Orthodox Observer - August 2008 by Orthodox Marketplace

JULY-AUGUST 2008 • Vol. 73 • No. 1241

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

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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Official Visit to Rome VATICAN CITY – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made an official visit to the See of Old Rome in order to celebrate the Feast Day of the Roman See, Sts. Peter and Paul, with Pope Benedict XVI. This visit, which reciprocated the Papal visit to the Phanar for the feast of the First-Called Apostle Andrew on November 30, 2006, was conducted from June 27-29. In the modern history of such exchanges, this visit marked the seventh time an Ecumenical Patriarch had made such an official visit to the Vatican. Archbishop Demetrios led an accompanying delegation of over 50 pilgrims from the United States, sponsored by Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism that joined in the celebrations. The festivities in Rome marked not only the Patronal Feast of the Vatican, but also inaugurated the Pauline year, commemorating the 2,000 years of the life and ministry of St. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, the “lyre of the Spirit” who authored a majority of the Sacred Books in the New Testament. The Solemn Papal Vespers for the Feast was held at the famous Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (the second largest church in Rome). Like St. Peter’s Basilica, beneath the High Altar is the tomb of the Holy Apostle, who was beheaded around the same time that the Apostle Peter was martyred by being crucified upside down. Here, before a Church filled to capacity, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered this salutation: Your Holiness, beloved Brother in Christ, Dearest faithful in the Lord,

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Benedict at the services for Sts. Peter and Paul.

It is with solemn joy that we stand for vesperal prayer in this splendid and ancient temple of St. Paul “Outside the Walls” in the presence of numerous devout pilgrims from throughout the world on the occasion of the formal and festive opening of the Year of St. Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles.

The radical conversion and apostolic kerygma of Saul of Tarsus literally shook history in its entirety and shaped the very identity of Christianity. This great man profoundly influenced such classical Church Fathers as St. John Chrysostom in the East and St. Augustine of Hippo in the West. Though he never met Jesus of

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Nazareth, nevertheless St. Paul received the Gospel directly “from the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1.11-12) This sacred venue “Outside the Walls” is surely most appropriate for the commemoration and celebration of a man

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Church Progress Continues at 39th Clergy–Laity Congress The 39th Clergy-Laity Congress successfully concluded its conference on July 18th after five days of meetings by the various committees, workshops and plenary sessions that addressed many spiritual and contemporary issues. Participants came away from the biennial gathering with an awareness of the importance of reaching out to those who have either left the Church or are looking for a spiritual home, in keeping with the theme of “Gather My People to My Home.” Delegates also received favorable news about the continuing improvement in the finances of the Archdiocese. Increases have been reported in National Ministries commitments, unrestricted donations, and grants from Leadership 100 and FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism and the Archdiocese exceeded $20 Million in revenue for the first time in its history Revenue for the National Ministries in 2007 exceeded that of 2006 by $5.9 million. Total income for 2007 was $24.2 million and expenses were $19.8 million. The year ended with a $2.9 million surplus after legal fees and settlements.

The issue was committed to further study and consideration by the next congress. Much of the discussion centered on trimming congress expenses and trying to reduce individual costs to parishes and delegates. Many speakers favored the twoyear format as a way of maintaining the unity of the Church. Prior to the Clergy–Laity Congress the Young Adult Conference began July 10 and concluded on the 13th. More than 200 young adults from throughout the United States and the Bahamas participated. The YAL events included a question-

More coverage on Pages 2, 9, 21, 23, 31, 32, 33 The opening session of the 39th Clergy-Laity Congress in Washington.

Delegates approved budgets for the next two years of nearly $20.8 million for 2009 and $21.7 million in 2010.

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A major issue discussed centered on changing the frequency of the congresses from the present two, to every three years.

and-answer session on July 11 with Archbishop Demetrios, who was joined by the representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain, a wreath-laying ceremony

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Church Progress Continues at 39th Clergy–Laity Congress   page 1

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Hundreds of faithful gather in St. Sophia Cathedral in Washington July 13 for the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy prior to the start of the Clergy-Laity Congress. Archbishop Demetrios conducted a memorial service on the 50th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Michael.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Archdiocesan Council members hold a brief meeting July 12, their last before the Congress, where they were briefed about recent developments in the Church.

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Official opening – Archbishop Demetrios, Archbishop Gregorios and exhibit hall sponsor James H. Moshovitis cut the ribbon marking the official opening hall at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, the congress site.

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Archbishop Demetrios addresses members of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle-Archons about the importance of their support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate at their reception on July 13. EDITOR IN CHIEF Jim Golding (Chryssoulis)

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July 12 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery and a service project that involved the young adults cleaning up Marvin Gaye Park in the Anacostia area of Southeast Washington. At a question–and–answer session on Friday, Archbishop Demetrios was asked why he decided to become a priest. His Eminence reflected on his early years and experiences in Thessaloniki during World War II and his subsequent desire to help mankind. Former Holy Cross School of Theology Professor Fr. John Chryssavgis was the keynote speaker at the following morning’s YAL Breakfast with Archbishop Demetrios. Fr. Chryssavgis discussed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s efforts over the past two decades to raise public awareness on the importance of caring for the environment through organized symposia in various parts of the world. The Archdiocesan Council met briefly on Saturday afternoon where Archbishop Demetrios gave a recap of recent developments in the Church, including progress on level of finances; continued steady improvement with “little or no deficit over the last two years,” a reduction in debt and an increase in unrestricted donations.” The Archbishop noted progress in Greek education with support from the FAITH Endowment for the writing of new text books and “increased, positive cooperation with Greece’s Ministry of Education. He also said the Greek government has pledged 6 million euros (about $9 million) for much-needed improvements at Ionian Village. On Sunday, July 13, more than 1,000 attended the Divine Liturgy at St. Sophia Cathedral, where Archbishop Demetrios held a memorial service to mark the 50th year of Archbishop Michael’s passing. That afternoon, the official opening of the exhibit hall took place. Some 90 exhibitors presented displays relating to Archdiocese ministries and institutions, religious book publishers, iconographers, church supply firms and others. Receptions were held by the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle–Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians. Official Opening The official opening of the Congress took place Monday, July 14, with the keynote address by Archbishop Demetrios. Among those present who offered their greetings to the delegates were Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland, former CIA Director George Tenet, Ambassador of Cyprus to the U.S. Andreas Kakouris, Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Theodore Kassimis, as well as Archdiocesan Council Vice President Michael Jaharis and National Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas. The Archbishop highlighted the financial progress of the Archdiocese and the

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GRAPHIC ARTIST Abel Montoya ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Soula Podaras

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humanitarian efforts of the Church, which included $4 million in aid to the victims of the August 2007 fires in Greece. His Eminence spoke at length on the significance of the Congress theme, “Gather My People to My Home,” which was further explored in the hierarchal sessions that followed the opening event. Delegates were assigned to specific presentations conducted by each of the Metropolitans of the Holy Eparchial Synod. Committee meetings and workshops took place throughout the afternoon on a variety of topics, including stewardship. Concurrent with the Congress were the conferences of the Philoptochos, Sisterhood of Presvyteres, Chaplains, the Chancellors of the Archdiocese and the individual metropolises, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle-Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians. The Philoptochos Banquet held in the evening centered on the philanthropic organization’s efforts to promote literacy in various parts of the country. The event also honored nine winners of the AGAPE Award from each of the metropolises and the Direct Archdiocesan District. Tuesday featured a heavy schedule of workshops and committee meetings and a cultural event in the evening that featured a “salute to youth,” which included a performance by two Greek folk dance groups from Baltimore, the speeches by the national winners of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, individual musical performances and an evening of Greek dancing. Plenary sessions The first plenary session of the Congress took place Wednesday afternoon and included committee reports from Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology, Youth, Leadership 100, Technology, Greek Education, Science and Technology, Religious Education, Institutions (St. Photios National Shrine and St. Basil Academy),

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Archdiocesan Council V. President Michael Jaharis.

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Emanuel Demos, Archdiocese legal counsel.

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Presbytera Nikki Stephanopoulos Retires Presbytera Nikki Stephanopoulos, director of the Archdiocese Office of News and Information, retired Aug. 1, after more than 25 years of service. She will continue to assist the Archdiocese through special projects. Commenting on Presbytera Nikki’s long service to the Church, Archbishop Demetrios said: “Presbytera Nikki has been a faithful and creative worker in the Archdiocese, covering as director the important field of news and information. She has offered, in an insightful and amiable way, her service in the various tasks of the Church which needed her contribution; and she has been an excellent liaison with significant journalists in the New York area. Upon her retirement, Presbytera Nikki has our wholehearted thanks and our warm prayers for abundant blessings from God.” Presbytera Stephanopoulos began working for the Archdiocese in 1983 as a feature editor for the Orthodox Observer. Soon after that she became the director of the Office of News and Information/ Public Relations. Asked about her retirement plans, Presbytera Nikki said she wants “to have some good quality time with my family

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‘FAITH’ Offers 14 Scholarships for Ionian Village

Greece’s highest honor – President Karolos Papoulias of Greece presents Archbishop Demetrios with Greece’s highest award, the Order of the Phoenix medal, at ceremonies during His Emience’s visit in July. Complete coverage by Stavros H. Papagermanos on page 6.

CLERGY

UPDATE

Ordination to the Diaconate Patitsas, Philemon – Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh – Holy Cross School of Theology Chapel, Brookline, Mass. 05/18/08 Ordination to the Priesthood Stevens, Deacon Bogue Elias – Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta – Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta, 05/04/08 Carter, Deacon Matthew – Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta – St. George Church, Knoxville, Tenn., 05/11/08 Assignments Fr. Christos Mars – Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta 05/01/08 Fr. Andreas Vithoulkas – Cathedral of St. Paul, Hempstead, N.Y. 05/04/08

Archdiocese Awards $80,000 in Scholarships S. Papagermanos through Gioles, Malta and Named Press Officer Paleologos Funds

Archbishop Demetrios has named Stavros H. Papagermanos, former executive editor and director of the Observer, as director of the Archdiocese Press Office, News and Media Relations and Press Officer. Mr. Papagermanos has been serving as Greek press officer since 1999. He joined the Observer in 1995. As the press officer, Mr. Papagermanos is responsible for cultivating the relationships of the Archdiocese with press and media organizations in the United States and abroad. Mr. Papagermanos will also represent the Archdiocese and interface with various public interest community organizations and develop pertinent community relations. In appointing him in his new position Archbishop Demetrios stated, “Mr. Stavros Papagermanos has amply demonstrated the qualities of a very responsible, creative and respectful person for the facts journalism. We are sure that now in his new position, a position vital for the substantive connection of the Archdiocese with the media, Mr. Papagermanos will remain the very faithful, fully dedicated and highly effective worker in a clearly demanding field, representing the Archdiocese in an excellent way and facilitating her sacred work of promoting the Orthodox Faith and the universal values of Hellenism.”

NEW YORK – The Archdiocese has awarded scholarships from three programs administered by the Chancellor’s Office for the 2008-2009 academic year The “George and Naouma Gioles Scholarship Fund” awarded 10 scholarships for $16,000. Awards were given to the following students: Julian Chryssavgis (Brunswick, Maine), Maria Constantinides (New Berlin, Ill.), Vasilios Dimopoulos (Wilmington, N.C.), Constantine Drugas (Chicago), Panagiota Karas (Palos Park, Ill.), Rebekah Olechnowicz (Traverse City, Mich.), Rachel Rockwell (Newtown, Conn.), Georgio Sineriz (Oxon Hill, Md.), Katrina Stephanides (Salem, Mass.) and Nicholas Stratis (Kenner, La.). The “George and Naouma Gioles Scholarship Fund” was established in 1997 with a generous gift from Marian Gioles in memory of her beloved parents, to honor their commitment to the Orthodox faith, their love of their Hellenic heritage, and a desire to help youth who are orphaned or in need. At least three scholarships are awarded annually to Greek Orthodox students committed to serious study in degree-earning, undergraduate programs

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Fr. John Vlahos – Church of the Holy Resurrection, Brookville, N.Y. 05/04/08 V. Rev. Dionysios Anagnostopoulos – Holy Cross, Whitestone, N.Y. 05/11/08 Fr. Michael Platanis – Holy Trinity Church, Columbia, S.C. 06/01/08 Fr. Christopher Harner – Holy Trinity/St. John the Theologian Church, Jackson, Miss., 06/01/08 Fr. Aris Metrakos – Holy Trinity Church, San Francisco, 06/08/08 Fr. Matthew Carter – St. Nicholas Church, Wilmington, N.C., 07/01/08 Deacon Thomas Newlin – St. Mark Church, Boca Raton, Fla., 07/01/08

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NEW YORK – FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism, has awarded 14 scholarships for high school students to participate in this year’s Byzantine Venture program (July 26-August 14), the Office of Ionian Village recently announced “FAITH” has offered these scholarships as part of the Archdiocese’s ongoing effort to make Ionian Village accessible to more families. “The FAITH Endowment has made this dream a reality for 14 deserving students, and we thank God for their generous efforts”, stated Fr. Mark Leondis, director of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The Ionian Village program aims to provide a vibrant, first-hand experience of Orthodox Christianity and Hellenism to its participants. Participants spend three weeks at the Ionian Village campsite, making guided excursions to some of the most important cultural and religious sites of Greece. Ionian Village destinations include the church of St. Dionysios on the island of Zakynthos, ancient Olympia, the monastery of Ossios Lukas, and Delphi. In addition to excursions, participants are offered an educational program that includes athletic events, catechetical discussions, and sessions focusing on Greek culture. The last three days of the program are spent in Athens, where participants stay at a hotel, have the opportunity to get to know the city and take excursions to the Acropolis and the nearby island of Aegina. For details or questions about the program, visit www.ionianvillage.org or call 646.519.6190

Back to school – Greek teachers from the U.S. attend the University of Cyprus-sponsored Educational Seminar.

Second Greek Training Seminar Held in Cyprus The Educational Seminar for Greek language teachers from the United States, established in 2007, took place again this year with the cooperation of the Department of Greek Education of Archdiocese, the blessings of Archbishop Demetrios and support of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus. The University of Cyprus in Nicosia sponsors the seminar. This year, 20 educators from various Metropolis parochial schools attended. They were greeted by Cyprus’ President Demetris Christofias. Activities began with dinner on July 20 offered by the University of Cyprus that included university officials and Dr. Ioannis Efthymiopoulos, national director of the Department of Greek Education. Official opening ceremonies for the seminar took place at the University conference room with Dr. Efthymiopoulos welcoming the educators. He also expressed his gratitude to the government and the University of Cyprus for their continuing support. University officials welcoming the

teachers included professors of education science Athanasios Gagatsis and Mrs. A. Koutselini. Olympia Stylianou, general director of the Department of Education of Cyprus, expressed the enthusiastic support of the Department of Education for the seminar. The lessons started with educational classes in history and the teaching of Greek as a second language. An official dinner was offered in the evening by the Archdiocese for the educators and other dignitaries of the University of Cyprus. The Greek American teachers also had the opportunity to explore many historical places and monuments of Cyprus and have visits with many high government and Church officials. Among them were Archbishop Chrysostom of Cyprus, Metropolitan Georgios of Pafos, Nikiforos of Kykkos Monastery, Minister of Education of Cyprus Mr. Demetriou, and former Minister of Education Mr. Kleanthous.

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ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE Archbishop Leads ‘FAITH’ Sponsored Delegation to Rome   page 1 who married the Greek language with the Roman mindset of his time, once and for all shedding Christianity of any narrow mentality and forever forging the catholic ground of the ecumenical Church. May St. Paul’s life and letters continue to inspire us, “so that people all over the world may believe in Christ.” (Rom. 16.27) Following the Vespers, as an honor extended to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Demetrios and the members of the Faith pilgrimage were received at a rare private audience with the Pope. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew introduced the group of pilgrims to the Pope, saying: Your Holiness: In attendance at this great and joyous occasion of the Patronal Feast of the Church of Rome are, in addition to ourselves and our Patriarchal entourage, beloved children of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from our Eparchy in the United States of America, who have traveled to Rome to participate in this Feast and whom we are pleased to present to You in order that they might duly pay their respects. They comprise, Your Holiness, faithful children of the Church, highly distinguished in diverse areas of life in the United States and enjoying renown among their compatriots. They are particularly proud of their cultural heritage, inherited from their forefathers, as well as their Greek Orthodox identity, which they zealously treasure and preserve within the multi-faith and multi-cultural environment where they live. They are also well aware of the Christian roots of the city of Rome, the blessing of the greatest of the Apostles Peter and Paul, along with the glorious history of the Catacombs and Coliseum. Indeed, their presence this evening in the sacred Church of St. Paul outside the city walls may be characterized as a pious pilgrimage to the first and greatest of the Apostles, whose Epistles always enhance their spiritual formation, as well as to his other peer among the Apostles, namely St. Peter, upon whose rock of confession regarding the divinity

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Demetrios chat on the way to an event at the Palazzo Colonni.

of Jesus Christ they and their children firmly stand. On Sunday the 29th, at the Papal Solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, His All Holiness was seated equally with the Pope for the first part of the Mass (the Liturgy of the Word) on the High Altar. Both Primates recited the NiceneConstantinopolitan Creed in the original Greek (without the “Filioque”). Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew also delivered a homily (in Italian). During the Eucharist

Pope Benedict and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

itself, His All Holiness was seated with the members of his Official Hierarchal Delegation. However, at the “Kiss of Peace”, His All Holiness shared the fraternal salutation with the Pope and at the conclusion of the Mass, blessed the congregation. That evening, His All Holiness presided over a Patriarchal Great Vespers at the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s parish church in Rome, St. Theodore the Tyro. During his homily, His All Holiness reflected on the purpose of his visit to Rome:

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We decided to travel here and celebrate the Apostles, on the first of the Seven Roman Hills, in order to be present today, together with our honorable entourage, at the Patronal Feast of the senior Church of Rome and in order, in this way, to return the visitation in 2006 of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, who came to New Rome, namely Constantinople, in order to participate in the Thronal Feast

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His All Holiness addresses some of the delegetion members at the dinner held at the Palazzo Colonni.

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PATRIARCHATE

Ecumenical Patriarch Visits Ukraine for 1,020th Anniversary of the Christianization of the Kievan Rus First of two parts

KIEV, Ukraine – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew accepted the personal invitation of His Excellency Viktor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine to lead the festivities surrounding the 1020th Anniversary of the Christianization of the Kievan Rus. The historic Patriarchal Visit to Ukraine occurred during the weekend of July 25-27. Leading the Delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to Kiev that had been requested as well by Patriarch of Alexy of Moscow and All Russia, His All Holiness presided at national and liturgical celebrations, including a Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Alexy of Moscow, Archbishop Hieronymos II of Athens, Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kiev, and Hierarchs from around the world. The Ecumenical Patriarch was received with head-of-state honors by President Yushchenko and was awarded the highest honor the nation of Ukraine can bestow, the First Class Order Cross of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. His All Holiness also made a pilgrimage to the world-renown Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the “Mount Athos” of Ukraine and the spiritual heart of the Ukrainian land. During his visit to Ukraine, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the situation in Ukraine with the pastoral skill and understanding that have been the hallmark of his reign as Ecumenical Patriarch. Because the Ecumenical Patriarchate is “First among Equals,” and because the apostolate of the First Throne of Orthodoxy is spiritual and trans-national, His All Holiness continues to be a strong advocate for the self-determination of Orthodox Christians around the world, and for religious liberty for all people. The current ecclesiastical situation in Ukraine is a difficult one, and for many reasons. There are two Ukrainian ecclesiastical bodies whose status is not canonically normal, and who did not participate in the national celebrations. The canonical body in Ukraine is part of the Moscow Patriarchate, although the Synod in Kiev enjoys remarkable autonomy. Political differences and issues of self-determination that are emergent throughout Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Bloc create conditions that require sensitive and skillful leadership, the kind of leadership that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew brings to the fore. The Homily of His All Holiness at the Divine Liturgy on the famous Hill of St. Vladimir of Kiev (given below in its entirety), demonstrates the above point precisely. Your Beatitudes, dear Brothers and Prelates

Photos by D. PANAGOS

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, escorted by Ukraine’s president, Viktor Yushchenko, blesses army troops upon his arrival at Kiev’s airport.

Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow with other Orthodox hierarchs.

of the local Holy Churches, Your Excellency, the President of Ukraine, Most Reverend Brothers, Reverend Priests and Deacons, Blessed sons and daughters of the Church, Dear children of Ukraine! “Archangelic trumpets sounded through heavens and by the prayers of St.

Huge crowds turned out in Kiev to greet the Ecumenical Patriarch.

Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles gathered in the shadow of his statue all of us, the reverend Prelates of the local Churches, the holy choir of Hierarchs, the representatives of the state, political, ecclesiastical and intellectual leadership of the God-protected Ukraine, the invited guests from every corner of the earth, the masses of pious Ukrainian faithful devoutly praying and us from Constantinople in order to celebrate together, in spirit and in truth, the one thousand twenty year anniversary since the baptism of a multitude of Kievites in 988. A thousand and twenty years ago Constantinople, the Queen City, sent Metropolitan Michael together with a solid number of Roman–that is, Byzantine–missionaries in order to guide this great people to Christ through the holy Baptism and the holy Catechism. After the baptism of the Grand Duke Vladimir in Cherson and his wedding with the Byzantine Princess Anna born-in-the-purple, the collective baptism of the truth-thirsty Ukrainian nation took place, guided by a miraculous omen, in the nearby river Potchayna. So did Potchayna become the new Jordan of the North, the flowing grace of regeneration! Today, this very same Constantinople sent here the Ecumenical Patriarch himself in order to offer dutifully, together with the rest of his venerable co-celebrants, a sacrifice of praise and a worship of gratitude to our

Savior God, but also in order to bring in his own person to the children of the Church in Ukraine her love, her care, her maternal blessing and her wholehearted greetings. On behalf, then, of the venerable Mother of us all, namely the Most Holy Great Church of Christ in Constantinople, we greet each one of you, most dear Brethren and Children in Christ, addressing to you all the “Rejoice!” “Peace be to the brethren and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 6:23). Having gathered, then, by the grace of the Holy Spirit at this historic place we were able to unite our soul, heart and tongue to one common and fervent doxology of the most holy name of God for all the miraculous and salvific events that took place back then and to offer to Him, as it is our duty, the divine Eucharist. We confess the grace gratefully and we preach loudly the good work that the Lord has done for this great nation, emphasizing, together with Nestor of the venerable Kievite Lavra, who preserved for us the description of the collective baptism, that holy day of the illumination of the Kievites “a great joy filled heavens and earth for such a multitude of souls were saved!” Glory be to God! Glory to the Father and to the Son and the Holy Spirit unto the ages of ages! That collective baptism of 988 was, my dear, the result of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s long effort to evangelize the Grand Duchy of Kiev. About a hundred and thirty years earlier (860), the Ecumenical Patriarch among the Saints Photius the Great assumed a similar initiative by catechizing and baptizing for the first time a good number of Kievan Rus’ merchants at the suburb of St. Mamas in Constantinople. Later, he sent here a group of missionaries with a Bishop at its head who begun to catechesize and baptize. He wrote, indeed, that great Patriarch to the other Patriarchs of the East relating joyfully how “the zeal of faith has burnt them to such an extent that they received a Bishop and shepherd and they accepted Christian religion with great eagerness and care.”

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Archbishop Demetrios Receives Highest Honor of the Hellenic Republic by Stavros H. Papagermanos

Email: stavros@goarch.org ATHENS – The recent visit of Archbishop Demetrios to Athens, Greece, July 1-6, proved to be very fruitful for issues of great interest to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Two of the issues the visit helped advance were, first the understanding and cooperation in the field of Greek Education in the United States and second the support for the Ionian Village Camping Program and its facilities in Peloponnesus. The Greek government responded very positively to the proposal of the Archdiocese to finance with six million euros a renovation of the grounds and facilities of Ionian Village. The other very important characteristic of the visit was the high honor and recognition by the Greek state for the person of Archbishop Demetrios and his ministry and by extension, recognition for the Archdiocese and the Omogeneia as a whole. The President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias bestowed upon Archbishop Demetrios of America the Great Cross of the Order of the Phoenix, the highest honorary distinction of the Hellenic Republic. The presentation took place during the Archbishop’s visit to the Presidential Palace, July 1, and his meeting with President Papoulias. “The presentation of this medal is the least we can do in appreciation of the work you are doing for Hellenism in America,” said Mr. Papoulias. “The Cross and the resurrected phoenix are symbols for the Omogeneia,” said in his response the Archbishop. In the meeting that followed His Eminence and Mr. Papoulias talked about the important work of the Church in America and the progress of the Omogeneia. The Archbishop arrived in Athens immediately following a trip to Rome and the Vatican where he led a pilgrimage of members of the FAITH Endowment accompanying His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the celebration of the patronal feast of the Roman-Catholic Church, the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul. While in Athens, Archbishop Demetrios met with members of the Greek government at the highest level, with His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and all Greece and also inaugurated the 86th AHEPA Supreme Convention which was held this year in Greece. The President of the Hellenic Parliament Dimitris Sioufas reserved a second surprise for Archbishop Demetrios and during a visit to the Parliament July 2,

Photos by D. PANAGOS

Archdiocesan Metropolitan Youth Choir perform a concert attended by a large number of government and church officials and other dignitaries at the Zappeion Megaron. The concert benefited the philanthropic organization ELPIDA.

bestowed upon him the highest honor of the legislative body, the Gold Medal of the Hellenic Parliament, which bears a representation of the head of Pericles, the founder of the Athenian Democracy. “We are honoring you on the this occasion of your visit to the Hellenic Parliament for all you have contributed and will continue to contribute to the Church, the Omogeneia and Hellenism, for all you have done for the educational and cultural advancement of the ideals of Hellenism in America, we honor your work and we wholeheartedly support it. Be assured that the Hellenic Parliament will always stand by your side,” said Mr. Sioufas during the short ceremony. The Archbishop thanked Mr. Sioufas and the parliamentary body for the honor and for their steadfast support, both now and in the past. The Prime Minister of Greece Kostas Karamanlis met with Archbishop Demetrios that day in his office at Megaron Maximou. It was a cordial and productive meeting which revolved around issues of mutual concern for the Greek government and the Greek Orthodox Church in America. The Archbishop was accompanied by the Vice-Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Mr. Michael Jaharis. The meeting of the Archbishop with George Alogoskoufis, the Minister of

At the celebration in the Zappeion Megaron Archbishop Demetrios, Greece’s Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis, AHEPA Supreme President Ike Gulas, U.S. Ambassador Richard Speckhard and Minister of Justice Sotirios Hatzigakis.

Economy and Finance was very productive as it yielded the desired results in the areas of interest of both sides. Ways of realizing plans and proposals of interest to both parties were discussed, especially as they relate to the promotion of Hellenic civilization, Greek language and youth programs and particularly that of Ionian Village, its expansion and development. Archbishop Demetrios presented a comprehensive report for Ionian Village, which included financial and technical data for the site’s renovation, maintenance and operation. His Eminence pointed out the goal and purpose of Ionian Village, which extends far beyond the scope of a summer camp, aiming to create and cultivate strong ties of the third and fourth generation GreekAmerican youth with the land of their fathers and its culture. The Archbishop said that Ionian Village had hosted more than 16,000 young people since its inception and that it was the Archdiocese’s goal to dramatically increase participation in the future. Minister Alogoskoufis accepted the request for active cooperation with the Archdiocese and promised that the Government will fund the proposed renovation with the requested amount of six million euros and will otherwise be supportive of the Ionian Village program. The same resolve in approaching the issues and carrying them through to fruition was apparent in the other meetings of Archbishop Demetrios with the other members of the Greek government. On July 1, the Archbishop met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Theodore Kassimis, whose portfolio includes care for Hellenes abroad and discussed all the issues related to education and youth programs. “We discussed ways of increasing the number of young people who can come and stay at the camp of the Archdiocese in Peloponissos, the Ionian Village. We also explored many other issues regarding Greek Education in the schools,” said Mr. Kassimis afterwards. The same evening the Archbishop presided at the Opening Ceremony of the AHEPA Convention at the historic Zappeion Megaron in the center of Athens. Another very important and productive meeting took place at the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs with the Minister of Education Evripides Stylianidis and his team of advisors. The meeting was held in a very cordial and straightforward atmosphere and

was a continuation of their first New York meeting last April. All the issues of concern were reviewed in detail and progress was reported on both sides. Following the meeting Mr. Stylianidis thanked His Eminence and his team for the work and the cooperation under way, in the issues of Hellenic Education and language in the United States. “I feel we have entered a new era of cooperation from which we will all benefit,” he said at the conclusion of the meeting. Archbishop Demetrios responding to a question about the meeting said that he was pleased to see measurable progress and the application of an old Greek saying which translates in English as “the sooner the better.” And he added: “Meetings of this kind offer hope and joy for the advancement and strengthening of the ideals of Hellenism and Orthodoxy.” On July 3, Archbishop Demetrios visited with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis and later hosted a luncheon for directors of Athens newspapers and other media organizations. His Eminence also paid a visit to the American Embassy in Athens where the U.S. Ambassador Daniel Speckhard was hosting a 4th of July Independence Day party. In the evening the Archdiocesan Youth Choir, which the Archbishop founded in 2000 in New York, gave an exquisite concert performance at the Zappeion Megaron. The concert which was offered for the benefit of the philanthropic organization ELPIDA, Foundation for the Child and the Family, was attended by many distinguished personalities of Athens including Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyiannis, Minister of Employment and Social Protection Fanny Palli Petralia and Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Protection Sophia Kalantzakos. On July 5, Archbishop Demetrios offered paternal greetings and blessing to the hundreds of delegates of the 86th AHEPA Supreme Convention at the Convention’s Grand Banquet held at the Athens Intercontinental Hotel. Leading AHEPA members and hundreds of Athenian faithful came to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, Sunday July 6, where Archbishop Demetrios presided at the Divine Liturgy, which was nationally televised live. The Archbishop in his sermon delivered a message peace and reconciliation for a troubled and war ridden world.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

The Voice of Philoptochos

National Philoptochos Announces Major Literacy Donations

WASHINGTON – More than 4,000 children’s books have been collected to be distributed to schools in Washington and the Pajama Program as part of the National Philoptochos Literacy Outreach Program. Scholastic Inc., made a major donation of 2,732 books valued at $11,640.78 and the remaining books were donated by Philoptochos chapters from throughout the country. National Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas, Barbara Pasalis and Crystal Thomas, Literacy banquet chairs, presentated the books to former Undersecretary of State Barbara Spyridon Pope and Jim Till, executive director of STEPDC for Roosevelt High School, McFarland Middle School and the Bruce Monroe and Raymond Elementary Schools in Washington on behalf of the 400 convention delegates. President Skeadas stated, “The National Philoptochos Literacy Outreach program was implemented in November 2005 to address the growing problem of individuals’ inability to read in the United States and the world. Illiteracy has far–reaching implica-

Philoptochos delegates gather for the start of their conference in Washington. tions affecting children in school and employees in the workplace.” The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America with 27,000 members throughout the United States. The National Philoptochos disbursed more than $8 million to its many charitable programs and activities from Jan. 1, 2001 through Dec. 31, 2007. For more information, visit the National Philoptochos Society website, www.philoptochos.org

Biennial Convention Makes Major Disbursements National President Georgia Skeadas announced the following major disbursements of $715,258 to Philoptochos programs and projects and to hospitals and research programs throughout the USA: DIRECT ARCHDIOCESAN DISTRICT $30,000 - Drug Discovery Initiative Program, Children’s Tumor Foundation, New York; $10,000 – Hope Center, St John Riverside Hospital, Yonkers, N.Y.; HIV Clinic serving the needs of Yonkers’ indigent community and surrounding areas; $25,000 – Pajama Program, New York; provides new pajamas and books to children in need in U.S. and around the world METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO $50,000 – University of Illinois Medical Center/Rush University Medical Center; Pediatric Hemotology/Oncology Program, JH Stroger Hospital, Cook County, Chicago; $15,000 – Iowa floods METROPOLIS OF PITTSBURGH $30,000 – Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Research, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland METROPOLIS OF BOSTON $15,000 – Hellenic Cardiac Fund, Boston Children’s Hospital METROPOLIS OF DENVER $35,000 – Equipment for Cardiac Catheterization Unit of the Heart Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA $15,000 – Vein Viewer for pediatric patients in the Neonatal ICU, Sacred Heart

Children’s Hospital, Pensacola, Fla. METROPOLIS OF DETROIT $15,000 – Family Centered Care Program – Pediatric ICU and Transitional Care Unit, LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center, Memphis, Tenn. METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO $15,000 – Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program- Adolescent and Young Adult General Operating Support, Children’s Hospital Orange County, Calif. METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY $15,000 – Child Abuse Program, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter, Norfolk, Va. OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS $25.000 – Autism Speaks/Cure Autism Now $50,000 – Alzheimer’s Association “Safe Return/Medical Alert Program” $75,000 – St. Basil Academy $55,258 – St. Basil Academy – 15 Passenger Van/Repair and Installation of New Roofs for Dental Clinic and the Learning Center/Graduation $30,000 – National Sisterhood of Presvyteres $30,000 – St. Photios Shrine $35,000 – Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) $50,000 – International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) $65,000 – Support-A-Mission-Priest (SAMP) $30,000 – UNICEF The National Philoptochos also disbursed $2,768,721 during the two–year period from Jan. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2007.

D. PANAGOS

AGAPE AWARDEES – (from left) Haeda Mihaltses, co-chair; Crystal Thomas, banquet chair; Avi Kriakatis; Sandy Bouzon; Catherine Caldes; Mary Bisbecos; Despina M. Bellos; Rosemary Nikas; Marina Katsoulis;, National President Georgia Skeadas; Aphrodite Skeadas, co-chair; and Barbara Pasalis, banquet chair.

Nine Receive AGAPE Awards The Grand Banquet program on July 14 included the presentation of the AGAPE awards, honoring exceptional Philoptochos members from the Direct Archdiocesan District and each Metropolis. This year’s AGAPE (All Generations Accomplishing Philanthropic Endeavors) Award recipients are: Marina Katsoulis, Direct Archdiocesan District; Despina M. Bellos, Metropolis of Chicago; Rosemary Nikas, Metropolis of Pittsburgh; Ellen Mahelares, Metropolis of Boston, Peggy Belbas, Metropolis of Denver; Sandy Bouzon, Metropolis of Atlanta; Mary Bisbecos, Metropolis of Detroit; Catherine Caldes,

Metropolis of San Francisco; and Avi Kiriakatis, Metropolis of New Jersey. In his remarks at the end of the program, Archbishop Demetrios termed Philoptochos “a movement” rather than an organization because of its many programs and activities that have become an established part of the life of the Church. He urged the members to “continue on that kind of road” and reminded the audience of the origins of Christian philanthropy through the Ecumenical Patriarchate during the period of the Byzantine Empire.

D. PANAGOS

BANQUET DAIS HONORED GUESTS – (seated l to r) – Andrew Manatos, Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, Genevieve Piturro, keynote speaker, executive director, Pajama Program; National Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas; Archbishop Demetrios; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Theodore Kassimis; Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain; Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh; Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta. (back row, from left) Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey; Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver; Metropolitan Methodios of Boston; Barbara Pasalis, banquet chair; Michael Jaharis; former Assistant Secretary of State and U.S. Navy Barbara Spyridon Pope, Toastmistress; Ambassador of Greece; Ambassador of Cyprus; Crystal Thomas, banquet chair; Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit; Metropolitan Tarasios of Buenos Aires; and Bishop Demetrios of Xanthos.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

The Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas

D. PANAGOS

SCOBA Hierarchs during a working session at the Archdiocese.

Moscow Patriarchal Parishes in U.S. Included in SCOBA NEW YORK – Hierarchs of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) discussed a wide range of issues at the spring session June 12 at Archdiocese headquarters, including the inclusion of the Moscow Patriarchal parishes in the United States. The hierarchs also held discussions relating to SCOBA agencies, dealing with communications, education and missions. The formal request of the vicar of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, who is also the administrator of the Moscow Patriarchal parishes in the USA (33 in number), Bishop Mercurius of Zaraisk to be included on SCOBA was presented by the chairman, Archbishop Demetrios. The Archbishop noted that the Moscow Patriarchate, through its Exarchate, had been one of the original signers of the SCOBA Constitution. After the Archbishop’s presentation of the issue, there was immediate unanimous agreement, in a spirit of fraternal welcome, by all SCOBA hierarchs to welcome the representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the United States to full membership in SCOBA. In addition, both Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Philip shared with the other SCOBA hierarchs the positive results of their individual meetings with Metropolitan Hilarion, the newly enthroned (May 18, 2008) First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh, the co-chairman of the Orthodox-Roman Catholic Theological Consultation, gave a presentation on the status of the various Inter-Christian Dialogues. The meeting closed with an open and fraternal discussion of ecclesiastical issues that need attention. This session was attended by all SCOBA hierarchs: Archbishop Demetri-

D. PANAGOS

Archbishop Demetrios greets Metropolitan Christopher of the Serbian Orthodox Church, who serves as secretary of SCOBA.

os, chairman (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), Metropolitan Philip, vice-chairman (Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese), Metropolitan Christopher, secretary (Serbian Orthodox Church), Metropolitan Nicholas (Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese), Metropolitan Herman (Orthodox Church in America), Metropolitan Joseph (Bulgarian Orthodox Church), Archbishop Nicolae (Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese), Archbishop Antony (proxy, Ukrainian Orthodox Church) and Bishop Ilia (Albanian Orthodox Diocese). Also attending were Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), Metropolitan Methodios of Boston (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), and Bishop Antoun of Miami (Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese). Others present included the general secretary and 13 members of the SCOBA Study and Planning Commission representing all the SCOBA memberChurches.

CLERGY UPDATE   page 3 Fr. Robert O’Loughlin – Holy Mother of God, Tallahassee, Fla., 07/01/08 Fr. Joseph Samaan – St. Demetrios Church, Daytona Beach, Fla., 07/01/08 Deacon Jason Krokos – St. Nicholas Church, Tarpon Springs, Fla., 07/01/08 Fr. John Bociu – St. Stephanos Church, St. Petersburg, Fla. 07/01/08 Appointments Fr. Theodore J. Barbas as the Metropolis of Boston chancellor, 06/01/08 Offikia Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver bestowed the office of Economos upon: Fr. George Dokos 05/25/08 Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver be-

stowed the office of Protopresbyter upon: Fr. Danut Suciu, 06/01/08 Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh bestowed the office of Protopresbyter upon: Fr. Thomas Pappalas, 06/08/08 Suspended Pappas, Fr. Dimitrios A., 10/04/07 Moschonas, Fr. Anthony, 03/31/08 Pyle, Fr. George, 06/16/08 Releases Deacon Chrysostomos (Ioannis) Nassis (to Church of Greece, Metropolis of Neas Krinis & Kalamarias) 05/08/08 Retired Priests Fr. Theoharis G. Theoharis 5/01/08

JULY-AUGUST 2008

39th Clergy-Laity Congress Archbishop Notes Significant Progress

Archbishop Gregorios represents the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Bishop Andonios, National Philoptochos spiritual advisor.

Fr. Constantine Sitaras reports on St. Basil Academy.

Archbishop Demetrios officially opened the Congress on Monday, July 14, and reported on several significant developments and areas of progress occurring in the Archdiocese since the last congress two years ago. Among these has been an increase in the number of newly ordained clergy. There have been 56 priests ordained over the past two years, including 49 indigenous to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and seven who have transferred from other Orthodox Churches. His Eminence noted that of 21 priests who have retired, eight continue to serve in some capacity. He also read the names of 33 priests who have died in that time period. One new bishop, the chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago, Demetrios of Mokissos was consecrated in late 2006. Financial progress The Archbishop also said there has been “significant financial progress” over the past two years. “There has been a dramatic reduction of debt”… “with almost no deficit,” he said. He credited this progress to the “continuous offerings of our parishes;” the progress made by the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment, the Faith Endowment and the “impressive increase

in unrestricted donations.” Another positive development has been in the field of education, with the writing of several new books for effectively teaching Greek as a second language. At Holy Cross School of Theology, he noted the establishment of a new institute, the Mary Jaharis Institute and the endowment of a Chair for New Testament Studies, through the recent $5 million gift to the school by philanthropists Michael and Mary Jaharis. The Faith Endowment has established financial rewards for students of the Greek American day schools and St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival winners. Another development has been the increase of activities in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate due to the efforts of the Archons, especially in the recent successful resolution in the European Court in France in favor of the Patriarchate over its ownership of an orphanage that had been seized by Turkey. Humanitarian efforts His Eminence also noted the increase in giving to a variety of philanthropic causes, especially by the Ladies Philoptochos Society under the leadership of President Georgia Skeadas, which has given about $8 million to charity.

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Archbishop Demetrios notes progress.

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, one of the banquet speakers

Archbishop’s Keynote Focus on Archdiocese Mission During his keynote address at the opening session, Archbishop Demetrios expounded on the theme of the 39th Clergy-Laity Congress, “Gather My People to My Home.” He said the theme is “a summons, a divinely-spoken directive that we are called to follow in view of where we come from, what and where we are destined by God to go.” He said the Church is no longer an immigrant Church but, instead, is firmly rooted in American soil, and that its members are no longer concerned about basic survival, but have moved up the ladder to attain some of the highest levels of education and income in American society. He also said the Church is no longer homogenous, but contains a variety of members – fourth and fifth generation Greek Americans, and others who are converts, including interchurch marriage. The Archbishop said the “new reality of the Church” is the serious problem with the youth who have disconnected themselves from the Church. He noted

that this phenomenon has occurred in all major religious communities. His Eminence also noted the existence of 60 million Americans considered to be “unchurched” who, while they may not be atheists, for various reasons they have also become disconnected with any religious body. He said that, to pursue the intent of the theme, the Church cannot be “a self-centered” or “self-enclosed ecclesiastical body,” but that God is calling the members of the Church to reach out and seek out those who have been disconnected and to encourage those looking for a spiritual home to return to the Church. These include Orthodox Christians who have lapsed from the faith, or who attend church only at Christmas and at Easter time. “Looking for them should be a priority in each parish,” the Archbishop said. Another category of people the

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U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes greets delegates

Ambassador Michael Sotirhos recalls founding of GOYA

Dr. Achilles Adamantiades of the Committee on Science and Technology.

Photos by D. PANAGOS

ORTHODOX OBSERVER PHOTO

Vicki Pappas, heads the Church musi- National Philoptochos Office Director Helen Lavorata. cians forum

Presbytera Dr. Kyriaki Fitzgerald presents a workshop

Timothy Maniatis coordinates from behind the scenes

Commentaries and Opinions

A Friend of the Shipwrecked by Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos

“Five times I received forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea . . .” II Corinthians 11:24-25 Christianity is celebrating the 2,000th anniversary of St. Paul’s birth. Consequently, in a homily delivered at the conclusion of a vesperal celebration on the occasion of the saint’s feast day (June 29) held at the Basilica of St. Paul in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI decreed 2008-09 as the ‘Pauline Year’. As such, a series of liturgical, cultural, ecumenical, pastoral and social initiatives inspired by Pauline spirituality will be pursued. The bi–millenary celebration of St. Paul’s birth provides the faithful of all ecclesial affiliation a valuable opportunity to re-discover the spiritual wisdom of one of Christianity’s most inspired authors. Contributing nearly half of all the writings included in the New Testament Canon, it is significant to note that the Orthodox Church chose St. Paul’s most personal description of his suffering, weakness, and trials as the epistle lesson to be read during his feast day liturgical celebration. (II Cor. 11-12) One may successfully argue that the Church selected this pericope because it captures one of St.Paul’s most valuable spiritual insights. St. Paul is unwavering. The power of Christ is primarily manifested through mankind’s weakness, not strengths. This truth strikes a forceful blow against our contemporary culture’s preoccupation with personal power, position and dominance. In the Oscar–winning movie titled “Cast Away”, Chuck Noland, a fast-paced FedEx executive played by Tom Hanks, is stranded on a remote island in the South Pacific after his plane crashes. With little chance for survival, alone and frightened, Noland creates a companion from a volleyball that floated ashore in a package. While attempting to start a fire with a sharp stick he cuts his hand severely. In anger, he takes the volleyball and throws it as hard as he can. When it lands he sees that his bloody hand has made an imprint. With his finger he fashions a face in the blood and names his creation “Wilson”. Throughout the film the “Cast Away” communicates with Wilson, asking his help and currying his friendship. It is most significant that nowhere in the film does Hanks’ character ever talk to God. God invites us to call upon Him in our distress. “Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you” (Psalm 50:15). Noland, however, prays to the volleyball, to his “hand-made” idol, but never to God! Like Adam, the primordial Cast Away, Hank’s character is pathetically determined to save himself. Humanity, according to the film, is capable of devising a clever way of getting off the “island” by itself. There is no need to seek assistance from anyone or anything else. People trust in all kinds of things rather than God. They will talk to their friends. They will call Dr. Laura. They will read a selfhelp book. But they will not come to Jesus. St. Paul, on the other hand, invites us to turn to the One whose power is made

perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Originally named Saul, Paul was a Jew by race, of the tribe of Benjamin, having Tarsus as his homeland. He was a Roman citizen, fluent in the Greek language, an expert in knowledge of the Law. He was a Pharisee, born of a Pharisee, and a disciple of Gamaliel, a notable teacher of Jewish Law. Saul was a most fervent zealot for the traditions of the Jews, and a great persecutor of the Church of Christ (Acts 22:3-4). All of this changed when he encountered the Risen Jesus on a journey to Damascus. From this time forth, Saul became Paul, the great missionary of Christianity. St. John Chrysostom, who manifests the loftiness and wisdom of his thoughts, explains St. Paul’s fourteen Epistles in 250 homilies. St. Paul confirms the doctrines of the Faith, expounds the ethical teaching of the Gospel, and demonstrates with exactness the duties incumbent upon every rank, age, and order of man. Having completed the work of his ministry, Holy Tradition indicates that he ended his life in martyrdom when he was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Nero, at the same time, some say, when Peter was crucified. The bi–millenary celebration of St. Paul’s birth provides an opportunity for us to focus on our respective Cast Away experiences. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul articulates what is perhaps the most difficult of all of all lessons for post– modern humanity to acknowledge, “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Rather than exclusively turn to our own strengths, Paul reminds us that our struggles and weaknesses are valuable occasions for us to turn humbly to God. While it is appropriate and necessary for us to likewise engage our God–given talents and resources towards the successful resolution of our interpersonal problems and societal needs, we should avoid turning the work of our hands into contemporary Wilson-like totems. God’s grace is only experienced when we reach the end of our ability and move into total dependence upon Him. Fortunately, this is also the ultimate message of the movie, Cast Away. In a most powerful scene near the conclusion of the film, Noland loses Wilson. Alone, thirsty, hungry, and near death, he sobs bitterly as his half-naked body hangs off his tattered raft adrift on the ocean. It is truly significant that, not until Noland is in this utterly dependent state, is he rescued . . . saved by a ship. This, too, is the story of humanity’s existence. Having discovered that our own strengths and accomplishments, no matter how excellent or vibrant, are unable to truly satisfy and solve our physical, emotional and spiritual desperations, we fall on our knees and turn to Christ . . . the Friend of the shipwrecked. As passengers on the vessel of His Church, we, like Noland, St. Paul and countless men and women throughout the ages, experience safe passage across the turbulent waters of life, sailing ever towards the Eternal Harbor of our Lord’s abiding presence. Fr. Frank Marangos is dean of Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral and adjunct assistant professor at St. John’s University, New York.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

Archiepiscopal Encyclical An Occasion to Recommit to Freedom July 4th 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, The annual observance of Independence Day is an instance for us to be thankful for the peace, freedom and opportunities we have in this nation, the United States of America. It is a day when we celebrate ideals that have been realized for the benefit of humankind, when we remember what so many have offered for the sake of liberty, and when we recommit ourselves to the cause of freedom and to building a society that upholds all that is good and just. To do this requires knowledge of the past, an awareness and careful analysis of how the past has shaped the present, and how it contributes to our future. This is the example provided to us by many of the founders of this nation. Looking to antiquity, they valued the ideals of personal freedom and self-governance, as well as the virtues of bravery, patriotism, fortitude, and perseverance. They knew the veracity of these ideals, and they saw this nation as the modern heir of the ancient republics. In the debates over the United States Constitution, frequent references were made to ancient authorities, such as Aristotle, Cicero, and Polybius, and to their analysis, concerns, and critiques of governance. Questions were asked about successes and failures in upholding unity, freedom, rights, and security. Could a “more perfect union” be formed that would established a balanced relationship between states and the national government? In establishing a new nation, they knew the great ideals, accomplishments, and failures of the past; they engaged in careful analysis and debate over the nature and function of government; and they did this with an optimistic view of the future, knowing that this new government was for a growing nation that would face many challenges. As citizens of this nation and as Orthodox Christians, we are able to offer something very unique to understanding the past, to the challenges of the present, and to preparing ourselves for the future. As people of faith, our past is intertwined with the revelation of God’s love for humankind, and our future will culminate in blessed communion with Him for all eternity. Because of this, we know that our faith is essential to affirming and upholding ideals that are good and true for all human beings. We also affirm the necessity of discernment as we address the needs and challenges of our world. Through prayer, through fellowship and ministry with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and through spiritual growth, we gain a deeper understanding of the genuine needs around us and of how to address these in ways that promote life, strengthen the person, and build relationships. Further, we draw upon the wisdom offered to us by God through Holy Scripture, the Church, and the lives and witness of the saints. We have a great treasure of divine truth that not only spans millennia of human existence, but that also addresses the greatest challenges, needs, and potential of life and relationship. Finally, we know by faith that all that is good and true will be affirmed and accomplished through love. The greatest sacrifice for our ultimate freedom which is freedom from sin and death was made by our Lord Jesus Christ through love. When we look to the past, we find truth and hope in the One who has shown us abundant love and offers unlimited life. We find assurance in knowing that He continues to be in our midst today and forever. As we celebrate Independence Day, let us be mindful of the relevance and necessity of faith in what we learn and cherish from the past and what we must choose for the future. Let us be thankful for a free society in which we can speak the truth in love. We have a beautiful and life-giving witness to offer to all in our nation and throughout the world, the witness of a faith that brings peace to the soul, truth and understanding to the mind, life to our hearts, and true and enduring freedom to our lives. With paternal love in Christ,

† Archbishop Demetrios of America

 Tanzania mission Editor, I was delighted to read about the Orthodox Christians who volunteer their time, energy, and enthusiasm towards missionary work around the globe, “Two Examples of Orthodox Christian Outreach in Tanzania.” As someone who would one day like

to be integral in such efforts, I would like to send both my best wishes and kudos to those individuals who have stepped up to the plate and are truly living the Christian faith by serving others in this selfless capacity. In a time where certain people are engaged in deeply frivolous and conceited activities and pursuits, seeing individuals transferring their faith into action is both 

JULY-AUGUST 2008

Bible Insight

Understanding the Holy Cross by Fr. William Gaines

If Christ’s Cross was only the story of a man hanging on a cross beam of wood, giving His life for what He deeply believed, any good newspaper reporter could tell the story in a few paragraphs. However, the finest of Christian scholarships, experience and insight for 20 centuries have not been able to fathom the depths of the Cross. In an effort to do so great scholars and saints of the Church have developed at least five theories of what Jesus did on the Cross. There is mighty truth in each of them and material to illustrate or substantiate each of them is found in the Gospels. The ransom theory Jesus gave his life in ransom for many (Mk. 10:45). The penitent thief only asked to be “remembered,” but Jesus assured the poor fellow that he would be “with him.” To know Christ’s living presence, his resources, guidance and companion ship under any and all circumstances, anywhere and everywhere that is the greatest, if not the only security and freedom this earth knows. Standing fast in the liberty where Christ has let us free means to get from this living presence of Jesus the power to do what we ought to do. Freedom is not the right to do what one pleases – that generally means slavery of some kind. Freedom means achievement. A free man is one who is ready to be capable of being the free instrument of the Eternal – the mind, heart and life through which

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motivating and re–energizing. While I do not think that missionary work should be a mandate of the Greek Orthodox faith, I profoundly believe that if young adults are taught the value of volunteer services (in whatever capacity suits them), our communities would not only be stronger and more viable, but good works would become cyclical and positive possibilities would not be a mere aberration, but would abound. Jeannine Callea Stamatakis Piedmont, Calif.

 Youth leaving Church Editor, As a current student at Boston University, I would like to commend Fr. Scherer’s article on the relationship between college students and the Orthodox Church. Fr. Scherer hits the nail on the head with every point he makes. I had previ-

Christ can think, love and act. To be thus set free is to be “ransomed” indeed. The governmental theory Nothing so interferes with the government and life of men as the presence of evil in personal life and social relationships Jesus’ greatest gift to men is not only His personal perfection but the way He handles the power and presence of evil in every man’s life. He rules from the Cross. The Cross literally decreases the amount of evil in the world and makes human government of men more possible. The moral theory The Cross calls men to enlarge their beliefs and loves. Remember what Jesus said on that Cross and consider the moral influence of His example. Nothing short of a Christ who set the example of suffering as the Christian way of dealing with human problems would inspire men to suffer for what they believe. The substitutionary theory His critics cried, “If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.” But Jesus couldn’t save Himself and us. Surely Barabbas said: “He died for me. He is taking my place.” That is the way every penitent heart must feel. The reconciliation theory (John 12:32) The Cross was the magnet by which God drew men back to His fellowship and purpose. Jesus draws men to Himself through the pulling power of the Cross and so reconciles men and God. God never needed to be reconciled for he loves men forever; but man is the prodigal and the Cross draws him back to the Father’s heart.

ously thought the Orthodox community was not sensitive to problems that face college students. I was glad to read that Fr. Scherer is indeed receptive to these issues. I would also like to echo Fr. Scherer’s call for action from our community to “invest the necessary time, energy and money to recapture the hearts and minds of our Church’s future.” It will be well worth it. Eleni Papademetriou Belisonzi Boston

 Thank you

Editor THANK YOU for publishing Rita Wilson’s essay on “Why Easter is Greek to Me” What a beautiful expression of the traditions that separate our Greek Orthodox Easter celebration from those of other religions and cultures around the world. John Constantine Oakland, Calif.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

Ecumenical Patriarch Visits Ukraine for 1020th Anniversary of the Christianization of the Kievan Rus

 page 5 Circumstantial reasons did not allow that effort to bear fruits. It remained though in the memory of the Kievites as well as in the memory of those in Constantinople. When Princess Olga came to the Queen City some time later and received the Holy Baptism, the door for the evangelization of Kiev and nearby Russian countries was opened again. In this way, we come to the year of our Lord 988, when the grandson of that very Olga was baptized in Christ at Cherson, and after him, his people who desired the light and salvation. That great event was methodically prepared and generously supported by the Church of Constantinople, by making available to the numerous missionaries under the command of Metropolitan Michael every necessary means, both material and spiritual, so that the light of the Gospel might travel faster, not only in the Grand Duchy of Kiev, but also from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea. By the grace and blessing of God the fruits of that collective baptism were plentiful in every field of the public, spiritual and private sphere of the life of the baptized, for through their baptism they were grafted, not only in Orthodoxy’s sacramental experience and spiritual life, but also in the whole of the Byzantine edifice, which constituted the utmost expression of the harmonious synthesis between the Christian spirituality with the highest cultural heritage, far from any discrimination, be it national, racial, linguistic or other. The Metropolis of Kiev that was immediately established by the Mother Church of Constantinople as well as the beautiful Church of St. Sophia in Kiev, which alluded clearly to that Church of the same name in the Queen City, the most treasured sanctu-

ary of that Ecumenical Orthodoxy, became the administrative centers of the entire effort to re-born in Christ all the Slavic tribes in the region. The first native Metropolitan Hilarion was right to rejoice in 1051 saying that “the darkness of the demonic worship has vanished, and the sun of the Gospel has risen over our land. The temples of demons are destroyed and Churches built; the statutes crumbled down and the icons of our Saints appeared. The demons flew away, and the Cross sanctified our cities. The bishops have come like shepherds of logical sheep, priests and deacons are offering the immaculate sacrifice…The angel’s trumpet and the Gospel’s thunder has sounded to all our cities. Men and women, young and old have filled the holy Churches.” Indeed, dear brethren and children, “this is the change of the Lord’s right hand!” The plentiful fruits of that collective baptism proved not only the unselfish dedication of the Byzantine missionaries to their difficult and multifaceted mission here, or the unwavering care of the Mother Church for the successful fruition of that mission, but also the willing support of the political leadership to assist the fuller utilization of the Baptism’s beneficial effects in the relationships among people and nations. Thus, through the co-operation of the political with the ecclesiastical leadership the desire for the faith and the zeal of the baptized became all the more manifest in experiencing the new spiritual life in Christ that is continuously nourished by the common partaking of the immaculate Sacrament of our Lord’s most holy Body and life-giving Blood at the divine Eucharist. It is the Eucharist that assures and seals the unity of all the members of the ecclesial body among

 page 30

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Presbytera Stephanopoulos receives a Gospel book cover as a parting gift from Archbishop Demetrios at her retirement reception on July 31.

Presbytera Stephanopoulos Retires   page 3 and to travel.” She said she also would be available to assist with any special projects for the Church. She will remain active in Church work to some extent, having just been appointed to the governing board of the National Council of Churches in Christ. Presbytera also represents the Archdiocese as a delegate to the National Interfaith Cable Coalition (formerly the Hallmark Channel). “It’s important for us to maintain these relationships with these boards,” she said. Presbytera recalled that highlights of her career at the Archdiocese included the visit of Patriarch Dimitrios to the United States in 1990 and serving as Orthodox press liaison at the World Council of Churches meeting in Canberra, Australia, in 1991. She was the editor for various Archdio-

cese publications including Iakovos: The Making of an Archbishop (1996), Patriarch Dimitrios in the USA (1991), Tell the Good News…Public Information and Outreach (1991), the 30th, 35th and 37th Clergy-Laity Congress Albums, the Yearbook (2001-08) and various publications of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Presbytera Nikki was born in Rochester Minn., is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and is married to Rev. Dr. Robert G. Stephanopoulos who recently retired after serving as dean of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity for 25 years. Fr. Robert and Presbytera Nikki have four children and two granddaughters: Mother Agapia, an Orthodox nun; George, husband of Alexandra and father of Elliot Anastasia and Harper Andrea, of Washington; Marguarite of Cleveland, and Andrew of Santa Monica, Calif.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

St. Basil Academy Archbishop Michael Remembered at June Commencement GARRISON, N.Y. – The 61st commencement at St. Basil Academy served as an occasion to remember Archbishop Michael, whose passing 50 years ago is being commemorated this year. Archbishop Demetrios conducted a trisagion prayer service at the recently renovated gravesite of Archbishop Michael following the graduation program, during which time the three eighth grade graduates placed a wreath at the grave. His Eminence earlier spoke of Archbishop Michael’s outstanding leadership and his personal aquaintance with him as a young clergyman. Fr. Constantine Sitaras, the academy’s executive director, said in his comments that “Archbishop Michael was a loving father of St. Basil Academy” and that he would visit often. He noted that it was Archbishop Michael who allowed boys to come to the academy, which previously had been an all-girl facility. Fr. Sitaras said the Archbishop was “a man of humility and of love and possessed a great intellect” and was well-acquainted with the teachings of St. Paul. The commencement itself drew members of Philoptochos, the Daughters of Penelope, AHEPA and alumni of the Academy from as far as California, Denver, Miami, Alabama, Chicago and Boston. Archbishop Demetrios commented on the “serious work being done” at St. Basil’s, which “deserves all possible support.” He also said that the Academy is successful because it has a mission of service and prepares children for service in society. Others offering remarks during the program included the consuls general of Greece and Cyprus, Aghi Bafta and Andreas Panayiotou, National Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas and Karen Stamatiades, grand president of the Daughters of Penelope, and Evellyn Tsiadis, president of the St. Basil Board of Trustees. Mrs. Stamatiades announced that the Daughters of Penelope have established a scholarship fund for the Academy’s children. Other dignitaries attending included Bishop Philotheos of Meloa, a former executive director of the Academy. Representatives of several area Philoptochos chapters, and others, offered monetary contributions following the awarding of diplomas to the three eighth grade students, Christina Loukakis, Jasmine Montano and Thomas George.

Photos: ORTHODOX OBSERVER

St. Basil graduates Thomas George, Christina Loukakis and Jasmine Montano take part in the wreath-laying ceremony before the trisagion prayers offered by Archbishop Demetrios for Archbishop Michael.

Two other Academy residents, who graduated from college, Christina and Stavroula Katsifas, were unable to attend because they were serving as counselors at Ionian Village. The program also included an icon presentation to the immediate past president of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Steven Gounardes, for his many years of service. Serving as master of ceremonies was Commencement Chairman Christine Karavites of the National Philoptochos Board.

National Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas.

Graduates Jasmine Montano, Thomas George and Christina Loukakis, flanked by Fr. Sitaras and Archbishop Demetrios.

Daughters of Penelope Grand President Karen Stamatiades.

Commencing their journey. The three 8th grade graduates and other St. Basil children proceed to the ceremony.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

‘hellenicare’ Los Angeles Greek Community Celebrates 100th Anniversary Receives Gift of a Portable Mammogram Unit by Christine Haidos

CHICAGO – Through the support of the EETAA Organization of Greece and the Metropolis Philoptochos of Atlanta, as well as many caring individuals, “hellenicare” has received a donation of a portable mammography unit that will be able to provide free breast cancer screening services to women living in rural villages in the Republic of Georgia. The incidence of breast cancer is on the rise in the Republic of Georgia. Presently, women living in Georgia have little access to mammography services and public education programs. A dedication ceremony was held at hellenicare’s Hippocrates Health Care Center in Tbilisi. EETAA Organization representatives and Georgios Chatzimichelakis, ambassador of Greece to the Republic of Georgia attended along with Tamara Sirbiladze, chief health officer of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Accepting the keys on behalf of hellenicare was Dr. Roland Stamatov, regional medical director. “This time we do no cut the ribbon,” said Dr. Stamatov. “We untie the red ribbon as this is a wonderful gift from our motherland of Greece, from our Sisters in Atlanta and all who have made a generous contribution,” continued Dr. Stamatov. In the former Soviet republics, breast cancer is considered the number one cause of cancer related deaths for women. Since beginning its first mammography–screening program in Mariupol, Ukraine, hellenicare has screened more than 7,000 women. To increase awareness and build support for women’s health issues, hellenicare has launched “Sister to Sister” a network of volunteers dedicated to helping their “sisters” fight breast cancer. Andrew A. Athens, president of hellenicare expressed his gratitude to EETAA and the Metropolis Philoptochos of Atlanta, by saying that “Our motherland of Greece has remembered its daughters living outside of Greece and our guardian angels at the Metropolis Philoptochos of Atlanta have remembered their sisters. Thank you for your tremendous generosity.” “EETAA and the ‘Sisters’ of the Metropolis Philoptochos of Atlanta have helped to make this new mammography-screening program possible. “From Athens, Greece and Atlanta to Tbilisi, Georgia, together we demonstrate the love and compassion we have for our ‘sisters’ in the Republic of Georgia,” said Cynthia A. Yannias, program director. For more information, call Cynthia A. Yannias at 312-337-7243 or via–email at cynthia.yannias@ hellenicare.org

A nostalgic step into a room of lighted palm trees mirrored the “Coconut Grove” era and set the scene for the Los Angeles Greek community’s centennial celebration June 7. Actor Michael Chiklis, star of the TV drama “The Shield”, served as master of ceremonies. Co-chairmen of the “Sentimental Journey” celebration Vicky Zaferis Ambatielos and Timi Loomos Freshman welcomed guests and presented Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and the Very Rev. John S. Bakas, dean of St. Sophia Cathedral who gave the invocation. Among those joining the celebration, were Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, Fr. Bill Tragus of St. Sophia, the Very Rev. Spencer T. Kezios, pastor emeritus of St. Nicholas Church, Northridge, and other local Orthodox hierarchs and clergy. Alex Lyras wrote and performed the monologue, “One Hundred Years Young”, specifically for this 100th anniversary event. The program featured other local

Clergy at Liturgy – Celebrating at the Divine Liturgy to mark the observance (l. to r.) Cathedral Dean Fr. John Bakas, Fr. James Adams, Metropolis assistant chancellor; Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, Fr. Earl Contos, metropolis cancellor, and Fr. Bill Tragus of St. Sophia Cathedral.

Marker commemorates site of first Greek Orthodox church in Los Angeles.

talent. Conductor Neal Desby of USC and the Centennial Singers (Anatolia Ioanides, Patrice Karavas, Maria-Elena Kolovos, George Miserlis, Michele Patzakis Prappas, Theodosia Roussos, Richard Seymour and Eleni Stumpus) performed “Make Our Garden Grow”, Candide Finale by Leonard Bernstein. Sisters and owners of the Pasadena Civic Ballet, Tania Grafos and Zoe Vidalakis presented their dancers who performed their rendition of Zorba the Greek. Other highlights of the evening included a duet by Michele Patzakis Prappas and Fr. Bakas as well as a heartwarming folk dance performed by Loyola Marymount’s Athan Karras. Musical accompaniment throughout the evening was provided by Gus Pappelis. Kudos were extended to producer Helene Liatsos, musical coach Anatolia

Allen Altchech photo

Proclamation presentation – (l. to r.) Parish Council President Panos Angelico, Chairwoman Vicky Ambatielos; LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; co-Chair Timi Freshman; and actor Michael Chiklis.

Ioanides, musical coordinator for the evening Michele Patzakis Prappas and actor/writer Helen Liacouras Lambros who served as production advisor of this presentation. Upon departing, guests received a commemorative album of personal stories that had been beautifully designed by Mika Kyprianides and edited by Dean Loomos. Archbishop Demetrios had traveled through the night to Los Angeles from Boston to celebrate Divine Liturgy at St.

Sophia for this special occasion. The week’s festivities concluded with a “paniyiri” on the church grounds co-chaired by Ann Pappas and Stephanie Lubian. The previous weekend, Jan and Ted Pastras led 200 guests on a bus tour of old Greek L.A. and to the site of the first Greek Orthodox church in Los Angeles on San Julian Street. Fr. Bakas blessed the site that has officially received its own historical marker.

Waukegan Church Relocates, Opens Its New Doors LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. - St. Demetrios Church, formerly located in Waukegan, north of Chicago, recently held a thyranoixia (door opening service) at its new location about 20 miles to the west, at 1400 North O’Plaine Road in Libertyville. The property was purchased 25 years ago and is the location of the parish’s popular Greek Food Fest, held every summer. With Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago presiding, the official ceremony took place April 13, followed by the Divine Liturgy

and a luncheon. St. Demetrios Church has met the needs of the Greek Orthodox Christian faithful in Waukegan and greater Lake County since its founding in 1929. As the community has grown and expanded, parishioners have shifted geographically to suburban homes in west and north Lake County. As a result, the parish approved construction of the new church on O’Plaine Road with a traditional Byzantine design. Designed by architect Christ Kamages of San Francisco, the new St. Demetrios

Sanctuary covers 9,000 square feet and seats almost 500. The adjacent fellowship hall is 5,000 square feet, and will be used for ministries and programs. The striking gold Byzantine dome and cross rise 75 feet above grade, and are visible from Interstate 94. The church is built in the traditional “cross-in-square” Byzantine architectural style made famous by the construction in 537 AD of Hagia Sophia or Holy Wisdom Church in Constantinople.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

Phenomenon of a Weeping Icon Re-occurs at Long Island Cathedral by Jim Golding

Fr. Byron Papanikolaou, with Presbytera Xanthipe, received the trophy for the Inaugural Father Byron Open.

Parish Honors Fr. Byron for Years of Service PALOS HILLS, Ill. – Sts. Constantine and Helen Church held its 11th annual golf outing in mid-June as the inauguration of the Fr. Byron Open. Celebrating over 47 years of service to the parish and the naming of the event in his honor was Fr. Byron Papanikolaou with Presbytera Xanthipe by his side. More than 120 participants enjoyed a beautiful and fun-filled day of golf at the

Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park, Ill. on June 17, followed by an awards presentation and dinner honoring Fr. Byron with the presentation of the inaugural trophy. The success of this year’s event is due to the generous support from golfers, sponsors, and donors. All proceeds from this year’s event have gone towards replacing the parish’s gymnasium floor.

Koraes School Holds Graduation PALOS HILLS, Ill. – Commencement exercises took place for the 92nd Class of graduates from Koraes Elementary School at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church. The celebration, held June 5, was included Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago. Also present were the parish priests, Frs. Nicholas Jonas, Byron Papanikolaou and Panteleimon Dalianis, and Parish Council President Theodore Argiris, parish board Chairman Peter G. Lagen, school Principal Mary Zaharis, and other dignitaries. Uplifting speeches were heard from the Salutatorian Eftihia Tounas and the Valedictorian Despina Hadjiagapiou. All gave inspiring speeches pertaining to the education they received at Koraes.

GET GET GET GET

Keynote address was given by recent Koraes graduate and current Harvard University student Tomo Lazovich inspiring the bright future they seek ahead. Graduates of the Class of 2008 were: Antonios Batson, Alexandra Bournas, Athina Foukas, Valerie Georgelos, Foti Gianakakis, Despina Hadjiagapiou, Alexander Haralampopoulos, Nikoletta Kavouras, Ruben Mendez, Michael Parhas, Brianne Pettas, Adam Portokalis, Peter Skiadopoulos, James Thomas, Efthemia Tounas, Sofia Vatougios, Ted Vergados, and Andrianna Zougras. For information about activities at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, contact the office at 708-974-3400. For information about any activity at Koraes Elementary School, call 708-974-3402.

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – For the second time in nearly 50 years, an icon at St. Paul’s Cathedral has been reported to be tearing. Back in March 1961, an icon of the Virgin Mary at the home of parishioners Mr. and Mrs. Panagiotis Catsounis began to tear. They donated the icon to the cathedral. Archbishop Iakovos and throngs of visitors and news media came to view the icon. Following an investigation, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate declared the icon a “Sign of Divine Providence” phenomenon. The St. Anna’s Philoptochos chapter held a fund-raiser to have the “Weeping Madonna” as it came to be known, enshrined in the apse of an alcove to the left of the solea at the cathedral. Ironically, following the service of Pentecost on June 15 of this year, Mrs. Pagona Catsounis, who had originally donated the icon of the Panaghia, noticed moisture on the icon, Fr. Luke Melakrinos, cathedral dean, told the Observer. A few days later, the icon of St. Nicholas also began to tear. Mrs. Catsounis called the priest out after the Pentecost service to look at the icon of the Panaghia. An alarm system the icon was connected to, to prevent tampering, was deactivated and the plexiglass cover of the icon was removed for closer inspection. At this point, many parishioners from the coffee hour returned to view the phenomenon. “There definitely was moisture in the corner of the eyes,” said Fr. Luke, who immediately held a paraklesis service. After tearing for four days, it stopped. Then on June 20, Fr. Milton Efthimiou, who came to the cathedral to conduct one of the two daily paraklesis services, “noticed there was moisture all over the icon of St. Nicholas,” Fr. Luke said. At the time, the icon was kept near relics of St. Nicholas kept in the altar. The icon was later moved next to the icon of the Panaghia in the alcove. “It looked almost as if it was sweating,” the priest continued. On Sunday, June 22, the icon began to exude “a fragrant aroma, a floral-like fragrance” from its eyes, he said. On some days it stops, but at times: you can see it streaming more than others,” said Fr. Luke. On June 23, Archbishop Demetrios came to the cathedral with Bishop Savas of Troas to view the icon. Following the visit Archbishop Demetrios said: “In the life and history of our Orthodox Church there have been at

Photos by ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Fr. Luke holds the icon of St. Nicholas.

times examples of phenomena that can not be ascribed to natural causes. The saints of our Church lead us with their example to the path of God and are asking for us the grace and blessing of God. St. Nicholas in particular is a saint who is a protector and healer and we are certain – as we venerate his holy icon – that he intercedes on our behalf to the benevolent Almighty God.” Fr. Luke said that, for a few days afterward the icon had stopped tearing, but when a visiting group of children came to the cathedral began to stream moisture again. “We took the icon out for the children to venerate, and I noticed more tears streaming down. It only comes from the eyes; it’s an incredible thing,” he said. At the vespers of St. Peter and St. Paul, Bishop Savas commented on the phenomenon, calling it “a sign that the saints are with us.” He said, “When we honor saints, we’re going to celebrate someone who continues to live and act on our behalf. The saints are in the presence of God and, from time to time, they give us a sign to show us they’re still with us; to encourage us along the way.” Fr. Nicholas Magoulias, the retired dean of St. Paul’s who was serving at the cathedral 48 years ago when the Panaghia icon had first teared, said the question of why the phenomenon has happened twice in the same parish was “hard to answer,” but may have to do with the spiritual aspect of the community and “the grace of the believers.” “What can you say;” Fr. Luke replied as to why this may have reoccurred. “Who knows the reason? To be twice chosen is really a blessing. We’re just blessed and thank God.”

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Parishioners venerate the two icons of St. Nicholas and the Panaghia.

ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ – ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΣ 2008

ΕΤΟΣ 73 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1241

O Απόηχoς του Κιέβου: Η Συνάντηση Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου και Πατριάρχου Μόσχας ôïõ Íéêüëáïõ Ìáããßíá

Μηνύματα ικανοποιήσεως και επιδοκιμασίας φθάνουν στο Φανάρι από Ορθοδόξους Ιεράρχες και λαϊκούς, από άλλες Χριστιανικές Εκκλησίες, ακόμη και από Μουσουλμάνους, για την ιστορική ειρηνική παρουσία του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου στο Κίεβο της Ουκρανίας. Πρώτος μεταξύ αυτών ο Πατριάρχης Αντιοχείας Ιγνάτιος σε θερμότατη επιστολή του προς τον Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο εκφράζει την μεγά λη του χαρά για τα ευχάριστα γεγονότα που συνέβησαν στην Ουκρανία και εξαίρει τον ιδιαίτερο ρόλο του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου για την ενότητα της Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας. Η διακριτική παρουσία του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου στους εορτασμούς του Κιέβου, οι με σοφία χειρισμοί της όλης τεταμένης καταστάσεως και η αυτοπεποίθηση που τον διέκρινε είναι ορισμένα από τα χαρακτηριστικά που επισημαίνουν οι παρατηρητές των τελευταίων γεγονότων. Η ένταση που εκδηλώθηκε μεταξύ των Εκκλησιών Κωνσταντινουπόλεως και Μόσχας πριν την μετάβαση του Πατριάρχη στο Κίεβο, και στη συνέχεια η αποφασιστική παρουσία του Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου στους εορτασμούς των 1020 χρόνων εκχριστιανισμού του λαού του Κιέβου, είχε ως αίσιο αποτέλεσμα την ορατή ενότητα της

ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος και ο Πατριάρχης Μόσχας Αλέξιος κατά τη διάρκεια των εορτασμών στο Κίεβο της Ουκρανίας.

Ορθοδοξίας. Το γεγονός αυτό το επισήμανε και ο Πατριάρχης Μόσχας Αλέξιος στο επίσημο γεύμα στη Λαύρα του Κιέβου, παρουσία των Προκαθημένων Τιράνων και Αθηνών και των αντιπροσώπων των κατά τόπους Ορθοδόξων Εκκλησιών, λέγοντας ότι: «Πιστεύω ότι η σημερινή κοινή Λειτουργία απετέλεσε την μαρτυρία της ενότητός μας. Εμείς είμεθα ευγνώμονες στον Παναγιώτατο Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη κ. Βαρθολομαίο για τη συμμετοχή του στους εορτασμούς.»

Στο Κίεβο, έδρα του Μητροπολίτη Βλαδίμηρου -που υπάγεται στο Πατριαρχείο Μόσχας- ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος υπογράμμισε κατά την τελετή υποδοχής: «Παρακαλώ να μας βλέπετε ως αγγέλους ειρήνης, ως ειλικρινείς αδελφούς σας». Ο Πατριάρχης Μόσχας Αλέξιος απο την πλευρά του στη ομιλία του μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία δεν παρέλειψε να αναφερθεί στους δεσμούς της Ορθόδοξης Ρωσσίας με την Μητέρα Εκκλησία της Κωνσταντινουπόλεως τονίζοντας ότι:

«Γνωρίζουμε καλώς και ενθυμούμεθα ότι εις τας πηγάς της Ορθοδοξίας στη Ρωσσία ευρίσκετο η Αγία Εκκλησία Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, οι ποιμένες της οποίας βάπτισαν τους κατοίκους του Κιέβου στην κολυμβήθρα του Δνειπέρου. Η ανάμνηση αυτού του μεγάλου γεγονότος για πάντα μας ενώνει με την Μητέρα Εκκλησία, όπως και όλη η ιστορία που ακολούθησε και η οποία ήταν γεμάτη από μεγάλες και ένδοξες πράξεις». ΙΣΤΟΡΙΚΟΙ ΔΕΣΜΟΙ Στους δεσμούς μεταξύ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως και Ουκρανίας αναφέρθηκε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης. Κατά την τελετή παρασημοφορήσεώς του από τη Μητρόπολη Κιέβου τονίζοντας: «Αυτό το Ιωβηλαίο που εορτάζουμε μας υπενθυμίζει για μία ακόμη φορά τους στενοτάτους και ακαταλύτους ιστορικούς δεσμούς μεταξύ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως και Ουκρανίας. Πάντοτε είχαμε την Ουκρανία μέσα στην καρδιά μας. Τώρα με το παράσημό σας θα την έχουμε και επάνω στην καρδιά μας». ΔΙΠΛΟΣ ΕΟΡΤΑΣΜΟΣ «Τετρακόσια τουλάχιστον χρόνια ανέμενε η Ουκρανία την επίσκεψη του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου. Για το λόγο αυτό εορτάζουμε διπλά», τόνισε χαρακτηριστικά ο Αντιπρόεδρος της Κυβερνήσεως της Ουκρανίας Ivan Vasiunyk καί πρόσθεσε: «Η επίσκεψη του Οικου-

 óåë. 19

Επιτυχημένη η 39η Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευση της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής ΟΥΑΣΙΝΓΚΤΟΝ – Με το επίσημο δείπνο την Πέμπτη 17 Ιουλίου έληξαν στην Ουάσινγκτον οι εργασίες της 39ης Κληρικολαϊκής Συνελεύσεως της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής που λαμβάνει χώρα κάθε δύο χρόνια και αποτελεί την κορυφαία εκδήλωση της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής. Οι εργασίες της φετινής Κληρικολαϊκής Συνελεύσεως ξεκίνησαν επίσημα στην πρωτεύουσα των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών στις 14 Ιουλίου με την κεντρική ομιλία του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής κ. Δημητρίου κατά την εναρκτήρια τελετή. Το θέμα της 39 ης Κληρικολαϊκής «Συναγάγετε τον λαό μου στον οίκο μου», ανέπτυξε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος στην κεντρική ομιλία του προς τους 1.100 περίπου εκπροσώπους των 550 ενοριών της Αρχιεπισκοπής από όλη την επικράτεια. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος έκανε μια σύντομη αναφορά στις εξελίξεις των τελευταίων δύο ετών. Σημείωσε ιδιαίτερα την σημαντική αύξηση του αριθμού των κληρικών της Αρχιεπισκοπής, την πρόοδο των οικονομικών και την δραματική μείωση του χρέους και των υποχρεώσεων της Αρχιεπισκοπής και την επιτυχία του νέου συστήματος Προσφοράς Εθνικών Διακονιών των

ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Εναρξη των εργασιών της 39ης Κληρικολαϊκής Συνελεύσεως στην Ουάσινγκτον.

Ενοριών. Αναφέρθηκε ακόμη στην έκδηλη πρόοδο σε θέματα παιδείας σε επίπεδο σχολικό και ακαδημαϊκό, στην προσφορά στήριξης στα θέματα του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, στην αύξηση της φιλανθρωπικής προσφοράς και σε άλλες σημαντικές παρουσίες της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής εδώ και στο

εξωτερικό. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος εστίασε την προσοχή του σε τέσσερεις κατηγορίες ανθρώπων στους οποίους αφορά η κλήση «Συναγάγετε τον λαό μου στον οίκο μου»: 1) ορθοδόξους οι οποίοι είναι είτε πλήρως αποσυνδεδεμένοι από την Εκκλησία ή χαλαρά συνδεόμενοι, 2)

πολ λά μέλη μεικτών γάμων που είτε απεκόπησαν από την Εκκλησία ή δεν ετέλεσαν καν το γάμο τους στην Εκκλησία, 3) έφηβους, νέους και νέες οι οποίοι έφυγαν από την Εκκλησία και 4) ανεκκ λησίαστους ή πνευματικά και θρησκευτικά άστεγους που υπολογίζονται στην Αμερική σε περίπου 60 εκατομμύρια. Καταλήγοντας την ομιλία του ο Σεβασμιώτατος είπε χαρακτηριστικά: «Κάθε φορά που ευρισκόμεθα στις εκκλησίες μας, στις υπέροχες ενορίες μας, ας σκεφθούμε αυτά τα άλλα πρόβατα, αυτούς τους άλλους ανθρώπους οι οποίοι είναι εκτός, γνωστοί και άγνωστοι. Ας σκεφθούμε όλους τους άλ λους, τους πραγματικά σημαντικούς άλ λους, οι οποίοι περιμένουν ν’ ακούσουν την φωνή του Χριστού. Την φωνή του Χριστού που τους καλεί να συγκεντρωθούν στον Οίκο Του, να γίνουν ποίμνιό Του. Αλλά πώς θα μπορέσουν ν’ ακούσουν την φωνή του Χριστού; Εμείς είμεθα η φωνή του Χριστού!» Κατά τη διάρκεια της εναρκτήριας τελετής, ο εκπρόσωπος του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου στην Κληρικολαϊκή, Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Θυατεί-

 óåë. 18

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ-ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΣ 2008

Επιτυχημένη η 39η Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευση της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής  óåë. 17 ρων και Μεγάλης Βρετανίας κ. Γρηγόριος μετέφερε το μήνυμα του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη κ. Βαρθολομαίου ενώ την Ελληνική Κυβέρνηση εκπροσώπησε ο υφυπουργός Εξωτερικών κ. Θεόδωρος Κασσίμης ο οποίος απηύθυνε χαιρετισμό και εξέφρασε την ευγνωμοσύνη της Μητροπολιτικής Ελλάδος. Στην τελετή ενάρξεως προήδρευσε ο Άντριου Μανάτος ως υπεύθυνος διοργάνωσης της Κληρικολαϊκής και το πρόγραμμα παρουσίασε ο Ελληνοαμερικανός Τζόρτζ Τένετ. Ο αντιπρόεδρος του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου Μιχαήλ Τζαχάρης κήρυξε την έναρξη των εργασιών και χαιρετισμούς απηύθυναν ο Ελληνοαμερικανός βουλευτής Τζον Σαρμπάνης και ο πρέσβης της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας Ανδρέας Κακούρης. Την προηγουμένη ημέρα, Κυριακή 13 Ιουλίου, στον Καθεδρικό Ναό της Αγίας Σοφίας της Ουάσινγκτον, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος προεξήρχε πολυαρχιερατικής Θείας Λειτουργίας, συλλειτουργούντων του Αρχιεπισκόπου Θυατείρων και Μεγάλης Βρετανίας κ. Γρηγορίου και των ιεραρχών μελών της Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συνόδου, την οποία παρακολούθησαν χίλιοι και πλέον ελληνορθόδοξοι πιστοί. Εψάλη επιμνημόσυνη δέηση για τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Μιχαήλ από την εκδημία του οποίου συμπληρώθηκαν 50 χρόνια (13 Ιουλίου 1958). Παράλληλα με την Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευση πραγματοποιήθηκε η 39η Συνέλευση της Εθνικής Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητος με τη λήξη των εργασιών του Συνεδρίου Νεολαίας που συνήθως προηγείται της Κληρικολαϊκής. Οι εργασίες των υπολοίπων ημερών συμπεριέλαβαν συνεδριάσεις των επί μέρους επιτροπών των διακονιών της Αρχιεπισκοπής, επιμορφωτικά σεμινάρια και δύο γενικές συνελεύσεις. Την Πεμπτη το βράδυ, πραγματοποιήθηκε με μεγάλη επιτυχία πολιτιστι-

κή εκδήλωση εντός του ξενοδοχείου Marriot Wardman Hotel με μουσικό και χορευτικό πρόγραμμα που παρουσίασαν ταλαντούχοι νέοι και νέες της Αρχιεπισκοπής. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες επισκεφθείτε τη διεύθυνση www.goarch.org στο διαδίκτυο. ΚΕΝΤΡΙΚΗ ΟΜΙΛΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΣΕΒΑΣΜΙΩΤΑΤΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΥ

1. Εἰσαγωγή Δόξα, αἶνος καί εὐχαριστία ἀνήκουν στόν Ἰησοῦ Χριστό, τόν φιλάνθρωπο Κύριό μας ὁ Ὁποῖος μᾶς συγκέντρωσε στήν περίλαμπρη Washington DC, τήν πρωτεύουσα τοῦ Ἔθνους μας, γιά τήν 39η Κληρικολαϊκή Συνέλευσή μας. Χαρά καί ἐνθουσιασμός γιά τό γεγονός τῆς συνάξεώς μας στόν τόπο ὅπου λαμβάνονται οἱ πλέον σημαντικές πολιτικές καί κυβερνητικές ἀποφάσεις οἱ ὁποῖες δέν ἐπηρεάζουν μόνον τήν Ἀμερική ἀλλά ὁλόκληρο τόν κόσμο! Χαρά καί ἐνθουσιασμός νά γνωρίζουμε ὅτι σέ αὐτό τό περίφημο παγκόσμιο κέντρο, μέσῳ τῆς Κληρικολαϊκῆς Συνελεύσεώς μας θά μᾶς δοθῇ ἡ εὐκαιρία, μέ τήν χάρη τοῦ Θεοῦ, νά προσφέρου με ἰσχυρή μ αρτυρία τῆ ς Ὀρθοδόξου Πίστεώς μας. Μιᾶς πίστεως ἡ ὁποία ἀποδεικνύεται ἐπειγόντως ἀπαραίτητη στόν ἁμαρτωλό καί ἀποπροσανατολισμένο κόσμο μας. Μιᾶς πίστεως ἡ ὁποία δίδει ζωή στόν κόσμο διότι συνδέει τούς ἀνθρώπους μέ τόν Υἱό τοῦ Θεοῦ, τόν Ἰησοῦ Χριστό, γιά Τόν Ὁποῖο γράφει ὁ Ἅγιος Ἰωάννης ὁ Εὐαγγελιστής στήν Πρώτη Ἐπιστολή του ὅτι, ὁ ἔχων τόν Υἱόν ἔχει τήν ζωήν, ὁ μή ἔχων τόν Υἱόν τοῦ Θεοῦ τήν ζωήν οὐκἔχει (Α’ Ἰωάννου, 5:12). Εἴμεθα λοιπόν ἐδῶ, στήν Washington DC γιά νά προσφέρουμε μαρτυρία τῆς πίστεως πού δίδει ζωή στούς ἀνθρώπους καί στόν κόσμο, καί γιά νά καταστήσουμε τό θέμα τῆς Κληρικολαϊκῆς μας «Συναγάγετε τόν λαό μου στόν Οἶκο μου» θέμα τό ὁποῖο συνδέει τούς ἀνθρώπους μέ τόν Θεό,

τήν ἀπόλυτη πηγή τῆς ἀληθινῆς ζωῆς. 2. Ἀπό τή Nashville, Tennessee στήν Washington DC Πρό τῆς ἐνασχολήσεως μέ τό θέμα τῆς Κληρικολαϊκῆς Συνελεύσεως, θά ἤθελα πολύ συνοπτικά νά ἀνατρέξουμε σέ ὡρισμένες ἐξελίξεις οἱ ὁποῖες σημειώθηκαν κατά τήν χρονική περίοδο ἡ ὁποία μεσολάβησε μεταξύ τῆς παρούσης καί τῆς 38ης Κληρικολαϊκῆς Συνελεύσεως τό 2006 στήν πόλη Nashville, Tennessee. Εἶμαι βέβαιος ὅτι θά παρασχεθοῦν σχετικές πληροφορίες καί θά λάβουν χώρα συζητήσεις ἐπ’ αὐτῶν σέ διάφορες ἐπιτροπές κατά τήν διάρκεια τῶν συνεδριάσεών μας ἐδῶ. 1) Ἡ πρώτη ἐξέλιξη ἀφορᾶ στήν αὔξηση τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ κληρικῶν τῆς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς μας. Κατά τά τελευταῖα δύο χρόνια χειροτονήθηκαν 49 νέοι κληρικοί. Στόν ἀριθμό αὐτό πρέπει νά προσθέσουμε 7 ἀκόμη κληρικούς οἱ ὁποῖοι εἰσῆλθαν στήν Ἐκκλησία μας προερχόμενοι ἀπό ἄλλες Ὀρθόδοξες Ἐκκλησίες, ἀνεβάζοντας τόν ἀριθμό νέων κληρικῶν σε 56. Ὁ ἀριθμός 56 γιά τήν χρονική περίοδο 2006-2008 εἶναι ἐνδεικτικός τῆς σημαντικῆς προόδου μας ἐἀν σκεφθοῦμε ὅτι κατά τήν περίοδο 2004-2006 εἶχαν γίνει 40 χειροτονίες καί εἰσδοχές κληρικῶν. Κατά τήν ἴδια χρονική περίοδο συνταξιοδοτήθηκαν 21 κληρικοί, ἐκ τῶν ὁποίων 8 ἐξακολουθοῦν νά ὑπηρετοῦν κατά τόν α ἤ β τρόπο. Στή διάρκεια τῶν δύο αὐτῶν τελευταίων χρόνων, δηλ. ἀπό 20ῆς Ἰουνίου 2006 ἕως 6ης Ἰουλίου 2008, ἐβιώσαμε μέ βαθύ πόνο τήν ἐκδημία 32 ἀγαπημένων καί διακεκριμένων Ἱερέων τῆς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς μας. Ἐπιτρέψτε μου νά διαβάσω τά ὀνόματά των σέ ἔνδειξη τιμῆς καί μνήμης. Αὐτοί εἶναι: Αἰδ. Ἀχιλλέας Σιάγρης, Αἰδ. Γεώργιος Α Ξενοφάνης, Αἰδ. Γεώργιος Νεοφώτιστος, Αἰδ. Δημήτριος Τσάκαλος, Αἰδ. Εὐστάθιος Μυλωνᾶς, Αἰδ. Νικόλαος Σιταρᾶς, Αἰδ. Παναγιώτης Κυριᾶκος, Αἰδ. Γεώργιος Ν Θᾶνος, Αἰδ. Μιχαήλ Σ. Χαρμαντᾶς, Αἰδ. Δημήτριος Καβάδα ς, Αἰδ. Βασίλειος Καψάλης, Παν. Ἀρχ. Ἐμμανουήλ Παπαγε-

ωργίου, Παν. Ἀρχ. Δημήτριος Μιχαλάκης, Παν. Ἀρχ. Λουκᾶς Κοτζάκης, Αἰδ. Ἰωάννης Παύλου, Αἰδ. Τιμόθεος Ἀνδρέου, Αἰδ. Νικόλαος Κατσούλης, Αἰδ. Παναγιώτης Β. Κοσκορῆς, Αἰδ. Χρυσόστομος Μανιουδάκη, Αἰδ. Ἐμμανουήλ Γκρατσίας, Αἰδ. Ἀντώνιος Σ. Συρίγος Αἰδ. Βασίλειος Σ. Κεχαγιᾶς7, Αἰδ. Γεώργιος Μπάρτσης, Αἰδ. Γεώργιος Νικοζήσης, Αἰδ. Γεώργιος Καλπαξῆς, Ἱερολ. Διάκονος Ἰωάννης Κοντογιάννης, Αἰδ. Γεώργιος Μαμαγκάκης, Αἰδ. Μιχαήλ Μιχαλόπουλος, Αἰδ. Παναγιώτης Κασταρῆς, Παν. Ἀρχ. Νεκτάριος Κόγιας, Αἰδ. Νικόλαος Ρετσελᾶς, Παν. Ἀρχ. Παῦλος Κουτούκας, Αἰδ. Γεώργιος Λόγκος. Ἄς εἶναι αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη των. Κατά τήν ἴδια περίοδο, εἴχαμε τή μεγάλη χαρά νά ὑποδεχθοῦμε ἕναν νέο Ἐπίσκοπο στήν Ἐκκλησία μας στό πρόσωπο τοῦ Πανοσιολογιωτάτου π. Δημητρίου Καντζαβέλου, Πρωτοσυγκέλ-λου τῆς Ἱ. Μητροπόλεως Σικάγου, ὁὁποῖος ἐχειροτονήθη Ἐπίσκοπος Μοκησσοῦ τήν 9ην Δεκεμβρίου 2006. 2) Ἡ δεύτερη ἄξια μνημονεύσεως ἐξέλιξη γιά τήν Ὀρθοδοξία καί τόν Ἑλληνισμό εἶναι ἡ σημαντική πρόοδος τοῦ οἰκονομικοῦ τομέως: Ἡ δραματική μείωση τοῦ χρέους καί τῶν ὑποχρεώσεων τῆς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς, οἱ οἰκονομικοί ἀπολογισμοί τῶν ἐτῶν 2006 καί 2007 οἱ ὁποῖοι ἔκλεισαν σχεδόν χωρίς ἔλλειμμα, ἡ συνεχής αὔξηση προσφορῶν τῶν Ἐνοριῶν μας κατά τήν διάρκεια τῶν ὀκτώ τελευταίων ἐτῶν, ἡ ἐξαιρετική πρόοδος σέ χρήματα καί σέ μέλη τόσο τοῦ Κληροδοτήματος Πίστις ὅσο καί τῆς Ἡγεσίας τῶν 100, ἡ ἐντυπωσι ακή αὔξη ση δωρεῶ ν, ἀποτελ οῦν ὡρισμένες χαρακτηριστικές ἐνδείξεις οἱ ὁποῖες ἀποδεικνύουν τήν οἰκονομική πρόοδο ἡ ὁποία συνετελέσθη τά τελευταῖα δύο ἔτη. Αὐτή ἡ πρόοδος σχετίζεται καί μέ τήν ἐπιτυχία τοῦ νέου συστήματος Προσφορᾶς Ἐθνικῶν Διακονιῶν τῶν Ἐνοριῶν μας (National Ministries Commitment). Η συνέχεια στο επόμενο τεύχος.

Καρποφόρα επίσκεψη του Αρχιεπισκόπου στην Αθήνα  óåë. 20

ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Η ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΧΟΡΩΔΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΖΑΠΠΕΙΟ

Εντυπωσίασε το πολυπληθές κοινό η φιλανθρωπική συναυλία που έδωσε η Αρχιεπισκοπική Χορωδία Νέων της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής το βράδυ της 3ης Ιουλίου, στη ροτόντα του Ζαππείου Μεγάρου υπέρ του «Συλλόγου Φίλων Παιδιών με Καρκίνο ΕΛΠΙΔΑ». Η συναυλία παρουσιάσθηκε υπό την αιγίδα του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου και της υπουργού εξωτερικών Ντόρας Μπακογιάννη και συνδιοργανώθηκε από την Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής τον Σύλλογο ΕΛΠΙΔΑ και την Επιτροπή Ολυμπίων και Κληροδοτημάτων-Ζάππειο Μέγαρο. Συμμετείχαν 49 παιδιά από την Μητροπολιτική περιοχή της Νέας Υόρκης υπό την διεύθυνση της κυρίας Μαρίας Κολύβα, τα οποία παρουσίασαν 22 τραγούδια και ύμνους και ενθουσίασαν το κοινό με την άψογη μουσική και σκηνική τους παρουσία. Η συναυλία πραγματοποιήθηκε χάρη στην ευγενική χορηγία του ζεύγους Γεωργίας και Δημητρίου Καλοειδή, στις άοκνες προσπάθειες του προέδρου της Χορωδίας, Πανίκου Παπανικολάου και στη καθοριστική συμβολή της προέδρου του συλλόγου ΕΛΠΙΔΑ Μαριάννας Βαρδινογιάννη. Εκτός από την υπουργό εξωτερικών παρευρέθηκαν ο Μακαριώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αθηνών και πάσης Ελλάδος κ. Ιερώνυμος, η υπουργός Απασχόλησης και Κοινωνικής Προστασίας Φάνη Πάλλη-Πετραλιά, η υφυπουργός του ίδιου υπουργείου Σοφία Καλαντζάκου και πολλοί άλλοι βουλευτές.

στο επίσημο δείπνο της ΑΧΕΠΑ στο ξενοδοχείο Ιντερκοντινένταλ, και χαιρέτισε τις εκατοντάδες σ υνέδρωνμελών της οργάνωσης κυρίως από τις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες αλλά και από τον Καναδά, την Αυστραλία και την Ελλάδα. Τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο στις συναντήσεις του συνόδευαν εκτός από τον Μιχαήλ Τζαχάρη, η διευθύντρια του γραφείου του Αλίκη Κιουριάν, ο διευθυντής του Γραφείου Τύπου της Αρχιεπισκοπής Σταύρος Παπαγερμανός, ο διάκονος του

αρχιεπισκόπου π. Ναθαναήλ Συμεωνίδης και επί πλέον στην επίσκεψη στο Υπουργείο Παιδείας, η κοσμήτωρ του Ελληνικού Κολεγίου της Βοστώνης Λίλυ Μακράκη και ο διευθυντής Παιδείας της Ι. Αρχιεπισκοπής Δρ. Ιωάννης Ευθυμιόπουλος. Η επίσκεψη του Σεβασμιωτάτου στη Αθήνα και το 86ο ετήσιο συνέδριο της ΑΧΕΠΑ ολοκληρώθηκαν την Κυριακή 6 Ιουλίου με την αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία στον Καθεδρικό Μητροπολιτικό Ναό Αθηνών, στην οποία προέστη ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος.

Ο πρόεδρος της Βουλής Δημήτρης Σιούφας υποδέχθηκε τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής στις 2 Ιουλίου και του απένειμε το ανώτατο τιμητικό εύσημο της Εθνικής Αντιπροσωπείας, το «Χρυσό Μετάλλιο της Βουλής των Ελλήνων». Φωτογραφία ΔΗΜ. ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ-ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΣ 2008

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

O Απόηχoς του Κιέβου: Η Συνάντηση Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου και Πατριάρχου Μόσχας  óåë. 17 μενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου έδωσε ένα θετικό μήνυμα σε όλους τους Ουκρανούς. Ελπίζω ότι θα αρχίσει η διαδικασία συμφιλίωσης όλων των Ορθοδόξων Εκκλησιών στη χώρα μας». Η ιστορικής σημασίας επίσκεψηπροσκύνημα στο Κίεβο του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου που είναι εκ πεποιθήσεως άνθρωπος του διαλόγου, έδωσε αναμφισβήτητα νέα πνοή στις σχέσεις μεταξύ των Εκκλησιών Κωνσταντινουπόλεως και Μόσχας, επιβεβαιώνοντας, έτσι, γι’άλλη μία φορά την ιστορική ευθύνη και τον συντονιστικό ρόλο του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου στην υπόθεση της πανορθοδόξου ενότητος. Στη σημασία και τη συμβολή του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου δια μέσου των αιώνων, αναφέρθηκε ενώπιον των δύο Πατριαρχών και των εκπροσώπων των άλλων Εκκλησιών ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αλβανίας Αναστάσιος τονίζοντας ότι: «Εάν η Εκκλησία της Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο, είχε μείνει κλεισμένο στα δικά του ενδιαφέροντα, η ιστορία του κόσμου σήμερα θα ήταν διαφορετική. Είμεθα, λοιπόν, ευγνώμονες διαχρονικά στις πρωτοβουλίες αυτές του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου και για το σήμερα και για το αύριο». Τέλος, με τη σοβαρότητα που αντιμετωπίσθηκε από το Φανάρι η επίσκεψη στο Κίεβο, αποδείχθηκαν φαιδρά και ανυπόστατα τα σενάρια που καλλιεργούσαν διάφοροι συνωμοσιολόγοι στην αποτυχημένη προσπάθειά τους να συνδέσουν το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο με πολιτικές ίντριγκες και συμφέροντα στην Ουκρανία και στην ευρύτερη περιοχή.

ÍÉÊ. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

Στιμιότυπα από το συλλείτουργο του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίου και του Πατριάρχη Μόσχας Αλέξιου κατά τη διάρκεια των εορτασμών στο Κίεβο της Ουκρανίας.

Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος: «Είμεθα αποφασισμένοι μέχρι τέλους να διεκδικήσουμε αυτά που μας ανήκουν» ôïõ Íéêüëáïõ Ìáããßíá

Την αποφασιστικότητά του στη διεκδίκηση μέχρι τέλους αυτών που ανήκουν στο Πατριαρχείο και την Ομογένεια, εξέφρασε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος στη Χάλκη στο τέλος Εσπερινού. Εφέτος ο Εσπερινός στο εκκλησάκι της Μονής Μεταμορφώσεως του Σωτήρος στη Χάλκη τελέσθηκε στο προαύλιο της Μονής στο ύπαιθρο κάτω από υπόστεγο αφού στις 13 Νοεμβρίου 2007 το Δασαρχείο με το πρόσχημα ότι εκτελούνται ανακαινιστικά έργα παράνομα και χωρίς προειδοποίηση με μπουλντόζες κατάφερε να γκρεμίσει τη στέγη του ναϊδρίου. Τότε, ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος και ο Μητροπολίτης Μοσχονησίων Απόστολος, υπεύθυνος για την λειτουργία της Μονής, μετέβησαν επί τόπου και με την σύμπραξη του Επάρχου και του Δημάρχου των Πριγκηπονήσων, αποτράπηκε η περαιτέρω κατεδάφιση του ναϊδρίου. Ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος στη ομιλία του αναφέρθηκε στο ιστορικό του γεγονότος επισημαίνοντας ότι: «υπέστη την απρόκλητον επίθεση ενός συγκεκριμένου προσώπου, ίσως και άλλων ομοφρόνων συνεργατών του, οι οποίοι ήλθον μίαν ωραίαν πρωίαν και κατεδάφισαν και ισοπέδωσαν το εκκλησάκι και τα

ανακαινιστικά έργα». Η υπόθεση βρίσκεται στη Δικαιοσύνη και για την οποία όπως είπε ο Πατριάρχης: «της εμπιστευόμεθα την όλην υπόθεσιν προσδοκώντες την δικαίωσιν μας». Στη συνέχεια της ομιλίας του ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος επισήμανε το γεγονός ότι δεν είναι μόνο αυτή η υπόθεση που βρίσκεται στα χέρια της δικαιοσύνης λέγοντας ότι: «και άλλες περιπτώσεις ιδιοκτησιακής φύσεως, περιουσιακών μας δικαιωμάτων, τα οποία από αιώνων κατέχωμεν, τα οποία εκληρονομήσαμε από τους πατέρας μας, όπως είναι η περίπτωση του Ορφανοτροφείου της Πριγκήπου, εις την οποία και εδικαιώθη η Μητέρα Εκκλησία από το Ευρωπαϊκόν Δικαστήριον Ανθρωπίνων Δικαιωμάτων. Είμεθα όπως το είπα πολλές φορές και το επαναλαμβάνω και απόψε ενώπιόν σας, αποφασισμένοι μέχρι τέλους να διεκδικήσουμε αυτά που μας ανήκουν. Αυτά που μας εκληροδότησαν οι πατέρες μας». Κατόπιν ο Πατριάρχης στην ομιλία του τόνισε με έμφαση τη διεκδίκηση των δικαιωμάτων του Πατριαρχείου και της Ομογένειας λέγοντας: «όπως εμείς εκπληρώνουμε εις το ακέραιον τις υποχρεώσεις μας και τα καθήκοντά μας έναντι του κράτους, έναντι της χώρας εις την οποίαν ζούμε, έτσι διεκδικούμε και τα δικαιώματά

μας, τα οποία είναι αντίστοιχα προς τις υποχρεώσεις μας». Ακόμη ο Πατριάρχης αναφέρθηκε και στο Μητροπολίτη Μοσχονησίων Απόστολο οποίος έχει και την ευθύνη της Μονής της Μεταμορφώσεως και τον ευχαρίστησε για τις μέχρι τούδε προσπάθειές του για την διαφύλαξη των δικαιωμάτων της Μονής, και για τις παρουσίες του στο δικαστήριο όπου η επόμενη δικάσιμος θα λάβει χώρα στις 9 Σεπτεμβρίου. Τέλος, ο παριστάμενος, συμπροσευχόμενος Μητροπολίτης Αυστρίας Μιχαήλ μίλησε προς το εκκλησίασμα και αναφέρθηκε στο ναΐδριο που υπέστη την βανδαλισμό του Δασαρχείου λέγοντας χαρακτηριστικά: «Το γεγονός και η εικόνα αυτού του ναϊδρίου έρχεται να ενσταλάξει πικρία μέσα μας, ταυτοχρόνως όμως, είναι μέσα στην ιστορία της Εκκλησίας μας τα γεγονότα αυτά και εάν η Μεγάλη Εκκλησία, το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο, χαρακτηρίζεται μετά από μια ορισμένη ημερομηνία ως σκηνίτης Εκκλησία, αυτή τη στιγμή είμεθα κάτω από μια σκηνή, από ένα υπόστεγο αλλά ταυτοχρόνως είναι η και η έκφραση του μεγαλείου της Εκκλησίας, του Οικουμενικού μας Πατριαρχείου να μετατρέπει όλα τα υπόστεγα και όλες τις σκηνές σε Μεγάλη Αγία του Χριστού Εκκλησία».

19 Ο ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ ΔΙΟΡΙΣΕ ΝΕΟ ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟΥ ΤΥΠΟΥ ΤΗΣ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΗΣ ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος ανακοίνωσε στις 15 Ιουλίου 2008 τον διορισμό του κ. Σταύρου Η. Παπαγερμανού ως Διευθυντή του Γραφείου Τύπου και Πληροφοριών και Εκπροσώπου Τύπου της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής. Ο κ. Παπαγερμανός κατείχε ως τώρα τη θέση του διευθυντή και αρχισυντάκτ η τ ης εφημερίδας Ορθόδοξος Παρατηρητής όπου υπηρέτησε από το 1995. Τα τελευταία εννιά χρόνια και παράλληλα με τη θέση του στον Ορθόδοξο Παρατηρητή ο κ. Παπαγερμανός ήταν Υπεύθυνος Τύπου για τα ελληνικά και ελληνόφωνα μέσα ενημέρωσης. Ως Εκπρόσωπος Τύπου, ο κ. Παπαγερμανός θα είναι υπεύθυνος για την καλλιέργεια των σχέσεων της Ιεράς Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής με όλα τα έντυπα και ηλεκτρονικά Μέσα Μαζικής Ενημερώσεως στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες και στο εξωτερικό. Παράλληλα, ο κ. Παπαγερμανός θα εκπροσωπεί την Αρχιεπισκοπή στους διάφορους οργανισμούς και οργανώσεις κοινής ωφελείας και θα καλλιεργεί τις σχέσεις της Αρχιεπισκοπής στο κοινοτικό και ομογενειακό επίπεδο. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος δήλωσε σχετικά με το νέο διορισμό: «Ο κ. Σταύρος Παπαγερμανός ως αρχισυντάκτης του Ορθοδόξου Παρατηρητή για δέκα και πλέον έτη έχει επιδείξει επαρκώς τα χαρακτηριστικά μιας δημοσιογραφίας πολύ υπεύθυνης και δημιουργικής με σεβασμό για τα γεγονότα. Είμεθα βέβαιοι ότι τώρα στη νέα του θέση, μια θέση ζωτική για την ουσιαστική σχέση της Αρχιεπισκοπής με τα Μέσα Μαζικής Ενημερώσεως, ο κ. Παπαγερμανός θα παραμείνει πολύ πιστός, απολύτως αφοσιωμένος και λίαν αποτελεσματικός λειτουργός σε έναν τομέα πολύ απαιτητικό, εκπροσωπώντας την Αρχιεπισκοπή με άριστο τρόπο και διευκολύνοντας το ιερό έργο της προώθησης της Ορθοδόξου πίστεως και των παγκοσμίων αξιών του Ελληνισμού».

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.

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ-ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΣ 2008

ΚΑΡΠΟΦΟΡΑ ΕΠΙΣΚΕΨΗ ΤΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ ΣΤΗΝ ΑΘΗΝΑ Η Ελλάδα στηρίζει έμπρακτα το «ΙΟΝΙΚΟ ΧΩΡΙΟ» • Ανώτατη διάκριση για τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý stavros@goarch.org

ΑΘΗΝΑ – Η πρόσφατη επίσκεψη του Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής κ. Δημητρίου στην Αθήνα, 1-6 Ιουλίου, υπήρξε πολύ παραγωγική και χρήσιμη για μια σειρά θεμάτων ιδιαιτέρου ενδιαφέροντος για την Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής, όπως η συνεργασία σε θέματα Ελληνικής Παιδείας και η στήριξη του κατασκηνωτικού προγράμματος «Ιονικό Χωριό» και των εγκαταστάσεων του στην Πελοπόννησο. Συγκεκριμένα η Ελληνική Κυβέρνηση ανταποκρίθηκε θετικά στο αίτημα ανανεώσεως της συνεργασίας της με την Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής και την χρηματοδότηση ανακαίνισης των εγκαταστάσεων του «Ιονικού Χωριού» με το ποσό των έξι εκατομμυρίων ευρώ. Το άλλο σημαντικό χαρακτηριστικό της επισκέψεως ήταν η ιδιαίτερη τιμή και αναγνώριση του επίσημου κράτους προς το πρόσωπο του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου και το έργο του και κατ’ επέκταση η αναγνώριση προς το σύνολο της Ομογένειας στην Αμερική. Η Ελληνική Δημοκρατία τίμησε με την ανώτατη διάκρισή της τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο απονέμοντας του δια χειρός του Προέδρου της Κάρολου Παπούλια το Μεγαλόσταυρο του Τάγματος του Φοίνικα. Η τελετή της απονομής πραγματοποιήθηκε την 1η Ιουλίου κατά την διάρκεια της επισκέψεως του Αρχιεπισκόπου στην Προεδρεία της Δημοκρατίας. «Είναι ελάχιστη τιμή προς το πρόσωπό σας για το έργο που κάνετε για τον Ελληνισμό της Αμερικής», τόνισε ο κ. Παπούλιας προς τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο ο οποίος αποδεχόμενος την διάκριση και ευχαριστώντας τον κ. Παπούλια σημείωσε ότι «ο Σταυρός και ο αναγεννημένος Φοίνικας είναι σύμβολα για την Ομογένεια». Κατά την διάρκεια της συνάντησης που ακολούθησε, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ενημέρωσε τον κ. Παπούλια για το έργο που επιτελείται στην Εκκλησία της Αμερικής και στην Ομογένεια. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος βρέθηκε στην Αθήνα προερχόμενος από την Ρώμη όπου ηγούμενος αντιπροσωπείας από την Αμερική, συμμετείχε μαζί με τον Παναγιώτατο Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη κ. Βαρθολομαίο στις εορταστικές εκδηλώσεις που πραγματοποιήθηκαν στο Βατικανό για τη θρονική εορτή της Ρωμαιοκαθολικής Εκκλησίας, των Αποστόλων Πέτρου και Παύλου. Κατά την διάρκεια της παραμονής του στην Αθήνα ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος είχε μια σειρά συναντήσεων και επαφών με τα ανώτατα στελέχη της Ελληνικής Κυβερνήσεως, τον Μακαριώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αθηνών και πάσης Ελλάδος κ. Ιερώνυμο με τον οποίο είχε μια πολύ εγκάρδια συνάντηση στην Αρχιεπισκοπή Αθηνών ενώ παράλληλα εγκαινίασε το 86ο ετήσιο συνέδριο της ΑΧΕΠΑ που πραγματοποιήθηκε φέτος στην Αθήνα. Χρυσό Μετάλλιο της Βουλής Ο πρόεδρος της Βουλής των Ελλήνων Δημήτρης Σιούφας επεφύλασσε μια ακόμη έκπληξη για τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο. Τον υποδέχθηκε στις 2 Ιουλίου στα σκαλιά του Μεγάρου της Βουλής και του απένειμε το ανώτατο τιμητικό εύσημο της Εθνικής Αντιπροσωπείας το «Χρυσό Μετάλλιο της Βουλής», το οποίο φέρει απεικόνιση της κεφαλής του Περικλέους, του θεμελιωτή της Αθηναϊκής

Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος συναντήθηκε με τον πρωθυπουργό Κώστα Καραμανλή την Τετάρτη 2 Ιουλίου στο Μέγαρο Μαξίμου, στην Αθήνα. Δημοκρατίας. Αιτιολογώντας την απόφαση της Βουλής ο κ. Σιούφας τόνισε ότι «Το κάνουμε γιατί ξέρουμε πόσα έχετε προσφέρει και θα προσφέρετε ακόμη στην Ομογένεια – την μαχόμενη Ομογένεια – και ξέρουμε την μεγάλη σας συμβολή σε θέματα παιδείας και πολιτισμού στην Αμερική, το τιμούμε αυτό το έργο σας και το στηρίζουμε με όλη μας την καρδιά. Θέλω επίσης να σας διαβεβαιώσω ότι η Βουλή των Ελλήνων θα είναι διαρκώς δίπλα σας». Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος εξέφρασε την ευγνωμοσύνη του για την μεγάλη τιμή προς τον ιερό θεσμό του Ελληνικού Κοινοβουλίου το οποίο έρχεται πάντοτε αρωγός και συμπαραστάτης στο μεγάλο έργο που επιτελείται στην Ομογένεια. Ο πρωθυπουργός της χώρας Κώστας Καραμανλής δέχθηκε την ίδια ημέρα στο γραφείο του στο Μέγαρο Μαξίμου, τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής Δημήτριο και είχε μαζί του πολύ εγκάρδια συνάντηση 40 περίπου λεπτών κατά την οποία αντηλλάγησαν απόψεις και εξετάστηκαν τα θέματα που αφορούν στην Ομογένεια της Αμερικής. Στη συνάντηση με το πρωθυπουργό τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο συνόδευσε ο αντιπρόεδρος του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου της Αρχιεπισκοπής Μιχαήλ Τζαχάρης. Πολύ χρήσιμη και παραγωγική ήταν και η συνάντηση του Αρχιεπισκόπου με τον υπουργό Οικονομίας και Οικονομικών Γιώργο Αλογοσκούφη. Στη συνάντηση συζητήθηκαν θέματα που αφορούν στη διατήρηση και καλλιέργεια των δεσμών της Ομογένειας με την Ελλάδα, ιδιαίτερα μέσω προγραμμάτων και πρωτοβουλιών σε σχέση με τη νεολαία, την ελληνική γλώσσα και τον ελληνικό πολιτισμό. Συγκεκριμένα ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος παρουσίασε μια έκθεση για το «Ιονικό Χωριό» με σειρά οικονομικών και τεχνικών δεδομένων σε σχέση με τη συντήρηση και λειτουργία της Κατασκηνώσεως, η οποία συνοδεύονταν από αναλυτική τεχνική μελέτη. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος τόνισε ιδιαίτερα τον σκοπό που έχει το «Ιονικό Χωριό» να δημιουργήσει και να εδραιώσει ισχυρούς δεσμούς της νεολαίας της τρίτης και τέταρτης γενεάς της Ομογένειας της Αμερικής με την Ελλάδα, σημειώνοντας ότι κατά τη διάρκεια της λειτουργίας του έχει φιλοξενήσει περισσότερους από 16 χιλιάδες κατασκηνωτές. Ο κ. Αλογοσκούφης αποδέχθηκε το αίτημα συνεργασίας κα υποσχέθηκε ότι θα εξευρεθούν με άμεσο τρόπο οι πόροι

ύψους έξι εκατομμυρίων ευρώ για την ανακαίνιση των εγκαταστάσεων του «Ιονικού Χωριού» αλλά και τρόποι για την εν γένει ενίσχυση του προγράμματος. Η ίδια αποφασιστικότητα προσέγγισης των θεμάτων αυτών και αποτελεσματικής προώθησης τους διαπιστώθηκε και στις άλλες συναντήσεις του Αρχιεπισκόπου και της συνοδείας του με τα μέλη της Ελληνικής Κυβερνήσεως. Την Τρίτη 1 Ιουλίου, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος επισκέφθηκε τον Υφυπουργό Εξωτερικών Θεόδωρο Κασσίμη, αρμόδιο για θέματα Αποδήμου Ελληνισμού, με τον οποίο συζήτησαν πολλά θέματα σχετικά με τα εκπαιδευτικά και επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα της Αρχιεπισκοπής και τις δυνατότητες που παρουσιάζονται για συντονισμένες ενέργειες και πρωτοβουλίες συνεργασίας στους παραπάνω τομείς. «Είχα την μεγάλη τιμή και χαρά να υποδεχθώ στο γραφείο μου τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής, ο οποίος με ενημέρωσε για την τόσο σημαντική δουλειά που γίνεται στις ΗΠΑ όχι μονάχα για την Ορθοδοξία αλ λά για τον Ελ ληνισμό. Διότι γνωρίζετε ότι ο ελληνισμός ανθεί γύρω από τις ενορίες, γύρω από τις εκκλησίες», δήλωσε αμέσως μετά τη συνάντηση ο κ. Κασσίμης και πρόσθεσε: «Συζητήσαμε τα σχέδια της Αρχιεπισκοπής για την ενίσχυση της ελληνομάθειας των παιδιών τρίτης και τέταρτης γενιάς καθώς και για την αύξηση των παιδιών μας που έρχονται και μένουν στο Ιονικό Χωριό στην Ελλάδα, παιδιά που παίρνουν μία αίσθηση από το τι είναι η Πατρίδα και μαθαίνουν Ελληνικά. Μιλήσαμε για το εκπαιδευτικό και επιμορφωτικό πρόγραμμα της Αρχιεπισκοπής στα σχολεία της, και γενικά μου ανέλυσε το όραμά του για το έργο της Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής και θέσαμε επί τάπητος πρακτικά θέματα στα οποία μπορούμε να συνεργαστούμε ώστε να ευοδωθεί και με τις δικές μας δυνάμεις, όπου μπορούμε, το τόσο σημαντικό αυτό έργο και για τον Ελληνισμό και για την Ορθοδοξία». «Ευχαριστώ τον Υπουργό, γιατί κάθε φορά που τον συναντώ, έχω το αίσθημα ενός ανθρώπου που εφαρμόζει αυτό που λέει το Ευαγγέλιο «το ναι να είναι ναι και το ου - ου», δήλωσε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος και πρόσθεσε: «Ό, τι μπορεί να γίνει το λέει καθαρά και ξέρει κανείς ότι έχει μία σαφή εικόνα των δυνατοτήτων και της πραγματικότητας. Και γι’ αυτό τον ευχα-

ριστώ ιδιαιτέρως, γι’ αυτή την ευκαιρία που είχαμε σήμερα και η οποία είναι μία ευκαιρία που προάγει το μεγάλο έργο το οποίο γίνεται τόσο από πλευράς Ελλάδος, όσο και από πλευράς Αμερικής για να κρατήσουμε στο επίπεδο που θέλουμε τη νέα γενιά». Νέα εποχή συνεργασίας Μια ακόμη σημαντική και παραγωγική συνάντηση ήταν αυτή με τον Υπουργό Εθνικής Παιδείας και Θρησκευμάτων κ. Ευριπίδη Στυλιανίδη η οποία διεξήχθη σε πολύ ειλικρινές και εγκάρδιο κλίμα. Στη συνάντηση που αποτέλεσε συνέχεια της πρώτης συνεργασίας που έγινε στη Νέα Υόρκη τον περασμένο Απρίλιο κατά την επίσκεψη του κ. Υπουργού, έγινε μια ανασκόπηση των θεμάτων που είχαν τεθεί τότε και αποτιμήθηκε η εκατέρωθεν πρόοδος που επετεύχθη μέχρι σήμερα. Μετά τη συνάντηση ο κ. Στυλιανίδης δήλωσε: «Θέλω να ευχαριστήσω τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο για την επίσκεψή του στο Υπουργείο και για την πολύ καλή συνεργασία που ξεκινήσαμε κατά την πρόσφατη επίσκεψή μας στην Αμερική. Σήμερα είχαμε την δυνατότητα να συζητήσουμε μια σειρά από ζητήματα που άπτονται της ομογενειακής εκπαίδευσης και να επισημάνουμε την πρόοδο που έχει γίνει τον τελευταίο διάστημα όχι μόνο στην ουσία αλλά και στη συνεργασία μας, καταθέτοντας την ελπίδα ότι σύντομα θα μπορέσουμε να αντιμετωπίσουμε κι όλες τις άλλες εκκρεμότητες και να υποδεχθούμε εδώ και παιδιά της Ομογένειας για να συμμετέχουν σε δραστηριότητες που οργανώνει το ελληνικό Υπουργείο Παιδείας σε διάφορες πτυχές δραστηριοτήτων. Εκτιμώ ότι ξεκινά μια νέα εποχή συνεργασίας από την οποία θα βγουν ωφελημένοι όλοι – βεβαίως η Μητέρα Πατρίδα, η Εκκλησία μας αλλά κυρίως ο Οικουμενικός Ελληνισμός στον οποίο τόσα πολλά οφείλει η Ελλάδα». Ανταποκρινόμενος ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος δήλωσε: «Ήταν μια ωραιότατη και γόνιμη ευκαιρία συνεργασίας μετά την πρώτη που είχαμε στη Νέα Υόρκη και είδαμε με πολύ μεγάλη χαρά και ικανοποίηση ότι ήδη υπάρχουν συγκεκριμένα και σαφή αποτελέσματα αυτής της συνεργασίας, στατιστικώς μετρούμενα. Εδώ κύριε Υπουργέ ίσχυσε η ωραία και παλιά ελληνική παροιμία “το γοργόν και χάριν έχει”. Συνεργασίες αυτού του είδους μας γεμίζουν ελπίδα και ιδιαίτερη χαρά». Στις 3 Ιουλίου ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος επισκέφθηκε την Υπουργό Εξωτερικών Ντόρα Μπακογιάννη με την οποία συζήτησε όλα τα τρέχοντα θέματα και την επόμενη ημέρα 4 Ιουλίου επισκέφθηκε τον Υφυπουργό Αθλητισμού Γιάννη Ιωαννίδη με τον οποίο συζήτησε θέματα νεολαίας και ανταλλαγής αθλητικών και πολιτιστικών εκδηλώσεων μεταξύ Ομογενείας και Μητροπολιτικής Ελλάδος. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος την παραμονή της Ημέρας της Αμερικανικής Ανεξαρτησίας της 4ης Ιουλίου, επισκέφθηκε την Αμερικανική Πρεσβεία στην Αθήνα που πραγματοποιούσε ειδική εορταστική εκδήλωση και χαιρέτισε τον Αμερικανό πρέσβη στην Αθήνα Daniel Speckhard. Το βράδυ του Σαββάτου 5 Ιουλίου ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος παρακάθισε

 óåë. 18

PEOPLE

Ahepans re-elect Gulas Ahepans attending the 86th annual Supreme Convention in Athens, Greece, have re-elected Supreme President Ike Gulas in an election held July 6. Gulas is a member of Birmingham Chapter No. 3, and has served AHEPA in numerous capacities including supreme vice president, supreme counselor, and as a member of the board. 2008–09 Supreme Lodge The 2008-09 Supreme Lodge consists of: Supreme Vice President Nicholas Karacostas, Bayside, N.Y.; Canadian President Nick Aroutzidis, Ontario; Supreme Secretary Dr. John Grossomanides Jr., Westerly, R.I.; Supreme Treasurer Anthony Kouzounis, Houston; Supreme Counselor John Galanis, Elm Grove, Wis.; and Supreme Athletic Director Dr. Monthe N. Kofos, Marlboro, Mass. Supreme Governors are: Charles Stamoulis, Seminole, Fla.; John Mesogitis, Venetia, Pa.; Louis Arvanitis, Montvale, N.J.; Constantine Calliontzis, Dedham, Mass.; Philip G. Giavasis, Canton, Ohio; Tom Gober, Highland, Ind.; Peter Kaldis, Houston, and Nick Perdaris, Van Nuys, Calif. Elected to the Board of Trustees are Past Supreme President James Scofield, St. Petersburg, Fla., and Past Chairman of the Board Lee J. Millas, Trenton, N.J. Vasilios Albanos, Ph.D., Darien, Ill., was re-elected to the Board of Auditors.

Leads Senate New York State Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) has become the new majority leader in June. He was elected to the Senate from his Long Island district in 1984 and became deputy majority leader in 1995. His grandparents were Greek immigrants. His father, Basil Skelos, was a stockbroker. Skelos, 60, earned his law degree from Fordham University in 1975, attending school at night and working in his grandfather George’s bakery in Rockville Centre during the day. Among his legislative accomplishments is writing New York’s version of Megan’s Law, which requires sex offenders to permanently place their names on an online registry. Sen. Skelos is a member of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Hempstead and attends services regularly when he’s not in Albany. His brother, Peter, is a state Supreme Court justice.

Asbury Park retirement Anastasia Constantinou, Sunday School director and church secretary at St. George Church in Asbury Park, N.J., is retiring after 29 years of dedicated service to the community. Mrs. Constantinou received her degree from the University of Thessaloniki.

Couples honored The Yassou Club of St. Demetrios Church in Rocky River, Ohio, recently honored 15 couples who celebrated 50 years or more of marriage. The parish itself, founded in 1959, will also be celebrating its golden anniversary with a year-long calendar of events starting this fall. Couples honored were: Antonia and Nick Kamkutis, Vera and George Karydes, Mary and James Apotsos, Helen and Paul Diamantis, Byron and Elaine Spooner, Leo and Popie Kalis, Mimi and James Apotsos, Bill and Connie Pastis, Harriet and Tom Asimakis, George and Christine Stamatiadis, Anna and Nick Mylonas, Despina and Nick Stamatiadis, and Theresa and Tom Andrews, Sam and Sophie Jacob and Dave and Vange Richards.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

An Outpost of the Faith on the High Plains AMARILLO, Texas – St. John’s is one of those communities in the Great Plains that still manage to maintain the faith, even without a full-time priest. Fr. David Eckley, who serves the community every other weekend, says it is their love of the Orthodox faith and desire to learn more about it that has helped them continue as an active church, despite their small numbers. (Fr. David, who was the full-time priest at the church in the mid-1980s, commutes by air every other weekend and for major feast days from his home in Galveston, where he previously was

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“whether the priest is there or not,” said Fr. David. The dinner is followed by more discussion about the faith before his departure for Galveston in the afternoon. On Sundays when there is no service, Sunday school continues and the adults have a Bible study with 25 to 30 people, Fr. David explained. “It is run by an Ethiopian Orthodox man who has had some seminary training.” Fr. David added, “They’re in touch by phone if they are in a bind.” On his visits, Fr. David also brings books on the faith that members may bor-

biggest contributors, along with a few families who came from Thessaloniki., including Peter and George Georgantonis, she explained. As was the practice throughout the United States, the first Greeks who settled here opened restaurants. They formed a community sometime in the mid-1940s and gathered where they could to worship. Fr. Methodios Papappostolou is thought to be the first priest. Since then, many priests have served the parish for brief periods. By 1949, the small number of fami-

p ro f i l e

Name: St. John the Prodromos Greek Orthodox Church Location: Amarillo, Texas Metropolis: Denver Size: about 57 on mailing list; 39 active stewards; 18 additional sporadic contributors. Founded: circa 1949 Clergy: Rev. David Eckley (Holy Cross ‘75–part–time priest) Web: www.stjohnorthodox.com Noteworthy: priest has a bit of a commute – about 650 miles one way! ST. JOHN THE PRODROMOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

the full-time priest). Following his retirement nearly three years ago, he was asked by the Metropolis of Denver chancellor to serve in Amarillo when the last full-time priest, Fr. Photios Bouton, relocated to El Paso. The community still hopes to have a permanent priest in the future, Fr. David said. While most members of the parish live in the Amarillo area, a few live in outlying small farming and ranching communities such as Pampa, Borger and Dumas, some 50 to 75 miles away. On a typical weekend of Fr. David’s visit, two long-time parishioners, Demetra Williams and Eve Melatakis, start the telephone chain to notify other members of the services. The priest holds a vespers service, followed by a religious study class that is liturgical and educational-based. “We look at the readings for the week and how to apply them to their lives based on Orthodox tradition,” he said. He added, “A core of 12 persons comes to the vespers on a regular basis.” On major feast days, Father’s wife, Presbytera Vasiliki, also a graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology, accompanies him and teaches a class on the faith. Following Sunday morning Divine Liturgy, the parish usually holds a dinner in the church hall. “That brings the community together as well,” Fr. David said. “And there is full representation.” There also is a Sunday school. Two teachers take the pre-school class and one teaches first grade. The classes continue through the summer. The middle group of children is taught by a convert every week,

row from a lending library that he started in February. He also brings service books, including one for every tone of the Vespers services. “It’s going quite well,” he said of the lending library. “One parishioner gave $1,000 anonymously to help support it.” Fr. David said about 40 books from the Holy Cross and St. Vladimir’s theological schools’ book stores are available, including several books on becoming Orthodox. Fr. David said there has been “a natural growth” of people in the faith. “They’ve become very curious about Orthodoxy.” There is active participation by the faithful during services. At one such service, the Agape service on Easter Sunday, congregants read the gospels in 11 languages. They represent the diverse group of Orthodox people who comprise the congregation. “One of the Ethiopian girls does the Spanish readings,” Fr. David said. Others read in Italian, French, Russian and other languages. Parish background Most parishioners are American-born of Greek descent, from other Orthodox traditions and “a whole raft of American converts,” the priest said. Members’ ethnicities other than Greek include Ukrainians, Belorussians, Armenians, Ethiopians, Lebanese, Cossacks and Arabs. Very few families of the original Greek founders remain, and two families are among the most active. The first Greek immigrant thought to have settled in the Amarillo area was John Yianitsou, who arrived from Borger, Texas, around 1924 and established a hardware store, according to Demetra Williams, a member of one of the original families. He and his brother, Gus, were eventually the main organizers of the community, and

lies built a small clapboard building near downtown that served as their first house of worship. The building was taken by the state in the mid-1960s under eminent domain for the construction of a segment of Interstate 40. The church relocated further west, to its present site, a small building with a community hall and a parish house. Over the years, the membership has become more diverse, with a mix of business people, blue collar and professionals. Amarillo has a diversified economy. Besides agriculture (cotton, wheat and ranching), the city also is a regional medical center, and has an oil refinery and the nation’s only nuclear weapons plant, Pantex, where at least one parishioner works. With such as small number of parishioners, parish activities and ministries are limited. The church has an annual budget of $70,000, but meets its expenses. “We’re out there on our own,” said Fr. David. “The metropolis takes care of us and members pay their dues on a regular basis. They’re very supportive of the Archdiocese and meet their obligations.” Other than stewardship, parish revenue is derived from a loukoumades fund-raiser in the fall and spring, and rummage sales. There is no Greek festival. St. John’s also has received grants in the past from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, and some former parishioners have sent up to $10,000 in contributions. “There’s a generosity here,” said Fr. David. “They want the church perpetuated. They’re good stewards.” While the parish’s future growth

  page 30

JULY-AUGUST 2008

YAL CONFERENCE 2008 Young Adults Participate in Spiritual, Community Service and Fellowship Activities in Washington More than 200 young adults from every Metropolis and the Archdiocese District took part in the YAL Conference July 10-13 that included workshops, service projects and social activities. The three-day program included a question-and-answer session with Archbishop Demetrios, who was joined by the representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery and a service project that involved the young adults cleaning up debris, including drug paraphernalia, from Marvin Gaye Park in the Anacostia area of Southeast Washington, a banquet and the Sunday Hierarchal Divine Liturgy at St. Sophia Cathedral in conjunction with the Clergy-Laity Congress and Philoptochos Conference participants. At a question–and–answer session on July 10, Archbishop Demetrios told the roomful of young adults that “the best people to gather people to God are the young adults who are filled with vigor, freshness and enthusiasm.” He also discussed the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s background and current plight and its role in the world, and the impact of science and technology, advancements in stem cell research and the need to maintain faith in God. Archbishop Gregorios also spoke at length about the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its problems since 1922 including the uprooting of the vast Greek Orthodox population after the Smyrna catastrophe, and the Church’s situation in Cyprus following the Turkish invasion in 1974. “The Patriarchate now is in a very, very grave situation. There are no ‘living stones’ …but if Turkey joins this great family of the European Union; there is a possibility many people would come back,” said Archbishop Gregorios. “For this reason, the Ecumenical Patriarchate supports Turkey’s entrance to the E.U.” Archbishop Demetrios was asked about his decision to become a priest, which brought a nostalgic response of His Eminence’s early years in Thessaloniki during World War II and his desire to do something to help mankind. “We lived under a very, very heavy occupation,” he said. “It caused famine and starvation and we saw the suffering of children starving.” He continued, “If you live under these circumstances you realize that human life is very precious.” A number of people felt that the solution (to alleviating suffering) in life

D. PANAGOS

YAL Conference co-Chairs Felicia Karavelas and Helen Spanos join Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain for the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

was communism. The other solution was the Church. “Objectively, the Church is the instrument that can do things for helping people. It had nothing to do with money. It had to do with service.” The Archbishop said he had come to the conclusion that “the totality of the experience of serving; was offered only by the Church.” To another question pertaining to the possibility of deaconesses in the Church. Archbishop Demetrios said the institution of deaconess “is under revision and already in existence” in some locations. “It something that has a future,” he said. There are “very serious specialists in the field working on the issue.” At the YAL breakfast on Saturday, keynote speaker Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis spoke about the importance of the environment and its basis in the Orthodox Christian faith. Fr. Chryssavgis told the gathering, in part, that “We fail to see the planet as a gift inherited from above. Before dealing with the ecological problem, we need to change the way we see the world,” he said. “The Patriarch has defined the abuse of the natural environment as sinful and through repentance, we begin by confessing that we have not shared, but misused the resources of the earth.” He also told the young adults they need work to preserve the earth. “Let ours be the generation to

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Two YAL delegates, Catherine Chisnall of Nassau, Bahamas, and her sister, Calliope Couchell of Chicago, with their former Bible study teacher, Hellenic College-Holy Cross President Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou and Presbytera Diane.

hear and do God’s word.” At Arlington National Cemetery later that day, on a hot, humid afternoon, the young adults gathered at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers for an impressive mili-

tary ceremony and wreath-laying, which included Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Gregorios. The YAL grand banquet took place that evening.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Several young adults converse with Archbishop Demetrios following the YAL breakfast on July 12. Joining them is Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit.

At a question–and–answer session with Archbishop Demetrios.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

JULY-AUGUST 2008

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

“Blessed Are the Peacemakers” Christopher Kouldukis Assumption Church, Seattle First Place Speaker-Junior Division

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In a world where there is war, terrorism, and violence, discuss how Orthodox Christians might observe the following: “The Lord said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.’” The Lord said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Who is our Lord talking about? Who can be a peacemaker? When I think of peacemakers, I always think of adults like Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa, but listen to this story of an American child named Samantha Smith. In 1983, at only ten years old, she wrote a letter to the leader of the Soviet Union, asking for peace during the cold war. Even though she didn’t hear back from him, she learned that parts of her letter had been published in the communist newspaper, Pravda. Then, she received a letter inviting her to visit the Soviet Union, which she did. Afterward, she wrote a book about her journey, wanting people to know that “peace is always possible.” Imagine the courage it took a 10-year-old to write to her country’s enemy asking for peace in a time of war! The Bible tells us how to make peace in the book of Matthew. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek; turn to him the other also.” Jesus’ message tells us to do good to everyone, even those who hurt us. I know this isn’t always easy to do, because I sometimes struggle with it. At school, I sit next to a boy who tests my patience daily. I confess that sometimes, my anger gets the best of me, and I respond. One day I finally realized that maybe God put me there for a reason. Maybe I am supposed to work on my patience for when something really serious happens to me in life, and I have

to control myself. Maybe God is teaching me about having compassion for others. Maybe I am learning the difficult lesson of turning the other cheek. I mentioned before Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa, but we also have a great example of a peacemaker in our very own church, Mother Maria Skobtsova was an Orthodox nun who gave her life in the name of peace. She lived in Paris, where she owned a house, which served as a chapel, a shelter, and a soup kitchen for destitute refugees. During World War II, when Hitler rallied against the Jews, Mother Maria started housing and protecting them. Although she knew she was under surveillance by the Nazis and that her life was at stake, she told her friends that to give up was out of the question. Soon, Mother Maria was arrested and sent to a concentration camp. On Good Friday in 1945, Mother Maria took the place of a Jew who was going to the gas chamber, and died in her place. In her diary, Mother Maria wrote, “There is one moment when you start burning with love and you have the inner desire to throw yourself at the feet of some other human being. This one moment is enough. Immediately you know that instead of losing your life, it is being given back to you twofold.” It doesn’t matter how old we are, or how big we are, or how smart we think we are. The real question isn’t “who can be a peacemaker?” The real question is do we have the courage to be peacemakers? Do we have the courage to stand up to our enemies as Samantha Smith did? Do we have the faith to help those in need as Mother Maria did? When the time comes to “offer the other cheek,” what will we do? Will we fight back, or will we hold in our anger and respond with love, showing what it means to be a true Orthodox Christian, showing that we truly understand what it means to make peace…and ultimately striving to live by the example of the greatest peacemaker of all, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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JULY-AUGUST 2008

39th Clergy-Laity Congress

Reports at Plenary Sessions Highlight Progress, Goals

Congress Cultural Event Highlights Talented Youth The Tuesday evening cultural event, underwritten by Mary and Michael Jaharis and led by master of ceremonies Archon Nick Furris, featured performances by several talented young people from across the country, including singing, dancing, musical recitals, and presenting winning speeches from the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, followed by an evening of Greek dancing. The evening’s performances began with “Ta Demetrakia”,a dance group from St. Demetrios in Baltimore led by instructor Emily Liadakis. They were followed by Oratorical First Place Speaker Christopher Kouldukis (15 years old) from Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Seattle, who spoke on the topic of “The Lord said, blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”. Violinist Christina Dimitriou (12 years old) performed Polish Dance by Severn. Christina, accompanied by pianist Dr. Karen Beluso and under the direction of Thalia Greenhalgh, is from St. Paraskevi in Greenlawn, NY. Alicia Deligianis, Mezzo Soprano from Saints Constantine and Helen in Washington, then performed two pieces; one from Mozart and another from Vincenzo Bellini. Emmanuel Maginas (16 years old), another Oratorical First Place winner, then recited his essay “To be pleasing God, this is to be a human being”. Emmanuel Maginas is from Kimisis Tis Theotokou in Aliquippa,

Pa. Pianist Kristina-Maria Paspalis (16 years old) from Saints Constantine and Helen in Washington, performed Sonata (C Major) by Mozart. The cultural performances were closed by the dance group “Ta Evangelakia” from Annunciation Cathedral in Baltimore, led by instructors Katherine Kafarakis and Tina Koudouriotis. Following the cultural performances, His Eminence commented on each, and thanked the young people for their terrific presentations. He stressed the need for more emphasis on our youth and programs designed for culture and language involving our young people. The evening continued with congress participants enjoying desserts and Greek dancing

About 710 delegates from 327 parishes gathered for presentations of several National Ministries reports at the first plenary session on July 16. Delegates first heard from Hellenic College-Holy Cross President the Rev. Nicholas Triantafilou, who noted the schools recent benefit through grants from Leadership 100 and major endowments from Michael and Mary Jaharis, and the newly created Foundation for Faith and Learning. He said the endowments will enhance the role of HC-HC in the Boston Theological Institute and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. Fr. Triantafilou noted that the demographics of the students have changed dramatically over the past 40 years. “The student body is down to the fourth generation of (Greek American) students at Hellenic College,” he said. “They represent a tapestry of parishes and churches of our country.” He said that many students are “second career people from all walks of life,” most of whom are married and about 50 percent have families. Median age is 35. The situation has created a need for more married student housing, the president noted. He also said the increasing cost of attending the school is preventing many others from attending. Archbishop Demetrios has mandated that the number of clergy serving the Archdiocese be increased to 1,500 over the next two decades, about double the existing number of active clergy A fiscal presentation of the school’s financial goals noted a push to control debt and operating costs and to increase

endowment levels and gift contributions. Fr. Triantafilou reported that the school’s endowment now totals about $25 million, not including the Jaharis pledge, and the short term debt is under $500,000, “normal for this time of year,” he said. Youth committee National Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director Fr. Mark Leondis reported on the success of the Real Break Program, which offers college students the alternative of spending their spring break performing service for the Church. He and Youth Committee Chairman Tom Kanelos also discussed the newly developed Youth Protection Manual that will be introduced for training camp directors. Technology Committee Theo Nikolakis, director of Internet Ministry and the Information Technology Department, reported on the Alexander Project with the goal of “building a dynamic Orthodox Christian community online.” He said the use of the Internet in the 21st century will manifest the Congress theme of bringing the unchurched home Greek Education Dr. Steven Gounardes and Dr. Ioannis Efthymiopoulos, director of the Archdiocese Department of Greek Education, reported on a recent survey that indicated the need for a new approach to producing books and other materials. “The publishing of the new books is well on its way,” Dr. Efthymiopoulos noted.

  page 31

Church Experiences Significant Progress   page 9 The Archbishop also reported that some $4 million has been given to victims of the fires in Greece in 2007. Ecumenical Patriarchate Archbishop Demetrios cited the increasing visibility and activity of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who was visited by Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of the Feast Day of St. Andrew in 2006, and the Patriarch’s “equally historic

visit to Rome in 2007.” In June, through the support of the Faith Endowment Fund, the Archbishop and several hierarchs and clergy traveled to Moscow as representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Archbishop also noted the continued success of the Metropolitan Children’s Choir of the Direct Archdiocesan District and its successful recent concert appearances in Cyprus, Greece and Washington.

Archbishop’s Keynote Focuses Archdiocese’s Mission   page 9 Church should encourage to return are members of interfaith marriages who have been away from church since after they married, or who did not have an Orthodox wedding. A third category of people that should be gathered to God’s home are the youth, the adolescents and young adults who have disconnected from the Church and a fourth group are the 60 million unchurched who the Archbishop termed “the spiritually homeless.” Archbishop Demetrios offered some practical suggestions to applying the theme in the parishes, including the following:

• A change in attitude from being self-absorbed to becoming aware of people outside of the parish. • Establishing permanent committees to deal exclusively with disconnected interfaith marriage families. • Offer youth a means of connecting to the Church, including athletic and social events. • In addition to inviting the unchurched, parishes should be ready to cordially welcome them, to share information, “but not in a propagandistic way.” • Make available various resources such as books, DVDs, CDs and printed material, which various departments of the Archdiocese have prepared.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

HC/HC NEWS Class of 1958 Honored

The Holy Cross Class of 1958 was honored May 15 following a Vespers service in the chapel. With Archbishop Demetrios are (from left) Frs. Charles Simones, Waterford, Conn; Alexander Veronis, Lancaster, Pa; Spencer Kezios, Northridge,Calif; Robert Stephanopoulos, New York; Harry Vulopas, Holyoke, Mass. and Charles Sarelis, Laingburg, Mich. Not able to attend were Frs. George Karahalios, John Liadis, Stephen Theophilos, Peter Balam, Angelo Phillips and Daniel Sfikas.

New Foundation Established to Provide Support BROOKLINE, Mass. – Hellenic College-Holy Cross President the Rev. Nicholas C. Triantafilou has announced a new foundation to benefit Hellenic College– Holy Cross School of Theology. The Hellenic College and Holy Cross Foundation for Faith and Learning will raise and invest funds on behalf of the school by the foundation’s Board of Trustees. The Foundation for Faith and Learning was incorporated in Washington, where its offices will be located. It recently received 501 (c) (3) non-profit status. The Foundation is the product of several individuals whose vision is to provide crucial funds to support the functions of HC/HC and to help secure the institution’s financial status for the future. Fr. Triantafilou stated, “Our people are deserving of pastoral guidance and sacramental and liturgical opportunities that can only be provided by ordained clergy, and a strong financial backing is essential to meeting the ever expanding need for priests to serve our Archdiocese and our Metropolises. Also, in order to maintain a high level of educational excellence and to continue to provide revitalized and exciting new courses and programs at both Hellenic

College and Holy Cross, the School must be bolstered by the financial prowess of the 21st century.” The three founders, Charles Cotros of Memphis, Tenn., Thomas L. Demakes of Lynn, Mass., and Harris J. Pappas of Houston, who all take an active part in the life of Orthodoxy in the country, have each committed $1 million to start the foundation. They intend to actively welcome others around the country in becoming members of this most important endeavor. The board will include the three founders, and the school will be represented by Vice Chairman Dr. Thomas C. Lelon, and Fr. Triantafilou will sit on the board as an ex–officio member. Mr. Cotros is the former Chairman and CEO of SYSCO Company, an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a member of the Executive Board of Leadership 100 and a member of the Board of Trustees of Hellenic College and Holy Cross. Mr, Demakes is the CEO/owner of DBA Old Neighborhood Foods, a member of the Board of Trustees of Hellenic College and Holy Cross and a member of Leadership 100. Mr. Pappas is president of Pappas Restaurants Inc. and CEO of Luby’s Inc.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Visitors and potential applicants to Hellenic College/Holy Cross display at the Clergy-Laity Congress exhibit area were sure to get a friendly reception and plenty of information on the schools.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

Family Ministry

Juggling our Priorities

by Melissa K. Tsongranis

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. – Matthew 6:33-34 We all have much to do in our family life–especially with September quickly approaching. School, sports, work, and other activities turn our day-to-day life into a juggling marathon where there are so many objects in the air, one is bound to drop. Unfortunately, the one that is often dropped is the most important one of all– our commitment to Christ. You see, when things get really busy, we tend to forget about Him. We tell ourselves that we have too much going on and set our spiritual life aside thinking we can pick it up once we have a grip on other matters. We may go to Church less, pray less, and read the Bible less–telling ourselves as soon as we finish, we will get back into the swing of our spiritual life. But unfortunately, once we set Christ aside, things get busier and we lose perspective on what is truly important in our lives. But let’s ask ourselves this: what do we really consider important in our lives? The world presents us with much that it sees as important (money, power, work, prestige, etc.). It makes all these things look very attractive. Keep in mind; these things are not necessarily bad unless they take the place of what should be our highest priority—living a Christ-centered life. We must remember that this world and everything in it is temporary. Our days are numbered; the amount of time we spend in this life can not even compare to the eternity of the kingdom to come. We will all pass from this world and when we do, it will not matter what educational degrees we had, what material possessions we owned, or if we kept up with the Joneses. What will matter is if we worked to live a Christ-centered life and raise our families accordingly. So, how are we doing with our family’s priorities? Let’s take a quick inventory: • Do we find our families skipping church for work, sports, or just because we had a rough week? • Do we find our family beginning and ending each day without so much as thanking God for His many blessings through prayer? • Does our family Bible have dust on it? • Do we forget or are we too embarrassed to say a brief prayer before meals? If we answered yes to any of these, it is time to shift our focus. For the next month, let’s commit as a family to work really hard to put God first in our lives at every minute of the day. When we wake

in the life to come. Now, of course, the hope here is that we will not only do this for the month but continue from this day forth. I don’t want to mislead you—living a Christ-centered life is a struggle, one that we must commit to each and every day. The evil one will try to distract us with things of this world, but remember—these things are temporary. We must make sure our families talk with a priest to guide us in this struggle. He can help us notice when our priorities are slipping (and they will) and he will help us get back on track. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus preached to the people telling them how to live a godly life. Regarding our worldly cares He said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (6:33) When we seek the kingdom of God first, all the objects that we juggle seem to have their proper place. Christ Himself is no longer set aside but He Himself is helping us balance the other objects in our lives. I pray that we all can find an inexhaustible source of strength for our families and our lives through living a life in Christ. Melissa Tsongranis is the associate director for the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

in the morning, praise Him with our voice and when we go to sleep at night seek forgiveness for daily transgressions. But let’s not stop there—throughout the day, work to keep Him in our thoughts. When something difficult happens or we are about to start something new, say a silent prayer asking Him to guide us. Read the scripture daily (daily readings can be found at www.goarch.org), participate in the sacraments, and go to Church

regularly. Meet with our parish priest or spiritual father for guidance. Each day at dinner check-in with our family members and discuss how we all worked to keep Christ at the center of our day. As we do these things, we will notice something remarkable—our lives will start to come into focus. We will realize that things that seemed critical aren’t so critical. We will begin to realize that what is most important to our family is not in this life—but

Book Review: Children in the Church Today by Sister Magdalen by Eleni Papouras-Jenks

“Children in the Church Today: An Orthodox Perspective” is an informative booklet, by Sr. Magdalen who is a nun of the Orthodox Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, England. Published in 1991, it was based on a series of talks given to the community who attends regular services at the monastery, and the author does some explaining about how a monastic can speak of parenting. But once you get into the book, her apology hardly seems necessary. I found it interesting that two chapters of this short (100 page) book were about creating a Christian home even before the arrival of children, such as choosing and establishing a strong Christian marriage. It continued through childhood with the final chapters addressing the teen years. This chapter was the only one in which the author seemed slightly out of touch, when she addressed a section on how immigrant parents should handle rockn-roll music. Sr. Magdalen points out that the Greek word for education is “morphosis” which literally means ‘formation’ and goes on to ask “What form do we wish for our children?” In answer to this she states “example is everything.” Many of the guidelines are simple common sense, such as discussing different theological subjects and participating in the liturgy at different age levels. (Interestingly, she does not press parents to force very young children to attend every possible church service; rather to make attendance a part and a reward of their development.) There is a section based on the teachings of St. John Chrysostom

Prayer of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow Lord, I know not what to ask of You. You alone know what my true needs are. You love me more than I myself know how to love. Help me to see my real needs which may be hidden from me. I dare not ask for either a cross or a consolation. I can only wait upon You; my heart is open to You. Visit and help me in Your steadfast love. Strike me and heal me; cast me down and raise me up. I worship in silence your holy will. I offer myself to You as a living sacrifice. I put all my trust in You. I have no other desire than to fulfill Your will. Teach me to pray. Pray Yourself in me. Amen.

CENTER FOR FAMILY CARE Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 79 Saint Basil Road Garrison, New York 10524 845-424-8175 familycare@goarch.org www.familyaschurch.org on guarding the child’s senses within the home (i.e. what is on TV, etc.) She also encourages including the child’s contemporary interests in our prayer and advice, writing, “We must find salvation in this world as it is.” She again references St. John for parents to find good company for their children, and to give their own time and energy to fill their child’s life with positive activities. But there were also some interesting ‘suggestions’ which I personally had not heard before in the context of child rearing. For example, she suggested exposing children to natural beauty in the home, and during vacations and excursions as a way to expose them to “God’s handiwork.” In all, the advice was sound and the writing concise enough that any Orthodox parent could read it, and still have time to apply its tenets to their busy lives.

The Center for Family Care was established with a major grant from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, Incorporated. We are grateful for its support.

The articles on this page are provided by the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. For further information, visit www.familyaschurch.org or call (845) 424-8175

JUNE 2008

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In Memoriam

George P. Kokalis PHOENIX – George Peter Kokalis, a founder of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, former long-time member of the Archdiocesan Council and an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, passed away June 24 at the age of 99. He was born on July 20, 1909 in the village of Kastria, Greece. At the age of 12 he left his native land for America and went to live with his sister, Demetra, and her husband in Chicago. He went into the produce business for himself at age 18. He very proudly became a U.S. citizen on Nov. 17, 1930. Graduating from grammar school, he went on to high school where he met his future wife, Evelyn Houseas. They married in 1931 and went on in the late 1930s to organize the Grocerland co-operative, which eventually grew to 255 members. Subsequent to the end of World War II, he started his own supermarket chain, Sure Save Food Marts, together with his three nephews, George, Frank and Christ Kamberos. After selling Sure Save to the National Tea Co. in 1961, George established the first library in the Greek community in the United States at St. Demetrios Church in Chicago, which was consecrated by Archbishop Iakovos. Moving his family to Phoenix, Arizona in 1962, he became active in the Holy Trinity Church and served as the president of its parish council for many years. He was largely responsible for moving Holy Trinity, from its original location at 333 East Virginia Avenue, to a substantial plot of ground, a former vineyard, at 1973 East Maryland. It was at this site that Holy Trinity was rebuilt and went on to be consecrated as the Holy Trinity Cathedral in 1988. Kokalis served on the Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, and as an Archon for a record 34 years. In January1976, his first wife passed away. He later married Stephanie Pappas. Serving on the Archdiocese Finance Committee, George and a small group of other founders, supported the vision of Archbishop Iakovos and established Leadership 100, which has gone on to raise many millions in endowment funds for the Archdiocese. Kokalis also provided unstinting support to Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Mass. and St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, Calif.. In addition, his support of Banner

Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix led to his establishment of the Good Samaritan Chapel and the endowment of the Clinical Pastoral Education Chaplaincy Program for all faiths. His support of religious and charitable organizations are too numerous to catalog. He was the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and an honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree from Holy Cross School of Theology. His life was a living testimony to the Lord’s admonition to us, “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You? And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” He is survived by his beloved wife, Stephanie; his son, Peter G. Kokalis and his wife, Matina; his grandson George P. Kokalis and his wife, Michelle, and great–granddaughter, Zoe Kokalis; granddaughter Eve Lynn Danoff and her husband, Robert, and great-grandsons Max and Sam Danoff and Michael P. Flores; grandson Jason J. Kokalis and his wife, Jennifer, and great-grandson Cody J. Kokalis; stepdaughters Elaine and Jean Riley and sister, Vaso Gregoropoulos in Patras, Greece. In addition, he is survived by numerous nephews and nieces in the United States and Greece and a substantial number of godchildren, as well as countless friends throughout the world. He will be greatly missed. Services took place at Holy Trinity Cathedral, in Phoenix. The Trisagion service was held Friday, June 27. Divine Liturgy was held June 28, followed by the funeral service, which was officiated by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, assisted by Holy Trinity’s dean, Fr. James T. Paris, Hellenic College-Holy Cross School of Theology President Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou and other priests. The family requests memorials to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016

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Presbytera Metaxia S. Papademetriou READING, Pa. – Presbytera Metaxia S. Papademetriou, 83, died June 2. She was the wife of Fr. Spyridon C. Papademetriou of Wyomissing, Pa., retired pastor of St. Matthew’s Church in Blandon, Pa.. Born in Detroit, she was the daughter of the late Stavros and Panayiota Zerveas. She raised in Platza, Laconia, Greece. Presbytera was active in the choirs and Sunday schools of her husband’s parishes: Annunciation in Newburyport, Mass., St. Spyridon in Newport, R.I., and St. Matthew’s in Reading. She also was a member of the Philoptochos Society and Daughters of Penelope. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Stanley J. Papademetriou of Wyomissing; a daughter, Ourania Papademetriou Belisonzi of Philadelphia; and five grandchildren. Another son, Constantine, predeceased her in 1991. Services took place June 7 at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Reading with Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh officiating, assisted by a dozen area priests.

Deadlines for news, advertising Deadline for submitting items for consideration for the September 2008 issue is Wednesday, August 27. Send ads to (e-mail) epissalidis@goarch.org, or observer@goarch.org. To submit news items, photos, feature items or letters to the editor by e-mail (preferred) send to: jim@goarch.org , or by regular mail, to: Editor, Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

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Book Reveals the Horror of the Smyrna Disaster by Sophia Nibi

Because life, and history for that matter, is personal, I have always thought that the burning of the Mediterranean Metropolis of Smyrna in 1922 is my mother’s story. Today, 86 years later, thanks to a newly published book, “Ships of Mercy: The true Story of the Rescue of the Greeks, Smyrna, September 1922” by Christos Papoutsy, I know that the rescue of the hundreds of thousands of refugees of that great catastrophe is Asa Jennings’ story. Jennings was a quiet, humble American Y.M.C.A. worker who moved heaven and earth to secure the evacuation of thousands of people, including, perhaps, my mother and her family. Well documented in the book, Christos Papoutsy shows how driven by the force of his moral convictions, Asa Jennings engineered one of the largest rescue efforts in history. Today’s Turkish city of Izmir has nothing in common with the cosmopolitan city known as Smyrna in which my mother was born in 1916 and where at the age of six she witnessed unspeakable atrocities which haunted her till the day she died in Wellesley, Mass. at age 81. In my lifelong search to find more about my mother’s childhood about which she would not talk because it was too painful, I have read just about every book about the Great Fire of 1922 during which 55,000 homes and 5,000 shops were burned and thousands of men, women and children were gasping for life on the quay of that historic city whose magnificent civilization spanned centuries. And I have learned a lot about the heroic generation of the Greeks of Asia Minor. But until now, I never knew how they were rescued or what a significant role an American, not just a forgotten hero, but until now also an unknown hero, contributed to saving so many lives. Ships of Mercy convincingly clarifies the role of the United States Navy, showing how American naval officers, horrified by the plight of the refugees, worked with Asa Jennings and organized the ships in the area into a large-scale rescue operation. Vessels from the United States, Great Britain, Italy and France evacuated thousands from the Turkish shores. The American vessels also provided food and medical care, and delivered supplies to the refugee camps. Ships of Mercy does not tell the entire story of Smyrna and the Great Fire that destroyed it. But it tells a lot and offers undisputed evidence of its presentation. The book’s pages contain exactly what the Christos Papoutsy said it would when he chose the 15-word title. Through an extensive 10–year–long research by the author and his wife, Mary, which took them to many parts of the world interviewing descendants and records, the book offers a compelling backed by facts account of the resulting conditions from the Great Fire of Sept. 14, 1922 and of the determined role Asa Jennings played in the rescue from the massacre. The photographs are haunting. The reproduced original news accounts and correspondence so telling that readers find themselves in the middle of the massacre and feel the agony, the pain, the despair, and also the hope as the ships arrive.

Ships of Mercy: The True Story of the Rescue of the Greeks, Smyrna, September 1922 By Christos Papoutsy Peter E. Randall Publisher LLC Portsmouth, NH Hardcover, 254 pages

What Christos Papoutsy has given us and history through “Ships of Mercy: The True Story of the Rescue of the Greeks, Smyrna, September 1922” is a magnificent missing piece of an epic event which the world has not always treated fairly. I, a proud descendant of the heroic generation of the Greeks of Asia Minor, am grateful to Christos Papoutsy for presenting a documented and undisputed account which I view not just as a historical fact but also as a respectful tribute to my mother and to the Greeks of that historic area who lost the country they loved overnight through a catastrophe that not only should not have happened, but which should have at the very least been a lesson not to be repeated. Sadly, as evidenced by the holocausts that followed it in other parts of the world, man’s inhumanity to man remains a condition not easy to eradicate. “Ships of Mercy: The True Story of the Rescue of the Greeks, Smyrna, September 1922” should be on the history shelves of every library. It is a book to have and read, a book to give as a gift, a book for lovers of history to study again and again. Personally, I plan to visit its pages at least once a year, on Sept. 14, the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, the day in 1922 when the Great Fire destroyed a civilization, killed thousands, and altered the lives of hundreds of thousands who left the land of their birth and became refugees in other lands. And on Sept. 14, I will not only think and reflect on my mother’s life but, thanks to Christo Papoutsy I will also offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the soul of one man, Asa Jennings, who showed us how “one person can make a difference, even in the most extreme circumstances. Asa Jennings didn’t just believe this; he lived it. We can aspire to do the same.” (Ships of Mercy, page 219) The book is $30 plus $4 for shipping and handling. It is available from Enfield Publishing, PO Box 699 Enfield, NH 03748 (www.enfieldbooks.com/orderform.pdf) Sophia Nibi, the administrative assistant in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, and a former journalist, is a freelance writer.

JULY-AUGUST 2008

ORTHODOXY W RLDWIDE Spiritual Experiences at the Hogar Orthodox Home in Guatemala by Fr. Peter A. Chamberas

The tiny Central American country of Guatemala, also known as “the land of eternal spring,” is where a wonderful “miracle” has been taking place for more than 20 years. Twenty–two years ago three Roman Catholic nuns discovered the Orthodox Church, became Orthodox and, after much hard labor and unshakeable devotion to their new-found faith, established the Orthodox Monastery of Lavra Mambre, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, under the omophorion of Metropolitan Antonio of Mexico City. During the first half of its existence, (1986-1997), this little “miracle” remained unknown and unnoticed by the outside world. The nuns and their efforts were even persecuted by the local ecclesiastical authorities, who did not want to see them flourish. But it was this important period of spiritual preparation and maturation that apparently authenticated the miracle, intensified it and truly transfigured it by the events and realities which soon followed. By 1996, these three Orthodox nuns, after much prayerful reflection, were in a position to accept on their own terms the administration and financial responsibility of the Hogar Rafael Ayau – an historic orphanage founded by Rafael Ayau in the mid 1800’s. For years it had been neglected and finally abandoned by the Guatemalan government. In August 1997, the hogar reopened with an initial group of 115 children. Since then hundreds more have come to the home and many have also gone – some to be adopted, some to go to other schools for training or higher learning, and some to marry and have families of their own as Orthodox Christians. Every child comes to the home with a very different personal story, and every child is embraced with true Christian love. Here, they are cared for and become members of a new Christian family. They receive catechetical instruction, an Orthodox Christian formation through the daily liturgical services, and they are eventually baptized as Orthodox Christians. During one of my visits, I had the

Fr. Chamberas with children of the Hogar Orthodox Home.

privilege of baptizing 11 persons, ranging from infants, to pre-teens, to adults. This is a regular occurrence that many visiting missionaries experience. they even serve as sponsors of such baptisms. The children also receive their regular education in the private school of the orphanage, which includes all the necessary facilities which encompass a whole city block. Since 1997 many hundreds of missionaries, including clergy and lay people, have visited the hogar and the monastery on a beautiful hillside overlooking Lake Matitlan, about 30 kilometers southeast of the city. Visitors who have made this pilgrimage have become a “cloud of witnesses”, who have seen and heard this “miracle” for themselves. The three nuns – Mother Igoumeni Ines, Mother Maria and Mother Ivonne – each having their own unique personality, special gifts and talents; it is the existence of an Orthodox monastery, recently crowned with the jewel of an incredibly beautiful Byzantine church rising high above the green tropical forest as if beckoning pious and faithful souls. The miracle is certainly the Hogar, the Orthodox Home for Children, where daily life is so centered on God and the

A gathering of the children on the solea of the church, with the nuns and Fr. Chamberas.

Church, that it can be said to be a truly unique “children’s monastery.” It is also the dream of the nuns to complete the new housing already under way at the monastery, so that some day soon the older children may be transferred out of the city and to a country setting. Perhaps the greatest aspect of this “miracle” is not so much the external achievements of the monastery and the hogar as abiding institutions, but rather the inner transformation that is taking place in the hearts and minds of the children who, while there, are touched by the grace of God under the vigilant eyes of the Mothers, particularly the daily attention of Mother Ivonne and all their loving caregivers. During my previous five visits, I was immediately struck by this spiritual vitality and joyfulness in the children, but during my latest visit this past Pascha, I was able to witness the full extent and depth of their spiritual vitality. I stayed for nearly three weeks and had the privilege of doing all the liturgical services before, during and after Pascha with the reverend Mothers and the wonderful children of the hogar. After marking the end of Holy and Great Lent with the final Pre-sanctified Liturgy, we entered into the brief interlude of the festive services for St. Lazaros Saturday and Palm Sunday. Given the long and arduous journey of Great Lent, one could see how the children thoroughly enjoyed the festive two day interlude. They soon entered into the solemnities of Holy and Great Week with renewed vigor and stamina that really amazed me. Each day of Holy Week was celebrated with a full compliment of worship services, including not only the familiar Service of the Nymphios in the evenings, but also the reading of the Hours and the continuous reading of the four Gospels in the mornings, and the three Pre-sanctified Liturgies in the afternoons. The Service of Holy Unction was marked by the custom of having faithful come forward and kneel around the lectern as the priest read each of the seven Holy Gospel lessons. (This is apparently a custom of the small local Arabic and

Greek communities who are settled in Guatemala and who join the children during these holy days, as well as during the regular Sunday services). During the latter part of Holy Week the services became even more intense with the Liturgy of St. Basil on Holy Thursday morning and Holy Saturday morning, with the Passion Service and the reading of the twelve Gospel lessons of the Passion, the Service of the Great and Royal Hours of Holy Friday morning and the evening Service of the Lamentations with the procession of the Epitaphion. During all of these long and seemingly endless services, while the body may have wearied, the spirit of everyone remained clearly vigilant and wakeful. The midnight Service of the Resurrection was especially moving and inspirational because it included the singing of the entire Resurrection Canon, complete with all the troparia and the repetitive refrains, which was sung by heart by all the children of the Hogar in Spanish. It occurred to me that I should perhaps begin the Canon with the familiar Anastaseos imera–in Greek. But when Mother Ivonne did not lose a beat in giving the children their pitch to start their joyful and thunderous singing, I stood in awe and delighted in their singing for the next one hour and a half as I prepared the Proskomide. That holy night the Holy and Great Week was truly crowned with the Paschal Liturgy and the Paschal meal in the early hours of Easter Sunday. Then, a few hours later, it was again crowned with the Agape Service, where all the children, including the infants and toddlers, were once again caught up in the festive spirit with joyful singing, with bell ringing, and with festive meals and treats throughout the day. The same spirit of Paschal joy continued throughout all of Bright Week, and included, beside the joyful services

The three nuns – Mothers Maria, Abbess Ines and Yvonne.

of worship, peaceful times of rest, recreational activities and outings, plus a delightful trip to the beach on the Pacific Ocean which the children thoroughly enjoyed. The sights and sounds of these unforgettable days at the hogar and the monastery are indelibly etched in my heart and mind. The joyful sadness of Holy and Great Week and the powerful joy of our Lord’s glorious Resurrection are not empty words for the children – for they in truth and deed experience these spiritual realities in a most direct, personal and authentically communal fashion. I will never forget the sense of true spiritual joy that exuded, like an “otherworldly” fragrance from the liturgical services, celebrated so fully and so au-

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Archdiocese Awards $80,000 in Scholarships Ecumenical Patriarch Visits Ukraine for 1020th through Gioles, Malta and Paleologos Funds Anniversary of the Christianization of the Kievan Rus   page 3 at accredited colleges or universities in the United States, with at least one award reserved for a student pursuing a degree in journalism. This year, that award went to Panagiota Karas from Palos Park, Ill. The “Katina John Malta Scholarship Fund” awarded $24,000 to eight students: Julian Chryssavgis (Brunswick, Maine), John Kokales (Oakmont, Pa.), Catherine O’Hare (Corona Del Mar, Calif.), James O’Hare (Corona Del Mar, Calif.), Ivan Plis (Abingdon, Md.), Fay Scott (Moraga, Calif.), Charity Thatcher (Merced, Calif.), and Presbytera Jayne Lisa Worsham (Chattanooga, Tenn.). The “Katina John Malta Scholarship Fund” was established in 2002 by Peter and Elli Paleologos through a generous gift from the estate of Katina John Malta, in recognition of the love she had for the Church and to honor her desire to help others, especially children and youth of the Orthodox Christian Faith. The scholarship is open to all students from jurisdictions of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), reflecting the pan-Orthodox nature of this scholarship program. This year, in addition to recipients from the Archdiocese, one of the recipients, Ivan Plis, is a member of the Antiochian Orthodox Church and two recipients, Charity Thatcher and Presbytera Jayne Lisa Worsham, are members of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). The final set of scholarships, awarded

from the “Paleologos Graduate Scholarship Fund” marks the second year that awards were granted from this new scholarship fund. This scholarship was established in 2007 by Peter and Elli Paleologos and is intended to assist students enrolled in graduate studies leading to advanced degrees in academic fields other than theology. At least one scholarship of $10,000 is awarded each year. Like the Malta Scholarships, this award is open to all students of SCOBAaffiliated churches. Through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Paleologos, a total of five scholarships were awarded this year for a total of $40,000, with three awards totaling $10,000 each, plus two awards of $5,000 each. The recipients of the 2008-2009 Paleologos Graduate Scholarships are: Dimitrios Basilakos (Greer, S.C.), Michael Day (East Swanzey, N.H.), and Gregory Stamatopoulos (Lincoln Park, Mich.) all from the Archdiocese, Nicole Britten (New Haven, Conn.) from the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, and Kenneth Parker (Ridgeway, Va.) from the Antiochian Orthodox Church. All three of these scholarships will be awarded next year for the 2009-2010 academic year. Applications and guidelines for next year’s scholarships will be available at the beginning of 2009 from the Office of the Chancellor, 10 East 79th Street, New York, N.Y. 10075 or on-line on the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: www.goarch.org

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Official Visit to Rome   page 4 of our martyric Ecumenical Throne on the occasion of the commemoration of St. Andrew, the first-called of the Apostles. Therefore, this morning we attended the Papal Mass in the grand Basilica of St. Peter, where we had the opportunity to emphasize jointly with His Holiness our mutual warm sentiments, to note the pain that we feel for the existing division between East and West over the last ten or so centuries, to reaffirm our common desire for the fruitful continuation of the ongoing Theological Dialogue between our two Churches, Orthodox and Roman Catholic, and to underline our focus on the will of our Lord Jesus Christ “that we may all be one,” always in truth and in love, grounded on the firm foundation of the pious doctrine inherited from the Church of the first millennium, through the Ecumenical Councils and great Church Fathers – which is precisely why we jointly recited the Symbol of Faith, our Creed from the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople, without additions or changes. And this evening, here in the historic Church of St. Theodore, which stands as witness to faith in Christ over

fourteen centuries, and which the late Pope John Paul II of blessed memory generously conceded to us in the year 2000, we served Vespers in honor of the Apostles, united our hearts and voices, praised “with splendid melodies” the One who alone is always and everywhere worthy of praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the One Trinitarian God of our Fathers. It is a particular joy for us that, praying together with us, we have select members of the Greek-American community, brothers and sisters who have traveled a long way with the Most Reverend Archbishop Demetrios in order to accompany their Patriarch in his visit to Rome and experience in common the moving events and celebrations of the Holy Apostles. Archbishop Demetrios and the members of the pilgrimage were in attendance at all the Festal events, as well as members of the diplomatic corps. After the Patriarch celebrated Great Vespers, the members of the FAITH pilgrimage shared a farewell dinner with the Archbishop, during which everyone expressed their deep appreciation and thankfulness for the unique, as they themselves said, spiritual and cultural experience.

An Outpost of the Faith on the High Plains   page 16 may be limited, the community eventually hopes to have a full-time priest. Though he’s officially “retired,” Fr. David, when he’s not commuting from Galveston, operates a full-time ministry in the Houston-Galveston area, the Holy Meeting of Joachim and Anna Apostolia,

which involves conducting research and holding seminars on spiritual and relationship issues and “trying to inform people about the treasures of Orthodoxy,” Fr. David said. “There’s an awful lot of people out there really looking for a place where they can find the truth.” —Compiled by Jim Golding

  page 12 each other and with the divine head of the Church, our Lord and God Jesus Christ. The baptism, through which we who are baptized become participants of Christ’s immaculate Passion and Resurrection, of “one body and one blood” with Him according to St. Paul, is par excellence a sacrament of unity of the whole ecclesial body and it is been confirmed continuously by the common participation in the one Divine Eucharist, in the one Chalice of Life. The great supporter of the Byzantine mission, Ecumenical Patriarch St. Nicholas the Mystic (901-907 and 912-925), invokes that unifying power of the Holy Baptism when he writes to the Prince Symeon of Bulgaria in order to avert the bloody conflicts among Christians that through the baptism “we are one body in the faith, and we have one head, Christ, and we are members of each other, and ought not the members revolt against each other.” Therefore, the unity in Christ of the local as well as of the ecclesial body throughout the Ecumene cannot tolerate divisions or conflicts because, as St. Paul points out, “for we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body…if one member suffers, every member suffers with it; if one member is honored, every member rejoices with it. You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Cor. 12:13, 26-27). Any division of the ecclesial body offends its divine Head and renders the gifts of the Holy Spirit inoperative for those who are the cause of the division and those who are indifferent of it. For this reason, that holy Ecumenical Patriarch reminded the Prince of the Bulgarians of the indissoluble spiritual kinship that binds all Christians “the God who loved the world, and returned to Himself His own creature by the Cross and the death of His Son, allowed us to be illuminated by the light of His knowledge, abolishing thus the wall of hostility and He invited us to the illumination of His glory, joining the Romans so in love as in faith; the enmity is abolished, the motion of arms has ceased and separation was followed by love and unity and the befriending of each other.” In this sense, today’s splendid celebration of the one thousand and twenty year anniversary of the Kievites’ baptism that reaches its peak in this Liturgy functions, on the one hand, as remembrance (anamnesis) of God’s many and rich benefits to the great Ukrainian nation that were the baptism’s outcome, and, on the other hand, as a compelling invitation (prosklesis) to overcome as fast as possible the divisions of the ecclesial body that were the outcome of our times’ confusion and to confirm the common baptism by the gathering of all in one place “arranged in one obedience” as St. Ignatius the God-bearer said, and by approaching unanimously and partaking

communally of the one, soul-nourishing Eucharistic altar of the Lord. The Mother Church of Constantinople suffers together with the dearest daughter Church of Ukraine for the dangerous divisions of its ecclesial body and cares, as if it were her own body, for the speedy and full restoration of the desired and God-loving unity. At the same time, she calls upon all the parties of the continuing ecclesiastical crisis to consider each his own responsibilities and—in the name of God!—to act in sincerity, doing whatever is necessary for the peace and unity lest the evil, hardened in time, worsen with obvious repercussions for the spiritual and societal coherence of the Ukrainian people. Today, gathered around the Lord’s altar, we the Patriarchs and Prelates of the local Churches, and through us the entire Orthodox Church, participate in the joy for the one thousand and twenty year anniversary of the baptism of the pious Ukrainian people which opened the way for the dissemination of the Gospel’s salvific message to all the Russian Duchies of Eastern Europe. Our joy is complete because in this significant mystagogy rejoices and celebrates with us His Beatitude the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, our beloved brother and co-celebrant Alexei II. On the one had, his participation emphasizes the beneficial power that baptism had for all; on the other hand, his personal experience during difficult times expresses the sacrificial struggles that are needed for the continuous confirmation of the divine gifts that flow from baptism to all the faithful. His struggles in defense of baptism’s divine gifts under extremely hostile and adverse circumstances during the time of atheism’s prevalence are known to all and written indelibly in the memory of the martyred Russian people. His struggles are for our holy brother a testimonial account, and for us all an account of pride. Thus rightly we honor in his venerable person the holy Church of Russia because on account of this memorial mystagogy a great joy permeates both heavens and earth for the glory of the Triune Holy God and His holy Church. The Mother Church knows and recognizes all this, and for this reason she bears witness in honor of our beloved brother and cocelebrant Patriarch Alexei. Having said this confessing from the depths of our heart, we wholeheartedly bless Ukraine, land of saints, its esteemed authorities, its Christ-loving people, invoking on their behalf the prayers and intercessions of Our Lady the Theotokos, of the Saints Vladimir and Olga Equal-tothe-Apostles and of all the saints. “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11 ).” (end of first part)

Spiritual Experiences at the Hogar Orthodox Home in Guatemala   page 28 thentically by the blessed Mothers, the blessed children under their care and all the dedicated staff and volunteers, who care for and nurture the children. Having enjoyed our Orthodox worship services also in the beautiful Spanish language, I am now more convinced than ever before that it is not the language in which we express these liturgical services, but rather the spirit and the spiritual truth with which we celebrate them, that makes all the difference.

For more information about the hogar and how to visit or help this Home for Children, contact Fr. Peter A. Chamberas at frpac@metrocast.net or at telephone 603 744-8075. You may also write to the Hogar using their U.S. post office box: ICAOAG, S.A. Section 011600 P. O. Box 02-5339 Miami, FL 33102 Fr. Peter Chamberas is a retired priest of the Archdiocese and former pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Concord, N.H.

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Reports at Plenary Sessions Highlight Progress, Goals   page 23 A new teacher’s manual also is being produced. In addition to the writing and production of new textbooks, the work of the department focuses on three other areas: • To enhance communications with the Greek schools. • to provide ongoing training and support to Greek teachers and • To use innovative teaching methods for today’s Greek American students. They also reported on the success of an annual seminar for Greek teachers that takes place in Cyprus in late July and early August. Hosted, by the University of Cyprus, the program began in 2007 The committee also made three recommendations that received approval: • that each metropolis have Greek Education representatives at the Clergy– Laity Congress • that Greek teacher language certification be re–established at Hellenic College • and that each metropolis should solicit Greek American professionals in Greek education and train them if necessary via a certified Internet program or other resources of the Archdiocese, such as Hellenic College. In a report on the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education, Maria Makedon, director, reported on the status of the parochial schools in the district. She said in recent years many of the 10 parochial day schools have experienced a 50 percent increase in non-Orthodox, non-Greek background students. She also reported on the federal government’s policy on faith-based schools under the “No Child Left Behind Act,” and major projects completed, including the kindergarten curriculum and other activities. Science and Technology Dr. Achilles G. Adamantiades presented the report on the Archdiocese Advisory Committee on Science and Technology, established by Archbishop Demetrios in 2001. He said three subcommittees will be exploring the following issues and areas of contemporary science in the near future, including human cloning, stem cell research, ethical issues in new human reproduction techniques, the meaning of life in brain-dead persons, exploring the nexus of food energy and biofuels, parish-level actions for energy efficiency toward “green” buildings, aging life expectancy and well-being in old age, making the environment a primary issue of concern for the Church, compatibility and synergy between science and faith, ethical issues and serious concerns in nanotechnology, information technology, moral risks and methods of control, and direct neural interface (or braincomputer interface). He said that difficulties the committee must overcome include the active professional activities and the work load of its members, lack of funding, lack of full- or part-time staff, and others. Religious Education Religious Education Department Director Tony Vrame outlined a five-point

program for improving religious education in the parishes. He said that, after they return home from the Congress, delegates should work to begin a regular education program for adults and to emphasize its application in daily life. Dr. Vrame also suggested they organize a speaker series and invite scholars from Hellenic College/Holy Cross or St. Vladimir’s Seminary, open a book store, attend a metropolis religious education seminar and include a budget line item to send someone to the Religious Institute at HC-HC next summer. He also noted that existing religious education resources, such as elementary textbooks, need to be updated. Institutions Report Polly Hillier, director of St. Photios National Shrine in St. Augustine, Fla., and Fr. Constantine Sitaras, director of St. Basil Academy in Garrison, N.Y., each gave reports on their institutions. Ms. Hillier urged members of the Church to visit the Shrine and “become active witnesses of the shrine.” She reported that the shrine receives about 140,000 a year Fr. Sitaras noted the success of the “Bridge Program” that helps St. Basil students who have graduated from high school to transition to higher education. He also discussed the work of the Center for Family Care that helps “bring the Church into the home and to make the family a small Church.” Archons report Order of St. Andrew National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis presented a detailed report on the recent efforts of the Archons to gain religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He noted several issues of concern, including the lack of recognition of the Ecumenical Patriarch by Turkey as a bonafide legal entity, the denial of work permits and of property rights, and interference in the selection process of a patriarch. He also noted the recent 7-0 decision of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, in favor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s retention of ownership of an orphanage that it had purchased in 1902. Dr. Limberakis reminded the audience of the long-standing issue and the Archons’ efforts to reopen the Theological School of Halki. He also spoke of the intimidation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate by the “Grey Wolves” terror group. Dr. Limberakis also spoke of ongoing efforts to get support from Congress and individual states through letter-writing campaigns. Near the close of the first plenary session, Archbishop Demetrios stated he was “personally touched by the presentations” given during the afternoon. “It shows great activities,” he said. This is not a “routine thing,” he added. “It something that shows the Church in action.” He also praised the ongoing efforts of the Archons to fight for the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

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Archons Continue Efforts to Help Ecumenical Patriarchate Members of the Order of St. AndrewArchons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, under the leadership of National Commander Anthony Limberakis, held several productive meetings and activities in conjunction with the Clergy-Laity Congress. At their reception on Sunday, July 13, which kicked off their program for the week, they welcomed Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain. In his greeting to the group, Archbishop Demetrios praised the Archons for their efforts on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, especially over the “last four or five years,” calling their work “amazing.” He cited the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, in favor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate over the improper takeover of the orphanage of Buyukada by Turkey, as a vindication of the Patriarchate they helped to bring about. “Sixty percent of the result is due to the Archons,” His Eminence said. Dr. Limberakis addressed the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society on July 15, addressing five main issues of concern currently facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate and elaborated on the efforts of the Order’s legal committee and its work with the European Centre for Law and Justice. The Philoptochos applauded the work of the Order and stood united in their support for His All Holiness Bartholomew and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The following day, Dr. Limberakis concluded the Clergy Laity’s day-long plenary session, focusing again on the work of the Order and the victory for the Ecumenical

Patriarchate in the European Court of Human Rights, dealing with the case of the orphanage on the Prinkipos island. Breakfast speaker Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) was the featured speaker at the Archon breakfast on Wednesday morning, July 16. The nationally recognized and respected defender of religious freedom, Mr. Sekulow then offered an insightful speech on religious freedom rights, mainly pertaining to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He spoke of the issues regarding religious freedom rights and also outlined the cooperative efforts between the ACLJ/ECLJ and the legal committee of the Order of St. Andrew. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” was the passage Sekulow used in his concluding remarks, reflecting upon the Archons’ persistence and aggressiveness on legal rights for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the European Court of Human Rights and its recent successful and favorable decision which will open new doors for the Sacred See of Saint Andrew. Archbishop Gregorios delivered the greetings of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and commended the Archons on their efforts to fight for religious rights for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. A special presentation was then made by Archbishop Demetrios and Limberakis to Archbishop Gregorios, thanking him for his support to the Order.

CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS  page 2 and the Archons. In his closing remarks at the first plenary session, Archbishop Demetrios emphasized the need for additional clergy to serve the Archdiocese. He said that, currently, there are 591 active priests and 184 retired clergy, with most of them serving part- or full-time. “We need 1,500 priests, at least. Double the number we have now.” He noted that the ratio of clergy to laypeople is one to 2,500. “That’s a very, very limited possibility of doing things,” he said. The second plenary session on Thursday concluded the business of the Congress. Reports presented included Interfaith Marriage, Outreach and Evangelism, FAITH Endowment, Administration, IOCC, Communications, Chaplaincy, Finance, Missions and Archons. Also making a presentation was National Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas. Ms. Skeadas discussed several philanthropic projects being undertaken by the Philoptochos, including the Literacy Project aimed at bringing books to inner city schools. The grand banquet in the evening featured a GOTelecom video tribute to Archbishop Michael. The event also included the main

speaker, Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, and remarks and greetings from U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Congressmen Gus Billirakis of Florida and Zack Space of Ohio, Cyprus’ Ambassador Andreas S. Kakouris, and Greece’s Ambassador to the U.S. Alexandros Mallias, and Michael Jaharis. Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain read the message from the Ecumenical Patriarch in Greek and English. Master of Ceremonies was Fox News White House Correspondent Mike Emanuel. Banquet Chairman was Leon Andris. The evening concluded with remarks and benediction by Archbishop Demetrios. Friday morning, Archbishop Demetrios, Archbishop Gregorios, several metropolitans of the Holy Synod and bishops attended the Clergy Breakfast, the final activity of the Congress. In his remarks to the clergy, Archbishop Demetrios exhorted them to “Stay focused on the theme of the Congress. “It is easy to defocus,” he said. “Keep the theme ‘Gather My People to My Home’ as a focusing theme in dealing with families, youth, the unchurched and the lapsed.” The Archbishop also reminded them that, as alumni of Holy Cross School of Theology, they should increase their efforts to assist the school.

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Reports at Plenary Sessions   page 31 Day two of the Plenary Session featured reports on Interfaith Marriage, Outreach and Evangelism, Faith Endowment, Administration, IOCC, Communications, Chaplaincy, Finance, and Missions.

Observer photo

Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago presides over one of the hierarchal sessions that discussed the significance of the Clergy-Laity Congress theme as it applies to parishes and individuals.

D. PANAGOS

Highest honor – Archbishop Demetrios bestows the Medal of St. Paul, the highest honor of the Archdiocese for a layman, upon Andrew Manatos, chairman of the 39th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress.

D. PANAGOS

Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain greets Andrew Athens of Chicago, former president of the Archdiocesan Council, and a founder of International Orthodox Christian Charities and the World Council of Hellenes, and current president of ‘hellenicare’.

D. PANAGOS

A few members of the Sisterhood of Presvyteres await the start of their breakfast meeting.

Interfaith Marriage The committee discussions emphasized that interfaith marriage “represents the greatest opportunity for outreach,” and of the importance to introduce the resources available from the Archdiocese to the parishes effectively and efficiently. Discussion in the committee, and also during the plenary session focused on the increasing frequency of Orthodox Christians marrying non-Christians, specifically spouses of the Jewish and Islamic faiths and what can be done about the issue. The consensus of the committee was on the urgent need for the Holy Eparchial Synod to convene on the issue and provide guidance to clergy and address the specific concerns of the clergy in maintaining uniformity in the practice of the faith. Archbishop Demetrios, offering his thoughts at one point in the discussion, stated that the Ecumenical Patriarch “is painfully aware of the problem;” and has contacted heads of the various Orthodox Churches in an effort to work for a definitive solution, but they “seem to be reluctant or hesitant to proceed with a decision that would be binding.” The Archbishop added, “There needs to be a pan Orthodox council to change the existing canons. However, the Patriarch is not abandoning the issue because of the difficulty, he’s continuously trying. He has seen increased willingness to deal with the issue and to find some viable solution that would not need the convening of an ecumenical council.” One priest in the audience asked how the clergy are to deal with the situation at the parish level. “Canonical care is one thing, but pastoral care is another,” he said. “Until a more general solution is found, the pastoral care of these people is of paramount importance.” He added, “We must teach that our faith is important and we must encourage them from dating non-Christians or marrying them.” To a question of whether a priest has the authority to grant dispensation if the Orthodox Christian comes for confession, the Archbishop said a priest “should have this kind of discretionary authority, but the priest has to be on sure ground to consult with his bishop.” Other audience members at the plenary session noted the importance of ministering to the children of interfaith marriages. “The future of our Church is the children of interfaith marriages,” said a delegate from Greenlawn, N.Y. “Eighty percent of the kids are from interfaith marriages.” “The is how our church is going to grow,” said another delegate. Recommendations of the Interfaith Marriage Committee included the establishment of a permanent office to develop materials, update existing materials and compile data on the issue, hiring a fulltime resource director and urging the Holy Synod to dedicate one week each year as “marriage week” to celebrate marriage from the Orthodox perspective, and to focus resources at the parish level, offering workshops, seminars and retreats. Outreach and Evangelism The Outreach and Evangelism Ministry is focusing on a five-point mission: to revitalize the faith of active Orthodox Christians, to reach out to inactive Orthodox Christians, including college-age and

post-college-age young people, to meet the needs of those inquiring about the Orthodox Christian faith, to offer the tools for parish renewal and to offer guidance in the establishment of new parishes. One delegate from Chicago, who is wheelchairbound, advocated also reaching out to the handicapped that are unable to attend services. He called for churches to offer more assistance to people with disabilities, including the installation of ramps. FAITH Endowment The newly established FAITH Endowment has a goal of 50 contributors of $1 million each to fully fund the organization, Chairman Peter Kikis reported. The Endowment has grown to 30 members since its founding in December 2004. Grants given between 2005 and 2007 have totaled more than $1.5 million. Administration Committee Chairman Tony Stefanis discussed an overview of the Parish Council Training Program, which began in 2006, and that has as its goal to provide parish council members with a new perspective on their role and the role of the council in the life of the Church. Also discussed was the possibility of changing the frequency of clergy-laity congresses from the present two years, to three. Proponents of the three-year cycle cited increasing costs involved in organizing the congresses and the higher costs for individual delegates and lower level of participation by parishes. Those who favor convening every two years stressed the importance of maintaining Church unity and urged that efforts be made to trim costs. The issue was tabled pending further study and consideration by the next clergylaity congress. IOCC International Orthodox Christian Charities Executive Director Dean Triantafilou discussed the IOCC’s involvement in many areas of the world that have suffered catastrophes needing worldwide assistance. He noted the organization’s recent efforts at helping the victims of the August 2007 fires in Greece. “Nothing prepared me for the devastation I saw in Greece last year,” he said. The IOCC has also helped victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and, most recently, of the June floods in the Midwest. Communications Chairman Clifford Argue discussed the ongoing communications audit by the Washington-based public relations firm of TSD intended to develop an overall communications strategy, including building and improving relationships with the media and to support efforts of the Metropolises and parishes in developing communications programs. Mr. Argue also reminded delegates of the importance of submitting updated address lists by parishes to keep the Archdiocese’s list of stewards current. Finance Committee Chairman George Vourvoulias noted that revenue for 2007 “exceeded budget expectations” and that the Archdiocese experienced a net surplus of $2.9 million. He said the immediate goal is to eliminate all debt by the end of the year. Mr. Vourvoulias also noted that the Metropolises of Detroit and San Francisco have met 100 percent of their allocations for the budget year. The Finance Committee also reported that the Archdiocese is on budget for 2008. Missions The Missions Committee discussed recommendations that mission ministries or committees should be formed in each Metropolis and parish, and to integrate broad participation through the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.

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And in conclusion...

D. PANAGOS

A large contingent of clergy attended the traditional Clergy Breakfast with Archbishop Demetrios on July 18, before leaving for their respective communities. Also attending the breakfast was Archbishop Gregorios and several other hierarchs. The new officers of the Archdiocese Presbyters Council for 2006-08 were announced. They are as follows: Frs. Steven Tsichlis, president, (Metropolis of San Francisco) Nicholas Anctil, vice-president, (Direct Archdiocesan District); Basil Gikas, treasurer, (Metropolis of New Jersey); John Touloumes, secretary, (Metropolis of Pittsburgh); James Moulketis, immediate past president (2002-2006), (Metropolis of New Jersey). Also taking place at the breakfast was the presentation of the annual Holy Cross School of Theology Alumni Award, which this year was presented to Fr. Alexander Veronis of Annunciation Church in Lancaster, Pa.

Chaplains Discuss Issues Relating to Their Special Ministry U.S. Navy Cmdr. Fr. Milton Gianulis discussed the role of the Chaplaincy in his report to the Congress, including to provide the sacraments to Orthodox service personnel throughout the world, to committee report, to facilitate contacts with the clergy on non-Orthodox and to facilitate humanitarian relief where needed. The chaplains also counsel and offer advice to senior officers on moral issues. The Chaplaincy Committee presented several resolutions and recommendations the congress adopted, including the following:: • That Greek Orthodox communities seek out and support military and public service personnel and their families, and that the Holy Synod indicate support for these personnel. • That the various Church organizations reach out to returning war veterans and also contact veterans’ hospitals to offer pastoral care. • That the U.S. Congress, Department of Defense and Department of Veterans’ Affairs support the chaplaincy. • That the Holy Synod of the Archdiocese, along with other Orthodox Churches, develop protocols to create an Orthodox Christian Endorsing Agency for all chaplains for the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. Fr. Gianulis said this was needed to prevent various non–Orthodox entities from claiming they are Orthodox within the Chaplaincy. Chaplains of the U.S. Navy also met during the congress. (From left) Fr. Milton Gianulis, commander, stationed in Okinawa, Japan; Fr. Bill Bartz, captain, stationed at Norfolk, Va. and Fr. John Kalantzis, lieutenant commander, stationed in Washington.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Archbishop Remembers Departed Clergy At the opening session of the congress on July 14, Archbishop Demetrios in his keynote address paused to remember the priests of the Archdiocese who have passed away in the interim period since the last Clergy-Laity Congress. Most were retired clergy. The are: (in 2006) the Rev. Frs. Achilles Siagris, George Neofotistos, James Chakalos, Efstathios Mylonas, Nicholas M. Sitaras, Peter N. Kyriakos and George N. Thanos. D. PANAGOS

Retired Clergy Association members, also meeting in conjunction with the congress, attend a breakfast with Archbishop Demetrios. They are joined by Archbishop Gregorios and Steve Yeonas, chairman of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund.

(2007) the Rev. Frs. Michael C. Harmand, Fr. Demetrios Kavadas, Fr.

Vasilios Kapsalis, V. Rev. Emmanuel Papageorge, V. Rev. James Mihalakis, V. Rev. Lukas Kotzakis, Frs. John Paul, Dean Timothy Andrews, Nicholas Katsoulis, Peter B. Koskores, Chrysostom Maniudakis, Emmanuel J. Gratsias, Anthony C. Sirigos, William S. Kehayes (2008) the Rev. Frs. George Bartz, George Nicozisin, George Kalpaxis, Dn. John Kontogianes, George Mamangakis, Michael Michalopulos, Panagiotis Kastaris, V. Rev. Nectarios Kogias, Fr. Nicholas Retselas, V. Rev. Archimandrite Paul Koutoukas and Fr. George Longos.

Challenge

YOUTH MINISTRY

e-mail: youthoffice@goarch.org

What’s Up Witnessing your Faith? WITH

by Chris Avramopoulos

It’s finally quiet as I get into my car to head home from a great week at summer camp. Camp started on the day of Pentecost. That is the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles. It’s also the day the Church celebrates its establishment through the preaching of the Apostles and the baptism of the thousands who on that day believed in the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. What a way to begin a week! We have the ability to renew this call to salvation through the Gospel of Christ! On my three-hour drive home, I began to reflect on the week. Was the Gospel message realized, or at the least given a proper planting so that the seed could grow and come to fruition in the future? I thought about the sessions in Bible Study and Orthodox Life. Then I thought about all the other sessions and activities that took place at camp that didn’t necessarily concentrate on the faith or religious study. Were the campers really learning about their faith and witnessing to one another? If not, then when and how are they witnessing their faith? Think about the teachings, the feeling, the faith, and the love you had for one another at camp or at any other function where you gathered under the name of Christ. One of the greatest challenges you will face this next year is to take those camp or youth ministry experiences and translate them into your daily life and relationships. This is the true test of whether you are really living the call or witnessing your faith. When we are gathered together at these functions, we collectively make up the one body of Christ. Each of us possesses God-given, unique qualities and characteristics. But our individuality is set aside as we become one Body, one Mind, and one Spirit with Christ as our head. In the Acts of the Apostles, we are told that the early Christians “sold their possessions and goods and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” (Acts 2:35) They lived their lives praising God and witnessing to His Glory. When we attend summer camps or retreats during the year, we have the opportunity to refocus our lives and take a step back from the day-to-day grind that often leaves us drained and empty. We, in a sense, leave the world behind as the early Christians did. We have the great ability to live like those early Christians whereby our thoughts and actions center solely on Christ and His Church. Through sessions and fellowship with

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

JULY-AUGUST 2008

here in the U.S., and within our own communities. I would venture to say that there are many so-called Orthodox Christians who live in darkness, who have not seen the light, and will not see it unless someone shares it with them. Thus, our challenge is two-fold. First, we must witness the faith to those who have not heard the Word of God altogether, or have a distorted view of who God is. Second, we must gather those lost Orthodox Christians and bring them back into the fullness of the life of the Church. Do not wait for anyone else to do it. We have all been commissioned by Christ Himself to respond to His call. We all have this responsibility. Make a difference in the lives of the people around you. Live the life Christ wants you to live. Take to heart the Great Call that was given to you at your baptism. Be apostles for Christ. Chris Avramopoulos currently serves as the Metropolis of Chicago director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

one another, we are given the necessary tools to keep Christ alive in our lives, and to put forth His light so that others will see it and be drawn in by it. In the Gospel of John, Christ says “I am the light of the world; He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) This is the light that needs to shine forth through us. This is what it means to witness to others. Every year, I see the eyes of campers open wide and tears rolling down their cheeks. They open their hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to fill it with Christ. This is a gift that you must share. In the Gospel of Matthew, Christ instructs the Apostles to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), preaching and teaching His saving news. At our Baptism, we were sealed with

the gift of the Holy Spirit through Chrism. At that time, we were also given that same Great Commission that Christ gave to His Apostles. Therefore, we should share the True Faith with all of humanity. We are called to let the light of Christ shine through us so that others can see it. But this doesn’t happen by chance. It takes us living the life of Christ daily. We are called to witness this faith to everyone we meet, just as the saints of the Church did even unto their death. Every morning we wake up is a gift from God and an opportunity to share the love of Christ with others. Will we do something with it? Many of us go on missions to foreign countries to preach the word of God and witness the faith. This is a beautiful and courageous undertaking. There is also a tremendous amount of work to be done

For Parents and Youth Workers • For more details about the Youth Ministry Workshops at the 2008 ClergyLaity Conference , please visit www. goarch.org . • The 2008-2009 Ecclesiastical Planner, themed “Gather My People to My Home”, is now available for ordering through the Department of Religious Education at 800.566.1088 or through the Orthodox Marketplace at www. orthodoxmarketplace.org. • Join the Youth Worker Pulse , the official ListServ of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries! Visit www. youth.goarch.org to join TODAY!

Youth Ministry at Clergy-Laity Youth Ministry… It goes beyond the Bible studies, bake sales, and basketball tournaments. It includes summer camp, Lenten retreats, Oratorical Festivals, service projects, and much more. Youth ministry has even gone “digital,” including webcasts, blogging, emailing, online communities, and podcasts. It is an important and fast-paced ministry of our Orthodox Christian churches. According to the Youth Ministry Guidelines of the Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, “the foundation of all youth ministry is the cultivation and education of our children, so that they may become active members of the body of Christ.” However, parish priests and youth workers are faced with an additional challenge; teaching the True Faith while trying to address the social and ethical issues our youth may encounter. We must continuously look to cultivate, expand, and improve these ministries of our parishes for the spiritual growth of our youth. At the 2008 National Clergy-Laity Conference in Washington, D.C., the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese offered workshops addressing

information to utilize in their parish youth ministry programs. Also, these workshops were a great opportunity to network with other youth workers: Youth Committee Monday, July 14

current youth ministry issues. The workshops were led by clergy and lay youth workers from throughout the Archdiocese. Participants received valuable

God in Culture

Youth Ministry Workshops at the Clergy-Laity Congress Youth Workshop 1 How to Approach Tough Topics with Young People Monday, July 14 Youth Workshop 2 Protecting your Youth: Using the Youth Protection Manual in your parish Tuesday, July 15 Youth Workshop 3 Internet Safety: Keeping Children Safe On-Line Wednesday, July 16 The Ministry Pavilion offered miniworkshops on . . . 1. How to start a YAL ministry 2. Organizing your Ministry 3. How to publicize your Youth Ministry event

JULY-AUGUST 2008