Orthodox Observer - March/April 2007 by Orthodox Marketplace

Christ is Risen! MARCH-APRIL 2007 • Vol. 72 • No. 1229

ARCHIEPISCOPAL ENCYCLICAL

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

$1.25 per copy

For us today, the assuring words of this Epistle continue to provide us with their intended effect, which is that our faith in Christ is not futile and that, because of the reality of His resurrection, we are no longer held captive to our sins. The second verse of the Paschal hymn explains to us the extraordinary manner by which Christ conquered death’s dominion over us once and for all: “Trampling death by death.” When Jesus was crucified, He took on the sins of all humanity and suffered a Christ is risen from the dead, death the intensity of which remains trampling death by death, truly incomprehensible to us as huAnd to those in the tombs man beings. This demonstrates the granting life. unending love of our God, Who took on human flesh and Who died on a To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, Cross for our salvation. By submitthe Reverend Priests and Deacons, the ting Himself to death, Christ not only Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and annihilated sin but also death. The Members of the Parish Councils of the final defeat of the archenemy death Greek Orthodox Communities, the could not happen but only through Distinguished Archons of the Ecumendeath itself, not an ordinary death, ical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, however, but the death of God who and Church Schools, the Philoptochos became man. Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic The third and final verse of the Organizations, and the entire Greek beautiful hymn of Pascha reveals Orthodox Family in America. the very essence of the feast, for it encapsulates the full consequence of Beloved Brothers Christ’s resurrection from the dead: and sisters in Christ, “And to those in the tombs granting life.” To all of us on this day then, this Χριστός Ἀνέστη!, Christ is Risen! is a day of promise and of hope for life everlasting with Him. This last verse On this most sacred of Feasts in reiterates the message that St. Paul our Church, we gather together in joy was communicating to the Romans and in love, celebrating the presence when he wrote that as Christians we of the Risen Lord in our midst, and are dead to sin but alive in Christ: singing with one voice the triumphant We were buried therefore with Him hymn “Christ is risen from the dead, by baptism into death, so that as trampling death by death, and to Christ was raised from the dead by those in the tombs granting life.” the glory of the Father, we too might This day of the Resurrection walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). marks the beginning of an explosion This is the message of our Orthodox of joy that comes immediately after Christian faith which we celebrate the spiritually intense period of Great on this day, and indeed every day of Lent and Holy Week, and this beautiour earthly lives. It is a message that ful hymn captures in three verses the proclaims our ultimate victory and fundamental message of the Feast of triumph over all forces of darkness the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus that attempt to impede our progChrist. This is a message of victory, ress on the road of salvation toward of love, and of hope in life everlasteternal life with Christ Jesus. This is ing. On this day, and throughout the our destiny as Orthodox Christians, Paschal season over the next several for we have been saved by Christ weeks, we proclaim this message of Who offers us the opportunity to live victory, love, and hope together in eternally with Him in the kingdom of song through this beautiful hymn at God’s joy. the beginning of each divine service It is in this spirit that our rein our Church. This hymn, simple in peated chanting of this triumphant form yet deep in power, is worthy of hymn will enable us to come closer studying as we seek to fully underand closer toward understanding the stand our celebration of Holy Pascha, power of its saving message: Χριστός The Ressurection – St. Catherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai. circa 1280 the Feast of Feasts of our Orthodox Ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη! Christ is Church. Risen! Truly the Lord is Risen! May The first verse of this hymn expresses the facticity and reality of the Resurrection the joy and eternal peace of the Risen Christ abide with all of you, and may you walk of Jesus Christ, “Christ is risen from the dead.” The reality of the resurrection has been in the newness of life in Christ forever. a distinguishing feature of Christianity from the earliest of times. St. Paul expresses With my warmest Paschal wishes and love in the Risen Christ, this idea to the Corinthians by a paradoxical statement: If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins (I Corinthians 15:17). In the same context, St. Paul declares unequivocally that Christ has been raised from the dead, that He appeared after His resurrection to as many as five hundred people at one † Archbishop DeMetRiOs of America time, most of whom were still alive when St. Paul was writing. (I Corinthians 15:6).

Holy Pascha The Feast of Feasts

A RCHDIOCESE N E WS

MARCH-APRIL 2007

L100 Approves Grants of $2.5 Million NAPLES, Fla.–The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund executive committee approved more than $2.5 million in new and continuing grants for 2007 at the organization’s recent 16th annual conference. The conference also included an address by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who received the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Award for Excellence for exemplifying in his leadership the values and principles of Orthodoxy and Hellenism. It marked the first time the award was presented to someone outside the Greek Orthodox community.

MIAMI – The host committee, cochaired by the Very Rev. Stavroforos Mamaies, Evangeline Mekras Scurtis and Dr. Elaine Andrews Lailas, is currently finalizing the events that will take place during the 2007 St. John Chrysostom Archdiocese Oratorical Festival to be held during the weekend of June 15-17.

Grant recipients

Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology received the bulk of the funding – $1,472.935 – and commitments totaling more than $3 million. The Archdiocese National Ministries will receive $886,145. Other recipients included the Metropolis of San Francisco, $100,000 for a Family Wellness Center; the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, $50,000 for Campus Ministry; and Retired Clergy in Need, $12,600 pension supplement. The majority of funding for Hellenic College/Holy Cross in 2007, $1,121,660, will go toward the continuation of a 10year, $10 million scholarship program. Supplemental funding of $1,420,000 million through 2020 was also approved for the incoming seminarian class of 2007. Additional funding of $250,000 over four years was awarded to the school for a major infrastructure plan to modernize, integrate and connect its administrative and telecommunications systems, building a massive fiber-optic ring that will circumnavigate the school’s campus. The Archdiocese will receive previously approved funding for Internet Ministries ($165,200); Archives Digitization ($100,000 over three years); and Religious Education ($94,820). New funding will also go to: Greek Education Teacher Development ($135,000); the Center for Family Care ($132,950); Parish Stewardship and Development ($121,240); the Home Mission Parish Program ($102,000); Office of the Archbishop Correspondence Tracking System ($84,500); Preparing for Marriage and Beyond ($29,410); and a Youth Protection Manual ($22,300). George D. Behrakis, Leadership 100 chairman, said the grants represent “a broader range of support for both Orthodoxy and Hellenism, continued substantial support of Hellenic College/Holy Cross as a strategic priority to ensure well-trained highly qualified priests to serve parishes for decades to come and innovative support for the Metropolises of the Church.”

by Presvytera Margaret Orfanakos Photos: D. PANAGOS

honoree former new York Mayor rudolph Giuliani with Archbishop Demetrios and L 100 ofﬁcials Paulette Poulos (left) and George Behrakis (r) with his wife.

members of Leadership 100, psychiatrist Dr. Susan Deakins and psychologist Dr. Marjorie Moyar, and a Business Forum led by John P. Calamos, also a member, and well-know head of Calamos Asset Management. Other speakers included Professor Speros Vryonis who spoke on the mid-20th century Turkish pogrom of Greeks in Asia Minor, cardiologist Dr. Peter C. Gazes, and the New York columnist Jane Brody, who spoke on Heart Attack Survival and Nutrition, Health and Wellness.

Board election

John P. Calamos in a warm exchange with Archbishop Demetrios.

Prior to the opening day, Leadership 100 Chairman George D. Behrakis of Lowell, Mass., presided at meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of the more than 20-year-old national charitable organization that supports the ministries of the Greek Orthodox Church and promotes Orthodoxy and Hellenism in America. The Board reelected 13 of its 45 members and founders, and George Tsandikos of the Archdiocesan District to one existing vacancy. Also elected were three members of its 15-member Executive Committee. Mr. Behrakis reported current membership of 721 with 50 new members, contributions of almost $50 million over that period, investment in the endowment rising to more than $62 million and total assets approaching $80 million. He

Featured speakers

The conference, held Feb. 1-3, featured a program of speakers under the theme “Heritage of Hope,” which included a presentation by Archbishop Demetrios on the history of the Orthodox Church. A forum on health focused on “Recovery for Living”, conducted by two

USPS 412340

ISSN 0731-2547

Published bi-monthly except single issue in September and December by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Editorial and Business Ofﬁce: 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021. TEL.: (212) 570-3555, 774-0235. FAX (212) 774-0239.

Atlanta Metropolis Plans Exciting Oratorical Festival Weekend

Dr. Marjorie Moyar and Dr. Susan Deakins address the Leadership 100 members.

emphasized that this success was best measured by the more than $20 million in grants given out that provided scholarships for candidates for the priesthood, assistance with student loans for active clergy, aid to retired clergy and presbyteres, support for the technology infrastructure of the Archdiocese and its Internet Ministries and general support for programs that promote Orthodoxy and Hellenism. At the General Assembly meeting, the more than 150 delegates were introduced to Leadership 100 Partners, a new program allowing young professionals to join Leadership 100 at reduced levels of contributions congruent with their age and advancement but culminating in the same overall commitment of $100,000. The audit committee report noted that Leadership 100 is on sound financial footing with a relatively small percentage of expenses against revenue that ranked it high amongst charitable organizations. Paulette Poulos, the interim executive director and director of development, described the process of vetting the membership roles with the purpose of reactivating dormant or non-current members, resulting in 16 reactivated memberships. In addition to the 50 new members, she reported an increase of 31 fulfilled members (those who have paid fully the commitment of $100,000), for a total of 313 members.

DIRECTOR & EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Stavros H. Papagermanos EDITOR: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis)

Periodicals’ postage paid at New York, NY 10001 and at additional mailing offices. The Orthodox Observer is produced entirely in-house. Past issues can be found on the Internet, at: www.observer.goarch.org • E-mail: observer@goarch.org

PRODUCTION- ADVERTISING: Eleftherios Pissalidis ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Soula Podaras COLOR CORRECTION: Abel Montoya

Subscription rates are $12 per year. Canada $25.00. Overseas Air Mail, $55.00 per year. $1.50 per copy. Subscriptions for the membership of the Greek Orthodox Church in America are paid through their contribution to the Archdiocese. Of this contribution, $5.00 is forwarded to the Orthodox Observer.

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Nicholas Manginas

Articles do not necessarily reﬂect the views and opinions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which are expressed in ofﬁcial statements so labeled.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ORTHODOX OBSERVER, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021

The 18 national finalists, upon their arrival in Miami and check-in at the Intercontinental Miami, will receive a “welcome-bag” filled with memorabilia of the host city. They and their families will then attend a Paraklesis at St. Sophia Cathedral and be welcomed by the His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and the Very Rev. Stavroforos Mamaies, the Cathedral dean. A dinner social and ice-breaker will follow. Special guests for the weekend will be Archbishop Demetrios and Dr. Anton Vrame, director of the Department of Religious Education. The Oratorical Festival will be held on Saturday morning at the St. Sophia Cathedral. It is expected that many faithful will attend this exciting annual event. The Oratorical Festival results will be announced at the Awards Luncheon to be held immediately after speech presentations at the Cathedral. The top speaker in each division will receive a $2,000 college scholarship; second place speakers will receive a $1,500 college scholarship and the speakers who receive third place recognition will each be awarded a $1,000 college scholarship. The other metropolis finalists will receive a rank of Honorable Mention and will be given a $500 US Savings Bond. Anyone wishing to donate to the Oratorical Festival Foundation, which makes these scholarships possible, may do so by contacting the Department of Religious Education at 800-566-1088. The host committee is planning a boat tour of Miami Beach at Bayside on Saturday afternoon. This will give the metropolis finalists and their families another opportunity to enjoy fellowship with one another. The day will end with a barbeque at the Riviera Country Club Coral Gables. A Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Sunday at St. Sophia Cathedral. Celebrants will be Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Alexios, as well as, Fr. John Orfanakos, Archdiocese co-chairman of the festival, and the Very Rev. Stavroforos Mamaies. The weekend will come to a close with a farewell luncheon. The theme for 2007 is The Menaia. While all parish festivals and district Oratorical festivals have already taken place, individuals may still have the opportunity to hear the speakers at one of the Metropolis oratorical festivals held throughout the Archdiocese. Most take place during May. The Oratorical Festival will continue to grow if we, as Greek Orthodoxy faithful, support it and encourage our youth to participate, encourage nonparticipants to attend, and by contributing monetarily to the Oratorical Festival Scholarship Foundation.

MARCH-APRIL 2007

A RCHDIOCESE N E WS

President Bush Pays Tribute to the Greek Orthodox Church ConGrAtULAteS ArChBiShoP DeMetrioS on hiS 40th AnniVerSArY in the ePiSCoPACY WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush welcomed Archbishop Demetrios and members of the Greek American community to the White House on March 23 in celebration of the 186th anniversary of Greek Independence. Foreign Minister of Greece Dora Bakoyannis, Greek and Cypriot diplomats, government officials and Greek Americans from throughout the United States attended the ceremony in the East Room. In his opening remarks, Archbishop Demetrios noted, “This is the seventh time

SPeAKer of the house nancy Pelosi with his eminence following the luncheon in his honor.

we are together in celebrating Greek Independence Day.” The Archbishop acknowledged the similarities between the Greek Revolution of 1821 and the American War for Independence. "Both truly world-changing revolutions share two basic characteristics,” he said. “First, they were dominated by a tremendous passion for freedom, liberty, and independence for individuals, societies, and nations. Second, they were equally dominated by an intense belief in a God, Who is the source of that freedom and independence, and who is at the same time the ultimate and absolute Guarantor of these principles." In his response, President Bush recognized 2007 as the Archbishop’s 40th anniversary to the Episcopacy and spoke of his valued friendship with him. “I will tell Your Eminence, I value our friendship. You're such a gentle soul, and it gives me great – it soothes my spirit to be with you. I appreciate your prayers and

I appreciate your leadership, and I am proud to join you in celebrating the 186th anniversary of Greek independence.” Further in his address the President added: “The Greek Orthodox Church counts more than 1 million members in the United States, and it plays a vital role in the spiritual life of our nation. Your Eminence, I thank you, and congratulate you on 40 years of ministry as a bishop. You're providing necessary and important leadership here in the United States. You are a man of wisdom. You're a man of prayer. I appreciated your thoughtful response to me and Laura after the September the 11th attacks. These were tough times for our nation, and your comforting call meant a lot to me. “I thank you for your determination to rebuild what was lost on that terrible day. On 9/11 the terrorists who struck Manhattan brought down not only magnificent skyscrapers, but a humble house of worship. Before those attacks, St. Nicholas

Ms. Townsend expressed tremendous pride in being a member of the Greek American community serving in government. “We who are Greek,” said Ms. Townsend, “share a passion for selfless service. This is what characterizes our nationality . . . it is the heart of who I am in my Greek background!” In his remarks, Archbishop Demetrios recalled how an embroidered icon of the Mother of God was used by Bishop Germanos of old Patras as a banner to declare the beginning of the Greek Revolution on March 25, 1821. “This symbol was not accidental,” said the Archbishop, “It makes a connection with the very holy in terms of religion with the very holy of human dignity which is freedom and independence.” Archbishop Demetrios concluded his comments by noting the historic correspondence between President Thomas Jefferson and Adamantios Koraes, a Greek physician, intellectual, scholar and an early proponent of the Greek Revolution who wrote many times to Jefferson asking for his support in the struggle for Greek independence. Quoting from one of Jefferson’s letters to Koraes, the Archbishop singled out the words of Jefferson who said, “The blood of Homer, Demosthenes, and the splendid constellation of Sages and Heroes still flows in the veins of the modern day Greek people and whose

ArChBiShoP Demetrios addresses President Bush and the gathering at the White house east room.

Photos: D. PANAGOS

FoLLoWinG a breakfast for newly elected Greek-American Congressmen (L to r) Andy Manatos, Zack Space, Archbishop Demetrios, Gus Bilirakis, Andy Athens, and Fr. Alex Karloutsos.

Church stood just south of the second tower of the World Trade Center. “Your vision is for a new St. Nicholas to rise just a few steps from its original site. And with your help, St. Nicholas will once again be a sanctuary of faith in New York's financial district, and a new center of reconciliation for visitors from all over the world. “I thank you very much, Your Eminence, for gracing this house. This is the people's house. This belongs to everybody who's an American. I thank you for your vision of peace. I thank you for your spirituality. And I thank you for joining me as we celebrate Greek Independence Day.” The president also emphasized his appreciation to the Greek Nation by acknowledging the attendance of Foreign Minister of Greece Dora Bakoyannis, Greek and Cypriot diplomats, government officials and other Greek Americans from throughout the United States.

Blair House Dinner

the ArChBiShoP lays a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington national Cemetery.

On the evening of March 22, Homeland Security Advisor Frances Fragos Townsend hosted a dinner in honor of Archbishop Demetrios at the Blair House. Guests included the Foreign Minister of Greece Dora Bakoyianni, Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, officials, and diplomats of the Greek American community.

merits are still resting, as a heavy debt, on the shoulders of the living and the future races of men.”

Additional Events

This year’s celebration of Greek Independence Day offered an opportunity for additional gatherings and meetings with many political leaders. On March 22, Archbishop Demetrios hosted a breakfast for newly elected Greek American members of Congress, U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis of Florida and Zack Space of Ohio attended and had an edifying discussion with His Eminence. U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes of Maryland could not attend due to a previous commitment. Later in the day, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi hosted a luncheon at the Capitol in honor of Archbishop Demetrios. The Archbishop also held private meetings with Foreign Minister Bakoyannis, Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. Preceding the visit to the White House, His Eminence also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in a moving ceremony that also honored the memory of the fallen during the Greek War of Independence. – SHP

MARCH-APRIL 2007

St. Photios Shrine Celebrates Greek Orthodox Pioneers In the oldest city in America, in the very place where the first Greek settlers gathered for worship and fellowship in the late 1700’s, Greek Orthodox Christians came to celebrate the 25th anniversary of St. Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine. by Marissa P. Costidis

Walking into the Shrine feels like walking into a home, a place where one can rest, both physically and spiritually, just as the weary travelers of long ago did. The Shrine, one of the four national institutions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is located in the heart of St. Augustine, our nation’s oldest permanently settled European city. During the first weekend in February, pilgrims from across America came to join in the celebration, honoring those Greek Orthodox pioneers whose wish for freedom and a better life for themselves and their children brought them across the ocean to an unknown land. The 25th anniversary celebration began Feb. 3 with a memorial service at Tolomato Cemetery. Immediately following was the Great Vespers and Artoclasia, officiated by Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, Bishop John of Amorion, Bishop Dimitrios of xanthos, Shrine Executive Director Fr. Nicholas Graff, and other local clergy. On Feb.4, Archbishop Demetrios was the guest of honor as Fr. Graff and the shrine’s Board of Trustees welcomed him. The Archbishop was presented with flowers by Venetia Lagoutaris. Waiting with rose petals at the Shrine were more young children from St. John the Divine parish in Jacksonville. The moving Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the small Chapel of St. Photios

Photos: D. PANAGOS

DiVine Liturgy at the small chapel of St. Photios (L to r) Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Bishop John of Amorion, Fr. nicholas Graff, Archbishop Demetrios, Fr. nicholas triantaﬁlou and Metropolitan nicholas of Detroit.

Shrine, which was built on the actual footprints of the Avero House. This historic house was excavated by the city of St. Augustine in the 1970’s. Remnants of a wooden Orthodox cross were found, confirming that this house was a place where the first Greek Orthodox settlers came to worship together. Also participating in and attending the Divine Liturgy were Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, the former director of St. Photios Shrine Bishop Dimitrios of xanthos, Fr. Graff, Bishop John of Amorion, the chief secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod the V. Rev. Sebastian Scordallos, President of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology the Rev. Nicholas Triantafilou, the director of the Orthodox Christian Mis-

sion Center (OCMC) the Rev. Martin Ritsi, development director of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund Ms. Paulette Poulos Trustees and dedicated faithful. Professor of Byzantine Music at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Photios Ketzetsis chanted the service. Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, a luncheon was held at the nearby Santa Monica Hotel. The annual luncheon offers an opportunity to honor those who make the Shrine possible. Archbishop Demetrios praised Fr. Graff, the trustees and benefactors of the Shrine in attendance: Mrs. Eula Carlos,

whose $1 million pledge for the Archbishop Iakovos Enhancement and Endowment Fund for St. Photios Shrine was announced at the luncheon, and also Charles Masterpolis, who offered a $1 million gift last year for the Endowment Fund. After receiving a recognition plaque, a tearful Eula Carlos stated, “I am delighted to be here today. St. Photios Shrine has always been a very dear part of me and my late husband, Andrew. And I am so happy to be here today to be part of the past the present and the future for St. Photios.” Also recognized and honored at the luncheon were Gary and Faye Peterson who received the special St. Photios Award for Volunteerism and Supreme President

May the Love, Peace and Joy of the Resurrection live in our hearts now and forever more

CHRISTOS ANESTI! George D. Behrakis, Chairman Stephen G. Yeonas, Vice Chairman Constantine G. Caras, Treasurer Mark D. Stavropoulos, Secretary Serving Orthodoxy and Hellenism in America



MARCH-APRIL 2007

Καλό Πάσχα! The AHEPA Family Wishes Everyone A Happy and Healthy Easter!

At the 25th Anniversary (L to R) Harry Cavalaris, vice President of the Board; Rev. Constantine Zozos; Grand Benefactor Charles Masterpolis; Archbishop Demetrios of America; Grand Benefactor Eula Carlos; Very Reverend Nicholas T. Graff, executive director; and Nicholas J. Furris, 2nd vice president.



of the Order of AHEPA Gus J. James II, who, on behalf of AHEPA, received the St. Photios Award in recognition of their 75 years of philanthropic commitment and dedication to the early Greek settlers. In 1982, the Order of AHEPA paid off the mortgage of the Shrine. Upon receiving the award for AHEPA, Mr. James commented, “The Shrine is something that Ahepans as individuals and as organizationally commit to. We are delighted and privileged to be a part of this and to be able to help the Shrine throughout the years.” Archbishop Demetrios gave the keynote address at the luncheon, which was attended by over 200 friends and faithful. His Eminence spoke of the treasure that is St. Photios Shine and the wise naming of St. Photios the Great as its protector. The Church recognizes St. Photios, a 9th century patriarch of Constantinople whose feast day is Feb. 6, for his missionary work and as a great theologian and pastor. Archbishop Demetrios also congratulated the Shrine’s committed workers for their hard work and continuous ascending accomplishments. He commented, “This is not a façade, but a real achievement. The Shrine not only honors history, but points to the future. The Shrine projects our treasure in a charming environment. As you walk thought the streets you walk through history.” St. Photios Shrine was dedicated by Archbishop Iakovos to commemorate the first colony of Hellenes who arrived by ocean voyage on June 26, 1768. The Shrine is overseen by a Board of Trustees that meets annually. This year’s meeting on Feb. 3 covered many areas of concern including ongoing enhancements and maintenance, growing the Endowment Fund and creating a national presence in Washington so the Shrine can be recognized as a historical institution with opportunities for government funding. When Fr. Graff, who also serves as pastor of St. John the Divine in Jacksonville, was appointed Director of the Shrine, he committed to growing St. Photios as a self-sustaining institution of the Archdiocese. To accomplish this, the Shrine relies on donation, bookstore sales and the sale of supplies to Greek Orthodox Churches nationwide. Harry Cavalaris, vice president of the Shrine urged the faithful across the country honor the brave settlers of the 1700’s, by participating in the “Wall of Tribute”, which offers an opportunity to make a donation of $2,000 to have their name or the name of a loved one placed on a plaque near the Shrine entrance.

Another program, “Light a Candle,” offers a chance to light a candle in memory of a special person. Mr. Cavalaris also stated that St. Photios is a high maintenance facility because of the humid weather and termites in Florida. All repairs and maintenance are under the supervision of the Florida Historical Society because of the Shrine’s designation as a historical site. Each year, over 100,000 visitors walk through the shrine and its St. Photios Chapel. They see and venerate Byzantine style frescoes and icons of scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and the saints. Visitors can also view exhibits that depict the story of the first Greek colony in America. This free-standing exhibit contains artifacts, photographs and historical documents. Visitors can also view the video “Our Plymouth Rock,” which tells the story of Greek immigrants who found themselves in a hostile land to their struggle to become part of the life of America. The 25th anniversary celebration commemorates the 1982 dedication of the Shrine as a beacon to the faithful, maintaining and perpetuating Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage, which is offered to contemporary America.

St. Photios Shrine HISTORICAL Dates 1749 – Casa Avero (now St. Photios Shrine) built June 26, 1768 – Arrival of first Greeks colony November 1777 – English Governor Patrick Tonyn gives Avero House in St. Augustine to be used for respite and worship 1960 – Professor Panagopoulos of San Jose, CA happens upon tombstones bearing Greek names in the Tolomato Cemetery while vacationing in St. Augustine. This spurs three years of exhaustive research. March 1966 – Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North & South America purchases Avero House 1972 – Avero House is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places 1979 – Re-construction of Avero House completed February 27, 1982 – Dedication of St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine February 2007 – 25th Anniversary of St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

85 Years of Service to the Community Are you an Ahepan? Join AHEPA today! www.ahepa.org • ahepa@ahepa.org 1909 Q St., NW, Suite 500 • Washington, DC 20009 Phone: (202) 232-6300 • Fax: (202) 232-2140 To join AHEPA, visit www.ahepa.org Save the dates: 85th Supreme Convention • July 9-15, 2007 Denver, Colorado

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Communicating the Faith

The Lost Tomb of Christ? A Titanic Paschal Tale! In 1907, J. Bruce Ismay and Lord Pirrie dreamed up the idea to build luxurious ocean liners to compete in the transatlantic passenger market. A total of three ships were planned: the Olympic, the Titanic and the Gigantic. Once constructed, it was claimed that the Titanic was impregnable. by Rev. Frank Marangos

Nothing could sink her . . . “not even God Himself!” And yet, on April 15, 1912, the giant vessel rammed into an iceberg and sank. The result of such human hubris was the loss of countless lives. Screams and cries filled the air as 1,500 passengers floated in the freezing water. As the cries continued, only 705 survivors sat in lifeboats. It is an interesting irony that James Cameron, the Oscar-winning movie director who produced the enormously successful film “Titanic,” would now hold a news conference to launch a Titanic Tale concerning the Tomb of Jesus Christ. Like the ship that left Southampton, England, on its maiden voyage on in 1912, the yarn spun by Cameron and novelist Simcha Jacobovici is destined for a similar fate. The more serious problem lies not in the absurdity of their claim but in the number of unsuspecting individuals that will unfortunately choose to take passage on their ill-fated vessel. According to the Discovery Channel TV documentary produced by Cameron and Jacobovici, archaeologists have discovered the burial tomb of Jesus near Jerusalem. The documentary claims that the newly uncovered limestone ossuary provides indisputable evidence that Jesus sired a son with Mary Magdalene and, therefore, proves that the sensational account of Jesus Christ’s bodily resurrection and ascension is nothing but an elaborate hoax! Cameron and Jacobovici’s hypothesis is based on the 1980 discovery of ten 1st Century limestone bone boxes discovered in an excavated tomb in the Jerusalem suburb of Talpiot. Six of the ossuaries were inscribed with names similar to, or the same as, some of Jesus’ family and his disciples. The documentary further claims that DNA analysis identifies that tissues from the ossuaries of Jesua and Mariamene Mara were not related, raising the statistical possibility (600 to 1) that they may have been married and had a child. While understandably not cited in the film, the majority of biblical and archeological scholars challenge Cameron and Jacobovici’s assumptions, interpretation, and fantastic conclusions. According to experts, since the names found on the ossuaries were written in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek, the bodies were undoubtedly not buried in the same time period. Additionally, since ancient Semitic script is notoriously difficult to decipher scholars are divided on the claim that the names inscribed on the bone boxes even belong to Jesus Christ, his father Joseph, or Mary Magdalene. Although DNA tests conducted on residue from the ossuaries proved to be negative (indicating the two individuals were not related maternally) the conclusion that the bodies belonged to a husband and wife should be viewed as being speculative at best. A thorough examination of the Jesus Family Tomb theory raises a number

of significant questions. First, since the custom was to bury the dead in their hometown, why would Mary and Joseph’s family tomb be in Jerusalem? Even if Jesus' family had been wealthy enough to afford a rock-cut tomb, it would have been in Nazareth, not Jerusalem. Apart from Cameron and Jacobovici, other theorists place the tomb of Jesus in Srinagar , Kashmir , India or in the Shingo Village in Japan. If so, where is it . . . Nazareth , Jerusalem , Japan or India ? They can’t all be true. Second, if Jesus was wealthy enough to afford a stone-inscribed ossuary, why was he buried in a tomb belonging to Nicodemus? At the time of Jesus, wealthy families buried their dead in tombs cut by hand from solid rock. They put their bones in niches in the walls and then, later, transferred them to ossuaries. Poorer families buried their family members in humble graves. Third, if it existed why didn’t the Jewish leaders expose Jesus’ family tomb after they had unsuccessfully searched for any evidence of Jesus’ body? Why are we unable to find anything written by contemporary Roman or Jewish historians about the tomb? Fourth, if they had buried his bones in a family plot why would Jesus’ disciples endure torture for claiming that their Master had physically risen from the dead? The fifth, and perhaps most troubling question, pertains to the timing of the TV broadcast itself. Why did the Discovery Channel, Cameron and Jacobovici wait until the Christian Lenten Season to launch both the book and the documentary? According to Amos Kloner, the first archaeologist to examine the Talpiot site, “the idea fails to hold up by archaeological standards but makes for profitable television.” On April 15, the Orthodox Church commemorates the faith-changing experience of one of Jesus’ disciples known as Thomas. Demanding the opportunity to touch and see the bodily wounds of Jesus before he would believe in the Resurrection, Thomas has become synonymous with individuals who doubt the claims of Christianity. What should be apparent, however, is that, while Thomas did come to touch and hence believe, Jesus insists that those who will believe without the benefit of tactile experience are, “blessed indeed!” A Hymn of the Sunday of Saint Thomas states: “You, O Christ, who arose from the tomb as God, we who see not with our eyes, but who have believed with the longing of the heart, in hymns we magnify.” Christ invites His children to question, investigate and search. In fact, a hymn of the Sunday of Thomas asserts that Jesus “rejoices” when He is “searched.” Consequently, like he did for Thomas, Christ continually offers his wounded side and hands for inspection to disbelievers throughout the ages, hopeful that they will, in turn, confirm that He is indeed the Risen Lord. “Touch my side with your hand,” Jesus encourages in another hymn of the Sunday of Thomas, “come, handle the marks of the nails; investigate with faith and become faithful to me.” In the end, the problem with queries and investigations such as those pursued

 page 25

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Merrick Cultural Center Model Unveiled

MERRICK, N.Y. – Archbishop Demetrios unveiled the completed architectural model of the proposed cultural center at St. Demetrios Church on Sunday, Jan. 14 after the completion of the Divine Liturgy. The unveiling took place at the church as His Eminence invited young people of the parish to assist him in the ceremony of the presentation of the architectural model. The Archbishop said he was impressed by the efficiency of the design. He noted that, if such a project were built in Greece, it would be under the supervision of the Minister of Education, the Minister of Athletics and the Minister of Culture. Fr. Nikiforos said that a unique feature of this design is the youth and parish organizations were involved in the designing of the center. For this reason, the veil that was removed during the ceremony did not just uncover an architectural model, but it also revealed a vision, a goal and the future. Fr. Fakinos concluded that the brilliant design of the architectural firm of Stephen Papadatos has only one flaw. It requires more brilliant people who will understand how significant this project is and who will support it and contribute for its completion. People who want to make great things happen; just like the people who built the Parthenon and the Haghia Sophia, these people have a vision and faith. The architect has produced the designs of many churches, centers and other edifices of public use in United States, Europe and South America. His most recent works include the James W. Psihos Cultural Center in Milwaukee and the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana, Albania. The Merrick center consists of a 55,000 square-foot structure, which will be the spiritual, administrative, cultural, social and educational heart of the community. It will be four-story building and its undulating roof represents the Aegean Sea, which inspired poets (from Homer to Elytis), writers and, even architects. The roof design serves a practical purpose - to collect the rain water, which is then stored for gardening and cleaning. Thus, the ground is not overstressed with humidity and thousands of gallons of water are saved every year. The pillars of the center retain thermal energy for the winter and cooled air in the summer, thus, reducing energy costs and being environmentally friendly. Even the basement has a unique feature: a translucent roof, so that natural light may illuminate during the day, saving in energy costs. The design of the building invites natural light in all areas. Another unique feature of the cultural center is its interior design. There is a state-of-the-art gymnasium, combined with fellowship area and an auditorium. There is an exercise room, reclining bleachers, theater stage and a professional kitchen. Also, there is provision for the proposed museum, library, audio-visual room, theater projection hall, computer room and fellowship areas. Outside, there are beautifully designed gardens, an amphitheater, three roof gardens and areas for children playing and picture taking. The future kindergarten of the community is incorporated in the design as well as a

CLERGY

school for the religious and Greek education programs. There is even provision for music classes, tutoring, sports practices and seminars in the center. Dimitris Fillas, chairman of the community center committee, expressed his gratification with regards to the timely completion of the designs. He also noted that the architect fulfilled all the requirements that were set in the original proposal. Nick Stathopoulos, chairman of the fund-raising committee, said he is confident the project will be completed according to schedule because many people support the causes this center serves. The mission statement of the center states: “Educational and youth programs are the foundation of a civilized society; we need to preserve our cultural roots and our spiritual heritage.” The project also needs a grand benefactor who will name the edifice for all future generations to benefit from such a charitable function. The completion of the architectural designs was met with the expressions of support from many public figures and dignitaries. President George W. Bush, President of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos, Consul General of Greece in New York Ekaterini Bouras, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and state Sen. Charles Fuscillo were among the many government officials who expressed their support for the completion of the project and the great purposes it serves. Tassos Papadopoulos also donated on behalf of the people of Cyprus a series of books to be used for the library. The president of the Parish Council, Athanasios Pragias, noted the historic significance of this project. He reported that many of the programs already exist; however, the Center will enrich them and facilitate their successful operation in the future. The community offers educational, athletic, social, charitable and spiritual activities that are pioneering in many respects. There is a phenomenal program to assist children suffering from leukemia, many youth retreats and an outreach program for people of all ages. Mr. Pragias thanked Fr. Nikiforos who, besides his spiritual role, has also exhibited great interest in the educational function of the community. Fr. Nikiforos has organized a method of teaching history to the youth, which incorporates many modern instructional devices, such as audio-visual equipment, museum and artifact exhibitions, photographic material and seminars presented by University professors. The ministry of education of Greece and many foundations have provided instructional material for that purpose. Religious education and the preservation of our cultural heritage are the two pillars that have supported our identity and motivate our youth for a successful and productive future. Fr. Nikiforos is very enthusiastic about the progress of the project; he is also happy that his enthusiasm is shared with the people who are eagerly looking forward to see the cultural center completed very soon. Fr. Nikiforos concluded that “the center will be a sapphire next to the diamond of the Church of St. Demetrios.”

UPDATE

Ordination to the Diaconate Streza, Ciprian by Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit in the Chapel of Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, 01/14/07 Assignments Fr. Constantine Douvikas – St. Nectarios Church, Covina, Calif., 02/15/07 Fr. R. Nicholas Rafael II – St. Anthony Church, Vineland, N.J.,03/15/07 Fr. Christos Christakis – Annunciation Church, Buffalo, N.Y., 03/16/07

Fr. Jon S. Boukis – Assumption Church, East Moline, Ill., 03/22/07 Offikia Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta bestowed the office of Economos upon Fr. Gregorios Waynick, 03/04/07 Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver bestowed the office of Economos upon Fr. James S. Katinas, 03/18/07 Retired Priests Fr. Christos P. Matos, 02/01/06

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Christ Is Risen

This Easter Sunday, we will triumphantly proclaim our Faith that “Christ is Risen.” The theology of our Church and the essence of its message are treasured in this joyful confession of faith. These words contain the Gospel–the evangel ion–the good news of the newness of life, the proclamation of our Lord’s victory over evil and death. The sovereignty and power and hopelessness of death, the corruption of the grave were supplanted by the joy of everlasting life. by Metropolitan Methodios

On April 8, we will once again celebrate the glorious Resurrection of Christ our Savior Who arose from the tomb. As the conqueror of death and angel of eternal good things and joy, the risen Lord granted new life which “no one can take away from us.” Within the pages of the sacred texts of the New Testament, the joy of the Disciples and “all those who with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers” (Acts 1:14) is joyful proclaimed. The Holy Scriptures constitute the inexhaustible source from which we draw knowledge, faith and the sureness of the Resurrection. Justly is the Orthodox Church known as the Church of the Resurrection, because she lives the sacred events of the last days of Christ’s earthly life and His Holy Resurrection. This biblical faith is proclaimed during the Divine Liturgy which we celebrate in memory and thanksgiving of those events. The Divine Liturgy remains the fundamental cornerstone of our Orthodox Faith and Tradition which symbolically and mystically represents the event of the Resurrection, and declares the joy, the hope, and the light which sprang from the life-giving tomb. Easter for us Orthodox is the Church’s “Amen” to the fact that Jesus, Who was crucified, Who died and was buried, has risen from the dead. Easter is the assurance that our faith in the Lord is not in vain. Easter brings to the individual believer the gift of forgiveness and the assurance of everlasting life. Easter is the dawn of that new creation which celebrates our communion with the triune God. Easter is the full flowering of divine love. God loves us with an everlasting love. Not only is the Lord in the glory of God forever and ever, but we too are destined to be with Him forever: “Where I am, you shall be.” Easter is hope, a hope that never fades in a new and everlasting day. The hope born of Easter is time measured by the eternal now of God’s presence. Easter is the hope born of life in Christ, “the same yesterday, today and forever.” Easter is that peace which only the Lord can give. Easter is the Risen Lord coming into our lives through the locked

doors of our loneliness, our sadness, our pain and our fear to say to us, “Peace be with you.” Easter is ultimately the gift of His presence, a presence which demands no other conditions except a welcoming heart. Easter is the excitement of the discovery that the Lord has risen. Easter is the Paschal Candle shattering the darkness of midnight and proclaiming the Risen Lord to be the light of the world. Easter is our tapers set ablaze by the Paschal candle, calling us to be a light for others. To be, as the Church, a communion of life, of love and of truth. In the Resurrection, we witness the triumph of life and the final victory of eternal values. By the Resurrection justice is restored. Truth and virtue reign. Love and freedom are liberated. This is the theme of the Feast of Easter. This is the meaning of the empty tomb of Christ. This is the joy which Orthodoxy has been joyfully proclaiming day after day and year after year for twenty one centuries, preaching as she does the newness of life as the fruit of the Resurrection with the words of St. John Damascene: “We witness the deathness of death. We proclaim the annihilation of Hell. We inaugurate the beginning of eternal life.” The meaning of this new understanding of life, though surrounded by a mystery beyond our mental conception, is clarified by the faith of the new followers of the risen Lord, and later by the myriads of martyrs who did not hesitate to confess their religious convictions, converting their own executioners to the Faith of the Resurrection. They are the first-fruit of the new creation for which the sacrifice and the Resurrection of Christ are responsible. They are the leaders of the glorious procession of the Saints which marches on till this day. Every age manifests new saints and martyrs because Christian heroism is inexhaustible and Christian courage is invincible, for the faith which the Church of Christ proclaims is destined to be victorious. This victory is ours, but only when we die to self and live in Christ. This is what we, the followers of Christ, are expected to do. To lead humanity in reaching a higher level both in thought and deed. To influence the world to practice justice and to seek peace. To express sincere repentance and apply the commandments of our Lord. To make the truth of the Resurrection known to one and all by our devotion to the Church, by the warmth of our faith, and by our works of love, truth and justice. Proclaiming the truth and joy of the Resurrection, let us pray that we may experience the feeling of those who received the risen Christ. Christos Anesti! May the light of His Resurrection brighten the path of your life.

Doc Orth ad:Layout 1

2/16/07

9:49 AM

Page 1

nduring A E , g rtw rin i p ork s In Conrad Schmitt Studios has been privileged to provide award-winning liturgical and artistic solutions for updating, decorating and preserving interior artistry and Orthodox iconography to enhance worship spaces since 1889. � � � �

Decoration and Restoration � Plaster Restoration, Flat and Ornamental Creation and Conservation of Stained Glass � Etched and Faceted Glass Mosaics � Investigation of Historic Decorative Schemes

Icons and Iconography Restoration and Conservation

Clients include: St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, New York, NY St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Des Plaines, IL - St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, Lansing, IL - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Oak Lawn, IL - Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Milwaukee, WI - St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Schererville, IN - Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago, IL - Kimissis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, Racine, WI - SS. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Palos Hills, IL - Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Lowell, MA - St. Basil Orthodox Church, Chicago, IL - Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church, Chicago, IL - St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Miami, FL - St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, Syracuse, NY

Nationwide Services

�

800-969-3033

�

www.conradschmitt.com

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Archpastoral Reflections An Abundance of Opportunities

The Feast of the Sunday of Orthodoxy The Hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas To all the Clergy and the Laity of the Holy Orthodox Churches in the Americas Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this the first Sunday of Great Lent, we the Hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas greet you in the peace and love of our Lord. Together, we have begun our Lenten journey with a week of prayer, fasting, and worship, seeking to strengthen our faith and renew our commitment to God and His will. Today, the inaugural week of Great Lent culminates in the celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, a commemoration of the triumph of the true Faith with the final restoration of the Holy Icons to the churches in the year 843. It is on this day that we hear once again the acclamation of those who signed the decree of the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787: "This is the faith of the Apostles, this is the faith of the Orthodox, this is the faith which has made firm the whole world." In this statement the bishops affirmed the Apostolic character of the faith. Why was it so essential that the faith be connected to the Apostles of our Lord? Why do we as Orthodox Christians continue to affirm this Apostolic character? How do we define and understand the nature of this link between our spiritual lives and the faith of these Saints who answered the call of the kingdom, followed Christ in ministry and witness, and established the Church through their testimony of His love? First, we know from the Holy Scriptures that the faith of the Apostles was in Christ alone and in His revelation of the divine will and work of the Holy Trinity. On the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter proclaimed, "God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36) It was to this Lord and Christ that the Apostles pointed through their preaching, teaching, and healing. They knew that He was the source of life and that faith in Him was the way to salvation. The Evangelist and Apostle John wrote, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). They also knew His power to help us overcome sin and live in intimate communion with God. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me", wrote the Apostle Paul (Galatians 2:20). Second, the faith of the Apostles was evangelistic and philanthropic. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, they became witnesses to Christ throughout the world (Acts 1:8). They preached Christ crucified and risen, and even when threatened with imprisonment and death they proclaimed, "We cannot but speak of the things which we have seen and heard” ( Acts 4:20). In addition to sharing the Gospel, the Apostles offered a witness of its truth through the power of healing and caring for those in need. They guided the early Christians in acts of charity, especially for the widows, orphans, and the poor, and they offered the saving mercy of God through miraculous healings in the name of Jesus Christ. Third, the faith of the Apostles was life-transforming. The life of each disciple of Christ was radically changed through an encounter with the Son of God. Simple, ordinary people became champions of the faith. In hearing the call to service, the Apostles sacrificed much for the sake of the Cross and offered their lives so that others might hear and believe in the Gospel of the kingdom. In so doing, their own lives were transformed in holiness, they were granted great wisdom, and they were received by our Lord into a blessed and eternal communion of life and love. This is the faith of the Apostles. This is our faith as Orthodox Christians, direct spiritual descendants of these holy ones who offer both their example and intercessions to all of us. This is the faith that we have inherited in truth and love, but it must also be the faith that we live. If we proclaim our faith as that of the Apostles, then we must believe above all in Christ and salvation through Him. Our faith must be visible through a constant witness of God's grace and through acts of compassion, so that both the spiritual and physical needs of others may be met, and they may know of the power of the Gospel. Most importantly, we should understand that the genuine, Apostolic faith will change our lives. Our Lord is calling us "out of darkness and into His marvelous light to become the people of God " (I Peter 2:9). As we celebrate Sunday of Orthodoxy, as we continue this blessed and holy Lenten season towards the Holy Pascha, may we cherish this beautiful heritage of the Holy Apostles and allow it to guide us to a deeper communion with Jesus Christ and a greater understanding of life and faith. May we also seek the intercessions of the Apostles and of all of the Saints. They have made this journey before us, and through their lives and prayers they call us to keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord. With paternal blessings and love of Christ † Archbishop DEMETRIOS, Chairman Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America † Metropolitan PHILIP, Vice Chairman Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America † Metropolitan CHRISTOPHER, Secretary Serbian Orthodox Church in the USA and Canada † Metropolitan NICHOLAS of Amissos,Treasurer American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox

Diocese in the USA † Metropolitan HERMAN Orthodox Church in America † Archbishop NICOLAE Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada † Metropolitan JOSEPH Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church † Metropolitan CONSTANTINE Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA † Bishop ILIA of PhilomelionAlbanian Orthodox Diocese of America

March provided us with beautiful opportunities to experience the season of Great and Holy Lent. There has been an abundance of opportunities for worship and for our spiritual and intellectual growth as Greek Orthodox Christians. During these weeks we focused our discipline of repentance, prayer, and fasting as we approach the saving Passion of Christ and His Resurrection. March, however, was also imbued with other very important elements of our faith that touch upon a central figure in the history of our salvation: the ever-Virgin Mary and Mother of God, the Theotokos.

by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America We venerate the Holy Virgin Mary through special services. These services included the Holy Salutations held on each Friday of Lent, which comprised the portions of the beautiful, rich, and illustrious hymn of the Akathist to the Theotokos. We also celebrated on March 25 the glorious Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, when the Archangel Gabriel told Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that she would give birth to a Son, whose name would be Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). In addition to being a month that is permeated by the Lenten spirit, March was also one that accorded a special focus to the Theotokos, whom we recognize as the "heavenly ladder by which God came down." (Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, First Stasis). As we consider the unique prominence of the Theotokos in our salvation, we are also prompted to consider many other roles appointed to her in her role as our Divine Protectress. This role relates specifically to our continuing discussion on the topic of security that we explored last month in our reflection on the role of the Saints. As we indicated, the Theotokos, is par excellence the invincible Protectress of us all. This role of the Theotokos is recognized theologically, historically, and liturgically. In theological terms, the Theotokos is our Protectress since she is the Mother of God. We know in our human experience that the pleadings between a mother and son can carry great weight. The very special and unique relationship that the Virgin Mary held with Jesus as her Son, our Lord, makes her a truly powerful intercessor for our salvation. Therefore, whenever we pray to God and ask the Theotokos to intercede for our salvation, we are invoking intercessions which carry a distinctively high degree of influence. This powerful role of the Theotokos as a Divine Protectress is recognized historically and liturgically. In as much as Christians throughout history have sought the intercessions of the Theotokos for spiritual salvation, they have also asked for her intercessions for physical protection itself. For example, historical accounts of entire masses of people praying for the intercessions of the Theotokos to protect them from physical danger have been documented throughout the history of Constantinople during the numerous times over the centuries when the city was under siege, until its eventual fall in 1453. Indeed, the role of the Theotokos as a Protectress is connected with the liberation of the modern Greek state from Ottoman oppression in 1821. The very special and ancient hymn known as "Ti Ipermaho ", which we chant every Friday this month during the Salutations service, and every Sunday as the Kontakion in the Divine Liturgy, is an example of our awareness of this special role of the Theotokos. One English translation of this beautiful hymn is as follows: “O Champion General, we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity, O Theotokos. But since you have invincible power, free us from all kinds of perils so that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.” That we continue to chant this hymn in our divine services speaks to the very real applicability of the Theotokos as a beacon for our physical security in our modern world. As we continue to reflect upon the definition and sources of security in our contemporary age, the role of the Theotokos is one of clear distinction and prominence in our lives as Orthodox Christians. During March, our Church provides us with numerous occasions to venerate the Theotokos as we acknowledge the unique role she plays in our salvation, especially as "An Unshakeable Protection of Christians," to use the words of another powerful hymn sung regularly in her honor. Appropriately, this month was an opportune time to reflect even more intensively upon the Mother of God as an incomparable source of our spiritual and physical protection. May she protect us all now and always. 8 East 79th Street New York, NY 10021



Fax:(212) 774-0239 e-mail: observer@goarch.org

DO YOU LIKE THE ORTHODOX OBSERVER? HAVE YOU SOMETHING TO SUGGEST? SEND US A FEW LINES...

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Archiepiscopal Encyclical

The Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day 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, During this Holy season of Lent we are blessed to commemorate the Feast of the Annunciation on Sunday, the Lord's Day. We celebrate this feast in anticipation of what is to come in a few weeks and for all eternity. First, the relationship of this feast to the coming observance of Holy Week is significant. On this day the Incarnation of our Lord in the flesh was announced by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. This event had been foreseen and foretold by Patriarchs, Kings, and Prophets, and now God's divine plan for the salvation of humankind was revealed by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary: “You will conceive in your womb and bear a Son and you shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:31). By the Holy Spirit coming upon her, and by the power of the Most High overshadowing her (Luke 1:35), the Virgin conceived, and the Son of God took upon flesh. He did this so that He might experience and then redeem our condition under the burden of sin and death. In the flesh, He became a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). He willingly accepted oppression and affliction so that He might bear our iniquities and make intercession for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:10,12). His humanity and His journey to the Cross began on this day. The Feast of the Annunciation also anticipates the great and glorious Feast of Pascha. The message of the Archangel Gabriel was not one of suffering and death, but of power and glory. “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32). The response of the Theotokos to this divine calling was one of commitment, joy, and praise. “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my Spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46). Both the Angel and the Virgin knew that the One who was coming was bringing salvation and that life in His kingdom would never end. In preparation for the Feast of feasts, this commemoration today presents us with these essential themes. The spiritual journey of Great Lent can be filled with struggles as we examine our own lives and contemplate the significance of what our Lord has done for us through His suffering and death. But we also are mindful of where our journey ends-in a celebration of life. It is a journey that includes the struggles and limitations of our humanity, the burdens of sin and death. But it also includes the experience of true and enduring hope, joy and peace through our faith in the One who gives eternal life, the One whose kingdom will never end. It carries us from the glorious day of the Annunciation and through the journey of Lent to the light of Pascha. It is also on this day that we, as Greek Orthodox Christians commemorate Greek Independence Day. We honor the sacrifice and memory of the many who gave their lives for freedom and the establishment of the modern state of Greece. In 1821, our Hellenic forebears stood valiantly against oppression and occupation, strengthened by their rich heritage, their faith in God, their assurance of the invincible protection of the Theotokos, and their desire for self-determination. They knew that a difficult and costly struggle was before them, but their trust was in a power and in ideals that were essential to human and communal life. It is also fitting on this day that we honor the countless others who suffered during the four centuries of occupation. Their faith sustained them during this very difficult and tragic period. Although they experienced great pain and loss, they found strength in the presence of One who knew their sorrow, but who also offered them peace and life, and hope for a final victory. As we gather for the Feast of the Annunciation, I extend to you my deepest wishes for a blessed feast day and observance of Greek Independence Day. May we be thankful for what we have and for the freedom to live, worship, and serve our Lord. May we also be mindful of where our trust and faith must be. Through our Lenten journey, through the challenges of life, and even through the tremendous struggles of history, we must look to the One who will save His people out of sin and into the blessedness of His eternal kingdom. With paternal love in Christ,

† Archbishop Demetrios of America

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Looking to BUY or SELL a Home in Florida?

A Common Pascha: Cause to Rejoice and Reﬂect After three years, Pascha will again be observed by all Christians on the same date. This causes us joy, as it should, but at the same time perplexity as we reflect on the reasons for this irregular coincidence.

21737 State Road 7 Boca Raton, Florida 33428 Office: 1 888 350-2345 Ext. 318 Office: 1 561 488-1669 Direct

ΟΜΙΛΟΥΜΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ

by Dr. Lewis J. Patsavos

No one can deny the scandal of a dual observance by Christians of the most important feast of the ecclesiastical year. For non-believers, nothing challenges the credibility of the importance of Pascha more than our division on this point of celebration. The severity of the anomaly lies in the significance of the event observed. Unless we understand the magnitude of this event, it will remain nothing more than a peculiarity of the calculations related to the date of Pascha. In one sense, that is what it is. But in another sense, it is the convergence of all that we as Christians in the East and West profess regarding the centrality of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of our faith. Almost from the very beginning of the Christian Church, the issue regarding the date of our Lord’s death and resurrection presented variations. Although the New Testament relates these events to the Jewish Passover, the details of this relationship are not clear. On the one hand, the tradition of the synoptic gospels identifies the Lord’s last supper with His disciples as a Passover meal. This would place the death of our Lord on the day after Passover. On the other hand, the tradition of the gospel of St. John situates the death of our Lord at the very hour the paschal lambs were sacrificed on the day of Passover itself. This variation in the interpretation of the scriptures led to two different practices. The one observed Pascha on the day of Passover, regardless of the day of the week. The other observed it on the Sunday following Passover. By the 4th century, the latter practice prevailed throughout the Church universally; nevertheless, differences continued to exist.

Action by Ecumenical Council

MARKOS

DAILY DEPARTURES

with

travel service

• NON-STOP FLIGHTS ON JUMBO JET • EASY CONNECTIONS from anywhere in the U.S.A. at UNBELIEVABLE LOW RATES! $

289

One Way *A Limited Number of Seats

OTHER FLIGHTS

από/from

* 395 Round trip $

plus taxes & fees

Owner: Markos Hatzikonstantis

Call Markos Travel Now! NATIONWIDE TOLL FREE

800-243-7728 800-842-8260 CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS 860-296-1722

CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS

48 SILAS DEANE HWY. SUITE 12 WETHERSFIELD, CT 06109

...BOOK NOW AND SAVE!

In response to this ongoing problem, the First Ecumenical Council (convened at Nicaea in 325) took up the issue. It determined that Pascha should be celebrated on the Sunday which follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox – the actual beginning of spring. If the full moon were to fall on a Sunday, Pascha would be observed the following Sunday. The day taken to be the invariable date of the vernal equinox is March 21. Hence, the determination of the date of Pascha is governed by a process dependent on the vernal equinox and the phase of the moon. Another factor which figures prominently in determining the date of Pascha is the date of Passover. Originally, Passover was celebrated on the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Christians, therefore, celebrated Pascha according to the same calculation – that is, on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. The correlation between the date of Pascha and the date of Passover is clear. Our Lord’s death and resurrection coincided with the Passover, thereby assuring a secure point of reference in time. This assurance lasted, however, only for a short time.

Change in Passover

Events in Jewish history contributing to the dispersion of the Jews had as a consequence a departure from the way Passover was reckoned before the destruction of the temple. This caused the Passover to precede the vernal equinox in some years. It was, in fact, this anomaly which led to the condemnation reflected in canon 1 of the Council of Antioch (ca. 330) and canon 7 of the Holy Apostles (late 4th cent.) of

those who celebrate Pascha “with the Jews.” The purpose of this condemnation was to prevent Christians from taking into account the calculation of Passover in determining the date of Pascha. Most Christians eventually ceased to regulate the observance of Pascha by the Jewish Passover. Their purpose, of course, was to preserve the original practice of celebrating Pascha following the vernal equinox. Thus, the Council of Nicaea sought to link the principles for determining the date of Pascha to the norms for calculating Passover during our Lord’s lifetime. Despite the intervention of Nicaea, certain differences in the technicalities of regulating the date of Pascha remained even thereafter. This resulted occasionally in local variations until, by the 6th century, a more secure mode of calculation based on astronomical data was universally accepted. This was an alternative to calculating Pascha by the Passover and consisted in the creation of so-called “paschal cycles”. Each paschal cycle corresponded to a certain number of years.Depending upon the number of years in the cycle, the full moon occurred on the same day of the year as at the beginning of the cycle. Occasionally, there were exceptions. In the East, a 19-year cycle was eventually adopted, whereas in the West an 84-year cycle was utilized. The use of two different paschal cycles inevitably gave way to differences between the Eastern and Western Churches regarding the observance of Pascha.

Gregorian Calendar

A further cause for these differences was the adoption by the Western Church of the Gregorian Calendar in the 16th century. This took place in order to adjust the discrepancy by then observed between the paschal cycle approach to calculating Pascha and the available astronomical data. The Orthodox Church continues to base its calculations for the date of Pascha on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the time of the First Ecumenical Council. As such, it does not take into account the number of days which have since then accrued due to the progressive loss of time in this calendar. Practically speaking, this means that Pascha may not be celebrated before April 3, which was March 21–the date of the vernal equinox, at the time of the First Ecumenical Council. In other words, a difference of 13 days exists between the accepted date for the vernal equinox then and now. Consequently, it is the combination of these variables which accounts for the different dates of Pascha, when they occur, as observed by the Orthodox Church and other Christian Churches. If anything, this review of the complexities surrounding the issue of the date of Pascha underscores the compelling need to revisit it with patience and openness. This was the spirit which predominated at the most recent consultation on the matter held ten years ago in Aleppo, Syria. One of its conclusions was that the present differences among the Churches in the calculation of the date of Pascha may be ascribed to differences in the calendars and lunar tables (paschal cycles) employed rather than to differences in fundamental theological outlook. In view of the fact that both the Julian and Gregorian modes of calculation diverge from the astronomical data, it behooves us to return to the norms determined by the Council of Nicaea. Although the council did not itself undertake a detailed regulation of the paschal calculation, it did in fact respect available contemporary science regarding the vernal equinox and the phase of the moon. We can do no less today. Dr. Patsavos is professor of canon law at Holy Cross School of Theology.

MARCH-APRIL 2007

SCHOLARSHIPS Gioles Scholarships Applications Available Applications are available for scholarships to be awarded from the George and Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship Fund of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Gioles Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 with a generous gift in memory of George and Naouma Gioles. At least three scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded for the 2007-08 academic year. Selection of the recipients will be based on the following criteria: Candidates must be of the Greek Orthodox faith (with preference to those of Greek descent) and must be high school seniors at time of application or full-time matriculated students committed to serious study in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university. Candidates must be firmly planning to commence or continue their studies, full time, at the college or university of their choice in the next academic year. Candidates must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Candidates must provide the Scholarship Committee with evidence of their scholastic standing, including transcript records with a grade level of at least a B, 85 percent or 3.0 average. Candidates who are high school seniors must have achieved and must provide proof of a combined new SAT minimum score of 1500*, or older SAT minimum score of 1000. If the SAT is not administered, another measure used by

the academic community, for example the ACT, should be substituted. College students must also submit both current college as well as high school transcripts, including their testing record of SAT and/ or ACT scores. *NOTE: The new SAT writing section may be waived. Candidates must submit an application to the Scholarship Committee and be available for an interview at the Committee's discretion. Applications must be filled out in their entirety. The committee will not consider incomplete applications. Candidates must provide evidence of financial need. Preference will be given to candidates who are orphans and to those who are undertaking studies in the sciences, business and the arts, with one scholarship reserved for a candidate who has chosen to study journalism. Applications may be requested from the Office of the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese by calling (212) 774-0513, by e-mail at scholarships@ goarch.org, or by written request. Completed applications should be sent to the Gioles Scholarship Fund – c/o Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America – Office of the Chancellor – 8 East 79th Street – New York, NY 10021. Scholarships must be postmarked by the May 15, 2007 deadline. Applications are also available on-line at: http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/ administration/chancellor/giolesscholarship.pdf

Katina John Malta Scholarship Applications Applications are available for the Katina John Malta Scholarship Fund, a scholarship program established at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America by means of a generous gift from the estate of Katina John Malta. The donation and the formation of the scholarship program has been done in recognition of the love Katina had for the Church and in honor of the desire she had to help others, especially children and youth of the Orthodox Christian Faith. At least two scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded for the 2007-08 academic year. Selection of the recipients will be based on the following criteria: Candidates must be of the Eastern Orthodox faith (within a jurisdiction of the member Churches of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas – SCOBA), and at the time of application, high school seniors or full-time matriculated students committed to serious study in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university. Candidates must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Candidates must be firmly planning to commence or continue their studies, full time, at the college or university of their choice in the next academic year. Candidates must provide the Scholarship Committee with evidence of their scholastic standing, including transcript records with a grade level of at least a B, 85 percent or 3.0 average. Candidates must provide a typewritten one-page essay setting forth the reason for applying for the award and include as enclosures three letters of recommendation, as well as a letter of

acceptance or continuation from their undergraduate college or university. Candidates who are high school seniors must have achieved and must provide proof of a combined new SAT minimum score of 1500*, or older SAT minimum score of 1000. If the SAT is not administered, another measure used by the academic community, for example the ACT, should be substituted. College students must also submit both current college as well as high school transcripts, including their testing record of SAT and/or ACT scores. *NOTE: New SAT writing section may be waived. Candidates must submit an application to the Scholarship Committee and be available for an interview at the Committee's discretion. Applications must be filled out in their entirety. The committee will not consider incomplete applications. Candidates must provide evidence of financial need. Preference will be given to candidates who are orphans and to those who are undertaking studies in the sciences, business and the arts. Applications may be requested from the Office of the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese by calling (212) 774-0513, by e-mail at scholarships@ goarch.org, or by written request. Completed applications should be sent to the Malta Scholarship Fund – c/o Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America – Office of the Chancellor – 8 East 79th Street – New York, NY 10021. Scholarships must be postmarked by the May 15 deadline. Applications are also available on-line at: http://www.goarch. org/en/archdiocese/administration/chancellor/maltascholarship.pdf

advertise observer@goarch.org

( 212 ) 70-3 (212 ) 774-0239 Tel Tel • Fax Fax(212 ( 212 ) 70-3 • ) 774-0239

TICKETS TO GREECE ON SALE !!

OLYMPIC AIRLINES•CONTINENTAL•DELTA•US AIRWAYS•ALITALIA•AIR FRANCE AUSTRIAN•BRITISH•KLM•LUFTHANSA•SWISS•IBERIA, etc.

Από ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ - ΑΘΗΝΑ - ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ

ONE WAY - WINTER 2007

From

248

ROUND TRIP - WINTER 2007

From

368

Plus fuel + taxes Plus fuel + taxes ΑΝΟΙΞΗ 2007: From $548 - ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙ 2007: From $798 ΟΛΕΣ ΟΙ ΤΙΜΕΣ + ΦΟΡΟΙ ΚΑΙ ΕΠΙΒΑΡΥΝΣΗ ΚΑΥΣΙΜΩΝ $100-$325 OWNERS VASILIS & MINA ANGELIS ΧΑΜΗΛΕΣ ΤΙΜΕΣ ΑΠ΄ΟΛΗ ΤΗΝ ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗ

STERLING TRAVEL 20 LAUREN LANE, PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. 08865

1-800-473-3238•908-213-6826 or 908-213-1251•www.hellastickets.com

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

Offered to Communities, Organizations, Church festivals and all other functions. Kontos Foods famous for its POCKET-LESS PITA, is proud to present its original products once again.

Fillo Kataifi Delicious, traditional products made

Spanakopita Tyropita with the highest quality ingredients

Courteous Service • WE SHIP EVERYWHERE in the US & CANADA

Exclusive Distributor for USA & CANADA of TRIKOMITES HALOUMI KONTOS FOODS, INC • EVRIPIDES KONTOS, President

BOX 628, PATERSON, NJ 07544 (973) 278-2800 • Fax: (973) 278-7943

MARCH-APRIL 2007

CHRIST IS RISEN! ×ÑÉÓÔÏÓ ÁÍÅÓÔÇ The Greek Orthodox Parish

of HOLY TRINITY WESTFIELD, NEW JERSEY “DO NOT BE AMAZED. YOU SEEK JESUS OF NAZARETH, WHO WAS CRUCIFIED. HE IS RISEN! HE IS NOT HERE. SEE THE PLACE WHERE THEY LAID HIM.”

Mark 16:6

ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ The National Herald Εκπτωση 25% για 12 εβδοµάδες O «EΘΝΙΚΟΣ KΗΡΥΞ» είναι η έγκαιρη και αντικειµενική εφηµερίδα που καλύπτει κάθε µέρα -από το 1915- τα νέα της Κοινότητάς µας, τα νέα της Ελλάδας, της Κύπρου και της Αµερικής. Βάλτε τον «ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΚΗΡΥΚΑ» στη ζωή σας. ∆εν θα το µετανιώσετε ποτέ. Εκµεταλλευτείτε την έκπτωση του 25% για 12 εβδοµάδες ($35.40). Ο «ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΚΑΣ» κάνει Κατ’ Οίκον ∆ιανοµή (Home Delivery) σε πολλές πολιτείες.

www.ekirikas.com ή τηλεφωνήστε στο 1-888-547-9527

25% discount for 12 weeks of The National Herald

ON LINE-EDITIONS Subscribe to the on line edition of The National Herald at $29.95 a year that’s just $3.95 a month. You will get the whole paper plus updates every day and much more. Visit us at:

www.thenationalherald.com or call us at

1-888-547-9527 ∆ιαβάζετε καθηµερινά, όλη την εφηµερίδα, όπως ακριβώς τυπώνεται, µόνο µε $89 τον χρόνο ($39 αν είστε συνδροµητής στην κανονική έκδοση). Επισκεφθείτε την ιστοσελίδα της εφηµερίδας στη διεύθυνση:

www.ekirikas.com ή καλέστε το τηλέφωνο

1-888-547-9527

“The National Herald” (founded in 1997) is the country’s largest and the most authoritative English language Greek American newspaper. Each week in “The National Herald”, you’ ll find community news, commentary, news of Greece, Cyprus and the Hellenic World. And now you, too, can subscribe to “The National Herald” for 12 weeks of Mail Delivery Service at 25% off the standard subscription rate. That’s just $3.70 a month!!!

www.thenationalherald.com or call 1-888-547-9527 Στοιχεία/Information Επίθετο/Surname ∆ιεύθυνση/Address Πολιτεία/State

Τρόπος Παραγγελίας/Order by Τηλεφωνικά / By phone: 888-547-9527 Με Fax / By Fax: 718-472-0510 Ταχυδροµικώς / By mail: 37-10 30th Str., L.I.C., N.Y. 11101-2614

Ονοµα/Name Πόλη/City

Ταχ. Κωδικός/Zip

Τηλέφωνο/Telephone

Τρόπος Πληρωµής/Payment method NAI! Επιθυµώ να γίνω συνδροµητής για 1 χρόνο YES! I wish to become a subscriber for 1 year

Με χρέωση της κάρτας µου/Charge my card Amex Mastercard Visa

E-mail

Εσωκλείω επιταγή/ Enclosed Check (πληρωτέα στο National Herald/ payable to the National Herald)

Υπογραφή/Signature

ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ - ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2007

ΕΤΟΣ 72 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1229

ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΙΚΗ ΑΠΟ∆ΕΙΞΙΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΩ ΑΓΙΩ ΠΑΣΧΑ ÿ ÂÁÑÈÏËÏÌÁÉÏÓ ÅËÅ~Ù ÈÅÏÕ ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÏÓ ÊÙÍÓÔÁÍÔÉÍÏÕÐÏËÅÙÓ, ÍÅÁÓ ÑÙÌÇÓ ÊÁÉ ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÓ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÇÓ ÐÁÍÔÉ Ô~Ù ÐËÇÑÙÌÁÔÉ ÔÇÓ ÅÊÊËÇÓÉÁÓ ×ÁÑÉÍ, ÅÉÑÇÍÇÍ ÊÁÉ ÅËÅÏÓ ÐÁÑÁ ÔÏÕ ÅÍÄÏÎÙÓ ÁÍÁÓÔÁÍÔÏÓ ÓÙÔÇÑÏÓ ×ÑÉÓÔÏÕ Ἀδελφοί συλλειτουργοί καί τέκνα εὐσεβῆ καί φιλόθεα τῆς Ἐκκλησίας, Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Καί πάλιν ἀκούεται ὁ χαρμόσυνος αὐτός χαιρετισμός τῶν χριστιανῶν ἐντός τῶν εὐημερουσῶν κατά τό πλεῖστον χριστιανικῶν κοινωνιῶν. Ἀλλ’ αἱ κοινωνίαι αὗται ἀπωθοῦν τό ἐρώτημα καί τό πραγματικόν ζήτημα τοῦ θανάτου καί ζοῦν ὡς ἐάν ὁ θάνατος εἶναι ἀνύπαρκτος καί ἡ ἀνάστασις περιττή. Ἐν τούτοις, «φοβερώτατον τό τοῦ θανάτου μυστήριον», ὡς λέγει ὁ ὑμνογράφος, καί καθημερινή πραγματικότης. Ὁ φόβος τοῦ θανάτου δέ, φανερός εἰς ὅσους ἀντιμετωπίζουν προβλήματα ὑγείας ἤ μεγάλης ἡλικίας, ἀκόμη καί ὅταν ἀπωθῆται μέ διαφόρους μεθόδους, κατατρώγει τήν εἰρήνην τῶν καρδιῶν, γεμίζει τήν ψυχήν μέ ἀναιτιολόγητον ἄγχος καί πολλάς φοράς ὁδηγεῖ εἰς αὐτοχειρίαν, διότι ἡ ἀβεβαιότης παρατεινομένη γίνεται ἀφόρητος. Εἰς αὐτήν τήν ἀβεβαιότητα ἔδωσε τέλος ἡ Ἀνάστασις τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ὁ θάνατος δέν εἶναι πλέον κυρίαρχος τῆς ζωῆς. Δέν εἶναι τό ἀναπόφευκτον τέλος τῆς ὑπάρξεώς μας. Ἡ πλάξ τοῦ τάφου δέν σκεπάζει αἰωνίως τήν ὕπαρξίν μας μέ μίαν αἰώνιον σιωπήν. Ὁ λίθος, ὁ ὁποῖος ἔκλειε τήν θύραν τοῦ τάφου τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἀποκεκύλισται, μετεκινήθη, καί ὁ Χριστός ἐξῆλθε θριαμβευτής, ἀνώτερος τοῦ θα νάτου, ἀνέπαφος ἀπό τό κέντρον του, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν. Ἡ θύρα τοῦ τάφου ἔκτοτε ἔμεινεν ὄπισθέν Του ἀνοικτή δι’ ὅλους. Ὁ φόβος τοῦ θανάτου ἐξέλιπε δι’ ὅσους θέλουν νά ἀκολουθήσουν τά ἴχνη Του, τά πάντα ἐπληρώθησαν χαρᾶς καί ἐλπίδος. «Ποῦ σου θάνατε τό κέντρον, ποῦ σου Ἅδη τό νίκος», ἐρωτᾷ θριαμβευτικῶς ὁ προκάτοχος ἡμῶν Ἅγιος Ἰωάννης ὁ Χρυσόστομος. Βεβαίως, διά πολλούς ἐξακολουθοῦν νά ἠχοῦν «ὡσεί λῆρος», (ὡς παραλήρημα) οἱ λόγοι μας. Οἱ Ἀθηναῖοι εἰς τήν Πνύκα, ἀκούσαντες τόν Ἀπόστολον Παῦλον νά ὁμιλῇ περί Ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν, ἐκάγχασαν καί ἀπῆλθον λέγοντες εἰρηνικῶς πρός τόν ὁμιλητήν «ἀκουσόμεθά σου καί πάλιν». Ἀκόμη καί οἱ Ἀπόστολοι, οἱ ὁποῖοι εἶχον ἀκούσει παρά τοῦ Κυρίου ὅτι τήν τρίτην ἡμέραν θά ἀναστηθῇ, ἐδυσκολεύθησαν νά παραδεχθοῦν τήν ἀναγγελίαν τῶν Μυροφόρων ὅτι ἀνέστη ὁ Κύριος. Ἡμεῖς ὅμως, ἀδέλφια καί τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά, ζῶμεν τόν ἐπαναλαμβανόμενον θάνατον καί τήν συνεχῆ Ἀνάστασιν τοῦ Κυρίου. Ὄχι μόνον ἐπί τοῦ εἰκονίζοντος τόν Γολγοθᾶν Θυσιαστηρίου ἐν τῷ Ναῷ, ἀλλά καί εἰς τούς βίους τῶν Ἁγίων, παλαιῶν τε καί συγχρόνων μας. Ὁ Κύριος ἀνέστη καί ἐχάρισε ζωήν. Ἀλλά καί ἐξακολουθεῖ νά ἀνίσταται καί νά χαρίζῃ ζωήν. Ὁ θάνατος κατέστη πλέον μία θύρα μεταβάσεως εἰς ἄλλην κατάστασιν ζωῆς. Ἔπαυσε νά εἶναι φυλακή τῶν ψυχῶν, ἀδιέξοδος μάνδρα, ἀπελπιστική κατάστασις. Οἱ φραγμοί τοῦ στρατοπέδου τοῦ θανάτου διελύθησαν, αἱ πύλαι συνετρίβησαν, πᾶς ἀκολουθῶν τόν Χριστόν δύναται νά ἐπανέλθῃ εἰς τήν ζωήν μαζί μέ τόν Χριστόν. Πιστεύσατε, ἀδελφοί καί τέκνα, καί ἐλπίσατε. Ἀπαλλαγῆτε ἀπό τόν φόβον τοῦ θανάτου καί τά ἄγχη τῆς ζωῆς. Διά τούς πιστούς ὅπως σεῖς, δέν ὑπάρχει πλέον θάνατος. Μόνον, καθαρίσατε τάς ψυχάς καί τά σώματα καί ἐνταχθῆτε εἰς τήν ἀκολουθίαν τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὁ Ὁποῖος εἶναι καί ἡ ἰδική σας Ἀνάστασις. Χριστός ἀνέστη καί σεῖς εἶσθε δυνάμει ἀναστημένοι. Τό φαιδρόν καί χαρούμενον τῆς Ἀναστάσεως

μήνυμα σᾶς ἀφορᾷ. Δέν εἶναι κάτι ξένον καί ἀδιάφορον διά σᾶς. Καί πρέπει νά εἶναι πλῆρες χαρᾶς τό στόμα σας ἐν τῷ λέγειν «Ἀνέστη ὁ Κύριος». Διότι «ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη» καί ἡμεῖς μετ’ Αὐτοῦ συνανέστη μεν. Τούτου ἡ ζωοποιός Χάρις, ἡ καί θεραπεύσουσα τά ἀσθενῆ καί τά ἐλλείποντα ἀναπληροῦσα, εἴη μετά πάντων ὑμῶν. Ἀμήν.

Ἅγιον Πάσχα 2007 διάπυρος πρός Χριστόν Ἀναστάντα εὐχέτης πάντων ὑμῶν

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ - ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2007

Ιδιαίτερη αναγνώριση του Προέδρου George W. Bush προς την ΟΥΑΣΙΝΓΚΤΟΝ – Το διήμερο 22-23 Μαρτίου 2007 στην πρωτεύουσα ήταν αφιερωμένο στην Ελληνική Ανεξαρτησία, Δημοκρατία, Ελευθερία, στην Ελλάδα και στην Ομογένεια. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος ηγήθηκε των εορταστικών εκδηλώσεων για την 186η Επέτειο της Επανάστασης του 1821, οι οποίες κορυφώθηκαν με τη μεγάλη τιμητική εκδήλωση του Λευκού Οίκου που παρέθεσε για την Ελληνοαμερικανική Ομογένεια ο Πρόεδρος George W. Bush στο East Room του Λευκού Οίκου το απόγευμα της Παρασκευής 23 Μαρτίου, παρουσία της Υπουργού Εξωτερικών της Ελλάδος κ. Ντόρας Μπακογιάννη, του Υφυπουργού Πολιτισμού κ. Γεωργίου Ορφανού, πολλών βουλευτών και κυβερνητικών παραγόντων των Η.Π.Α. και των διπλωματικών αρχών της Ελλάδος και της Κύπρου. ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý

Στις 22 Μαρτίου, ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος προσκάλεσε σε πρόγευμα τους νεοεκλεγέντες ελληνοαμερικανικής καταγωγής βουλευτές του Κογκρέσου. Προσήλθαν ο Zack Space από το Οχάϊο και ο Gus Billirakis από την Φλόριδα. Ο βουλευτής John Sarbanes γιος του επί σειρά ετών ελληνοαμερικανού γερουσιαστή Πωλ Σαρμπάνη δεν παρέστη λόγω ανειλημμένων υποχρεώσεων. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος είχε την ευκαιρία να ενημερώσει τους βουλευτές για πολλά τρέχοντα θέματα άμεσου ενδιαφέροντος για την ελληνορθόδοξη κοινότητα. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος ευχήθηκε στους δύο νέους βουλευτές καλή επιτυχία στο δύσκολο έργο τους και τόνισε ιδιαίτερα την αμέριστη υποστήριξη

ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

της Ομογένειας προς το πρόσωπο τους αλλά και την υπερηφάνεια των ελληνορθοδόξων της Αμερικής για το αξίωμα τους και τις υπηρεσίες που προσφέρουν. Τους τόνισε μάλιστα ότι αποτελούν παράδειγμα προς μίμηση. Από την πλευρά τους οι δύο βουλευτές διαβεβαίωσαν τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο ότι θα σταθούν πάντα αρωγοί στο έργο της Εκκλησίας, στα θέματα που αφορούν την Ομογένεια, τον Ελληνισμό και την Ορθοδοξία. Η Υπουργός Εξωτερικών της Ελλάδος κ. Ντόρα Μπακογιάννη, η οποία βρέθηκε στην Ουάσιγκτον για επαφές με την Αμερικανίδα ομόλογό της Κοντολίζα Ράϊς και για να συμμετάσχει στις εορταστικές εκδηλώσεις επισκέφθηκε τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο και στην εγκάρδια κατ’ ιδίαν συνάντηση μεταξύ των έγινε πολύ περιεκτική και χρήσιμη συζήτηση για θέματα

Οι Ολυμπιακές Αερογραμμές που φέτος γιορτάζουν τα πεντηκοστά γενέθλια τους και που για τα τελευταία 40 χρόνια εξυπηρετούν συνεχώς την ομογένεια της Αμερικής, ανακοινώνουν στο επιβατικό τους κοινό ότι φέτος για την καλύτερη εξυπηρέτηση τους, εκτός της καθημερινών πτήσεων από τη Νέα Υόρκη προς την Αθήνα, έχουν προγραμματιστεί 2 επιπλέον πτήσεις για την καλοκαιρινή περίοδο του 2007, κάθε Παρασκευή και Σάββατο, από 22 Ιουνίου-15 Σεπτεμβρίου. Κλείστε θέσεις εγκαίρως. Οι τιμές των εισιτηρίων, όπως και κάθε χρόνο, έτσι και φέτος είναι συγκαταβατικές. Οι επιβάτες με προορισμό τη Θεσσαλονίκη, Κέρκυρα, Ηράκλειο, Χανιά και Ρόδο, παραλαμβάνουν τις αποσκευές τους στον τελικό προορισμό τους, κι όχι στην ΑΘήνα. Επιπλέον μια ακόμα προσφορά της Ολυμπιακής είναι ότι το βάρος της κάθε αποσκευής παραμένει 70 πάουντς κι όχι 50 όπως των άλλων εταιριών, κάνοντας το ταξίδι σας πιο ευχάριστο κι αναπαυτικό. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες αποτανθείτε στον ταξιδιωτικό σας πράκτορα ἠ στις Ολυμπιακές Αερογραμμές στα τηλέφωνα (718) 269-2200 ή 1-800-223-1226

1-800-223-1226 • www.olympicairlines.com

άμεσου ενδιαφέροντος. Το μεσημέρι της ίδιας ημέρας η πρόεδρος της Βουλής των Αντιπροσώπων, βουλευτής του Δημοκρατικού Κόμματος από την Καλιφόρνια κυρία Nancy Pelosi παρέθεσε επίσημο γεύμα στην αίθουσα Rayburn εντός του Καπιτωλίου προς τιμήν του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου. Παρευρέθη η κ. Ντόρα Μπακογιάννη και άλλοι προσκεκλημένοι. Να σημειωθεί ότι είναι η πρώτη φορά, τα τελευταία τουλάχιστον χρόνια, που πραγματοποιείται παρόμοια

εκδήλωση από πρόεδρο της Βουλής των Αντιπροσώπων επ’ ευκαιρία της Ημέρας της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας, κάτι που θεωρήθηκε επί πλέον αναβάθμιση του εορτασμού. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος αφίχθη στο Καπιτώλιο και οδηγήθηκε στο γραφείο της Προέδρου και συγκεκριμένα στον κεντρικό εξώστη του Καπιτωλίου όπου παρετέθη δεξίωση κάτω από έναν ανοιξιάτικο και ηλιόλουστο ουρανό. Στη δεξίωση ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος είχε την ευκαιρία να συνομιλήσει με τους δημοκρατικούς βουλευτές Xavier Becerra από την Καλιφόρνια και Chris Van Hollen από το Μέριλαντ. Κατά την διάρκεια του γεύματος που ακολούθησε και πραγματοποιήθηκε σε εγκάρδια και φιλική ατμόσφαιρα η κυρία Pelosi αναφέρθηκε στους δεσμούς της με την Ελλάδα και έδειξε ειλικρινές ενδιαφέρον για τα θέματα που ενδιαφέρουν τον Ελληνισμό. Έγινε συζήτηση και εκφράστηκαν γνώμες από πολλούς συνδαιτυμόνες για όλο το φάσμα των θεμάτων κοινού ενδιαφέροντος. Η κ. Pelosi έκανε ιδιαίτερη τιμή στο πρόσωπο του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου συγχαίροντας τον για τη συμπλήρωση 40 ετών αρχιερατείας. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος επέδωσε στην κυρία Pelosi ως συμβολικό δώρο, ένα αντίγραφο του εξωφύλλου του περιοδικού LIFE της 16ης Δεκεμβρίου 1940 σε πλαίσιο, το οποίο απεικόνιζε έναν Εύζωνα σαλπιγκτή πάνω στον ιερό βράχο

Συνεδρίασε η Ιερά Επαρχιακή Σύνοδος Ἡ Ἱερά Ἐπαρχιακή Σύνοδος τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς συνεδρίασεν εἰς τήν αἲθουσαν τῆς Συνόδου τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχιεπι σκοπῆς ἐν Νέᾳ Ὑόρκῃ τήν 14ην καί 15ην Μαρτίου ἐ. ἒ. Τῆς Συνεδριάσεως προήδρευσεν ὁ Σεβασμιώτατος Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος κ. Δημή τριος. Παρόντες ἦσαν οἱ Σεβασμιώτατοι Συνοδικοί Ἀρχιερεῖς, ἢτοι: Σικάγου κ. Ἰάκωβος, Πιττσβούργου κ. Μάξιμος, Ἀτλάντας κ. Ἀλέξιος, Ντητρόϊτ κ. Νικόλα ος, Ἁγίου Φραγκίσκου κ. Γεράσιμος, καί Νέας Ἰερσέης κ. Εὐάγγελος, καθώς και ὁ Ἀρχιγραμματεύς τῆς Συνόδου, Πανοσιολο γιώτατος Ἀρχιμανδρίτης κ. Σεβαστιανός Σκορδαλλός. Ἀπουσίαζον ἐκ τῆς Συνεδρί ας λόγῳ ἀσθενείας οἱ Σεβασμιώτατοι Μητροπολῖται Βοστώνης κ. Μεθόδιος καί Ντένβερ κ. Ἠσαΐας. Κατά τήν Συνεδρίαν, ἡ Ἱερά Ἐπαρχιακή Σύνοδος ἠσχολήθη μέ σειράν θεμάτων ἀφορώντων εἰς τήν ζωήν τῆς Ἐκκλησίας. Μεταξύ αὐτῶν συνεζητήθησαν τά ἀκό λουθα: α. Ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Πατριαρχείου Ἱεροσολύμων ἐν Ἀμερικῇ. Ὁ Σεβ. Ἀρχιεπί σκοπος κ. Δημήτριος ἐνημέρωσε τούς Ἁγίους Ἀρχιερεῖς διά τάς συζητήσεις τάς ὁποίας εἶχεν ὡς ἐπικεφαλῆς ἀντιπροσω πείας τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου μετά τοῦ Πατριάρχου Ἱεροσολύμων συνο δευομένου ὑπό μελῶν τῆς Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου τοῦ Πατριαρχείου Ἱεροσολύμων. Τό ἀποτέλεσμα τῶν συναντήσεων ἦτο σύμ φωνον μέ τάς προτάσεις τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἐπαρ χιακῆς Συνόδου τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς καί τάς συναφεῖς ἀποφάσεις τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου. β. Τό πρόγραμμα Μονίμων Διακόνων. Ἡ Σύνοδος, ἐν ὂψει τῆς περιπτώσεως χειροτονίας Μονίμων Διακόνων, ἀπεφάσισε οἱ ὑποψήφιοι ἐν προκειμένῳ νά ἐκ παιδεύονται δι’ εἰδικοῦ προγράμματος τό ὁποῖον θά καταρτίζῃ ἡ Ἱ. Θεολογική Σχο λή τοῦ Τιμίου Σταυροῦ βάσει ὁδηγιῶν τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἐπαρχιακῆς Συνόδου. Ἀναμένεται ὃτι τό ἐν λόγῳ πρόγραμμα θά τεθῇ ἐν λειτουργίᾳ ἀπό τοῦ Σεπτεμβρίου τρέχοντος ἒτους.

γ. Ἡ Ἑλληνική Παιδεία. Ἀνεφέρθη εἰς τήν συνεδρίαν ὃτι συνεχίζονται αἱ ἐπαφαί συνεργασίας μεταξύ τοῦ Γραφείου Ἑλλη νικῆς Παιδείας τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς καί τῶν ἁρμοδίων ἐκπαιδευτικῶν ἀρχῶν ἐν Ἑλλάδι καί Κύπρῳ. Μελετῶνται ἐν προκειμένῳ θέματα ἐγχειριδίων διδα σκαλίας, μεθόδων διδασκαλίας ἑλληνικῆς γλώσσης δι’ ἠλεκτρονικῶν μέσων, καί ἐκπαιδευτικῶν σεμιναρίων διά διδασκά λους. Ἒγινεν ἐπίσης συζήτησις περί τῶν Ἡμερησίων Σχολείων, ὡς καί τῶν Ἀπογευ ματινῶν τοιούτων καί ἐπί πλέον τῶν Charter Schools τά ὁποῖα λειτουργοῦν εἰς ἑκάστην Μητρόπολιν. Ἐπί πλέον ἀπεφασί σθη νά προταθοῦν ὀνόματα Εἰδικῶν ἀπό κάθε Μητρόπολιν προκειμένου οὗτοι νά συνεργασθοῦν εἰς προώθησιν τῶν θεμάτων Ἑλληνικῆς Παιδείας. δ. Ἡ Νεολαία. Εἰς σχετικήν συζήτησιν διά τήν νεότητα ἒγινεν ἀναφορά εἰς τά διά φορα προγράμματα νεολαίας μέ ἒμφασιν εἰς τάς Κατασκηνώσεις. Ἐτονίσθη ἡ σημαντι κή ἐπιτυχία τῶν Κατασκηνώσεων ἑκάστης Μητροπόλεως, ὡς ἐπίσης καί τοῦ Ἰονικοῦ Χωριοῦ. Περαιτέρω ἐγένετο λόγος περί τοῦ 2ου Συνεδρίου Νεολαίας εἰς τό Οἰκουμε νικόν ἡμῶν Πατριαρχεῖον κατά τόν προσεχῆ Ἰούλιον. Λεπτομέρειαι διά τό συνέδριον αὐτό θά δημοσιευθοῦν συντόμως. ε. Κανονικά Θέματα. Ἡ Ἱ. Ἐπαρχιακή Σύνοδος συνεζήτησεν ἐπίσης κανονικά θέματα ἀφορῶντα εἰς τόν ἱερόν κλῆρον. Ἡ Ἱ. Σύνοδος μεριμνᾶ, καί θεραπεύει ὡς πνευ ματικόν ἰατρεῖον τά πνευματικῶς ἀσθενοῦ ντα τέκνα τῆς Ἐκκλησίας. στ. Θέματα ἐπί τῶν ὁποίων ἐγένοντο εἰσηγήσεις ὑπό τῶν Συνοδικῶν Ἐπιτροπῶν. Οὓτω συνεζητήθησαν Κανονισμοί Λει τουργίας Πνευματικῶν Δικαστηρίων, Κα νονισμοί Λειτουργίας Ἱερᾶς Ἐπαρχιακῆς Συνόδου, καί Λειτουργικά θέματα. Μετά τό πέρας τῶν ἐργασιῶν τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἐπαρχιακῆς Συνόδου, τά μέλη αὐτῆς εἶχον περαιτέρω συμμετοχήν εἰς τήν ἐπακο λουθήσασαν συνεδρίαν τῆς Ἐκτελεστικῆς Ἐπιτροπῆς τοῦ Ἀρχιεπισκοπικοῦ Συμβου λίου.

ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ - ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2007

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Ελληνοαμερικανική κοινότητα και τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο ∆ημήτριο της Ακροπόλεως. Στο γεύμα παρακάθισαν οι βουλευτές μέλη της Βουλής των Αντιπροσώπων John Sarbanes (D-MD), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Zack Space (D-OH) John Larson (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) και Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). Νωρίς το απόγευμα ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος συναντήθηκε με την ελ ληνοαμερικανίδα γερουσιαστή Olympia Snowe στην ιστορική αίθουσα President’s Room του Καπιτωλίου. Η συνάντηση διήρκεσε μισή περίπου ώρα και η κ. Snowe συζήτησε με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο τα θέματα που απασχολούν την Ελληνορθόδοξη κοινότητα. Θερμή ήταν και η σύντομη επίσκεψη του ηγέτη της πλειοψηφίας της Γερουσίας Harry Reid (D-NV) ο οποίος, όπως είπε, θέλησε με την παρουσία του να τιμήσει τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο και τη μνήμη της ηρωϊκής επανάστασης του 1821. Κατά τη διάρκεια των επαφών στο Καπιτώλιο τον Σεβασμιώτατο συνόδευαν ο κ. Άντριου Άθενς, ο π. Αλέξανδρος Καρλούτσος, οι κ.κ. Άντριου και Μάικλ Μανάτος, ο δρ. Αντ. Λυμπεράκης και ο Αρχιδιάκονος Παντελεήμων Παπαδόπουλος. Η Σύμβουλος Εσωτερικής Ασφαλείας και Καταπολέμησης της Τρομοκρατίας του προέδρου Μπους, κ. Frances Fragos Townsend, που είναι ελληνοαμερικανικής καταγωγής, παρέθεσε επίσημο εορταστικό δείπνο προς τιμήν του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου στο ιστορικό Blair House, που παραδοσιακά είναι ο οίκος φιλοξενίας υψηλών προσκεκλημένων του Λευκού Οίκου. Στο δείπνο παρακάθισαν πενήντα περίπου προσκεκλημένοι. Η κ. Townsend στο καλωσόρισμά της τόνισε ως κοινό σημείο αναφοράς την ελληνική παράδοση και κληρονομιά, από την οποία όπως είπε προκύπτει η έφεση και το πάθος για ανιδιοτελή προσφορά στα κοινά. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος ευχαρίστησε για τη φιλοξενία και απότισε φόρο τιμής στη συμβολή των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών στην Ελληνική Επανάσταση παίρνοντας αφορμή από το περιεχόμενο και τα νοήματα των επιστολών που αντάλλαξαν το 1823 ο πρόεδρος Thomas Jefferson και ο Αδαμάντιος Κοραής.

Ο ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ με την Ντόρα Μπακογιάνη (κέντρο) και τη γερουσιαστή Ολ. Σνόου

Στο Λευκό Οίκο Κατά τη διάρκεια της επίσημης τελετής στο Λευκό Οίκο πρώτος μίλησε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος, ο οποίος σημείωσε δύο βασικά κοινά χαρακτηριστικά της Ελληνικής Επαναστάσεως του 1821 και της Αμερικανικής Επαναστάσεως και της Διακηρύξεως Ανεξαρτησίας του 1776. Πρώτον το πάθος για ελευθερία και ανεξαρτησία και δεύτερον την έντονη πίστη στο Θεό, ο οποίος είναι η πηγή των πολύτιμων αυτών αγαθών, αλλά και ο εγγυητής των. Καταλήγοντας την ομιλία του ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος εξέφρασε την ευχή και την πεποίθηση ότι η ημέρα της ανεξαρτησίας και ελευθερίας που ανέτειλε τότε για το Ελληνικό αλλά και το Αμερικανικό έθνος δε θα γνωρίσει ποτέ – με τη βοήθεια του Θεού – δύση ή τέλος. Ο πρόεδρος Bush καλωσόρισε με πολύ θερμά και εγκάρδια λόγια τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο αλλά και όλους τους επίσημους προσκεκλημένους του Λευκού Οίκου. Απευθυνόμενος προς τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο δήλωσε ότι εκτιμά ιδιαίτερα την φιλία του, τις προσευχές του, αλλά και την ηγεσία του. Στη συνέχεια ο πρόεδρος Bush σημείωσε ότι οι Ελληνοαμερικανοί είναι ένα πολύ ζωντανό κομμάτι των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών του οποίου η παρουσία έχει

εμπλουτίσει την πολιτιστική κληρονομιά του Αμερικανικού Έθνους. Έκανε σύντομες ιστορικές αναφορές στα πολλά παραδείγματα φιλίας και συνεργασίας μεταξύ των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών και της Ελλάδος την οποία και ευχαρίστησε για τη βοήθεια που προσέφερε και προσφέρει σε πολλά σημεία του κόσμου. Ο πρόεδρος Bush αναγνώρισε τα 40 χρόνια αρχιερατείας του Σεβασμιωτάτου και συνεχάρη τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο λέγοντας: «Η Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία που αριθμεί περισσότερα από ένα εκατομμύριο μέλη στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες παίζει ένα ζωτικό ρόλο στη ζωή του Έθνους μας. Σεβασμιώτατε, σας ευχαριστώ και σας συγχαίρω για τα 40 χρόνια διακονίας ως επισκόπου. Παρέχετε αναγκαία και σημαντική ηγεσία εδώ στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες. Είστε άνθρωπος της

σοφίας. Είστε άνθρωπος της προσευχής….» Παρόμοια τιμητική μνεία των 40χρονων αρχιερατείας του Αρχιεπισκόπου έγινε και στο πρόγραμμα της εκδηλώσεως που τύπωσε για πρώτη φορά ο Λευκός Οίκος για την περίπτωση. Στη συνέχεια ο πρόεδρος Μπους αναφέρθηκε στην καταστροφή του Αγίου Νικολάου την 11η Σεπτεμβρίου και στην «αποφασιστικότητα και το όραμα» του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου να ξαναχτιστεί ο ναός και να αποτελέσει «καταφύγιο πίστεως» στο οικονομικό κέντρο της Νέας Υόρκης. Ακολούθησε δεξίωση στην αίθουσα State Room και σε παρακείμενες αίθουσες καθώς και στην επίσημη τραπεζαρία του Λευκού Οίκου, στοιχείο χαρακτηριστικό της επισημότητος που προσέδωσε ο Λευκός Οίκος στο φετεινό εορτασμό. Εξαμελής ορχήστρα εγχόρδων έπαιζε κομμάτια από την κλασσική ελληνική μουσική παράδοση.

Στο Μνημείο του Αγνώστου Στρατιώτου Πριν την τελετή του Λευκού Οίκου ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος συνοδευόμενος από τον αντιπρόεδρο του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου κ. Μιχαήλ Τζαχάρη, τον Μητροπολίτη Ντιτρόϊτ κ. Νικόλαο και τον επίσκοπο Τρωάδος κ. Σάββα μετέβη στο Εθνικό Κοιμητήριο Arlington και κατά τη διάρκεια μιας πολύ συγκινητικής τελετής κατέθεσε στεφάνι στο μνημείο του Αγνώστου Στρατιώτου. Το ίδιο πρωί ο Σεβασμιώτατος παρέθεσε πρόγευμα προς τιμήν του ελληνοαμερικανού Andrew Natsios ειδικού απεσταλμένου του Αμερικανού προέδρου στο Σουδάν.

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

ÁÐËÇ ÌÅÔÁÂÁÓÇ ÁÐÏ

279 399 $

+Tax

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

ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Ο ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ∆ημήτριος προσφέρει στην Σύμβουλο Κρατικής Ασφαλείας του Λευκού Οίκου Φράνσις Φράγκος Τάουσεντ μια αναμνηστική πλακέτα με τη φωτογραφία του εξωφύλλου του περιοδικού LIFE της 16ης ∆εκεμβρίου 1940.

Για ερωτήματα σχετικά με τον Κανονισμό για θέματα επιλήψιμης σεξουαλικής συμπεριφοράς κληρικών της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής ή για σχετικές καταγγελίες καλέστε χωρίς χρέωση τον ειδικό αριθμό (877) 544-3382 Όλες οι καταγγελίες θα ληφθούν σοβαρά υπ’ όψιν και θα διερευνηθούν πλήρως και με απόλυτη αμεροληψία. Μπορείτε να μιλήσετε Αγγλικά ή Ελληνικά σε εθελοντή ή εθελόντρια.

ÌÅÔ’ÅÐÉÓÔÑÏÖÇÓ

ÁÐÏ

+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

ΤΗΛΕΦΩΝΕΙΣΤΕ ΜΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΓΙΑ ΑΛΛΕΣ ΕΙ∆ΙΚΕΣ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΕΣ • ΥΠΑΡΧΟΥΝ ΠΕΡΙΟΡΙΣΜΟΙ

ΤΟ ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΣΤΑΘΕΡΟΤΗΤΑΣ ASTORIA OFFICE

34-10 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106 (718) 932-7800 ■ 1-800-321-1199

BROOKLYN OFFICE

8125 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209 (718) 680-9200 ■ 1-800-445-8550

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ - ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2007

ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ Ἅγιον Πάσχα Ἑορτή τῶν Ἑορτῶν Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, Καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς µνήµασιν ζωήν χαρισάµενος. (Τροπάριον Ἑορτῆς Πάσχα) 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. Προσφιλεῖς μου ἀδελφοί καί ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Χριστός Ἀνέστη!, Σ’ αὐτή τήν ἱερώτατη Ἑορτή τῆς Ἐκκλησίας μας, συγκεντρωνόμεθα μέ χαρά καί ἀγάπη, γιά νά γιορτάσουμε τήν παρουσία τοῦ Ἀναστάντος Κυρίου ἀνάμεσά μας καί νά ψάλουμε μέ μία φωνή τόν θριαμβικό ὕμνο: «Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θά νατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασιν ζωήν χαρισάμενος». Ἡ ἡμέρα τῆς Ἀναστάσεως σηματοδοτεῖ τήν ἀρχή μιᾶς ἐκρήξεως χαρᾶς, ἡ ὁποία ἀκολουθεῖ ἀμέσως μετά ἀπό τήν πνευματικά ἔντονη περίοδο τῆς Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστῆς καί τῆς Μεγάλης Ἑβδομάδος, καί ὁ ὑπέροχος ὕμνος πού ψάλλουμε συμπυκνώνει σέ τρεῖς στίχους τό θεμελιῶδες μήνυμα τῆς Ἑορτῆς τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Κυρίου μας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Πρόκειται περί μηνύματος νίκης, ἀγάπης καί ἐλπίδος γιά ζωή αἰώνια. Τήν ἡμέρα αὐτή, καί κατά τήν διάρκεια ὁλόκληρης τῆς Πασχαλινῆς περιόδου διακηρύσσουμε αὐτό τό μήνυμα νίκης, ἀγάπης καί ἐλπίδος ὅλοι μαζί ψάλ λοντας τό «Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν», τόν ὑπέροχο αὐτό ὕμνο στήν ἔναρξη κάθε θείας λειτουργίας τῆς Ἐκκλησίας μας. Αὐτός ὁ ὕμνος, ἁπλός στή μορφή, ὅμως μέ βάθος δυνάμεως, ἀξίζει νά μελετηθῇ καθώς προσπαθοῦμε νά καταλάβουμε πλήρως τόν πανηγυρισμό τοῦ Ἁγίου Πάσχα, τῆς Ἑορτῆς τῶν Ἑορτῶν τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Ἐκκλησίας μας. Ὁ πρῶτος στίχος αὐτοῦ τοῦ ὕμνου ἐκφράζει τήν πραγματικότητα καί ἀλήθεια τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ: «Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν». Ἡ πραγματικό τητα τῆς Ἀναστάσεως ἔχει ἀποτελέσει ἰδιαίτερο χαρακτηριστικό γνώρισμα τῆς Χριστιανοσύνης ἀπ’ ἀρχαιοτάτων χρόνων. Ὁ Ἀπόστολος Παῦλος γράφοντας στούς Κορινθίους ἐκφράζει αὐτή τήν ἰδέα μέ μία παράδοξη δήλωση: «εἰ δέ Χριστός οὐκ ἐγήγερται, ματαία ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν, ἔτι ἐστέ ἐν ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν» (Α´ Κορ. 15,17). Στήν ἴδια συνάφεια, ὁ Ἀπόστολος Παῦλος δηλώνει ἀπερίφραστα ὅτι ὁ Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἐπαρουσιάσθη μετά τήν Ἀνάστασή Του ἐνώπιον ἄνω τῶν πεντακοσίων ἀτόμων, οἱ περισσότεροι ἐκ τῶν ὁποίων ἦσαν ἀκόμη ἐν ζωῇ ὅταν ὁ Παῦλος ἔγραφε (Α´ Κορ. 15,6). Γιά μᾶς σήμερα, οἱ ἀναμφισβήτητες διακηρύξεις τῆς Ἐπιστολῆς αὐτῆς συνεχίζουν νά μᾶς χαρίζουν τό σταθερό μήνυμά των, ὅτι δηλαδή ἡ πίστη μας στόν Χριστό δέν εἶναι μάταιη καί ὅτι ἀκριβῶς λόγῳ τῆς πραγματικότητος τῆς Ἀναστάσεώς Του δέν εἴμεθα πλέον αἰχμάλωτοι τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν μας. Ὁ δεύτερος στίχος τοῦ Πασχαλινοῦ ὕμνου μᾶς ἐξηγεῖ τόν καταπληκτικό τρόπο μέ τόν ὁποῖο ὁ Χριστός ἐξουδετέρωσε τήν κυριαρχία τοῦ θανάτου ἐπάνω μας μιά γιά πάντα «Θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας». Μέ τήν Σταύρωσή του ὁ Χριστός ἀνέλαβε τίς ἁμαρτίες ὁλόκληρης τῆς ἀνθρωπότητος καί ὑπέστη ἕνα θάνατο τοῦ ὁποίου ἡ ἔνταση παραμένει ἀπρόσιτη γιά μᾶς τούς ἀνθρώπους. Αὐτός ὁ θάνατος φανερώνει τήν ἄπειρη ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ μας, ὁ Ὁποῖος σάρξ ἐγένετο (Ἰω.1, 14) καί ἀπέθανε ἐπί τοῦ Σταυροῦ γιά τήν σωτηρία μας. Παραδίδοντας τόν ἑαυτόν Του στόν θάνατο, ὁ Χριστός ὄχι μόνον ἐξολόθρευσε τήν ἁμαρτία ἀλλά καί τόν ἴδιο τόν θάνατο. Ἡ τελική πτώση τοῦ μεγίστου ἐχθροῦ θανάτου, δέν θά μποροῦσε νά ἐπιτευχθῇ παρά μόνον μέσῳ θανάτου, ὄχι ὅμως οἱουδήποτε θανάτου ἀλλά τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ σαρκωθέντος Θεοῦ. Ὁ τρίτος καί τελευταῖος στίχος τοῦ ὡραιοτάτου ὕμνου τοῦ Πάσχα φανερώνει αὐτήν ταύτην τήν οὐσία τῆς Ἑορτῆς, διότι ἀποδίδει τό πλῆρες ἀποτέλεσμα τῆς ἐκ νεκρῶν Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Χριστοῦ: «Καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασιν ζωήν χαρισάμενος». Γιά ὅλους ἐμᾶς, λοιπόν, αὐτή εἶναι ἡμέρα ὑποσχέσεως καί ἐλπίδος γιά ζωή αἰώνια μαζί Του. Ὁ τελευταῖος αὐτός στίχος ἐπαναλαμβάνει τό μήνυμα τό ὁποῖο μετέφερε ὁ Ἀπόστολος Παῦλος στούς Ρωμαίους ὅταν ἔγραφε ὅτι ὡς Χριστιανοί εἴμεθα νεκροί ὡς πρός τήν ἁμαρτία ἀλλά ζωντανοί κατά Χριστόν: «συνετάφημεν οὖν Αὐτῷ διά τοῦ βαπτίσματος εἰς τόν θάνατον, ἵνα ὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστός ἐκ νεκρῶν διά τῆς δόξης τοῦ πατρός, οὕτως καί ἡμεῖς ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς περιπατήσωμεν» (Ρωμ. 6,4). Αὐτό εἶναι καί τό μήνυμα τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Χριστιανικῆς πίστεώς μας τό ὁποῖο ἑορτάζουμε ὄχι μόνον αὐτή τήν ἡμέρα, ἀλλά κάθε ἡμέρα τῆς ἐπίγειας ζωῆς μας. Πρόκειται περί μηνύματος τό ὁποῖο διακηρύσσει τήν οὐσιαστική νίκη καί ἐπικράτησή μας ἐφ’ ὅλων τῶν δυνάμεων τοῦ σκότους οἱ ὁποῖες ἐπιχειροῦν νά ἐμποδίσουν τήν πρόοδό μας στόν δρόμο τῆς σωτηρίας πού ὁδηγεῖ στήν αἰώνια ζωή μετά τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Αὐτός εἶναι ὁ προορισμός μας ὡς Ὀρθοδόξων Χριστιανῶν, διότι ἔχουμε σωθεῖ διά τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὁ Ὁποῖος μᾶς προσφέρει τήν δυνατότητα νά ζοῦμε αἰώνια μαζί Του στήν βασιλεία τῆς χαρᾶς τοῦ Θεοῦ. Μέ αὐτό ἀκριβῶς τό πνεῦμα καθώς ἐπαναλαμβάνουμε ψάλλοντας τόν θριαμβικό ὕμνο «Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν» μποροῦμε νά προχωρήσουμε ὅλο καί περισσό

τερο στήν κατανόηση τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ σωτηρίου ἀγγέλματός του: Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη! Εἴθε ἡ χαρά καί αἰώνια εἰρήνη τοῦ Ἀναστάντος Χριστοῦ νά εἶναι μαζί σας καί εἴθε νά ὁδεύετε πάντοτε στούς δρόμους τῆς νέας ἐν Χριστῷ ζωῆς.

Μέ θερμότατες πασχάλιες εὐχές καί ἀγάπη ἐν Ἀναστάντι Χριστῷ,

ÿ ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

MARCH-APRIL 2007

PEOPLE Greeks Brought Their Faith from One Island to Another

Dentist NYSDA president

Steven Gounardes, DDS, of Brooklyn, N.Y., long-time president of the St. Basil Academy Board, and an Archon, has been elected president of the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA). The association, a constituent of the American Dental Association, represents more than 13,000 of the state’s dentists. Dr. Gounardes, a general dentist in Brooklyn, has been an active participant in organized dentistry. He also is active in the community. For more than 20 years, he has been a member of the board of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Brooklyn, nine of which he served as president. He served on the board of Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology and is currently a member of the Archdiocesan Council.

Homer Award winner Nicholas D. Kokonis of Chicago author of Arcadia, My Arcadia has won the “First Homer Award and Gold Medal” from the International Society Of Greek Authors at a vasilopita-cutting ceremony at the Cultural Center of Athens on Jan. 11. Dr. Kokonis, a clinical psychologist and college professor, is an Arcadian by birth and upbringing and knows his main character down to “the missing hob-nails of his only pair of shoes.” Dr. Kokonis’ award-winning novel received another unique distinction on Feb. 1, when the Honors Literature Course of Northeastern Illinois University of Chicago discussed it before an open-tothe public forum.

On TV series Steven Calakos, a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Vineland, N.J. recently appeared on NBC’s new reality television series “Grease: You’re The One That I Want.” Steven made it to the top 24 in the competition (12 potential Danny’s)! He can be seen on the NBC website at www. nbc.com/grease

Loukoumi tour New York attorney and author Nick Katsoris has received the iparenting Media Award for his recent children’s book, “Growing Up with Loukoumi, named one of the Best Products of 2007. The book, which teaches children that they can be anything in life, includes a narrated CD featuring the voices of Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, Grammy winner Gloria Gaynor (“I Will Survive”), National CBS correspondent Alexis Christoforous, American Idol’s Constantine Maroulis, and Guiding Light’s Frank Dicopoulos, plus an original song by Gloria Gaynor titled “Believe.”

Sculptress exhibit Antonia Papatzanaki, a sculptress living and working in New York City, exhibited her recent works at the Saatchi Gallery in Manhattan in late February and early March. “Visions of Light” included wall reliefs done over the past decade and new Plexiglas works. Born in Chania, on the island of Crete in Greece in 1960, Ms Papatzanaki was educated in Athens, Vienna and acquired the MFA at Pratt Institute in New York City.

Medical student Ms. Despina Siolas of Bayside, N.Y., a medical student in the MD/PhD. Program of Stony Brook/Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories attended the 2007 AMA (American Medical Association) Medical Student/Resident and Fellow Lobby Day in Washington, and met with Congressman Tim Bishop to discuss issues important to medical students

St. Spyridon Church is a tightly knit community consisting of several generations of the original settlers who came as fishermen from the Aegean island of Skiathos, near Volos, and, later, from the island of Mytilene (Lesvos). According to the parish priest, Fr. Anthony Evangelatos, unlike the modern trend of families dispersing throughout the country, “One thing very unique (about the parish) is a lot of people stay in the community. Multiple generations of families are still here.” He added, “Even parishioners

P A R I S H

one of three towns on the island and occupies a peninsula at the southwest corner of the island. Founded by a group of English settlers in 1639 after they were banished from Massachusetts for criticizing the Puritan clergy, Newport was a major center for pirate activity in the 17th and 18th centuries, the center of the slave trade in New England, a naval base for the British to attack New York and later the headquarters of the French fleet during the American Revolution, then a major center for the U.S. Navy from the 1800s to the present day, and now is a major sporting and cultural center. It is home of the

Greeks and the Trinity Church rector, Stanley Hughes, who arranged for them to use his church’s chapel as their main place of worship until 1924, when they purchased their own building. In 1915, the Newport Greeks elected a parish council and incorporated their community as the Hellenic Orthodox Community of Newport, R.I., and came under the aegis of the Church of Greece. Nicholas Mitchell (Mintzelos) was elected the first president because of “his status as an ‘established’ Greek with an Americanized name

p ro f i l e

Name: St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church Location: Newport, R.I. Metropolis: Boston Size: about 200 families Founded: 1915 Clergy: Fr. Anthony S. Evangelatos (Holy Cross ’95) E-mail: frantony@stspyridonchurch.org Website: www.stspyridonchurch.com Noteworthy: First settled by Greeks from the island of Skiathos.

who have gone on to college return to stay. It’s not only people who don’t relocate, but also the church itself. Like its sister parish of Ypapanti in East Pittsburgh profiled in the last issue of the Observer, the church, also founded in 1915, has remained at the same location for more than 90 years.

Another Greek island connection

St. Spyridon is the only Orthodox Christian church on Aquidneck Island, located at the confluence of the Atlantic (Rhode Island Sound) and Narragansett Bay. Originally, this island was named Rhode Island, (from which the state takes its name) by mistake. According to some historians, in the 1500s Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano discovered present-day Block Island (about 80 miles to the southwest) and named it Rhode Island because of its similarity in shape to the Greek island of Rhodes. Later settlers mistakenly thought Verrazzano was referring to Aquidneck Island, the largest of several islands in Narragansett Bay. It, too, has a resemblance to Rhodes. The Greek Orthodox community also is one of only three parishes of the Archdiocese in the smallest state in the Union (an area of 1,214 square miles), and the second oldest after Providence (Cranston). Fr. Anthony said that most parishioners live on the island, either in Newport or the other two towns of Portsmouth or Middletown. A few parishioners live off the island, but within driving distance.

History and culture

Newport (pop. about 26,000) is

PRESENTATION OF CHRIST (YPAPANTI) GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

ST. SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH International Tennis Hall and some knowledge of English.” of Fame and the AmeriThe parish hired its first priest, Efca’s Cup Yacht Race, and stratios Rigellis of Mytilene. He served hosts the world famous the community until April 1924, when Newport Jazz Festival, it purchased its first and only buildthe Sunset Music ing, a clapboard structure built in the Festival, Newport mid-1800s on Thames Street, near Folk Festival and Newport Harbor, it continues to serve the little-known as the parish church. “St. Spyridon OrIn 1922, with the establishment NEWPORT thodox Christian of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Film Festival,” North and South America, the church which takes place became the first parish in Rhode Isi n late July. land recognized by the Holy Synod of “It’s a small film festi- the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Services v a l , but it has potential,” said Fr. were held to take place exclusively Anthony. He said the festival is a project in Greek by a priest appointed by of one of the Sunday School teachers who the Holy Synod of Greece. The comfilms documentary videos mainly with munity adopted St. Spyridon as its children on any themes relating to the patron saint. Orthodox faith. “It’s a nice ministry for A Greek school was established kids,” said the priest. Tourists comprise by the second priest, Fr. George Steabout 50 percent of the audience. fopoulos, who served as the teacher. Originally a carpenter by trade, he The Skiathians arrive According to a parish history, four built the church’s bishop’s throne, Greeks from Skiathos arrived in Newport altar table and proskynetari for the in 1896 and launched careers as lobster- icon of St. Spyridon. At the start of World War II, the men in the city’s fishing industry. The strong connection to Skiathos re- parish received a new pastor, Fr. mains to this day, as it is one of Newport’s Constantine Theodore. He was the first priest in Rhode Island who was “Sister Cities.” While more immigrants arrived from a graduate of Holy Cross Seminary in Skiathos, they were soon joined by a large Pomfret, Conn. Born in Greece, he grew up in Boston. number of Greeks from Mytilene. The parish became more AmeriDespite their regional differences, canized after the war, as many “mixed they were devout Greek Orthodox. In 1914, the Greeks met at the marriages” took place. English also Friends’ (Quakers) Meeting House and was used more often. A banquet in December 1945 honalso held services later at the Baptist oring the community’s founders drew church. The community’s children began to city officials, provided the impetus for attend Sunday School at Trinity Church, the renovation of the church. Among the oldest Episcopal church in Rhode those present was a Philhellene and Island. The parish history notes that a benefactor of the community, Maud close friendship developed between the page 29 31

 

MARCH-APRIL 2007

22 While no one really recalls, the womb is a place of wonder. It is an environment brimming with vitality, growth and life. For the living being residing therein, it is a place of protection, warmth and nurture. by Fr. Angelo Artemas

There is no hunger in the womb, and no apparent discomfort. Most children are born crying simply because they were more comfortable and happier in the womb. Upon birth, they experience cold and hunger for the first time, and many overwhelming sights and sounds. Though not completely silent, the womb is a place of stillness and solitude. The living being within actually recognizes the mother’s heartbeat, and may even recognize the mother’s voice, as well as the fathers, before being born to this world. Many unique and unfathomable experiences take place in the

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Listen Up! mystery-filled and holy womb. Too often, lent is deemed simply a time for dietary restrictions and sacrifice. Not enough emphasis is placed on stillness, solitude and wonder. St. Gregory Palamas, commemorated on the second Sunday of Lent, is considered a champion of “hesychia,” or the practice of silence, stillness and solitude. Most people today have a hard time experiencing silence. When moments of silence are called for in assemblies, arenas and stadiums, they tend to be awkward at best. Sister Joan Chittister comments on the lack of silence as follows: Radios wake us up and TV timers turn off the day full of programming. There is music in cars, busses, elevators, waiting rooms, and surround sound that

follows us from the family room to the kitchen to the bathroom. We exercise and lie on beaches with earphones, we surround ourselves with noise, and we create a sound barrier for the soul. It protects us from listening to others and to God. There is a listening crisis in our time. Mobile phones and computers may in fact keep us from connecting with others, as we ramble on about ourselves. Children don’t listen to parents and teachers. Too many parents aren’t listening and paying attention to their children. Classrooms, workplaces and homes are filled with depressed and lonely people who are not getting any attention. We cannot care for others without listening, and we cannot pray without silence.

Some say that you only live once, so you have to maximize all the “fun stuff” that this world has to offer. It is true that you only live once, and what a shame it would be if we waste that life by not listening, connecting, caring, nurturing, helping and loving others; and connecting with God in the process. The nine–month period in the womb is a short time of wonder preceding a new life. Our time on earth is a short time preceding a new and eternal life. Every Pascha is a celebration of this new life in Christ, and every lent is another chance to listen and to experience and sense His wonder. There is a beautiful new birth and new life awaiting us. That life is possible through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through God’s grace and mysteries, and through the church which is our mother, we have the full opportunity to hear and to know the voice of the Father now; and not just in the afterlife. Are we listening?

Retired Clergy Benevolence Fund Seeks Support “Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with promise that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3) In January 2006, the Department of Philanthropy assumed from the Retired Clergy Association the formidable task of overseeing the Retired Clergy Benevolence Fund which has been a critical source of supplementary income to needy retired clergy and widowed presbyteres of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. by Bishop Andonios of Phasiane

The challenge these many months has been not only how to sustain the support it presently offers 16 retired clergy and widowed presbyteres but more importantly, how to increase its outreach. Last year, over $72,000 (monies contributed by the Philoptochos, Oikos Ventures and generous individuals such as Steve Yeonas and others) was distributed in monthly stipends to individuals who had established a valid need for such assistance. In 2007, several new requests have been submitted to the department but the unfortunate reality is that at the present time, funds are not available to include these individuals as recipients of any benefactions. According to statistics from the Clergy Benefits Office, there are currently 37 clergy and 27 widowed presbyteres who receive a pension of $603.75 or less a month! While some may have other sources of retirement benefit, one can only wonder about the state of those who do not or even about those who may not have had the opportunity to enroll in the Pension Plan when they were eligible and thus are not included in the aforementioned numbers. Certainly, these individuals who are amongst the pioneers of the Church in the Americas, the elderly fathers and mothers of our community - the dedicated clergymen and devoted presbyteres who for years worked tirelessly and selflessly to promote the work of the Church, should be entitled to a respectable monthly stipend to augment their retirement income. Fortunately, organizations such as the National Ladies Philoptochos Society have recognized this worthy need and in 2005 established as one of their annual commitments a contribution to this Fund. In 2006, the dedicated ladies offered close to $30,000 and prospects are for an increased offering in 2007. However, for the Fund to adequately meet the needs of those in need will require additional sources of income and anyone wishing to make a contribution may direct their contributions to the Department of Philanthropy (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021) earmarked for the Retired Clergy Benevolence Fund.

GET RESULTS

ad vertise advertise

observer@goarch.org Tel ( 212 ) 70-3 • Fax (212) 774-0239

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Christ Is Risen! This is the most joyous and the most significant phase ever uttered by human lips. This phrase changed the world. It changed history. History and eternity meet on the auspicious event of the Resurrection; it is then when the gates of Hades are shattered. It is then when the Gates of Heaven reopen. by Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos

The Leader and Giver of Life guides us on a path that He paved: the path to salvation. He inspires us to live a Christcentered life, a life that takes a person from corruption to incorruptibility, from sin, to redemption, from fall to salvation, from earth to Heaven, from time to eternity. For forty days all faithful exchange the salutation and the good news of salvation: “Christ Is Risen!” The Sun of righteousness rises to illuminate us with the light of faith, hope and love. Is there any other event in the history of the world that could bear greater gravity than the Resurrection of Jesus Christ? A person who consciously and wholeheartedly believes in Christ celebrates the Resurrection as the single most significant point of mankind’s existence. The Apostles and all the other witnesses of the Resurrection traveled throughout the (then) known world to preach and convey the message of salvation. From Rome to Asia Minor and from Ethiopia to India they looked for every person they could find to preach that “Christ Is Risen.” This became the flag of a peaceful revolution that changed the world. It had only one victim: the devil. The event of the resurrection transformed the disciples into Apostles. The disciples fell asleep and left the Lord by Himself in the olive garden. The Apostles tirelessly and sleeplessly preached to all nations. They were the same persons, but they were transfigured by divine grace. They also transformed the world; the Church became the image of a Heavenly society on earth. Whereas people’s arrogance divided the nations who were building the tower of Babylon, the Saints’ humility and faith united the nations on the day of Pentecost. By the Grace of the Holy Spirit the Church became a vessel of salvation. It never possessed military power; yet, the Church conquered millions of hearts and minds with a peaceful explosion of love. St. Paul declares that “if Christ were

It is the Day of the Resurrection Let us embrace one another in Love, Peace and Forgiveness

Dr. & Mrs. NICHOLAS G. LOUTSION & FAMILY Cannonsburg, PA

A Beginning Without an End not risen, our preaching would be empty and your faith would be empty also” (1st Corinthians, 15: 14). The vanity of world religions is that they either do not preach about eternal life or they have no evidence of a person who actually defeated death. Christ not only taught us about life, but He also is Himself Life and the Fountain of Life, a Life everlasting. “Now, that Christ is risen from the dead, is the beginning for the ones who fell asleep to live” (1st Corinthians, 15: 20). This message is also the theme of the icon of the Resurrection. It is the icon that depicts Christ in motion, ascending from Hades and pulling Adam and Eve to eternity. The state of death is dissolved. Light defeated darkness, Life overwhelmed nonexistence. The revolution succeeds and we celebrate the triumph over death not only for forty days after Easter, but also every Sunday of the year and even every day of

our lives. Usually, all revolutions in history compromise their ideals after they succeed, but not Christ’s rebellion against the powers of darkness. Jesus did not go to Hades to find a compromise. He paid the ultimate sacrifice so that He can offer us the ultimate Life, Himself. There is no dialogos (dialogue) with diavolos (the devil). The evil one is the deceiver (the translation of the word diavolos), who attempts to change everything for the worst. But he could not change Christ, Who is the One in the ages of ages. The three-day descent to Hades showers Adam (the old human being) with the light of Christ (the New Adam, the New Human Being). On Holy Thursday, we hear the evangelist’s narrative of the Crucifixion, when the centurion declared “behold the human being” (ἴδε ὁ ἄνθρωπος). In ancient Greek, the word anthropos meant “the one who looks up.”

23 How can we truly look up when the ultimate destiny of our earthly lives was a grave below the ground? Christ changed that. His Resurrection allows us to look up to the heavens, awaiting “the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” (Nicene Creed) Our choice is simple: Christ or the devil, Grace or judgment, Life or death. The practical implementation of this choice is our Christian life, experienced, blessed and sanctified by the mystical co-existence of the faithful in the Body of Christ, His holy Church. The images of the celebration of Easter around the planet are indicative of the joyous nature of the feast and the true belief of the faithful, who express their belief that Christ has fulfilled the divine covenants. Especially, Jerusalem, the religious center of the world, radiates with the light that emanates from the empty tomb on

 page 25

The Voice of

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Philoptochos

National Philoptochos Board Meets in St. Augustine The National Philoptochos Board held its winter meeting in January in St. Augustine, Fla. to continue its work and to provide its members from throughout the country the unique opportunity to visit both the St. Photios National Shrine and the Orthodox Christian Mission Center located in St. Augustine. Bishop Andonios of Phasiane opened the meeting with a prayer and the cutting of the Vasilopita that was offered to each member. President Georgia Skeadas’ report focused on her primary objective “to continue to grow our Philoptochos Society, as we build upon the foundation that we have already established.” She discussed the role of leaders to challenge the process and utilize reflection, development and continuous improvement; to inspire and catalyze a shared vision; and to bring the necessary skills and talent to the Board to align with the Board’s vision and strategic plan. She reported that the current National Board representation is equitable both geographically and numerically based on each Metropolis’ membership. President Skeadas related that the Standing and Special Committees of the National Board have evolved over the past four years and will continue to perpetuate themselves through the integration of new members who have new ideas, new stimulation and new motivation, and who will embrace the multi-generational and multi-demographical span of women in our parishes. She announced a restructuring of the

Philoptochos meeting. (clockwise from top) Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, Fr. Martin ritsi, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Presbytera renee ritsi and national Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas.

committees and that several new committees have been created to compliment the existing committees. A new sub-committee to the Social Services committee has been added titled Disaster Relief, which will ensure timely and expedient responses to crisis situations and natural disasters. The Social Services Committee now also includes regional representatives from each of the nine Metropolises, who will act as liaisons from the National Board. The Membership Committee has been expanded with an additional four co-chairs that represent the northern,

southern, eastern and western parts of the country. Board members engaged in interactive, hands-on committee workshops

where each committee presented its short and long term goals along with a timetable for achieving these goals. The highlight of the meeting were the visits first to St. Photios Shrine where members were greeted by the Very Rev. Nicholas T. Graff, executive director and Polexeni Maouris Hillier, associate director who provided a tour and a historical summary of St. Photios National Shrine. The Ladies Philoptochos of Jacksonville offered their gracious and wonderful hospitality to the National Board. The members then visited the Orthodox Christian Mission Center where Bishop Dimitrios of xanthos, former Mission Center executive director, and Fr. Martin Ritsi, the current executive director, along with Presbytera Renee Ritsi and the staff, warmly greeted the National Board members. Following a most informative tour and refreshments, President Skeadas presented the Mission Center a $20,000 check for the OCMC’s Support A Mission Priest Program (SAMP). These funds help support 289 indigenous Orthodox Clergy around the world that makes their ministries possible.

A Paschal Message from the National President Beloved Ladies of Philoptochos, As we proceed through this very Holy and sacred journey of Great Lent, into Pascha, the true Festival of Festivals, the Feast of complete joy, hope, reawakening and eternal life, we are offered the opportunity for spiritual renewal, reflection, introspection, special prayer and a renewed dedication towards our philanthropic mission. It is this journey that also offers us the opportunity for the renewal of our Christian identity as people of compassion and empathy. The Gospel proclaims that it was the Myrrh-bearing women, who went out at dawn on the first day of the week to anoint the body of our Lord with aromatic spices. It was to these women that the angel of the Lord first appeared to bring them the joyous news “…He is Risen” (Mark 16:6) and to go and proclaim this news to His disciples. Today, we, the women of Philoptochos, must continue this tradition of being the first to bring the good news of the Resurrection to our brothers and sisters in Christ, by being the living examples who provide acts of charity and mercy. In thanksgiving for all the love and gifts that God has given us, let us, in turn, show our love for humankind by actively and passionately participating in all aspects of philanthropy. Begin at your local chapter level, by increasing the participation of current members and encouraging new members to join by your example. Get involved by assisting local charities, visiting the sick, consoling the grieving, and clothing and feeding those in need.

Intensify your commitment and dedication to philanthropy in all facets. It is through these acts of charity that we begin to approach the objective of loving God and loving one another. True love of God will always be true love for all people. We must act as God’s ambassadors on earth and bring His message of compassion, understanding and perfect love to everyone we meet in life. “Come receive the Light, from the Light, that is never overtaken by night, and glorify Christ, who is risen from the dead.” (Troparion of the Resurrection). “I am the Light of the world”; in every Orthodox Church, we read these words, “I am the Light of the world.” This Light is the Word of God that illumines our hearts, our minds, our bodies and souls. Without this Light, and without the life-bestowing breath of the Holy Spirit, which God left us here on earth, the universe would cease to exist in an instant. It is only because of God’s love and great mercy for humankind that we are here almost 2000 years later to proclaim the good news of the Resurrection. Let us continue in all aspects of our life to proclaim that good news to the world, as the Myrrh-bearing women did on that first day. May the divine grace, light and love of our resurrected Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ fill your hearts with peace, grace and joy. Kali Anastasi! With love in Christ, Georgia skeadas President

National Philoptochos Board Meeting–Visit To Orthodox Christian Mission Center.

National Philoptochos Commitments The National Philoptochos Commitments are adopted by the chapter delegates at the National Philoptochos Biennial Conventions and approved by Archbishop Demetrios. Each local Chapter supports these commitments through various fundraising activities.This year, the National Philoptochos is implementing new initiatives to align several of the commitments to National Observance periods. In keeping with the February National Commitment to the Cardiac Fund, the Society established the National Philoptochos Heart Health Awareness Program to promote awareness of the American Heart Association’s GO RED CAMPAIGN. Daphne Zaralidis, National Philoptochos Cardiac Committee chairman and committee member Yiota Simoglou, successfully piloted the program in the Metropolis of Boston in 2006 with the assistance of Metropolis President Diane Miminos. Feb. 4, was designated nationally as “GO RED SUNDAY” and all Philoptochos members across the country were encouraged to join the movement for awareness of heart disease in women and wear red to church as a symbol of support for this program. St. Photios National Shrine is the second national commitment in February

and all funds are used for preservation of the first National Shrine of Orthodoxy in America. March commitments benefit the Orthodox Christian Mission Center and Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology. Funds collected for the OCMC promote Orthodoxy throughout the world and this HC/HC drive supports the physical needs of the School. The April commitments benefit the Sisterhood of St. Basil and the International Orthodox Christian Charities. Donations towards the Sisterhood are for the welfare of the children of the Academy and for graduation ceremonies and awards. The IOCC is the Orthodox humanitarian organization under the mantel of SCOBA and works in cooperation with the local Orthodox Church in each country to bring emergency and development aid. CONtACt PHiLOPtOCHOs Do you want to learn more about the National Philoptochos Society, to join a Philoptochos Chapter, or to support the National Philoptochos? For information contact the National Philoptochos Office at philosny@aol.com.

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Ionian Village Registration Open for Summer GARRISON, N.Y. – Registrations for Ionian Village 2007, the summer travel abroad camp program of the Archdiocese, are now being accepted. For more than 30 years, Ionian Village has enabled teenagers and young adults to experience the history of their Orthodox Faith and Hellenic culture through its unique camping program and excursions through Greece. Guided by carefully selected and trained staff, participants will visit churches and monasteries, learn about the lives of the saints, and venerate their relics in Zakynthos (St. Dionysios), Kefalonia (St. Gerasimos), and Aegina (St. Nektarios), Patras (St. Andrew and the cross upon which he was crucified), Mega Spileion, Kalavrita, and Agia Lavra. Additionally, campers will gain appreciation for Hellenic contributions to the world by visiting the ruins of ancient Olympia, ancient Delphi, Cape Sounion, and the Acropolis.

In addition to its great spiritual and cultural value, the Ionian Village camp site is located on the Ionian Sea and provides a fun and social environment where campers participate in athletic events, craft projects, swimming at the beach (supervised by certified lifeguards), and catechetical discussions. To make Ionian Village accessible to more of youth this year, both sessions will accommodate campers in grades 812 (those entering 8th grade in the fall through those graduating 12th grade this spring). SESSION I: June 28–July 17, 2007 SESSION II: July 24–August 12, 2007 For more information about Ionian Village, or to download a registration packet, please visit our website at www. ionianvillage.org . Contact Ionian Village by calling 646.519.6190, or sending an email to ionianvillage@goarch.org

A BEGINNING WITHOUT AN END  page 23 the day of observance of the Orthodox Easter. When the holy light is transferred from the tomb of Christ to the faithful, the emphatic enthusiasm of the people transcends nationalities and shows more power than even a world-soccer championship game. The Christians, the light of the world, receive the holy light and hold it as a testament of glory and triumph. It is a victory over the “only unavoidable destiny,” death. “For if we believe that Jesus died and is risen, even so, God will have the ones who have fallen asleep with Him through Jesus” (1st Thessalonians, 4: 14). The Apostles of Christ disregarded persecutions, dangers, tortures, humiliation, even execution as they were striving to extend the message of salvation to the world. Contemporary Christians find difficulty even saying “Christ Is Risen” amongst themselves after the Renewal week. The first Christians displayed and exhibited true martyria (witness) and martyrio (martyrdom) for their faith. Modern Christians sometimes suffice to express their celebration of Easter with eggs, bunnies and fasting for a few days. The true understanding of Easter will (should) change every person. One could argue that we would also have the same

enthusiasm as the Apostles if we had seen Christ walking through closed doors, performing miracles and ascending in Heaven. We can certainly be comforted by the Lord’s affirmation that the ones who have not seen and yet believe are blessed. We can be enthusiastic about the prospect of salvation; Christ’s first word after the Resurrection was “rejoice!” The celebration of Easter is an opportunity for jubilation and elation. We are redeemed “from the shadow of the law, thanks to the coming of divine grace” (resurrectional Theotokion of the second tone, Saturday Vespers). Mosaic law was not the key to reopen the door of Paradise. But the Grace of the Resurrection, not only opens, but shatters the door of Heaven so that it can never be closed again. We just have to follow the Lord on the ladder of divine ascent and salvation. Christ Is Risen: undisputedly, the most joyous phrase that can decorate our lips. It is a praise and a hymn for Life and the Giver of Life. It is the final chapter in the book of our existence and the conclusion to the fight (agonas) and the agony (agonia) for salvation. The Resurrection is the beginning of a new life, a beginning that has no end. Fr. Fakinos is Religious Education coordinator for the Archdiocesan District.

COMMUNICATING THE FAITH  page 7

by Cameron, Jacobovici and other contemporary “Thomases” lie not in their questioning but rather in their preoccupation with searching the wrong tomb and touching the wrong body! Theologically, all church buildings are spiritual vessels. They are mighty ships. Built in the image of Noah’s Ark, every church is simultaneously a boat and a tomb. As a spiritual ship, the Church provides safe passage atop the turbulent waters of our existence steering wide of spiritual hazards.

As the empty tomb, the Church announces the Truth of the Resurrection, thereby bestowing Eternal Life to its passengers. Let us hope that would-be passengers will reject an excursion on Cameron and Jacobovici’s titanic tale... choosing rather to remain safely aboard the rugged and age-tested vessel of the Orthodox Church ...a Ship that has historically avoided colliding with perilous icebergs. Fr. Frank Marangos is executive director of the Archdiocese Department of Communications.

THE GREEK DIVISION OF THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

WISHING

HAPPY EASTER

TO THE GREEK COMMUNITY And wants to remind you that the Annual Walk-a-thon will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Ronald McDonald House. Please invite members of your family, friends and business associates. We appeal to the spirit of generosity, which we know exist in all of you. For information and participation please call (212) 717-6608

ANNUAL WALK-A-THON SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2007 AT 11 A.M. nAMe:____________________________________________________________________ ADDreSS________________________________________________________________ teLePhone:________________________________________________________________ entrY Fee:_______________________________________________________________ or Any other Donations:____________________________________________________ Please Send to Ronald McDonald House, Greek Division, 405 East 73rd St-New York, NY 10021

MARCH-APRIL 2007

New Teen Program Presented At ArChBiShoPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S roUnDtABLe on the FAMiLY

16th Annual February 4-14, 2008 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aboard the brand new â&#x20AC;&#x153;Emerald Princessâ&#x20AC;? 10 Day Southern Caribbean Itinerary: Ft. Lauderdale â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Princess Cays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St. Thomas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dominica â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grenada â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bonaire â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aruba â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ft. Lauderdale

The Declaration of Faith/Rite of Commitment Project, one of the new ideas of the Clergy-Laity Congress, held last July in Nashville, included a Roundtable on the Family Workshop attended by more than 100 persons. by Dr. Marjorie Moyar

â&#x20AC;˘ Commissioned Icons for individuals and churches from the leading Iconographers in Greece, using egg tempera colors and 22k gold leaf â&#x20AC;˘ Hundreds of high quality Icons to choose from in a variety of styles and sizes Lord the Lifegiver Commissioned by Saint Demetrios Church in Jamaica, NY

info@religiousicons.com

15%

off all orders over $150. Use discount code NH15 on our order form.

â&#x20AC;˘Miniature Icons, perfect for weddings, baptisms, and church bookstores

www.religiousicons.com

ph: 877-775-4266

This program, aimed at seventh and eighth graders, was developed by Philoptochos National co-chairs of the Family and Society Committee, Helen Lambros and Marjorie Moyar, Ph.D. At baptism, the religious choice and commitment is made for children by their godparent. However, as children approach adulthood, they need to understand more fully their faith and to affirm their own belief. It is a time to commit to Christ and life in the Church. This is a voluntary program of practical study, prayer and service with assistance of a spiritual mentor. One pilot program was conducted at St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, and another at Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Before the two pilot projects were presented, Fr. John Bakas, dean of St. Sophia Cathedral, gave an impassioned appeal for our youth to assume adult responsibility and to commit to the principles of our faith. He highlighted the challenges in and about his parish. This writer described the necessary preparations that occurred in Cleveland at Sts. and Constantine and Helen parish to ensure a good beginning. Recruiting the support of the priest, parish council, and Philoptochos was critical and consensus building was particularly important. Ms. Lambros, from Los Angeles, spoke of their goals, preparation and success of

the program. Caryn Cherpas, Orthodox education director at Sts. Constantine and Helen, described the church programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fundamentals. The Los Angeles program operated for seven weeks and the Cleveland program continued for seven months. Each had a unique structure for instruction. Both emphasized commitment and bringing the teen closer to the Orthodox Christian faith. Both were successful. The video and DVD of their closing ceremonies, with the teens holding lighted candles in front of the iconostasions and committing to their faith, brought tears to the eyes of many at the workshop. Intense interest and enthusiasm were expressed in the question and answer portion of the session. Some inquired about mentor selection, while others focused on the obstacles, such as school sporting events on Sunday morning. The longest comment was about determination, emphasizing that if we put our minds to making something good happen for youth, it will occur. The over-flow audience not only was attentive to the four speakers, but was particularly enthusiastic about the pilot projects specifically and the great importance of doing such programs for our youth now. Both clergy and lay leaders expressed great interest in using these materials to begin similar programs in their parishes. For more information, contact: Fr. John Bakas (St. Sophia) frbakas@ stssophia.org â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Helen Liacouras Lambros (St. Sophia) hlambros@aol.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marjorie Moyar, Ph.D. (Sts. Constantine & Helen) mmmoyar@meihotels.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Caryn Cherpas ( Sts. Constantine & Helen) cherpfam@msn.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fr. Stephen Callos (Sts. Constantine & Helen) frstephen@ stsconstantine.com

Christ Is Risen! He Is Truly Risen! Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Houston, Texas

PEACE and JOY

CHRIST IS RISEN! The Faithful of

HOLY TRINITY BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT

(FPSHJB ,BQPSJT -JDFOTFE 3FBM &TUBUF "HFOU 1BSL "WF 4PVUI /FX :PSL /: FYU P ] D FGBY

HLBQPSJT!DJUJ IBCJUBUT DPN

XXX DJUJIBCJUBUT DPN 4QFDJBMJ[JOH JO SFTJEFOUJBM TBMFT BOE SFOUBMT JO .BOIBUUBO 3FQSFTFOUJOH CVZFST TFMMFST BOE QSPQFSUZ JOWFTUPST

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Challenge What’s Up Mythbusters? YOUTH MINISTRY

e-mail: youthofﬁce@goarch.org

WITH

So, I’m pumping gas at the Chevron on Main Street when my cell phone rings. I reach for the phone but before I pick up I remember a friend told me that I would blow up if I answered the phone while pumping gas. by Phil Louridas

Is he right? Should I answer the phone? Is this true, or just a myth? Sounds like a job for Mythbusters - the Discovery Channel show where Adam and Jamie test urban legends to see if they are plausible, probable, or busted. The fun of the show lies in their attempts to test or recreate each myth; these guys don’t just sit around with historical lectures, they dive in feet first. In a similar way the Orthodox Church, during Lent, offers us an opportunity to test some myths of our society. America has been called a “Land of Desire,” a “Consumer’s Republic,” and a “Fast Food Nation.” You’ve heard the lectures before from your grandparents, teachers, and aunts; the lectures they repeat over and over: “You kids have too much stuff these days. When I was your age all we played with was an old tennis ball, a piece of chalk, and a jump rope." "I had one pair of shoes and a dress for Sunday." "A library card and a bus pass, that was a fun Saturday.” Sure, our elders might exaggerate here or there, but there’s some truth at the heart of what they say. They never imagined video games, much less cell phones, ipods, or the internet. It wasn’t too long ago that designer purses and sunglasses were reserved for the extremely wealthy, and now they’re accessible to the middle class. And before I forget, there’s a myth in here somewhere. Here’s the myth that many companies want us to believe: Buying stuff brings us freedom and allows us to express ourselves. Plain and simple, this is what advertisers try to tell us every day. For example, being good customers can bring us freedom from boredom (tons of entertaining things to buy at Best Buy), freedom from work (Magic xP999 Bathroom Tile Cleaner will clean the tub for you!), or possibly freedom from pain (shopping makes me happy). Advertisers want us to believe that every purchase we make is our ticket to happiness by either satisfying a need or giving us more free time to do what we really want. But if we were to purchase less, would we be less happy, or would we have any less “freedom”? Secondly, we are taught that everything we buy or wear is a personal statement. We are asked to express ourselves

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

by the purchases we make and share with friends. What’s our fashion? Do we play sports? Am I interested in computers? However, this is also a myth. The clothes we wear and the fashions we choose are not custom-made or even tailored. These fashions are meant to appeal to the widest possible range of customers. Yes, buying clothing is normal, and very, very necessary. But the claim that these clothes or other products are a statement of ‘who we are’ is false. The show Mythbusters does a good job finding the truth in the many myths in society. (And just so you know, using your cell phone at a gas station won't cause an explosion!) The Church does the same with the myths that surround us in contemporary culture - it busts them. The Church is the “pillar and ground of truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), seeking to protect us from falsehood and showing us the path to true freedom and happiness. During the year, the Church sets aside a period to really do some mythbusting--Lent is that time. In Great Lent, the Church shows us an alternative to what society and many companies tell us: that the ticket to freedom and true happiness is through products or things. Lent is the time to

remember that products and money don’t bring happiness, but rather that Christ does. The biggest myth is that God won’t deliver: that there are other ways to find true freedom and happiness rather than through Jesus Christ. The truth is this: Christ does not disappoint. For some reason, we forget this.

We forget that we are inheritors of the kingdom of God. We are all united to Christ through baptism, and we are all royalty because we are united to the King of Kings. In God’s eyes, we are priceless and we are loved. We have been invited to try something different during Lent. Focusing more on prayer, fasting, attending the services, and being charitable — these are all tools the Church gives us to help us bust the myth that we need to rely on something or someone other than God for freedom and happiness. Having said all these things, I now invite you to experience the risen Christ for yourself. No one can force you to do anything. I can’t convince you that God is your ticket to freedom and happiness or that God has great plans for you. You have to experience it for yourself through making time for God in your everyday life. That’s what Lent’s all about—making time for the most important relationship in our life. A relationship with Christ is a relationship with someone who does not disappoint, but indeed, delivers in the biggest way possible. Pascha is the proof that faith in Christ is not just another myth, but instead the greatest truth of all. Phil Louridas is a graduate of Drexel University and is part of the Metropolis of San Francisco Youth Ministry Team. He has had extensive involvement working with youth in the Metropolis of San Francisco as a workshop leader for youth retreats and a Summer Camp Counselor at St. Nicholas Ranch.

G in Culture

Common Myths about God in Our Society

Let's take a look at some of the messages we receive about God, and then break them down to find the truth. Myth 1: God is absent from our everyday life: Did anyone see the Grey's Anatomy episode when the character of Meredith had a near-death experience? Even though she "died" and went to a place beyond this earth, where she communicated with those who had previously died, there was no mention of God at all. This myth about God not really being present in our life, or even in death, is very common in our society. Often excused in terms of "political correctness," God is regularly left out of everything - school, work, sports, etc. Even in a show such as Seventh Heaven, where one of the main characters is a Christian pastor, God is rarely acknowledged. What's the truth? Scripture tells us that God is involved in everything, even to the point of knowing how many hairs we have on our heads (Luke 12:7)! Especially for those committed to a Christian way of life, God is an integral part of all we do and every decision we make. "Those who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ," the hymn sung at our baptism, means that we have put on His entire way of life. In fact, we are taught to pray to God "unceasingly" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and bring every one of our thoughts before God (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Myth 2: Jesus is a mythical-historical figure surrounded by mystery, conspiracy, and intrigue: This is the case with hits like The Da Vinci Code, the so-called "Gospel" of Judas, and the latest documentary from James Cameron called The Lost Tomb of Christ. Popular culture would have us believe that Jesus and his followers were part of a covert society whose dark secrets have been buried over the past two thousand years. What's the truth? We have to remember that for many of these productions, entertainment is the main factor. This means that fiction often reigns over fact because fiction is usually more entertaining. Well, the early Church spent a lot of time debunking similar myths. It seems absurd to throw away 2,000 years of endorsed historical accounts (like the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as well as the writings of the saints of our Church) in favor of the same old myths re-packaged for the 21st century. St. Paul wrote that the "wisdom of this world" is foolishness with God, and that often, God's wisdom is foolishness to the world (1 Corinthians 1:17-31). This rings especially true in our time, where misrepresentations about Jesus Christ's life are seen as exciting entertainment by millions of people (entertainment, by the way, that translates into a lot of profit for production companies and publishers). It's important, now more

than ever, to do your research and know the facts. Myth 3: God is a grey-bearded old man holding a lightning bolt, looking down from heaven: What's the truth? Well, Scripture tells us that "no person has ever seen God" (John 1:18). Moses came pretty close as He stood in God's presence (remember the burning bush in Exodus 3?). Although no one has ever seen God the Father, we know that God the Son, Jesus Christ, became a human being. What did he look like? Historical sources lead us to believe He looked like a normal Middle Eastern man of that time period. How important is it for us to know what Jesus looks like? It's important to know that He looked like a regular person - with hair, two hands, two feet, etc. This is evidence of His full humanity, which our Church celebrates through our use of icons. As you know, icons are two-dimensional images used as teachings tools by the Church, but they don't portray photograph-like details of their subjects (like hairstyle or nose size). Instead of being historical portrayals, they are spiritual portrayals, emphasizing theological and eternal truths. For instance, you might notice that on an icon, the ears are disproportionately large, and the mouth disproportionately small. This is to teach that we should spend more time listening to God's word and less time in idle talk.

MARCH-APRIL 2007

U.S. IMMIGRATION • TAXATION BUSINESS LAW INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS WILLS & ESTATES

Dr. ARES D. AXIOTIS

ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW ÄÉÄÁÊÔÙÑ ÐÁÍ/ÌÉÏÕ OXFORD, ENGLAND Ô. ËÅÊÔÙÑ ÍÏÌÏËÏÃÉÁÓ ÐÁÍ/ÌÉÏÕ CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND MEMBER OF NY AND CT BARS 36 West 44th Street – Suite 1300, New York, NY 10036

Tel.: (212) 840-3422 or (203) 255-3312

Athens Law Firm

Assists managing your property in Greece: Collects rents, ﬁnd renters, takes up eviction proceedings, handles repairs and maintence; generally looks after property, assists to establish ownership and handles sales and purchases. Contact us at:

Nikitiades and Associates

5 Lycabettus Street, Kolonaki, Athens, Greece 10672 Tel: +30 210 364-2909 • Fax: +30 210 362-5331 e-mail: gnikit@ath.forthnet.gr Information Ms. Chantzopoulou or Mr. Anastasopoulos

WEDDINGS-GIFTS

www.kentrikon-noufaro.com

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Tel: (212) 570-3555

MISCELLANEOUS GREEK IMPORTS

WHOLESALE PRICES

Bronze, Marble, Ceramics and Icons Call (602) 819-2301 Cheryl@CherylMenayas.com

PHILOTHEI Orthodox Vestments & Gifts Custom made Vestments, Cassocks, Baptismal Robes and Gifts www.churchtailor.com

CHILDREN’S ENGLISH TUTORING LESSONS Comprehension, Writing Skills, Grammar, Thinking Skills, Vocabulary, Punctuation, Phonics Summer Lessons Available Affordable Rates

Call George Steriadis

Waterfront Condo 2BR/2Bath $210,000

Toll Free: 1-866-308-8987 • (727) 804-8289 cell New Homes & Resales New Homes in Greece

ÏÌÉËÏÕÌÅ ÅËËÇÍÉÊÁ

ARIZONA, USA

NAPLES, FLORIDA Be an informed Buyer • Seller !!!

www.traditionalgreekcostumes.us

T R A N S L AT I O N S - Μ Ε ΤΑΦ ΡΑ Σ Ε Ι Σ Professional Translation Service GREEK-ENGLISH-GREEK metafrastis2004@yahoo.com–(917) 412-7465

ORTHODOX OBSERVER Tel: (212) 570-3555 observer@goarch.org

on the property. Brick security fence all around with the sea right below. Few vil as there. Priced to sell at $ 122,000. The olive trees produce almost one ton of olive oil per year. Serious inquiries only. Home: (940)889-2905 • Cell: (940) 889-7706

FOR SALE IN KEFALONIA: Sea view rental property at Skala Village. 3 story 500m2 villa includes 10 rooms-seperate bath and balcony access-penthouse suite with 2 attached studios. 300m from seashore-large garden-520 m2 of land. 1,5 million Euros. Great investment opportunity. Brochures available. Contact Franka Wright Nodarou at (940) 696-1913 and (940) 232-7597

Wonderful Boca Raton-Florida Great Value for East Boca - Clean and beautiful home-3 bed, 3 bath, large family room, living & dining rooms, updated kitchen and baths, new appliances, garage, pool, circular driveway, back yard, A+ schools, close to St. Mark’s Greek Church $398,0900 BETTY TZOUMAS-COLDWELL BANKER • Real Estate (954) 600-4965 • Photos & virtual tour available

MOLAOI LAKONIAS-GREECE Two story beautiful house w/breathtaking view overlooking Molaoi and the Valley and across Agia Paraskevi. 6 Stremmata lot w/ olive, orange and lemon trees, 2 car garage, 3 bedrooms, 21/2 baths, 2 kitchens, private church and katafigion/cave. Many extras-must see to appreciate. U.S.A. (315) 427-6132 • Greece (summer) 27320-23118

MUSICIANS

THE

TROJANS of NEW YORK

THE ULTIMATE IN GREEK AND AMERICAN MUSIC EMAIL:TROJAN888@AOL.COM

(718) 204-0400

GEORGE KENT•GREEK•AMERICAN•INTERNATIONAL ORCHESTRA & ENTERTAINMENT EXPOSÉ REQUESTED! “BOOK EARLY FOR 10% REBATE!”

ONLY TRUST YOUR SOCIAL TO A PROVEN NAME GROUP OF FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS ENTERTAINERS, AT AFFORDABLE PRICES, WHO’S ONLY BUSINESS IS MUSIC. PERFORMING AUTHENTIC GREEK MUSIC OF ALL REGIONS, COLONIES OF GREECE. FEATURING THE “PRIME VOICE OF GREECE...” THE CLARINO & BOUZOUKI PLUS VOCALS. BEWARE! OF GREEK BANDS PROMISING AMERICAN MUSIC, THEN PLAYING TAPES! ALL OUR MUSIC IS PERFORMED “LIVE”...OUR AMERICAN SOUNDS PURE AMERICAN, WITH NO ACCENT!

CALL KENT 1-914-476-3020

or write: 118 Bolmer Ave., N.Yonkers, NY 10703-1637 Send for CD albums “Zorba” or “Athena” $15 for one, $25 for both (cassette $11.00 for one, $20 for both) to address above.

THE BOUZOUKI NIGHTS Greek & American Music Unlimited Continuous “Live” Greek & American DJ Entertainment FOR ALL OCCASSIONS

Steve: (410) 456-5339 - Andreas: (717) 464-4562 Fax:(410) 256-5524 e-mail: bouzoukinights@aol.com

The Fabulous Grecian Keys

The Very Best Singers Violin, Clarino & Bouzoukia

800-GET-KEYS - 330.394.0404

New Construction Lake Side Luxury Town Home Two Story with Lakeside Balconies

Χορευτικα, ΔΗΜΟΤΙΚΑ, ΛΑΙΚΑ και ΝΗΣΙΩΤΙΚΑ www.greciankeys.com Georgio Theofilos

3 bedroom and 21/2 baths; 2,275 sq2 of living space. Tarpon Springs, FL (Greek Community). $615 K Appraisal. For pics or additional info, e-mail pitcrewtampa@hotmail.com or call Randy (813) 433-4624 FOR SALE: MEDITERRANEAN VILLA ON SAMOS ISLAND Fabulous villa in Samos, Greece, 11-yrs young, 180 m2 (about 1940 sq ft) with large private 5,925 m2 (about 63,780 sq ft) lot and breathtaking views of the nearby Potami beach. L/R, 4 B/Rs, 3 bath, eat-in-kitchen; laundry rm with washer and dryer, large built-in closets and 3 verandas; fully-lit tiled flat roof serves as an additional veranda suitable for partying. Three A/Cs, solar-powered water heater, satellite TV, telephone and piping for central hot water baseboard heat, convenient parking. Move-in condition, it’s offered fully furnished for $535,000. For more information and photographs, contact Emmanuel Hatziemmanuel USA, e-mail hatzi@bellsouth.net Tel.:+1-561-795-0828 or Takis Xanthos in Karlovasi, Samos, Tel.: +30-22730-33598 or +30-2273-30018. Serious inquiries only

Naples Florida Real Estate Vicky Lowry

Experience the Difference... ...the Difference is Experience 20+ Years in Real Estate Downing-Frye Realty, Inc.

Μιλώ Ελληνικά

1-800-448-3411 ext. 508 (239) 777- 4904

www.vickylowry.net

Metro Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona Eleni Venetos

Associate Broker REALTOR (R) Casper Realty, LLC

REAL ESTATE IN THE

KEFALONIA ISLAND-GREECE

FOR SALE 2 1/2 acres with 21 olive trees & water

www.jimsellsswfl.com

DJ El Greco now in USA Service coast to coast with the best Greek and international music around. Make your social event unforgetable. Also latest Greek CD’s for sale. Contact at (727) 565-8528 E-mailLeamlong@yahoo.com

TRADITIONAL GREEK COSTUMES

ADVERTISE

ΠΩΛΕΙΤΑΙ: Διαμέρισμα τριάρι σε καινούργια πολυκατοικία με ιδιωτικό πάρκινγκ και αποθήκη. ΤΙΜΗ ΕΥΚΑΙΡΙΑΣ!!! Ελλάδα: 210-68-11-923 USA: (410) 357-4911

Home for Sale 1.7 miles from St. Antony’s Monastery in Arizona. Over 2,000 sq2, fenced with a garage. Call (520) 868-9720 for more details.

Please call (347) 924-0517

Πωλούνται ελληνικές παραδοσιακές εθνικές στολές σε καλή τιμή. Παραγγείλατε εγκαίρως. Sister Ioanna (917) 214-7672

Rare large hilltop parcel, 11 plus stremata, overlooking sea and valley. Close to Temple of Poseidon, in area of year round and vacation villas. Firm price $650.000 U.S. Subject to increase without notice. Serious inquiries only! Call: ( 207 ) 282-1197 ΝΕΑ ΜΑΚΡΗ - ΑΘΗΝΑ

CLEARWATER-TARPON SPRINGS-FLORIDA

For SALE or LEASE

Wedding and Christening items, Favors, Martirika, Vaptistika, Ecclesiastical items.

(718) 721-9190

CAPE SOUNION AREA

ΟΜΙΛΩ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ

KENTRIKON-NOUFARO 23-35 31 St. Astoria, NY 11105

We ship anywhere!

REAL ESTATE FISHER REALTY

ÌÉËÙ ÅËËÇÍÉÊÁ

REV111502

LEGAL SERVICES

• Business Brokerage, Commercial, Land & Residential Property • Business & Investment Opportunities • Primary & Vacation Homes in the Valley of the Sun

(602) 956-2818 • eleni.casperrealty@cox.net

For all your musical events

Includes Bouzouki, Klarino, Keyboards, Guitar, Drums and Vocals Call KOSTAS anytime (781) 863-0798 or (781) 223-6804 Lexington, MA 02420

Ask for information on our newest CD: “Classic Songs of Greece” Double CD Vocal and Instrumental versions $19.95 plus $3.00 Shipping To order: www.taslis.org or by mail: TASLIS 241 East Street, Lexington, MA 02420

BOOKS & PRINT

NEWLY PUBLISHED

“The Sacred Preparatory Service” for the Celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Gift for your parish, priest, Bible class, choir, chantor. 275 pages. Billingual. Price $50 plus $5 for postage. Endorsed by Metropolitan Maximos. Order from: Fr. George S. Servos, 286 Shadyside Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750 Tel.: (716) 763-2627

Dimitrios

Photography & Video Call our studio to talk about the wide variety of wedding packages for nearly every budget.

CALL NOW ( 516) 931-2333

MARCH-APRIL 2007

PARISH PROFILE  page 19 Howe Elliott. She was the daughter of Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe of Boston (1801-1876), who, after graduating from Harvard Medical School in 1824, served as a soldier and a doctor in the Greek War of Independence. The major renovation took place in the late 1940s, as a brick veneer was added to the building’s exterior along with the construction of two towers on either side of the main entrance “to make the church visible from every point in nearby Newport Harbor,” the parish history noted. In the late 1950s, Fr. Spyridon Papademetriou, the priest at Annunciation Church in Newburyport, Mass., came to St. Spyridon and served the community for 15 years. Parishioners considered moving to a new location in the late 1960s because the neighborhood was becoming an “undesirable location” due to the presence of a U.S. Navy base. Drunken sailors commonly engaged in street brawls in the area around the church on upper Thames Street. The problem disappeared when the Navy closed the base in 1973 and removed thousands of sailors. However, the Navy maintains a strong presence in the city. Newport is home to the U.S. Naval War College, the Naval Education and Training Center, the Surface Warfare Officer training school and the chaplaincy school. A few parishioners are on the staff of the Naval War College and some work in high–tech positions with the Navy institutions. Among those attending the War College are NATO officers, including several from the Greek navy who attend services at St. Spyridon’s.

Gaining prominence

Some members of the parish rose to local prominence beginning in the late 1960s. Harold C. Petropoulos became chairman of the Newport Redevelopment Corporation and the city’s downtown “underwent a notable revitalization,” the parish history notes. This resulted in a substantial increase in tourism for the city. The son of one of the parish’s char-

HAPPY EASTER From a Friend

ter members, Mr. Petropoulos was later elected to the City Council and Chamber of Commerce. Another immigrant’s son, Dean Lewis, was elected mayor of Newport and also made an unsuccessful run for governor. Nicholas Logothetes became Newport’s director of secondary education and assistant superintendent of schools. Dean C. Brelis, a newspaper and magazine reporter and war correspondent, also worked as an NBC News commentator. Chris Caragianis served as chairman of the Naval Affairs Council, director of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Navy League and disaster chairman of the local chapter of the American Red Cross. In the mid-1970s, Fr. Papademetriou was reassigned to St. Matthew’s Church in Reading, Pa., and was briefly succeeded by Fr. Robert Athas, then by Fr. John Theodore in 1976. Fr. Theodore launched a major renovation project and helped initiate the three-day Hellenic Fest in 1983. The festival continues to be the parish’s major annual fund-raiser. It takes place in late July in the church parking lot under a tent. Fr. Anthony said the event draws so many tourists, “it’s almost unnecessary to advertise.” Fr. Stephen Kyriacou, then the chancellor of the Boston Diocese, came to Newport in 1983 and served until 1987, when he went to San Francisco as dean of Annunciation Cathedral, Fr. Anthony’s home parish where at the time he was a lay person and parish council member. Fr. Anthony had been working as a banker for 10 years in San Francisco and, after marrying, decided to attend Holy Cross School of Theology at age 36. After graduation and ordination, Fr. Anthony was assigned as assistant priest at St. Demetrios Church in Seattle, then as pastor of St. George Church in Eugene, Oregon, before his assignment to Newport in 2001. Meanwhile, Fr. Thomas Chininis, and Fr. Peter Balkas, each had served at St. Spyridon in the period before Fr. Anthony arrived.

Contemporary scene

The parish’s present demographics include the long-time parish families of Skiathian and Mytileneian background, a small number of Orthodox Christians from Romania, Russia and Bulgaria who arrived in recent years after the collapse of communism, and several converts. Many parishioners own restaurants or are involved in other tourist-related businesses, and there is a mix of blue collar and professional types. The parish has several organizations and ministries, including a retirees group that holds a monthly luncheon, with food donated by the Greek restaurants. The meetings include speakers and video presentations on health and other topics. The church participates in a community soup kitchen project sponsored by local churches. Parish volunteers serve about 65 meals once a month. “We’re not just here for ourselves,” said Fr. Anthony. “We should be visible in the community, and not just through the Greek festival.” The Sunday school has an enrollment of about 40 children. The Greek school has a smaller enrollment, and there is an adult Greek class taught by a volunteer. Fr. Anthony said the parish has many young families in addition to older members and that he does “more baptisms than any other sacrament. We have lot of young couples staying and raising children here.” — Compiled by Jim Golding

MARCH-APRIL 2007

For the Orthodox Family...

MARCH-APRIL 2007

Living in the Light of the Resurrection S. F. Metropolis Historical One of the beautiful traditions we have in the Orthodox Church is our Paschal Resurrection service. With the church darkened, the priest comes out with the light of Christ, proclaiming, “Come receive the light, the Light of Christ, who illumines those in darkness.” by Philip Mamalakis

The altar boys and parish council members swarm forward and the light slowly makes its way throughout the church, filling it with brightness. This is such a powerful experience that many people who do not set foot in church all year will still be present at this one service. I remember this well as a child. After the service, exhausted and wired, we would try to see if we could bring the light home. Sometimes it would be windy or rainy and our goal would be just to get the light to the car. Once in the car, we tried to get the light home without burning anyone’s hair. Sometimes, we were successful! Weary-eyed, holding an open flame in the car, (which I’m sure was a fire hazard) we were determined to bring the light of Christ into our homes. Why? Because our homes are the places where we live our lives, spend most of our days, and we knew that this is where the light of Christ belonged and it was also a lot of fun! We need Christ in our homes because it is here where we learn about life and relationships. We learn how to love, how to be patient, and how to forgive. In our homes we learn what to expect from others and what to do when people don’t meet our expectations. We learn what to value in the world and how to live in it. Our homes are where our souls our shaped in the day–to–day activities of life. The light of Christ needs to be in that place as that is happening–illuminating all. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear. The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid. –Psalm 27:1 But what do we do with this light when we bring it into our house? How do we bring the light of Christ into our homes, into our families? Where do we put it? Does it have a place in our homes? Does it have a place in our hearts? First, let’s talk about physically bringing the light of Christ home. Where do we place this candle in our home? The light came from the altar of the Church and belongs at the altar area, or prayer area, of the home. Does your home have a space, part of a room or maybe in the hallway, that is set apart for family prayer? Do you gather as a family for prayer? Do you have a place to keep a candili–a vigil light–that can be lit with the Paschal light? In that place you might hang

your icons, maybe keep a censer, some holy water, a palm from Palm Sunday, a bible, a prayer book, and maybe a book of hymns. This place is set apart to come together as a family to pray, read the Bible, and to sing on a regular basis. We need to prepare a special place in our homes to receive the light of Christ. We weren’t always successful bringing the Paschal light home. Some years the light blew out–sometimes from the wind, and sometimes from a sibling, who worked diligently to extinguish the other’s light.

Becoming the Light

So, what happened when the light is extinguished? Do we ever blow out the light of Christ? Absolutely not! We know that as Christians, we don’t just carry the light of Christ, we are the light of Christ. And on Pascha, we bring that light of Christ into our homes as we carry the light of Christ in our hearts. Does the light of Christ have a place in our hearts? The purpose of the external traditions and practices of the Church is to nurture the internal reality of living with Christ in our homes by living with Christ in our hearts. “You are the light of the world.” –Matthew 5:14 For 50 days we live in the light of the Resurrection. That is, we receive the light of Christ in our hearts by living according to the Light, as children of God, according to the values and virtues of the Kingdom of God, according to His commandments, which are lights that guide us. We live in the light of the resurrection by living as peacemakers (James 3;18), nurturing forgiveness (Matthew 6:12–16), learning to love (Matthew 22:35–40; I Corinthians 13:3), being slow to anger and quick to listen (James 1:19), hungering and thirsting after righteousness (Matthew 5:6), being patient, kind, longsuffering, gentle (I Corinthians 13:4)–OK, that doesn’t sound much like mealtime at my home. That’s because we are still working towards this goal–or rather–Christ is still working towards this goal in us as we walk in the light of His resurrection. As we receive Christ into our hearts, by striving to live as Children of God in our homes, we experience that warmth and peace in our homes that comes from the Light of Christ–from the love of Christ that shines forth on Pascha. We are invited on Pascha night to take home the light in our cars, that we may take it home in our hearts. Christ is Risen! Dr. Philip Mamalakis is the assistant professor of pastoral care at Holy Cross School of Theology, where he also helps coordinate the Field Education Program.

Society Symposium Planned SAN FRANCISCO – Holy Trinity Church of San Francisco, the oldest Greek Orthodox Church within the Metropolis, will host this year’s symposium for historical societies within the Metropolis on May 5. This year’s program will include a presentation on the history of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Metropolis. Prior to the founding of the Greek Orthodox communities in the San Francisco area, Greek immigrants worshiped at the Russian Orthodox Church. Representatives from some of the oldest parishes in our Metropolis will be giving presentations; specifically Seattle, Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco Greek American authors including Dr. James Dimitriou, Constantine Skedros, and Theodora Argue will speak about the history of their respective communities. There will be presentations from the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute (PAOI) and the Salt Lake City Greek History Museum. Both institutions are dedicated to the preservation of our culture, history, and faith. These organizations have so much to offer researchers and historians. There will be a wonderful presentation on the history of the Daughters of Penelope, a worldwide philanthropic organization founded in San Francisco, and presentations from parishes regarding their historical preservation efforts. A selection of books will be available for purchase. Registration is $40 and includes continental breakfast and buffet lunch. To register (or if you have questions) contact Jim Lucas at 415-752-0850 or by email at jim@loukas.com

Minnesota Church Sponsors St. Gregory Palamas Festival ST. PAUL, Minn. – St. George Church sponsored its annual “Light on the Path – Gs. Gregory Palamas Festival March 24, which featured Fr. Aris Metrakos as the main speaker. Fr. Metrakos is pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Columbia, S.C. This year’s theme was Parish and Personal Renewal. The subjects of Fr. Aris’ talks were The Seven Deadly Sins- Gluttony & Sloth, Greek Food & Great FaithMaturing from an Ethnic Club to the Body

of Christ, and Going through the Motions and Growing in Devotion- Maturing from Pious Practice to Healthy Relationships. Fr. Aris also gave the homilies at the Sunday Divine Liturgy and at Pan-Orthodox Lenten Vespers. Fr. Aris is leads numerous programs and retreats for youth and adults. He is active in the Metropolis of Atlanta St. Stephan Summer Camp, which he helped to establish in 1993. He also is a chaplain to the University of South Carolina and its Orthodox Christian Fellowship chapter. St. Gregory Palamas, an articulate defender of Orthodoxy and true prayer in the 14th century, is commemorated the second Sunday of Great Lent each year. This year's seminar was a combination of educational activities, worship and fellowship designed to provide participants multiple ways of engaging in the theme of "Parish and Personal Renewal."

Concert Marks Metropolitan Methodios’ 25th Anniversary BOSTON – The celebrated Rachmaninoff Festival Chorus, one of Maine’s largest and best known choral groups, performed Rachmaninoff's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at the Annunciation Cathedral on Saturday, March 10, and Sunday, March 11. The performances honored Metropolitan Methodios of Boston’s 25 years as a hierarch of the Church. He was elevated to the Episcopacy on July 18, 1982. The Rachmaninoff Festival Chorus, numbering about 80 singers, consists of the combined membership of Down East Singers and the Bowdoin College Chorus, both of which are conducted by Dr. Anthony Antolini, one of today’s leading specialists in the development of transliterations and “singing” translations of Russian choral music. The Liturgy of St. Chrysostom as a text is central to Orthodox worship and is the most frequently used. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (or various sections of it) has been set by such outstanding Russian composers as Gretchaninov, Bakhemetev, Kastalsky, Archangelsky, and Tchaikovsky. Rachmaninoff’s own background was not strongly religious, but we do know from his Recollections as told to Oscar von Riesemann that he was exposed to the music of the Orthodox Church by his grandmother, Sophia Alexandrovna Boutakova, when he was 11.

Communications Survey The Department of Communications is launching a survey on issues and topics of the day that affect Orthodox Christians and society at large. The regular survey presents an opportunity for readers to interact with the Archdiocese and offer their responses to the various issues. To complete the survey and submit a response, please go to the website http://www.goarch.org/surveys Regarding the recent documentary by James Cameron entitled “The Lost Tomb of Jesus”:

If you have questions regarding the Archdiocesan Clergy sexual Misconduct Policy or want to report a complaint of clergy misconduct, call the toll-free hotline (877) 544-3382

1. Do you think the distribution of the documentary, “The Lost Tomb of Jesus,” shortly before Easter was done intentionally to discredit Christianity? a. Yes b. No c. Undecided

All complaints will be taken seriously and allegations will be investigated fully and impartially. Callers may speak with a male or female volunteer in either Greek or English.

2. Did the documentary, “The Lost Tomb of Jesus,” affect your faith?

a. b. c.

Yes No Undecided

3. How do you think the mainstream news media (electronic and print) handle news about the Christian faith compared to that of other religions? a. They are biased against Christianity b. They provide neutral coverage c. They provide favorable coverage of Christianity d. No opinion

MARCH-APRIL 2007