Orthodox Observer - April 2013 by Orthodox Marketplace

APRIL 2013 • Vol. 78 • No. 1284

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

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EN C YC L IC A L Holy Pascha The Feast of Feasts Now all things are filled with light; Heaven and earth, and the nethermost regions of the earth. Let all creation, therefore, celebrate the arising of Christ, whereby it is established. (Hymn of the Canon of Pascha)

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this glorious Feast of Feasts filled with the brilliant light and exhilarating joy we find in the presence of our Risen Lord, I proclaim with you, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! As we gather to worship and give thanks to God for His abundant grace and the manifestation of His power in conquering death and restoring us to life, we affirm in hymn and words the universal impact of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. From the Canon of this Holy Feast and the services of the Paschal period, we proclaim, “Now all things are filled with light;” “Christ the Savior of the world… has filled all things with fragrance;” and “All things have been enlightened by His Resurrection.” Through the power of our Lord’s Resurrection and the revelation of Him as the Source of true and eternal life, all of creation has been filled with the presence of God’s grace. The light of the Resurrection infuses all things, and no darkness remains. Nothing remains hidden—the consequences of sin are exposed, and the victory of the Cross is revealed. The entire universe is also presented with the sweet fragrance of the Gospel through Jesus’ Resurrection. It is a fragrance of life. It is fresh and new, permeating creation with hope. It is a balm that turns despair into anticipation, offers peace in the midst of great turmoil and tragedy, and promises renewed strength and salvation both now and for eternity.

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Part of a fresco at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Christian Church, in Butte, Montana.

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

A RCHDIOCESE N E WS

Trakatellis Fellowship Applications Available

To contact the National Ministries Archives 212.570.3517 ncalles@goarch.org Communications 212.774.0244 communications@goarch.org Greek Education 212.774.0233 greekeducation@goarch.org Information Technologies 212.774.0240 theo@goarch.org Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations 212.570.3593 ecumenical@goarch.org Marriage & Family 845.424.8175 familycare@goarch.org Parish Development 847.825.1432 jminetos@goarch.org Philanthropy 212.774.0283 bishopandonios@goarch.org Public Affairs 212.774.0400 fralex@goarch.org Registry 212.570.3558 frmichael@goarch.org Religious Education 617.850.1218 religioused@goarch.org Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism 646.519.6160 stewardship@goarch.org Youth and Young Adult Ministries 646.519.6180 youthoffice@goarch.org

NEXT DEADLINE

Deadline for submitting information, articles and photos for consideration in the May 2013 issue: Wednesday, May 8. Photos should be sent as a large format .jpg attachment (300 dpi min.). E-mail to: jim@goarch.org Regular mail: Editor, Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075.

Dimitris Panagos photo

Representatives of the Archdiocese, National Philoptochos and American Jewish Committee (from left) Fr. Mark Arey, Aphrodite Skeadas, Davis Harris, Archbishop Demetrios, Rabbi Noam E. Marans, Bishop Sevastianos and Andrew E. Manatos.

Archdiocese, Philoptochos, AJC Support ‘Doctors Without Borders’ NEW YORK – Officials of the American Jewish Committee, the Archdiocese and National Philoptochos Society have donated $100,000 to the Greek chapter of Doctors Without Borders (MSF – Medecins Sans Frontieres) to assist this international organization with its humanitarian work in Greece. Archbishop Demetrios welcomed American Jewish Committee Executive Director David Harris; Interreligious and Intergroup Relations Director Rabbi Noam E. Marans, who represented the AJC, and National Philoptochos Society President Aphrodite Skeadas on March 6 at Archdiocese headquarters where the presentation took place. Also attending were Bishop Sevastianos, chief secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod and spiritual advisor to the National Philoptochos; Fr. Mark Arey, direc-

ISSN 0731–2547

In 2013, published monthly except February–March and July–August by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Editorial and Business Ofﬁce: 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 TEL.: (212) 570–3555 FAX (212) 774–0239

tor for Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations; and Archon Andrew E. Manatos on behalf of the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, who was instrumental in arranging this cooperative effort between the Greek-American and the Jewish groups. The $100,000 donation consists of $50,000 from the American Jewish Committee, $25,000 from the Archdiocese Relief Fund for the People of Greece and $25,000 from the National Philoptochos. All three contributions were sent directly to MSF-Greece. The meeting was also an opportunity to exchange views on many issues of concern to both communities and the challenges they face in the United States pertaining to education and faith and around the world in their pursuits of religious freedom, peace and reconciliation.

How to Contact Archdiocesan Institutions, Metropolises and Related Agencies and Organizations Direct Archdiocesan District 212.570.3500; www.goarch.org Metropolis of Chicago 312.337.4130; www.chicago.goarch.org Metropolis of Boston 617.277.4742; www.boston.goarch.org Metropolis of Denver 303.333.7794; www.denver.goarch.org Metropolis of Atlanta 404.634.9345; www.atlmetropolis.org Metropolis of Detroit 248.823.2400; www.detroit.goarch.org Metropolis of Pittsburgh 412.621.5529; www.pitssburgh.goarch.org Metropolis of San Francisco 415.753.3075; www.sanfran.goarch.org Metropolis of New Jersey 908.301.0500; www.nj.goarch.org Archdiocesan Institutions Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Tel. 212.288.3215; www.thecathedralnyc.org EDITOR IN CHIEF Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) GREEK SECTION EDITOR Eleftherios Pissalidis

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APRIL 2013

PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING Eleftherios Pissalidis GRAPHIC ARTIST Abel Montoya ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Soula Podaras BUSINESS MANAGER Marissa P. Costidis CONTRIBUTING CORRESPONDENT & PHOTOGRAPHER:

Nicholas Manginas

Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology 617.731.3500; www.hchc.edu Saint Basil Academy 845.424.3500; www.stbasil.goarch.org St. Michael’s Home 914.476.3374; www.stmichaelshome.org St. Photios National Shrine 904.829.8205; www.stphotios.com Other key organizations and services National Philoptochos 212.977.7770; www.philoptochos.org Internet Ministries: www.internet.goarch.org • Orthodox Jobs: www.orthodoxjobs.com • Orthodox Marketplace: www.orthodoxmaketplace.com • Online Store for Parishes: www.goarch.org/ freebookstore • Orthodox Children’s Bible Reader Online: cbr.goarch.org

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NEW YORK – The Archdiocese Chancellor’s Office has announced that applications are available for a fellowship from The Christos and Georgia Trakatellis Fellowship Fund. Archbishop Demetrios and his brother, Professor Antonios Trakatellis established the fund in 2011 in memory of their parents, Christos and Georgia. The fund offers fellowships to Holy Cross School of Theology graduates planning to continue their Greek language, Hellenic culture and liturgical practice studies as part of an established doctorate or masters-level program, or part of a free well-structured, clearly defined program conforming to the above stated purpose of the fund. Studies could take place here or preferably in Greece or the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. Selection is based on merit and need. The Fellowship provides $3,000 per semester for up to two semesters, totaling $6,000. One or more full, or partial, fellowships will be awarded annually. Instructions and application forms are on the Archdiocese website: www.goarch. org/archdiocese/administration/chancellor/2013. Or, candidates can contact the Chancellor’s Office (e-mail scholarships@ goarch.org or call (212)–774-0513) to request an application. The application must be completed in full, together with all the necessary documentation and sent to the Chancellor’s Office by the April 26 deadline. Applying does not automatically guarantee an award. Each application will be considered individually in conjunction with supporting documents applicants provided.

Archdiocese Scholarship Applications NEW YORK – Applications and instructions for the three scholarships administered by the Chancellor’s Office of the Archdiocese are available for the 2013-2014 academic year. Two of these scholarships are for undergraduate studies: the George & Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship and the Katina John Malta Scholarship; the third one is the Paleologos Graduate Scholarship, which is awarded for graduate work of a non-theological nature. Each of these scholarships was established through generous gifts from dedicated Greek Orthodox Christians who wanted to provide financial assistance towards the education of young people from our Orthodox community. Deadline for applying for all three is April 26. Further details, including complete instructions and applications, are available on-line on the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at www. goarch.org/archdiocese/administration/ chancellor/2013 Applications may also be requested by e-mail at scholarships@goarch.org, or by written request to the Scholarship Committee, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 8-10 East 79th St., New York, NY, 10075.

To Contact Us For questions about submitting information/news to the Orthodox Observer: Jim Golding, 212.570.3557, jim@goarch.org. Advertising & Greek section, Lefteris Pissalidis, 212.570.3555, lefteris@goarch.org.

APRIL 2013 www.observer.goarch.org • e-mail: observer@goarch.org

Ecumenical Patriarch’s Attendance at Papal Installation a Historic First by Dr. George E. Demacopoulos

Amid the crush of news reports that followed Pope Benedict’s unprecedented resignation from the papacy, one of the most intriguing was the decision by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to attend Pope Francis’ installation as Bishop of Rome. The occasion was presented in the media as something that has not happened since the ecclesiastical schism that separated Christian East and Christian West in the 11th century. But that characterization is almost certainly wrong–this is quite likely the first time in history that a bishop of Constantinople attended the installation of a bishop of Rome. And this is a profoundly bold step in ecumenical relations between the Orthodox and the Roman Catholics, one that could have lasting significance. Prior to the 6th century, the election of a Roman bishop was a local affair. In most cases, the new pope was chosen from among the city’s clergy and was typically either the eldest priest or the eldest deacon. There were a few exceptions, but this was the typical pattern. News of an election would circulate throughout the Christian world but that news flow would have been too slow to enable high-ranking Church officials from the East to travel to Rome for the event. During the 6th century, Byzantine armies conquered the Italian peninsula, returning the city of Rome to the imperial Roman government, now centered in Constantinople. In this context, which lasted from the mid-sixth century until the loss of Byzantine influence in Italy in the 8th century, the election of a new Roman bishop required the approval of the Byzantine emperor (the same, of course, was true of the election of a new Ecumenical Patriarch). Under such an arrangement, papal elections took longer but there still would be no reason for an Eastern Patriarch to travel to Rome for the installation. There are a few examples from this Byzantine period, such as the election of Pope Pelagius I in 556, where the man elected to be the Roman bishop was actually in Con-

The Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch greet each other at a Vatican reception attended by many Church and political leaders from around the world. Later, they proceed to a private meeting.

stantinople at the time of his election. While it is possible that the sacramental ceremony to install the new pope could have occurred in Constantinople (whereby the Patriarch of Constantinople would have been present), it is far more likely that the official ceremony would have occurred in Rome and conducted without the Patriarch’s presence. At the conclusion of Byzantine influence in papal elections in the eighth century, the election of Roman bishops returned, again, to local considerations. And, as geo-political factors continued to push Italy and the Eastern empire in sepa-

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Pope, Ecumenical Patriarch Hold Private Meeting by Nicholas Manginas

ROME – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, in a historic moment in time for the two ancient Churches. The two leaders met at a reception and in a private meeting where they discussed issues of mutual interest. In his address to the Pope, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew stated that “the unity of Christian churches is the uppermost concern for us.” And he added that, “In order to continue the already begun theological dialogue, to understand and jointly bring closer the truth of the faith and the experience of the holy and the common, according to the first Christian Millennium tradition.” The Ecumenical Patriarch also raised the subject of the global economic crisis and the need to organize humanitarian action, so “the haves offer voluntarily to the have–nots and emphasized the important main

reference by Pope Francis of what is ‘essential.’” The Ecumenical Patriarch hopes to have close collaboration “for the correction of the worldly trends of today, in order to return humanity to the ancient beauty of love.” His All Holiness also invited the Pontiff, with whom he shares a strong interest in environmental protection, to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate. They discussed proposals for meetings in Jerusalem in 2014, on the occasion the 50 years after the historic meeting of their predecessors, Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, and also in Rome in 2015, which will take place during an important exhibition for Mount Athos and its artifacts. The Italian media promoted with emphasis the warm embrace of Pope Francis with the Ecumenical Patriarch, at the end of “the major ceremony for the launch of the holy and pastoral function of the Bishop of Rome and

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CNS Photos/L’Osservatore Romano

APRIL 2013

Christos Anesti! “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25)

Advancing Orthodoxy & Hellenism in America

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • Charles H. Cotros, Chairman • George S. Tsandikos • Kassandra L. Romas • Argyris Vassiliou Vice Chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

• Chris W. Caras • John A. Catsimatidis • Angelo J. Coutris • Eugenia J. Hasiotis • Peter J. Pappas • Paulette Poulos, Executive Director • Emanuel Cotronakis, Legal Counsel LIFE-TIME FOUNDING MEMBERS AND CHAIRMEN EMERITI • Arthur C. Anton • Peter M. Dion • Michael Jaharis • John A. Payiavlas • George D. Behrakis • Stephen G. Yeonas • Constantine G. Caras FOUNDING MEMBERS IN MEMORIAM • Andrew A. Athens† • Thomas A. Athens† • George K. Chimples† • George P. Kokalis†

APRIL 2013

Obituary

Andrew A. Athens, a Great Leader and Steward CHICAGO – Andrew A. Athens (Andreas Athanasoulas), dynamic and tireless lay leader of the Church for more than 40 years and a pillar of the Greek Orthodox community not only in the United States, but around the world, died March 14 at his home of natural causes. He was 91. He played key roles as a founder or co-founder of several organizations and institutions that have advanced the cause of Orthodox Christianity, Hellenism and philanthropy throughout the world for more than 35 years: the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC), the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH), International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), and hellenicare. The impact of these organizations has benefited thousands of people of Greek heritage throughout the world. Mr. Athens served the Church in several leadership positions, including Archdiocesan Council first vice–president (1984-86) and president (1987–95). He first became active at the national level of the Church in 1974 as general chairman of the 22nd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress held in Chicago. He also chaired the 32nd Congress in Chicago in 1994. An Archon Maestor of the Ecumenical

Patriarchate, he was a co-founder and first co-chairman of Leadership 100, established in 1984 to support the National Ministries of the Archdiocese and that has since distributed more than $35 million in grants. The endowment fund started with 100 donors and has grown to about 800 members. Leadership 100 Chairman Charles H. Cotros, said: “Andy Athens was truly one of the most prominent leaders in the ‘Greatest Generation’ of our Church, our community and our nation. He exemplified the Hellenic Spirit in his full life of service and his dedication to others that knew no borders. His outlook was ecumenical and international and we all deeply mourn his passing yet remained filled with gratitude for all his contributions and achievements.” In 1992, Mr. Athens was one of three Orthodox Christian lay people to bring together IOCC as a pan-Orthodox humanitarian relief and development organization of Orthodox Christians in the United States. Since then, IOCC has delivered more than $400 million in assistance to people in need in more than 50 countries worldwide. He served as its first board chairman. In January 1975, in response to the July 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, along with several other Chicago–area Greek American leaders, he founded UHAC and served as its first chairman.

Dimitris Panagos photos

(Top) Archbishop Demetrios presides at the funeral held March 19 in Glenview, Ill., with Metropolitan Iakovos and Bishop Demetrios and several priests.

Andrew Athens at a press conference during a visit to the Republic of Georgia where he established the presence of hellenicare; (right) speaking to a meeting of UHAC.

In addition to defending the rights of the people of Cyprus, UHAC also published the weekly Greek-American newspaper The Greek Star for decades, and Athens served on its board of directors from 1985 to 2011. In founding hellenicare in 1997, Mr. Athens established several medical clinics that continue to provide basic medical care to more than 800,000 people of Greek descent in Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In 2000, President Edouard Shevardnadze of Georgia awarded Athens the country’s Medal of Honor for foreign service. Two cities in Georgia bestowed honorary citizenship and named streets for him. He also received awards from the governments of Ukraine and Armenia. Athens served as the first president of SAE from 1995-2006 and as honorary president since then. His life’s goal was to unite and strengthen Hellenism. Dr. Olga Sarantopoulos, secretary of World SAE and president of the Hellenic Society of Austria, noted that “the Diaspora all over the world mourn the loss of a great patriot, a tireless fighter for Hellas, Cyprus and Orthodoxy, an ardent philanthropist who realized his American Dream. With strong faith and commitment he foIlowed the values of Hellenism, transmitting them with passion to all of us, who had the honor to work him.” His work with the CEH involved working with other Greek American national leaders in presenting the community’s concerns on Orthodox and Hellenic issues to the nation’s leading policy makers for the benefit of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Greece and Cyprus. Athens was born in Chicago on Nov. 7, 1921, to immigrant parents from the village of Kakovato, Elias, in the Peloponnesus. He attended Wilson Junior College but left to join the Army at the outset of World War II. He graduated from the Army’s officer training school and eventually rose to the rank of captain. He served in North Africa, the Middle East and in Europe. He was honored by the U.S. and Hungarian governments for his contribution to that country’s postwar reconstruction. In 1950, he founded Metron Steel in Chicago with his brother Thomas, and served as president and CEO until 1991. Over the years, he was a member of many organizations. He was past president of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Glenview, Ill., board

OBSERVER file photo

ANDREW A. ATHENS (1988 Observer file photo)

chairman of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, a member of the Illinois Manufacturers Advisory Board of the state Department of Business and Economic Development and many other bodies. Helen Alexander, the current hellenicare director who worked with Athens for more than 30 years, remembers him as “a kind man, always holding the door for anyone, always smiling at people. We had this trust between each other which was important. He was always a gentleman.” Ms. Alexander also recalled that he was asked by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley to present a plan for a Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center in “Greektown” on Halstead Street in the mid-1980s. It has since been renamed the National Hellenic Museum. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Louise (nee Decoster), who he met while stationed in Belgium after the war; a son, Paul; daughter Jacqueline James and grandchildren Andrew, Alexa, James Paul and Matthew; a brother, Dr. William Athens; and a sister, Tula Georgeson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aristides and Athanasia Athens; his brother Thomas and sister Mary Diveris. Funeral services took place March 19 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church with Archbishop Demetrios presiding, assisted by Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos and many priests. Memorials may be made to the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund in memory of Andrew A. Athens, and can be sent to: Leadership 100, 645 Fifth Avenue, Suite 906, New York, NY 10022.

APRIL 2013

The Papal Installation

A Historic First u u from page 3

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rate directions, relations between individual popes and patriarchs became more sterile and distant--indeed, between the 9th and 15th centuries there are only one or two occasions where a Roman bishop and an Ecumenical Patriarch ever met in person. With all of this in mind, His All-Holiness’ decision to travel to Rome for Pope Francis’ installation as Roman bishop is an extraordinary event in the history of Christianity. And it is significant for reasons far beyond its novelty. First and foremost it is a powerful symbolic gesture for the cause of Christian unity. It demonstrates in unprecedented fashion the extent to which the Ecumenical Patriarch considers the relationship with the Roman Catholic Church to be a priority. For their part, members of the Vatican staff have responded to this grand gesture and have arranged for the reading of the Gospel at the installation to be sung in Greek (rather than Latin) in recognition of the fact that the Ecumenical Patriarch has taken this unprecedented step. The Christian world has been divided for so long that the establishment of an authentic reunion will require courage, leadership, and humility. It will also require a foundation in common faith and concerns. Given Pope Francis’ well-documented work for social justice and his insistence that globalization is detrimental to the poor, it would appear as though the Orthodox

and the Roman Catholic traditions have a renewed opportunity to work collectively on issues of mutual concern. With our Lord’s assistance, that common cause can be transformed into more substantive theological work. But such work requires a first step and it would appear as though Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is willing to take such a step. PATRIARCHAL DELEGATION Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was accompanied to the installation of Pope Francis on March 19 by the copresident of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Ioannis of Pergamon; and Metropolitan Tarassios of Buenos Aires and Metropolitan Gennadios of Italy. According to the Catholic World Report, relations between Roman Catholics and Orthodox have been improving since the Second Vatican Council through mutual visits, acts of friendship and theological dialogue. Under Benedict XVI, the dialogue picked up in earnest after a lull. In trying to promote it, the pope suggested ways to express the primacy of Peter’s successor that could be acceptable to the Orthodox, finding his inspiration from the undivided Church of the first millennium. Archon George E. Demacopoulos, Ph.D., is director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center and associate professor at Fordham University in New York and historian for the Order of St. Andrew.

Pope, Ecumenical Patriarch Hold Private Meeting u u from page 3 Peter’s successor,” as the Pontiff himself described. In a special tribute, Rai Uno television network aired before that “the new Pope, with his first moves, shows he wants to do its utmost in order to come as close as possible to the Orthodox, putting under discussion, probably even the same key elements

of his primacy. “The new Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch share the commitment to protect the environment, and also the simplicity and immediacy in their relation to the faithful and sincere willingness for dialogue with other religions,” the Italian television program highlighted. Translated from the Greek by Eleftherios Pissalidis.

Holy Pascha: The Feast of Feasts u u from page 1 In the light and fragrance of the Resurrection of Christ, all things are enlightened. Truth is revealed. The way to life is shown. The Resurrection calls all people to see the power of Christ over death and to receive in faith the grace of God. He has now fulfilled His promise to redeem what He created, and all people are asked to open their spiritual eyes to the ultimate power of the Cross and Resurrection. On this blessed of days, we can clearly see and know the impact of the Resurrection and the Feast of Holy Pascha on our lives. Through our celebration and our faith in the Risen Lord, we are filled with His divine light, and we see the truth concerning our need for redemption and salvation. The sweet fragrance of the Gospel fills us with hope and offers healing. In

the completed and perfected victory of our Lord, we see God’s promises fulfilled. Every part of our being, every aspect of our lives, every relationship, every thought and word encounters the Risen Lord. As we joyfully celebrate this Feast, may we embrace the Risen Lord and bathe in the light of the Resurrection. May we see that the power of the Resurrection has a tremendous impact on the universe, on our world, and on our lives; and may we receive the grace and life offered by Christ so that we are led out of sin and death into blessed and eternal life in His glorious presence. I wish you, your community, and your families a wonderful and beautiful Feast filled with the light and joy of Pascha. With paternal love in the Risen Lord, †DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

APRIL 2013

The Voice of Philoptochos Pascha 2013

Beloved National Board, Chapter Presidents and Stewards of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, I greet you in thanksgiving as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are invited to “Come and Receive the Light.” During Great and Holy Lent we walk together towards the sacred mystery of unconditional love found in the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord marking the emergence from darkness. “Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:1-6) The Myrrh-bearing women made their way to the tomb where the body of Jesus had been laid after the crucifixion. The act of burial had been rushed and incomplete. The Body of Jesus had not been properly anointed and prepared for burial. To almost all present, this seemed to be an unimportant detail. It was not so to the faithful women who had followed and believed in Jesus. Despite possible persecution and ridicule, they visited the tomb not knowing if they may be harassed, chased away or face worse consequences by soldiers guarding the tomb. These icons were fearless and nothing would prevent their attention to this last but most critical detail. Because of their love and service, they were the first to hear the life-changing and eternal news of salvation: “He is not here, but is risen!” The era then was unstable and shifting as it remains today, some 2,000 years later. Suffering is widespread, caused by natural disasters, economic crises and senseless tragedies while love sometimes is lacking or is even absent. That is not so for the faithful stewards of the Ladies Philoptochos Society. They act as soldiers of good, lead the march for social justice and improve the quality of life for the underprivileged and disenfranchised. Mindful of the details of this life which others are sometimes quick to dismiss as unimportant, the bold, strong and vital women of Philoptochos care for those in need. To most in this world, it is an unimportant detail that does not interfere with living. The Philoptochos stewards see the care for the needy, not as an unimportant detail, but as a privilege that is a central act of love and devotion. The willingness of the brave women to approach the tomb in the midst of great sadness and danger is an indication that they possessed incredible faith in Jesus. In the sacred footsteps of the Myrrh bearing women, the ladies of Philoptochos follow to this day. It was the women at the tomb, because of their mindfulness and care, who were greeted by the most stunning moment in history: gazing and being the first to witness the Resurrected Lord Jesus. The Myrrh–bearing women were faithful, tireless, and decisive as are the Philoptochos women today. We are made in the likeness of the Lord and are offered the gift of free will. The choice, and it is the most important choice anyone makes, is whether or not to live with Christ. Once that decision is made there is order, whether with ease or with difficulty. On behalf of the Philoptochos Society, I thank you for your devoted service to Christ and His Church and wish to you and your loved ones the peace, grace and love that comes to the world from the empty tomb of the Savior Jesus Christ. With agape in the Resurrected Christ, Aphrodite Skeadas

Direct Archdiocesan District Luncheon Gives $60,000 by Christine Karavites

The Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos greeted more than 600 guests at its Agape Luncheon March 10 under the chairmanship of Stella Fiorentino and Athena Economou. All luncheon proceeds will be distributed between the Archdiocese Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund and the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. District President Maria Skiadas recounted the destruction following Hurricane Sandy and the immediate and sustained support of the District chapters who set up shelters in their churches and collected food items, clothing and other supplies that arrived from as far as Newburg and Albany, N.Y., Connecticut and Washington. The luncheon also honored 350 women for their more than 50 years service. Archbishop Demetrios, joined by National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas, District President Maria Skiadas and honorary Chairman Stella Capiris, recognized 75 of the those who were present. After the luncheon, President Skiadas presented a $30,000 check to Archbishop Demetrios for the Archdiocese Hurricane

Dimitris Panagos photo

Archbishop Demetrios and Aphrodite Skeadas with some of the 50–Year Honorees.

Relief Fund and $30,000 to National President Aphrodite Skeadas for the new Philoptochos home in Manhattan - the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. These distributions were made pos-

sible through the generous luncheon donations and sponsorships and the dedicated support of all the Philoptochos chapters and stewards. Additional proceeds will be distributed to both worthy causes.

Membership Tea - St. George Ocean, N.J., Fr. Andrew Eugenis, (standing) Anne Michals Metropolis president and Elayna Pappas chapter president.

NJ PHILOPTOCHOS

Focus on Membership and Ministry Work

by Anne Michals

The Metropolis of New Jersey focus for 2013 is the challenge of new member recruitment, recommitment of members, and realignment of ‘Ministry’ work through the Philptochos Mission. The goal is to encourage understanding that ministerial work is the expression of our belief in Christ’s teachings and the examples of our Saints, and to embrace this belief through action. Philoptochos was born of this principal and is relevant now more than ever. We say that getting new members is difficult by giving reasons such as women are busy with jobs and childrearing, women don’t have time for meetings, women aren’t interested in cooking and baking, women want to work for the Church but only have a small window of time to do so. We believe these may be truths but not reasons. We come to Church to worship, receive the Sacraments and find closeness to God. We seek the opportunity to live the teachings of Christ, which includes ministerial work.

If Philoptochos does not offer people the opportunity to do ministerial work, the devoted will find other places to show sacrifice or develop a ministry. Philoptochos, the philanthropic arm of the Church and the ‘mother’ of charity in our Churches, was born to offer service to our Churches, priests and community. Philoptochos is not a ‘social’ organization. Other organizations within the Church provide social networking. Philoptochos does not have to provide parishioners with opportunities to visit museums or hold parties for member recruitment. We must provide people the opportunity to do Christ’s work. The New Jersey Metropolis developed “Circles of Interest” that highlights the appreciation for members’ talents and encourages women to get involved based on their interests and love of philanthropy. Circles of Interest was developed based on the National Philoptochos committee model, our model for fulfillment of our Mission. This ministry enables women to work independently on small projects

while fulfilling ministerial work. Those who become involved in Circles of Interest are not committing themselves to late night meetings or involvement in all things Philoptochos, although they may decide to choose other areas. There is even a category on the interest form that states, ‘Become a Member: I am not able to work on projects this year but support the Mission.’ Circles of Interest is the key to membership growth and renewal. To embrace Circles of Interest is to embrace the opportunity to live Christ in our daily lives. The recruitment tool was distributed to the Metropolis presidents to encourage continuous movement towards the Mission. Philoptochos does not have to plan how ministerial work is fulfilled. Members should have the freedom to develop their own plan to fulfill that devotion. The key is that Philoptochos means to serve. Service is the essence of philanthropy and charity. Help others find it within themselves and embrace the idea. Anne Michals is Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos president

APRIL 2013

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Archbishop Demetrios addresses representatives of Greek American and Cypriot American organizations on April 3.

Archbishop Convenes Meeting for Cyprus Support

Cyprus Consul General in NY Koula Sophianou.

NEW YORK – Thirty six representatives of major Greek-American and CypriotAmerican federations, institutions, and organizations participated in a special meeting convened by Archbishop Demetrios on April 3, at Archdiocese headquarters to express the support and solidarity with the people of Cyprus, in light of their great economic and humanitarian difficulties. During the meeting, the participants expressed deep pain and consternation for the hardship imposed upon the people of Cyprus and their unwavering commitment to support them and stand by them. While it was recognized that a certain percentage of responsibility for this recent crisis is rooted in various other factors, the representatives condemned the manner with which international economic powers have imposed unbearable measures that put in immediate danger the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of people in Cyprus. In the course of the meeting such an attitude was condemned, and the need for a struggle on many levels was emphasized in order to change or lift such measures and to address the related problems. The Foreign Minister of Cyprus, Yiannis Kasoulidis participated for an hour-anda-half meeting via telephone during the meeting, which lasted a total of two and a half hours. Mr. Kasoulidis gave an overview of the situation in Cyprus, presented and explained a series of measures his government is taking and answered questions of the participants. The exchange made evident the need for solidarity and support in addressing, on one hand, immediate humanitarian

needs (food, medicines and supplies) and on the other, purely economic support, which can include growth programs in the areas of technology, agriculture and investment. Additionally, it was stated that great vigilance is required to avoid any engagement of the pending national issue in Cyprus, under the present conditions. It was also stated that the humanitarian support should be channeled through the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and coordinated with the Church of Cyprus. The work of this specially convened meeting will continue with a new meeting after Pascha. To further advance the effort for solidarity with Cyprus, today Archbishop Demetrios had a long telephone conversation with Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus, whom he briefed about the meeting. Archbishop Demetrios was informed on the developing needs in Cyprus and the work under way by the Church of Cyprus.

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APRIL 2013

Commentaries and Reflections Pre–Christian Ways Revisit Contemporary Society by Professor Timothy Patitsas

When St. Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he meant not only that the power to do good in Christ is infinite, but that whether he was experiencing good times or bad times, wealth or poverty, sickness or health - in all these situations he had learned the secret of giving thanks to God. One obstacle to gratitude is quite obvious - the cultivation of a complaining spirit, a grumbling heart. In my own life I have found that just as when I allow myself to use bad language, I become angrier and more base, so also when I cultivate a complaining spirit my soul turns against God. When I constantly complain I also drive away positive company, and invite negative company. Even when my complaining is extremely clever (if I may say so myself) and funny, negative words wound and destroy the souls of the hearers. Another obstacle to gratitude is less obvious - it occurs when we take things for granted. Many parents are familiar with the fact that because their sacrifices for their children are invisible, and because they have worked so hard to ensure that their children know only good times, the children don’t always realize how lucky they are. Thus, wise parents not only give good things to their children, but they also teach them to be grateful, to give to others - and they even teach them how to bear difficulties with spirit and patience. Parents may even withdraw their gifts to their children, if only temporarily, so that their children will see the amazing joy that comes with struggle, the spiritual “agona.” Today we are finding that many things that we so recently took for granted, were in fact miraculous gifts of God to His children, purchased by the blood of Christ and by two millennia of self-sacrifice by His saints, His holy ones. I am talking about not just the canonized, “official” saints, but by our many ancestors in the faith. Christian marriage and chastity were two such miracles which seemed so much a “given,” so reliable and natural, that very recently many people felt they were mighty and oppressive forces which must be overthrown. Only now, decades on and in the midst of whole new webs of social and personal pathologies, do we see that in fact marriage and chastity are supernatural gifts, “coming down from God, the Father of lights.” For the early Church, this fact was more evident. They had entered a world that already looked like the world ours is becoming. In Roman times, female infanticide was so widespread, that pagan men could not find wives. Thus they came to the Christians and demanded our daughters – Sts. Irene, Christina, Anastasia, Katherine, Barbara, and other young women refused these loveless unions with godless men, and became martyrs of the Church. And similarly today, world-wide tens of millions of women who should

be here are not, having been murdered in the womb through Sex Selective Abortion, or female feticide. The world is going back to its pre-Christian ways. The Christians entered a pagan world in which happy marriage seemed an impossibility, and marriage was entered into only with great reluctance in order to procure an heir or satisfy sexual desires. They found not only widespread female infanticide, but infanticide of the disabled. Abortions were common, especially as the necessary adjunct to sexual activity outside of marriage. And in parts of the Roman world, they also confronted the practice of sexual relations between people of the same gender. For reasons that we do not fully comprehend, our loving God has allowed us once again to experience such a world. Some of us experience it only as an item on the news, some of us through the pain of a family member, and still others of us have experienced it more directly in our own personal fight for virtue in Christ Jesus. But if we once as an Orthodox Church enjoyed the glory of worldly empire, and if we later suffered the tragedy of enslavement - whether to Ottomans or Communists – today should we grumble if we experience a fresh challenge, similar in some ways to the past, but in other ways different? And if in our personal lives we have been or are confronted with temptations that would destroy Christian marriage and cause us to lose our purity, what then? In the Providence of God, the time has come again for a good fight - and by good fight I mean one waged not against others, but for others and against ourselves. We will enjoy some successes, and many failures. But though we sometimes swerve from the purity granted to us by Christ in our practices, at least let us not deny Him in our beliefs. Let us learn to take a holy pride in the difficulty of our several battles for Christ, and come to see any defeat in our moral struggles as only temporary, until the revelation of the Glory of Christ. As St Paul says in Romans, What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Dr. Patitsas is professor of ethics at HCHC.

His All-Holiness Addresses Pope Francis at the Vatican On Wednesday, March 20, in a formal reception in honor of the church and religious leaders by Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew represented the Christian and faith communities in a special address to the Pope. The Patriarch’s attendance at the papal inaugural mass was a historic initiative on the part of Patriarch Bartholomew inasmuch as it was the first time in history that an Ecumenical Patriarch was personally present at a papal installation. Vatican, March 20, 2013 Your Holiness, In the name of the Lord of powers, we wholeheartedly congratulate You on the inspired election and deserved assumption of Your new high duties as First Bishop of the venerable Church of Senior Rome, defined by the primacy of love. On this Throne, you succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who boldly retired for reasons of health and fatigue, a man distinguished for his meekness, theology and love. The task and responsibility before you are immense before both God and humankind. The unity of the Christian Churches is surely our foremost concern as one of the fundamental prerequisites for the credibility of our Christian witness in the eyes of those near and afar. In order to achieve this unity, we must continue the inaugurated theological dialogue so that we may jointly appreciate and approach the truth of faith, the experience of the saints, and the tradition of the first Christian millennium shared by East and West alike. It should be a dialogue of love and truth, in a spirit of humility, meekness, and honesty. After all, the global economic crisis urgently mandates the coordination of our humanitarian action, in which you are well experienced as a result of your long and fruitful ministry as a Good Samaritan in Latin America, where you pastorally witnessed, like so few others, the bitterness of human pain and suffering. Those who “have” must be motivated to offer, willingly and gladly, to those who “have not.” In this way, peace will be secured through justice as the sole universal request and the basic expectation of all nations. We must feed the hungry, clothe the naked, treat the suffering, and generally care for the needy so that we may hear from our Lord: “Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” (Matt. 25.34) The selection by your beloved and esteemed Holiness of a lifestyle of simplicity has highlighted, and will continue to highlight, your priority for what is essential. This fills the hearts of everyone, your faithful and all people in general, with a sense of hope.

It is the hope that this priority will be applied broadly so that judgment and mercy, as the essence the law, may prevail in the Church. Throughout the two-thousandyear history of the Church of Christ, certain truths of the sacred Gospel were misinterpreted by some Christian groups, resulting in secular misconceptions that have unfortunately spread in Christian circles today. Thus, the burden of our obligation and responsibility is to remind ourselves, each another, and the entire world that God became human in Jesus Christ in order that we may lead a divine way of life. Indeed, “God is the Lord and has appeared to us.” The one who created all things in the beginning, who guides and provides for all things, descended to the depths of death on the cross in order that, through His resurrection, He may demonstrate that “blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord,” and in His name alone, to serve His people, so that we may all be united, and that Christ may be all things and in all things. This world is the domain where we realize this spiritual way of life, where we achieve our integration into the body of Christ, and where we are brought through Him into eternal life. The Church consecrates this earthly life, although it does not consummate its mission in this earthly life. We all realize and recognize this truth, which is why, as pastors and faithful alike, we travel this way of truth, acquiring the heavenly through the earthly. As the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the worldwide Orthodox Church of Christ, we are certain that your venerable and dearly beloved holiness, who commences this historical journey with such favorable auspices as Bishop of Rome will, together with all those who are willing and able, exhibit special concern for the reparation of secular trends so that humanity may be restored to its “original beauty” of love. We fervently pray with all Christians as well as with people throughout the world that Your Holiness will prove effective in this deeply responsible and highly onerous task. May our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed and glorified. Thanks be to God, who in every period of time raises up worthy leaders, deserving of their calling to lead and guide His people, for the adoration of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

APRIL 2013

Archdiocese/hchc News HCHC Lecture Series Features National Philoptochos President BROOKLINE, Mass. – The Office of Vocation & Ministry–sponsored Women Leaders of the Church Lecture at HCHC on March 26 featured National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas, whose keynote address reflected the theme “bold, strong and decisive” women leaders. Mrs. Skeadas’ address was the third lecture of the series that began in 2009. Previous keynote speakers were Leadership 100 Executive Director Paulette Poulos and Presbytera Niki Stephanopoulos, former long–time director of news and information for the Archdiocese. More than 100 Philoptochos women and others from several states attended her address at the HCHC Library. Mrs. Skeadas cited the Virgin Mary, her own mother and grandmother, past presidents and other Philoptochos members as the examples of Church women reflective of her theme of “bold, strong and decisive leaders. “Our most blessed Theotokos is the ultimate role model and Woman Leader of all time as she was chosen by God,” said Mrs. Skeadas. “She used her free will to respond for herself and at the same time respond for all humankind. Mary was obedient but she responded affirmatively, the boldest of all actions. Mary was bold, strong and decisive.” Mrs. Skeadas noted that, “A Church leader must continuously labor to connect with God through prayer. What ensues is a strong personal value system with uncompromising principles of integrity, honesty, and confidence.” The Philoptochos National President reminisced about her formative years that were “critical in the development of spirited faith and belief in God.” She credited her “mother’s solid presence” from which she inherited “her love for the church with the truth of the gospel combined with the liturgical beauty absorbed by our senses. My mother’s duties were not only providing for

her five children. During harvesting seasons she worked in the fields side by side with my father while my grandmother cared for us.” She also described her maternal grandmother Magdalene’s great sacrifices in her life, especially through World War II. Mrs. Skeadas noted that, over the past year, more than 850 Philoptochos women were honored at Agape Luncheons across the United States for serving a minimum of 50 years in their chapters. “This is a calling as they wish to serve others and make a difference,” she said. “These women are empathetic as they walk in others’ shoes and they wish to heal and assist in others’ hardships. They are women leaders in the Church.” Recalling the past National Philoptochos presidents’ who have led the organization to the level of success it has achieved, Mrs. Skeadas said, “The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society has been blessed, from its inception, with great women leaders. The first Philoptochos National President was Catherine Pappas, a charismatic leader and role model for all who followed. Beatrice Marks revolutionized the president’s role by travelling to every diocese including Canada. Her advice to future leaders and presidents is to continue to bring faith, commitment, dedication and professionalism to Philoptochos. “Dina Skouras Oldknow was national president to whose National Board I was appointed in 1992. This woman leader is a distinguished contributor and even recently served as chapter president of the St. Sophia Philoptochos in Los Angeles. “Mimi Skandalakis was a beloved and spirited woman leader whose noteworthy fundraising skills in the mid 1990’s assisted the library here at Hellenic College Holy Cross. “Eve Condakes was appointed by Archbishop Spyridon and served under him and Archbishop Demetrios. Among her many achievements, this woman leader established the Voice of Philoptochos page in the Orthodox Observer which has been continually published for more than a dozen years. Georgia Skeadas extended the geographical boundaries of Philoptochos relief by providing assistance globally including to Asia for tsunami victims, to Africa for health clinic aid and to Russia for wheelchair support.” Mrs. Skeadas concluded her presentation by answering questions from the audience including how to reach out to young women.She said young women should be encouraged to join Philoptochos by “taking them under your wing, mentoring them, showing them the joy of Philoptochos and keeping after them.” She added, “It is our responsibility to draw them in and show them what we do.”

ORTHODOX OBSERVER photos

Mrs. Skeadas addresses the large gathering at the HCHC Library.

Archdeacon Panteleimon photo

Washington Meeting

Archbishop Demetrios and other members of the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at their meeting held April 9-10 at the White House.

White House Meeting Yields Action on Human Trafficking WASHINGTON – Archbishop Demetrios participated in the two-day meetings of the President’s Advisory Council on Faithbased and Neighborhood Partnerships on April 9-10 at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House. The Archbishop is one of the 15 members appointed to the Council by President Obama. The purpose was to submit the Council’s Final Report of Recommendations to the President concerning the building of partnerships between the government and faith-based and neighborhood organizations to eradicate modern-day slavery. Comprised by leaders from diverse religious and non-profit backgrounds, the task of the Council was to produce, in the course of several months, a report which addressed issues of human trafficking at

home and abroad, that is, the exploitation of children, women and men for compelled labor or sexual exploitation through the use of force, fraud or coercion. The Council worked in close cooperation with Joshua DuBois, special assistant to the President and executive director of the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and his successor Melissa Rogers. The report contains 10 recommendations which, in partnership with the government, will help to combat and eventually eradicate modern-day slavery and bring healing and dignity in the life of those who have been victimized by it. Among the recommendations are the

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CLERGY UPDATE Ordinations to the Diaconate Petrides, Alexandros – by Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh – at Holy Cross Chapel, Brookline, Mass. 01/21/13 Sfikas, Stamatios – Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago – St. Demetrios Church, Chicago, 02/24/13 Crowe, Nicodemos (William) – Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver – St. George Church, Oklahoma City 03/17/13 Leneweaver, Peter – Metropolitan Methodios of Boston – Annunciation Cathedral, Boston 03/24/13 Assignments Fr. John Angelis – Holy Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix 08/27/12 Fr. Jon Emanuelson – St. Nicholas Church, Wilmington, N.C. 02/15/13 Fr. William Bartz – Holy Trinity Church, Indianapolis (Carmel) (interim) 02/19/13 Dn. Stamatios Sfikas – St. Andrew Church, Chicago 02/24/13 Fr. Christos Kanakis – Assumption Church, Long Beach, Calif. 03/10/13 Fr. Iulian Damian – Sts. Raphael,

Nicholas & Irene Church, Palm Harbor, Fla. 03/15/13 Fr. Michael Marcantoni – Holy Trinity Church, Clearwater, Fla. 03/15/13 Offikia Fr. Nicholas Anctil – Office of Protopresbyter, bestowed by Archbishop Demetrios 02/24/13 Fr. Eudokimos Harding – Office of Confessor, bestowed by Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta Fr. Michael Monos – Office of Economos, bestowed by Metropolitan Iakovos 03/10/13 Fr. Theofanis Papantonis – Office of Economos, bestowed by Archbishop Demetrios 03/10/13 Fr. Christodoulos Margellos – Office of Confessor, bestowed by Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos 03/17/12 Fr. Michael Lambakis – Office of Economos, bestowed by Metropolitan Isaiah 03/25/13 Medical Leave Fr. John J. Roll 01/18/13 Suspension Fr. Anatol Seigen 04/03/13

APRIL 2013

Archdiocese News

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Meeting on Human Traﬃcking u u from page 11 raising of public awareness to the problem, the appropriate education of the public, the sharing of information, the increasing support from the public, and the collaboration with federal agencies and organizations to combat human trafficking. President Obama met privately with the Council members in the West Wing, and thanked them for their dedication and input in the preparation of the report and its recommendations. Commenting on the work of the Council, Archbishop Demetrios said, “It has been a great honor indeed to be appointed by President Barack Obama to a Council of such importance, comprised of outstanding religious and civic leaders. The task has been awesome because we had to deal with the tragic condition of slavery in our own times, of human trafficking ruthlessly involving millions of innocent people. Now is the moment of decisive action to eliminate slavery from the face of

the earth. Once and for all!” Ms. Rogers, the current executive director, added, “I would like to thank the members of this Council for their service over the past several months. They have worked collaboratively and thoughtfully to arrive at consensus and have offered us some key recommendations on this important issue. “We are fortunate indeed to be able to draw on their insights and benefit from their good counsel. In particular, I would like to thank Council Chair Susie Stern for her leadership of this group. Now that the Administration has received the Advisory Council’s report, its job is to review these recommendations carefully and to respond. We look forward to doing so in the days ahead.” The final report was officially presented to Cecilia Muñoz, director of the Domestic Policy Council, for further use and incorporation in Administration policy. It is available at: www.whitehouse.gov/sites/ default/files/docs/advisory_council_humantrafficking_report.pdf.

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CTS# 2018063-20 Dimitrios Panagos photo

HCHC Seniors with Archbishop Demetrios, Bishop Andonios of Phasiane and Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, during their orientation visit to the Archdiocese in March. The seminarians received briefings and information about the operation of the Archdiocese departments and thenational ministries.

Obituaries Fr. Panteleimon Fatsis BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Fr. Panteleimon Fatsis, 96, a retired priest, died March 12. He had been retired since June 1, 1994, after serving as a priest for nearly 30 years in several parishes. He was born June 11, 1916, in Los Angeles but went to Greece with his parents in 1923. He completed grammar school in Almiros, Thessaly and high school in Volos then attended two colleges in Athens before returning to the United States in April 1956. He attended St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary in Crestwood, N.Y., earning an M.Div. degree. He married Callirhoe Bantala of Joannina, Greece, in 1963 and was ordained a deacon and a priest in April 1964.Fr. Fatsis served the parishes of St. Mary’s, Minot, N.D; Transfiguration, Florence, S.C; Holy Trinity, Wichita, Kansas; Annunciation, Easton, Pa; Holy Trinity, Binghamton, N.Y; Holy Trinity, Danielson, Conn.; and St. George, Southbridge, Mass. Funeral service took place March 15 at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Bethlehem.

Presbytera Anne Macris STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Presbytera Anne H. Macris, 75, widow of Fr. Spyridon Macris who died in 1989, passed away

Feb. 4 at Staten Island University Hospital. She was born and raised Anne Scoutelas in Corona, Queens, and moved to Staten Island in 1965, settling in the New Springville community. Mrs. Macris earned an associate degree from New York University, and for the past eight years was employed as a sales associate in the Fur Vault at Macy’s in New Springville.“She was kind, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and was fun to be with,” said her daughter, Diane Ricottone. “She was always on the move—nothing stopped her.” Her husband of 28 years, Fr. Macris, served for 30 years as a priest at Holy Trinity St. Nicholas Church in Staten Island. She served as the Sunday school director, as a member of the board of directors and Golden Years Seniors. She played an integral role in the continued success and growth of Staten Island’s annual Greek Festival and also was a member and treasurer of the local Philoptochos chapter. She chaired the Widows Committee for the Retired Clergy Association, and was a member of the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres. Survivors, in addition to her daughter, Diane, and grandchildren, include her sons, Gerald, Yanni, and Peter, and her sister, Irene Damascus. She was preceded in death in 1992 by a granddaughter, Elizabeth-Anne Ricottone. The funeral service was Feb. 8 at Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Church.

APRIL 2013

Wishing you a joyful Pascha Mary & Michael Jaharis

APRIL 2013

ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2013

ΕΤΟΣ 78 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1284

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ

Ἅγιον Πάσχα Ἑορτή Ἑορτῶν Νῦν πάντα πεπλήρωται φωτός, οὐρανός τε καὶ γῆ καὶ τὰ καταχθόνια· ἑορταζέτω γοῦν πᾶσα κτίσις τὴν ἔγερσιν Χριστοῦ, ἐν ᾗ ἐστερέωται. (Ὕμνος τοῦ Κανόνος τοῦ Πάσχα)

Πρός τούς Σεβασμιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Κοινοτικῶν Συμβουλίων, τά Ἡμερήσια καί Ἀπογευματινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυμον πλήρωμα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Στήν ἔνδοξη αὐτή Ἑορτή Ἑορτῶν, γεμάτη ἀπό λαμπρό φῶς καί ἀνείπωτη χαρά τήν ὁποία ἀνακαλύπτουμε στήν παρουσία τοῦ Ἀναστάντος Κυρίου μας, διακηρύσσω μαζί σας,

Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Καθώς συγκεντρωνόμεθα νά λατρεύσουμε καί νά εὐχαριστήσουμε τόν Θεό γιά τήν ἀπέραντη χάρη Του καί τήν ἐκδήλωση τῆς δυνάμεώς Του στήν κατανίκηση τοῦ θανάτου καί τήν ἀποκατάστασή μας στήν ζωή, ἐπιβεβαιώνουμε μέ ὕμνους καί λόγους τόν παγκόσμιο ἀντίκτυπο τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Μέ ὕμνους ἀπό τόν Κανόνα αὐτῆς τῆς Ἁγίας Ἑορτῆς τοῦ Πάσχα καί τίς ἀκολουθίες τῆς Πασχαλινῆς περιόδου, διακηρύσσουμε, Νῦν πάντα πεπλήρωται φωτός, διότι Χριστὸς, ὁ Σωτὴρ τοῦ κόσμου ἐπλήρωσε τὰ σύμπαντα εὐωδίας. Ὄντως, τά σύμπαντα πεφώτισται τῇ ἀναστάσει σου, Κύριε. Μέσα ἀπό τήν δύναμη τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Κυρίου μας καί τῆς ἀποκαλύψεώς Του ὡς Πηγῆς τῆς ἀληθινῆς καί αἰώνιας ζωῆς, ὅλη ἡ δημιουργία ἔχει γεμίσει μέ τήν παρουσία τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ. Τό φῶς τῆς Ἀναστάσεως πλημμυρίζει τά πάντα καί ἐξαφανίζει πλήρως τό σκοτάδι. Μέσα σ’ αὐτό τό φῶς, τίποτε δέν παραμένει κρυφό – οἱ συνέπειες τῆς ἁμαρτίας γίνονται φανερές καί ὁ θρίαμβος τοῦ Σταυροῦ ἀποκαλύπτεται παγκοσμίως. Σέ ὁλόκληρο τόν κόσμο προσφέρεται τό γλυκύ ἅρωμα τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου διά τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Ἰησοῦ. Εἶναι

uΣελίδα 16

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2013

Για την Κύπρο: Σύσκεψη Εκπροσώπων της Ομογένειας με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Πραγματοποιήθηκε την Τετάρτη 3 Απριλίου 2013 στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής και υπό την προεδρία του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής κ. Δημητρίου ειδική συνεδρίαση 36 εκπροσώπων των μειζόνων ομοσπονδιών, ιδρυμάτων και οργανώσεων της Ομογενείας με θέμα την στήριξη του Κυπριακού λαού εν όψει των προσφάτων μεγάλων δυσχερειών τις οποίες αντιμετωπίζει. Κατά την συνεδρίαση αυτή εξεφράσθη ο βαθύς πόνος για την δοκιμασία η οποία επεβλήθη επί του Κυπριακού λαού και ταυτοχρόνως η σταθερή απόφαση συμπαραστάσεως στον εντόνως δοκιμαζόμενο πληθυσμό της Μεγαλονήσου. Αποφασίστηκε δε η αποστολή βοήθειας σε διάφορες ομάδες του κυπριακού λαού που υποφέρουν καθώς και σε ιδρύματα που χρήζουν ανάγκη άμεσης βοηθείας. «ΟΜΟΛΟΓΑ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ» Παράλληλα, όπως ειπώθηκε, θα προωθηθεί η ιδέα για την έκδοση “”Ομολόγων Κύπρου”, ενώ θα πραγματοποιηθούν κινήσεις σε πολιτικό επίπεδο προκειμένου να ενημερωθεί η αμερικανική ηγεσία και η κοινή γνώμη για τη σημερινή κατάσταση στη νήσο, αλλά και για όλα τα θέματα ελληνικού ενδιαφέροντος. Ανάμεσα στις ιδέες που παρουσιάστηκαν, χωρίς σ’ αυτή τη φάση να ληφθούν συγκεκριμένες αποφάσεις, ήταν και η έκδοση “Ομολόγων Κύπρου”, όπως έγινε με το Ισραήλ. Η συζήτηση θα συνεχιστεί σε νέα σύσκεψη που έχει οριστεί μετά το Πάσχα και αφού μέχρι τότε θα υπάρχει συνεννόηση με τη Λευκωσία για αποστολή ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας, ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες που θα παρουσιάζονται στην Κύπρο. Παρά το ότι αναγνωρίζεται ποσοστό ευθύνης για την ανακύψασα κρίση προερχόμενο από διάφορους άλλους παράγοντες, εντούτοις οι εκπρόσωποι της Ομογενείας κατεδίκασαν τον τρόπο με τον οποίο διεθνείς οικονομικές

Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

δυνάμεις επέβαλαν δυσβάστακτα μέτρα τα οποία θέτουν σε άμεσο κίνδυνο επιβιώσεως εκατοντάδες χιλιάδων ανθρώπων στην Κύπρο. Κατά την διάρκεια της συνεδριάσεως στιγματίσθηκε η στάση αυτή και τονίσθηκε η ανάγκη αγώνος σε πολλαπλά επίπεδα για την αλλαγή ή την άρση των μέτρων αυτών και τη γενικότερη αντιμετώπιση των σχετικών προβλημάτων. Στη συνεδρίαση, η οποία διήρκεσε δυόμισι ώρες μετέσχε τηλεφωνικώς επί μιάμιση περίπου ώρα ο Υπουργός Εξωτερικών της Κύπρου κ. Γιάννης Κασουλίδης ο οποίος έκανε μια περιγραφή της καταστάσεως, παρουσίασε και εξήγησε τη σειρά μέτρων τα οποία λαμβάνει η Κυπριακή κυβέρνηση ενόψει της κρίσεως και απάντησε σε σειρά ερωτήσεων των εκπροσώπων της Ομογενείας. Ο Υπουργός ενημέρωσε αναλυτικά για τη σημερινή κατάσταση, για τις ανάγκες που έχουν δημιουργηθεί και για το Ταμείο Αλληλεγγύης, με σκοπό την ανόρθωση της κυπριακής οικονομίας,

Christ Has Risen. He Has Truly Risen.

Leon & Robyn Andris

όπως μετέδωσε το Αθηναϊκό Πρακτορείο. Από την όλη συζήτηση προέκυψε η ανάγκη συμπαραστάσεως με μέτρα τα οποία αναφέρονται είτε σε κάλυψη άμεσων ανθρωπιστικών αναγκών (τρόφιμα, φάρμακα, κτλπ), είτε σε καθαρά οικονομική ενίσχυση, η οποία μπορεί να περιλαμβάνει αναπτυξιακά προγράμματα στους τομείς τεχνολογίας, γεωργίας και επενδύσεων. Επιπλέον, ελέχθη ότι απαιτείται εξαιρετική προσοχή στην οποιαδήποτε εμπλοκή του εκκρεμούντος εθνικού θέματος της Κύπρου υπό τις παρούσες συνθήκες. Τονίσθηκε επίσης, ότι η όλη διαδικασία ανθρωπιστικής συμπαραστάσεως πρέπει να γίνει μέσω της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής και της διασυνδέσεώς της με την Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Κύπρου. Το έργο της ειδικής αυτής συσκέψεως θα συνεχισθεί με νέα συνάντηση η οποία θα γίνει μετά το Πάσχα. Σε δηλώσεις του στους δημοσιογράφους μετά τη σύσκεψη, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής

έκανε λόγο για κινήσεις ανθρωπιστικού, οικονομικού και πολιτικού επιπέδου ώστε να στηριχθεί η Κύπρος σ’ αυτή την σκληρή δοκιμασία. Μεταξύ άλλων, αναφέρθηκε και στη συνάντηση που θα έχει στο Λευκό Οίκο με τον πρόεδρο των ΗΠΑ, Μπαράκ Ομπάμα, στο περιθώριο της τελετής για τον εορτασμό της εθνικής επετείου της 25ης Μαρτίου, που φέτος έχει οριστεί για τις 18 Απριλίου. Όπως είπε, θα ενημερώσει τον Αμερικανό ηγέτη για τα προβλήματα της Ελλάδας και της Κύπρου. Επιπλέον, θα γίνουν αρκετές συναντήσεις με στελέχη της Βουλής και της Γερουσίας. Εκτός από το οικονομικό πρόβλημα θα συζητηθεί και το Κυπριακό, προωθώντας το αίτημα να μην υπάρξουν βιαστικές ενέργειες και πιέσεις για άμεση επανέναρξη της διαπραγματευτικής διαδικασίας λόγω της σημερινής κρίσης. Εν τω μεταξύ, και προς προώθηση της προσπάθειας συμπαραστάσεως, την Πέμπτη 4 Απριλίου, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος είχε μακρά τηλεφωνική επικοινωνία με τον Μακαριώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Κύπρου κ. Χρυσόστομο, τον οποίο ενημέρωσε περί της χθεσινής συσκέψεως και από τον οποίο έλαβε ουσιαστικές πληροφορίες σχετικά με το ανθρωπιστικό και γενικότερο έργο το οποίο διεξάγει η Εκκλησία της Κύπρου. Στις 27 Μαρτίου είχε προηγηθεί τηλεφωνική επικοινωνία του Σεβασμιωτάτου Δημητρίου με τον Πρόεδρο της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας κ. Νίκο Αναστασιάδηκατά την οποίαν του εξέφρασε την αμέριστη συμπαράσταση και αλληλεγγύη της Ομογένειας που επαγρυπνεί κατά την παρούσα δύσκολη κατάσταση που ταλανίζει την Κύπρο. Ο κ. Αναστασιάδης είπε ότι η Κύπρος θα δώσει την μάχη, θα επιβιώσει και θα ξεπεράσει την κρίση. Ευχαρίστησε θερμότατα τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο και την Ομογένεια για όλες τις εκφράσεις συμπαράστασης και τις προσπάθειες στήριξης της Κύπρου με κάθε τρόπο.

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ uΣελίδα 15 ἄρωμα ζωῆς. Εἶναι δροσερό καί νέο καί διαποτίζει τήν δημιουργία μέ ἐλπίδα. Εἶναι βάλσαμο τό ὁποῖο μετατρέπει τήν ἀπόγνωση σέ προσμονή, προσφέρει εἰρήνη ἐν μέσῳ μεγάλης ἀναταραχῆς καί τραγωδίας καί ὑπόσχεται ἀνανεωμένη δύναμη καί σωτηρία γιά τό παρόν καί γιά τήν αἰωνιότητα. Στό φῶς καί τό ἄρωμα τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὅλα τά πράγματα γεμίζουν μέ φῶς. Ἀποκαλύπτεται ἡ ἀλήθεια. Ὑποδεικνύεται ἡ ὁδός τῆς ζωῆς. Ἡ Ἀνάσταση καλεῖ ὅλους τούς ἀνθρώπους νά δοῦν τήν δύναμη τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐπί τοῦ θανάτου καί νά λάβουν ἐν πίστει τήν χάρη τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ὁ Κύριος ἐξεπλήρωσε τήν ὑπόσχεσή Του νά λυτρώσῃ τά δημιουργήματά Του. Ὅλοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι καλοῦνται νά ἀνοίξουν τά πνευματικά τους μάτια καί νά δοῦν τήν ἀπόλυτη δύναμη τοῦ Σταυροῦ καί τῆς Ἀναστάσεως. Τήν εὐλογημένη αὐτήν ἡμέρα μποροῦμε νά δοῦμε καί νά ἀναγνωρί-σουμε καθαρά τήν ἐπίδραση τῆς Ἀναστάσεως καί τῆς Ἑορτῆς τοῦ Ἁγίου Πάσχα στίς ζωές μας. Μέσα ἀπό τόν ἑορτασμό καί τήν πίστη μας στόν Ἀναστάντα Κύριο, γεμίζουμε ἀπό τό θεῖο φῶς Του καί βλέπουμε τήν ἀλήθεια σχετικά μέ τήν ἀνάγκη μας γιά λύτρωση καί σωτηρία. Τό γλυκύ ἄρωμα τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου μᾶς γεμίζει μέ ἐλπίδα καί προσφέρει ἴαση. Στόν ὁλοκληρωτικό καί τέλειο θρίαμβο τοῦ Κυρίου μας πραγματοποιοῦνται οἱ ὑποσχέσεις τοῦ Θεοῦ. Κάθε μέρος τοῦ εἶναι μας, κάθε πτυχή τῆς ζωῆς μας, κάθε σχέση, κάθε σκέψη καί λόγος συναντᾶ τόν Ἀναστάντα Κύριο. Καθώς ἑορτάζουμε χαρμόσυνα τήν Ἑορτή αὐτή, ἄς ἀγκαλιάσουμε τόν Ἀναστάντα Κύριο καί ἄς λουσθοῦμε στό φῶς τῆς Ἀναστάσεως. Εἴθε νά ἀντιληφθοῦμε ὅτι ἡ δύναμη τῆς Ἀναστάσεως ἔχει τεράστια ἐπίδραση στό σύμπαν, στόν κόσμο μας, καί στίς ζωές μας. Καί εἴθε νά λάβουμε τήν χάρη καί τήν ζωή πού μᾶς προσφέρει ὁ Χριστός ἔτσι ὥστε νά ὁδηγηθοῦμε μακριά ἀπό τήν ἁμαρτία καί τόν θάνατο καί νά εἰσέλθουμε στήν εὐλογημένη καί αἰώνια ζωή μέσα στήν ἔνδοξη παρουσία Του. Σέ σᾶς, στίς κοινότητές σας καί στίς οἰκογένειές σας εὔχομαι μία ὑπέροχη καί θαυμάσια Ἑορτή πλημμυρισμένη μέ τό φῶς καί τήν χαρά τοῦ Πάσχα.

Χριστός Ἀνέστη, προσφιλεῖς μου Χριστιανοί Μέ πατρική ἀγάπη ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἀναστάντι,

† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2013

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Archdeacon Panteleimon photo

Στο προεδρικό γνωμοδοτικό συμβούλιο ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος ΟΥΑΣΙΓΚΤΟΝ.– Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος συμμετείχε στη διημερίδα των συνεδριάσεων που διοργάνωσε το γνωμοδοτικό συμβούλιο για την Πίστη και τις Σχέσεις Καλής Συνεργασίας του Προέδρου Μπαράκ Ομπάμα, η οποία πραγματοποιήθηκε στις Απριλίου 9–10 Απριλίου στο κυβερνητικό μέγαρο Αϊζενχάουερ κοντά στο Λευκό Οίκο. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος είναι ένα από τα 15 μέλη που διορίζονται στο Συμβούλιο από τον Πρόεδρο Ομπάμα. Ο σκοπός ήταν να υποβάλει την τελική έκθεση των συστάσεων του Συμβουλίου στον Πρόεδρο των ΗΠΑ σχετικά με την οικοδόμηση των εταιρικών σχέσεων μεταξύ της κυβέρνησης και οργανώσεων για την Πίστη και τις Σχέσεις Καλής Συνεργασίας με σκοπό την εξάλειψη της δουλείας στην εποχή μας. Το γνωμοδοτικό συμβούλιο αποτελείται από ηγέτες διαφόρων θρησκειών και θρησκευτικών

υπόβαθρων μη κερδοσκοπικού χαρακτήρα και η αποστολή του Συμβουλίου ήταν να παράγουν, κατά τη διάρκεια αρκετών μηνών, μια έκθεση στην οποία καταγράφθηκαν όλα τα ζητήματα της σύγχρονης δουλείας στη χώρα και στο εξωτερικό, δηλαδή, την εκμετάλλευση των παιδιών, των γυναικών και των ανδρών για υποχρεωτική εργασία ή σεξουαλική εκμετάλλευση με τη χρήση βίας, απάτης ή εξαναγκασμού. Το Συμβούλιο εργάστηκε σε στενή συνεργασία με τον Joshua DuBois, ειδικό βοηθό του Προέδρου Ομπάμα και εκτελεστικό διευθυντή του του Γραφείου για την Πίστη και τις Σχέσεις Καλής Συνεργασίας, μαζί με την διάδοχό του Melissa Rogers. Η έκθεση αυτή περιέχει 10 συστάσεις, οι οποίες, σε συνεργασία με την κυβέρνηση, θα βοηθήσουν στην καταπολέμηση και τελικά εξάλειψη της δουλείας και θα φέρουν την επούλωση των πληγών και την αξιοπρέπεια στη

Κυριακή της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως στο Φανάρι ôïõ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΥ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑ

Kωνσταντινούπολη.– Η προσκύνηση του Τιμίου Σταυρού στη σταυρωμένη Μεγάλη Εκκλησία εορτάστηκε στο Φανάρι με παραδοσιακή τάξη και μεγαλοπρέπεια, παρουσία πλήθους πιστών. Μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης χειροθέτησε σε Άρχοντα του Πατριαρχείου τον επιχειρηματία Γεράσιμο Φωκά. Στη Θεία Λειτουργία χοροστάτησε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος ενώ συγχοροστάτησαν μαζί του οι Μητροπολίτες Γέρων Νικαίας Κωνσταντίνος, Πέργης Ευάγγελος, Θεοδωρουπόλεως Γερμανός, Πριγκηποννήσων Ιάκωβος, Φιλαδελφείας Μελίτων, Σεβαστείας Δημήτριος, Ελασσώνος Βασίλειος, Ικονίου Θεόληπτος, Καλλιουπόλεως και Μαδύτου Στέφανος και Κυδωνιών Αθηναγόρας ενώ συμπροσευχόμενος παρέστη ο Μητροπολίτης Περγάμου Ιωάννης. Η εκκλησιαστική τάξη του Πατριαρχείου προβλέπει για την ημέρα αυτή καθώς και για την εορτή της Υψώσεως του Τιμίου Σταυρού να λειτουργεί στο Φανάρι ο Αρχιγραμματέας της Αγίας και Ιεράς Συνόδου διακονούμενος από τον Υπογραμματέα. Έτσι σήμερα λειτούργησε στον Πατριαρχικό Ναό ο Αρχιμ. Βαρθολομαίος, Αρχιγραμματεύς της Αγίας και Ιεράς Συνόδου ενώ διακόνησε ο Υπογραμματέας Διάκονος Ιωακείμ. Μετά το πέρας της Δοξολογίας έγινε η τελετή της Σταυροπροσκύνησης μετά την οποία ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος διένειμε δεσμίδες από άνθη στους Αρχιερείς και στους Άρχοντες που προσήλθαν να προσκυνήσουν ενώ τους ευχήθηκε “Καλή Ανάσταση” αφού η εορτή αυτή θεσπίστηκε ώστε στο μέσο ακριβώς της Μεγάλης Σαρακοστής να προβάλλεται εν μέσω των πιστών ο Τίμιος Σταυρός, το σύμβολο του Πάθους αλλά και της νίκης επί του Θανάτου και του Διαβόλου ώστε να

λαμβάνουν δύναμη για τη συνέχιση του πνευματικού αγώνα αυτής της ιεράς περιόδου. Τον Θείο Λόγο κήρυξε, κατά τα επίσης προβλεπόμενα, ο Μ. Αρχιδιάκονος Μάξιμος ο οποίος ανέλυσε με τον διαπρεπή θεολογικό του λόγο τη σημασία και την έννοια του Σταυρού και τη συνάφειά του με το κορυφαίο για την ζωή του Χριστιανού γεγονός της Ανάστασης. Στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος απένειμε το οφφίκιο του Άρχοντος Ορφανοτρόφου στον Επιχειρηματία Γεράσιμο Φωκά. Στην ομιλία του ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης διερμήνευσε τη χαρά της Μητρός Εκκλησίας για την παρουσία και προσφορά και για την πιστότητα και αφοσίωση του νέου Άρχοντος προς τον Ιερόν Θεσμόν της Εκκλησίας καθώς και για το επιχειρηματικό και επαγγελματικό ήθος που επιδεικνύει. «Γνωρίζομεν, Εντιμολογιώτατε, την καλήν φήμην σας ως επιχειρηματίου, υπευθύνου, δικαίου και φιλανθρώπου», είπε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης ο οποίος δεν παρέλειψε να επισημάνει την ιστορική ευθύνη και τον σημαντικό ρόλο των κατά καιρούς Αρχόντων Οφφικιάλων στη ζωή του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου. Στην αντιφώνησή του ο Άρχων Ορφανοτρόφος Γεράσιμος Φωκάς ευχαρίστησε τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο για την τιμή που του επεφύλαξε. Στη Θεία Λειτουργία παρέστησαν ο Γενικός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στην Πόλη Πρέσβυς Νικόλαος Ματθιουδάκης, ο Ηγούμενος της Μονής Αγίας Τριάδος Σπαρμού Ολύμπου Αρχιμ. Νικάνωρ, ο Πρόεδρος της Αδελφότητος των Αρχόντων Οδυσσέας Σασαγιάννης και άλλοι Άρχοντες, η σύζυγος του νέου Άρχοντος Ελένη καθώς και συγγενείς και φίλοι του νέου Άρχοντος καθώς και πλήθος προσκυνητών από την Πόλη, την Ελλάδα και άλλες χώρες του Εξωτερικού.

ζωή εκείνων που έχουν πέσει θύματα από αυτήν. Μεταξύ των συστάσεων είναι η αύξηση της ευαισθητοποίησης στο συγκεκριμένο πρόβλημα, η κατάλληλη εκπαίδευση του κοινού, η ανταλλαγή πληροφοριών, η αυξανόμενη υποστήριξη από το κοινό, καθώς και η συνεργασία με τις ομοσπονδιακές υπηρεσίες και οργανώσεις για την καταπολέμηση της δουλείας και εμπορίας ανθρώπων. Ο Πρόεδρος Ομπάμα συναντήθηκε ιδιωτικά με τα μέλη του Συμβουλίου στη δυτική πτέρυγα του Λευκού Οίκου και τους ευχαρίστησε για την αφοσίωσή τους και τις ιδέες και σκέψεις τους στην προετοιμασία της έκθεσης, αλλά και των συστάσεών τους. Σχολιάζοντας το έργο του Συμβουλίου, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος τόνισε πως «ήταν πραγματικά μεγάλη τιμή να διορισθώ από τον πρόεδρο Μπαράκ Ομπάμα σε ένα Συμβούλιο τόσο μεγάλης σπουδαιότητας το οποίο απο-

Χριστός ᾽Ανέστη! ᾽Αληθῶς ᾽Ανέστη Christ has Risen! Truly He has Risen Χρόνια Πολλά! Peter J. & Cathy Pappas

τελείται από εξαιρετικούς θρησκευτικούς και πολιτικούς ηγέτες. Το έργο ήταν μεγαλειώδες γιατί έπρεπε να ασχοληθούμε με την τραγική κατάσταση της δουλείας στην εποχή μας, της ανηλεούς δουλείας εκατομμυρίων αθώων ανθρώπων. Τώρα είναι η στιγμή της αποφασιστικής δράσης για την εξάλειψη της δουλείας από το πρόσωπο της γης. Μιά για πάντα!”. Η κ. Rogers, τρέχουσα εκτελεστική διευθύντρια, πρόσθεσε, «θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τα μέλη αυτού του Συμβουλίου για την υπηρεσία τους κατά τη διάρκεια των προηγούμενων μηνών. Εργάστηκαν συλλογικά και με περίσκεψη προκειμένου να καταλήξουν σε συναίνεση και μας προσέφεραν μερικές βασικές συστάσεις στο σημαντικό αυτό ζήτημα. “Είμαστε τυχεροί πράγματι να είμαστε σε θέση να αντλήσουμε από τις ιδέες τους και να επωφεληθούμε από την καλή συμβουλή τους».

Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης:

“Δεν παύουμε να αγωνιζόμαστε και να προσπαθούμε για ένα καλύτερο αύριο”

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΓΕΓΟΝΟΤΑ & ΝΕΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΚΟΣΜΟ

του Νικολάου Μαγγίνα

Κωνσταντινούπολη.– Για το ένδοξο ιστορικό παρελθόν αλλά και για το ευοίωνο μέλλον της Ρωμηοσύνης στην Πόλη μίλησε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος από τον Ιερό Ναό των Αγίων Θεοδώρων της Βλάγκας όπου χοροστάτησε την Β’ Κυριακή των Νηστειών. Λίγες ημέρες μετά την πανήγυρη του Ναού ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος επέλεξε να βρεθεί και να συμπροσευχηθεί με τους χριστιανούς που διαμένουν στα όρια της Κοινότητας της Βλάγκας στο πλαίσιο ποιμαντικού του ενδιαφέροντος. Στη Θεία Λειτουργία παρέστησαν o Συντονιστής Εκπαίδευσης στο Γενικό Προξενείο της Ελλάδος στην Πόλη Σταύρος Γιολτζόγλου, η Γερόντισσα Ιακώβη, Ηγουμένη της Μονής Τιμίου Προδρόμου Ακριτοχωρίου μαζί με δύο αδελφές από τη Μονή, ο Πρόεδρος της Επιτροπής Προγράμματος της ΕΡΤ και Συντονιστής Ειδήσεων και Ενημέρωσης της Ελληνικής Ραδιοφωνίας, Δημοσιογράφος Γιώργος Αντωνίου, όμιλοι μαθητών και φοιτητών από το Α.Π.Θ και πιστοί από την Πόλη και την Ελλάδα. Μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία ακολούθησε δεξίωση στην Κοινοτική αίθουσα κατά την οποία τον Πατριάρχη προσφώνησε καλωσορίζοντάς τον ο Μητροπολίτης Μύρων Χρυσόστομος, Αρχιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος της Περιφερείας Υψωμαθείων, ενώ στη συνέχεια τον λόγο έλαβε η δυναμική Πρόεδρος της Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητος της Κοινότητας Βλάγκας Έρση Αμπατζή, ενώ μίλησε και η Εκπαιδευτικός Δέσποινα Βασιλειάδου η οποία υπηρετεί στο Ομογενειακό Σχολείο της Κοινότητας και η οποία αγωνίζεται με μεράκι και θέληση μαζί με τους συναδέλφους της ώστε να μεταδώσει την παιδεία και τις γνώσεις στους νεαρούς μαθητές της Ομογένειας. Η Εκπαιδευτικός τόνισε στο λόγο της πως φέτος συμπληρώνονται 250 χρόνια από την ίδρυση του Σχολείου το οποίο ιδρύθηκε στα 1763. Με την ευκαιρία αυτή ακολούθησε εκδήλωση με τραγούδια, σκετς και χορούς από τους μαθητές προς τιμήν του Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου. Μιλώντας στο τέλος της εκδήλωσης ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης αναφέρθηκε στα δύο θαύματα που περιγράφηκαν αντίστοιχα από το Εωθινό και από το Ευαγγέλιο της Θείας Λειτουργίας. Το πρώτο αναφέρεται στην τρίτη μετά την Ανάσταση εμφάνιση του Ιησού προς τους μαθητές του όταν εκείνοι επέστρεψαν στην προγενέστερη ασχολία του, στην αλιεία, οπότε και ύστερα από την υπόδειξη του Κυρίου έπιασαν 153 μεγάλα ψάρια ενώ μέχρις εκείνης της ώρας δεν είχαν καταφέρει να αλιεύσουν τίποτε. Το δεύτερο θαύμα είναι αυτό της θεραπείας από τον Ιησού Χριστό του Παραλυτικού της Καπερναούμ. Ο Πατριάρχης στάθηκε και σε αυτά που προανέφερε η Πρόεδρος της Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητος σχετικά με το παρελθόν, το παρόν και το μέλλον της Ομογένειας στην Πόλη και σημείωσε στο λόγο του πως διαθέτει η Ρωμηοσύνη σπουδαίο και ένδοξο παρελθόν στην πόλη αυτή και έστω και αν σήμερα είμαστε λιγότεροι οι Ρωμηοί στην Κωνσταντινούπολη λόγω των συνθηκών και των συγκυριών εν τούτοις δεν παύουμε να αγωνιζόμαστε και να προσπαθούμε για ένα καλύτερο αύριο μαζί με τα παιδιά αυτά καθώς και των άλλων Σχολείων του Γένους που αποτελούν το μέλλον και την ελπίδα μας, καταλήγοντας επ’ αυτού ότι το μέλλον είναι δικό μας. Συνεχάρη τον Επόπτη της Αρχιερατικής Περιφερείας Υψωμαθείων Μητροπολίτη Μύρων Χρυσόστομο για τη στοργή και το ενδιαφέρον με τα οποία φροντίζει για τα ζητήματα των κοινοτήτων της ευθύνης του καθώς και τη Φιλόπτωχο Αδελφότητα της Κοινότητος και τις εκπαιδευτικούς του Σχολείου.

CNS Photo/L’Osservatore Romano

Ιστορική η παρουσία του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου στην ενθρόνιση του Πάπα Ὡς προανηγγέλθη, ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης ὁ Οἰκουμενικός Πατριάρχης μετέβη τήν Δευτέραν, 18ην τ.μ. Μαρτίου, εἰς Ρώμην διά νά παραστῇ εἰς τήν ἐνθρόνισιν τῆς Α. Ἁγιότητος τοῦ νέου Πάπα Φραγκίσκου. Εἰς τό ἀεροδρόμιον ὑπηντήθη ὑπό τοῦ Σεβ. Μητροπολίτου Ἰταλίας καί Μελίτης κ. Γενναδίου, κληρικῶν αὐτοῦ καί ἀξιωματούχων τοῦ Ποντιφηκοῦ Συμβουλίου ἐπί τῆς προωθήσεως τῆς Ἑνότητος τῶν Χριστιανῶν, κατέλυσε δέ εἰς τόν ἐν τῷ Βατικανῷ «Οἷκον τῆς Ἁγίας Μάρθας», ὅπου προσωρινῶς διαμένει καί ὁ Πάπας. Ἡ πρώτη συνάντησις τῶν δύο ἀνδρῶν ἐγένετο αὐθημερόν τό ἑσπέρας πρό τοῦ δείπνου, εἰς τό ὁποῖον ἀμφότεροι παρεκάθησαν, καί ὁ Πατριάρχης τῇ παρακλήσει τοῦ Πάπα ηὐλόγησε τήν τράπεζαν. Κατά τήν διάρκειαν τοῦ δείπνου οἱ δύο Προκαθήμενοι εἶχον ἐγκάρδιον συνομιλίαν. Τήν πρωΐαν τῆς ἑπομένης, ὁ Πατριάρχης παρηκολούθησεν ἐν τῇ πλατείᾳ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πέτρου, ἀπό διακεκριμένης τιμητικῆς θέσεως, τήν ἐπίσημον λειτουργίαν, τελεσθεῖσαν ὑπό τοῦ Πάπα μετά πολλῶν Καρδιναλίων, ἐπί τῇ ἀναλήψει τῶν νέων καθηκόντων αὐτοῦ, παρουσίᾳ πολυπληθῶν ἀντιπροσωπειῶν Ἐκκλησιῶν, Θρησκευμάτων, κρατῶν καί κυβερνήσεων. Εἰς τήν κατάλληλον στιγμήν τῆς θείας λειτουργίας ὁ Πάπας καί ὁ Πατριάρχης ἀντήλλαξαν τόν ἐν Χριστῷ ἀδελφικόν ἀσπασμόν. Τήν μεσημβρίαν παρετέθη ἑόρτιος τράπεζα ἐν τῷ καταλύματι καθ’ ἥν ὁ Πατριάρχης ἤγειρε πρόποσιν ὑπέρ τῆς ὑγείας καί τῆς ἐπιτυχίας τῆς Α. Ἁγιότητος ἐν τῷ ὑψηλῷ λειτουργήματι αὐτῆς. Τήν πρωΐαν τῆς Τετάρτης ὁ Πάπας ἐδέχθη κατ’ ἰδίαν τόν Οἰκουμενικόν Πατριάρχην, μεθ’οὗ ἔσχεν ἡμίωρον συνομιλίαν ἐν ἀδελφικῷ κλίματι, ἐκφρασθείσης ἑκατέρωθεν τῆς ἐπιθυμίας καί τῆς προθέσεως περαιτέρω προωθήσεως τῶν σχέσεων μεταξύ τῶν δύο Ἐκκλησιῶν, ὡς καί συνεργασίας ὑπέρ τῆς προστασίας τοῦ φυσικοῦ περιβάλλοντος. Κατά τήν ἐπικοινωνίαν ταύτην ὁ Πατριάρχης ἀφ’ ἑνός μέν προσεκάλεσε τήν Α. Ἁγιότητα νά ἐπισκεφθῇ τό Οἰκουμενικόν Πατριαρχεῖον, ὡς ἔπραξαν καί οἱ τρεῖς προκάτοχοι αὐτῆς, ἀφ’ ἑτέρου δέ προέτεινεν ὅπως πραγματοποιήσουν κοινόν προσκύνημα εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἐπ’ εὐκαιρίᾳ τῆς πεντηκοστῆς ἐπετείου τῆς ἱστορικῆς ἐν αὐτοῖς συναντήσεως τῶν προκατόχων αὐτῶν Παύλου Στ’

καί Ἀθηναγόρου. Ἡ Α. Ἁγιότης ἀσμένως ἀπεδέχθη ἀμφοτέρας τάς προτάσεις ταύτας. Ἀκολούθως ὁ νέος Πάπας ἐδέχθη ὁμοθυμαδόν τούς ἐκπροσώπους τῶν διαφόρων Ὀρθοδόξων Ἐκκλησιῶν, τῶν λοιπῶν Χριστιανικῶν δογμάτων καί διεκκλησιαστικῶν Ὀργανισμῶν καί ἄλλων θρησκειῶν, ἐλθόντας εἰς Ρώμην διά τήν ἐνθρόνισιν αὐτοῦ, ἐκ μέρους δέ ὅλων τόν προσεφώνησεν ὁ Οἰκουμενικός Πατριάρχης κ. Βαρθολομαῖος, τόν ὁποῖον καί ηὐχαρίστησεν ὁ Πάπας Φραγκίσκος ὡς «ἀδελφόν Ἀνδρέαν». Τό ἑσπέρας ὁ Πατριάρχης ἐπέστρεψεν εἰς τήν ἕδραν Αὐτοῦ διά τοῦ ἀεροσκάφους τοῦ Ἐντιμολ. Ἄρχοντος Μ. Λογοθέτου κ. Θεοδώρου Ἀγγελοπούλου, ὅστις καί Τόν συνώδευσε μέχρι τοῦ ἀεροδρομίου τῆς Πόλεως.

ΠΡΟΣΦΩΝΗΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΥ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΟΥ κ. ΒΑΡΘΟΛΟΜΑΙΟΥ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΟΝ ΠΑΠΑ ΦΡΑΓΚΙΣΚΟ ΤΗΣ ΡΩΜΗΣ Ἁγιώτατε, Συγχαίρομεν ὁλοκαρδίως τήν Ὑμετέραν πεφιλημένην Ἁγιότητα, ἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου τῶν δυνάμεων, διά τήν θεοπρόβλητον ἐκλογήν καί ἐπαξίαν ἀνάληψιν τῶν νέων ὑψηλῶν καθηκόντων Σας ὡς Πρωθιεράρχου τῆς προκαθημένης τῆς ἀγάπης σεβασμίας Ἐκκλησίας τῆς Πρεσβυτέρας Ρώμης. Διαδέχεσθε εἰς τόν Θρόνον τοῦτον τόν ἄρτι ἀνδρειοφρόνως παραιτηθέντα διά λόγους ὑγείας καί κοπώσεως προκάτοχόν Σας Βενέδικτον τόν ΙϚ΄ (16ο), τόν πρᾷον καί τῇ θεολογίᾳ καί τῇ ἀγάπῃ διακριθέντα. Τό ἔργον καί ἡ εὐθύνη ἡ ὁποία Σᾶς ἀναμένει εἶναι τεραστία ἐνώπιον Θεοῦ καί ἀνθρώπων. Ἡ ἑνότης τῶν Χριστιανικῶν Ἐκκλησιῶν τυγχάνει τό πρώτιστον μέλημα ἡμῶν καί εἶναι ἀσφαλῶς μία ἐκ τῶν βασικῶν προϋποθέσεων διά τήν ἐνώπιον τῶν ὀμμάτων τῶν ἐγγύς καί τῶν μακράν ἀξιοπιστίαν τῆς χριστιανικῆς μαρτυρίας μας. Πρός ἐπίτευξιν αὐτῆς χρειάζεται νά συνεχισθῇ ὁ ἀρξάμενος θεολογικός διάλογος, διά νά κατανοηθῇ ἀπό κοινοῦ καί προσεγγισθῇ ἡ ἀλήθεια τῆς πίστεως καί ἡ ἐμπειρία τῶν Ἁγίων καί ἡ κοινή, δι’ Ἀνατολήν καί Δύσιν, παράδοσις τῆς πρώτης χριστιανικῆς χιλιετίας. Διάλογος ἐν ἀγάπῃ καί ἀληθείᾳ, ἐν

ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2013

πνεύματι ταπεινώσεως καί πρᾳότητος, διά τῶν ὅπλων τῆς ἀληθείας. Ἡ παγκόσμιος οἰκονομική κρίσις, ἐξ ἄλλου, ἀπαιτεῖ ἐπιτακτικῶς τήν ὀργάνωσιν ἀνθρωπιστικῆς δράσεως, διά τήν ὁποίαν ἔχετε μεγάλην ἐμπειρίαν ἐκ τῆς μακρᾶς καί εὐδοκίμου διακονίας Σας ὡς Καλοῦ Σαμαρείτου ἐν Λατινικῇ Ἀμερικῇ, ὅπου ἐδοκιμάσατε ὡς ποιμήν τήν πικρίαν τῆς ἀνθρωπίνης ταλαιπωρίας καί δυστυχίας, ὅσον ὀλίγοι ἀσφαλῶς. Πρέπει νά παρακινηθοῦν οἱ ἔχοντες νά προσφέρουν εἰς τούς μή ἔχοντας οἰκειοθελῶς καί μετά ἱλαρότητος. Κατ᾿ αὐτόν τόν τρόπον θά ἐξασφαλισθῇ διά τῆς δικαιοσύνης ἡ εἰρήνη, ἡ ὁποία εἶναι τό πανανθρώπινον αἴτημα καί ἡ προσμονή πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν καί τῶν λαῶν. Ὀφείλομεν νά τρέφωμεν τούς πεινῶντας, νά ἐνδύωμεν τούς γυμνούς, νά περιποιώμεθα τούς ἀσθενεῖς καί ἐν γένει νά μεριμνῶμεν διά τούς ὄντας ἐν ἀνάγκαις, διά νά ἀκούσωμεν παρά τοῦ Κυρίου τό “δεῦτε οἱ εὐλογημένοι τοῦ Πατρός μου, κληρονομήσατε τήν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν” (Ματθ. κε΄ 34). Ἡ ὑπό τῆς Ὑμετέρας πεφιλημένης καί τετιμημένης Ἁγιότητος ἐπιλογή τῆς ἁπλότητος κατέστησε καί καθιστᾷ ἐμφανές το κριτήριόν Σας διά τό οὐσιῶδες. Τοῦτο πληροῖ τάς καρδίας ὅλων, τῶν ὅπου γῆς πιστῶν σας καί ἐν γένει τῶν συνανθρώπων, ἐλπίδος∙ ἐλπίδος ὅτι τό κριτήριόν Σας τοῦτο θά χρησιμοποιηθῇ εὐρύτερον, οὕτως ὥστε ἡ κρίσις καί τό ἔλεος, τά βαρύτερα τοῦ νόμου, νά ἔχουν διά τήν Ἐκκλησίαν τήν προέχουσαν σημασίαν. Κατά τήν διάρκειαν τοῦ δισχιλιετοῦς βίου τῆς Ἐκκλησίας τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἀλήθειαί τινες τοῦ Ἱεροῦ Εὐαγγελίου παρενοήθησαν ὑπό ἐνίων χριστιανικῶν ὁμάδων, ὥστε σήμερον εἰς τά εὐρέα στρώματα τῶν χριστιανικῶν λαῶν νά ἐπικρατοῦν, ὡς μή ἔδει, ἐκκοσμικευμέναι ἀντιλήψεις. Πολυεύθυνον καί ἐπιτακτικόν τό καθῆκον καί τό χρέος ὅλων μας νά ὑπενθυμίσωμεν πρός ἑαυτούς καί ἀλλήλους καί πρός πάντας, ὅτι ὁ Θεός κατῆλθεν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ εἰς τήν γῆν, γενόμενος ἄνθρωπος, ὁ Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, ἵνα τό πολίτευμα ἡμῶν βιωθῇ ὡς ἐν οὐρανοῖς ὑπάρχον. Ἀληθῶς, “Θεός Κύριος καί ἐπέφανεν ἡμῖν” ἀπ᾿ ἀρχῆς δημιουργός τοῦ παντός, διέπων τά πάντα, ἄχρι θανάτου κατελθών, θανάτου δέ Σταυροῦ, ἵνα διά τῆς Ἀναστάσεώς Του καταδείξῃ ὅτι “εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν Ὀνόματι Κυρίου”, καί μόνον ἐν ὀνόματι Αὐτοῦ, εἰς διακονίαν τοῦ πληρώματος, ἵνα πάντες ἕν ὦμεν, τά δέ πάντα καί ἐν πᾶσι Χριστός. Ἡ γῆ εἶναι ὁ χῶρος τῆς ἀσκήσεώς μας, τῆς πραγματοποιήσεως τῆς ἐνσωματώσεώς μας εἰς τόν Χριστόν∙ καί τῆς δι΄ Αὐτοῦ μεταβάσεώς μας εἰς τήν αἰώνιον ζωήν. Ἡ Ἐκκλησία εὐλογεῖ τήν ἐπίγειον ζωήν, ἀλλά δέν τερματίζει τήν ἀποστολήν της εἰς αὐτήν. Τό γνωρίζομεν καί τό ὁμολογοῦμεν, διά τοῦτο καί πορευόμεθα οἱ ποιμένες καί οἱ πιστοί τήν ὁδόν τῆς ἀληθείας διά τῶν ἐπιγείων κατεργαζόμενοι τά ἐπουράνια. Εἴμεθα βέβαιοι προσωπικῶς καί ὡς Οἰκουμενικόν Πατριαρχεῖον καί ὡς ὅπου γῆς Ὀρθόδοξος τοῦ Χριστοῦ Ἐκκλησία ὅτι ἡ Ὑμετέρα σεβασμία καί πολυφίλητος ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἁγιότης, ἡ ἐπ᾿ αἰσίοις τοῖς οἰωνοῖς καταρχομένη τοῦ ἱστορικοῦ δολίχου Αὐτῆς ὡς Ἐπισκόπου Ρώμης, θά ἐπιδείξῃ ἰδιαίτερον ἐνδιαφέρον, ἐν συνεργασίᾳ μετά πάντων τῶν δυναμένων καί βουλομένων, διά τήν διόρθωσιν τῶν ἐκκοσμικευμένων τάσεων ὥστε νά ἐπανέλθῃ ὁ ἄνθρωπος εἰς τό “ἀρχαῖον κάλλος” τῆς ἀγάπης. Εὐχόμεθα ὁλοθύμως, μετά πάντων τῶν ὅπου γῆς χριστιανῶν πιστῶν, καί μεθ᾿ ἡμῶν συνεύχεται ἅπασα ἡ ἀνθρωπότης, ὅπως ἡ Ἁγιότης Σας ἐπιτύχῃ εἰς τό ὑψηλόν, πολυεύθυνον καί δυσχερές ἔργον Αὐτῆς. Εὐλογητός καί δεδοξασμένος ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός. Δόξα τῷ Θεῷ τῷ ἀναδεικύοντι ἐν ἑκάστῃ χρονικῇ περιόδῳ τούς ἀξίους ἵνα ἀξίως τῆς κλήσεως πορευθοῦν καί ὁδηγήσουν τήν ἀνθρωπότητα, εἰς δόξαν τοῦ Πατρός καί τοῦ Υἱοῦ καί τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος. Ἀμήν.

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2013

Απεβίωσε ο Αντριου Α. Αθενς ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Την τελετή της εξοδίου ακολουθίας του Andrew A. Athens ο οποίος απεβίωσε σε ηλικία 91 ετών στο Σικάγο τέλεσε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος. στις 19 Μαρτίου. Ο Άντριου Α. Άθενς (Ανδρέας Αθανασούλας), υπήρξε Άρχων Μαΐστρος του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, επί σειρά πολλών ετών πρόεδρος του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου, πρώτος παγκόσμιος πρόεδρος του Συμβουλίου Αποδήμου Ελληνισμού (ΣΑΕ), ιδρυτής του Ελληνοαμερικανικού Κογκρέσου (UHAC), της φιλανθρωπικής οργάνωσης hellenicare, συνιδρυτής της Διεθνούς Φιλανθρωπικής Οργάνωσης Ορθοδόξου Χριστιανικής Φιλανθρωπίας (IOCC), του ταμείου Leadership 100, του Ελληνοαμερικανικού Εμπορικού Επιμελητηρίου και πολλών άλλων κοινωφελών και φιλανθρωπικών οργανισμών. Επί τη θλιβερά αγγελία του θανάτου του, ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος επικοινώνησε αμέσως με την οικογένεια του μεταστάντος και εξέφρασε τα ολόψυχα συλλυπητήρια του ενώ στη συνέχεια δήλωσε: «Εκ μέρους της Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συ-

νόδου του κλήρου και του πιστού λαού της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής εκφράζω τα ολόψυχα συλλυπητήρια μου στην οικογένεια και τους οικείους του Άντριου Άθενς. Ο μεταστάς υπήρξε ακούραστος εργάτης της Ορθοδοξίας και του Ελληνισμού για πολλές δεκαετίες, ως Άρχων του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, ως πρόεδρος του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου, ως παγκόσμιος πρόεδρος του Συμβουλίου Αποδήμου Ελληνισμού, και ως ιδρυτής, υποστηρικτής και μέλος πλειάδος φιλανθρωπικών οργανισμών και ιδρυμάτων. Ο Άντριου Άθενς υπήρξε γίγας προσφοράς προς το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο, προς την Ομογένεια, προς την Ελλάδα, την Κύπρο και γενικά προς τον Ελληνισμό. Η εκδημία του δημιουργεί ένα δυσαναπλήρωτο κενό. Η διαχρονική και ανιδιοτελής προσφορά του προς την Ορθοδοξία και τον Ελληνισμό αποτελεί παράδειγμα προς μίμηση. Εύχομαι ο Θεός να αναπαύει την ωραία και μεγάλη Ορθόδοξη και Ελληνική ψυχή του, και να διατηρεί την μνήμη του αιωνία».

Αποχαιρετιστήριο γράμμα της Χίλαρυ Κλίντον πρός τον Οικουμενικόν Πατριάρχην Βαρθολομαίον Ἡ Ἐξοχωτάτη κ. Hillary Clinton ἐπί τῇ ἀποχωρήσει αὐτῆς ἐκ τοῦ Ὑπουργείου Ἐξωτερικῶν τῶν Η.Π.Α. ἀπηύθυνε πρός τήν Α. Θ. Παναγιότητα τόν Οἰκουμενικόν Πατριάρχην κ.κ Βαρθολομαῖον τό κάτωθι γράμμα παρατιθέμενον ἐν ἑλληνικῇ μεταφράσει ἐκ τοῦ ἀγγλικοῦ πρωτογράφου: «Ἡ Ὑπουργός Ἐξωτερικῶν Οὐάσιγκτων 30 Ἰανουαρίου 2013 Παναγιώτατον Βαρθολομαῖον Α’ Οἰκουμενικόν Πατριάρχην Κωνσταντινουπόλεως Ἰσταμπούλ Παναγιώτατε, Ὑπῆρξε τιμή δι᾽ ἐμέ νά ἐργασθῶ μαζί σας κατά τήν θητείαν μου ὡς Ὑπουργοῦ Ἐξωτερικῶν. Ὁμοῦ, ἐπράξαμε πολλά διά νά προωθήσωμεν τήν διαθρησκειακήν καί δια‒εθνικήν κατανόησιν καί νά προβάλωμεν

τά θέματα θρησκευτικῆς ἐλευθερίας ἐν Τουρκίᾳ καί πέραν αὐτῆς. Ἀποτελεῖτε ἔμπνευσιν διά πολλούς μέ τάς συμβολάς σας εἰς τήν πλουσίαν παράδοσιν θρησκευτικῆς ποικιλίας ἐν Τουρκίᾳ. Προσβλέπω πρός τήν ἡμέραν καθ᾽ ἥν ἡ Σχολή τῆς Χάλκης θά ἀνοίξῃ καί πάλιν τάς πύλας της ὡς ἕν λαμπρόν σύμβολον θρησκευτικῆς ἐλευθερίας. Καθώς ἑτοιμάζομαι νά ἀποχωρήσω τῆς ὑπηρεσίας μου, παρακαλῶ νά γνωρίζετε ὅτι ἔχετε τάς καλυτέρας τῶν εὐχῶν μου διά μεγάλην ἐπιτυχίαν καί εὐτυχίαν εἰς ὅλας τάς μελλοντικάς δράσεις σας καί διά τήν συνεχῆ εὐστάθειαν τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου. Μετά θερμῶν προσρήσεων, διατελῶ Εἰλικρινῶς ὑμετέρα ὑπογραφή: Hillary Rodham Clinton» .

PAIDEIA’s progress and the building task we face today We are contacting you on behalf of the educational organization “ Paideia” which promotes the Hellenic Language and Culture in American high schools and universities in a number of states across the country by establishing and promoting Hellenic Studies(Ancient, Byzantine, Modern), study abroad programs in Greece (www.hellenicstudiespaideia.org), scholarship grants that amount to over $2 million since the year 2000, internships, recreational camping trips for children, and building projects. For more information on our various programs refer to our website www.paideiausa. org or by phone at 860.429.8518. Today, we are reaching out to all Greek Americans because there is an urgent need of your support for the completion of the Center for Hellenic Studies “Paideia” at the University of Rhode Island which is still under construction. The Center will house an Educational Building named “Rodos” complete with classrooms, offices, a student lounge, a small library and a Greek Orthodox Chapel in honor of Agios Loukas. Adjacent to the educational building is an authentic open air Greek Theater with a seating capacity of 800 people. Already we have made a great progress with the construction of the Educational building with the chapel and the theater. We have already on the ground completed work of about $2 million. Today we are under great pressure from the University to finish it within a year. Without your help any efforts made so far by the Greek American community for such a great Academic and Cultural project in this University will be in great difficulty. For more information visit www.paideiausa.org and view Support. Any contributions should be mailed to our main office at 28 Dog Lane Storrs, CT 06268. We thank you for your time and consideration. Paideia is an Educational 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization established in 1977 in Connecticut. HELLENIC SOCIETY PAIDEIA INC. Address: PO BOX 818, STORRS, CT 06268 Phone (860) 429-8518 Paid by HELLENIC SOCIETY PAIDEIA

www.paideiausa.org

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΦΕΒΡOYAΡΙΟΣ – ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ APRIL 2013

APRIL 2013

Metropolis News

PA N- ORT HODOX N E WS

Fire Heavily Damages St. Basil Church in Chicago CHICAGO – St. Basil Church on the city’s West Side suffered severe damage from a fire on March 18. The fire, of undetermined cause, broke out about noon on Clean Monday on the north side of the solea and spread

to the balcony, the Metropolis of Chicago announced in a press release. The Chicago Fire Department quickly responded, extinguished the fire, and the building was not lost. Nevertheless, the damage from smoke and water is considerable, and will require

major restoration work. The altar vessels were unharmed, but many wall icons, the pulpit and two stained-glass windows were destroyed. There also is extensive smoke and water damage throughout the building. Chicago Fire Deputy District Chief Steve Chikerotis told the Chicago Tribune that the blaze is not suspicious and it originated around the base of the altar. The parish has also put up a donation page on their website (www.stbasilchicago. org) where donations can be made to support the church’s restoration. On the first Sunday following the devastating fire at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, an overflowing crowd of parishioners gathered, down the street, at the Medical District Marriott (Ashland and Harrison), as Fr. Panteleimon Dalianis celebrated Divine Liturgy in the grand ballroom.

Following the service, Fr. Dalianis and Parish Council President, Tony Frankos, shared with the congregation the ongoing plans to rebuild and renovate the historic house of worship. Parishioners then processed down the block, to St. Basil, where they were able to view the damage to the Solea, walls, and ceiling of the church, as well as the cleaning that had taken place up to that point. “Needless to say, in this fire, God has given us a big mountain to climb as a parish,” noted Fr. Dalianis. “But St. Paul tells us to not weep as those who have no hope, and so, during this year’s Great Lent, we look not just to the resurrection of our Lord, but of our parish as well. May God strengthen us.” Sunday Divine Liturgy will continue to be held at the Marriott through April 7, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. For donations and for more information, go to www.stbasilchicago.org or contact the church office at 312.243.3738.

Fr. Dalianis leads his parishioners in a procession at a local hotel for the Liturgy.

Hartford Parishioner Creates Education Fund HARTFORD, Conn. – A longtime leader at St. George Cathedral has established a $100,000 endowed fund to support Orthodox education in the parish. Dr. James C. Rouman, a retired anesthesiologist, created the fund to support scholarships, adult religious education at the Cathedral and a prize for parish winners of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. “I would like to help enhance the religious lives of our parishioners in the quest for knowledge and growth in the faith,” he told the congregation after the Divine Liturgy on a recent Sunday. For many years Dr. Rouman has supported and organized the cathedral’s adult education lecture series, which brings distinguished Orthodox scholars to the parish to speak, and served as a tutor to cathedral competitors in the Archdiocesan youth oratorical festival. In the last four years, three Hartford

Groundbreaking event

Faye Spanos, assisted by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, breaks ground for the Alex and Faye Spanos Faith and Heritage Center to be built at the St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, Calif. The ceremony was held during the Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly (See page 25). Photo by Kristen Bruskas

teen-agers have won junior or senior division of the national competition and several others have moved as far forward as the Direct Archdiocesan District and national levels of the competition. “Jim continues to lead and inspire us by his magnificent example as a true steward of our cathedral,” said parish council President Theodore Augustinos. Now 84, Dr. Rouman grew up as the son of Greek immigrants (the only ones) in Tomahawk, Wis., a small town in northern Wisconsin. Educated at Northwestern University, he practiced for many years at Hartford Hospital, as a widely respected anesthesiologist. In the local Greek-American community, he is still a renowned counselor on health matters. He has also been a leading supporter of St. George Cathedral and served on its parish council.

Michigan Church Celebrates 75th SAGINAW, Mich. – St. Demetrios Church recently marked its 75th anniversary with a four-day celebration. Festivities began with the Great Vespers in honor of St. Demetrios on Oct. 25. Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit served as chief celebrant and homilist. A special guest was he local Roman Catholic Bishop of Saginaw, the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, who addressed the congregation at the end of the service. The inspiring words of both hierarchs set the stage for the joyous four-day celebrations in late October. The Philoptochos hosted the evening reception that followed. On Oct. 26, Orthros and Divine Liturgy were celebrated in the morning for the Feast Day of St. Demetrios. That evening, an informal reception took place at the Church. Local parishioners met with the distinguished visitors, many of whom were former parishioners. Several past and present generations of the community were represented at that gathering. On Oct. 27, Metropolitan Nicholas returned to Saginaw where he met with Fr. Irenaeus Cox, parish council President Dr. Thomas Barris, and other church members.

Mobile consecration Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta presides at the consecration events of Annunciation Church in Mobile, Ala., March 9-10, with hundreds of faithful in attendance. The Metropolitan knocks on the main door with his staﬀ following the three processions around the building with prayers oﬀered to establish the grounds of the church as sacred. Courtland W. Richards photo

Atlanta Metropolis Sponsoring Holy Land Pilgrimage ATLANTA – The Metropolis of Atlanta will sponsor a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Cappodocia and Constantinople Nov. 17-Dec. 1. The itinerary will include an 8-day tour of the Holy Land in and around Jerusalem, followed by a three–day visit to Cappodocia. The final two days will be in Constantinople where there will be a Divine Liturgy with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and celebration of St. Andrew’s Feast Day.

Corona school program The Greek Saturday School of Transfiguration Church in Corona, Queens, N.Y. held its annual program celebrating Greek Independence Day on Sunday March 17th at the church cultural center after Divine Liturgy. Students presented theatrical sketches dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos and the Secret Schools in Greece during Ottoman rule, and performed songs including “Thourios” and “12 Evzones.” For more information, visit www.transfigurationcorona.com

APRIL 2013

Metropolis News

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Co-Chairs Eugene and Pamela Gentile with Fr. Peter Delvizis, pastor of Holy Trinity, with members of the Sights and Sounds Committee.

NJ ‘Sights and Sounds’ Showcases GOYA by Costa Costidis

The annual GOYA Sights and Sounds festival was held on March 2, at Holy Trinity Church in Westfield, N.J., bringing together more than 500 of the Metropolis teen-age members. The festival is held every year in March to give Goyans the opportunity to display their talents in the arts, as well as to promote fellowship between parishes. As a junior in high school, this past Sights and Sounds festival was the fifth one I had the pleasure of participating in. I have experienced the highs and the lows of the whole Sights and Sounds experience and along with most other Goyans, I can say that the memories that the event has provided for me will stay with me for a lifetime. The weeks leading up to the Sights and Sounds festival are acknowledged by many participants to be among the most stressful weeks of the year. “Prior to Sights and Sounds, there is so much anger,” said Dimitri Stathopoulos, a senior Goyan at St. Athanasios Church in Paramus. “Everybody wants to do a good job and the stress gets the better of them.” Being with your Goyans five times a week for three hours at a time sometimes creates unwanted tension. Because we all spend enough time with each other to make us family, we sometimes fight like we are family. But by the end of the stressful process when you pull up to the front steps of the church, all of the anxiety and worry gives way to adrenaline. The ill will felt by many leading up to Sights and Sounds evaporates and we all become one big happy Greek family again. The performances given at the festival are true testaments to the talent that each Goyan has. Seeing the different types of Greek costumes and hearing all of the singing groups practicing in the hallways really puts you in the moment of the event. Sights and Sounds is the only place where you can see some of your friends dressed as Greek soldiers for the Greek Play and then an hour later see them in full

zombie attire for an American group singing performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. But throughout the stressful times and the exhilarating performances, it is important that we Goyans remember why we are invited every year to Holy Trinity Church in Westfield. Although it is nice to win the trophies and to feel the excitement of first place, the fellowship of the event is the true force behind Sights and Sounds for many Goyans. “To see so many Greek Orthodox Christians come together and display their talents is wonderful,” said Stathopoulos when asked his favorite part of Sights and Sounds. Even younger Goyans feel the camaraderie that comes with the festival. “My favorite part of the whole experience is seeing everyone come together,” said Elias Kotsis, a sophomore from Kimisis Tis Theotokou in Holmdel, the overall first place church in this year’s festival. “Every year our friendships seem to grow because of participating in Sights and Sounds.” Despite the long hours and stress coupled with the event, the desire to win and more importantly the Christianity and fellowship displayed at Sights and Sounds will make it one of the most anticipated events for all Goyans for years to come. Costa is a member of the St. George Church GOYA in Ocean Township, N.J.

(Above) Michael Simon from Kimisis Tis Theotokou in Holmdel performs a solo. (Below) The singing group from St. John the Theologian Cathedral in Tenafly.

APRIL 2013

Metropolis News Ohio Church Marks 100th Year CANTON, Ohio – St. Haralambos Church, which had its beginnings in a second floor hall a century ago, celebrated its centennial in early February. The community began in a second floor hall at 318 Third St. S.E., before they built St. Haralambos in 1917. In 1958, St. Haralambos made national and international news by splitting the church in two and moving it 5 miles to its current location. General co-chairmen of the centennial event, Dr. Peter G. Michalos and John C. Kellamis set honoring the past as a priority. In April 2012 the process of producing an album began with co-chairs Ron A. Darrah and Stephanie Withers. In October 2012, the Philoptochos Society, chaired by Mary Griveas, Barb Lambrou, Mary Trifelos, and Stella Vallos, honored the past presidents of Philophtochos and the parish council with a luncheon to kick off the 100th anniversary. In November, the community held a holiday dance sponsored by its Hellenic dancers with the director, Eleni Paxos, and her daughters, Joanna Volas and Maria Paxos chairing the event. The group also donated $10,000 to the church for the anniversary. On Feb. 8, a “Night in Canton” event

was held, chaired by John and Christine Kellamis. When people arrived they needed to “be processed” just as it was done on Ellis Island. They then entered Canton and walked through the streets and revisited some of the old businesses that the Greek Immigrants founded. With reproductions of vintage buildings, vintage photos, a café, and a taverna, people could walk down memory lane. Mary and Xenophon Griveas sponsored a youth brunch with Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh and he met with the youth and answered questions. That evening, the parish council and invited guests, past priests of St. Haralambos, Fr. James Dokos, Presbytera Zoe Theophilos, representing her late husband Father Theophilos P. Theophilos, and Calliope Behr, representing her late father, Fr. Michael Makridis, had dinner with Metropolitan Savas. After dinner, great vespers took place with the Metropolitan followed by a reception sponsored by Nick and Eros Ramphos. On Feb. 10, Metropolitan Savas, assisted by Frs. Nicholas Gamvas, James Dokos, Dan Rogich, Ianni Verginis and Joseph Distefano, who is one of only three

Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, on behalf of Archbishop Demetrios, presented the St. Paul Medal to outstanding parishioners of the community (from left) Nicholas Ramphos, Sophia Eﬀantis, Fr. Nicholas Gamvas, proistamenos; Fr. James Dokos, past priest (currently pastor of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Glenview, Ill.),Xenophon Griveas, and Stella Vallos.

priests to have come from St. Haralambos, celebrated the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy. After the service, four parishioners were honored by receiving the St. Paul Medal for their many years of service to the church.

They were Stella Vallos, Xenophon Griveas, Nicholas Ramphos and Sophie Effantis. The Grand Banquet, chaired by Chris and Stella Vallos and Mary and Xenophon Griveas, was held immediately after church.

New Jersey Veterans Program at St. Nicholas Church in Wyckoﬀ.

New Jersey Parish Honors Veterans WYCKOFF, N.J.– St. Nicholas Church and AHEPA Ramapo Chapter 453, in conjunction with the Bloomfield N.J., Veterans Center hosted more than 250 area veterans at an evening dinner and ceremony on Feb. 25 remembering the fallen and recognizing those who serve. Peter Kyriakoulis, AHEPA chapter president and an army veteran, organized the event as an outreach to those who served this country and now need support and services back home. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development estimates that about 10 percent or some 20,000 of the nearly 200,000 veterans in New Jersey are unemployed. Vet Centers serve returning vets with their assimilation to civilian life by providing counseling, job training, education and disability benefits. The Veterans Appreciation Gala generated awareness of such services while thanking vets for their sacrifices and service. It was the first such outreach event for the parish. Fr. Basil Gikas, pastor of St. Nicholas, Wyckoff, offered the invocation and benediction prayers at the event and

was touched by the appreciation the vets showed their hosts in return. “I was struck by the genuine thankfulness of the veterans who attended. It seemed that an event like this was overdue and perhaps it can become an annual outreach for us. I am grateful that through AHEPA Ramapo Chapter 453, the Bloomfield Vets Center and all our generous sponsors and donors we provided a fantastic dinner, fellowship and a friendly venue for our military men and women,” said Fr. Bill. “When Peter approached us to use our site, Jim Giokas, our parish council president, and I were honored to comply,” added Fr. Bill. The program also included the presentation of colors, a memorial to the fallen, special awards to those with the longest standing military service, a speech by Col. (Retired) Stephen G. Abel, director of veterans and military programs and services for Rutgers University, a proclamation from Mayor Rudy Boonstra of Wyckoff and information booths by veterans’ services organizations. Veterans also received gift icons of St. Nicholas.

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APRIL 2013

The Resurrection. From the sanctuary apse of the chapel of the Chora Monastery, Constantinople

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, The evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

Χριστός Ανέστη Αληθώς Ανέστη

www.faithendowment.org

APRIL 2013

San Francisco Metropolis News SF Clergy–Laity Assembly Introduces Metropolis Strategic Plan by Kristen Bruskas

DUNLAP, Calif. – The 2013 ClergyLaity Assembly for the Metropolis of San Francisco was held on Feb. 25–26 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center with nearly 170 clergy and lay delegates participating in two days of discussions and deliberations for the growth and advancement of the Metropolis. The theme for this year’s Assembly was “I know that whatever God does endures forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14). During his keynote address Metropolitan Gerasimos challenged the parishes to “continually look to God to lead us, to nurture us, to challenge us to inspire us, and to fill us with His Holy Spirit.” Metropolitan Gerasimos also related this passage from the Old Testament to the current focus of developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide the efforts of the Metropolis. He concluded his keynote address by saying, “Let us use this brief time together to work together as the clergy and the laity of this Metropolis to lay out our plans and then offer them to the Most High God, invite His guidance and His Spirit upon them and us so that as co-workers with God, we may build up His Church, which will endure forever.” This year’s featured guest speaker was Bill Marianes, who has been leading the Metropolis Strategic Planning efforts for the past eight months. A committee comprised of 50 clergy and laity representing the broad geography of the Metropolis has gathered for two different retreats, and maintained close communication through e–mail and tele-

conferences during the planning process since the summer of 2012. Mr. Marianes presented the fruits of the intensive work of this committee, sharing with the Assembly the “SWEEPing” vision of the Strategic Plan: “We will grow the Orthodox Christian Church in the Western United States through Christ–centered Stewardship, Worship, Education, Evangelism, Philanthropic outreach.” Each of the eleven Strategic Task Forces has been working on their respective action plans, and the Assembly listened attentively to a summary presentation on their work, and had the opportunity to provide valuable feedback prior to the drafting of the final plan which will be completed by the summer of 2013. The work of the task forces is focusing on: Education, Liturgical Life, Mission and Evangelism, Philanthropic Outreach, Stewardship, Youth, Communications, Finance, Metropolis Organization and Development, Parish Organization and Development, and Specialized Ministries/ Wellness. Following the deliberations of the Assembly, the delegates joined in prayer and celebration at the groundbreaking for the Alex and Faye Spanos Faith and Heritage Center which will be built later this year at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. This new facility will include conference and meeting space, administrative offices, the Metropolitan Anthony Gallery, the St. Photini Chapel, the Elios Gallery, and a room dedicated to the work of Philoptochos. Mrs. Spanos attended the groundbreaking ceremony, accompanied by Natalia Orfanos, director of public relations for the AG Spanos Companies.

(Top) Metropolitan Gerasimos leads the opening prayer service for the Clergy-Laity Assembly, assisted by Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, chancellor. (photo by Kristen Bruskas) (Below) Metropolitan Gerasimos leads the clergy and faithful in an eight-year memorial service at the grave of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory. Photo by Cliff Argue

Metropolis of San Francisco Inaugural Gala Raises $1 Million by Kristen Bruskas

SAN FRANCISCO – The Metropolis of San Francisco held its inaugural gala on March 2, at the Ritz Carlton to honor the leadership of Theofanis “Fanis” Economidis, a dedicated volunteer of the Metropolis for over 30 years, and to celebrate the diverse ministries and programs of the Metropolis which provide for the spiritual, educational and cultural needs of its members in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Gala co–chairman was George Marcus, church philanthropist and businessman, and Jeannie Ranglas, president of the Metropolis Philoptochos Society. Marcus and Ranglas led a committee which planned an elegant and entertaining evening to a soldout crowd which enthusiastically filled the Ritz Carlton Ballroom in San Francisco. The proceeds from the Gala initiated support for an endowment for the ministries of the Metropolis, with $1 million being raised at this inaugural event. Major contributors for the event included “Premier Sponsors:” George and Judy Marcus Family Foundation, Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas, and The Kallins Family Foundation; along with sponsors George and Vickie Demos, and Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis. The 420 guests attending the sold out event included Gov. Jerry Brown; Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul; San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee; Congresswoman

Anna Eshoo; recently retired state Sen. Elaine Kontominas Alquist; Consul General of Greece Ioannis Andreades; honorary Consul of Cyprus Nicolaos Theophanous; and former president of ABC and former chairman of United Artists pictures, Tony Thomopoulos. Several local religious leaders were also present including recently retired Archbishop George Niederauer from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco; Bishop William Swing, retired bishop of the Episcopal Church; and Bishop William Justice, auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco; Rita Semel, San Francisco Interfaith Council chairwoman; and Monsignor John Talesfore from St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. The program featured numerous and deserving accolades for Mr. Economidis, who has served as the Metropolis chief volunteer officer for several years, and has supported initiatives of the Greek Orthodox Church at the local, national and international levels. A special tribute video from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was shown during the Gala in honor of Economidis’ tireless support of the religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. A letter of commendation was also received from Archbishop Demetrios of America. Representing the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, National Archon Council Member Constantine G. Caras presented a

Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis, Maria and Isidoros Garifalakis, Fanis Economidis, Michael and Katina Koulakis, Jeannie and Gerry Ranglas. Drew Altizer Photography

recognition award on behalf of the Archons, as well as special greetings and recognition from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. Serving as the masters of ceremonies for the evening were Jenni Pulos, star of Bravo! TV’s “Flipping Out” and internationally acclaimed musician, Chris Spheeris. Pulos, who is preparing to release a children’s rap album, customized a rap to honor Economidis and the work of the Metropolis, which brought enthusiastic cheers from the audience. Guests were also entertained by a musical program which included classics such as “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, “Largo ad Factotum” from Rossini’s

Barber of Seville, and “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot performed by soprano Michele Patzakis, baritone Constantine Pappas and Rev. Fr. John Bakas. The program closed with an emotional performance of “God Bless the USA” by Fr. John Bakas. This song was a special request by Economidis as it expresses the love he has for the United States and the many opportunities afforded to him throughout his life and career. This event inaugurated the Theofanis Economidis Award, named in honor of its first recipient and presented to a distinguished individual in honor of their leadership, inspirational vision, hard work, and service to the Greek Orthodox Church.

APRIL 2013

Church History The Operation of the First Seminary by William H. Samonides, Ph.D

IS youR PARISh... Ready to expand parish participation? Seeking funds for a building project? Wishing to promote Planned Giving?

Assistance is Available! The office of Parish Development offers guidance to parishes through:

Strategic Planning Workshops: For greater involvement in your parish Capital Campaign Planning Studies: Assessing your project’s fundraising potential Capital Campaign Management: Planning and coaching from beginning to end

Stewardship Assistance: Inspiring greater giving in your parish Parish Planned Giving Programs: Guidance in cultivating planned gifts Grant Proposal Research & Writing: Help throughout the grant proposal process

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Contact us to discuss your Goals & Needs and allow us to explain how we might be of help. Greek orthodox Archdiocese of America office of Parish Development 3 South Prospect Avenue, Ste. II Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone: (847) 825-1432 Email: jminetos@goarch.org

The curriculum for St. Athanasios Seminary, the first Greek Orthodox theological school in America, was ambitious. Eight instructors taught a curriculum to prepare students spiritually, linguistically, and culturally to serve the Church in America. The school included a two-year Preparatory Department for those who did not meet entrance requirements in addition to the three-year seminary. In its two academic years of existence (1921-23), the institution tried to do too much with too little money, too few faculty members, and too small a physical plant. As head of St. Athanasios, Archbishop Alexander was responsible for faculty appointments. Several changes took place during the 1921-22 academic year but the situation had stabilized the following year. With limited funds, the Archbishop assembled a small but distinguished group of instructors, including a Greek Orthodox priest, a theologian, a classicist, an Episcopal minister, and a medical doctor. The seminary dean was Fr. Philaretos Johannides, a University of Athens graduate who came to the U.S. in 1919 on a scholarship to study at two Midwestern theological schools. He served briefly at Holy Trinity Church in San Francisco before his selection as dean. Michael Galanos, who came to America in December 1921 was, at age 65, the senior faculty member. Former envoy of the King of Greece to the Holy Synod of Athens, Galanos had taught for a number of years at the University of Athens Theological School. Called “one of the great lay theologians of the early 20th century” by Holy Cross School of Theology professor Dr. George Bebis, Galanos was undoubtedly the star of the faculty and taught the widest range of subjects. Calistrates Canellopoulos, who held degrees from the University of Athens and Oxford University, was responsible for everything from classical Greek to child psychology. Rev. Arthur W. Brooks, an Episcopalian minister, taught the Old and New Testaments and homiletics, all in English. These four did most of the teaching. Fr. Methodios Kourkoulis, the professor of Old Testament, had studied at the University of Athens and Theological School of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Perhaps the preeminent Greek Orthodox cleric in America at this time. His duties were limited as he served Holy Trinity Church (later Cathedral) in Manhattan since arriving in America in 1904. He was also the sole faculty member on the board of trustees. In the Preparatory Department, Alexander Alexiou, an M.D. from the University of Athens, taught hygiene, and two student instructors taught English, American geography, and music. The curriculum was divided into the departments of dogmatic theology, Old Testament, New Testament, ecclesiastical history and patrology, philosophy and psychology, English and Greek homiletics, ecclesiastical polity and canon law, apologetics, and liturgics. A tenth department, religious pedagogy in which third-year seminarians would study history, administration, and Sunday School instruction methods, was planned but a suitable American instructor was not found. The Church focused on training young men with a command of both Greek and English and who were familiar with

American customs. Seminarians had to be between ages 20 and 32 and have a diploma from either an American or Greek high school. Each applicant also was required to take a physical examination and submit letters of recommendation from his parish priest and his financial guarantor. There was also an entrance examination. Those without a high school diploma could enter the Preparation Department, where they studied classical and New Testament Greek, English grammar and composition, Biblical, American, and ancient history, music, and hygiene until they were able to pass the entrance examination. The Preparation Department was taken seriously, and the entire faculty taught these students. The academic year extended from Sept. 15 to June 1 with a 15-day Christmas vacation and a seven-day Easter break. Annual tuition was $300, half payable at the beginning of each term. This included room and board, health care, utilities, and laundry. All operations of the school were under one roof, a three-story Tudor Revival mansion purchased in February 1922 in Astoria, Queens, New York. After extensive renovations, the facility included a chapel, office of the dean, classrooms, a dining room, and library. It included 18 residential units for students and two others used by the dean and a faculty member. There were plans to build a dean’s residence and a small Church on the half-acre property when funds became available. The building could accommodate more students than were enrolled. There was no lack of applicants, but requests for scholarships exceeded the available funds. According to its May 1923 report, the seminary was “compelled to turn away a number of worthy young men who have both the ability and the inclination, only because we cannot accept them on the scholarship plan.” Nine of the 20 applicants were accepted the first year, and six were added the following year. Twelve of the 15 students completed the 1922-23 academic year. At the end of the second academic year, Fr. Johannides was elected first bishop of Chicago and stepped down as dean. In May 1923, Archbishop Alexander made an urgent appeal to donors for an additional $100,000 to discharge part of the building’s debt and to keep the seminary operating for another three years. Expenses for maintaining the building and operating the seminary continued to mount, and its survival was uncertain. Readers are invited to share their thoughts and learn more about St. Athanasios Seminary by contacting Dr. Samonides at htgochistorian@aol.com.

Change of Address To submit a change of address: Contact Soula Podaras at 212.774.0235 e-mail: spodaras@goarch.org fax: 212.774.0239. Or regular mail to: Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075-0192 Be sure to include old address, new address and name of parish.

APRIL 2013

Family Connections

The Prayers of Parents by Calinic Berger

The Bible gives us several examples of parents whose faith and prayer on behalf of their children were more powerful than those of the Apostles themselves. We know very little and even next to nothing about most of these parents. We can assume they were ordinary people. However, they were people who had reached their limit, a point of desperation, with regards to the most important persons in their lives: their own children. A common characteristic of these parents is that they did not quit. Take the father of the “lunatic” son (Mt 17:14-21). This man approached Jesus and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and sorely afflicted: for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him.” This poor father had a boy who Matthew says was held by some form of demonic possession. Whatever the condition of the son, it is clear that the boy was engaging in self-destructive behavior. The father was at his wits’ end. He brought the boy to the disciples, to whom had been given power to cast out demons, but they could do nothing. The father then took the matter himself to God. Jesus healed his son. The most notable detail in the healing of this boy was that it was not the faith of the boy himself that healed him. He did not even want to be healed. Nor was it the faith of the priests (i.e., the Apostles) to whom the boy was brought, who could do nothing for him. Rather, it was the faith of the parent. What kind of faith? The boy’s father came kneeling before the Lord, entreating him with his whole soul. He would not take “no” for an answer. The disciples themselves were amazed and asked Jesus why they themselves could not heal the boy. “If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, Be removed hence to another place; and it shall be removed; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. However, this kind does not go out but by prayer and fasting.” What kind of faith did the Lord call for? This faith can be small like the mustard seed, which is almost invisible to the human eye. However, when crushed and broken, the mustard seed gives off fire in

its taste. So was the heart of this father: crushed, broken, in desperation for his son. In this state, his prayer had the fire of a fervency that carried his faith. He did not say about his son, “He’s hopeless,” “It’s been this way for years,” “It’s up to him to want to be healed,” or “He’s his own man.” Mark tells us an additional and important detail about this father: he realized that his own faith in God was not perfect. Mark tells us that “the father of the child cried out and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief’” (Mk 9:24). The father took all his own imperfections and inner failings, known to himself alone, and laid them down at the feet of Jesus. Then he asked again on behalf of his son. Jesus healed him. God always hears the selfless prayers of parents who do not quit. Another example is the woman of Canaan (Mt 15:21-28). She was not Jewish, meaning, not right in her religious status. She came to Jesus without a husband with her, for whatever reason. Perhaps she was a sinner. She confessed Christ’s identity: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is grievously afflicted with a devil.” The Lord at first ignores her, answering her not a word. How often does a parent feel ignored by God! Like the father of the lunatic, this woman also went to the Apostles, who grew weary with her and even asked Jesus to send her away! Why did the Lord ignore her? She was suffering on account of her daughter. We can only imagine the state of this woman, especially if it may be assumed that she had no husband and a severely afflicted daughter. The Lord ignored her petition. Her heart then broke: “Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.” Jesus answered her with an insult: “It’s not right to cast the children’s bread to dogs.” A child was the most important person in the family whereas a dog in Palestine was a scavenger, often considered to be like a rodent. Yet Jesus’ words did not deter this woman. A broken, humble heart is unaffected by insults, just as it is unaffected by praise. She had nothing of herself left on behalf of her daughter. If Christ was referring to something about her personal life, she was willing to confess it: “Yes, it is so, Lord.” Yet she did this in the context of her selfless prayer for her daughter. “And her daughter was healed from that very

A P R AY E R F O R PA R E N T S O Lord, Heavenly Father, You have blessed us with the gift of family and have entrusted us with their spiritual upbringing. You commanded that we should teach our children about You in our lives: when we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise. Guide us O Lord every moment of the day as we work toward this awesome task. Let the words of Christ dwell in us, so that we may teach and guide our family, through our words and deeds, to the saving knowledge of Your everlasting kingdom. Help us, O Lord, be compassionate, kind, and patient throughout our days. If one of us has a complaint against another, help us to forgive each other; as You have forgiven us. Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Above all, help us remember to put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. We thank You, Lord for the many blessings and mercies You continually bestow on us. In everything we do, in word or deed, may we always do so in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through His Holy Spirit. Amen. – Taken from The 2004–05 Planner; The Orthodox Daily Calendar and Resource Guide by the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

hour.” She did not quit. Neither of these parents was a saint. One lacked faith, the other was possibly unrighteous. What they had in common was a love that would not quit. This love drove them to kneel before the Son of God, confess their imperfections and beg healing for someone other than themselves. God never ignores a “broken and contrite heart” (Ps 50:17). According to St. Cyril of Alexandria, such is the only sacrifice God accepts. Neither does God ignore the fervent, unwavering prayer of a desperate parent. But offering this prayer is a crucifixion that must be suffered to win the resurrection of the child. Without the crucifixion, there is no resurrection. The Old Testament also tells us of many unrighteous parents whose repentance and fervent prayer to God on behalf of their children was heard. Jacob and David are the prime examples. When God gives a gift to a child on behalf of the prayer of a desperate parent or grandparent, that gift is never taken away. True, the child can use, misuse, or not use at all that gift. Whatever the case, he will always have it. Prayer is an essential component of parenting. So it could be said: on the one hand, one must not spare the rod (Prov 13:24), but on the other, one must get down on the hands and knees in prayer. Parents should talk to their children about God, but also need to talk to God about their children. The balance between these two is up to each parent, as each parent and each child is unique. But one should not neglect fervent, consistent prayer. Unlock its power. While healing does not always depend on the faith of oneself or others but also on the mysterious will and purpose of God, nevertheless, our prayer is an indispensable component in working with God. God acts when we persistently pray (cf., Lk 18:7-8). To those who are not parents: remember to pray selflessly for others. It’s one thing to pray for ourselves but quite another when we pray selflessly for others. A prayer from another is something every one of us needs. God hears persistent, selfless prayers. If we do not feel the faith to

offer such prayers, let us too cry out, “Lord, I believe – help my unbelief!” If when drawing near to God we feel our unrighteousness, let us confess our failings and weaknesses, laying them down at the feet of Jesus and again crying out, “Lord, help us!” Fr. Calinic (Berger) is the pastor of Holy Cross Romanian Orthodox Church in Hermitage, Pa. His article is published in Challenges of Orthodox Thought and Life: Reflections on Christian Foundations and Living Traditions (Jackson, Mich.: ROEA Publications, 2011). Reprinted with permission.

FAMILY GOSPEL LESSONS This Center for Family Care resource will guide your family through Pentecost based on each Sunday’s Gospel reading. Ideal for families to use with the purpose of preparing for Divine Liturgy. Each lesson contains the Gospel reading, brief information about it, discussion questions, activities, a final quote or story, a prayer, and further resources. Currently available online at www.lent.goarch. org/family/

APRIL 2013

Denver Metropolis Basketball Tournament Hosts 800 Goyans

Graduating seniors received Orthodox Christian Fellowship’s Connect Kits, following a presentation about keeping the faith in college. (Below right) Friday night of the basketball weekend, Goyas surprised Metropolitan Isaiah with a cake, just days after his actual birthday. by Arianna Ranahosseini

Junior girls from Annunciation Cathedral in Houston and Transfiguration Church in Ogden, Utah.

DALLAS – For these Goyans, it’s not just about playing, it’s also about praying. This year, more than 800 participants gathered for worship, fellowship, and of course, some basketball at the 2013 Metropolis of Denver Basketball Tournament in Dallas, Jan. 18-21. For the first time, the 56 teams representing 22 parishes in the tournament competed in eight divisions, providing each age group (senior boys, senior girls, junior boys and junior girls) with a recreational and competitive league. For the less competitive parishes, this meant more playing time for individuals held at the hotel, had more than 1,000 as well as teams. Each player was required participants, including parishioners from nearby Holy Trinity Church. to have equal playing time. One thousand gathered to conclude “I think the recreational league was good because it gave teams like ours that the weekend at Sunday evening’s awards are always underdogs, a chance to actually dinner, which honored all-star players win for a change and not get beat every from each team and also all graduating game,” said Kalli Elliot, an 8th grade Goyan seniors. The soon-to-be graduates received from Annunciation Church in Kansas Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) City, Mo. Elliot and her teammates, who had Connect Kits, encouraging their participanever won a game, won the recreational tion in young adult ministries post-high league championship. For the teams school. At a fundraiser, parishes donated traveling to Dallas that were “in it to win it,” the heat was on. In this league, each $5,000 to support orphanages through player must play at least four minutes the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. during each half. “Having two leagues was a good idea as it allowed those who wanted to be competitive to do so and for those that did not, they did not have to experience the competitiveness of the competitive league,” said Michael Zoumadakis, a high school senior from Salt Lake City. Zoumadakis and his team clinched first place in the senior boys competitive bracket. “I believe it encouraged more people to participate, as it can be very discouraging to play at a higher level than desired, which allows everyone to attend the conference and have a good time.” Throughout the tournament, players, coaches, parents and fans at home could check the results through a smart phone app, which updated brackets and scores following each game. Users could track each team from their parish and monitor their statistics. Following each team’s first game, players met with seminarians from Holy Cross School of Theology to discuss sportsmanship and learn A Senior Boys game between Holy Trinity Cathedral, Salt Lake about HCHC. Sunday’s Divine Liturgy, City, and Holy Trinity Church, Dallas.

APRIL 2013

Chicago Metropolis Holds Western Region Basketball Tournament

OMAHA, Neb. – More than 275 basketball players participated in the 63rd annual Western Region Family Basketball Tournament, hosted by the Metropolis of Chicago and St. John the Baptist Church, Feb. 8-10. The athletes competed in the JOY, GOYA Girls and Boys and Men’s YAL divisions, cheered on by their families Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, the Metropolis of Chicago chancellor, represented Metropolitan Iakovos at the event chaired by Charles Tsatsos. Theme of the weekend was “Press toward the Goal,” taken from Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God is Christ Jesus,” was a most appropriate selection for a theme for as the basketball players may “press” on the court in an intense manner, so must they always seek such intensity in our spiritual lives. More than 560 people attended the banquet that featured author Nicholas Gage as the speaker. The weekend concluded with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Demetrios, and Frs. Peter Pappas of the host parish St. John the

Baptist; Basil Hickman, St. George in Des Moines, Iowa; George Pappas, Holy Trinity in Sioux City, Iowa; and Theologos Pandelis from Sts. Constantine and Helen, Wauwatosa, Wis. The championship games for the Boys and YAL Men’s divisions followed. Results were: JOY-Holy Trinity, Sioux City (first), St. Mary’s, Minneapolis (second). GOYA Girls-The All Holy Spirit, Omaha, Neb. (first), St. Dionysios, Overland Park, Kansas (2nd); St. Mary’s, Minneapolis (third). GOYA Boys-Annunciation, Milwaukee (first); St. Dionysios, Overland Park (second); St. Mary’s “A” team, Minneapolis (third). YAL Men’s Division-Sts. Constantine & Helen, Wauwatosa, (Black Squad) (first place); St. Dionysios, Overland Park (second); and Annunciation, Milwaukee (third). The Lou Diamantis Sportmanship Award was presented to St. Mary’s-Minneapolis GOYA girls’ team. The Western Region Family Basketball Tournament is a Chicago Metropolis ministry.

Tournament dignitaries (from left) Fr. Demetrios Richard Andrews, tournament spiritual advisor; Tina Kouzes Houck, tournament chairwoman; Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Metropolis of Chicago chancellor; Nicholas Gage, banquet keynote speaker; Charles Tsatsos, host parish tournament chairman; and tournament committee members Ann-Marie Tsatsos, Christina Pirperis and Terri Poulos.

Milwaukee High School Division champions.

Omaha, Overland Park and Minneapolis GOYA Girls teams.

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APRIL 2013

Great Lent: The Call for Renewal by Fr. Athanasios Papagiannis

Every time we begin Great and Holy Lent, I can’t help but think about a little icon that stands right outside my office door. It’s an icon of the Theotokos holding her Son. There’s nothing extraordinarily special about it. It’s not an icon whose presence necessarily grabs you; it doesn’t stream myrrh or elicit some special kind of emotional response, either. It’s just sits there, old and worn, its best years seemingly behind it. Seeing it in the condition it’s in, it often generates a feeling of sadness to the person viewing it. One of these days, I often tell myself, I’m going to restore that icon and bring its glory back for everyone to see. In a very real way, all of us are like this icon. Every human being carries something of God in him for all to see, yet sin has distorted that image and covered it up, making it hard to notice the beauty it was meant to reflect. But this can change. Great and Holy Lent is the time of year when we really do something about our sad condition. Lent is called “Great” not just because it is lengthier than the other fasting periods, but because it’s also more intense. Everything we do is taken to another level; a great opportunity rests in front of us. Each year we’re called to put forth an increased effort in our spiritual lives, and employ the therapeutic methods of our Church to get rid of the dirt that covers up an image of unspeakable beauty. Indeed, each and every Lenten season, God gives his living icons the chance to recapture the glory they we’re supposed to reflect, mainly through the notion of spiritual warfare. The challenge for every Orthodox Christian is to take up the battle and renew ourselves. But what exactly does this battle for renewal look like? If we want to take Great Lent seriously and have a desire restore our image, what type of disciplined life do we have to engage in? Listed below are some of the prescribed ways the Church calls for us to spend Great Lent. The Call to Forgive Lent officially begins not with any ordinary vespers service but with Forgiveness Vespers, a service where everyone in Church asks each other for forgiveness.

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The Church sends us the message that the proper way to enter Great Lent is through the door of forgiveness. St. Leo the Great says: “Now is the time when generous Christian souls forgive offences, pay no heed to insults, and wipe out the memory of past injuries.” This is not to say that forgiving is easy. Sometimes forgiveness doesn’t make sense. But when we see the great lengths the Lord Jesus Christ forgave people – even those who were crucifying Him - we can surely summon up the courage to forgive others, too. We should never let another day of Great Lent pass without seeking forgiveness from someone we know we’ve wronged. The Call to Fast The Church calls for the Orthodox Christian to enter into Great Lent with the expectation of spending the next forty days going without meat, diary and, on some days, without oil. The power of fasting is undeniable for the Lord Himself says in the gospel of Mark (Chapter 9 verse 29), that we do great damage to the enemy when we fast. But fasting isn’t only about food. Fasting is really about abstinence, and this idea of abstinence includes abstaining from foods and ungodly actions. The Call to Attend Service During the Lenten season the Church increases the amount of services. Orthodox Christians are called to attend as many Compline Services, Presanctified Liturgies and Akathist Hymns as possible. It’s through these various services that we not only call on God’s sanctifying grace to join us in the battle of renewal, but we also gather strength as a community when we see people fighting for the same cause. The Call to Confess Every year in the spring, people across the country take part in a ritual called spring cleaning. As Orthodox Christians, spring cleaning takes place on what we in the church call Clean Monday, the first Monday of lent. People usually spend that day cleaning the house, making sure things are in order for the days ahead. Spiritually speaking, the Church calls for us to clean and put things in order in a different way. This spiritual cleaning is called confession, the sacrament where one meets with a priest to confess the many ways he has missed the mark of being the Christian God wants him to be. The Call to Read Scripture Lent is a time when we limit how much we view television and visit the internet. Instead, the Church Fathers call for us to read the Bible. St. John Chrysostom calls the lack of reading scripture as one of the biggest reasons that evil exists in the world. When we read scripture, our resolve to fight the battle of renewal increases, because we familiarize ourselves with why Christ came on earth, and we gain courage when we read about His struggle to free humanity and defeat the devil. It’s in the reading of scripture that we remind ourselves why we do what we do, for when we lose our way many times it’s because we lost our why first. Reading scripture then keeps us focused. The Call to Increase Prayer When one attends the services during Great Lent, one will notice that several prayers are inserted specifically for the Lenten season. The Church increases its

prayers to Christ and the Theotokos during Great Lent. Also, at the end of many Lenten services, the Priest will also recite the beautiful prayer of St. Ephraim. The increase in prayer should also take place on a personal level, too. One of the most beneficial ways we can boost our prayer life is through the continual recitation of the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ Have Mercy on Me a Sinner”). At the same time, we can also increase the number of people we pray for, too. Holy and Great Lent is a time of great challenge and opportunity for all Orthodox Christians. If we really knew the spiritual benefits and power of this great season, we would not respond to the beginning of Great Lent with a pitiful: “Oh great, lent is here.” Instead we would respond with a resounding, “Oh, Great Lent is here!” Keeping the great in Lent means that

we increase the fasting, the praying and the reading of scripture. We confess our sins and attend services more often during this period, often experiencing cravings, temptations and challenges as our reward for doing these things. But this struggle never goes unnoticed. Ultimately, our actions are meant to solicit the saving and renewal action of a most loving God. He is our hope, our salvation. For if God can change water into wine, he most assuredly change an old and worn icon into a renewed one at any moment’s turn. Fr. Athanasios Papagiannis is a priest at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago. He is a former teacher and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He lives in the Chicago suburbs with his presbytera, Katerina.

SUMMER CAMP: Four Reasons Why It’s a Great Choice! Ask almost anyone who has gone to camp and they will go on and on about their unforgettable” summer. Summer camp is the site of fond memories, friendships, fun songs, campfires, S’Mores, and games. The friendships, the laughter, and even the difficult moments can make for an experience they will never forget. Ultimately, summer camp can be a transformative experience in the life of a young person. Orthodox Christian summer camps offer young people the unique opportunity to live in an Orthodox Christian community of their peers, meeting new people, and having a great time!

“40 DAYS: A JOURNEY TO PASCHA” Make the journey and witness the Resurrection of our Lord! We are once again offering a 40-day Lenten Blog designed to motivate, challenge, and inspire all to grow in Christ during Lent. You can utilize the blog for your own personal Lenten journey. Also, church groups can incorporate the blog into their meetings and Lenten discussions. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, this Lenten blog is for everyone! It’s not too late to begin the journey to Pascha with other Orthodox Christians. So JOIN THE JOURNEY TODAY by visiting the link: www.orthodoxyouthministry.blogspot.com

The great thing is…you probably don’t have to go far to find an amazing Orthodox Christian summer camp! So why would anyone choose to go to an Orthodox Christian summer camp? Here are four reasons why it can be a positive, transformative, and life-changing experience: 1) Campers learn about Worship. Specifically, campers actively participate in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church. 2) Campers learn how to confidently and effectively Witness their faith as an Orthodox Christian. 3) Campers learn how to Serve God, each other, and all of their “neighbors.” 4) Campers are able to experience a true Fellowship with their Orthodox Christian peers and they have lots and lots of FUN.

INFORMATION ABOUT ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CAMPS For details regarding Ionian Village, the camping abroad program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, visit www.ionianvillage.org. For a list of Orthodox Christian camps in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, please visit www.goarch.org/archdiocese/ departments/youth/camping. To get more information about other Orthodox Christian camps from all jurisdictions, please visit the Orthodox Christian Camping Association website, www.orthodoxcamps.org.

The Metropolis of NJ Revisited

The Holy Metropolis of New Jersey has seen enormous growth throughout all five states that make up the metropolis. This growth is rooted in the deep love for God and His people that is held by both clergy and laity across throughout the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey. In 2012 the faithful of the Metropolis witnessed the completion of new churches in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including St.George Church in Ocean Township, N.J; Sts. Nicholas, Constantine, and Helen in Roseland, N.J; and Sts. Sophia, Faith, Hope, and Agape, in Jeffersonville, Pa., which all completed construction projects on new church edifices. These three communities celebrated their Thyranixia services and ushered in a new chapter in their history. In addition, to new churches, many communities also accomplished major renovation projects to improve iconography, exterior and interior sections of their church buildings and community centers. These include St. Demetrios Church in Upper Darby, Pa.; and the New Jersey parishes of Holy Trinity Church in Westfield, and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly. These are but a few of the communities who are in the process of improving their churches for the glory of God. Encouraged and fully supported by Metropolitan Evangelos, the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey is also committed to ensuring that the youth in our churches today are prepared and ready to take up leadership roles tomorrow. Camp Good Shepherd has grown from 17 children, since the year of its inception, to over 350 children in attendance last year. The camp program focuses on teaching our youth to be good and faithful Greek Orthodox Christians in 21st century American society. Metropolitan Evangelos and selected parish clergy ensure that during the camp program our children are instructed in the Faith. The children are also immersed in cultural and social activities as well which affords them the opportunities to nurture and develop lifelong connections with other Orthodox youth from throughout the Metropolis. These connections help to preserve that each child remains faithful to Christ our True God. Additional programs which help to foster lifelong friendships among Metropolis Youth include the Folk Dance Festival held annually at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, in Annapolis, Md., regional and Metropolis oratorical festivals, and the Metropolis Youth Olympics. Within the latter part of 2012 witnessed enormous, and in some cases catastrophic, problems for many of her faithful, through the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy. Considered one of the worst storms to hit the Tri-State region, many of the faithful lost everything. Yet

To access the map key for the communities in the graphic visit the Archdiocese website www. goarch.org. Then go to News, click on Observer and go to the February-March 2012 archived edition, page 32.

APRIL 2013

Metropolitan Evangelos with members of the Metropolis clergy.

in spite of such loss and devastation, the New Jersey Metropolis Philoptochos led the way in raising funds to help those who were in need because of the effects of the storm. Metropolis Philoptochos President Anne Michals, members of the executive board and Philoptochos chapter members from throughout the Metropolis, together with the parish priests, took up the enormous task of ensuring that those who were in need received assistance. This included not only financial assistance, but also help interacting with governmental agencies at the state and federal levels. The Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos and the chapters that comprise her membership stand as the

example of love and philanthropy of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people, throughout the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey. For more information on the Metropolis of New Jersey please visit our Website: www.nj.goarch.org

Metropolis of NJ Metropolitan EVANGELOS of New Jersey Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey 215 East Grove Street Westfield, NJ 07090 Vicar General: Rev. Protopresbyter Kosmas Karavellas Vicars: Northern New Jersey: Rev. Protopresbyter Anargyros Stavropoulos Delaware Valley: Rev. Protopresbyter Emmanuel Pratsinakis Maryland: Rev. Protopresbyter Kosmas Karavellas Northern Virginia: Rev. Protopresbyter Constantinos Pavlakos Southern Virginia: Rev. Protopresbyter Nicholas Bacalis Executive Secretary/Registry: Maria Lekkas Youth Director/Registry Archivist: George Tomczewski Metropolitan Council James Fountas, Viceâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;President Metropolis Philoptochos: Anne Michals Clergy Syndesmos: Rev. Protopresbyter Louis Noplos Presvyteres Sisterhood: Presbytera Angeliki Burdusi