SEPTEMBER 2002
ORTHODOX OBSERVER
ECUMENICAL
PAGE 5
PATRIARCHATE
New Ecclesiastical Year Inaugurated at Ecumenical Patriarchate Prior to the start of conference, the alumni of Halki celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of their organization, Alumni Theologians of Halki , on Aug. 31, with the participation of Patriarch Bartholomew, himself a 1961 graduate of the school. Also taking place on Sept. 1 was the observance of the Day of the Environment, established by the Ecumenical Patriarchate 12 years ago, in 1990, and the celebration of the Feast of Panaghia Pamakaristos, with a historical icon placed on display the Patriarchal Church of St. George, for veneration.
GOA
The Hierarchs who participated in this year’s Synaxis join His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for a photo at the patriarchal court. Among them are Archbishop Demetrios of America (first row, 3rd from right) Metropolitans Iakovos of Krinis and Methodios of Aneon (second row, 2nd and 4th from right), Bishop Alexios of Atlanta (top row 3rd from left) and Bishop Nicholas of Detroit (top row, 2nd from right). D. Panagos
CONSTANTINOPLE Archbishop Demetrios was among 60 Orthodox hierarchs from around the world under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate who gathered at the Phanar on Sept. 1 for the celebration of the Indiction the beginning of a new ecclesiastical year. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led the hierarchs in a celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St. George. Following the service, His All Holiness signed the Codex for the Indiction, which was also signed by all the active hierarchs of the Church. Afterward, the biennial Synaxis, (or conference), of all the hierarchs took place. Archbishop Demetrios addressed the Synaxis of Hierarchs on the main theme: The true purpose of the Church and of Christian Life and their practical consequences for the life of the contemporary Christian. Other topics included virtue and sainthood, and Orthodoxy: isolationism, or mission to the heterodox.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Demetrios during a warm and brotherly moment. (left)