministries based on expenses rather than parish income was discussed at length.

Committee Chairman George Vourvoulias of Chicago called the new system “a work in progress, not an immediate action” and that Archdiocese representatives will assist the Metropolises in implementing the system, which is intended to be more equitable. Meetings with Metropolitans and parish council presidents will take place in the ensuing months to introduce the plan.

Committee member George Matthews of Atlanta called it a “fair and realistic system for handling the national ministries commitment.”

Under the new plan, certain exemptions from the expense assessments would be permitted at the discretion of the Metropolitan.

Fr. Paul Palesty of Flushing, N.Y., raised the issue of including exemptions for parishes that operate parochial schools.

Jerry Dimitriou, executive director of the Archdiocese, said each local Metropolitan would have the discretion of looking at special cases and determine whether to grant a waiver.

The Finance Committee also increased the allocation to the Ecumenical Patriarchate to $1 million, from the current $500,000. At the plenary session, Archdiocesan Council Vice Chairman Michael Jaharis made a personal commitment “to see that it’s done immediately instead of over time.”

Presiding hierarch was Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago.

INTERFAITH MARRIAGE

The report prepared by the Rev. Dr. Charles Joanides, LMFT, listed several means that he uses to present the work of his office, including workshops articles in newspapers, magazines and academic journals and confidential e-mail communications.

The committee’s recommendations included that the issue of interfaith is a growing pastoral challenge that deserves more attention and seminars should be offered to clergy, lay leaders and lay workers at each metropolis on the “challenges” that interfaith couples and families face.

He noted that couples cross over religious, ethnic, cultural and racial boundaries with increased frequency.

In comments from delegates rising to speak on the issue, Fr. Eugene Pappas of Brooklyn, N.Y., observed that, because couples choose more and more to marry outside the Orthodox faith “We are losing people. What do we do in the ‘diaspora’ holding on to a remnant of these young people, who often feel disenfranchised?

We need to restore them to the Church and possibly help them raise an Orthodox family.”

Another priest, Fr. James Greanias of Valparaiso, Ind., called for “a more specific definition of what constitutes married couples” in light of the increasing phenomenon of same sex marriages.

Archbishop Demetrios commented that these issues “are under serious study, including priests remarrying if they are widowed or divorced.

“The Ecumenical Patriarch himself is very concerned over this issue,” the Archbishop said. “You need a canonical solution and this cannot be done in a unilateral and isolated way. It is a vital concern of the Patriarchate and the leadership of all the Orthodox Churches.”

LEADERSHIP 100

Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund Chairman George Behrakis reported that the organization has been focusing on several areas of philanthropy, including providing scholarships to students at Hellenic College-Holy Cross, support of information technology, home missions, outreach and evangelism, youth ministry programs, including Orthodox Campus Fellowship and Greek and Religious Education.

“Faith and culture are under siege by materialism and valueless education,” Mr. Behrakis said. “It’s a Herculean task to make faith and heritage a more vibrant reality, especially to our youth. We need to promote our religion, along with Hellenism, and its glorious past, customs and heritage” The organization has a goal of 1,000 members and an endowment of $100 million by 2009; and to provide $5 million in grants per year.

PHILOPTOCHOS

In her report, National President Georgia Skeadas noted that, over the past four years, the National Philoptochos has contributed $5.2 million to support the philanthropic activities and ministries of the Archdiocese. These have included St. Basil Academy, St. Photios National Shrine, International Orthodox Christian Charities, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, support of mission priests and world Orthodoxy abroad.

INSTITUTIONS

Committee Secretary Harry T. Cavalaris reported on discussions relating to Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology, St. Basil Academy, St. Michael’s Home and the St. Photios National Shrine.

Presiding hierarch for the committee was Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.

ARCHONS

National Commander Anthony Limberakis decried the “institutional genocide by the government of Turkey” that has taken the form of non-recognition of the Ecumenical Patriarchate “as a bonafide legal entity.” He said the Patriarchate basically “has no rights,” including property rights.

He also reported on efforts to persuade European Union leaders to put pressure on the Turkish government to

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SEPTEMBER 2006

Retired Clergy Conference Meets During Congress The Retired Clergy Association dealt with several issues during its meetings held concurrently with the Congress and re-elected its president, Fr. William Gaines of New Orleans to a record eighth term.

Fr. Gaines characterized the meetings as “very successful” and that he was very appreciative that Archbishop Demetrios attended the organization’s breakfast.

Fr. Gaines told the Observer that the major issue facing the RCA is “to whom do we belong to, the Archdiocese or to individual metropolitans.”

He said that, of the more than 200 retired clergy, 75 are still active, but there is the question of which jurisdiction they the fall under. “We would like to know who we’re accountable to,” he added, and that the RCA would prefer being under the direct authority of the Archdiocese.

Fr. Gaines also said the RCA plans to develop a money management fund to help strengthen the finances of retired priests and widowed presbyteres.

An ongoing project the organization is pursuing is the completion of the Pomfret Room at the Archbishop Iakovos Library at Holy Cross School of Theology. The room, donated by the school, will serve as the repository for all RCA archives and memorabilia.

In addition to Fr. Gaines, the RCA’s election committee also re-appointed Fr. Constantine Raptis as vice president and Fr. Nicholas Soteropoulos as treasurer, and elected Fr. Constantine Eliades as secretary.

Three new board of trustees members also were named: Frs. Demetrios Kavadas, Nicholas Vieron and Dean Gigicos.

At the RCA’s breakfast meeting July 19, Archbishop Demetrios held a Trisagion service for departed clergy, and then addressed the group. His Eminence noted that priests are always priests and not really retired and praised them for their service to the church and their example to younger

 grant the Patriarchate its rights.

One delegate from the Bahamas said she would work to get Bahamian support for the Patriarchate.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education Committee recommendations included the formation of an Archdiocese committee of volunteers to determine through data collected the number of parishes with adult religious education programs, that this committee work with the Department of Religious Education to establish an adult religious education program for all parishes to follow, and that the Archbishop name a standing committee to develop materials to train lay people as qualified adult teachers. In addition, the Religious Education Committee recommended that each metropolis appoint a religious education director, and that one parish from each metropolis be used as a guide for the development of an adult religious education program. The Department of Religious Education also is developing a comprehensive teenage curriculum for ninth and tenth grades to focus on spiritual, emotional and intellectual formation of teens.

Presiding hierarch was Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh.

SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY

The Archdiocesan Advisory Committee on Science and Technology serves in an advisory role to the Archdiocese to address rapid and profound scientific and technological changes in contemporary society.

Paul Zamora, the Archbishop’s liaison to the AACST, reported on current and planned activities of the organization,

RETIRED Clergy members and Presvyteres at the association’s breakfast meeting.

priests. The Archbishop noted that the Patriarch’s of Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia are all in their early 90s and the Pope Benedict was 78 when elected as pontiff last year and “all are still working.” “The clergy are constant, permanent and the best emitters of the gospel,” the Archbishop said.

“Corporations come and go, but the service of the priesthood remains,” he said.

Unlike other institutions that are ephemeral and transitional, existing for a short period of time, the Church is here, it has been for 2,000 years and it will stay,” His Eminence continued. “We pray that God will give you many, many years. Even just by being models, you offer a tremendous work.”

Metropolitan Demetrios of Sevasteia offered his greetings to the group as well, referring to them as “the fathers, the wells of the younger clergy,” and the “windows of the Church.” The Metropolitan observed that many of the priests’ ages coincide with the existence of the Archdiocese. He remarked that, “in your faces the life of the Church is shown today.”

Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit said he recalled that, when he sees their faces he remembers the Philoptochos tribute film and “I saw you as children growing

up in those decades.” He called the retired clergy “the living image of what we should constantly strive for. Each one of you has shown a great love for the Church and accomplished something of great value, an irreplaceable work for God and His People.

Two of the clergy present were honored for their service to the organization.

Archbishop Demetrios presented a plaque to Fr. George Papadeas, the first graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology to be ordained a priest, who co-founded the RCA and served as the first secretary.

Metropolitan Demetrios presented a similar plaque to Fr. George Poulos of Stamford, Conn., who has pursued a project to keep alive the memory of the Pomfret years of the seminary, creating a “Pomfret Room” and a retired clergy room at the Archbishop Iakovos Library at Holy Cross.

Two other individuals unable to attend also were honored, Fr. Nicholas Vieron, editor of the “Epistle” newsletter, and Stephen Yeonas of Washington, who, along with his wife, Thelma, underwrote the RCA breakfast.

Also speaking was Paulette Poulos, development director for the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund and former admin-

including the recent posting of two papers on the topic of climate change and globalization on the website: www.aacst. goarch.org.

The AACST accomplishes its work through three subcommittees: Bioethics and Medical Issues; Energy, Environment and Economics and Physical Sciences and Advanced Technologies.

groups in non-formalized structures through the World Conference of Religions for Peace, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, the American Jewish Committee and the New York City Commission of Religious Leaders. The bishop said that upcoming plans include organizing a conference of Orthodox bishops in the United States, involving some 57 canonical Orthodox bishops and that will be held in Chicago in the fall.

The hierarchs will meet to discuss issues of common concern under the direction of Archbishop Demetrios, Bishop Dimitrios said.

Responding to a question from a priest on whether he can administer Holy Communion to Oriental Orthodox Christians who come to his church, His Eminence replied that, “practically they should not because they are not officially in communion,” However he noted that, in some parishes, priests “accommodate them, especially the children.” He added that, “canonically (full communion at the present time) is not the case. We pray there will be a real union soon … but it’s not easy.”

INTERCHURCH-INTER-ORTHODOX RELATIONS

Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, director of the Office of Inter-Orthodox, Inter-Church and Inter-Faith Relations discussed the work of this office in the three areas of its mission.

Through the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, to which he devotes an estimated 75 percent of his time, the Bishop serves as liaison to seven agencies: IOCC, the Orthodox Christian Education Commission, OCMC, the Eastern Orthodox Scouting Commission, The Orthodox Campus Fellowship, the Orthodox Christian Network and the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry.

The SCOBA organizations employ as many as 200 persons around the world and have a $35 million budget.

In its inter-church role, the Office participates in the Orthodox/Roman Catholic Consultation, the Joint Commission of Orthodox and Roman Catholic Bishops, the Joint Commission of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches, the National Council of Churches of Christ and a new entity that includes Roman Catholics, Evangelicals and Pentecostals, Christian Churches Together in the USA. Bishop Dimitrios, through the Office’s inter-faith role, works with other faith

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Theo Nikolakis, director reported on various services, applications and projects of the Information Technology Department and Internet Ministries, including the Alexander Project, Orthodox Web Builder, Bulletin Builder, List servers, Calendar Builder and others.

The Alexander project will provide an online sacramental registry system for parishes, metropolises and the Archdiocese.

It will assist in managing records of baptisms, weddings and deaths, and united the existing and new systems. A $200,000

istrative assistant to Archbishop Iakovos, who offered “a look backwards when you were the young, dynamic priests and I was blessed to travel with Archbishop Iakovos.”

She told the priest that, “it was you who were the pioneers. You were the people who laid the foundations and raised the money to build the beautiful edifices.”

Ms. Poulos related the story of traveling with Archbishop Iakovos to a parish in the Midwest when a young priest approached the Archbishop to complain that the older head priest of the parish would not retire and leave the community. He said the Archbishop told him he should “be grateful he’s here to guide you, and to thank God you have this mentor. Use him so you can become the priest he is.”

She told the clergy at the breakfast, “You deserve to be thanked because you were there for us, now it’s our turn to be there for you. Ms. Poulos said the Leadership 100 Foundation cares about and supports the retired clergy and presbyteres and Mr. Yeonas, vice chairman, wanted to show that support by underwriting the breakfast. She said the retired clergy “are on the top priority list of Leadership 100. She then introduced Leadership 100 Chairman George Behrakis who told the group that “We’re going to do whatever we can. We need to be more assertive as a group and we’re going to do something for the retired priests and retired presbyteres.”

In his president’s report during the business meeting, Fr. William Gaines told the gathering that because of the hardships inflicted by Hurricane Katrina, he had not been able to devote his full attention to the organization and credited Fr. Constantine Raptis of Las Vegas, Fr. James Adams of California and Fr. Nicholas Soteropoulos of New York with keeping the RCA on track and functioning properly.

Fr. Gaines lost his home and two cars and has had spend $75,000 out of pocket in an effort to rebuild. anonymous challenge grant has been pledged to support this initiative.

OCMC

Orthodox Christian Mission Center Board President Clifford T. Argue reported that the OCMC currently has 25 missionaries around the world and highlighted the hardships some of them face in places such as Tanzania, East Africa, where one priest serves seven communities with 5,000 people. He also noted that the current director of the OCMC in St. Augustine served in East Africa for many years.

ARCHBISHOP’S COMMENTS

In his closing comments, Archbishop Demetrios said he was “very pleased with the work of the committees and reports presented.” He noted there was more variety and balance in the representation on the committees.

Referring to a front-page story in that morning’s edition of USA Today on the large percentage of people with additions to drugs and alcohol, he said these and similar issues affecting society today “call for increasing awareness of the Church of the problems facing individuals and communities.”

The Archbishop also acknowledged “the difficult work of the Archons” in dealing with political authorities.

“It necessitates a real professional approach, politically, diplomatically and in other ways,” he said.

His Eminence concluded his remarks with offering his congratulations to the members of Holy Trinity parish who hosted the highly successful congress and that he wanted to include in the official record his declaration of “Holy Trinity parish as Parish of the Year of Our Archdiocese.”

26

The Voice of

SEPTEMBER 2006

Philoptochos

Georgia Skeadas Re-appointed National Philoptochos President NEW YORK–Archbishop Demetrios has reappointed Georgia Skeadas for a third term as National Philoptochos board president.

Philoptochos has more than 475 chapters in the United States, and approximately 28,000 members.

In his announcement, the Archbishop said, “I deemed it imperative for the continued growth and progress of the Philoptochos Society, this vital Institution of our Archdiocese, to reappoint Mrs. Skeadas for another term so that she be enabled, along with the dedicated members of the National Board, to fulfill the work which they began when Mrs. Skeadas was first appointed in 2002. It has been under the dynamic and charismatic leadership of Mrs. Skeadas, that Philoptochos has moved in significant ever-increasing philanthropic activities. It is my hope that the next two years will witness Philoptochos rising to new heights and accomplishing even greater goals.”

In accepting the reappointment, Mrs. Skeadas commented, “It is with abiding gratitude and a sense of awe that I accept this invitation to serve yet another term.

I will do my utmost to fulfill the great expectations of His Eminence as well as the dedicated women of Philoptochos who comprise the exemplary philanthropic arm of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

During the past four years, we have made

GEORGIA SKEADAS presides over recent national convention in Nashville.

tremendous strides in expanding the outreach of the Society and the next two years we will work to enhance and strengthen that outreach.”

During its 2006 Convention this past July in Nashville, Philoptochos celebrated its 75th anniversary, marking the monumental accomplishment of the late Archbishop Athenagoras who in 1931 united all of the individual chapters into one national society. More than 350 women gathered to discuss the organization’s

D. PANAGOS

work and to participate in workshops and seminars.

Over the past four years, National Philoptochos had distributed an unprecedented amount of over $5.2 million to its various charitable commitments and other worthy causes.

Philoptochos includes women from all walks of life, homemakers and professionals, women from the urban centers and from the rural heartlands of America, women old and young, all bringing to the

Chicago Chapter to Aid Down’s Syndrome Center CHICAGO–The St. Andrew's Women’s Philoptochos Society will present $23,600 to the Adult Down’s Syndrome Center of Chicago on Nov. 7.

The money was raised by the philanthropic group's recent biannual fashion show held in the Crystal Garden Room of Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. It is the largest donation ever made by the St. Andrew's organization.

The fashion show drew nearly 400 guests--women, men, Orthodox faithful and community members--who took part in raffle contests during the luncheon.

Along with the runway show presented by Chicago-area retailers, a boutique made up of local designers offered accessory items to guests.

“This was an event filled with love and happiness,” said Frances Tsaoussis, president of the St. Andrew's Women's Philoptochos Society.

“It brought to light how worthwhile this cause is and how devoted workers are at the Down’s syndrome Center. People with Down’s syndrome live longer lives than ever before. And it’s important to give them a chance to do that.”

The $23,600 will go toward the center's endowment fund.

The center, created as a partnership between Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and the National Association of Down’s syndrome, is the leading resource in the Midwest for specialized health care for people with Down Syndrome.

The center provides multidisciplinary medical and psychosocial care for adults with Down syndrome and emphasizes health promotion.

Down’sd syndrome, the most common of all genetic conditions associated with mental retardation, occurs in about one out of every 1,000 births.

The fact that Down’s syndrome has hit close to home among the St. Andrew’s faithful also made the fund-raising event especially important, participants said.

“While this event has been very important as a fundraiser, it’s even more important as a vehicle of awareness,” said Maria Kotsinis, a passionate volunteer for the center and mother of Nicholas, a Down’s syndrome child who has touched the hearts of many at St. Andrew's church.

Kotsinis also chaired this year's event.

“The center's endowment fund will ensure a brighter future for the many new families who have children with Down’s syndrome,” she said.

The Philoptochos Society is an organization established through the Greek Orthodox Churches of America more than 100 years ago.

The group initially helped immigrants assimilate to their new homeland and then evolved into helping the poor.

Now, Philoptochos groups from churches nationwide give hundreds of thousands of dollars toward cancer research, childabuse prevention, AIDS awareness and many other causes.

Chicago Metropolis Philoptochos Plan 75th Anniversary Celebration

MEMBERS OF the Metropolis Board and organizers of the 75th anniversary event.

CHICAGO -- A celebration to honor the Ladies Philoptochos Society’s 75th anniversary will take place Sunday, Nov. 5 with a dinner dance and silent auction.

The event will benefit the Metropolis of Chicago Philanthropy Fund and the newly-acquired Family Retreat and Camp Center in Brighton, Wis. In announcing the beneficiaries of the celebration, Chairwoman Helen Theodosakis of Bannockburn said that the Philanthropy Fund “yields a ray of hope to those who have obstacles before them. Often for them it is an opportunity

to start anew. “The Camp and Retreat Center is a “long-awaited dream for our youth. This camp will also be available for Philoptochos events as well as for church sponsored family gatherings.”

Metropolitan Iakovos serves as honorary chairman of the celebration. The steering committee includes Beatrice Marks, Chicago, honorary National Philoptochos president; Lori Voutiritsas, Inverness, president Metropolis Philoptochos Society; Georgia Barris, Northbrook; Mary Ann Bissias, Elmhurst; and Susan Regos, Westchester.

Society their individual time, talents and treasures to promote the philanthropic work of the Greek Orthodox Church of America.

Mrs. Skeadas has distinguished herself delivering the Christ-centered message of Philoptochos to chapters and parishes she has visited.

As noted by the Archbishop in his reappointment letter, “Since its inception, but especially during your presidency, the Philoptochos has ministered with love and compassion, constantly inspiring those around them by the multitude of good works performed in the name of philanthropy.”

Born and raised in Hartford, Conn., Mrs. Skeadas is a graduate of St. Joseph College in West Hartford. She has served on the National Board since 1998, on the Archdiocesan Executive Council 20002002 and has served as a member of the Metropolis boards of Denver and New Jersey, and Philoptochos chapters in Hartford, Belmont, Calif., Denver, and her current parish of St. Luke in Broomall, Pa. Together with her husband, Christos Skeadas, she co-chaired the 35th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Philadelphia in 2000. They are parents of a son, Peter, who recently graduated from George Washington University in Washington, and a daughter, Mariana, a student at the same university.

METROPOLIS OF BOSTON PHILOPTOCHOS CHARITIES LUNCHEON BOSTON–The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board has begun planning for the Charities Benefit Luncheon, “The Age of Philoptochos” – A Tribute to Women, to be held Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Newton Marriott in Newton.

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the many philanthropic ministries and projects supported by the Metropolis Philoptochos.

The Ladies Philoptochos Society is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary Additionally, the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos celebrated the 50th anniversary of its formation in 2005.

These two very significant milestones in the history of Philoptochos mark the timeless tradition of its mission of philanthropy…a mission of service to those who are in need.

Luncheon chairmen are Yiota Simoglou and Janice Panagako.

Metropolis president is Diane Miminos.

Committee members include Janice Panagako, Philippa Condakes and Janie Economou, invitations/reservations; Frances Levas, Presbytera Evangelia Daskalakis and Bess Jack, sponsors; Elaine Kevgas, Helen Sampsonis, Philippa Condakes, Ellie Mavredakis, Esther Mitchell and Charlotte Shenas, Raffle; Christine Karavites, Tina Caramanis, Kiki Feldmar and Elaine Melahouris, program book; Rubina Kyriakidis, publicity; Merope Kapetanakis, decorations; and Maria Toffoloni, financial.

SEPTEMBER 2006

Challenge What’s Up Body Modification?

YOUTH MINISTRY

e-mail: youthoffice@goarch.org

WITH

Body modifications–tattoos, piercings, and more, are popular these days, in case you hadn’t noticed. These practices have been around for thousands of years in various forms, and are mainstream practices of some primitive societies today.

by John A. Nixon, MDiv, EdD

Thanks to Hip-Hop stars and sports celebrities, they’re now the “in” thing in western culture.

A Way to Connect with Primitive Cultures?

One thing that seems to go along with the whole bod-mod thing is the idea that the practices are rooted in ancient, pure, natural, peaceful, and therefore venerable cultures, untouched by the artificiality, materialism, etc. of the western world.

And somehow having a tattoo or piercing connects with that. Uh-huh.

Let’s look at the idea that primitive cultures were pure and peaceful. Primitive tribes were constantly at war, and they took no prisoners: their goal was to eradicate their enemies’ societies. Captured warriors were killed on the spot, except, for example, in the case of the Iroquois, who took captives home to torture them before death, and certain tribes in Colombia, who liked to fatten prisoners before eating them. So much for primitivism.

Being an Orthodox Christian weakens our alliance with the cultures of this world, as St. Paul said that there’s no distinction between Greek or Jew, slave or free person, because “Christ is all and in all” (see Galatians 3:38 and Colossians 3:11).

The word ecclesia, translated

“Church,” literally means we are “called out” of the world to join the brotherhood and sisterhood of Christ. If being an Orthodox Christian means we are called out of our own cultures to be one with Him and other believers in Him, how much more are we called out from cultures that aren’t even in our bloodlines?

A Permanent Art Form that Makes You Unique?

Yeah, well, I’m no art expert, but I must admit that some tattoo designs do look artistic. But unlike hanging a poster in your room, painting your wall, changing your clothes or your hairstyle—tattoos and

I

piercings tend to be permanent.

Have you ever seen an old person with tattoos? They don’t look as cool as they might have when they first got them.

Then there are piercings. Sure, an unenlarged earring hole will likely close over, but don’t count on it.

And how does doing something that copies what other people do make you unique? Hmmm… What is truly unique about us is our personality, and the talents that God has given us.

What Does the Church Say?

Did You Know…

nking, piercing, or distorting our bodies can cause permanent and irreversible damage. Sure, pain and (eventually) infection may be temporary, but the change to your body never will leave you the same. Any surgical attempt to restore your body may actually cause more noticeable scarring and disfigurement.

• God shaped and formed you as you are. He masterfully creates each of us to be unique and different. Changing the way our bodies look on the outside is not what changes the way we feel about ourselves on the inside.

• One of the most important jobs in life is to value and care for our bodies. It

Well, nothing, directly. Some people

is the temple of God and the vessel of His Spirit. Keep it pure and holy by putting on Christ. Putting on anything beyond the necessary may distract others from seeing His Image in you.

• Visiting a bod-mod shop may certainly cause the glamour and mystery to disappear—no matter what your friends, the internet, or TLC tell you!

• Any shops offering services like tattoos, piercings, implants, etc., where employees are exposed to other people’s blood, are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Visit www.osha.gov and read about prevention of being exposed to infectious materials, before you visit and see for yourself.

halestorm hails Rave Review I recently attended a concert at the House of Blues in Chicago and, although I was expecting a great show to begin with, I got even more than I anticipated.

by Maria Kanelos

Being a young woman growing up in a world where many of my peers aspire to be like Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera, and countless other women in the music industry that often promote sexist and provocative dress and behavior, I found myself very pleased to see an extraordinary performance by the front woman of the recently-signed-toAtlantic Records, Halestorm.

I had heard a few songs by Halestorm before going to the concert, and had enjoyed what I had heard. The music proved

Challenge is the Youth & Young Adult Ministries supplement to the Orthodox Observer.

Articles reflect the opinion of the writers.

Write to: Youth & Young Adult Ministries, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 83 St. Basil Rd., Garrison, New York 10524 or email: youthoffice@goarch.org

2

to be favorable to my taste, which is always a "plus" when you're going to see a band in concert. And strangely enough, the lyrics impressed me as well. They would also be considered meaningful and appropriate by the adults who love us the most in life. The lyrics to all five songs on their new EP are powerful, momentous, and moving, while still remaining respectable and inoffensive.

But possibly the best thing I came to notice in my experience at their live performance, was the true talent, and respect for herself that Halestorm's front woman, Lzzy Hale demonstrated. Not only through her language when she spoke between songs while speaking to the audience, but her presence onstage and the passion and love for her music and talents that she projects to the audience. She is

genuine and real, and shows that through her performance.

Lzzy proves to be a good modern-day role model for teenage girls because of this respect she has for herself and her audience, and the fact that she uses the talents she has been given in an appropriate, positive way.

After Halestorm's performance, I was lucky enough to meet the band and get autographs.

The band members were all very open, kind, and initiated much conversation. Throughout the show and afterwards, Halestorm expressed their graciousness and genuine love for their fans. My experience with Halestorm and their music has been very positive.

Unlike other popular artists, Lzzy shares her talent by simply presenting it.

She proves to me that performers really don’t have to sell themselves through anything but what God made them to be.

Maria is 17 years old and lives in Niles, Ill., where she attends Holy Taxiarhi-St. Haralambos Church. Her interests and hobbies include running cross-country and theatre/fine arts at Maine East High School, where most recently, she was in “Cats.”

make the argument that it’s a form of selfmutilation.

Some of the most extreme things like scarification surely are, but in truth it’s hard to make that argument stick for less extreme stuff. Still, that doesn’t mean our faith is silent.

Genesis 1:27 says that God created us in His image and likeness. So here’s a question for you: What do bod-mods say about our acceptance of how God created us?

We are too easily swayed by outside appearances, yet we know that’s not how God looks at us. He knows us by what’s in our hearts.

St. Paul tells us that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19). So one question to ask might be, how would this tattoo or piercing reflect on my body as God’s temple?

Then there’s the issue of calling attention to ourselves. So much of the discipline of our faith has to do with taking the attention off ourselves, putting it onto Christ and in following His command to serve others.

The more extreme our styling choices, the more they call attention to us.

Finally, there’s the issue of scandalizing others. St. Paul said he would not eat meat if it caused his brother to fall (I Corinthians 8:13).

As Orthodox Christians, part of our job is building up others in the faith, and not being a cause of scandal.

So What Does It All Mean?

So there’s no simple answer to this.

It’s not our place to judge the heart of others (especially by what we see on the outside).

But it is our place to grow in the faith, and to recognize that sometimes something we want right now might not be the best thing in the long run.

John Nixon is a licensed professional counselor and educator and a Holy Cross graduate. He’s a member of Assumption Church in Scottsdale, Ariz.

PARENTS and YOUTH Workers Corner • The new GOYA, JOY, HOPE, and young adult ministry guidelines have been released, and the new 2006-07 Planners are also now available.

To order, visit http://www. goarch.org/en/archdiocese/departments/youth/youthworkers/orderform.asp or call the Youth Department at 646/519-6187.

• To subscribe to Youth Worker Pulse, our department's listserv for youth workers, visit http://www. goarch.org/en/archdiocese/departments/youth/youthworkers/listserver.asp • Mark your calendars for the College Conference, sponsored

by Orthodox Christian Fellowship, the inter-Orthodox campus ministry organization. This year's conference will take place December 27-31. Visit www.ocf.net for more details.

• The Inter-Orthodox Camp Conference will take place in January 2007. Watch for more details, or contact the Youth Department at 646/519-6180.

28

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For any information contact: EVANGELOS METAXAS: lead singer, original member 201-224-7208 OR KYRIAKOS METAXAS: 201-224-8472

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GUIDELINES FOR PHOTOGRAPHS

1) Conventional photographs We accept Color or Black & White photos, printed on photographic paper. Photographs should be sharp and clear. Pictures printed on color printers, either Inkjet or Laser and photocopies or clippings of previously published photos are NOT accepted.

2) Digital photographs: We accept digital pictures if they conform to the following specifications: • Minimum resolution 1600 pixels wide x 1200 pixels high (approx. 2 mega pixels, digital cameras should be set to high resolution, high quality. If you scan a standard photograph -usually 4x6”- use a minimum of 300 dpi. We discourage scanning your own photos, send the actual photo.) • File format JPEG or TIFF (JPEGs are smaller files and easier to e-mail, TIFFs are better quality) • Color mode RGB, color depth minimum 8-bit. • Image files placed within any word-processing file or any other application are not accepted. • Digital pictures can be submitted by e-mail, CD-ROM, Zip, Floppy Disk (Disks can not be returned) • E-mail to: observer@ goarch.org. In the subject line write only the word “photos” VERY IMPORTANT: Attach the image files and do not include them in the body of the e-mail or they will not be usable.

3) Please include information about the photo(s); place, time and event as well as the names of all persons shown, left to right.

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SEPTEMBER 2006

COMMUNICATING THE FAITH  page 12 opinion or belief. The first option is, “I'll get him or her. How can I pay back what he or she has done to me?” In such situations, individuals understand the matter in black and white terms. The issue becomes the only thing that is important and the relationship shared between the two people becomes insignificant.

In the second approach retreat and avoidance is used to overcoming conflict.

The second option is, “I'll get out. I'll simply slip away and not do anything.” In this approach, individuals consider conflict so uncomfortable that they decide to avoid having to deal with it altogether. Unfortunately, the result of such an approach to conflict ends up with individuals terminating their relationships.

In the third approach capitulation is used to prevail over uncomfortable conflict. One person “gives up” and allows the other to “have their way.” Option three is, “I'll give in.” Some may pretend that the conflict does not exist. They look the other way when things don’t seem quite right.

They refuse to ask questions because it might surface difficult underlying issues.

Although some mistake this approach

Clergy Breakfast Concludes 38th Congress   page 24 ful. We are really deeply touched by the offering that you do, some of you very discreetly, almost secretly, really remarkable.”

The Archbishop also singled out the example set by Congress host priest Fr. Mark Arey for his hard work and dedication.

“He got up at 3:30 because he couldn’t sleep, then he went to where liturgy was to be held,” he said. Fr. Mark noticed some hotel workers setting up chairs and he also helped to set up the chairs. (In discussing the Congress with members of the Archdiocese staff the following week, Archbishop Demetrios pointed out that Fr. Arey had admitted to him that he had gone without sleep for nearly 48 hours before the start of the Congress).

His Eminence also thanked the other clergy present at the breakfast for their assistance and participation in the various seminars, workshops and Plenary sessions.

“As clergy you gave a very good example in discussions for the edification of the Church,” said the Archbishop.

His Eminence also acknowledged Metropolitan Demetrios of Sevasteia, whose presence at the Congress “was very constructive and a positive representative presence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; a peaceful, discreet and loving presence.”

The Archbishop also expressed appreciation to Metropolitan Nicholas for his efforts that were “very instrumental” to the success of the Congress.

“He wanted this to be a landmark Congress, something to be remembered.

He offered it to God as a worthy offering to his glory,” His Eminence said. He called the Congress “one of the best conferences of the Archdiocese.

Metropolitan Nicholas and Fr. Mark represented all of you very well.”

Archbishop Demetrios later presented Fr. Mark with a silver dish engraved with the Archdiocese seal. His Eminence also acknowledged the assistance given by Fr. Parthenios Turner, pastor of the mission parish of St. John Chrysostom.

for the peace of Christ mentioned above, this attitude betrays an unhealthy outer exterior, while camouflaging a frustrated, tense and tight interior that often expresses itself in destructive ways. The relationship might appear salvaged, but because of the lack of honesty and integrity its foundation begins to crack and crumble.

Finally, in the fourth approach to conflict “care-fronting” is used to effectively deal with a difficult issue through an attitude of truthfulness and love. Carefronting individuals so value relationship with others that they refuse to walk away or attempt to coerce the other person to agree. While the issue creating the conflict is valued, the goal of honest concord is rigorously pursed with loving care. Carefronting, therefore, is the process through which we find the strength somehow to speak the truth, not as an act of revenge or vengeance, but because it is the only way to resolve it. To speak the truth about what has happened so that both individuals involved in conflict may know exactly where they stand with one another. Only in this fashion, as difficult as it may be, can we begin to love the other that has hurt us by speaking the truth in love - by caring enough to confront.

St. Paul exemplifies the approach of “care-fronting” when he suggests how the Philippian Church fellowship should deal with the dissention that existed between Euodia and Syntyche. “My brothers and sisters,” Paul insists, “whom I love, and whom I long for, my joy and my crown, my beloved . . . help these women!”(Philippians 4:1).

Using six terms of endearment in one verse, St. Paul exhorts his listeners to “help these women.” In order to achieve such lasting peace, and true unity of heart, however, the Philippians should help by “entreating” Euodia and Syntyche to “agree in the Lord.” The Greek verb “to entreat,” means to “call to one’s side,” to “address as a companion,” and not to call out in order to berate, to demand or command. As such, love and humility are the hallmarks of the process of Christian “care-fronting.”

In the final analysis conflict, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. It is natural, normal, and neutral. The negative or positive results of conflict are predicated on the method and manner we use to deal with it. The successful resolution of conflict, therefore, is the key to spiritual maturity, for it involves confession, forgiveness and reconciliation. While we do not know what happened to Euodia and Syntyche, the tale of the two Jewish brothers does provides a helpful paradigm for those of us who are dealing with strife, discord, misunderstanding and conflict in our contemporary relationships.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, let us learn to augment each other’s harvest by walking side-by-side and sharing the sheaves of selfless love. Let us do so, however, mindful of seeking truth and resolution with honesty, sensitive and care. Only by developing such an attitude of “care-fronting” can we faithfully address the root causes of conflict and spiritual Jihad that, unfortunately, so characterizes the contemporary global landscape.

Let us never forget, that the foundation of God’s Holy Temple was built on the loving resolution of two humble brothers who were willing to sacrifice their personal differences on the altar of love. Only by developing such a caring posture can we ever hope to experience a lasting peace, not a temporary peace, but a “peace that passes all understanding and keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos is executive director of Communications of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

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SEPTEMBER 2006

Alabama Cathedral Celebrates Centennial BIRMINGHAM, ALA.– Imagine coming to America without knowing one word of English, and building one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the state of Alabama.

by Irene V. Lafakis

Sounds like a daunting task, yet that is precisely the dream that 100 Greeks in Birmingham pursued to fruition after obtaining a charter from the Archdiocese in 1906.

A century later the progeny of immigrants at Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Cathedral of Alabama hosted a celebratory anniversary weekend, highlighted by the pastoral visit of Archbishop Demetrios.

Accompanied by Deacon Nathaniel Simeonides, the Archbishop was greeted at the airport by a delegation led by Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and Cathedral Dean Fr. Paul Costopoulos.

The delegation included Frs. John Johns, Felix Miles of Huntsville, and Theodore Bita of Montgomery, Ala.; Parish Council President Mark Boardman, Greek School teacher Katherine Staursky, Archon Jerry Lorant, and city of Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos, youth leaders and many parishioners.

The Archbishop then received a tour of the city and to a special luncheon hosted by local AHEPA President John Krontiras.

A grand banquet was held honoring the 100-year anniversary of the Cathedral at the adjacent Fr. Emanuel Z. Vasilakis Family Center. Some 400 parishioners gathered to celebrate the achievements of the parish, the third largest in the Metropolis. Archon Tommy Yearout served as toastmaster.

Parish leaders, including Fr. Paul Costopoulos (second from left), with Archbishop Demetrios.

Alabama Lieutenant Gov. Lucy Baxley, personally welcomed Archbishop Demetrios to Alabama, and promised him dinner at the state house on his return visit.

She also commented that, “the State of Alabama is indeed grateful for the 100-year accomplishments of the Greek community in Birmingham.”

A state proclamation thanked the parish for giving generously to statewide charities, to the 9-11 Fund and, more recently, to The Hurricane Katrina Victim’s Fund, which was the sole recipient of last year’s church food festival proceeds.

Birmingham Mayor Bernard Kincaid welcomed the Archbishop and presented Fr. Costopoulos with a framed copy of a proclamation from the city, which honored the Cathedral’s strong stance on civil

rights, human rights, and work in promoting tolerance and understanding among different faiths.

Specifically, the proclamation also noted deep appreciation for the courageous support of the late Archbishop Iakovos and the late Fr. Sam Gouvellis who participated in the American civil Right’s movement in Birmingham during the 1960’s.

In his comments, Metropolitan Alexios heartily greeted the Archbishop and the parish.

“I am proud of this community because they always want to serve others. I also notice how well they communicate with people of other faiths and how loving they are, “ he said.

“We have to thank people who started

this community a hundred years ago. They came with a passion and an identity and sacrificed so much to establish this parish.

I congratulate Christine Grammas who is here tonight, 96 years old, and a bright symbol of faithfulness to God. I salute Presbyteres Kay Kalariotes and Garnette Vasilakis whose late husbands did so much for this community. I also wish to thank our Archbishop Demetrios, for his untiring hard work on behalf of the Orthodox Church worldwide.”

The evening ended with a stirring address by Archbishop Demetrios. The Archbishop also presented an icon of the Holy Trinity to Fr. Costopoulos, who accepted it on behalf of the community.

The following day, Archbishop Demetrios officiated at a hierarchal Divine Liturgy celebrating the feast day of the Holy Spirit.

Katina Hatzigeorgis received a special award from the Archbishop in memory of her uncle, the late Athanasios Economopoulos, an early benefactor of the church.

Philoptochos President Helen Bekrakis and chapter members hosted a community reception for the Archbishop, followed by a luncheon prepared by Harry Pasisis.

Archons at the luncheon included Connie Kanakis, Jerry Lorant, Tommy Yearout, and Chris Tomaras of Chicago.

Special guest Georgia Kampakis also attended to honor the memory of her late husband, Sergie Kampakis, former parish council president and an archon.

The weekend ended with a reading of a congratulatory letter from Patriarch Bartholomew who commended the cathedral for establishing, preserving, and maintaining an Orthodox church in Birmingham.

More Than 2,000 Attend NJ Metropolis Holy Cross Celebration ASBURY PARK, N.J. – The 2006 Holy Cross Celebration of the Metropolis of New Jersey on Sept. 17 attracted more than 2,000 Greek Orthodox faithful from throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia area.

Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey presided over the festivities that included the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the Elevation of the Holy Cross, the Blessing of the Waters and the subsequent Diving for the cross by 70 Orthodox youngsters.

Assisting His Eminence at the Divine Liturgy were over 30 clergy from throughout the state and Philadelphia area.

HOLY CROSS FEAST in Asbury Park. (right) Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey with cross retrievers and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from Greece Ioannis Valinakis. (below) A GROUP photo: The Metropolitan with youths who dove for the cross and (L to R) Savvas Tsivicos, Ekaterini Boura, Consul General of Greece to New York; and Minister Valinakis.

The V. Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Kotrotsios and the Fr. Economos Andrew Eugenis served as ecclesiarchs.

The capacity-only Paramount Theater resonated with the sounds of Byzantine music by the Byzantine Choir of the metropolis directed by Apostolos Combitsis, protopsaltis of St. George Cathedral in Philadelphia.

George Zavelas, choir director of St. George Church in Asbury Park, directed the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians Choir that also melodiously chanted the responses during the Divine Liturgy.

Present at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and the day’s Celebration were the U.S Sen. Robert Menendez, and the Honorable Deputy Minister for Foreign

Affairs of Greece Ioannis Valinakis, who was accompanied by the Consul General of Greece in New York Ekaterina Boura.

Following the Agiasmos Service (Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross) held by the waterfront, His Eminence threw the Cross four times into the ocean, each time being retrieved by members of the Greek Orthodox Youth Association, with the retriever being especially blessed throughout the forthcoming year.

Efthimia Gallatsatos of St. Demetrios in Upper Darby, Pa., Constantine Demopoulos of St. Andrew in Randolph, N.J., Elena Obelenus of St. Anthony in Vineland, N.J., and Christopher Isaac of the Parish of Hunterdon County in Flemington, N.J., retrieved the cross.

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SEPTEMBER 2006

Archbishop Demetrios Makes First Visit to IONIAN VILLAGE   page 32

The reason I came to IV

Village director welcomed Archbishop Demetrios who, in turn, welcomed the guests.

Theodore Kassimis, deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, in charge of Hellenism abroad, represented officially the Greek government. The Hellenic Parliament represented the president and vice president of the bipartisan parliamentary Committee on Hellenes Abroad, Eugenios Haitidis and Gregorios Niotis, respectively. Also present were the mayor of Vartholomio, Stefanos Adaos; the Prefect of Elia, Takis Dimitroulopoulos; the regional administrator Panayiotis Kavvadas, members of Parliament Panayiotis Adraktas,

1

2 Yiorgos Kontogiannis and Yiannis Koutsoukos, high ranking officers of the armed forces and police and other leading members of the local society.

All guests who addressed the gathering expressed their positive impression of their visit and promised to continue their support for the goals, operation and advancement of Ionian Village. Among those present at the event were Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and Fr. Konstantinos Tsigas, who were visiting the area.

Metropolitan Germanos in his remarks to the guests emphasized the unique role Ionian Village plays in the strengthening of the bonds between Greece and the Greek Orthodox Omogenia of America.

The evening climaxed with a program by the Greek American campers who performed traditional Greek folk dances, sang hymns and folk songs received with the enthusiastic applause of all in attendance and the high praise of the Archbishop.

“We have just witnessed and listened to the best possible presentation on behalf of Ionian Village, the program and its goals,” said the Archbishop. “None could better advocate for Ionian Village, but these campers themselves; these campers from California, from Illinois, from Pennsylvania, from New York. They did an exemplary job with their dance and song. These Ionian Village campers have become the finest ambassadors of Greece and her heritage,” he concluded.

Archbishop Demetrios made a well

deserved reference to a veteran of Ionian Village, retired priest of the Archdiocese, Fr. Constantine Eliades who, as His Eminence noted in praise, “holds the record of attendance to Ionian Village, a record of 23 years of devoted, faithful service as a spiritual father and as a wise grandfather presence for all the campers who come to Ionian Village.”

The next morning His Eminence visited with all the cabin groups and took countless pictures with the campers –groups and individuals— who, almost without exception, were requesting with respect and many times in unison: “Can we take a picture with you Your Eminence… but with my camera…” The Archbishop obliged them with a smile.

As he departed early that afternoon the Archbishop expressed “great joy and enthusiasm for this rich, albeit brief, visit and experience.”

1. A GROUP of Campers dancing traditional Greek dances at the amphitheater.

2. A SMALL silver cross for everyone to remember the visit of the Archbishop.

3. LISTENING to a wise teacher and spiritual father, under the old and fragrant pines of Ionian Village.

4. BREAKFAST follows a morning prayer in IV. A good and healthy start of the day.

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4

JONATHAN LiMBERAKiS, a camper from the St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox parish in Broomhall, Pa. expressed candidly some of his thoughts in an interview to the GOTelecom camera crew for an I.V. documentary they were filming. We found his thoughts moving and enlightening: This is actually my second time in IV. I can wrap it up by saying that once you leave the camp you then you really know what it means to you. After the 7th grade was my first time and I came back this year because I had such an invigorating feeling of my faith and ethnicity that everyone knew me from that point on as the “Greek kid” and this is something you really value after you go through this experience.

We really experience so much. I mean from a cultural aspect and from a religious aspect. Like Orthodox Life sessions; they really establish the firm belief of what you are supposed to know.

When you visit some of the sites we have visited and you witness the beauty of Greece, when you visit some of these monasteries and you witness their beauty and you listen to the words of these monks, something rises in you.

One can not really explain. It is a little bit overwhelming and when you get back home, you are so proud to have this kind of ethnicity and this faith because there is so much tradition. A lot of people do not know that. They can not experience it because this is one of a kind.

When you put your head to the casket (of a saint, makes reference to St. Nektarios in Aegina) and everyone hears a different thing and I heard a heart-beat. You put your ear to a cold slab with someone so profound and important to our faith in there, a saint –it is so remarkable, you know they are with you, you know they are standing there like a guardian angel…

My relationship with Jesus Christ has been set in stone because of this experience. This is something everyone has to take advantage of. Feeling so proud to be Greek Orthodox everyone should experience and I will continue to feel proud. This is something you can not get anywhere else.

MARiA CALENDER, I.V. Counselor from the St. George parish in Bethesda, Md. also spoke insightful and touching words: I was here last summer and I loved it and I wanted to be back. I’m here because I really enjoy the program. I was here as a camper in the summer of 1999 and had an absolutely wonderful time… and I think since then I’ve known – I wanted to come back and be on staff and give the kids the same wonderful experience that I’ve had.

As to the question of what makes a good counselor at Ionian Village, Maria was clear and to the point: Love. The deepest love for the kids, for our religion, for Greece, for the program, for everything – and being able to put that love into everything that you do. It’s a lifetime opportunity to come here.

There is a sense of tranquility here that you don’t get anywhere in our busy lives. Being here is the one place that you do get this sense of calmness and clarity. It’s a huge thing. You just take a step back and you realize what’s important in life: how you can really put Christ first, how you can live your life the way it’s supposed to be lived.

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SEPTEMBER 2006

Archbishop Demetrios Makes First Visit to IONIAN VILLAGE

Enthusiastically Endorses Campers ORTHODOX OBSERVER

VARTHOLOMIO, Greece – Joy, youthfulness, vivacity and beauty are only some of the things apparent and plentiful as one arrives in Ionian Village.

“Ionian Village, is not just another summer camp, but is an expression of our mission as Greek-Orthodox faithful,” said Archbishop Demetrios as he hosted a dinner for dignitaries of the Greek government, civil and church authorities and guests from Greece and America.

“Ionian Village, is not just another summer camp, but is an expression of our mission as Greek-Orthodox faithful.”

by Stavros H. Papagermanos

D. PANAGOS

I.V. CAMPERS, counselors and staff with the Archbishop for a great group picture (top); His Eminence during an Orthodox Life session (above); St. Iakovos Chapel at Ionian Village (below)

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Ionian Village is situated in a majestic setting of beach front property on the northwest coast of Peloponnesus, in the prefecture of Elia some 45 miles southwest from Patras near the village of Vartholomio and facing the Ionian island of Zakynthos.

Since 1970, when it was established

by Archbishop Iakovos, over 15,000 teens and young adults have enjoyed the Ionian Village experience, which provides campers from the U.S. with the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the saints, the Apostles, and their ancestors, travel Greece and broaden their appreciation of Orthodox Christianity and Hellenic Culture, while making new, lifetime friends from across the United States.

Archbishop Demetrios traveled to Greece to visit for the first time Ionian Village, the travel abroad camp program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. On the evening of Aug. 7, His Eminence’s arrival was heralded by the municipal philharmonic band as he was officially welcomed by Metropolitan Germanos of Elia, the mayor, local authorities and a large crowd at the entrance of the Church of the Dormition where he celebrated a doxology and addressed the congregation. Metropolitan Germanos in his warm welcome said, “Your presence in Elia today your Eminence, honors and elevates our heroic and historic land to new international heights…for which we are grateful and offer you our honor and respect.”

During the ceremony Archbishop Demetrios was proclaimed honorary citizen of the municipality.

Later, Archbishop Demetrios dined with the campers, the counselors and other staff and under the August moon-lit summer sky enjoyed a beautiful program of dance and music in the amphitheater of Ionian Village.

The following morning, His Eminence took breakfast with the campers and toured the campsite accompanied by Fr. Mark Leondis, director of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Fr. Constantine Lazarakis, director of Ionian Village. During his tour he joined in the ‘Orthodox Life sessions,’ discussions held daily by groups of campers discussing issues relating to their Orthodox faith and life.

His Eminence took part in two sessions. The topic was “Orthodoxy and Orthopraxia.” He listened intently to the opinions expressed by the young people, participated in their conversation and emphasized the importance of prayer as the means of being in constant communication with God. The young campers were joyful and impressed by the insights offered by the Archbishop. Most of them had heard about the Archbishop but for the first time they had the opportunity to listen and interact with the leader of their Church and their spiritual father.

His Eminence was very impressed by the Byzantine music sessions he visited next and the diligence with which the campers approached the subject. Many other sessions and interactions followed in the course of the day from iconography and its meaning in our liturgical and sacramental life to an intense soccer match, which was interrupted when the ball was kicked out-of-bounds towards the Archbishop as he was standing and watching.

It was a good excuse for a break, a chat and a group photo.

In the evening, Archbishop Demetrios welcomed several dignitaries, and following a tour of the campsite hosted a reception and dinner in the front lawn of the Alexander Onassis Center, a building which bears the name of its donor.

Following the singing of the American and Greek national anthems by the campers, Fr. Constantine Lazarakis, Ionian

  page 31