Orthodox Observer - January/February 2007 by Orthodox Marketplace

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007 • Vol. 72 • No. 1228

ARCHIEPISCOPAL ENCYCLICAL

Great and Holy Lent

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Second Century of Epiphany Celebrations Begins TARPON SPRINGS – St. Nicholas Cathedral celebrated the first year of its second century of Epiphany services with Archbishop Demetrios making his annual visit and officiating at the feast day services and cross diving. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators witnessed the annual diving at Spring Bayou. The crowd included visitors from various cities and regions around the nation. Some 51 teen-age boys churned up the balmy bayou waters as soon as His Eminence released the white cross traditionally used in the ceremony. Seconds later, Michael Nikitas Xipolitas, 18, of Tarpon Springs, emerged holding the prized cross high. For Michael it was an especially meaningful experience. His mother, Helen Xipolitas, had

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 Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Once again the most inspiring season of Great and Holy Lent is upon us, a time in the life of our Church in which we anticipate remarkable opportunities to grow spiritually in Christ. Before all other matters, we are thankful to God for the gracious extension of time that He has given to each of us to live on this, His Earth that He created out of His love for us. We are thankful for the gracious addition of one more Lenten season to our life, a season that enables us to experience the unique blessings associated with our identity as Orthodox Christians. The opportunities afforded to us by the Lenten season as a time for spiritual growth in Christ are replete with multiple elements. The first of these is the spiritual discipline of fasting. In our Orthodox Church, the discipline of fasting throughout the period of Lent is accorded special prominence. This ancient practice of regulating our intake of food and drink according to prescribed measures by the Church allows us to participate in a communal act that sharpens our focus upon the internal disposition of our mind and soul. By focusing on the disposition of our souls, and by exercising control over our bodily desires, we can come closer to a real communion with Christ. This is what is expressed by the hymn from the Matins service of Tuesday in the first week of Lent: “Come, let us enter the inner chamber of our soul offering prayers to the Lord.” Another element of the season of Great and Holy Lent is the opportunity during this time to enlighten our minds with the divine mysteries and saving truths of our Orthodox Christian faith. During this sacred period, we consider the unprecedented significance of the person of Jesus Christ as Lord and God living among us. We ponder the reality of His continued presence today in our midst, the truly life-altering things that He has done for us, the challenge

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ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS leads the procession to Spring Bayou from the cathedral. Accompanying him are Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, (to his right) Metropolitan Epiphanios of Spain and Portugal (to his left) and Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos. (left) MICHAEL Nikitas Xipolitas holds up the trophy he received after retrieving the cross.

Epiphany at the ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE

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Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters

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You are the light of the world… you share a rich tradition of Orthodox Faith and Hellenism, the tradition of the Holy Fathers of the Church, and you are the carriers of this tradition which calls you to be outstanding and excellent students. You are called to be champions of Education. ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS

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See LAST PAGE

Archbishop Demetrios presents the Three Hierarchs Award of Excellence to Kalliopi Gergoudis.

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ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS Calls on Congress to Make Middle East Peace Top Priority NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios is one of 35 national Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious leaders that have issued a united call for the Bush Administration and the new Congress to make Arab-Israeli-Palestinian peace a top priority of U.S. foreign policy. The statement, Arab-Israeli-Palestinian Peace: From Crisis to Hope affirms peace as “an essential of faith” in all three religious traditions and asserts that our nation has “an inescapable responsibility and an indispensable role to provide creative, determined leadership for building a just peace for all in the Middle East.” The statement agrees with the Baker-Hamilton Report that concludes that renewed efforts for comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace are essential for achieving U.S. goals in the Middle East. The leaders of the National Interreligious Leadership Initiative will seek a meeting with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice to express their support for urgent U.S. leadership for peace. The new six-page statement calls on the United States to: • Exercise persistent, determined leadership at the highest levels to secure a comprehensive and just resolution of the Arab-Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, and 1397. • Work, in coordination with the Quartet (U.S., European Union, Russia, United Nations), to create conditions that bring about serious negotiations for a two-state solution following the lines of the Roadmap and earlier civil society initiatives; • Support full implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559 in relation to Lebanon; and • Undertake diplomatic efforts to restart Israeli-Syrian and Israeli-Lebanese negotiations for peace. The religious leaders committed themselves “to working with the Administration and with Congress to support active, fair and firm U.S. leadership to help Israelis, Palestinians and Arab states achieve a just peace.” The leaders pledged themselves “to building public support for peace with justice for all in the region.” The full statement is available at http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/nilistatement.htm.

Fifty-one Dive for the Cross in Tarpon Springs The procession that earlier had made its way from the church to the bayou a few blocks away included several visiting clergy, altar boys, the choir and the participating youths. It also included Kalliope Cortessis, 16, who was the dove bearer and released the bird - a homing pigeon that returned to its trainer in New Port Richey afterward. Her mother, Renee, was the dove bearer in 1984. Also making the trip to Tarpon Springs was the immediate past proistamenos of the cathedral, Archimandrite Sebastian Skordallos, who now serves as the chief secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod in New York. “The visit of Archbishop Demetrios and the celebration of Epiphany was a great witness of the Orthodox faith not

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LOCAL Greek Folklore Dance group that took part at the festivities and the procession to Spring Bayou.

  page 1 suffered from leukemia, which is in remission, and related to the local news media that she had a dream in the hospital about a year ago that inspired her recovery. “When I was sick,” she told the Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times, “I had a dream that told me, ‘Get up and go see your son catch the cross.’ A dream was confirmed and came true today.

“My God, I could feel it before he came up out of the water that he had it. And when I saw his hand come up, holding the cross, I knew it was my son’s fist. A mother knows.” As Michael crouched at the foot of the platform steps awaiting the blessing of Archbishop Demetrios, he broke out in tears, shaking his head. “This means everything to me,” Michael Xipolitas said later. “This is the best day of my life, a memory I will never forget.

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KALLIOPE Cortessis, 16, holds the dove she would be releasing during the Blessing of the Waters service at the bayou.

MICHAEL Nikitas Xipolitas emerges with the cross.

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only among Orthodox Christians but also among non-Orthodox,” Fr. Skordallos told the Observer. “For me personally it was heart warming to return to my previous parish and to relive even briefly the love and fellowship of the great people of Tarpon Springs.” Fr. Skordallos noted that Christians from other denominations attended the event and told the Archbishop the celebration helped to enrich their faith. The current dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Fr. Michael Eaccarino, called the visit of Archbishop Demetrios to the event, “A tremendous, awesome experience. His Eminence, in his speeches and sermons, was teaching all of us the true meaning of the feast day. “I paralleled he was teaching, to what we experienced here to what it must have felt like to those who were with Christ.” said Fr. Michael. “We experienced love of Christ through His Eminence.” He also said that an unprecedented number of people lined up back at the church to receive His Eminence’s blessing after he presented a cross and a trophy to Michael. Other events surrounding the Epiphany celebration included a reception at Holy Trinity Church in Clearwater following the Archbishop’s airport arrival on Jan. 5. It was hosted by Fr. James Rousakis and the parish. A children’s choir with members from all the area Greek Orthodox churches sang several selections. Following the Epiphany celebration on Saturday, Jan. 6, a banquet took place at the Spanos-Pappas Community Center. A glendi at nearby Craig Park attended by more than 1,000 persons followed the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.

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Celebrations of Epiphany 2007 Greek Orthodox youth around the world take part in the annual celebration of Epiphany, by diving for the cross either on the feast day of Epiphany or a few days before or after. Young people in the United States are no exception as parishes from the East Coast to Florida, to California and Hawaii took part. In addition to the largest and oldest celebration of St. Nicholas in Tarpon Springs, Fla., they include several New York churches: St. Nicholas in West Babylon, Assumption in Port Jefferson, St. Demetrios in Merrick, St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria and, as part of keeping the memory of their destroyed church alive, St. Nicholas in lower Manhattan. Parishes in other parts of the country that held events (and who most likely didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to brave cooler temperatures) included St. Nicholas Church, Corpus Christi, Texas; St. Nicholas, Wilmington, N.C., St. Spyridon, San Diego, and Assumption, Long Beach, Calif., and Sts. Constantine and Helen, Honolulu. A ceremony also took place at Annunciation Church in the Bahamas, where Bishop Savas of Troas, the Archdiocese chancellor, did the water blessing service and tossed the cross.

Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco throws the cross for the Epiphany celebration and diving in Long Beach, Calif., where several clergy of the Metropolis also took part.

(LEFT) Bishop Savas of Troas, Archdiocese Chancellor, blesses young Zachary who got the cross and the other youths of Annunciation Church in The Bahamas who also dived for the cross in a ceremony that took place along a bay in Nassau.

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Wilmington, NC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fr. John Stavropoulos presided at the water blessing ceremony for St. Nicholas in Wilmington, N.C. at Wrightville Beach on Jan. 20. The main event included 19 divers participating in the dive for the cross. Nicholas Fernandez of Wilmington retrieved the cross. At the luncheon following the event emcee Mayor of Wilmington Bill Saffo (parishioner of St. Nicholas) welcomed many city and state dignitaries as well as parishioners from Winston Salem, Fayetteville, Myrtle Beach. Other clergy that shared in this event were: Hieromonk Joshua Ana St. John Maximovich Antiochian Orthodox, N. Charleston SC, V. Rev. Archimandrite Konstantinos Kostaris Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox, Fayetteville, NC. Fr. John Shalhoub, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese, Jacksonville, NC as well as Fr. Aris Metrakos and Fr. John.

(ABOVE) Greek Orthodox teenagers jump into the cold waters of Long Island Sound to retrieve the cross that Fr. Demetrios Kehagias, pastor of Assumption Church in Port Jefferson, N.Y., has just tossed in.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

ECUMENICAL

PATRIARCHATE

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Prays for Peace and Justice at Epiphany Celebration CONSTANTINOPLE – In the manner of sacred traditions and with a solemn and peaceful celebration, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led the festivities of Epiphany at the Phanar. The Patriarch presided at the Divine Liturgy with Metropolitans Kallinikos of Lystra, Germanos of Theodoroupolis, Meliton of Philadelphia and Demetrios of Sevasteia, concelebrating. by Nicholas Manginas

Following the conclusion of the Liturgy and with the bells of St. George tolling joyously, the Patriarch, the Hierarchs, clergy and pilgrims formed a procession to the waterfront of the Phanar for the tossing of the cross ceremony. Marios Torinas, one of the three men who dove for the cross, retrieved it and brought it to the Patriarch. In return His All Holiness presented him with a golden cross, while he gave a commemorative gift to the other two who had come as pilgrims from Florina, Greece. Speaking at the end of the ceremony Patriarch Bartholomew said: “The prayers and the hymns of our Church are so rich in meaning and theology, that no matter what we say with our words we would not be able to do justice to this great feast and its meaning. “May the grace of our Lord who was revealed on this day as part of the Holy Trinity, bring peace to the whole world in this New Year. Unfortunately the arrival of peace is yet again delayed, even as we all pray and anxiously await for it, its absence

HIS ALL HOLINESS Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew tosses the cross into the waters of the Golden Horn.

is evident in various places and crises around the globe. May the New Year 2007 be blessed, peaceful, fruitful and favorable for all people.” Later in the day as the Ecumenical Patriarch welcomed several visitors and

dignitaries expressed his wish that there will be peace and good will between the two countries (Turkey and Greece). “All people desire peace but there should first be justice and as a result there will be peace.”

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His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch congratulated the two pilgrims who had come from the town of Florina in Greece to participate along with the Omogeneia youth of Constantinople in diving for the cross.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

Epiphany 2007 Coast to Coast

Bishop Savas prepares to release the cross into the tropical water on a balmy day in Nassau.

St. Nicholas Church of Corpus Christi held its annual Blessing of the Waters Service at Corpus Christi Bay on Jan. 7. Three youths from the parish dove for the Cross. The retriever of the Cross was John Piperis, 16, (left photo) son of Mr. and Mrs. George I. Piperis. (Below) Rev. Stelios N. Sitaras with those who dove for the Cross (from left) Konstantinos Papakostas (12), John Piperis (16), the retriever of the Cross, and Alexis Mays (15).

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Fr. Demetrios Kehagias, pastor of Assumption Church in Port Jefferson, N.Y., is flanked by the young men who dove for the cross in Long Island Sound. SAN DIEGO, Calif. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; On Jan. 7, 181 members of St. Spyridon Church, San Diego, celebrated Epiphany at the Coronado Marriot at San Diego Bay on a beautiful, sunny and warm day. Fr. Andrew Scordalakis threw the cross into the bay. Seven young people dove for the cross off of the pier into the 55-degree water to celebrate the blessings of the water. Harrison Greanias was the first to reach the cross. Following the dive, the congregation celebrated the holiday with a wonderful luncheon inside the Marriot ballroom. All divers were honored and received a commemorative cross. PHOTOS ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Merrick, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St. Demetrios Church of Merrick held its water blessing and tossing of the cross on Jan. 6 with Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos presiding. Three youths took part in the dive: Vasilios Zarboutis, Stergios Gatzoflias and Yianni Karadakis. Vasilios emerged from the water at Wantagh Marina with the cross.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

Epiphany 2007 Coast to Coast

ETA PRESS

ASTORIA, NY – Fr. Apostolos Koufalakis, pastor of St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria and hundreds of his parishioners gathered at Astoria Park along Manhattan’s East River for the annual blessing of the waters celebration. Fort Walton Beach, Fla.– Divers and clergy back at the Church of Saints Markella and Demetrios. The divers shown are: (L to R) Alexis Bass, Erin & Justin Hunt, Chris Lloyd, Chris Bastian, Spencer Fitzwilliams, Matthew Boolos and Charles Stamatelos, Cross Retriever. Senior Altar Server Christian Meyers holds the Epiphany Welcome Banner (R). Participating Clergy : back row (L-R) Fr. Michael Pastrikos (Pensacola), Fr. Constantine Mersinas (Ft. Walton Beach), and Fr. Anthony Stratis (New Orleans).

BATTERY PARK – Fr. John Romas of St. Nicholas Church in Manhattan takes his customary place on the deck of a police launch during the water blessing service and tossing of the cross into New York harbor.Though the small church was destroyed during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the parishioners still keep up their active community as they await approval for rebuilding. Hundreds attended the St. Nicholas Church in West Babylon, NY Blessing of the Waters and cross tossing ceremony with Fr. Demetrios Calogredes presiding.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

Communicating the Faith A Safe Journey Through Great Lent

“Remove not the ancient landmark (boundary stones), which your fathers have set.” Proverbs 22:28 Civilized cultures have always valued the concept of landmarks to safeguard personal possessions and show respect for the rights of others. by Rev. Frank Marangos

Ancient landmarks, usually made of stone and often elaborately inscribed by master craftsmen, also known as boundary stones, marked the margins between fields, districts, and nations. Landmarks, ancient and modern, are significant principles that set boundaries we should not readily change. In general usage, the word landmark has taken on a wider meaning, frequently used to designate an event, document, legislation, or a significant turning point. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount are examples of landmark statements that determine boundaries and set limits of morality. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, and the Bill of Rights are landmark documents of civility. Moving or violating a landmark was considered a high crime in the eyes of God, not only because it was a breach of the Commandment against theft, but also because it demonstrated an arrogant attack on God's sovereignty (Exodus 19:5 KJV). In ancient times it was considered a serious crime to remove a landmark. Mosaic Law insisted, “You shall not remove your neighbor's landmark, which your fathers have set” (Deuteronomy 19:14) Pronouncing judgment against the priests and people of Israel for their rebellion against God, Hosea said, “the princes of Judah were like them that remove the landmarks” (5:10). From these texts we learn that God considers a departure from established truths and standards as the removal of ancient landmarks. This is a poignant reminder that the ancient landmarks that have marked geographic boundaries and set moral and spiritual limits throughout history should be taken seriously and faithfully honored. Caution should be used when attempting to change, amend or remove them! Our contemporary world is suffering from vacillating standards. The ancient landmarks of spiritual truths have been, and are being, summarily discarded even by those who profess some degree of allegiance to God. They have been tampering with and even removing the landmarks of our nation, our communities, our families, and, most importantly, the essential landmarks of Christianity. The long-term effect of such reckless alterations is immorality, broken marriages, confused gender roles, fractured families, and self-centered lifestyles. We would all do well to heed the advice found in Jeremiah 6:16: "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls." From this Biblical caution we learn that there is a need to tread on a path well marked by spiritual markers, especially in this relativistic, post-modern age when everyone seems to be interpreting truth according to subjective models. It is essential, however, that such godly landmarks be first unearthed from the heavy topsoil of postmodernism and

reestablished as the fundamental markers of holiness. But where can we excavate for these God-inspired standards? Great Lent outlines in magnificent detail five (5) basic landmarks of Orthodox spirituality. Presented in the hymnology of the Sundays of Great Lent, the primary markers of Orthodoxy may be designated as the teaching of the Church concerning: (a) the incarnation, (b) sin, (c) the Cross, (d) repentance, and (e) forgiveness. These spiritual landmarks have, unfortunately, often been buried beneath secondary historical celebrations that have attached themselves to the Sundays of Great Lent over time. While not obvious at first glance, the primary focus of the 1st Sunday of Great Lent is not on icons per se, but on the theology of the Incarnation. The Synodikon of the Sunday of Orthodoxy carefully identifies the Incarnation (God becoming man) as the foundational defense for the use of icons. As such, the annual celebration of the restoration of icons, signaled by their return to the Church of Saint Sophia in the 9th century, should be understood as much more than an ecclesiastical footnote. The contemporary procession of icons within our respective parishes should not only celebrate the return of icons but also vividly proclaim that through the Incarnation mankind itself is returned to the Eternal Sanctuary of God. This, I believe, is the reason why many today would like to dispute the Biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth. Books and films like the Gospel of Judas, and The Da Vinci Code, are merely attempts to discredit Christ’s deity by rejecting His virgin birth and characterize Him as just another human person. Claims are made that the birth narratives found in Holy Scripture are fictitious and that the Church fabricated the virginal account of Jesus’ birth in order to give Christianity more status. Such protractors correctly understand the high stakes of allowing the landmark of the Incarnation to remain visible. The Sunday of Orthodoxy unequivocally designates the landmark of the Incarnation as the circumference of the Truth concerning Jesus. According to numerous hymns of the day, Jesus is acknowledged as “One born of a Virgin, the Son of Man and the Son of God,” who “became flesh and dwelt among us,” “begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Although the historical victory of the Iconodules should be understood as secondary, by its emphasis on the incarnation, the 1st Sunday of Great Lent directs us to one of the most important landmarks of Christian truth, namely, that the One whose death and resurrection we are preparing to celebrate at Pascha, is none other than the Word of God, who became human in Jesus Christ, so that we may, in turn, re-inherit Paradise. The focus, since the 14th century, of the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent has been the life of St. Gregory Palamas. A close examination of the scriptural readings and hymnology of the day, however, quickly reveals a more ancient catechetical thrust that centers on the narrative of the Prodigal Son. Like the Father in the parable, the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent teaches that Jesus came to re-unite that which, through sin, had become separated. “I kneel before

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

ARCHIEPISCOPAL ENCYCLICAL

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PASCHAL GREETINGS

of living a life of authentic faith in Him, and the obligation each and all of us have as Orthodox Christians to glorify His name by our acts of love and philanthropy to others, which is also a central element of this Lenten period. The period of Great and Holy Lent is also a precious time for us to strengthen our prayer life, as we are provided with a number of additional services for worship in our Church. Some of these special services throughout the Lenten period include the weekly Liturgies of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts, the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil on each of the Sundays of Lent, the insightful prayer of repentance known as the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, the Lenten service of the Great Compline, and the traditional hymns of Salutation to the Theotokos that we chant on each Friday of Lent. Additionally, the occasion for increased Bible study is replete throughout the Lenten season as the services themselves include longer passages from the Old and the New Testaments. These valuable opportunities for worship and for encounter with the Holy Scriptures strengthen our prayer to God, which is an indispensable source of strength and wisdom on our journey in this life and toward eternal salvation. The culmination of the period of Lent finds its expression in the very special time of the Holy Week, a unique period of time in our Church that presents us with even more opportunities for worship and spiritual growth. During Holy Week, when we meditate on the Holy and saving Passion of Christ, we observe within us a developing spiritual intensity. In Lent, such a spiritual intensity has been constantly growing with the passing of successive weeks, culminating in the saving Passion of Jesus Christ and in the ultimate explosion of joy, namely His Resurrection from the dead. We appreciate the building of spiritual intensity over a delineated period of time since it confirms to us that we as human beings are created by God primarily as creatures of worship. Worship is an advanced mental and spiritual activity that distinguishes human beings alone from all the other creatures that God has created on this earth. In this regard, the period of Great and Holy Lent, culminating in Holy Week, is the most appropriate time to appreciate the tremendous privilege of being human, which means to be a God worshipping being. My beloved Christians, As we begin this period of Lent, let us be mindful of the huge blessings that God gives to us each day of this life. Let us express our appreciation for these blessings through fasting, through our spiritual growth, through our increased prayer to God, and through our awareness that He has created us as creatures capable of worshipping Him as our Immortal King and our God. May His infinite love and protection sustain all of you throughout this very holy season, and may your Lenten journey be one filled with opportunities for coming closer and closer to an everlasting communion with Christ ourpaternal Lord. love in Christ, With

Send your across the Country and around the World Dr. Anton C. Vrame Appointed Department of Religious Education Director through the ORTHODOX OBSERVER As we approach the celebration of the Ressurection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Orthodox Observer is preparing a Special Pascha 2007 Issue which will include messages and greetings from the business community, organizations and societies, communities, friends and supporters. Many of our friends have given us the opportunity to publish their greetings. We hope you will also choose to do so. This is a unique opportunity to reach all in our great Greek Orthodox family. The Orthodox Observer is mailed to more than 135,000 families, reaching the Greek Or thodox communities in every corner of the United States. According to independent surveys, its total readership surpasses by far the half-a-million mark.

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â&#x20AC; Archbishop DEMEtrioS of America

NEW YORK -- Archbishop Demetrios recently announced the appointment of Dr. Anton C. Vrame as director of the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education, effective Jan. 1, 2007. In announcing the appointment, Archbishop Demetrios said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have known Dr. Vrame as one of my best students at Holy Cross School of Theology. I have observed, since his graduation, his continuous academic teaching, and managerial achievements. I am sure that, by the grace of God, Dr. Vrame will continue methodically, creatively and fruitfully the excellent work of his predecessors in the Department of Religious Education and that he will bring it to new levels of excellence in teaching and promoting educationally the eternal truths of the Gospel preserved by the Greek Orthodox Church.â&#x20AC;? Dr. Vrame is a well-known Orthodox specialist in Christian Education. A native of Chicago, where he was active in the life of the Church there, he earned degrees from DePaul University and the University of Chicago. After briefly working in the Chicago public schools, he entered Holy Cross School of Theology and earned a Masters of Divinity degree in 1989. Following graduation, he worked as the associate director of the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education and was actively involved in the development of the Living Our Orthodox Faith curriculum series. In 1997, Dr. Vrame received a Ph.D.

in theology and education from Boston College. He is the author of The Educating Icon: Teaching Wisdom and Holiness in the Orthodox Way (Holy Cross Press). From 1996 to 2002, Dr. Vrame was managing editor of Holy Cross Orthodox Press, producing 60 new titles and developing its editorial review policies. He has served as adjunct assistant professor in Christian Education at Holy Cross and as a lecturer in religious education at St. Vladimirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orthodox Theological Seminary. He was the lead author of a grant proposal awarded from the Lilly Endowment to the Office of Vocations and Ministry at Hellenic College and Holy Cross that resulted in a $2 million grant. Over the last four years Dr. Vrame has been the director of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in Berkley, Calif., where he oversaw the creation of the Masters of Arts in Orthodox Christian Studies, the Annual Institute of PAOI, Inter-Orthodox Press, the Parish Life project, as well as the Orthodox Christian Fellowship. He is associate professor of Orthodox Christian Studies at the Graduate Theological Union. Apart from serving on the Religious Education Association board, and as vice-president of the Orthodox Theology Society in America, Dr. Vrame represents the Archdiocese on the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

 Dumbarton Oaks

 Tribute to Ernest Villas

Editor, The article by Steve Papadatos on Hagia Sophia in the special section was scholarly as well as interesting but it contained an error that should be corrected. The article states that drawings of the Haghia Sophia were provided by Dunbar & Oaks when it should have read that drawings were "provided by Dumbarton Oaks" As many of us know, Dumbarton Oaks, an international center of Byzantine Studies located in Washington, D.C. and affiliated with Harvard University, houses a special and extremely rare collection of Byzantine artifacts, icons and manuscripts. Anyone interested in Byzantine Studies should examine its collection on the internet. As an interesting historical aside and if historical anecdotes are correct, I believe that any researchers or archeologists affiliated with this center are not allowed to excavate in Turkey because of past disagreements over the covert removal of Byzantine artifacts. Michael G. Boosalis Minneapolis

Editor, This past summer, at the start of the Clergy Laity Congress in Nashville, we heard the distressing news that long-time Archdiocesan leader, Ernest A. Villas, had fallen asleep in the Lord. His passing placed a sobering air among those at the Congress who had known and worked with Ernie, but we also felt a sense of joy knowing how well he had walked this earth, as a good and faithful servant of our Church. The morning of the Divine Liturgy, the members of the National Forum along with the other choir members who had assembled from the Detroit and Pittsburgh Metropolises, paused a moment before they entered the auditorium to pray for the repose of Ernie’s soul and to remember him fondly. Upon his retirement in 1997, the National Forum desired to express in a public way our appreciation and recognition of his many good works. Now, that resolution we created and approved, under the literary leadership of George S. Raptis of Detroit, now also seems to be an especially fitting way for us to publicly memorialize Ernie today, as he dwells among the “choirs of angels.” I take this opportunity to submit our resolution for re-publication, in hopes that it recalls for all of us the magnificent contributions this man made to our Orthodox lives. The resolution states in part: “In recognition and appreciation of the distinguished service rendered by Ernest A. Villas during his long career in various important positions with the Archdiocese of America, members of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians approved the following resolution at their Annual Meeting on June 27, 1997 in Chicago Illinois. WHEREAS Mr. Villas was a leading figure in the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) and served as its first National Chairman from 1951-1954; WHEREAS Mr. Villas was founding chairman of the Council of Eastern Orthodox Youth Leaders of the Americas (CEYOLA) in 1954-55, during which time the largest gathering of Orthodox faithful (11,000), choir members (1,000), and altar boys (150) participated in Pan-Orthodox Vespers officiated by Archbishop Iakovos at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena in 1963... WHEREAS Mr. Villas was instrumental in establishing the St. John Oratorical Festival; WHEREAS Mr. Villas served since 1982 as Director of the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education during which time a new curriculum, “Living the Orthodox Faith,” was implemented... THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Mr. Villas, that we, the members of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, recognizing your many years of outstanding, meritorious service, express our profound gratitude and abiding respect as well as our appreciation and love for your extraordinary works and also our many encounters as church musicians–and how such encounters with you made us so much richer thanks to your personal involvement as a servant of our Holy Orthodox church. On the occasion of your retirement, we pray that God will grant you much health, joy, peace of mind, and many years to enjoy the fruits of your labors…. the rewards that you so richly deserve. God bless your dear friend!” May his memory be eternal.

 Greek Americans' treatment Editor, Your Dec. 2006 issue of the Orthodox Observer was a delightful read. It doesn’t surprise me the treatment of Greek Americans being treated badly by the Turkish government. For some 35 years I have been hearing of the holocaust of the Jewish people in the media. The Greek American community doesn’t have the members in terms of population and political power in view of the holocaust of Hellenes by the Turks since 1453. I believed Europe one day, will be overrun by Moslem hordes completely. History is being repeated. Just look the population make up of England; France; Germany; Holland; Sweden; Did our astute Greek American community see the program: “The Byzantines”? I am wondering in my lifetime will there even be a Hellenic museum on the Mall in Washington D.C.? Do Greek Americans know when the Pope was in the glorious Hagia Sophia church, he wasn’t permitted in saying a prayer? All I can say, God, and only God can save mankind, from evil. John Vasilakos Bethpage, N.Y.

 Full-time priest Editor, You were misinformed that there were only “supply priests” serving the community. For several years, Fr. Nicholas Lassios was the full time priest. Prior to building the present facility, services were held in a large meeting room on loan from Yale University. Fr. Lassios was an engineer before studying at St. Vladimir and being ordained by Bishop Silas. As such, he supervised the constructions of the present building. He was also most active in raising funds for its construction. As Fr. Lassios recovered from bypass surgery, I chauffeured him as he took care of church business, between doctor visits. He was quite involved acting as sexton, caretaker and even preparing the prosforon on many occasions. Vassilios Milcos Suffern, N.Y.

Vicki Pappas, Ph.D. National Chairman

Archpastoral Reflections How We Understand “Security” Our consideration of the topic of security is a growing one in our contemporary age. Before considering this important topic, we should ask some fundamental questions: First, how do we understand the notion of security? Second, how do we work as communities to maintain it? In our contemporary world, the notion of security is understood by a variety of terms: economic security, personal security, national security, and global security.

by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America In our country, the most recent addition to this list of terms is the term “homeland security.” Throughout history, nations have maintained these various dimensions of security through a framework of laws, and they have addressed conflicts that have impeded upon their security through diplomatic or military alternatives. As Greek Orthodox Christians, we stand in a remarkable position to enhance the concept of security as it is understood today from an added perspective which is equally grounded, valuable, and informed. This perspective is the religious perspective, which understands notions of security from a theological vantage, and seeks to maintain levels of security by looking first to the Church as an unshakeable fortress of protection in times of need. One of the more explicit examples of this perspective is the manner by which our Orthodox Church to this day continues to look toward the protection of the saints as persons who offer us a very real and ever-present shelter in times of uncertainty and stress. Our theology teaches us that saints are persons who exhibited characteristics of holiness in their lives due to their unwavering faith in God and love for others. As such, they are persons who have opened their hearts and minds to the power of the Holy Spirit, serving as instruments of God’s grace on earth. For this reason, the Church affords the saints a place of prominence in Her collective memory on specified dates whereupon we, the living faithful, pray for their intercessions before God. Many of the Saints throughout the ages have been specifically accorded the role of “protector.” One of these saints includes St. George the Great Martyr, a Christian soldier of the Roman Empire in the late 3rd century, a time when Christians faced heavy persecution. St. George died for his Christian faith and is venerated widely throughout the Christian Church as a Great Martyr. Another of these saints is St. Demetrios of Thessaloniki, also a Christian officer and teacher of the early 4th century Roman Empire who is venerated as a Great Martyr of the Church and who met death under similar circumstances. These two saints are venerated so widely throughout the Christian Church that some cities and nations have even declared them as their official patron saints, thus recognizing that some states have acknowledged, to some degree, the role of the saints as protectors of the homeland. Throughout history, Christians have prayed to these saints for protection from enemies of all kinds: protection in war, protection from invasion, protection from civil unrest, and protection from the spread of disease. In our modern world, we continue to face these threats, even though they may have altered in their form. Some of these threats include nuclear arms proliferation in the world, continued instability between rival nations, border and land disputes, the development of organized cells of terrorists, the continued rise of deadly diseases, crimes of genocide, and ongoing strife in the Middle East. Also included among these threats are some very troubling potential realities for the future, such as the widespread use of biological warfare, potential conflicts in developing nations over such fundamental life sources as water, and the frightening consequences of global warming and climate change. In the face of these alarming realities and potentials, it may be argued that what is needed now more than ever is concentration in diplomacy and increased funding for scientific research. While this is certainly true, our faith as Greek Orthodox Christians informs us that what is also needed so urgently now is our continued focus upon concentrated prayer to the saints for their protection, which has always been a cornerstone of the teaching of our Church. My beloved Christians, our contemporary world is longing for a genuine and lasting security. Though the notion of security has been understood and maintained differently over time; the world has always longed for this security, and indeed we feel the need for it more palpably now than in previous days. It is my belief and prayer that, through the intercessions of the saints, this security will assuredly prevail and permeate our world. I ask as you read and share this reflection piece that you offer prayers to our God, asking in particular for the intercessions of the saints in your daily prayers so that our world may realize this very real, sacred, and permanent kind of security, which ultimately God grants and maintains in His wisdom and in His love for us.

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Archiepiscopal Encyclical The Feast of the Three Hierarchs Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Upon our joyful celebration of the Feast of the Three Hierarchs and the commemoration of these great luminaries and champions of our Orthodox Christian faith, we are called to consider what made these men outstanding examples of communion with God, firmness of faith, and holiness of life. St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom are known, admired, and loved as persons of great faith and wisdom who offered their lives, their unselfish services, and their talents for the glory of God, the advancement of the Church, and the salvation of the people. This offering of life and service of each of the Three Hierarchs was enhanced by their spiritual and intellectual abilities, which were nurtured from a very young age. In addition to their upbringing and training, the record of their lives and their great theological works revealed their tremendous gifts. They used these gifts in the service of our Lord. They did not seek self-aggrandizement, but rather they labored to strengthen the faith of others, to further the evangelical and philanthropic mission of the Church, and to prepare themselves and others for eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. They knew that their intellectual abilities were gifts from God. They also knew that these gifts would accomplish much more in the service of the Church and humanity if they were accompanied by a strong spiritual life and by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. This knowledge and experience of the Holy Spirit that is evident in the writings of the Three Hierarchs was first and foremost rooted in the teachings of Christ and the Holy Scriptures. In his great treatise On the Holy Spirit, St. Basil quotes extensively from the Gospels and the letters of the Apostle Paul in affirming the role of the Spirit in bringing us to perfection, not by means of great intellectual endeavors, but through the purification of the soul. By turning from sin, we are made “spiritual by fellowship with the Spirit,” he says. As the image of God is restored within us, the Holy Spirit reveals to us even more of the mystery and beauty of God. It is then through our souls that others know grace. St. Basil states, “Just as when a sunbeam falls on bright and transparent bodies, they themselves become brilliant too, … so souls wherein the Spirit dwells…become spiritual and send forth their grace to others.” (On the Holy Spirit, 9) St. Gregory the Theologian also knew and affirmed the role of the Holy Spirit in using his gifts for the glory of God and in the service of the Church. This is evident in the inspired nature of his theological orations. He also made this very clear in his twelfth Oration which was delivered upon his installation as Bishop of Nazianzus. He states, “I opened my mouth, and drew in the Spirit, and I give myself and my all to the Spirit, my action and my speech, my inaction and my silence, only let Him hold me and guide me, and move both hand and mind and tongue as it is right and He wills…. I am an instrument of God…an instrument tuned and struck by that skillful artist, the Spirit.” (Oration 12) These words reflect a deep awareness of the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. The presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit was also emphasized by St. John Chrysostom in the opening words of his first Homily on Matthew. He states, “It were indeed meet for us not at all to require the aid of the written Word, but to exhibit a life so pure, that the grace of the Spirit should be instead of books to our souls, and that as these are inscribed with ink, even so should our hearts be with the Spirit.” Here, Chrysostom affirms a very dynamic element of our faith. Assuredly, God reveals himself through the text of Holy Scriptures; but in addition, His presence and guidance is available to us at every moment and in every circumstance of life through the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, our souls, hearts and minds can be illumined with truth, and we can find guidance in using our gifts and abilities for the glory of God and for the salvation of others. In our contemporary world, a tremendous amount of attention is given to personal abilities. From a young age children are engaged in a variety of activities and examined closely for signs of intellectual, athletic or artistic skills. This can be very beneficial when balanced with the familial and spiritual needs of a child. It can also be very beneficial when the quest for achievement is strongly connected with assistance from God. Our faith and the examples of the Three Hierarchs offer a balance that helps us to understand how our personal abilities are related to our relationship with God. The key to understanding this relationship is the Holy Spirit. Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in the will of God? Is the presence of God inscribed upon our lives by the Holy Spirit so that others may see our faith and join us in the journey to eternal life? These are pivotal questions for our growth as Orthodox Christians and for our ability to confront the daily challenges of life in our contemporary society. They are not questions designed to have simple and closed answers, but are rather open and continuous questions that deserve our consideration throughout our earthly lives, much in the same manner that great figures of our Church such as Sts. Basil, Gregory, and Chrysostom accorded to them. It is accordingly proper that we keep these questions and challenges at the forefront of our hearts and minds on this great day, the Feast of the Three Hierarchs. It is my prayer that God may imbue us all with the power and wisdom of His all-Holy good and Life-giving Spirit, as expounded upon by these illustrious Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers of our Church. May the Lord, through their intercessions, grant illumination to our minds and souls and peace to our lives. With paternal love in Christ,

† Archbishop Demetrios of America

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

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The All Star Game Millions of basketball fans all over the world watch the “All Star Game” with great enthusiasm. The spectators of the sport anticipate the fantastic and impressive performances of some of the most talented athletes in the world. by Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos

It is a great honor for an athlete to be selected for the “All Star” squad. Especially for the NBA players, to be “the best of the best” is an accolade that accords the stature of a legend. And yet, there were great players in the history of the NBA who are now forgotten; their star status has been eclipsed by the newcomers, who attract the attention of the younger following with their on and off-court performance. And one thing is certain: they too will be forgotten in the –not so far- future. Millions of Orthodox faithful all over the world observe the feasts of the “Champions” of the faith with great enthusiasm as well. They praise the examples of saints, who elevated their lives above this world. The sacred figures of the Church, though, are never forgotten. Their star always radiates with the brilliance of divine grace, which reflects on them from the Sun of Righteousness, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The saints of the Church are eternal paradigms of victory over the power of evil. They played great defense, in protecting the ideals of faith and virtue. One can copy their style and their life to attain similar accomplishments. Millions of saints comprise the canonized “eortologion” (book of feasts and namedays), including the known and unknown victors of the faith. To select the best of the best, is a task that involves many parameters; it is difficult to even compare the saints of the Church, as they are all unique and holy for different reasons. However, the Church has made a selection of Three “All Star” Fathers, who were chosen to be celebrated on Jan. 30. They are called the Three Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom. The Three Hierarchs are given a status of honor by the Church for several reasons. Saints are holy, because they imitate Christ and they become Christ-like examples of faith for others as well. They intercede from heaven for our salvation and they are attributed with miracles, or actions of divine grace, that sanctify the lives of others who seek salvation and spiritual cultivation. The Three Hierarchs add other characteristics from their arsenal of God-given talents and their loving endeavors. They were spiritual leaders, in the place and in the type of Christ, guiding their flock on the path of salvation. They avoided acquiring leadership positions. Jesus had taught them that the way to be first is to serve everyone. This is in antithesis of situations when Christians (clerics and lay people) strive to obtain power even at the expense of peace and unity in the local Church. The Three Hierarchs were inspired by a monastic approach to salvation. Self-denial and charity became their way of serving and loving the neighbor. Following Christ presupposes selfdenial and required to lift a cross of martyrdom and martyria. As witnesses and confessors of the faith, the Three Hierarchs suffered persecutions (especially St. John Chrysostom who died in exile) and proclaimed the faith through their words and works. St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom were prolific and divinely inspired writers.

The Church has inherited a vast treasure of patristic documents and theological monuments that were compiled by these holy figures. It would be unfair to their testimony to single out anything from the anthology of their writings. However, the Christian who reads and explores the patristic wisdom of the Church is bestowed with many blessings and eternal spiritual treasures. Furthermore, in a time and age when role models are scarce, and most of the ones out there do not even set high standards, our youth needs the exemplary inspiration of personalities like the Three Hierarchs. Most parents struggle to motivate their children to study. Young people even claim that there are pop artists and basketball players who are not even college graduates and yet make more annual income than any doctor, scientist or professor. The Three Hierarchs, who were all very educated not only theologically but even in secular wisdom, inspire us to acquire knowledge not just for the sake of personal glorification and acquisition of wealth, but in order to serve others and to save our souls. St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom performed a synthesis of Orthodox belief vested in terminology and the philosophical foundation of the Greek civilization. They baptized the culture in the Christian thought. Although they did not compromise any of the principles of holy tradition, they used the language and the methods of their classical education as a vessel that conveyed higher truths. This is especially significant for the Orthodox Church in America, a Church which, much like the Church during the Byzantine Empire, invites many nationalities and incorporates their cultures and historical background into the celebration of the faith. Furthermore, contemporary Christians have much to learn from the Greek civilization, which is not only the backbone of western societies, but it is also the vehicle that made the apostolic and Biblical Christianity transform into an ecumenical path of salvation. What remains as the greatest legacy of the Three Hierarchs? Is it their leadership, being that they were responsible of the spiritual rudder in their hierarchal roles? Certainly, they affected changes that are of paramount importance (celebration of Christmas and other holy days, organization of monastic life, guidance of their flock and implementation of canons and regulations for the ecclesiological experience of the faithful). Is it their charity? We can definitely acknowledge their philanthropic benevolence (Vasilias was the first organized institution for the needy in the history of mankind, and each of the Three was an example of self denial and offering to the neighbor). Is it their written documents? None can deny the value of the homiletics, the poetic literature, the Biblical exegeses and the theological treatises of the Three Hierarchs. More than any of the aforementioned contributions to Christianity and the world, the Three Hierarchs are still offering a really precious gift to all of us: their prayers! They pray and intercede for our salvation. They are the three grandest beacons of the tri-sun Divinity, as their apolytikion exemplifies. They illuminate us with their God-given grace, their example and their blessings. In a team of “All Stars” they are the MVPs! Presbyter Nikiforos Fakinos is religious education coordinator for the Archdiocese District.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

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Archons National Commander Anthony Limberakis and Archbishop Demetrios present Dr. Antonios Trakatellis with commemorative plaque during his recent visit to New York.

Archons Honor Professor Antonios Trakatellis NEW YORK – In a tribute dinner at the Carlyle Hotel on Jan. 4, Professor Antonios Trakatellis, MD, PhD, the brother of Archbishop Demetrios and a member of the European Parliament, was honored by the Order of St. Andrew and His Eminence for his notable contributions in medicine and public service. Professor Trakatellis, who is vice president of the European Parliament, also holds the title Archon Megas Hartophylax and heads the Greek delegation of EPP-ED (European People’s Party.) He is the author of more than 120 scientific papers, has written 10 books in the field of biochemistry and is a special advisor for environmental issues to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In his speech, National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis expressed his personal perspective from the Order of St. Andrew that “the priceless service Professor Trakatellis has committed to the Ecumenical Patriarchate through his action, through his contacts and through his liaison with the Archons in facilitating

their multiple meetings at the European Union, have been invaluable.” Professor Trakatellis began his speech by thanking his brother, Archbishop Demetrios, and the Archons for planning and organizing the event, and his fellow Archons who were present. “I think my wife Tania would agree that tonight’s event is one of the most memorable for us both,” said Trakatellis. Dr. Trakatellis conveyed his wholehearted support regarding the advertisements in the New York Times, New York Post and The International Herald Tribune concerning the religious freedom issue surrounding the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He also commented on the re-opening of the School of Halki and about Turkey joining the European Union. The plaque, presented by Archbishop Demetrios, Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis and Vice Commander Nicholas J. Bouras, cited Prof. Trakatellis’ “inestimable support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate” and his “distinguished contribution to his fellow man through medicine and public service.”

A Well Deserved Honor Following the conclusion of the Papal visit to Constantinople and the Ecumenical Patriarchate and during a farewell dinner offered by the Archons of the Order of St. Andrew, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew bestowed upon Mr. Nicholas Furris the Medal of St. Andrew. Mr. Furris had successfully undertaken on behalf of the Patriarchate the monumental task of coordinating the communication effort for the Papal visit. Mr. Furris is an Archon Eftaxias of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the senior director/producer for Greek Orthodox Telecommunications.

Prestigious Medical Center Honors John & Mary Payiavlas CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Clinic, a not-for-profit multispecialty academic medical Center considered one of the nation’s best hospitals, recently honored six major donors at its annual “1921 Society” Dinner, including Archdiocesan Council member John Payiavlas and his wife, Mary, of Warren, Ohio. Mr. Payiavlas is also a member of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund and the Order of St. Andrew-Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. They were presented with the Distinguished Fellow Award. The 1921 Society honors those who have contributed $1 million or more to the Cleveland Clinic.

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14 Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye, and the feet, and the hands and all the members of our bodies. Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. Let the ears by not listening to evil talk and gossip. Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism. For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers? —St. John Chrysostom by George M. Tsongranis

Think for a moment, about the purpose of a tripod. By definition, it is a stand that provides three-legged support to steady an object placed on it. It might serve to secure a video camera for recording a granddaughter’s graduation from preschool or perhaps to stabilize a telescope for an astronomer gazing into the wondrous night sky. But what would happen if one of the legs was shorter or if all three of the legs were different lengths? For a tripod to provide the necessary balance, each leg of the tripod must be of equal length. Like the tripod, our approach to Great Lent should include three equal supports that will to give us the balance we need in our spiritual climb–fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. From the earliest days of the church, the Great Fast was not solely about abstaining from food. The physical fast was always accompanied by increased prayer and almsgiving. As families, we should look at all three of these elements in order to put into practice a broader and more fulfilling approach to Great Lent. Regardless of varying ages and levels of spiritual maturity, your family can share the joys and struggles of the

Balancing Great Lent journey towards the Resurrection. Taking the time to create a Lenten family plan will help you properly prepare for Pascha. As you begin, make sure to check with your parish priest or spiritual father for guidance.

The Physical Fast

Fasting from food is an important facet of our Lenten discipline. Jesus Christ, Himself, prepared for the rigors of His ministry by fasting from food for forty days and resisting Satan’s temptations. And after casting out a demon which inhabited a child, His disciples wondered why they were not able to perform the exorcism. After rebuking the disciples for their lack of faith, He said, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting,” (Matthew 17:21) thereby extolling the virtues of proper fasting. Abstinence from rich and heavy foods– as well as monitoring our portions–is cathartic for the body and refocuses our hunger and desire for God. As nutritional requirements vary from one family member to another, the decision for a meal plan covering Great Lent should be discussed by parents and other heads of households with guidance from your parish priest or spiritual father. Medical or physical conditions may override strict adherence to a fasting diet.

Increased Liturgical Participation and Prayer

Just as Jesus prayed during periods of great temptation and troubles, so are we to turn to God in prayer to guide us through the 40-day period. This Lenten period affords numerous services which help to strengthen the faithful in preparation for the Resurrection. Services such as the Canon of St.

Andrew of Crete, Saturday of Souls, Great Compline, Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Salutations to the Theotokos, as well as the five special designations for each Sunday in Lent serve to strengthen our resolve. And while liturgical participation and prayer are year-round necessities of our lives as Orthodox Christians, these tools and weapons are to be especially honed during Great Lent–a time when the great deceiver, Satan, will tempt us endlessly with diversions to take our focus away from God. Private prayer, in addition to corporate prayer, should be increased. Families should gather together at the home iconostasis with more frequency. Focus on quality and concentration of your prayer and not necessarily duration. Speak with your parish priest or spiritual father for further guidance in developing a Lenten rule of prayer for your family.

Almsgiving

Almsgiving is often completely ignored during the Lenten season. Many times, it seems that Christian philanthropy is limited to a food drive at Thanksgiving or charitable gift-giving at Christmas. As wonderful as these generous acts are, how can we neglect our duty to assist others as we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Feasts and crux of our faith–the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? We know as Christians, there is no particular season for human need and suffering. How much more should we address the needs of humanity at this blessed time! Jesus Christ, Himself said, “I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you too Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me…Assuredly, I

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:35-40–Gospel for Meatfare/Judgment Sunday) Here, as a family, you may become very creative in devising ways to be charitable during Great Lent. Gather up unused clothing that hangs in the closet to distribute to the needy. Grab a few canned goods from your pantry to give to a food bank. Go visit a sick member of the parish family in the hospital. Lend a sympathetic ear to a friend who has hit hard times. Include a Bright Week visit to a nursing home to sing “Christos Anesti/Christ is Risen” to share the joy of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection with our Orthodox Christian brethren. Almsgiving goes far beyond the giving of tangible gifts. It is also the giving of our hearts and minds to the ailing, disheartened, and lonely. Above all, we should abide in love. As a family, choose your words wisely when addressing others. Be patient and considerate. Forgive past grudges and seek understanding. If you are not regularly going to the Sacrament of Confession, this is a most-blessed time to seek the Church’s forgiveness and sanctification before receiving Holy Communion and Holy Unction. We should be aware these sacraments are administered in love and bestow upon us God’s ever-abundant grace. Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving–like the tripod, we need all three supports to keep us in balance during Lent. When in balance, we are able to fully experience the resplendence of the Resurrection and proclaim: Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! George Tsongranis is the assistant director of the catechism program at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Fla.

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ΕΤΟΣ 72 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1228

ΕΤΑ•PRESS

Μαθητές και μαθήτριες των Ελληνικών Σχολείων της Αρχιεπισκοπής την ώρα της Θείας Μετάληψης μετά τον Εκκλησιασμό τους στο Καθεδρικό Ναό.

Μαθήτριες και μαθητές των κοινοτικών σχολείων της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής απαγγέλουν λογοτεχνικά κείμενα και ποιήματα.

Η Εορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών, των μεγάλων πατέρων της Εκκλησίας μας, του Μεγάλου Βασιλείου, του Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου και του Ιωάννου του Χρυσοστόμου, σηματοδοτεί και τον παράλληλο εορτασμό των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων. Τις ημέρες αυτές – στα τέλη Ιανουαρίου – διοργανώνονται εορταστικές εκδηλώσεις σε όλα τα μήκη και τα πλάτη της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής. Άλλες στις έδρες των κατά τόπους Μητροπόλεων και άλλες στις κοινότητες, στις ενορίες και στα σχολεία μας.

μαθητές και μαθήτριες των Ελληνοαμερικανικών κυρίως σχολείων που αρίστευσαν (πήραν βαθμό 100) στην Πολιτειακή Εξέταση στην Νεοελ ληνική Γλώσσα (Regents Exams) με την οποία αναγνωρίζεται η σχολική επίδοση σε ξένη γλώσσα. Τις εξετάσεις αυτές προετοιμάζει από το 1973 σε συνεργασία με τις αρμόδιες πολιτειακές αρχές, το Γραφείο Παιδείας της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής. (βλ. σχ. άρθρο) Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος επέδωσε τα Βραβεία στους αριστεύσαντες μαθητές και μαθήτριες της σχολικής χρονιάς 2005-06, που ήταν 55 στο σύνολο, και επαίνεσε το μόχθο των μαθητών και εκπαιδευτικών αλ λά και την άριστη επίδοσή τους. Σύμφωνα με την κα Μαρία Μακεδών, διευθύντρια του Γραφείου Παιδείας της Αμέσου Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφέρειας και υπεύθυνη του προγράμματος της πολιτειακής εξέτασης, περίπου 550 συμμετείχαν στην

Εβδομάδα Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων 2007

ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý

Οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες τίμησαν στη ζωή τους με τα συγγράμματά τους και το παράδειγμα τους τις αξίες που εορτάζουμε κάθε χρόνο την ημέρα της εορτής τους. Είναι μια μέρα που γιορτάζει η Ελληνική παιδεία, γιορτάζουν τα ελληνικά γράμματα, είναι ημέρα εορτασμού της μάθησης και της γνώσης, των μαθητών, των εκπαιδευτικών και των σχολεί-

Πρός τούς Σεβασµιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί ∆ιακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Κοινοτικῶν Συµβουλίων, τά Ἡµερήσια καί Ἀπογευµατινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυµον πλήρωµα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀµερικῆς. Ἀγαπητοί ἀδελφοί καί ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Ἐπ’ εὐκαιρίᾳ τοῦ χαρµοσύνου γεγονότος τῆς Ἑορτῆς τῶν Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν καί τῆς ἐνδόξου µνήµης τῶν φωστήρων αὐτῶν καί πρωταθλητῶν τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Χριστιανικῆς πίστεώς µας, καλούµεθα νά µελετήσουµε τούς λόγους οἱ ὁποῖοι κατέστησαν τούς ἀνθρώπους αὐτούς ἐξαίρετα παραδείγµατα κοινωνίας µέ τόν Θε ό, σ τ α θερ ό τ ητο ς πί σ τε ω ς κ α ί ἁγιότητος ζωῆς. Ὁ Βασίλειος ὁ Μέγας, ὁ Ἅγιος Γρηγόριος ὁ Θεολόγος καί ὁ Ἅγιος Ἰωάννης ὁ Χρυσόστοµος εἶναι γνωστοί καί προσφιλεῖς ὡς ἄνθρωποι µεγάλης πίστεως καί σοφίας οἱ ὁποῖοι

ων. Και ο εορτασμός αυτός αποκτά ιδιαίτερες διαστάσεις τη σημερινή εποχή και στη σημερινή συγκυρία. Το Τμήμα Παιδείας της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής διοργάνωσε υπό την αιγίδα του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής κ. Δημητρίου, σειρά εορταστικών εκδηλώσεων στις οποίες συμμετείχαν οι μαθητές και μαθήτριες, οι γονείς, οι δάσκαλοι και οι διευθυντές των ημερησίων και απογευματινών κοινοτικών σχολείων, τα μέλη των σχολικών επιτροπών και συλλόγων γονέων και διδασκάλων, οι φίλοι και υποστηρικτές της Ελληνικής Παιδείας και σύσσωμη η Ομογένεια. Η πρώτη κατά χρονική σειρά εκδήλωση πραγματοποιήθηκε το Σάββατο 27 Ιανουαρίου στην κατάμεστη από μαθητές, γονείς και φίλους αίθουσα τελετών του Καθεδρικού Ναού της Αγίας Τριάδος στο Μανχάταν. Ήταν μια τελετή αφιερωμένη στην απονομή των Βραβείων Αριστείας των Τριών Ιεραρχών στους

ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙ ΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥ Κ ΛΙΟΣ

Ἑορτή Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν

ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

τελευταία εξέταση, 97% των οποίων πέρασαν (65 και άνω) και 76% πήραν 85 και άνω. Η διευθύντρια του κοινοτικού σχολείου «Βασίλειος Σπυρόπουλος» της κοινότ ητος του Αγ ίου Νικολάου, Flushing, NY, παρουσίασε το ιστορικό και μίλησε για την αξία της εξέτασης στην Ελληνική Γλώσσα. Την κύρια ομιλία έκανε ο δικηγόρος και καθηγητής Ιωάννης Σπυριδάκης με θέμα «Τα αγαθά της Ελληνικής Παιδείας». Η εκδήλωση περιέλαβε μουσικό πρόγραμμα με τη σοπράνο Α λεξάνδρα Σκένδρου, την πιανίστρια Αρετή Γιοβάννου και τη Μητροπολιτική Αρχιεπισκοπική Χορωδία Νέων υπό την διεύθυνση της Μαρίας Κολέβα. Ο διευθυντής του Λυκείου του Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστόριας κ. Αναστάσιος Κουλαρμάνης ήταν ο παρουσιαστής του προγράμματος. Την Κυριακή 28 Ιανουαρίου ο Αρ-

 óåë. 17 προσέφεραν τίς ζωές, τίς ἀνιδιοτελεῖς ὑπηρεσίες καί τά προσόντα των γιά τή δόξα τοῦ Θεοῦ, τήν προαγωγή τῆς Ἐκκλησίας καί τή σωτηρία τῶν ἀνθρώπων. Ἡ προσφορά αὐτή ζωῆς καί διακονίας ἑκάστου τῶν Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν ἐνισχύθηκε ἀπό τίς πνευµατικές καί διανοητικές ἱκανότητές των οἱ ὁποῖες καλλιεργήθησαν ἀπό µικρή ἡλικία. Ἐκτός τῆς ἀνατροφῆς καί µορφώσεώς των, τά πεπραγµένα τῆς ζωῆς καί τά µεγάλα θεολογικά ἔργα των ἀπεκάλυψαν τά τεράστια προσόντα µέ τά ὁποῖα ἦταν προικισµένοι. Χρησιµοποίησαν αὐτά τά προσόντα γιά νά ὑπηρετήσουν τόν Κύριό µας. ∆έν ἀποσκοποῦσαν στήν αὐτοπροβολή των, ἀλλ’ ἐργάσθηκαν γιά νά ἐνδυναµώσουν τήν πίστη τῶν ἄλλων, νά προαγάγουν τήν εὐαγγελική κ αί φιλ ανθρωπική ἀποστολή τῆ ς Ἐκκλησίας, καί νά προετοιµάσουν τόν ἑαυτό των καί τούς συνανθρώπους των γιά τήν αἰώνια ζωή στή βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν. Ἐγνώριζαν ὅτι οἱ διανοητικές ἱκανότητές των ἦσαν δῶρα τοῦ Θεοῦ.

 óåë. 18

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ-ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 2007

Ευχές για ειρήνη και δικαιοσύνη του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη στην τελετή των Θεοφανείων Με παραδοσιακή ιεροπρέπεια και σε ειρηνικό κλίμα χαράς και συγκίνησης εορτάσθηκαν τα Θεοφάνεια στο Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο στην Κωνσταντινούπολη. ôïõ ÍéêoëÜïõ Ìáããßíá

Στη Θεία Λειτουργία προέστη ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος με συλλειτουργούς τους Μητροπολίτες Λύστρων Καλλίνικο, Θεοδωρουπόλεως Γερμανό, Φιλαδελφείας Μελίτωνα και Σεβαστείας Δημήτριο. Στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας ο Πατριάρχης, οι Ιεράρχες, ο κλήρος και οι προσκυνητές, μετέβησαν εν πομπή με τις χαρμόσυνες κωδωνοκρουσίες στην αποβάθρα του Φαναρίου, στον Κεράτιο Κόλπο, και ακολούθησε η τελετή της Καταδύσεως του Τιμίου Σταυρού στη θάλασσα. Τον τίμιο σταυρό ανέσυρε ο κ. Μάριος Τορίνας στον οποίο ο Πατριάρχης απένειμε επιστήθιο χρυσό σταυρό, στους δε άλλους δύο που έπεσαν στα νερά, οι οποίοι ήλθαν από τη Φλώρινα τους πρόσφερε αναμνηστικά δώρα. Στο τέλος της τελετής ο Πατριάρχης δήλωσε τα εξής: «Οι ευχές και οι ύμνοι της Εκκλησίας μας είναι τόσο περιεκτικοί και τόσο θεολογικοί που, ό,τι και εάν πούμε εμείς οι άνθρωποι, θα αδικήσουμε την μεγάλην εορτήν και το νόημά της. Εύχομαι η χάρις του επιφανέντος εις τον κόσμον Κυρίου να επισκιάζει όλην την Οικουμένην, το χριστιανικόν πλήρωμα και, γενικά, όλην την ανθρωπότητα, και να φέρει ειρήνην κατά το νέον έτος. Αυτήν την ειρήνην, την οποίαν όλοι προσδοκούμε, όλοι ευχόμεθα,

ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

Η Τελετή Αγιασμού των Υδάτων στο Φανάρι έγινε παρουσία πλήθους πιστών.

και η οποία, δυστυχώς, καθυστερεί να έλθει, όπως διαπιστώνουμε από τις κρίσεις που υπάρχουν σε διάφορα σημεία του πλανήτου μας. Εύχομαι το 2007 να είναι ευλογημένον, ειρηνικόν, καρποφόρον, και αίσιον για όλους τους ανθρώπους. Χρόνια πολλά!» Τη ίδια ημέρα ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος, υποδέχθηκε στο Φανάρι την αδελφή και τον υιό της Υπουργού Εξωτερικών της Ελ λάδος, Αικατερίνη Μητσοτάκη και Κωνσταντί-

νο Μπακογιάννη, και συγγενικά τους πρόσωπα, εξέφρασε την ελπίδα η επίσκεψη αυτή να είναι σημαδιακή: «Να είναι καλό το νέον έτος για τις σχέσεις των δύο χωρών, διότι», όπως χαρακτηριστικά τόνισε, «όλοι οι άνθρωποι θέλουν την ειρήνη. Να υπάρχει όμως πρώτα δικαιοσύνη και, κατά συνέπεια, να υπάρχει και ειρήνη». Συγχαίρων τους δύο προσκυνητές που ήλθαν από την Φλώρινα για να συναγωνιστούν με τους νέους της Πόλεως κατά την ρίψη του Σταυρού στα νερά του Κερατίου, ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης εμνήσθη της περιοδείας του το 2005 στις Μητροπόλεις του Θρόνου στη Βόρεια Ελλάδα, τις Επαρχίες Εδέσσης και Φλωρίνης, υπογραμμίζων ότι «μεταξύ Ελληνικού λαού και Εκκλησίας Κωνσταντινουπόλεως υπάρχει ένας πνευματικός ομφάλιος λώρος, ένας ακατάλυτος δεσμός, τον οποίο κανείς, υπό οποιεσδήποτε συνθήκες, δε μπορεί να κόψει, διότι βρίσκεται μέσα στο DNA του κάθε πιστού», και προσέθεσε με έμφαση: «πρέπει να θ υμόμ α σ τ ε όλ οι τ ι προσέφερε η Μαρτυρική Εκκ λησ ία τ ης Κωνσταντινουπόλεω ς σ το Γέ νο ς μας: έδωσε το αίμα της για να ζήσουν τα παιδιά τ ης, σ υρρικ νώθηκε και αντιπαλαίει σήμερα με τα γνωστά προβλήματα». Ο Πατριάρχης ευλογεί τον Μάριο Ταρίνα ο οποίος ανέσυρε το σταυρό.

ÅÉÄÉÊÅÓ ÐÑÏÓÖÏÑÅÓ «Περιμένουμε γενναία βήματα αποδόσεως δικαιοσύνης»

Éó÷ýïõí åéäéêÝò ôéìÝò

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Την ανάγκη σεβασμού των θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών και των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων υπογράμμισε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος, απευθυνόμενος στην νεολαία της Ομογένειας της Πόλης και σε προσκυνητές από το νησί της Πάρου, οι οποίοι έψαλλαν τα κάλαντα, παραμονή των Χριστουγέννων, στην αίθουσα του θρόνου ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ Παριανά κάλαντα για τον Πατριάρχη. στο Φανάρι. «Δεν θέλω να πω ότι δεν επελύθησαν και τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα είναι βασιαυτά τα προβλήματα κατά τα τελευταία κά πράγματα, τα οποία ισχύουν για τους χρόνια εξ’ υπαιτιότητός μας, αλλά διότι ευρωπαίους και για όλους τους πολιτισμέκυρίως δεν υπάρχει η πολιτική βούλησις νους λαούς της οικουμένης. Λοιπόν περιτων εφ’ ημάς τεταγμένων αρχών. Δυστυ- μένουνε, και δεν θα πάψουμε να περιμέχώς υπάρχει ακόμη προκατάληψις, όπως νουμε, γενναία βήματα αποδόσεως δικαιδιαπιστώνουμε όλοι μας. Πολλά πράγματα οσύνης προς την δική μας μειονότητα και παραμένουν στάσιμα, πολλές υποσχέσεις προς όλες τις μειονότητες που ζουν στην παραμένουν ανεκπλήρωτες. Από το εξω- Τουρκία από αιώνων. Πολλές φορές στις τερικό πολλοί φίλοι, όχι απλώς του Οικου- ομιλίες μου έχω πει ότι δεν ζητούμε τίποτε μενικού Πατριαρχείου, αλλά φίλοι και περισσότερο από τα αυτονόητα. υποστηρικτές των πανανθρωπίνων δημοΔεν ζητούμε τίποτα περισσότερο από κρατικών αξιών και δικαίων, μέσα στα αυτά τα οποία μας ανήκουν. Μας ανήκουν οποία είναι και οι θρησκευτικές ελευθερί- σαν κατοίκους αυτής της χώρας, σαν ποες, ευκαιρίας δοθείσης υπενθυμίζουν λίτας αυτής της χώρας, οι οποίοι εκπληρώστους ηγέτες της χώρας μας ότι πρέπει να νουν στο ακέραιο τας υποχρεώσεις των γίνουν ορισμένα βήματα προς την κατεύ- προς το κράτος και περιμένουν την ανάθυνση επιλύσεως των προβλημάτων των λογον εκπλήρωσιν υποχρεώσεων του μειονοτήτων, οι οποίες ζουν εδώ». κράτους προς τους πολίτας του». Με τα λόγια αυτά ο Πατριάρχης ΒαρΣτη συνέχεια αναφέρθηκε στα δεκαθολομαίος εξέφρασε την απογοήτευσή του πέντε χρόνια της πατριαρχίας του, που για την πορεία των ομογενειακών μας συμπληρώθηκαν τον Οκτώβριο του 2006, θεμάτων κατά την τελευταία περίοδο και χαρακτηρίζοντά τα «Δεκαπέντε χρόνια πρόσθεσε: «Οι θρησκευτικές ελευθερίες αγώνων και αγωνιών».

ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ-ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 2007

Εβδομάδα Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων

ôçò ÁèçíÜò Êñïììýäá

Ο ∆ρ. Ιωάννης Σπυριδάκης

ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Απαγγελίες των μαθητών του Καθεδρικού Σχολείου. Στο προσκήνιο οι ∆ημήτρης και Γιάννης Χατζηδημητρίου και Αλέξανδρος Μπάρας.

ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

γραμμα συντόνισε ο κ. Τιμολέων Κόκκινος, διευθυντής του Απογευματινού Σχολείου του Αγίου Δημητρίου. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος συνεχάρη όλα τα παιδιά και τους δασκάλους τους και έκοψε την παραδοσιακή Βασιλόπιτα προς τιμήν των Εκπαιδευτικών και μαθητών των Ελληνοαμερικανικών μας Σχολείων. Τον πανηγυρικό εσπερινό των Τριών Ιεραρχών τέλεσε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος στην ομώνυμη κοινότητα στο Brooklyn της Νέας Υόρκης. Η κοινότητα και το σχολείο των Τριών Ιεραρχών παρουσίασαν ένα όμορφο εορταστικό πρόγραμμα. Απαγγελίες, ποιήματα και τραγούδια με αναφορά τα ελ ληνικά γράμματα και τους τρεις μεγάλους πατέρες της Εκκλησίας μας απετέλεσαν το κύριο μέρος της εκδήλωσης που διοργανώθηκε υπό την επίβλεψη της εκπαιδευτικού Σοφίας Σχουρσίδη. Ο ιερατικώς προϊστάμενος της κοινότητος Αρχιμανδρίτης Ευγένιος Πάππας παρουσίασε τον κ. Ιωάννη Συτιλίδη διευθυντή

Η αξία της Εξέτασης της Νεοελληνικής Γλώσσας Ο χρόνος ήταν 1973. Χρόνος που σηματοδότησε ένα νέο κεφάλαιο στην Ελ ληνική Παιδεία της Νέας Υόρκης, αφού ήταν ο χρόνος που καθιερώθηκε στα παροικιακά μας σχολεία η εξέταση στη Νεοελληνική γλώσσα για παιδιά που τελείωναν την ογδόη τάξη.

 óåë. 15 χιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος παρακολούθησε μια μεγάλη και συγκινητική μαθητική γιορτή που πραγματοποιήθηκε στην αίθουσα «Πέτρου Πατρίδη» του Σχολείου του Αγίου Δημητρίου της Αστόρια. Μαθητές και μαθήτριες από πολλά κοινοτικά σχολεία της περιοχής παρουσίασαν ποιήματα και άλλα λογοτεχνικά κείμενα και η μαθητική χορωδία του Σχολείου του Αγίου Δημητρίου ένα πλούσιο μουσικό πρόγραμμα. Ο Δρ. Ιωάννης Ευθυμιόπουλος, διευθυντής του Γραφείου Ελ ληνικής Παιδείας παρουσίασε τον κύριο ομιλητή Δρ. Γεώργιο Μελικώκη, ενώ το όλο πρό-

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

του τμήματος Νοτιοανατολικής Ευρώπης του κέντρου μελετών Woodrow Wilson, τον οποίο η κοινότητα τίμησε με το Βαραβείο Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων. Το ίδιο βράδυ τιμήθηκε και ο π. Πάππας για την πολυετή προσφορά του, επί τη συμπληρώσει 41 χρόνων ιεροσύνης. Ο Καθεδρικός Αρχιεπισκοπικός Ναός της Αγίας Τριάδος γέμισε από εκατοντάδες μαθητές και μαθήτριες των κοινοτικών μας σχολείων το πρωί της κυριώνυμης ημέρας των Τριών Ιεραρχών, που παρακολούθησαν με ευλάβεια την Θεία Λειτουργία που τέλεσε για τα παιδιά ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος. «Είστε το φως του κόσμου… είστε μέτοχοι της πλούσιας παραδόσεως της ορθοδόξου μας πίστεως και του Ελληνισμού, της παραδόσεως των ιερών πατέρων της Εκκλησίας μας, που εορτάζουμε σήμερα, είστε οι φορείς αυτής της παραδόσεως που σας καλεί προς το μέγιστο και το άριστο, σας καλεί να γίνετε πρωταθλητές της παιδείας», είπε μεταξύ άλλων στο κήρυγμα του ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος. Πολλοί μαθητές κοινώνησαν των αχράντων μυστηρίων και στη συνέχεια ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος μοίρασε ο ίδιος το αντίδωρο σε όλα τα παιδιά. Αργότερα οι μαθητές του Καθεδρικού Σχολείου παρουσίασαν απαγγελίες και τραγούδια. Το απόγευμα της ίδιας ημέρας ο ομότιμος καθηγητής Πατρολογίας της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού της Βοστώνης κ. Γεώργιος Μπεμπής μίλησε με θέμα: «Ο Άγιος Ιωάννης ο Χρυσόστομος και οι κατήγοροί του». Το δεύτερο μέρος της εκδήλωσης αυτής αποτέλεσε εκλεκτό μουσικό πρόγραμμα με την σοπράνο Ελένη Καλένος και τον πιανίστα Ιωάννη Ποταμούση.

Και ήταν γιατί οι δάσκαλοι κι οι γονείς και η διοίκηση των ημερησίων σχολείων εξέφρασαν την διακαή επιθυμία τους να αξιολογούνται τα παιδιά για τις γνώσεις τους στην ελληνική και να βραβεύονται οι προσπάθειές τους. Έτσι ρίχτηκαν σ’ έναν επιμελή και φιλόδοξο αγώνα να συγκεντρώσουν υπογραφές για ν’ ακουστούν στο υπουργείο παιδείας της πολιτείας της Νέας Υόρκης για ν’ αναγνωρισθεί η οκταετής πνευματική εργασία των παιδιών τους στα Ελληνικά. Καθοδηγητικό και συντονιστικό ρόλο στην ευγενή αυτή προσπάθεια ανέλαβε το Γραφείο Παιδείας της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής με διευθυντή τον κύριο Εμμανουήλ Χατζηεμμανουήλ, ο οποίος χρειάσθηκε να στηρίξει την αίτηση των ημερησίων σχολείων με υποβολή στο Albany αναλυτικού προγράμματος της διδακτέας ύλης του οποίου ο ίδιος επιμελήθηκε. Κι όλα μαζί χαρτιά, δικαιολογητικά, αιτήσεις προγράμματα, γράμματα, μαζί δεμένα με ζήλο κι αγάπη και νοσταλγία για τη μητρική γλώσσα των Ελλήνων μεταναστών και με μια συνοδευτική επιστολή από τον αείμνηστο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής Ιάκωβο που σφράγισε έτσι την επιθυμία και απαί-

τηση συνάμα των ενδιαφερομένων, στάλθηκαν στο Albany. Κι έτσι η εξέταση στη Νεοελληνική γλώσσα δόθηκε για πρώτη φορά το 1973 στο ημερήσιο σχολείο του Καθεδρικού Ναού της Αγίας Τριάδας. Δυνατή και επιμελημένη η εξέταση αυτή καθιερώθηκε σε όλα τα ημερήσια σχολεία αμέσως. Το γραφείο ξένων γλωσσών του υπουργείου παιδείας της πολιτείας της Νέας Υόρκης σεβάστηκε την εξέταση αυτή ευθύς εξ αρχής δίνοντας έτσι το δικαίωμα σε παιδιά της ογδόης τάξης των ημερησίων σχολείων να διαγωνίζονται και να δικαιολογούν μονάδες πίστωσης – credits – για τις μετέπειτα σπουδές τους. Το δικαίωμα αυτό δόθηκε και στα ελληνικά απογευματινά σχολεία και σε δημόσια γυμνάσια με σπουδές Ελληνικών στα προγράμματά τους. Έκτοτε και αδιάλειπτα, κάθε Ιούνιο, την περίοδο των πολιτειακών εξετάσεων, γύρω στα εξακόσια παιδιά κάθε φορά, διαγωνίζονται στην Νεοελληνική γλώσσα. Της διεξαγωγής της εξέτασης αυτής επιλαμβάνεται το Γραφείο Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής, και το Υπουργείο Παιδείας της πολιτείας της Νέας Υόρκης την αναγνωρίζει, σεβόμενο τη σοβαρότητα και την αξιοπιστία της. Με πρωτοβουλία της κυρίας Μακεδών η οποία έχει και την επίβλεψη της διεξαγωγής της εξέτασης, το 1989 γίνεται μία πρώτη έκδοση των διαγωνισμάτων περασμένων ετών για να διευκολύνονται τα σχολεία στην εξάσκηση και

 óåë. 18

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Από 1 Νοεμβρίου 2006 έως 31 Μαρτίου 2007 Εκτός από 16-24 Δεκεμβρίου 2006

+Tax

Από 1 Νοεμβρίου 2006 έως 31 Μαρτίου 2007 Εκτός από 16-24 Δεκεμβρίου 2006

•$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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ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙ ΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥ Κ ΛΙΟΣ

Ἑορτή Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν  óåë. 15 Ἐγνώριζαν, ἐπίσης, ὅτι αὐτές οἱ ἱκανότητες θά πραγµατοποιοῦσαν πολύ περισσότερα στήν ὑπηρεσία τῆς Ἐκκλησίας καί τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος ἐάν συνοδεύονταν ἀπό µία δυνατή πνευµατική ζωή καί τήν δύναµη καί παρουσία τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος. Αὐτή ἡ γνώση καί ἐµπειρία τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος ἡ ὁποία εἶναι ἔκδηλη στά γραπτά τῶν Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν βασιζόταν πρωτίστως στή διδασκαλία τοῦ Χριστοῦ καί τῆς Ἁγίας Γραφῆς. Στό περίφηµο δοκίµιό του, Περί τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος, ὁ Μέγας Βασίλειος παραθέτει ἐκτεταµένα ἀποσπάσµατα ἀπό τά Εὐαγγέλια καί τίς ἐπιστολές τοῦ Ἀποστόλου Παύλου ἐπιβεβαιώνοντας τόν ρόλο τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος στήν τελείωσή µας, ὄχι διά µέσῳ διανοητικῶν διεργασιῶν, ἀλλά µέσῳ τῆς καθάρσεως τῆς ψυχῆς. Ἀποστρεφόµενοι τήν ἁµαρτία, γινόµεθα «πνευµατικά ὄντα µέσῳ τῆς κοινωνίας µας µέ τό Πνεῦµα», λέγει. Καθώς ἡ εἰκόνα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀποκαθίσταται ἐντός µας, τό Ἅγιο Πνεῦµα µᾶς φανερώνει ὅλο καί πιό πολύ τό µυστήριο καί τήν ὡραιότητα τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ἔτσι, µέσῳ τῆς ἰδικῆς µας ψυχῆς γνωρίζουν οἱ ἄλλοι τήν χάρη τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ὁ Μέγας Βασίλειος λέγει, «Ὅπως ἀκριβῶς µία δέσµη ἡλιακοῦ φωτός φωτίζει λαµπερά καί διάφανα σώµατα καί τά ἴδια αὐτά µεταβάλλονται σέ ἀπαστράπτοντα κέντρα ... ἔτσι καί οἱ ψυχές ἐντός τῶν ὁποίων κατοικεῖ τό Ἅγιο Πνεῦµα ... γίνονται πνευµατικές καί ἀκτινοβολοῦν τήν χάρη των στούς ἄλλους» (Περί τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος, 9). Ὁ Ἅγιος Γρηγόριος ὁ Θεολόγος, ἐπίσης, ἐγνώριζε καί ἐπιβεβαίωσε τόν ρόλο τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος διά τῆς προσφορᾶς τῶν ἱκανοτήτων του πρός δόξαν Θεοῦ καί τῆς Ἐκκλησίας. Αὐτό διαφαίνεται στόν ἐµπνευσµένο χαρακτήρα τῶν θεολογικῶν Λόγων του. Ἰδιαιτέρως, ὅµως, φαίνεται, στόν δωδέκατο Λόγο του τόν ὁποῖο ἐξεφώνησε κατά τήν διάρκεια τῆς ἐνθρονίσεώς του ὡς Ἐπισκόπου Ναζιανζοῦ. Λέγει: « Ἄνοιξα τό στόµα µου, καί εἰσέπνευσα τό Πνεῦµα, καί παραδίδω τόν ἑαυτόν µου καί τήν ὕπαρξή µου στό Πνεῦµα, τήν πράξη καί τόν λόγο µου, τήν ἀπραξία καί τήν σιωπή µου, µόνον ἄς µέ κρατήση καί καθοδηγήση Ἐκεῖνος, καί ἄς κινήση τό χέρι καί τόν νοῦ καί τή γλώσσα ὅπως εἶναι πρέπον καί ὅπως Ἐκεῖνος θέλει ... Εἶµαι ὅργανο τοῦ Θεοῦ ... ὄργανο πού ἐναρµονίζεται καί παίζεται ὑπό τοῦ χαρισµατικοῦ καλλιτέχνου, τοῦ Πνεύµατος.» (Λόγος 12). Οἱ παραπάνω λέξεις ἀντικατοπτρίζουν τήν βαθειά συνειδητοποίηση τῆς καθοδηγητικῆς παρουσίας τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος. Ἡ παρουσία καί καθοδήγηση τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος ὑπογραµµίσθηκε, ἐπίσης, ἀπό τόν Ἅγιο Ἰωάννη τόν Χρυσόστοµο στίς εἰσαγωγικές λέξεις τῆς πρώτης Ὁµιλίας του στό κατά Ματθαῖον. Λέγει: «Θά ἔπρεπε νά µή ζητοῦµε τήν βοήθεια τοῦ γραπτοῦ Λόγου, ἀλλά µᾶλλον νά παρουσιάζουµε µιά ζωή τόσο καθαρή οὕτως ὥστε ἡ χάρη τοῦ Πνεύµατος νά εἶναι στίς ψυχές µας ἀντί τῶν βιβλίων, καί ὅπως αὐτά εἶναι γραµµένα µέ µελάνι, ἔτσι καί οἱ καρδιές µας πρέπει νά γράφονται µέ τό Πνεῦµα». Στό σηµεῖο αὐτό, ὁ Χρυσόστοµος ἐπιβεβαιώνει ἕνα πολύ δυναµικό στοιχεῖο τῆς πίστεώς µας. Βεβαίως, ὁ Θεός ἀποκαλύπτει Ἑαυτόν µέσῳ τῶν κειµένων τῆς Ἁγίας Γραφῆς, ἀλλά, ταυτοχρόνως, ἡ παρουσία καί καθοδήγησή Του µᾶς προσφέρονται κάθε στιγµή καί σέ κάθε ἔκφανση τῆς ζωῆς διά τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος. Μέσῳ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος, οἱ ψυχές, καρδιές καί διάνοιές µας µποροῦν νά φωτισθοῦν µέ τήν ἀλήθεια, καί µποροῦµε νά ὁδηγηθοῦµε θέτοντας σέ ἑφαρµογή τά δῶρα καί τίς ἱκανότητές µας γιά τή δόξα τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τή σωτηρία τῶν ἄλλων. Στό σύγχρονο κόσµο µας, ἀποδίδεται τεράστια σηµασία στίς ἀτοµικές ἱκανότητες. Ἀπό µικρή ἡλικία, τά παιδιά συµµετέχουν σέ πλῆθος δραστηριο-τήτων καί παρακολουθοῦνται προσεκτικά γιά τυχόν διάκρισή των σέ τοµεῖς διανοητικῶν, ἀθλητικῶν ἤ καλλιτεχνικῶν ἱκανοτήτων. Αὐτή ἡ πρακτική µπορεῖ νά ἀποβῇ πολύ ὠφέλιµη ἐάν συνδυασθῇ µέ τίς οἰκογενειακές καί πνευµατικές ἀνάγκες τοῦ παιδιοῦ. Ἐπίσης, πολύ ὠφέλιµο µπορεῖ νά εἶναι ὅταν ἡ ἐπιδίωξη γιά ἐπιτεύγµατα εἶναι στενά συνδεδεµένη µέ τήν ἐκ Θεοῦ βοήθεια. Ἡ πίστη µας καί τό παράδειγµα τῶν Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν προσφέρουν ἰσορροπία ἡ ὁποία µᾶς βοηθᾶ νά κατανοήσουµε πῶς οἱ προσωπικές ἱκανότητές µας συνδέονται µέ τή σχέση µας µέ τόν Θεό. Τό κλειδί γιά τήν κατανόηση αὐτῆς τῆς σχέσεως εἶναι τό Ἅγιο Πνεῦµα. Ἐπιτρέπουµε στό Ἅγιο Πνεῦµα νά µᾶς ὁδηγήσῃ στό θέληµα τοῦ Θεοῦ; Εἶναι τό θέληµα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀποτυπωµένο στίς ζωές µας ἀπό τό Ἅγιο Πνεῦµα ἔτσι ὥστε οἱ ἄλλοι νά µποροῦν νά κατανοήσουν τήν πίστη µας καί νά µᾶς ἀκολουθήσουν στήν πορεία πρός τήν αἰώνια ζωή; Αὐτά εἶναι καίρια ἐρωτήµατα γιά τήν ἀνάπτυξή µας ὡς Ὀρθοδόξων Χριστιανῶν καί τήν ἱκανότητά µας νά ἀντιµετωπίζουµε τίς καθηµερινές προκλήσεις τῆς ζωῆς στή σύγχρονη κοινωνία. ∆έν ἀποτελοῦν ἐρωτήµατα σχεδιασµένα νά δεχθοῦν ἁπλές καί περιορισµένες ἀπαντήσεις, ἀλλά µᾶλλον εἶναι ἀνοικτά καί συνεχῆ ἐρωτήµατα πού ἀξίζουν τήν προσοχή µας καθ’ ὅλη τή διάρκεια τῆς γήινης ὑπάρξεώς µας, τήν προσοχή πού κατά τόν ἴδιο τρόπο τούς ἀπέδωσαν µέγιστες µορφές τῆς Ἐκκλησίας µας ὅπως οἱ Ἅγιοι Βασίλειος, Γρηγόριος καί Χρυσόστοµος. Εἶναι, λοιπόν, δικαιολογηµένο νά κρατήσουµε αὐτά τά ἐρωτήµατα καί αὐτές τίς προκλήσεις στό προσκήνιο τῆς καρδιᾶς καί διανοίας µας αὐτή τήν µεγάλη ἡµέρα τῆς Ἑορτῆς τῶν Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν. Προσεύχοµαι ὁ Θεός νά ἐµφυσήσῃ σέ ὅλους µας τήν δύναµη καί σοφία τοῦ Παναγίου καί Ζωοποιοῦ Του Πνεύµατος, ὅπως µᾶς ἐδίδαξαν οἱ περίλαµπροι Ἱεράρχες καί Οἰκουµενικοί ∆ιδάσκαλοι τῆς Ἐκκλησίας µας. Εἴθε ὁ Κύριος, διά πρεσβειῶν τῶν Ἁγίων Τριῶν Ἱεραρχῶν, νά χαρίζῃ τόν φωτισµό Του στή διάνοια καί ψυχή σας καί τήν εἰρήνη Του στή ζωή σας.

Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη,

ÿ ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀµερικῆς ∆ηµήτριος

ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ-ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 2007

ΗΜΕΡΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΩΝ ΓΡΑΜΜΑΤΩΝ ΣΤΗ Ν. ΙΕΡΣΕΗ TENΑFLY, NJ – Τους εκπαιδευτικούς των Ελληνικών απογευματινών σχολείων τίμησε στις 28 Ιανουαρίου η Ιερά Μητρόπολη Νέας Ιερσέης στα πλαίσια της εορτής των Τριών Ιεραρχών. Η κοινοτική αίθουσα του Αγίου Αθανασίου στο Paramus γέμισε από εκπαιδευτικούς, μαθητές, μαθήτριες και πλήθους κόσμου. Ο Μητροπολίτης Νέας Ιερσέης, κ. Ευάγγελος, στην εισαγωγική του ομιλία τόνισε την αξία της ελληνικής γλώσσας και συνεχάρη τους εκπαιδευτικούς για το ζήλο και την υπευθυνότητα που επιδεικνύουν στην τέλεση του λειτουργήματος τους. Με θέμα «Αρχές και Ιδανικά της

Ελληνικής Παιδείας» μίλησε ο Αιδεσιμώτατος Πρωτοπρεσβύτερος και καθηγητής Ιστορίας π. Δημήτρης Κωνσταντέλος, τονίζοντας ιδιαίτερα τη διαχρονικότητα της Ελ ληνικής Παιδείας και τη μεγάλη ευθύνη της σημερινής γενιάς για τη διαιώνιση των αρχών και των ιδανικών που τη διέπουν. Τιμήθηκαν ιδιαίτερα 22 εκπαιδευτικοί οι οποίοι έχουν υπηρετήσει άνω των 25 ετών στα ελληνικά απογευματινά σχολεία. Τέλος παρουσιάστηκε πλούσιο πανηγυρικό πρόγραμμα με απαγγελίες ποιημάτων γνωστών Ελλήνων ποιητών και παρουσίαση παραδοσιακών ελληνικών χορών.

Η αξία της Εξέτασης της Νεοελληνικής Γλώσσας  óåë. 17 την καλή προετοιμασία των μαθητών για την εξέταση. Το 2004 πραγματοποιείται η δεύτερη έκδοση με χρηματοδότηση αυτή τη φορά από το Ίδρυμα Σταύρος Νιάρχος, ώστε δωρεάν να εφοδιάζονται τα σχολεία και να καλύπτουν τις ανάγκες τους. Μέσα σε λίγες γραμμές θα αναφερθώ στη διαδικασία της συγγραφής της εξέτασης. Με σοβαρότητα, μεράκι και σεβασμό προς το αντικείμενό τους, εκπαιδευτικοί από τη Μητροπολιτική περιοχή της Νέας Υόρκης απαρτίζουν την συγγραφική ομάδα. Γνώστες της ελληνικής γλώσσας, οι εκπαιδευτικοί της ομάδας συναντώνται σε τακτά χρονικά διαστήματα για να ετοιμάσουν όχι απλά ένα διαγώνισμα Νεοελληνικής γλώσσας, αλλά ένα πόνημα σωστό και σοβαρό, απαλλαγμένο από ακρότητες στα νοήματα, από ιδιωματισμούς και λεκτικά παιχνίδια στην γλώσσα. Επιμελώς φροντίζουν να εργασθούν πάνω σε κείμενα που αντικαθρεφτίζουν την υγιή ελληνική πραγματικότητα. Πρώτο μέλημα της ομάδας είναι να δώσει καθαρά σε ιδέες και γλώσσα κείμενα στους διαγωνιζομένους. Κι ύστερα η αγωνία πως να δοθούν ερωτήσεις τέτοιες στα κείμενα, που να μπορούν να οδηγήσουν τα παιδιά να εξασφαλίσουν σωστές απαντήσεις. Οι αλλαγές στα δουλεμένα κείμενα και οι επιλογές απαντήσεων διαδέχονται η μία την άλλη μέχρι να δοθεί στην τελική μορφή του το διαγώνισμα για έγκριση και να φύγει για το τυπογραφείο. Και αυτή η κατάθεση ψυχής και πνεύματος εκ μέρους της συγγραφικής ομάδας εξασφαλίζει κατά μέγα μέρος την επιτυχία του διαγωνίσματος, αφού έτσι δημιουργείται μία εξέταση άκρως επιμελημένη και φροντισμένη, βασισμένη στους όρους που θέτει η πολιτεία και στις ανάγκες και τις γλωσσικές δεξιότητες των μαθητών μας. Με τον ίδιο σεβασμό και συναίσθηση του χρέους της αναλαμβάνει τα καθήκοντά της η ομάδα διόρθωσης των γραπτών. Ανέκφραστη είναι η ικανοποίηση και η χαρά από τα προσδοκώμενα αποτελέσματα!! Μεγάλη η αξία της εξέτασης, αφού είναι το επισφράγισμα του πνευματικού μόχθου και αγώνα των παιδιών μας, ενός αγώνα οκτώ ή και παραπάνω χρόνων

στα μαθητικά τους θρανία. Κι είναι ουσιαστικά η βράβευσή τους για το πιο υπέροχο χαρακτηριστικό της εκπαίδευσής τους. Της καθ’ όλα ελληνοπρεπούς παιδείας τους. Κι είναι μεγάλη η αξία της εξέτασης αυτής αφού τα οπλίζει μ’ ένα ακόμη εφόδιο για την ακαδημαϊκή τους ζωή. Τη γνώση της Ελληνικής για τις περαιτέρω σπουδές τους. Έχοντας σαν στόχο την επιτυχία τους στην εξέταση, αφού βραχυπρόθεσμα αυτό είναι το επιδιωκόμενο αποτέλεσμα, πετυχαίνουν να οικειοποιηθούν εφ’ όρου ζωής τα στοιχεία, τους θησαυρούς του Ελληνικού πολιτισμού. Τριανταέξι χρόνια τώρα οι νέοι μας «εισέρχονται στο στίβο τον ευγενή της γνώσης» κι αναδεικνύονται νικητές. (σ.σ.: προσφωνεί τους βραβευθέντες μαθητές) Όπως κι εσείς σήμερα αγαπημένοι μας έφηβοι. Νικητές σ’ έναν υπέροχο αγώνα. Νικητές έτοιμοι να δεχθείτε το βραβείο της αριστείας. Νικητές γιατί αποδείξατε πως ξέρετε την αξία όχι μόνο της εξέτασης αλλά του να είστε κάτοχοι της πιο τέλειας γλώσσας που γνώρισε ποτέ η ανθρωπότητα. Εσείς νέοι και νέες της μεγάλης ελληνοαμερικανικής παροικίας μας της Νέας Υόρκης τώρα πια ξέρετε τι σημαίνει να έχετε οικειοποιηθεί την ελληνική γλώσσα που είναι και η ειδοποιός διαφορά σας ανάμεσα στους εφήβους των σχολείων σας. Κι η σφραγίδα μέσω της εξέτασης από την πολιτεία, ότι γνωρίζετε την Ελληνική, σας δίνει μια απόλυτη ικανοποίηση και σιγουριά για τον εαυτό σας. Μη ξεχνάτε παιδιά μου, πως είναι φυλαχτό ατίμητο η ελληνική σας κληρονομιά. Κι έτσι κρατήστε την! Σήμερα εμείς όλοι, ηγέτες πνευματικοί, γονείς και δάσκαλοι σας καμαρώνουμε και σας συγχαίρουμε. Μπράβο παιδιά μου. Συγχαρητήρια και μη ξεχνάτε «Αιέν Αριστεύειν». Άξιοι και ο Θεός μαζί σας. Η κυρία Αθηνά Κρομμύδα, είναι Διευθύντρια του Ελ ληνομερικανικού Ημερήσιου Σχολείου «Βασίλειος Σπυρόπουλος», της Κοινότητος του Αγίου Νικολάου στο Flushing, NY. Το παραπάνω κείμενο είναι η ομιλία της στην εκδήλωση απονομής των Βραβείων Αριστείας των Τριών Ιεραρχών που πραγματοποιήθηκε στα πλαίσια των εορτασμών της Εβδομάδος Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

PEOPLE E. Pittsburgh Church Presents Christ at Same Site for Nine Decades

Climbs to 2nd

The New York Times reported Jan. 18 that , during the most recent ratings sweep week in November, George Stephanopoulos, host of “This Week” surged past CBS’s “Face the Nation” to finish in second place among the network public affairs shows. It was the first time Mr. Stephanopoulos, 45, had moved out of third place since he took over “This Week” in September 2002. “Meet the Press” on NBC continued its commanding hold on first place. Mr. Stephanopoulos also carries the title of Chief Washington correspondent for ABC.

Deacon-doctor promoted Rev. Dr. Michael Bahlatzis, a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon in central New York and deacon at St. Catherine's Church in Ithaca, N.Y., and a military reservist serving as a medical officer for the 174th Medical Group/174th Fighter Wing, of the New York Air National Guard in Syracuse, was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel by the U.S. Air Force on Oct. 1. Deacon Dr. Bahlatzis has multiple degrees, including a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.), a Physician Assistant degree, and will be conferred the Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) in February 2007 by his medical school, UHSA. Amongst his many activities, he takes courses in theology through St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary as a special student in the M. Div. Program.

Eagle rank Matthew Cleveland recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a member of Venturing Crew 761 in Potomac Falls, Va. For his project, he built a boardwalk used by patrons of Claude Moore Park in Sterling, Va. He is presently attending the University of Virginia as an engineering major. Matthew and his family attend St. George Church in Bethesda, Md.

Basketball star An enthusiastic crowd of sports lovers acclaimed basketball star forward Ian Vouyoukas recently as St. Louis University beat Western Illinois 66-57. In an exciting game with the score going back and forth, Vouyoukas acquitted himself admirably with 17 points. Amid the rhetorical praises, Vouyoukas was presented with a plaque representing the appreciation and gratitude of St. Louis’ Greek Americans. Among those in the crowd were Lou Potsou, Harry Lemakis, Tony Karakas, Peter Katsinas, Chrysoula Tomaras, Bill Togias and Kosta Miles.

Scholarship recipients The Greek American Homeowners Association of Astoria, N.Y., with philanthropist George Fakiris, granted $4,500 in scholarships to Queens College and St. John’s University students and $6,000 for a Queens College Chair of Byzantine Studies at their annual Vasilopita event. Dr. Christos Ioannides, director of the Byzantine Studies Center, accepted $3,000 from G.A.H.O.A. and $3,000 from Mr. Fakiris. The 2007 college scholars received $250 from the organization and $250 from Mr. Fakiris. In addition, each scholar received the book “Gates of Fire,” based on the Battle of Thermopylae. Scholarship winners are Eleni Christoforou of Queens College; and St. John’s students Louis Marinos; Irene Nysiriou; Diamanto Ktenas; Irene Zouroudis; Alexandra Gialaboukis; Nicholas Angelopoulos; Vanessa Petrakis and Maryanne Karahalis. Professor Catherine Tsounis and Dr. John G. Siolas are the instructors of the St. John’s Modern Greek Language and Literature Program.

EAST PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Ypapanti tou Kyriou Church (Presentation of Christ as it’s known in English) may be a bit smaller in numbers than in its early years when it had more than 400 members, but it continues to hold its own in this hilly eastern suburb of Pittsburgh. Amazingly the parish continues to worship in its original 90-foot by 35-foot church built at a cost of $19,500 in October 1917 on a $3,400 lot purchased from the Westinghouse corporation. Senior citizens, children of the

P A R I S H

at the Epiphany Celebration in Tarpon Springs, Fla. In 1984, Ms. Doreza established the Junior Olympian Dancers group for ages 7-15, to teach the younger children how to dance and prepare them for the Odyssey dance group. The junior group performs in public about a dozen times a year. Some of the community’s young people participate in the parish’s active sports program, including volleyball and basketball. GOYA teams compete at the Metropolis level tournaments. A bowling league for adults is active on Friday nights.

The parish received its state charter as the Greek Community of East Pittsburgh, Pa. in August and a priest living in Pittsburgh, Fr. Anastasios Skopelitis, was contacted and hired in November at a salary of $60 a month plus gratuities. Fr. Skopelitis celebrated an aghiasmos service on Nov. 15 at the Loyal Theater. He was the first of 39 priests to serve the parish. Most stayed in the community about 1½ to 2 years. The longest-serving priest was Fr. Evangelos Papadopoulos, for eight years between 1936 and 1944.

p ro f i l e

Name: Presentation of Christ (Ypapanti) Greek Orthodox Church Location: East Pittsburgh, Pa. Metropolis: Pittsburgh Size: about 150 families Founded: 1915 Clergy: Fr. Michael Kallaur (St. Vladimir’s ’94) E-mail: ypapanti@ypapanti.org Website: www.greekburgh.com Noteworthy: Only church in Archdiocese named Ypapanti; also birthplace of G.A.P.A. PRESENTATION OF CHRIST (YPAPANTI) GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

community’s founders and first members, comprise most of the current membership, but the parish also has several young adults. The youth groups are small – the GOYA chapter has 14 members; church school has about 60. There is no Greek school, though children from the parish can attend a consolidated Greek program at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Pittsburgh. The Young Adult organization has about 25 members. Nevertheless, the parish is involved in several ministries and outreach activities. There is Y.A.S.O.U. (which stands for Ypapanti Active Seniors Opportunities UnlimPITTSBURGH ited) and organization of more than 200 members from the parish as well as from other local area Greek Orthodox and Serbian Orthodox parishes. The group holds many activities each month, including trips. Other outreach efforts and ministries include support of the Project Mexico mission teams, and the priest’s participation in the Clergy Brotherhood of Pittsburgh, which every Saturday operates a lunch program for the hungry on the north side of Pittsburgh. Fr. Michael also conducts a Bible study every Wednesday evening. Ypapanti is widely known for its Grecian Odyssey Dancers, organized 25 years ago by Mary Doreza, the director. The group, which includes members from other communities, has toured nationally and in Greece. In January 2006, they performed for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Early Days

As has been the case for the other Pittsburgh-area ethnic communities, the first Greek immigrants arrived to work in the city’s dominant steel and manufacturing industries. According to a parish history by Paul Davliakos, Greeks settled in large numbers in East Pittsburgh around 1910, where many worked for the largest local employer, Westinghouse. The corporation played a large role in the local economy until the early 1980s, when it closed all of its manufacturing lines except for the nuclear power division. A t the end of July 1914, several Greeks in the community met and appointed a “Temporary Committee” to establish a church. Most of the immigrants at the time had come to Pittsburgh from the southern Peloponnesus, Crete and the area near Marmara, Asia Minor. New members were asked to give 25 cents for the year and $83 was raised by the end of 1914, the parish history notes. May 1915 was a pivotal month for the community. A general meeting took place May 2 at the Loyal Theater on Electric Avenue, which would briefly serve as a house of worship until a church could be built. Dues were set at 25 cents a month. The name of Ypapanti tou Kyriou was selected on May 3, a search committee was named on May 6 to find a suitable site for construction and efforts to find a priest began on May 30.

Fr. Skopelitis served at Ypapanti only four months, however, and was succeeded at the end of February 1916 by Fr. Daniel Skarpas of Toronto, who agreed to come to Ypapanti for a salary of $85 a month “plus a room to stay in.” During that year the community also purchased the lot on which the church now stands from Westinghouse, which owned a plant and other property in the neighborhood. Construction began in April 1917. The building was competed in October and the door-opening service (thyranoixia) took place Oct. 28. Membership was about 400. Two iconographers, identified in the parish history as Mr. Christides and Mr. Karvellas, produced the icons for the iconostasion at a cost of $25 for the smaller ones and $50 for the larger images. In contrast, two interior renovation projects in 1993-94 cost $14,331 for the Pantocrator and $10,856 for the Platytera and another icon in the dome, and other improvements to the walls, columns and dome. The church was built with the altar facing east, near the street, Electric Avenue. Its front entrance is actually at the back where a steep hill rises only a few feet from the door.

Parish Life

Many ethnic groups populated East Pittsburgh in the early decades of the 20th century and several Greek men wanting to preserve the community’s ethnic heritage founded the Greek American Progressive Association (GAPA). Ypapanti became the home of the mother lodge, Homer Lodge No. 1.

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20 They shall not appear before the Lord empty handed; every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessings of the Lord your God which he has given you. Deuteronomy 16:16-17 by Melissa K. Tsongranis

We are an indulgent society. If we want something, we get it. We love receiving gifts—gifts for birthdays, gifts for holidays, gifts for jobs well done, and even gifts for no reason whatsoever. Sometimes, we even indulge by buying ourselves gifts! Let’s face it—if we want something, we will usually get it. Unfortunately, this attitude rubs off on our children. So, how do we teach our children to give generously and receive humbly in an age of materialism? How do we let them experience the grace that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ described when he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)? The first step is to make giving an important part of your family life. Modeling is critical—you can teach more with actions than with words. Lactantius, an early father of our church wrote, “Things that parents teach their children cannot have any weight unless they are the first to practice them.” Let your children see you giving to others. Let them see the joy it brings you. Let them become involved in giving in any way they are able from the time they are very young. Support charities by giving of your time, talents, and treasures as you are able. As your children grow, let them help you decide ways to give. Remind your children that there are no small gifts—to illustrate this read the Gospel lesson of the widow’s mite to them (Luke 21:1-4). She had nothing, but gave all for God. Even though her donation seemed insignificant next to the others, it was more significant to Christ because, “she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” Giving isn’t just charity—we regularly give to our loved ones for various occasions. Involve your children in buying presents or have them make gifts for them. The most treasured gift doesn’t need to be expensive but it should be something that has been given some thought. If your children are buying a gift, only give them a certain amount to spend. Should the gift they choose cost more, have them earn the money through helping out around the house. Depending on their age, you may want to have them earn all of the money for the gift. Just as important as teaching your children about giving, is conveying the importance of proper receiving. It is not wrong for children to want gifts, nor is it wrong for them to accept gifts. However, there are a few helpful

For the Orthodox Family...

Giving and Receiving

things to consider. First, just because your child wants something and you can afford it, doesn’t necessarily mean they should get it. Learning that what they want isn’t always what they need is an essential part of maturation. Children also need to learn that they can’t have everything immediately. If the item is appropriate for them to have, they can save their money if they really want it. In the process, they will learn vital lesson about money and its value. Research has shown that children who get everything they want have a higher incidence of antisocial behaviors as they grow into teenagers and adults (for more on this topic, read the book “Too Much of a Good Thing,” by Dan Kindlon). When your children receive presents, teach them to be grateful for them by sending thankyou notes–or if they are very young, draw thank-you pictures. It is necessary for them to understand that a special thing has been done for them. The final, but most important, thing for your children to understand is that everything we have has been given to us by God. He entrusted us with these things so that we can be good stewards of them. To be a good steward means we use our gifts in a way that would please God. A great story to illustrate this point to your children is The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Remember, children love to give–think about all the drawings or trinkets made in school that your child has proudly presented to you. If we use our children’s natural inclina-

tions toward giving and make a conscious effort to foster this, they will, as St. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Here are a few ideas to get you started: Clean House: Periodically go through your house as a family and get rid of things you are no longer using–clothes, toys, etc. As a family, take these items and donate them to a local charity. See the quote from St. Basil also found on this page for inspiration. Give Thanks: Always have thankyou notes handy and make a point to use them. If your child is old enough to write their own, take them to pick out their own stationary to write thank-you notes or have them make their own. Gift Certificates: Get modestly priced gift certificates from local restaurants or fast food chains ($2-$5 dollar amounts) and carry them with you to hand out to homeless people asking for money. In this way, you can assure you are helping them to get a good meal and responding the Jesus Christ’s command to love your neighbor as yourself. If you want to know who your neighbor is, read The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Create or Bake: Consider making gifts for people that you love. Create original Christmas ornaments to give to family members. You can visit a craft store for tons of ideas–you don’t need to be an artist to make something nice. Consider making cookies or other goodies to give out. Deliver them as a family whenever possible. Plan a “Giving Party:” Invite your family and friends over and ask them to bring a donation of some sort (toys, canned food, clothing, etc.). For a great idea, see the Family Activity section on this page. As we head into this Christmas season, we challenge you to refocus your priorities. Put the attention on the Birth of Christ– preparing your children for the Feast of the Nativity rather than feasting on gifts. Give to the Lord by fasting, praying, and giving alms. Remember and teach your children that we have already received the greatest gift–Jesus Christ! The question we need to ask is what are we going to give Him? Melissa Tsongranis is the resource coordinator for The Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

Parent’s Voice: Practical Strategies for Giving This month we asked parents: What have you done to instill a spirit of giving in your child? –Ed & Laura, parents of a 3-yearold: From the time our son was old enough to help, we took advantage of small giving opportunities and worked together as a family. For example, when the local fire department drives through the neighborhood collecting canned goods, we gather what we need together–this is a big task for a toddler. We explain in simple words who will get the items and allow him to hand them over to the fireman. This is a simple way we give together–and all we need to do is walk down to the end of our driveway. There are many little local things to do such as this–you just have to keep your eyes open for them. –Alexandra, mother of three children ages 5-13: We have banks that are divided into three sections for spending, giving, and saving. I think this teaches our children early stewardship.Also in teaching giving, there are nine first cousins in our family between the ages of 1 and 13. For Christmas, each child draws a name and each gives a gift to the person whose name they choose. Yes, they receive two fewer presents, however, the kids get excited about choosing a present for their particular cousin instead of mom just buying for all. –Christine, mother of a 3-yearold: We are very involved in supporting the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orthodox Orphanage in Guatemala. When I buy a toy or item for my daughter, I ask her in the store to think of and pick a toy that she wants to give to the children in Guatemala. She'll go home, pick an old toy to give away, and then she will receive her new toy. As a result of this, sometimes she’ll spontaneously come up to me with a toy and say, “This is for the children in Guatemala.” It has made her aware in her little 3-year-old brain there are children that do not have what she has.

Resource for Families

Check out the new webpage for The Center for Family Care www.familyaschurch.com. It has been updated with new articles, activities, and other resources.

From the Writings of St. Basil the Great

The bread you do not use is the bread of the hungry. The garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of the person who is naked. The shoes you do not wear are shoes of the one who is barefoot. The money you keep locked away is the money of the poor. The acts of charity you do not perform are the injustices you commit.

Family Activity: IOCC Sunday

The Sunday before Thanksgiving (November 19) was designated as International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) Sunday. The mission of IOCC is to respond to the call of our Lord Jesus Christ by ministering to those who are suffering and in need. They do this by sharing God's gifts of food, shelter, economic self-sufficiency, and hope throughout the world. Visit their website (www.iocc.org) as a family to see the different ways you can help and find great activities and resources for your children. Consider giving a “Gift of the Heart.” There are detailed instructions on how to assemble these kits together in the “Get Involved” section of the website. As a family, you can easily create kits for school, health, kids, baby, and/or emergency cleanup. Why not get others involved? Have a holiday party and ask your guest to bring an assembled kit!

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

It is to our spiritual benefit and edification that during our journey through the Great and Holy Lent we dwell on those aspects of the spiritual life that best prepare us to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord at the feast of feasts, Pascha. We know from earliest times, from Scripture and tradition, that prayer, fasting and almsgiving are basic elements of the spiritual life. These are among the “good works” of Orthodox Christianity, a term much misunderstood and oftentimes maligned by contemporary society. by John Papson

These good works go hand in hand with attending services during Lent. There are many books that can assist us in the Lenten journey: books that explain the services; that deal with the sacramental life; that show us the benefits of good works; and that provide us with examples of lives worthy of emulation. Here are some of those books that deal with spiritual contemplation and the history, traditions and services of Great Lent, Holy Week and Pascha. They are written for the laity and will provide much spiritual nourishment. Most can be read for spiritual benefit at any time of the year but all take on special meaning during the journey to Pascha. the Lenten Covenant, by the late V. rev. Leonidas Contos, is a devotional commentary on the Triodion, which is the principal liturgical book of Great Lent. He not only talks about the Sundays of Lent and the days of Holy Week and Pascha, but also introduces the reader to the link between prayer and fasting. All of this is interspersed with Scripture and the development of services and practices. Great Lent, by the rev. Alexander Schmemann, examines the meaning of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, the

A LEN TEN JOURNEY Canon of St. Andrew of Crete and other aspects of Lenten worship. He draws on the Church’s sacramental and liturgical tradition to suggest the meaning of “Lent in our life.” the Lenten Spring, by the rev. thomas Hopko, is a collection of meditations that makes extensive use of inspiring scriptural and liturgical passages from the Lenten services and the spiritual wisdom of the ancient saints and others, as well as the teaching of modern guides to the Christian life. Great Week and Pascha in the Greek orthodox Church, by the rev. Alkiviadis Calivas, traces the development of the liturgical celebrations of the Passion and Resurrection of Christ.The author describes the theological themes for each day and clarifies the liturgical practices. The reader can find answers to many questions about Great Week as well as insights into meaningful participation in the services. Living the Beatitudes, by the rev. thomas Fitzgerald and Dr. Kyriaki Fitzgerald, is a series of reflections on the eight Beatitudes proclaimed by Christ. The authors seek to have the reader understand that to live the beatitudes is to live a life in Christ. Living the Beatitudes in our everyday lives is a way of proclaiming the Resurrection throughout the year. First Fruits of Prayer, by Frederica Mathewes-Green, is a forty-day journey through the Canon of St. Andrew. This book provides the reader with important historical and theological background information about the Canon, as well as forty prayerful readings from the Canon accompanied by commentary and questions for further reflection.

A Spiritual Psalter (or Reflections on God), is excerpted by Bishop theophan from the works of St. Ephraim the Syrian. The Psalms of St. David, the Prophet and King, are a spiritual treasure for the Orthodox Christian. Psalms are used in all the services of the Church. This book contains many gems of spiritual insight for the attentive reader. It includes the life of St. Ephraim. on Wealth and Poverty, by St. John Chrysostom, is a collection of six sermons dealing with the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, which he delivered while a priest in Alexandria. They make for profitable spiritual reading during Lent because almsgiving is one of the greatest of the “good works” in which the Christian can engage. A Commentary on the Divine Liturgy, by Nicholas Cabasilas, is included here not because it has to do with Lent and Pascha in particular, but because it is not just an explanation of the eucharistic service. The reader comes to understand just how integral the liturgy is to our understanding of and participation in Christ’s redemptive act. The liturgy is the perpetual celebration of Pascha. Concerning Frequent Communion of the Immaculate Mysteries of Christ, by St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite, clears away misconceptions and misinterpretations about practices concerning the Eucharist. It includes an extensive and detailed explanation of the Lord’s Prayer. His defense of frequent communion, the manner by which we keep Christ in our lives in the most intimate manner, is especially relevant today since many practice infrequent participation in the mystery. orthodox Saints, in four volumes, by the rev. George Poulos, provides us

with daily reminders of the meaning and purpose of the Orthodox Christian life: a life in Christ which reflects the new life offered to us through His death and Resurrection. There are 461 lives presented according to the liturgical calendar of the Orthodox Church, with each of the four volumes covering three months. the Paschal Fire in Jerusalem, by Bishop Auxentios of Photiki, is a very interesting work dealing with the miraculous and spontaneous appearance of the paschal flame during the Orthodox celebration of Pascha at the Holy Sepulchre. Although very detailed and academic in appearance, it is nevertheless written in a simple, straightforward way. The average layperson can benefit greatly from a careful reading of this book as it contains a lot of history, theology and tradition that reflect on many aspects of liturgy and practice in the life of the Church. One should also consider creating a collection of CDs of liturgical music for use in the home or the car. What better way to bring a calming influence to one of the most hectic aspects of our lives. Christ was transfigured before His final journey to Jerusalem. (The Transfiguration was moved to August 6, forty days before the celebration of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14, and is not celebrated during Lent, because it is such an important holiday.) Today, given our on-the-go lifestyles and angst-ridden society, we need to think carefully how best to use the Great and Holy Lent that we, too, might ascend Mt. Tabor to be transfigured, the better to celebrate the life-giving Passion and Resurrection of our Lord. John Papson is the director of Holy Cross Bookstore in Brookline, Mass, where all of the above mentioned books are available.

Holy Cross Bookstore Hellenic College - Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445

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Fr. Nicholas Michael Sitaras The Rev. Nicholas Michael Sitaras, 87,died Sunday, Nov. 26 at Wesley Long Hospital. Funeral services were held at the Dormition of the Theotokos Church on Nov. 29. Fr. Sitaras was born in Tripes, on the island of Chios, Greece on March 19, 1919. He served in World War II in the Greek Royal Navy. He graduated with honors from the Risarios Theological Seminary in Athens, Greece. The son of an Orthodox priest, the late Fr. Michael Sitaras of Chios, he was ordained into the Holy Priesthood in 1953. He served the Church of the Holy Cross in his hometown in Kardamyla, Chios. In 1960 Fr. Sitaras immigrated to the United States with his wife where they raised four children. He served as one of the first priests in Greensboro, and also served the parishes of Kimissis in Morgantown, W.Va., Holy Trinity in Steubenville, Ohio, Kimissis in Greensboro, N.C., St. George in Bangor, Maine, St. Nicholas in Fort Pierce, Fla., Holy Trinity in Augusta, Ga., Ypapanti in East Pittsburgh and Annunciation of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and Transfiguration in Mattituck, N.Y. Before his retirement in 1986, he established several parishes in Florida while serving as a priest in Fort Pierce. He also had the joy of seeing his two sons become Orthodox priests and his daughter marrying an Orthodox priest. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Presbytera Irene Manikas Sitaras, his daughter Sophia S. Agapion and husband Bill Agapion, his son Fr. Michael Sitaras and wife, Mary; his son Fr. Stelios Sitaras, his daughter Katerina S. Makiej and husband Fr. Christopher: and 12 grandchildren. He will be remembered most for the exuberant love and joyful energy that he expressed towards his family, friends, and everyone he met. His love for God was expressed through his beautiful chanting, his sermons, and the way he celebrated the divine services. The impact of his ministry has affected generations of Orthodox Christians and all who knew him in a way that will never be forgotten. Donations can be made in his memory to The Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 800 Westridge Rd., Greensboro, North Carolina 27410.

Fr. Peter N. Kyriakos

The Rev. Peter N. Kyriakos, 81, former long-time pastor of Holy Trinity Church in New Rochelle, N.Y., died Dec. 3 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York. He had served that parish from September 1973 until his retirement in 1996. Fr. Kyriakos was born to Nicholas

M e m o r i a m and Kaliope Kyriakos on Jan. 11, 1925 in Almyros, Thessaly. Funeral services took place Dec. 7 at Holy Trinity Church with Archbishop Demetrios officiating. The 40-day memorial service took place Jan. 7. Fr. Kyriakos arrived in the United States on Dec. 24, 1946, and entered Holy Cross Seminary in Pomfret, Conn. He graduated in 1950 from the school, which by then had relocated to Brookline, Mass. He was ordained as a deacon on Oct. 26, 1952 at Annunciation Cathedral in Boston by Bishop Ezekiel of Nazianzos. Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus ordained him to the priesthood Nov. 21, 1954. From 1952 to 1960, he served at Annunciation Cathedral in Boston. Fr. Kyriakos was appointed as head pastor of the American Hellenic Community of Greater Cleveland in 1961 and was later named dean of Cleveland’s Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral. He assumed pastoral duties at Holy Trinity Church in New Rochelle and served there until his retirement as pastor emeritus on Sept. 1, 1996. Fr. Kyriakos also served as a member of the Archdiocesan Council, and the boards of St. Basil Academy, St. Michael’s Home for the Aged, the special tribunal of the Archdiocese and the Inter-Religious Council of New Rochelle, which honored him in 1996 as its “Man of the Year.” His ecclesiastical titles (offikia) included confessor, sakellarios, economos and protopresbyter of the Archdiocese of North and South America and the Ecumenical Throne, bestowed by Archbishop Iakovos. Fr. Kyriakos is survived by his wife of 54 years, Presbytera Kay (Evdokia) Kaloutsi Kyriakos, a native of Aigion, Greece; four children and their spouses: Nicholas and Vicki Kyriakos of Greenwich, Conn., Linda and Mario Faustini of Purchase, N.Y., Steven and Francine Kyriakos of New Canaan, Conn., and Dean and Michelle Kyriakos of Bend, Oregon; and eight grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Very Rev. Peter N. Kyriakos Endowment, c/o Holy Trinity Church in New Rochelle.

Fr. George Nicholas Thanos Fr. George Nicholas Thanos, 76, passed away Sunday, Dec. 17 of natural causes. He was born in Kankakee Ill., Feb. 21, 1930 and moved to Houston with his family in 1961. He was born of Greek immigrants, Nicholas Athanosopoulos (Thanos) of Leontari Megalopoli, Greece and Panagiota Tourlentes of Perivolia Megalopoli, Greece and spent his childhood in Kankakee before marrying Bessie Kocotas of Monroe La. Fr. George and Presbytera Bessie were married for 47 years before she passed away in 2001. George served as a staff sergeant in the U. S. Army during the Korean War and received the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He served as a Greek interpreter for the U.S. Army and the Greek armed forces and received a formal letter of recognition from the king and queen of Greece for his heroism. He fought many battles side by side with the Greek allies before his honorable discharge in 1954. While growing up in Kankakee, George was active as an alter boy. He also played organized softball for the Greek softball team and was nicknamed “Pro.” George began a career with Globe department stores and later became a Texaco retailer and owned Southway Texaco in Houston during the 1980's. George became an ordained priest in the Greek

Orthodox Church in 1983 and served at the Annunciation Cathedral for several years before being assigned as the priest of the Assumption Church in Galveston for 10 years. He also served in many other Greek Orthodox churches in his diocese including St. Basil the Great Church in Houston as well as churches in Austin, San Antonio, Texarkana, San Angelo, Fort Worth and Albuquerque N.M. Later, George helped his son at Voss Road Exxon before his retirement. George loved his Greek heritage and spoke and wrote fluent Greek. He loved to meet Greeks from all over the world. He enjoyed his liturgical music and didn’t miss many Greek Orthodox liturgies on Sunday throughout his entire life. Fr. George was preceded in death by his Presbytera Bessie; his father, Nicholas; his mother, Panagiota; his younger brother, Bill Thanos; and his in-laws Katherine and James Cachets. He has many relatives in the Chicago area, Detroit, Utah, Canada and Greece. He is survived by his son, Demos Thanos and his daughter, Penny Thanos Balias. Other survivors include his sisters, Sylvia Thanos Trout of Sugarland, Texas; Helen Thanos Barnes of Bradley Ill., and Rita Thanos Bruskas and her husband, Chris, of Tempe Ark. Other survivors are his sister in law, Joanne Caridas Loveday, daughter in law, Nia Thanos, son in law, Vangeli Balias, his five grandchildren, a brother and sister in law, Louis and Beverly of Charlolettesville, Va., and many nieces and nephews and godchildren. Funeral services were held Dec. 20 at St. Basil the Great Church in Houston with Fr. Anastasios Raptis officiating.

Charles S. Sosangelis Charles S. Sosangelis, a member of the Order of St. Andrew-Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, died Sept. 18 at Chester County Hospital, two months short of his 81st birthday. He was born to Greek immigrant parents and attended Central High School. He was offered a football scholarship to Cornell University, but enlisted in the US. Army and served with an armored division in Eastern Europe during World War II. Upon his discharge, he married his childhood sweetheart, Kula Shaiko and made his way in the family grocery business. They became parents of three children, Ellen Lisa, Sotir Charles and Denise. The family business drew to four stores and in 1961, Mr. Sosangelis formed Sosangelis Brothers Wholesale Grocers co. Inc. with his brother, the late Constantine Sosangelis and served small grocery stores in Philadelphia for more than 25 years before closing the business in 1987, retired then. Mr. Sosangeles was named as an Archon Notarios in 1980 by Archbishop Iakovos. He had also been a member of the Archdiocesan Council, the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund and served on the St. Basil Academy Board of Trustees for 10 years. He had been a member of St. George Cathedral in Philadelphia from childhood. In 1991, Mr. Sosangeles was bestowed the Medal of St. Paul, the Archdiocese’s highest honor for laypersons, for his outstanding service to the cathedral. Funeral services took place Sept. 22 at St. Luke’s Church in Broomall, Pa., where he also had been a member, with Metropolitan Evangelos officiating, assisted by Fr. Christ Kontos, pastor, Fr. Steven Vlachos, and other clergy. He is survived by his wife, his children and other relatives.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

Athens Graduate Business School Reaches Out to Greek-American Community

ATHENS, Greece – Education and higher learning has always been a significant pursuit in Greek communities worldwide. The need of strengthening the links of Hellenism across the globe is often discussed in the same context. Offering Hellenes the opportunity to further their academic and professional business knowledge and bringing them closer to their culture and heritage can serve this worthy goal. The ALBA Graduate Business School of Athens has worked hard in developing an MBA program in Greece with an international reputation that offers special scholarships for Greek-American students. Created in 1992, ALBA Graduate Business School is the first non-state, not-forprofit, research-driven graduate business school in Athens. It came to life with the purpose of educating visionary leaders of tomorrow who will act as agents of change and help shape the future business world by pushing forward the frontiers of knowledge related to the management of business organizations and making the knowledge relevant to practitioners. ALBA operates under the auspices of the Federation of Greek Industries (ÓÅÂ), the Hellenic Management Association (ÅÅÄÅ), and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ÅÂÅÁ). Resident and visiting ALBA faculty is drawn from the best business schools around the world. They are all leading management academics and practitioners, with extensive teaching, research and consulting experience. In addition, Professor Nikolaos G. Travlos, the Kitty Kyriakopoulos Chair in Finance, and dean of ALBA, is committed to bridging the gap between Greece, our Greek communities worldwide and the international business world/environment. ALBA is located in one of the world’s most dynamic cities and a country which is the birthplace of democracy and its cultural and political traditions. The city of Athens is rapidly becoming a leading business center in Europe and constitutes a strategic meeting point for the development of economic activity in southeastern Europe. Athens is a city where its long and rich history is combined with a modern bustling metropolis. ALBA has proven to be one of the top business schools in Europe. For its “short” life, ALBA has an impressive record in entrepreneurship at the European level. It has earned numerous distinctions and awards in international entrepreneurship competitions (1st prize at the European Business Plan of the Year Competition 2003 and 2005), as well as the organization of international academic conferences, such as IAME (International Association of Maritime Economists) 2007. In addition, ALBA maintains longstanding relationships with leading institutions such as Yale University, INSEAD and Case Western Reserve. The ALBA MBA attracts young professional and entrepreneurs worldwide who wish to transform their lives through a unique learning experience on the cutting edge of international managerial thinking. It aims at developing leaders with general management skills and perspectives to succeed in facing today’s demanding business challenges. The program focuses on cultivating entrepreneurship, personal development,

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Religious Freedom and the Papal Visit to Constantinople he Pope’s visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and, in particular, during the occasion of the celebration of the feast day of St Andrew the Firstcalled Apostle (patron saint of the Church of Constantinople) and brother of St Peter, was of tremendous significance for not only the non-Muslim minorities of by Rev. Dr. Miltiades B. Efthimiou

Turkey, but for the more than 250 million Orthodox throughout the world, since Patriarch Bartholomew is the Ecumenical Patriarch of all Orthodox, and first among equals of all Patriarchs of the Orthodox world. This not the first time that a Pope visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate; (Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI exchanged visits several decades ago.) But this is the first visit of this new Pope in a time in which the international climate is foreboding in the light of his recent remarks, very brave ones I might add, when the Pope recalled how the faith of the Church was molded by the jostling of early Christian thinkers and the intellectual thinking of ancient Greece. He used this analogy to form a basis of dialogue of faith and reason between Moslems and Christians and quoted a Byzantine Christian emperor of the East to emphasize the consequences of violence and the Prophet Mohammed. After praying with Patriarch Bartholomew, and avoiding any reference to Islam, he proclaimed, in the Patriarchal ancient Church of St. George at the Phanar of Constantinople those monumental words which should reverberate for a long time in every household regardless of religious per-

suasion: “All world leaders must begin to respect religious freedom as a fundamental human right.” What I sense that this means for all of us, whether we live in Trenton, or Turkey or Italy or Africa, is that while this meeting of these two giants and its effect on future generations, we certainly at the very least, can expect closer cooperation in combating world poverty and illness throughout the world. The eradication of hatred leading to war is also at the top of the list. And equally important, the reaching out the hand of brotherly love, symbolical of the love between the two brothers, Peter and Andrew, will enhance the dialogue, in love, between Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, as both East and West keep searching for that common ground which will enable the sister Churches to one day share in the common cup of Communion. There are, of course, obstacles to overcome between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, especially on a doctrinal level, such as the infallibility question of the Pope and the Western innovation of the Nicene Creed of the procession of the Holy Spirit from the Son, as the Roman Catholic Church believes. Other issues include compulsory celibacy of the clergy, the immaculate conception of the blessed Mother Mary, purgatory, unleavened bread in Holy Communion. A sticking point for Orthodoxy worldwide is the whole question of the Uniate churches in places like the Slavic countries, (Christians who use and perform the rites of Orthodoxy as practiced in Byzantium under the Eastern respective Patriarchs, but who are under the Pope’s authority.) The Patriarch took a bold brave step in inviting the Pope to the Mother Church of Constantinople and received a great deal of criticism by these other Patriarchates,

and especially the monastic communities, for, in their eyes, betraying Orthodoxy. Patriarch Bartholomew felt that the time has come to put aside these age-old differences for the sake of peace in the world. For most Orthodox, this is consistent with the ecclesiological history of the ancient Church when the five ancient Churches of Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem, who functioned for years on the Pentarchical system of authority, worked together as per the mandate of our Lord and Savior “…that they all may be one.” It’s important to remember, (even the Orthodox need to be reminded of this from time to time), that Rome was designated the “presiding-proethrevon edra-see of love”. But this was not meant in any jurisdictional or in authoritative manner. Rome, in that ancient set of Churches, had its own sphere of jurisdiction with the Bishop of Constantinople as “primus inter pares,” or first among equals. This means the visit of the Pope to Patriarch Bartholomew was monumental because in addition to projecting Turkey on the world stage for its own political reasons in the EU, it also means that Turkey must indeed become a bastion of democracy which esteems and protects everyone’s choice of belief in Almighty God. Our prayer for each other must be the prayer of Pope Benedict in one of the ancient sites he visited:” Against the backdrop of peace in the world, the desire for full communion and relations between all Christians must become even more profound and intense.” Fr. Efthimiou is former ecumenical officer and executive director of the Order of St. Andrew with the rank of protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

2007 Yearbook

NEW YORK – The 2007 Yearbook of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is now available online, at yearbook.goarch.org Copies will be available by mail beginning Feb.9. In his prologue, Archbishop Demetrios, referring to the decision of the 38 th Biennial Clergy Laity Congress in Nashville, said that “we decided as clergy and laity to define the Year 2007 as a ‘Year of Education’ for our Church. This is very important because there are many issues facing our communities, our nation, and our world that require our closer familiarization and attention. These issues include the realities of extreme poverty, the state of our health, the condition of our natural environment, and sensitive matters pertaining to advances in technology and the ethical issues associated with these advances.” The 278-page new edition includes: an Archdiocese events schedule, updated directories of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archdiocesan departments and institutions, parishes, priests, religious and secular media resources as well as sexual misconduct policy guidelines. Featured are the commemoration of the 40 th Anniversary of the Episcopacy of Archbishop Demetrios, and an eight-page color spread of activities and major events, including the Clergy-Laity Congress, visit of the Pope to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and visits of Archbishop Demetrios to Cyprus and the Ionian Village. Limited prepaid copies may be obtained by calling (212) 774-0244 or sending a check/money order or credit card information for $18 (plus $5.00 S/H) payable to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The Voice of

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

Philoptochos

National Commitments Outlined for the Coming Year The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Inc., as the philanthropic heart of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, has for over 75 years undertaken a multitude of philanthropic programs to aid the poor, the sick, and the elderly. We, as members of the National Philoptochos Society, are committed to helping those less fortunate than ourselves. by Georgia Skeadas

Our mission is to promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach, to preserve the sanctity of life and family, and to perpetuate and to promote our Orthodox Faith and traditions. Our goal is to honor the relationship with God by using our gifts, our abilities, our compassion, our empathy, our faith and our love to make a better world for our family, our Greek Orthodox community and our contemporary society. With your wholehearted support we can continue to be the dynamic force of philanthropy of our Greek Orthodox Church. In order to do this, we instituted a list of commitments that each of our chapters support. These commitments were voted on by the delegates at our Biennial National Conventions. Every chapter is urged to send delegates to this convention in order that we may plan for the forthcoming two years. We meet, discuss, analyze and decide on these commitments; we approve these commitments by a vote of the delegates present; and we vote and approve our national budget. The commitments have been spread out during the year, and during the 2006 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention, three resolutions were passed by the body and approved by Archbishop Demetrios. They are: a discretionary National Philoptochos Emergency Fund, which will enable the Philoptochos to immediately respond to those in need, in times of national or international disasters (which will be supported in October) and, a national discretionary 75th Anniversary Founders Fund, to provide financial support to existing continuing care facilities serving the aging Greek Orthodox population in the United States and for the establishment of similar facilities ( which will be supported in May/June) and, that the St. Basil’s Academy Graduation Fund be discontinued, and the funds in the Sisterhood of St. Basil Fund be available for the continued support of the physical needs of the children and the graduation costs. (This commitment was supported in May/June). As these are national obligations they should be placed on the chapter’s budget each year, and as such, no motions to send the monies are needed. The commitments should be sent in automatically in the month they are due. All checks should be made payable to ‘National Philoptochos Society’ and sent directly to the National Office and earmarked for each purpose. If a chapter does not send its check to the national office the chapter will not receive credit. All checks must have two signatures: president and treasurer and assistant treasurer or vice president and treasurer or assistant treasurer. Below is a list of these commitments.

St. Basil Academy

In March 1944 Archbishop Athenagoras requested Philoptochos to purchase the beautiful 250-acre estate of Jacob Ruppert in Garrison, N.Y., located along the Hudson

River opposite the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. With the purchase of this estate, Philoptochos had the enormous task of completely renovating the property, which included several buildings, the main administration building, a residence for the Director, classrooms and dormitories, a reception hall and building a chapel. Today, the Philoptochos continues to be one of the main financial supporters of the Academy through two commitments and one special program:

lished in response to a need to provide a funding mechanism for persons seeking assistance in connection with illnesses not specifically covered by other, restricted National Philoptochos funds and programs. The Fund does not incorporate the kinds of restrictions commonly associated with other programs, thereby allowing its financial resources to be available for even the most unusual and uncommon medical conditions and resulting financial issues.

guidance for retired clergy who are facing financial difficulties.

Vasilopita

Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology

The then Archbishop Athenagoras established the Holy Cross Theological School in June 1937, in Pomfret, Conn. The Archbishop directed a special appeal to the Philoptochos to devote themselves to the School, “where your sons will be educated as priests and teachers” and urged the ladies to “prove once again your strong faith.” In the ensuing years, the Philoptochos was, and 72 years later continues to be, actively involved in offering financial support to Holy Cross. There are two programs for Hellenic College Holy Cross.

This past year marked the 75th Anniversary of the Society’s founding. This historic milestone offered all Philoptochos members, and our entire Greek Orthodox community in America, with an opportunity to reflect on our history, our founders and the generation of women who have selflessly worked to fulfill the mission of the Society. To commemorate the lasting contributions and memory of the founding members, this discretionary commitment will provide financial support to existing continuing care facilities serving the aging Greek Orthodox population in the United States and the establishment of similar facilities.

This event is conducted during January across the United States by every chapter in every parish. It is the main source of funding for the operating expenses of the Academy.

Sisterhood

This program provides for the ongoing needs of the children at the Academy, such as clothing, furniture, equipment and essentials for the dormitories, kitchen, etc. and for the graduation celebrations and special awards for graduating students.

Zoe Cavalaris Education Fund

The fund provides financial assistance to Academy graduates to attend schools of higher education, as well as providing for tutors for children in grade school and high school.

Cancer Fund

This Philoptochos commitment raises funds for individuals who need financial assistance with their cancer treatment.

Children’s Cardiac Fund

The purpose of this fund is to provide donations to hospitals for children suffering from cardiac problems.

Children’s Medical Fund

The Children’s Medical Fund was established in 1988 when Philoptochos expanded its Cardiac program to include all life-threatening illnesses, including AIDS, cancer, kidney and liver ailments, juvenile diabetes, etc. A major luncheon is sponsored by a different Metropolis biennially to support this program. More than $1 million has been contributed: To children’s hospitals in the United States at the forefront of innovative programs to assist in the medical care of Orthodox children. To provide financial assistance to pay for the medical care of critically ill Greek, Greek American and Orthodox children To provide hospitals funding for research programs, which benefit all children with serious medical problems.

Ecumenical Patriarchate

The philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate such as Balukli Hospital and nursing home, schools, shrine and parishes are supported by this commitment.

National Philoptochos Emergency Fund

In recent years, there have been a number of natural disasters in the United States and throughout the world that have depleted the voluntarily supported Emergency Fund. This has required repeated, direct solicitations to Metropolis Philoptochos boards and parish chapters, delaying and interfering with the Society’s ability to respond, expeditiously and efficiently. This discretionary commitment enables Philoptochos to respond immediately to those in need in times of national or international disasters.

General Medical Fund

The General Medical Fund was estab-

Scholarships

For more than 20 years, scholarships have been awarded to worthy and dedicated students at both schools to assist them with their tuition expenses.

Lenten Event

This is celebrated on the Third Sunday of Lent, observing the Veneration of the Holy Cross. The chapters are requested to arrange a Lenten event following the Divine Liturgy. Donations raised are used for the operational expenses of the School.

International Orthodox Christian Charities

The IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians, which provides food, shelter, economic self-sufficiency and hope to those in need around the world. This is an ongoing financial commitment of the Philoptochos Society.

National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Benevolent Fund

The National Sisterhood of Presvyteres was formally established in 1982, and consists of all Presvyteres of the Archdiocese. The monies raised through this commitment will be donated to the NSP Benevolent Fund, which was established to provide short-term support for clergy and/or their families in a time of crisis.

Orthodox Christian Mission Center Support a Mission Priest

The Philoptochos Society provides financial support to the OCMC missionary teams, strengthening their ability to empower the Orthodox Church worldwide to carry its message to those who have yet to hear it and bring them within its fold. The Philoptochos, through the Support a Mission Priest program, provides financial support enabling Orthodox bishops and priests in mission areas, to build and restore churches, community centers, schools and medical facilities as well as to participate in training, teaching and field management, therefore increasing productivity.

Retired Clergy Association’s Benevolent Fund

The Retired Clergy Association (RCA) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was founded and established by the late Fr. John Zanetos on April 26, 1988. The monies raised through this commitment will be donated to the RCA Benevolent Fund which provides support and

St. Photios Shrine

In 1965, the Archdiocese purchased the Avero house in historic St. Augustine, Fla. to commemorate the arrival of the first Greek settlers to the New World in 1768. The Philoptochos has continued to provide financial assistance towards the preservation of this National Shrine.

75th Anniversary Founders Fund

Social Services

Since the late 1950’s, upon the recommendation of Archbishop Iakovos, Philoptochos has placed an increased emphasis on the implementation of important programs to benefit the Greek Orthodox community, including, but not limited to, institutions of the Church, the philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and assistance to Greek and Greek Orthodox families. Involvement in social and moral issues encouraged the establishment of several committees to address topics such as child abuse prevention, domestic violence, homelessness, pornography, drug and alcohol abuse, and aging. Since 1987, the National Philoptochos office has employed a professional social worker, engaged in assisting the Greek Orthodox community in the United States as well as Greek and Cypriot nationals. The Department of Social Services is a very important, vital element of our organization. The mission of the department is to improve the quality of life of those in need, in a way that maintains the dignity and self-respect of the individuals. Through confidential and professional services, the office provides outreach, education, information, support, intervention, motivation, advocacy, financial assistance and referral to local and broader resources.

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

In 1979, to commemorate the United Nation’s “International Year of the Child,” Philoptochos became an NGO (NonGovernmental Organization) with the United Nations and UNICEF. Through the commitment for UNICEF, Philoptochos donations help this global organization to protect the rights, health and well being of all children. Any chapter wishing to discuss these commitments or gain additional information should contact the National Office or the Metropolis president. It is important to remember that we, as a unified body, agreed to support these commitments. Let us re-dedicate ourselves to our mission of philanthropy, with a passion for excellence, so that working together, we may build an even more vibrant Philoptochos.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

Archon Commander Protests Turkish Treatment of American Worshippers in Papal Visit NEW YORK – In a letter to U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Ross Wilson, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew, Dr. Anthony Limberakis criticized the repressive harassment experienced by devout American pilgrims during their visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Nearly 200 U.S. citizens traveled to Turkey to witness the historical meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul. The event was viewed all over the world as a momentous stepping stone toward bringing together the two largest Christian churches. The letter states that “on the celebration of the services by the Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch on Nov. 29-30, Turkish authorities forced the Archons and other faithful Orthodox Christians to turn in their passports in order to be allowed into the services.” Dr. Limberakis also mentions that “once inside the Church, Turkish police physically blocked and bullied worshippers from receiving Holy Communion.

POLICE and military personel behind barricades block all approaches to the Ecumenical Patriarchate preventing access to many pilgrims from America.

The clergy had to plead and argue with the authorities to allow the faithful to move towards the Altar and the Chalice.” This is just one example of how the Turkish authorities abridged the religious rights of the U.S. citizens. Dr. Limberakis requests that his “letter of complaint be forwarded to all relevant Turkish authorities, and insist these urgent issues of religious freedom be addressed as Turkey, a U.S. ally, works to find her place among the European nations.” The Order of Saint Andrew is acutely aware of the restrictions that the Turkish government places on the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Christian citizens, yet remains hopeful that Turkey will enter the European Union if it makes the necessary changes to its policies and fully embraces religious freedom. However, recent actions and “the outright harassment of members of the Order of Saint Andrew, faithful Orthodox Christians, and the press" demonstrate that Turkey still has many obstacles to overcome.”

Hellenic Center Planned for Southampton Kimisis Tis Theotokou

Ms. Coula Johnides being greeted by the youth of the community.

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y.– A unique event occurred Dec. 24 at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church when a filled church heard Mrs. Coula Johnides pledge $1 million for the establishment of the first Center of Hellenic Learning in Eastern Long Island. by Catherine Tsounis

“We have a future and not a past,” said Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, pastor of the church. “It is not us that are going to build a parish, but the Lord.” Children, who performed in the Christmas Pageant, surrounded Ms. Johnides when she said, “I remember the early years. It gives me warmth and comfort to be here. These children are beautiful. We must never forget our Greek heritage. Our church is a house of love and happiness. We must proceed ahead.” Proceeding ahead is what is happening with this $1 million donation. The Johnides’ are Greek-Americans who own the old Stove Pub Restaurant in Sagaponick in the Hamptons. The family has roots in Asia Minor. Families from this area, known as Ionia during the time of Alexander the Great, have a pioneering spirit in establishing churches, Greek schools and Hellenic centers. Mrs. Johnides, in a letter dated Nov.

15 wrote to the Greek Orthodox community of Kimisis Tis Theotokou and Fr. Alexander Karloutsos outlining her family’s intentions. “In honor of my family, I decided in 2004 to donate one million dollars from my estate to construct the Johnides Family Cultural Center on the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Church,” said Ms. Johnides. “I wish to have oversight over the cultural center and be on its committee. I will require an accounting of how all monies are spent in its construction. I will make a $100,000 donation by Jan. 1, 2007 to reserve the naming opportunity for the center. It would bring great joy to my parents and siblings to know that their many years of hard work will build this center of learning and culture in the Hamptons. Though I may not be in church every Sunday, I live and breathe our Greek heritage and culture and hope our community will enjoy the Johnides Cultural Center for generations to come.” The Christmas Eve services concluded with Fr. Karloutsos expressing “the thanks of our children for this gift: the gift of love glorifying God. Our community will call you, “Aunt Coula.” This is a term of respect and love used in the Greek language for respected members of one’s family. For more information, visit the website kimisishamptons.ny.goarch.org

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A Safe Journey Through Great Lent  page 7

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you, O Master,” states a hymn of Orthros, “as the Prodigal son of old, forgive me and embrace me again as your son.” Like the landmark teaching concerning the Incarnation, the boundary stone catechesis of personal sin has, at best, been subject to contradiction, and at worst, to total cancellation. You know,” says the Evangelist John, “that He (Jesus) was manifested to take away our sins (1 John 3:5). How can forgiveness be sought, however, if the very notion of sin has been replaced by emotional regret. Never has there been a time when the teaching of sound doctrine on sin is needed. Unfortunately, any conversation concerning the landmark of sin is quickly dismissed as unhealthy self-abasement. Many Orthodox theologians have argued that the rejection of our sense of personal sin is the gravest offense of our cotemporary age. The rejection of this vital landmark is due in part to humanity’s goal of unlimited personal freedom without the consequence of guilt. By covering-over this most important boundary marker of morality, repentance is redefined in terms of therapy and selfhelp. From here, it is only a short distance to the belief that the sacrament of confession is obsolete. Accountable to no one but ourselves, many today unwisely choose whatever course of action feels or does them personal good, as long as their action may be justified to personal conscience. This is not a truth-based, but a feeling-based way of life. Tragically, the consequence of replacing the ancient landmark of sin with such a self-centered philosophy is the relegating of Jesus Christ as the Eternal Bridegroom and Savior of creation to pages of fable and myth. The third landmark teaching of Great Lent concerns the Holy Cross. First Corinthians (1:18) declares, “The message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” When Christ went to that cross, he took upon Himself the sin of the world. He was the perfect sacrifice for our sin. It is only through accepting this sacrifice, this “holy work,” can we be saved from sin. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is why the precious Cross of Christ is worthy of adoration! The 1st Sunday of Great Lent describes “who” Jesus is. The 2nd Sunday focuses on the reason “why” Jesus came. The 3rd Sunday tell us “what” Jesus did.

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The hymns of the day are replete with images concerning the “work” of Jesus. He came to suffer, bleed, die and resurrect for us! Through the “weapon of the Cross,” states a hymn of Orthros, “the tyranny of death has been vanquished . . . and we have returned to Paradise!” St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians emphasizes the same point by stating, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (1:7). However, while He suffered the penalty for sin, He conquered and annihilated it. Unfortunately, many today try to move the two important landmarks of the cradle and cross of Christ. In so doing, they attempt to remove the Paschal Light awaiting those who faithfully celebrate His Glorious Resurrection. The 4th Sunday of Great Lent calls our attention to the landmark teaching concerning personal repentance. The texts of this Sunday outline “how” the faithful can participate in the life-bestowing work of the Cross described in the liturgical texts of the previous week. Although this Sunday also commemorates Saint John Climacus (6th century) who is the writer of the book called The Ladder of Divine Ascent, the spirit of repentance and devotion to Christ dominates the essence of the day’s hymnology. Having come to the proper understanding of the Cross of Christ as expressed in the texts of the previous Sunday, those who acknowledge the consequence of sin are encouraged during the 4th Sunday of Great Lent to dedicate themselves to a lifestyle of repentance. Understood in this fashion, The Ladder of Divine Ascent assumes a more profound value as the landmark book of one of Christendom’s most insightful saints. The 30-step spiritual guidebook is acknowledged as a template through which the sinful may “climb the rungs of virtues” and experience the life-bestowing grace of repentance. Finally, the 5th Sunday of Lent commemorates the life of St. Mary of Egypt and sketches the “result” of accepting to live according to the spiritual parameters of the previous four boundary markers. As a shining example of repentance from sin through the virtues of prayer and fasting, the life of St. Mary is honored as a prime example of one who has experienced the final spiritual landmark of the Lenten journey, namely forgiveness. “The power of Thy Cross,” states a hymn of the day, “has worked wonders for the sinful woman who chose to follow a life of repentance.” “Through repentance,” declares yet another hymn, “she has now become a bride of God.” The Orthodox Church commemorates the life of St. Mary on the 5th Sunday of Great Lent for her recognition of Jesus Christ as the Eternal Bridegroom and Savior. She is an example of one who experienced the grace of forgiveness by following a life-long path marked by the four landmark teachings of Orthodox spirituality, the incarnation, sin, the Cross, repentance, and forgiveness. Let us never forget or move the ancient Orthodox landmarks of the Incarnation, sin, the Cross, repentance and forgiveness. They provide the ancient demarcation points that circumscribe an inheritance of Truth provided to us by the Holy Fathers. To do so would jeopardize our safe journey through Great Lent and risk the experience of Christ’s most precious gift to us – the Gift of the Resurrection! The Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos is executive director of the Archdiocese Department of Communications.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

Challenge What’s Up God Deficit Disorder? YOUTH MINISTRY

e-mail: youthofﬁce@goarch.org

WITH

There are a bunch of you standing around the hall making plans for the weekend when the bell rings. The group breaks up as each of you turns toward your first period classroom and walks to beat the late bell. by Fr. Constantine Lazarakis

Once at your desk, the teacher begins to talk. You pick up your pen and turn your attention toward her. While you walk from class to class, your head turns in one direction after another as students shout greetings to one another and exchange high-fives. There’s jumping, running, tripping, and there’s whispering in tight huddles around lockers. The halls are alive with high school kids. When the day is over, you come home, turn on the computer, and open Instant Messenger. The screen is full, pop-ups all over the place: True and eHarmony want your attention. Aim Today wants you to know the scoop on Jessica Simpson, Brad Pitt, and Britney Spears, and of course, the latest movies, diet trends, and beauty products. Two, three, as many as 15 buddies are all typing furiously, as you turn your attention to each, making plans, reporting the days events, mocking the insane demands of parents, and of course, speculating about who likes who. Then your attention turns yet again, as your mom hollers up the stairs, wanting to know if you have started (or why you haven’t finished) your homework… and she is right, you’ve got to get it done on time to turn your attention to The Real World, Smallville, or Lost. Everyone is competing for your at-

PARENTS and YOUTH Workers Corner SPrEAD tHE WorD! Our Department has recently created a MySpace page. Check it out at www.myspace.com/goayouthdepartment. Ionian Village is now accepting staff applications for this summer's camp sessions. Go to http://www.ionianvillage.org for more information and to download the application. The season of Great Lent started February 19. Be sure to watch for our upcoming editions of The Pulse, the listserv for youth workers. We'll have ideas and resources for Great Lent and Pascha. To sign up to receive The Pulse, visit http://youth.goarch.org.

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

tention. Reading, writing, and arithmetic, girls, boys, coaches, parents, advertisers, and TV shows; they all want you to turn in their direction. Sometimes your attention is turned in so many directions it feels like you can’t focus on anything at all. And on that enormous list of people, places, and things that want, need, or beg for your attention, the most important one is too often left off, forgotten, not even on the radar. Yet, when your senses are overloaded and the demands are too many, there is one simple act that can put it all in a proper perspective and make it a little more manageable. Turn your attention to God. It may sound crazy, that just turning your attention toward God can change the way you experience your whole world, but it is true! I’m not going to try to list all the ways that turning God-ward can change your life, but here are a few: First, when you turn toward God, you remember that God loves you. He created you. You are His child. He knows the number of hairs on your head. Just knowing that the God who created Heaven and Earth loves you will change the way you see yourself and your world. Second, when you focus on God, you remember that He is in charge. All things, including you, are under his care. When things are crazy, it is good to know that the

Food for thought

Read Matthew 6:25-34. What is Jesus saying here about our attention and where we direct it? What are some simple ways you can turn towards God throughout your day at school, work, with friends, etc.? As we start Great Lent to prepare for Pascha, the Church helps us direct our attention toward God. What are some of these ways? How can you take advantage of what the Church offers during Lent? For information on Great Lent, check out http://www.goarch.org/en/ ourfaith/pascha/. most powerful and loving person to ever live, Jesus Christ, is looking out for you. In all the angst, chaos, and craziness that exist today, it’s good to know you can turn to Him, and that He has a plan for you. Finally, turning toward God means you are trying to do His will. When you try to do what God commands, it puts your priorities straight, and having priorities in order makes life less hectic. Excessive worry about what your

friends think, your body image, your possessions, and popularity become less important. Let’s face it, a lot of what makes life confusing is trying to figure out who you are. Turning God-ward will clear a lot of that question up. So, how do you turn toward God? Well, there are lots of ways that the church gives us: there’s prayer, fasting, reading scripture, giving to the poor, receiving Holy Communion, going to confession, and the list goes on and on. But if you don’t do many (or any) of these things on a daily basis now, you can start with prayer. Pray every day; call it your prayer rule. Set a time (maybe when you wake up, or before you go to bed), set a place (prop up an icon in your room), make sure it is quiet (TV, iPod, and computer off) and take a few minutes each day. Use a prayer book. I would recommend the morning or evening prayers found in most Orthodox Christian prayer books accompanied with a few minutes of silence. Ten minutes of prayer a day will make a big difference in who you are, and what your world is like. (Note: If you don’t own a prayer book, you can probably buy one from your local Orthodox Christian church, or order one from www.light-n-life.com. I recommend either the Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians or My Orthodox Prayer Book.) Fr .Constantine Lazarakis is the director of Ionian Village.

G in Culture

itH tHiS issue of The Challenge, we begin a new section called “God in Culture” that will focus on how the media and pop culture portray and present God. Each topic will also include some brief discussion questions suitable for individual or group settings (like a GoYA meeting). tHE MoViE “The Nativity Story” was released in December by New Line Cinema and follows the biblical story of Joseph, Mary, and the birth of Jesus Christ. Read Luke 2:1-20. How does the movie compare with the scriptural account of Jesus Christ's birth? How does her response affect us today? For more information about the Orthodox Christian Church's teaching on the Nativity, see http://www. goarch.org/en/special/listen_ learn_share/nativity/learn/.

GoD oNLiNE With so many online forums in which to discuss, debate, and express your opinion, the topic of God comes up frequently. Searching "God" on Google will get you 400 million returns. A search for “God” on www.youtube.com showed over 62,000 results while searching “Jesus” got 36,000 results. Searching for "Jesus Christ" on MySpace got over 250,000 returns. Additionally, God is being podcasted - or should we say "Godcasted" - to iPods everywhere. Some Orthodox Christian podcasts include: http://stcatherinechurch. dreamhosters.com/audio/ and http://www. annunciationakron.org/podcast/orthodoxword.xml. What are the pros/cons of a forum like YouTube in regards to discussing religion and God? How does the use of current technology-social networking sites, blogs, streaming videos & music, podcasting, etc - affect religion, specifically Christianity and Orthodoxy? How can the latest technology affect our personal spirituality? What are some ways that technology could be a detriment to spiritual health? What are some positive ways to use technology in your Christian journey?

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

SCHOLARSHIPS Applications Accepted for Peter Agris Scholarships BOSTON - For the last 15 years, the Peter Agris Memorial Scholarships have provided critical financial backing to scores of young Greek Americans from across the country seeking to present their Hellenic heritage and their Orthodox faith to our nation through careers in journalism and communications. Through the efforts of The Alpha Omega Council of New England, which sponsors the scholarship fund together with the Agris family, more than $225,000 in grants have been made. Comprised of leading businesspersons of Hellenic ancestry, The Alpha Omega Council continues to honor its late founder, Peter Agris, also the founder and publisher of The Hellenic Chronicle, for 50 years the premier Greek American national English-language weekly newspaper in this country. Mr. Agris was also an Archon, a trustee of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology and an Ahepan. Former recipients now fill the ranks of news anchors, correspondents for major news publications, feature writers and many in the publishing field. Alpha Omega hopes to highlight some of the former recipients at its upcoming annual Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner in

June, during which time a noted individual or organization from within the Greek American community will be recognized for contributions to our Hellenic and Orthodox ideals. In addition, that evening will also feature the presentation the $5,000 nonrenewable scholarships to this year's recipients. Criteria for candidates includes: Greek American heritage; current fulltime enrollment as a journalism or communications major at the graduate or undergraduate level in an accredited college or university in the United States; active participation in school, community, church organizations; a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need. Candidates may download an application on the Alpha Omega Council's website at www.alphaomegacouncil.com or may write to: The Peter Agris Memorial Scholarships Committee, c/o Nancy Agris Savage, 9 Nonesuch Drive, Natick, MA 01760. Questions may be directed to nancyasavage@cs.com. Applications, transcripts and the required essay must be returned by mail to the above address, by fax to 508-655-1402 or by email to nancyasavage@cs.com no later than March 1, 2007.

PARISH PROFILE  page 19 Unlike the purpose of AHEPA, founded a year earlier in Atlanta to help recent immigrants adapt to life in the United States and to learn English, one of GAPA’s main tenets was “to keep the Greek language alive and to utilize it as the main language of the Order,” the parish history notes. While the organization did not develop to the extent that AHEPA did, it still maintains a presence in the Pittsburgh region, with its “Supreme Headquarters” now located in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, near the Metropolis of Pittsburgh headquarters. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the community hard but the unemployed men kept busy with a wall construction project to create a passage around the building so they could carry the Epitaphio around the outside of the church. Also during the 1930s, the community received two visits from Archbishop Athenagoras – on its panegyri weekend in February 1934 and again on its feast day weekend in February 1937. Archbishop Michael visited the parish in August 1950 and Archbishop Iakovos came to Ypapanti on June 20, 1965. In the late 1960s, the only young man of the parish to graduate from Holy Cross School of Theology, Michael “Skippy” Sfanos, was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos. Ypapanti became one of the first parishes visited by Bishop Maximos of Diokleia after his election (now Metropolitan Maximos), He celebrated the church’s feast day on Feb. 3-4, 1979. The church expanded its physical facilities between 1978 and 1984 with the purchase of additional property from Westinghouse and the construction and completion of its Olympia Hall community center. The parish also held its first Greek food festival in 1984. After stewardship, it

is the community’s main income source. Over the past 25 years, the economy of the region has undergone considerable change. No longer is heavy industry the main staple of the economy. The medical field, education and high tech industries now constitute the main activities and employ many parishioners. Fr. Michael also noted there still are several Greek painters in the community. The parish also has changed in its composition, with many intermarriages and converts to the faith as a result. One ongoing challenge facing the community is retaining young people, who tend to relocate closer to their jobs or leaving after getting married. “The younger generation moves away and we’re digging in and trying to make the best of it,” said Fr. Michael. “We’re always looking for opportunities for people to join our community.” Before coming to the parish in 2004, Fr. Michael served as assistant priest for nine years under Fr. John Chakos at Holy Cross Church in Pittsburgh. He had met Fr. Chakos at a wedding and agreed to serve as his lay assistant. He then became ordained as a deacon, then as a priest. A native of Hempstead, N.Y., he attended an OCA parish in East Meadow, Long Island as a youth. His wife, Presbytera Eleni, is of Greek Orthodox background from Steubenville, Ohio, about 40 miles west of Pittsburgh. Fr. Michael said the long term goals of the parish consist of “looking to grow and to continue to have the community thrive.” Unlike communities that have left their original neighborhoods for the outer suburbs for more space and to follow their members who have relocated, for the foreseeable future, the parish will remain where it is, as many members don’t want to leave the church with which they have such a long association. —Compiled by Jim Golding

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

Greek Letters Day celebrated at Cherry Hill CHERRY HILL, N.J. – St. Thomas Church celebrated Greek Letters Day with children of the Hellenic school. Fr. Emmanuel Pratsinakis opened the celebration with a wonderful and educational group discussion with the children, in his special way of relating to the children as he does on many Sundays when he addresses the youth. by Zaharati Morfesis

He then performed the services of the five loaves and a memorial service remembering those who served the Hellenic School. Principal John Charalabidis eloquently and enthusiastically explained and reviewed to us the Celebration of the Three Hierarchs of the church. They are our heroes. St. Basil the Great, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Gregory the Theologian. Each saint is known for his special gift, St. Basil the Great was an advocate for children, the homeless, the aged; opening orphanages and nursing homes. The golden tongued St. John Chrysostom’s words penetrated his listeners to the point where their hearts opened to God. St. Gregory the Theologian was a learned academic and philosopher educated in Egypt. The seeds of their gifts were obviously planted in the children participating in this celebration. One could see their love of learning, the sharing of words to reach our souls and the fellowship and friendship they shared for each other. For me, this evening stirred many thoughts in my mind. I reflected on how vital it is to reach children at a young age to

plant love, learning and advocacy in their hearts. For as adults, we are in a position to continue nurturing these simple yet profound truths.What is a common thread that joins the visions of these three hierarchs? I thought about this and I see truth, truth blazing like a bright light in their words, their knowledge and most importantly their actions. This is what we are called to on the Christian journey. We are called to live the truth and to be the truth. It is not an easy journey. In fact, if this was a physical roadway, we could see the road signs: “speaking your truth may be dangerous, it may alienate you from the crowd, from the group, from society. It may take you to places that challenge you in difficult ways. You will meet people that other people may not want to meet, to know, to even acknowledge exist”. For the past 11 months, I have been volunteering with formerly incarcerated men in a re-entry program sponsored by the N.J. Department of Corrections. I lead the Writer’s Group for these men. My fellow parishioners and friends are very emotionally supportive of what I am doing. However, there are persons in society who think that what I do is of no value. They are not seeing with the eyes of our Christian teachers. We are called as Jesus said in his first sermon to “bring good news to the poor …the captives….the blind…the oppressed.” Though my work is not evangelical; it is educational and creative; it is a spiritual endeavor for me for it is an opportunity for me to serve others. Listening, learning, and advocating for others is one of the great lessons that I see in the message of the hierarchs. To speak

one’s truth and live one’s truth is not easy. But, it is the only path that is true and real. As Socrates said “know thyself”. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet “ This above all: To thine own self be true, for it must follow as dost the night the day, that canst not then be false to any man.” Orthodox Christians are called not only during service and worship, but in every moment of our lives to do what is truthful and authentic; to be ourselves; to know ourselves and to be courageous in speaking the truth and acting on truth despite what the world may think or say; despite criticism. The road signs for the spiritual journey may well say “possible danger up ahead” but they also say every step along the way, “God is with you, be not afraid”. I see the children of our parish as young flowers being nourished with the words and light of Christ. I see them growing deep roots into the earth; so that when they become adults they still retain the joy they have in sharing the truth with us. They will grow to be courageous and strong; unafraid; they will know that they are an integral link in the chain of community of Christians that reaches back to the Three Hierarchs of our church. And if they ever have moments of doubt that learning, advocating for the less fortunate, and speaking the truth is not the right thing to do; they will remember their days in the Hellenic School of St. Thomas. They will remember what the Three Hierarchs of our Church have called them to do; indeed - what they call us all to do. Miss Morfesis, of Haddon Township, N.J., is a member of the parish and works at Rutgers University.

Greek Orthodox Faith Marks 90th Year in Carbon County, Utah PRICE, Utah – Greek immigrant men and boys, realizing it took more than their brawn and picks and shovels in Utah’s underground coal mines to create a better life, built a church 90 years ago. Since then, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church at 61 S. 200 East, has stood as a testament to the foresight and hard work of the immigrants and their descendants to keep the Greek Orthodox faith in Carbon County strong. Parishioners commemorated the church’s anniversary for three days. Stacy Himonas and Billie Sampinos-White,

co-chairs of the event, said the milestone signifies the integrity of the congregation’s ancestors to keep intact the religion and traditions so they can be passed to future generations. Parish Council President Roy A. Nikas said any profits from the celebration will go towards a building project to make the church more accessible to those with limited mobility. Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver and Very Rev. Archimandrite Athanasios Emmert, pastor of the church, officiated at church services along with guest clergy Frs. Michael Kourmetis and Makarios Manos of Salt Lake

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City. In a letter of congratulations to the Price church on its anniversary. Archbishop Demetrios said for 90 years parishioners have respected and preserved the nobility of the church by gathering together in unity and harmony to worship God. "Strive as you have so earnestly done to offer the genuine divine encounter of worship that leads to the authentic knowledge of and communion with God," he added. Metropolitan Isaiah said the immigrants who built the church looked forward to the promise of America where they could not only establish themselves but from which they would also be able to earn money to send to assist their families in Greece. He said even though many of the immigrants could not fulfill their dreams because they died in workplace accidents, "their blood watered the ground and helped the growth of the parish, along with the hands of many others who fulfilled many happy dreams." In 1972, the Assumption church was named to the Utah Register of Historic Sites and the next year it was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites. The church’s Byzantine architecture makes it among the most indelible visual symbols of Carbon County’s unique legacies, which Utah historian Dr. Allen Kent Powell has called a land of three heritages - Mormons, immigrants and miners. The number of immigrants and the variety of countries from which they came has also prompted Utah historians to dub Carbon County "The Ellis Island of Utah." Since 1975, the church has conducted Greek Festival Days in Price in July, tying its fund raising into promoting better understanding of the Greek Orthodox culture.

New England Retreat Ceremony Set at St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center BROOKLINE, Mass. – Metropolitan Methodios and George D. Behrakis, chairman of the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center Committee, attended groundbreaking ceremonies for the Retreat House at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, N.H., Sept. 10, during the annual open house of this facility for Orthodoxy and Hellenic heritage. The Retreat House, architectural plans for which were prepared by Y. Nahikian Associates Architects, will have 40 double bedrooms, with private baths; two additional handicapped accessible bedrooms and baths, and one VIP suite. The main floor will consist of a 1,825-square-foot multifunction room with a fireplace and balcony; a kitchen; and a reception office. Two additional conference rooms will be included on the ground floor, and two gathering rooms on the second floor. The ground floor will also have a parlor with a fireplace. In 1995, Metropolitan Methodios appointed a committee chaired by Christos Papoutsy of Rye Beach, N.H. to find a site suitable for year-round programs for children and adults of the Metropolis of Boston. The extensive search led to the current 200-acre site with two lakes the search committee recommended to Metropolitan Methodios. In September 1998, the Metropolis purchased the property in Contoocook, N.H., thanks to the philanthropy of George and Margo Behrakis. Many faithful throughout New England emulated their sterling example and have helped make the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center the finest such center in the entire Archdiocese. Besides being the home of the MBC Summer and Winter Camps, the Faith and Heritage Center also hosts many retreats and special programs throughout the year. Greek Orthodox parishes hold weekend retreats for youth and families. Senior citizen groups, cultural organizations, and many individuals come for a day of fellowship and retreat. The Retreat House will offer many opportunities for adults of all ages to spend time in this peaceful setting, the centerpiece of which is the rustic Chapel of St. George. Generous individuals and parishes have made substantial donations and pledges towards the construction of the Retreat House. Gatherings are planned throughout the Metropolis where Metropolitan Methodios will speak about the Retreat House.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

New Jersey Metropolis Honors Greek Educators at Three Hierarchs Celebration KENILWORTH, N.J. – The Metropolis of New Jersey honored its Greek educators at its second annual Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Celebration held Jan. 28 at St. Athanasios Church in Paramus. The celebration drew hundreds of Greek Orthodox faithful and Philhellenes from throughout the state of New Jersey and the Delaware Valley region who filled the St. Athanasios Community Center to capacity. The evening’s program began with the traditional singing of the American and Greek National Anthems which were beautifully sung by students of the afternoon Greek school of the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly. Following the invocation, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey addressed all gathered, stressing the paramount importance of the Greek civilization, culture and language, whose preservation has been a priority of His Eminence since being enthroned as Metropolitan of New Jersey. Furthermore, Metropolitan Evangelos congratulated the Greek educators present, and especially those being honored, for the zeal and dedication with which they carry out their teaching responsibilities in their respective communities. Offering the keynote address was the Rev. Protopresbyter Demetrios Constantelos, the well-known theologian, historian and educator of our

GREEK SCHOOL teachers from New Jersey parishes with Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey and Metropolitan Paisios of Tyana.

Holy Archdiocese of America and Holy Metropolis of New Jersey. Speaking on the historical traditions and ideals of Greek education with eloquent elucidation, Fr. Constantelos emphasized the great and immeasurable value and contemporary appeal that Greek education has as seen through the teachings of the ancient Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. He also added that today’s generation of Greeks should not rest on the

laurels and accomplishments of our forefathers, but rather become new philosophers and scientists, thus creating and bringing about a new renaissance in Greek education. Honoring all with his presence was Metropolitan Paisios, abbot of the St. Irene Chrysovalantou Monastery in Astoria, N.Y. His Excellency greeted all present and impressed upon all the dangers that Greece faces even today, where certain people are attempting to disassociate

Greek education from its ties with the Church of Greece. At the initiative of Metropolitan Evangelos, 22 Greek educators with 25 or more years of teaching experience were especially honored with an elegant plaque depicting the Three Hierarchs for their most dedicated service to Greek education, our Communities and Holy Metropolis. This year’s honorees were: Eleni Anastasiou, Mina Antipatis, Amalia Armenakis, Alexandra Velmahou, Eleni Dalianis, Eleftheria Evangelou, Athanasia Kaplanis, Mary Karamitopoulou, Litsa Koutoudou, Maria Kostakou, Anastasia Constantinou, Aspasia Linardakis, Evangelia Liounis, Vasiliki Michalidis, Marianna Niforatos, Stavroula Panagiotopoulos, Hippocratis Polemis, Aphrodite Raftopoulos, Despina Savva, Sophia Stamatis, Sophia Stavrakis, Rita Phytanidis. Throughout the evening, students from the afternoon Greek schools of the communities of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly, St. Athanasios in Paramus, St. George in Trenton, St. Demetrios in Union, St. George in Clifton, St. Nicholas in Wyckoff, and Ascension in Fairview, presented poems, songs and dances of Greece, bringing much joy and ethnic pride to all in attendance. This year’s Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Celebration concluded with the exceptional Greek hospitality extended to all by the host community of St. Athanasios.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

“You Are Called to Be Champions of Education” GREEK LETTERS WEEK CELEBRATED AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE The feast day of the Three Hierarchs, the pre-eminent fathers of our Church – Sts. Basil the Great, John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian is an important milestone in our ecclesiastical calendar and marks a series of events and celebrations around the Archdiocese, on the Metropolis level across the land and in many parishes. by Stavros H. Papagermanos

January 30th is the feast day in honor of these three great pioneers of our faith, who through their lives, their writings and teachings have celebrated not only the faith but also the values of paideia, education and the Hellenic Letters. This is the day of celebration for the pursuit of knowledge, the day of celebration for our schools, our students and our teachers.

The Department of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese organized a series of events to honor the legacy of the Three Hierarchs and celebrate Greek Letters and culture. The first event was held Jan. 27, at the Cathedral Center in New York with hundreds of students, parents and educators in attendance. Dr. John Spiridakis, professor at St. John’s University spoke on the “Benefits of Greek Literacy: Pathways to Success.” Mrs. Athena Kromidas, principal of the W. Spyropoulos Greek American School of Flushing, spoke on the value of the “Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek for Foreign Language (Regents) Credit,” an examination prepared and administered by the Archdiocesan Department of Greek Education. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America presented the “Three Hierarchs Awards for Excellence,” to some 55 students who have scored a perfect 100 in the 2005-06 examination (see names in adjacent column). According to Maria Makedon, director of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education, who administers the examination process, the test was taken by approximately 550 students in Archdiocesan and other private or public schools, 97% achieved a passing mark and 76% got 85 and above. The evening included musical selections performed by the Archdiocesan Metropolitan Youth Choir under the direction of Maria Koleva, soprano Alexandra Skendrou and pianist Areti Giovanou. Mr. Anastasios Koularmanis, principal of St. Demetrios High School in Astoria served as the master of ceremonies.

The second event took place on Sunday Jan. 28, at the “Petros G. Patrides” Cultural Center of the St. Demetrios High School in Astoria, and was devoted to the students and educators of our schools. It was an evening filled with the voices and performances of students from various schools of the area, who recited poems, read texts and sang songs and hymns. Dr. Ioannis Efthymiopoulos, director of the Department of Greek Education presented the keynote speaker, Dr. George Melikokis. The program was presented and coordinated by Timoleon Kokkinos, principal of the St. Demetrios Greek Afternoon School. Archbishop Demetrios congratulated all participants and praised the performances of the students. He also cut the traditional Vassilopita to honor the devoted Greek-American teachers. The evening of Jan. 29, His Eminence

“You are the light of the world… you share a rich tradition of Orthodox Faith and Hellenism, the tradition of the Holy Fathers of the Church...”

THREE HIERARCHS AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE From St. Demetrios Greek-American School, Astoria, NY: Antonios Bouzoukos, Efthemia Hanakis, George Kaiafas, Alexandros Kosmidis, Reveka Panagides, Evelyn Pappas, Elefteria Pilios, Maria Rigas, Maria Sideris, Michael Zangalis. From William Spyropoulos Greek American Day School, Flushing, NY: Maria Amor, Panagiotis Georgas, Kalliopi Gergoudis, Eleni Gizas, Nicholas Gliagias, George Holevas, Xenia Kokkinos, Dimitris Kouvaros, Stephanie Lagakis, Vasilios Rizos, Phillipos Sidiroglou. From the Cathedral School, New York, NY: Katerina Patouri; From A. Fantis Parochial School, Brooklyn, NY: Chris Argyriou; From Soterios Ellenas Parochial School, Brooklyn, NY: Anthi Vagelia Vouros; From the School of the transfiguration, Corona, NY: Andreas Kolombos. From the Greek Afternoon School of St. Nicholas, Flushing, NY: Eleni Lambadarios, Vassiliki Papagermanos, Stella Papatheodorou, Michael Sideris, George Titomihalakis; From St. Demetrios Astoria Afternoon School, Astoria, NY: Fotini Petropoulos. From Holy trinity Church, Hicksville, NY: Smaro Getsios, Evanthia Mamtsaderis, William Pilavas; From Panaghia of island Park, island Park, NY: Konstantinos Damiris; From St. John's Archbishop Demetrios visited the parish of Three Hierarchs in Brooklyn. Following the vespers service the community and the school presented a rich program of literature and music. The parish, under the direction of the Very Reverend Eugene Pappas honored John Sitilides, director of the Southeast Europe Project of the Woodrow Wilson Center, with the Greek Letters Award. The parish also honored its long-serving pastor, Fr. Eugene for his 41 years of priesthood. In the morning of the feast day, the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York was filled to capacity with hundreds of students of our area schools who came to the cathedral to attend the Divine Liturgy presided by Archbishop Demetrios. “You are the light of the world… you share a rich tradition of Orthodox Faith

Greek Afternoon School, Blue Point, NY: Chrysi Prakas, Theodora Efthymiou and Leonidas Vasilakos. From St. Nicholas Shrine Greek orthodox Church, West Babylon, NY: Raphaelina Marti and Anastasia Marti; From St. Markella Greek Afternoon School, Wantagh, NY: Olivia Veizaj; From St. Nicholas Greek School, Newburgh, NY: Christos Constantinou. From the Greek Language School of the Annunciation, Buffalo, NY: Eleni Papazaharias; From the Greek Afternoon School of the Ascension Church, Fairview, NJ: Arete Pappas; From St. George Greek orthodox Church, Piscataway, NJ: Gerasimos Hionis; From St. Demetrios and St. Nicholas Greek Afternoon School, Union, NJ: Christine Tolias; From Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek School, richmond, VA: Chris Kourlesis and Anastasia Meleties; From the Greek School of Plato, Brooklyn, NY Pamela Davanelos and Katerina Grafakos. independent Students Billy Kiakotos, Christos Kougentakis and Poppy Markou and from Francis Lewis High School, Fresh Meadows, NY: Krystle Giannopoulos, and from W.C. Bryant High School, Astoria, NY: George Papadopoulos. and Hellenism, the tradition of the Holy Fathers of the Church, and you are the carriers of this tradition which calls you to be outstanding and excellent students. You are called to be champions of Education,” said the Archbishop in his sermon to the students. Many students took Holy Communion and the Archbishop personally distributed the antidoron to all. Later students of the Cathedral School presented a short but well executed recital. The evening of Jan. 30, Dr. George Bebis, professor of Patristics Emeritus at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology gave an enlightening lecture on the life of St. John Chrysostom and his Accusers. The program also included a musical part performed by soprano Eleni Calenos and pianist Ioannis Potamousis.

ETA PRESS

The recepients of the Three Hierarchs Award of Excellence with Archbishop Demetrios and (L to R second row) Athena Kromidas, Stephen Cherpelis, Dr. Ioannis Efthymiopoulos, Dr. John Spiridakis, Maria Makedon and Anastasios Koularmanis.