Orthodox Observer - May 2013

ΜΑΥ 2013 • Vol. 78 • No. 1285

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

Plot Against Ecumenical Patriarch Exposed

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece Visits HCHC, NYC BOSTON – Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece arrived here shortly before 8 p.m. on May 15 to accept an honorary doctorate from Holy Cross School of Theology at the School’s commencement on May 18.

Full coverage will appear in the June issue, as the Orthodox Observer went to press before the start of events surrounding Archbishop Ieronymos’ visit. His schedule also included several venues in New York.

Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, HCHC President Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, other school officials, and dignitaries welcomed His Beatitude when he arrived at Logan Airport.

Bishops Appeal for Abducted Hierarchs Editor’s note: As the Observer went to press further information about the hostage situation involving the Orthodox hierarchs was not available.

On Monday, April 23, Greek Orthodox Archbishop Paul Yazigi of Aleppo and Alexandretta and Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim of Aleppo were kidnapped en route to Aleppo by unknown assailants after returning from a humanitarian mission near the Turkish border region. Their driver, Fatha’ Allah Kabboud, a deacon in the Syriac Orthodox Church, was killed in the incident.

A communique from Patriarch Jhon X Yazigi of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East and Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East, expressed surprise and deep regret over the situation. Both churches are members of the World Council of Churches (WCC).

The patriarchs called on the kidnappers to “respect the life of the two kidnapped brothers as well as everyone to put an end to all the acts that create confessional and sectarian schisms among the sons of the one country.”

On April 30, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America issued an appeal to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to undertake efforts to seek the release of the two hierarchs. The appeal was issued by the 66 hierarchs of the Assembly of Bishops, of which Archbishop Demetrios serves as chairman.

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Christ is Risen!

Dimitris Panagos photo

Archbishop Demetrios celebrates the Resurrection Service at Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York.

More Paschal coverage around the Archdiocese on page 5.

Secretary of State Visits Ecumenical Patriarch ISTANBUL – Secretary of State John Kerry met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on April 21 for an hourlong visit at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Secretary Kerry assured His All-Holiness of the ongoing and unwavering support of the United States for religious freedom and the reopening of the Orthodox Theological School of Halki. “It is our hope that the Halki seminary will open,” Kerry said during a press conference in Istanbul.

Both the United States and the European Union, which Turkey aspires to join, have

increased pressure on Ankara to re-open the seminary as well as introducing further rights for religious minorities in the new constitution it is currently drafting.

Mr. Kerry also remarked, saying “It’s such a privilege to talk with somebody who has been such a voice for tolerance, a voice for interfaith understanding, who most recently visited with His Holiness Pope Francis and was at his investiture, and who has consistently talked out about

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Greek Independence Day Celebrated at White House

by Stavros Papagermanos

WASHINGTON –This year’s annual Greek Independence Day event at the White House was held in the somber atmosphere following the bomb attacks in Boston. President Barack Obama, who had just returned from his visit to Boston, Thursday, April 18, welcomed at the White House Archbishop Demetrios and the Greek-American community for the Annual Greek Independence Day Celebration. This was the 27th consecutive celebration at the White House honoring the 192nd Anniversary of the start of the Greek War for Independence of March 25th, 1821.

President Barack Obama and VicePresident Joe Biden met in private with Archbishop Demetrios in the Green Room, just prior to the public event, which started in the East Room of the White House around 6 p.m.

Archbishop Demetrios, in his address which began the program, noted the special circumstances of this year’s commemoration: “…today our hearts are heavy, our minds numb, and our joy is overshadowed by grief and sorrow for the innocent victims and their families from Monday’s terrorist attacks in Boston.” His Eminence conveyed

the condolences of the Ecumenical Patriarch, drew parallels between the Greek fight for independence and freedom and the values of the American democracy and offered the steadfast support and unfailing prayers of the Greek Orthodox Community

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NEW YORK – In response to reports in Turkish and world media about an assassination plot against Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Demetrios on May 10 wrote to President Obama urging him to exercise his good offices to ensure the safety of His All Holiness.

Noting the continuing crisis in Aleppo, Syria, where the Greek Orthodox and Syriac Orthodox hierarchs remain missing, kidnapped by terrorists, the archbishop asked the president to protect His All Holiness, as the 1,700-year presence of the office of Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), is the highest ranking Christian leader in a Muslim country.

Also on May 10, the Order of St. Andrew Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate issued a statement expressing “grave concern and outrage” at the recently uncovered plot by Turkish officials to assassinate Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on May 29, the 560th anniversary of the fall of Constantinople.

The personal safety and security concerns of His All-Holiness have been conveyed to the highest levels of the U.S. government, including the White House, State Department and the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Francis J. Ricciardone.

Meanwhile, Turkish media reported that Turkey is investigating an alleged plot to assassinate Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, and has stepped up security around the patriarchate in Istanbul, his spokesman said on Friday.

Spokesman Dositheos Anagnostopoulos said the patriarch had not received any direct threats but had learned of the alleged plot from Turkish media, which was later confirmed to the patriarchate by Turkish police.

“The patriarch is not taking this too seriously. He doesn’t believe there is a serious threat,” Anagnostopoulos was quoted as saying.

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Deadline for submitting information, articles and photos for consideration in the JUNE 2013 issue: Monday, June 3.

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.

Greek Independence Day Celebrated at White House u u from page 1 “we may all see the day when peace, justice, and the power of love rule supreme in our world, and tears be shed no more for the innocent.” (see full text of Archbishop’s Remarks below) President Obama welcomed everyone with the greeting Kalispera (good evening) and he first expressed thanks to the Archbishop saying how grateful he was to count the Archbishop among those from whom he seeks counsel and advice. The President referred to his visit to Boston earlier in the day, and said he felt his spirits lifted by the courage and resolve of the people of Boston. He also said that the bonds between Greece and the United States are strong and will grow stronger in the years ahead.

He recognized his Greek-American friends from Chicago and said that Greek Americans make an extraordinary contribution across the country, noting that the Greek American community represents what is essential about America as they have forged something that is new but it is also connected to ancient values and traditions.

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President Obama took time to express thanks to the President of Greece Karolos Papoulias and the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras for their expression of condolences and solidarity and recognized the Ambassador of Greece to the United States Christos Panagopoulos and the representative of the Embassy of Cyprus Olympia Neocleous.

In his remarks, Vice President Joe Biden said to the attendees that he learned from an early age that the word freedom is almost synonymous with Greece and that he considers Greek-Americans very special Americans. He then added that what impresses him the most is a Greek proverb that says that a society grows when men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit under. He said this is exactly what this community has done in this country as it understands its obligations.

Remarks by Archbishop Demetrios at the Presidential Observance of Greek Independence Day The White House Mr. President, Mr. Vice-President: For one more time, we, the Greek-

Ionian Village Adds ‘Repower Greece Day’ to Camping Program

by Fr. Evagoras Constantinidis

NEW YORK – The Archdiocese Office of Ionian Village has established a cooperative one-day program, “Repower Greece Day at Ionian Village,” an event that will encourage Ionian Village participants to closely examine their experiences of Greece, cultivate a high level of appreciation of their Greek heritage, and to become ambassadors for the country’s image abroad.

Every summer, Ionian Village provides campers with a transformative experience of Greece, Hellenism and

Orthodoxy through a powerful and meaningful travel program. Through close encounters with Greece, her people, and the Greek Orthodox faith, Ionian Village has fostered a love and appreciation of Greece and Hellenism in its participants for over forty years.

Assisting the Ionian Village team in this visionary program will be Repower Greece, a public diplomacy campaign whose mission is to challenge negative perceptions of Greece on an international scale, replacing them with stories of suc-

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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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American Orthodox Community, have the great honor today to be at the White House, in order to commemorate the Greek Independence Day. Unlike past years, however, today our hearts are heavy, our minds numb, and our joy is overshadowed by grief and sorrow for the innocent victims and their families from Monday’s terrorist attacks in Boston.

At this solemn moment, allow me to convey the heartfelt condolences and prayerful support of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who shares his grief and distress with the American people.

The people of Boston demonstrated to each other and to the world what freedom, patriotism, and heroism truly mean. The same resolve and patriotism stirred the hearts and minds of the Greeks who in 1821 fought heroically for their independence after suffering 400 years of foreign occupation in order to regain their freedom and establish the free state of Greece. Almost two centuries ago, the heroic Greek people in their fight shared the same yearning for freedom and democracy, just like the forefathers of our Nation.

Often the result of such courageous and bold acts comes with an enormous price. A price, however, which stems from the strong desire for universal values such as the pursuit of happiness, human rights, dignity, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.

Everyone knows that only a few hours ago, our President and the First Lady joined the grieving City of Boston.

His leadership and presence were a much-welcome solace and comfort in their hour of need. Now we are welcomed at the White House in honor of the struggle for independence of the Greek People in 1821.

In light of this week’s tragedy, and the continuing struggle for security in our Nation today, we offer our unfailing prayers, our steadfast support, and our pledge to give our utmost as faithful citizens of this great country.

To borrow the words of the President: “We must pick ourselves up, dust off and continue.”

We stand shoulder to shoulder in the work of preserving and fostering freedom.

And we pray that we may all see the day when peace, justice, and the power of love rule supreme in our world, and tears be shed no more for the innocent.

May God bless our President and his noble family, the beloved people of Boston, and may God bless the United States of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.

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ΜΑΥ 2013

Kerry Visits Patriarchate

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AHEPA Sunday

u u from page 1 protecting rights of minorities, protecting religious rights, and who is struggling for larger understanding in the world.

“He is also an ardent environmentalist and has been honored by any number of universities, including our great University of Tufts in Massachusetts, with honorary degrees. He has a great following. I have many, many of his flock that I was privileged to represent for years in Massachusetts and have attended Orthodox services in Lowell, Mass., and other places, in Boston.

“So for me to visit here with this protector of the rights of people to practice their religion and to try to bring people together in interfaith understanding is a great, great privilege for me. And I want to thank you so much, Your Holiness.

Thank you for my reception. And he gave me a beautiful rosary that the Pope gave him that’s been blessed by the Pope and by him, and I will carry that with great, great privilege.”

In turn, His All–Holiness expressed his gratitude to Mr. Kerry, while also conveying his fervent prayers for the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy and the people of Massachusetts.

The Ecumenical Patriarch accompanied Secretary of State Kerry to the Patriarchal Church of St. George and to the memorial gate of Patriarch Gregory V. Mr. Kerry follows a tradition established by former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who visited the Phanar on three occasions, followed by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Among those attending the meeting were Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Francis J. Ricciardone, U.S. Consul General in Istanbul Scott Frederic Kilner and Archon Laki Vingas, representative to the Turkish government for Minority Foundations.

President Obama Issues Statement on Orthodox Easter This weekend, Michelle and I extend our best wishes to members of the Orthodox Christian community here in America and around the world as they observe Holy Friday and the Feast of the Resurrection.

For millions of Orthodox Christians, this is a joyful time. But it’s also a reminder of the sacrifice Christ made so that we might have eternal life. His decision to choose love in the face of hate; hope in the face of despair is an example we should always strive to follow. But it’s especially important to remember this year, as members of the Orthodox community have been confronted with persecution and violence, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.

For centuries, the region and the world has been enriched by the contributions of Orthodox communities in countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. As a nation, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting universal human rights including the freedom of religion.

And in this season of hope and restoration, we celebrate the transformational power of sacrificial love.

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Dimitrios Panagos photo.

Holy Synod members (from left, clockwise) Metropolitans Gerasimos, Nicholas, Isaiah, Iakovos, Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, Archbishop Demetrios, and Metropolitans Methodios, Alexios, Savas and Evangelos.

Holy Eparchial Synod Issues Communiqué

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened for its regular scheduled spring meeting in the Synodal Chamber at the Archdiocese headquarters April 16 and 17. Archbishop Demetrios presided at the meeting, with the full participation of all the members of the Synod.

During the meeting, the Synod deliberated on matters relating to the life and the work of the Church including the following: • Administrative matters: Administrative matters relating to the parishes and monasteries of the Holy Archdiocese were discussed. Among the matters discussed was the progress of the work of the special Committee of the Archdiocese on the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Church at Ground Zero. The work of the Committee continues and the architectural firm will soon be selected. The new St. Nicholas Church will function as a national shrine, besides serving as a parish church.

• Clergy Matters: Matters relating to the pastoral work of the Clergy were discussed, as well as cases of disciplinary nature and matters relating to pastoral care for clergy and their families.

• Pastoral Matters: The Synod continued the discussion on the Chaplaincy Program which had been approved at its previous meeting. Those interested in the program can contact the Office of the Holy Eparchial Synod for further information.

• Social Issues: The recent tragic events

of the bombings during the Boston Marathon were discussed and a special statement was issued www.goarch.org/news/ bostonmarathon-04162013).

Furthermore, Archbishop Demetrios, informed the members of the Synod of his participation in the Special 15–member President’s Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships to which he had been appointed by the President of the United States, to study and make recommendations for the eradication of the contemporary forms of slavery at the work place and the exploitation of children and adults.

In addition, the Synod discussed the continuing economic crisis in Greece and especially the most recent economic crisis in Cyprus. The Archbishop mentioned that he had convened a meeting of national leaders and representatives of national organizations in support of the suffering and struggling people of Cyprus. The Synod unanimously decided to ask the pious faithful of the Church and the parishes of the Archdiocese to contribute from the abundance of their love and assist our brothers and sisters in Cyprus through the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and in concert with the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus.

The two day meeting of the Synod concluded with prayer on Wednesday evening April 17.

Holy Cross Seeks New Dean BROOKLINE, Mass. -- The President of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and the Search Committee invite applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Dean, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

As the chief academic and administrative officer of Holy Cross, the Dean reports directly to the President and is a member of the senior leadership team responsible for the overall administration of the Institution. The Dean is expected to advance the School’s mission and objectives, implement its strategic plans in cooperation with senior leadership, translate its academic vision into action, balance advocacy of the School with the needs of the wider HCHC community, and promote its national and international prominence in Orthodox theological scholarship and graduate education.

The Dean is charged with maintaining

academic standards in teaching, research, and other services performed by the faculty of Holy Cross; providing leadership in program development; overseeing ongoing assessment of goals and outcomes of the three degree programs; conducting academic relations with other institutions; participating in fund raising efforts; and enhancing relationships with the School’s many constituencies. The Dean is expected to teach courses in one’s field of expertise and to serve as a member of the School’s executive team and as an ex officio member on the Board of Trustees.

Candidates should be Orthodox Christians, hold an earned doctorate in a theological discipline, and have responsible administrative experience in a collegiate setting, including a strong track record both

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CLERGY UPDATE Offikia Fr. Dionysios Marketos, Office of Protopresbyter bestowed by Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey Leave of Absence Fr. George P. Savas

Receptions Fr. Nikolaos Galanopoulos (from the Church of Greece) 09/01/12 Fr. John N. Kondratick (from the Orthodox Church in America) Suspencions Lifted Fr. Anatol Siegen

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Christ is Risen! Χριστός Ἀνέστη!

As we continue our celebration of life in the joy and light of this Paschal season, we commemorate on this day the Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers. This day has also been designated as our annual observance of AHEPA Sunday (May 19) in recognition of the members and work of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.

These two observances are very significant as they affirm the priority of love, faith and service. On that glorious morning of our Lord’s Resurrection, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome came to the tomb to anoint the body of Christ (Mark 16:1-2). They did this with hearts filled with love for Him; and upon seeing the empty tomb and hearing the proclamation of the angels, they went to the Apostles proclaiming that Christ is risen!

(Luke 24:1-10) These ideals that we cherish and share through our Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage are a part of the mission of AHEPA and the organizations of the AHEPA family.

Through their love of God, of this country and Greece, as well as the Greek American community, the members of AHEPA have initiated and offered support for numerous educational programs and philanthropic efforts. As members of parishes, and leaders in our Archdiocese and Metropolises, they have been witnesses of the essential role of our faith and the Church in meeting the needs of others. For almost a century, AHEPA has emphasized the priority of service to many in this country and around the world.

On AHEPA Sunday, I ask all of our parishes to honor AHEPA’s bright legacy of service and to recognize the members of its organizations. Also may we offer thanks to the members of AHEPA for their contribution to our Church in America and our Greek American community, and for their offering to so many educational, philanthropic, and cultural endeavors. May we continue to pray to God for His blessings, strength, and gifts, as the witness of His love and the power of the Resurrection permiates in all that we do.

With paternal love in Our Risen Lord,

† DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of America

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ΜΑΥ 2013

Boston Marathon Bombing

by Jim Golding

With reports from the Boston Metropolis While no Greek Orthodox Christians were reported injured in the April 15 Boston Marathon bombing, the tragedy caused major disruptions in the lives of the faithful, as it did in the general population, especially in the suburb of Watertown, where police eventually captured the surviving suspect in the terrorist attack.

Following the bombing attack, the Boston area was on lockdown for the remainder of the week as many as 5,000 law enforcement officers took part in an intensive manhunt for the suspects. Boston-area residents were ordered to stay in their homes with doors locked and businesses, offices and schools including, Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology and all Archdiocesan Boston offices also were closed.

In his initial response to the tragedy, Metropolitan Methodios, who did not attend this year’s marathon, called upon all Greek Orthodox faithful throughout New England to join President Obama, Gov. Deval Patrick, Mayor Thomas Menino, religious leaders throughout Boston and the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pray for the healing of those injured, for their families, and especially for the eternal repose of the three innocent victims who lost their lives. He has also urged the Greek American community to assist in the relief efforts.The Metropolitan, in cooperation with the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities), dispatched professionally trained Orthodox grief counselors to assist in the Mayor’s emergency counseling centers throughout the city.

Immediately following the tragic event, the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese, meeting in New York for its spring meeting, issued the following statement on the barbaric attack.

Holy Synod’s statement “On this day of shock and mourning, our hearts and prayers are with the victims of this latest horrendous terrorist attack. We express our unequivocal condemnation of all acts of violence and terrorism against society, which incite the justified indignation of all people who value human life, freedom and justice. We stand together with people of Boston, the participants of the Boston Marathon and their families and the people of our Nation as a whole. We call upon all our faithful to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of the innocent victims who lost their lives in these tragic events and pray for the healing of those immediately affected and for the Nation.”

Metropolitan’s statement On April 18, at the invitation of Gov. Patrick of Massachusetts, Metropolitan Methodios participated in the Interfaith

Metropolitan Methodios addresses the interfaith prayer service.

Photo: Gregory Tracy, The Pilot/Pilot Catholic News-Boston

prayer service for the Boston Marathon tragedy at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Cathedral in Boston, along with President Barack Obama, Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston and other Massachusetts religious and political leaders. The service was broadcast live on most TV channels and online news outlets across the country.

The Metropolitan’s message read, in part: “This past Monday, a day rich with symbolism, an horrific act of terrorism wounded the heart and soul of our city and our nation. Thousands from throughout the world were in Boston as participants and spectators of the marathon which, as we all know, recalls the run of Phillipides from the ancient city of Marathon to Athens to announce the victory of Greece over the forces of an empire that devalued freedom, human dignity and democracy. The Boston marathon always coincides with Patriots Day, when we commemorate the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first of the American Revolution. Sadly it was on Patriot’s Day–when we celebrate the values of freedom and democracy, and the fiercely independent spirit of America–that evil reared its ugly head once again and innocent men, women and children fell victim to a senseless and unspeakable act of brutality. But we know that bombs of terrorism may kill and injure, but they cannot crush the American spirit.

“Today we thank Cardinal O’Malley for opening the embrace of his Cathedral to all of us… to President Obama, to Governor Patrick, to Mayor Menino; to all who are in public service; to the religious leaders of the Commonwealth; to every citizen, regardless of creed. We gather as a community–as brothers and sisters in the household of God–to bow our heads in solemn prayer for the repose of the souls of three innocent victims whose lives were violently taken,

The scene at the Boylston Street site of the bomb explosions on April 24, one day after the street was reopened to the public.

Chryssa Golding photos.

and for the countless victims who will bare painful wounds for the rest of their lives.

“We come today to thank God for the police and firefighters, the National Guard, the doctors and nurses–for all who responded selflessly and courageously.

“We pray that our gracious, loving, compassionate and merciful God, the Healer of our souls and bodies watch over us and comfort us in our hour of pain. May He who is the Prince of Peace bring peace to our souls and to our community…”

Also issuing a statement after the attack was Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, whose message said, in part: As Orthodox Christians, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12) “The reality of such evil and violence is a constant reminder of the need for the love of God in each heart and mind. For only He can provide the strength for the survivors and families of victims of violence, tragedy, disaster and illness. Only He can heal our wounds and make us whole again.”

The Boston Greek Orthodox community responded to the tragedy through various services.

On April 16, the Metropolis of Boston, the community of Hellenic College Holy Cross, IOCC First responders, and the National OCF office, along with local young adults and college students gathered for prayers and reflections at the Chapel of the Holy Cross chapel on the HCHC campus, conducted by school President Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou and Fr. Luke Veronis.

On April 17, about 40 HCHC students attended and chanted at an impromptu compline service organized by seminarian Nick Savas. The memorial service took place two blocks from the Boylston Street site of the bombings.

Annunciation Cathedral of New England held an Akathist Vigil on April 19 dedicated to the victims of the Marathon attack with the Very Rev. Cleopas Strongylis exhorting the faithful to remember the spirit of the first marathon, emphasizing the dedicated perseverance of marathon runners in the face of adversity.

Metropolitan Visits Watertown Sunday, April 21 marked an important first step in the long process of healing for the parishioners of the Taxiarchae-Archangels Greek Orthodox Church. Following the terror and violence on the streets and neighborhoods of the Watertown community over the past several days, Metropolitan Methodios made an Archpastoral visit to the Taxiarchae Church to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and to visit with families of the com-

munity that were immediately affected by these tragic events.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan met with parishioners who shared with him the terror and fear they experienced as they witnessed thousands federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel campus their streets and properties as they hunted door to door for the Boston Marathon bomber.

The Metropolitan then toured the streets of Watertown and visited the home of a family from the parish who was in the line of fire as the violence of the manhunt unfolded in front of their eyes. He wanted to personally embrace them with the love and comfort of the Church and assure them of the support and prayers of our Metropolis family.

Following this pastoral call, the Metropolitan visited the Watertown Police Department to personally express the gratitude of the Greek-American community for the officers’ heroic acts of bravery which ultimately led to the restoration of peace and order on the streets of Watertown.

Chief of Police Edward Deveau welcome Metropolitan Methodios to his office where he shared details of the life-threatening battle that his officers endured over those many hours. He introduced Sgt. John C. MacLellan, who headed the Watertown police force during this 24-hour manhunt.

Sgt. MacLellan related the details of the horrific gunfire encounters that took place in the residential areas of the town.

The Metropolitan wanted to visit with the police officers to personally bring the message of hope, love and solidarity with the faithful citizens of the Town of Watertown. As the meeting with the chief concluded, Metropolitan Methodios offered the ongoing support and assistance of our Greek Orthodox clergy and faithful to his police department as they begin the long process of healing.

He called upon the Metropolis faithful to continue to pray for peace and the healing of the people of Boston, Watertown and the entire Commonwealth. During the memorial service at the end of the Divine Liturgy, he prayed for the eternal repose of those who tragically lost their lives this past week. Metropolitan Methodios urged the congregation to especially pray for the healing of those injured and for the comfort and healing of all those who suffered the terror of this evil act. The Metropolitan returned to the Taxiarchae Church on April 28 to celebrate the Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy marking the beginning of Holy Week.

(Letter from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on page 6. Related story on page 10)

A show of solidarity from visitors from New York. The words at the top of the flag mounted on a bench at the Boston Commons read: “NY  Boston.” (New York Loves Boston)

ΜΑΥ 2013

Holy Week Scenes Around the Archdiocese

5

Dimitrios Panagos photo

Archbishop Demetrios (upp er lef t) traveled to Washington to celebrate Palm Sunday at St. Sophia Cathedral. (upper right) Metropolitan Isaiah of D enver leads the procession with the Epitaphios at Assumption Cathedral on Holy Friday evening. (right) Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago celebrates the service of the Resurrection at Annunciation Cathedral in Chicago. (left) Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh addresses the faithful during the Holy Unction (efhelion) service on Holy

Wednesday at St. Demetrios Church, Rocky River, Ohio. (below) Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco with the mirophores at St. Demetrios Church in Seattle.

Dimitrios Panagos photo

Bishop Sevastianos, chief secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod (upper left) reads one of the 12 gospel readings at the Holy Thursday night service at St. Demetrios Church in Merrick, N.Y. ( (upper right) Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey at a Nymphios service at St. Andrew Church in Randolph, N.J. (below left) Many young people at various parishes participated in Holy Week services. (below right) Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit anoints a young parishioner on Holy Wednesday at Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church in Plymouth, Mich.

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ΜΑΥ 2013

Ecumenical Patriarch’s Letter on Boston Tragedy Your Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, beloved brother and concelebrant in Christ: grace and peace be with you from above. It is with sentiments of profound sorrow that we have been witnessing the appalling and devastating events of violence and terror that marred this year’s Boston Marathon, shocking the city of Boston, the American nation, and the whole world. We join you, dear brother, as well as the world community in expressing our utter shock at this senseless assault and our outright condemnation of this unjustifiable tragedy, while at the same time interceding with our loving God for the mourning families of the many innocent victims. Who could even begin to fathom the suffering of parents grieving for a delightful boy, a promising student, or a radiant woman? We pray for the healing of all those who suffered irreparable loss.

We recognize that the Boston Marathon enjoys an almost sacred character for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts inasmuch as it falls on a day of patriotic remembrance

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and communal celebration. Therefore, we ask that you convey our wholehearted support and blessings to the government officials and police services in this time of trial, especially to the esteemed Mayor Thomas Menino of Boston and Governor Deval Patrick for their sensitive roles of response and responsibility at this critical hour. We have been deeply touched by the innumerable acts of compassion the part of medical professionals and heroic volunteers - who hastened to limit the loss and contribute to the healing of the local community. May the God of all life and true peace grant rest to the souls of the deceased victims, healing to the wounded Individuals, as well as strength to their families and the entire community of Boston.

At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the 16th of April, 2013 Your Eminence’s beloved brother in Christ, + BARTHOLOMEW Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch

Bishops Appeal for Abducted Hierarchs u u from page 1 The text of their message is as follows: The Honorable John Kerry United States Secretary of State Dear Secretary Kerry, We, the Members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America, kindly bring to your attention the urgent and very serious plight of the Greek Orthodox and Syriac Orthodox Archbishops of Aleppo, Paul Yazigi and Yohanna Ibrahim, who were abducted this past week by “a terrorist group” in the village of Kfar Dael as they were carrying out humanitarian work.

Since the outbreak of the civil war in Syria, religious minorities have not only come under increasing attacks by Islamic fundamentalist rebels, but also have been caught in the crossfire of the opposing factions. As you well know, on April 22, 2013, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom released a report titled Protecting and Promoting Religious Freedom in Syria.Religious minorities, including the Christian population, have been targeted for extinction in an attempt to create an Islamic State in Syria and to impose Sharia Law as the law of the land. To that

end, Christian clerics have been kidnapped and murdered, even as they tried to bring aid and comfort to their people in this war torn country, while others are still missing, taken captive by rebel forces.

We fervently beseech you to immediately call for and actively work towards the immediate release of Archbishops Paul Yazigi and Yohanna Ibrahim, especially as Orthodox Christians around the globe are preparing to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 5th. We would further hope that the United States government, which has always been a champion of civil rights and religious freedom and defends the dignity and safety of every individual, would exert pressure on all parties in Syria to stop the killing of innocent people and restore freedom of religion and respect for all religious minorities. We are indebted to you and others within the administration for your tireless efforts. As Orthodox Christians, the most appropriate way to express this appreciation is to continue to pray for all our civil authorities.

May the Lord bless and keep you: The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

(OT Book of Numbers 6:24-26).

Ionian Village Adds ‘Repower Greece Day’ to Camping Program u u from page 2 cess and positive experiences in efforts to restore Greece’s worldview.

Ionian Village, together with Repower Greece, will build upon campers’ transformative experiences of Greece to spark constructive dialogue and heighten awareness among participants of their ability to serve as ambassadors for the country, spreading the positive message of growth and beauty that exemplify Greece.

“Repower Greece Day at Ionian Village” will infuse aspects of the Repower Greece initiative into traditional Ionian Village daily activities. Preliminary ideas include visual and tangible projects that will creatively allow the participating teenagers to confront their individual thoughts and feelings about Greece. Ionian Village staff members will lead these activities, joined by members of the Repower Greece team who will both participate in activities and engage in open forum style discussions with campers throughout the day.

This programmatic addition to the Ionian Village repertoire will allow Repower

Greece to introduce its worthy initiative to a group of more than 350 Greek American young people who will return to America ready to help redefine Greece’s image in the world. As well, Ionian Village campers will benefit from the challenge to understand and evaluate their experiences at an intellectual level.

Ionian Village is the unique summer camping program of the Archdiocese located in Peloponnesos, Greece. In two 20–day sessions each summer, Ionian Village campers travel across Greece with their peers to sites of religious and cultural importance. Greek Orthodox teenagers who have completed grades 8 through 12 are eligible for this experience.

For more information or to register for the Ionian Village 2013 camping season, visit www.ionianvillage.org.

Repower Greece is coordinated by the Institute for Regional Dialogue & Strategy and FORESIGHT Communications in Athens and Repower Greece Inc., a non-profit organization in New York. For more information on Repower Greece, visit www.repowergreece.com.

ΜΑΥ 2013

The Voice of Philoptochos

National Philoptochos’ Aid to Greece and Cyprus 2013 Campaign National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas in a letter to all Philoptochos chapters and stewards announced the 2013 Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign that consists of two initiatives.

The first initiative engages all the National Philoptochos Board members with each member sponsoring a personal fund raising event of her choice during April, May and June to aid Greece and Cyprus.

The second embraces all Philoptochos chapters on Sunday, Sept. 22, designated as National Philoptochos Fellowship Sunday. Chapters throughout the country will host a parish coffee hour to support the campaign to raise funds for Greece and Cyprus aid.

A donation basket will be available to offer contributions for Greek and Cypriot brethren. National Philoptochos Board Secretary Elaine Cladis serves as the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign Chairman and reminds us all that efforts to help our brethren in Greece and now Cyprus are ongoing and support is greatly needed.

To date, National Philoptochos has donated $210,000 through the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign reaffirms its commitment to serve our brethren severely affected in Greece and now Cyprus. Both countries require humanitarian aid as the need increases daily as the crisis is expanding and deepening and affects all sectors of society.

The donations of $210,000 were made to the following Church organizations and philanthropic agencies: • $25,000 to the International Orthodox Christian Charities for medical supplies and food staples; • $50,000 to Apostoli, the philanthropic arm of the Archdiocese of Greece for immediate assistance to children, elderly and families; • $50,000 to the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki to assist the area churches in their daily philanthropic efforts; • $25,000 to the Holy Archdiocese of Crete to help individuals and families in dire need with food and medical supplies; • $10,000 to Kovotos tou Kosmou (Arc of the World) that assists 150 needy children with food, clothing, shoes, schooling and doctors and serves meals to 1,300 people daily as well as maintains a Philoxenia House for abused mothers and their children; • $25,000 to Theotokos Foundation that provides services to children and adults with learning and other developmental disabilities whose funding has been drastically reduced due to the economic crisis; • $25,000 to Doctors without Borders in Greece to offer screenings and support TB patients throughout their treatment.

Doctors without Borders is also helping the Government of Greece and the European Union to better understand how to more efficiently and effectively use available resources.

For more information, visit: www. philoptochos.org or philosny@aol.com

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A New Era of Philanthropy Begins

by Rosemary Nikas

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos, under the spiritual guidance and support of Metropolitan Savas ,is inspired by his leadership and enthusiasm to strive to continually uphold the mission statement of our organization. The Metropolis chapters are dynamic and hard working and their philanthropy is second to none.

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos is a sleeping giant that is awakening to a new era of philanthropy.

Our chapters range in size from six to more than 150 members and cover all of Pennsylvania with the exception of Philadelphia. Our region also includes Northeast Ohio as far west as Rocky River and Central Ohio as far south as Columbus and all of West Virginia. All our chapters express love and support to those in need. We also support individuals who travel to Pittsburgh and Cleveland for medical procedures by offering them companionship and economic aid when it is needed. We provide food banks and outreach where healthy meals are delivered to those who are in need.

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh recently held its annual Daffodil Luncheon fund raiser for the Metropolis Social Service fund and for The Hummingbird Program at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

Each year the host chapters select a charity to receive a portion of the proceeds from the luncheon.

The Hummingbird Program provides comprehensive medical, emotional, social and spiritual support for children and their families facing life threatening, complex medical conditions.

One of our challenges is to involve all of our chapters near and far to participate in our activities, workshops and fund raisers so that they feel that they are an intricate part of our Metropolis family.

Chapter visits and mentoring by the Metropolis Board continue as we bring our

Members of the Daffodil Luncheon Committee: (from left)) Metropolis President Rosemary Nikas, Thana Ward, Angel Cammarano and Mary Doreza.

message of unity and cooperation to the membership.

The largest and most important event the Metropolis of Pittisburgh is hosting is the National Philoptochos Childrens’ Medical Fund Luncheon this fall.

The luncheon has been held every two years since 1989 but this year is the first time that the Metropolis of Pittsburgh has the honor of being the host Metropolis for this important luncheon that brings together Philoptochos members and friends from throughout the country to support the Childrens’ Medical Fund.

This event will be held Saturday, Oct.12, at the Fairmont Hotel in Pittsburgh. The weekend includes National Executive Board meetings on Thursday, Oct. 10, and the National Philoptochos

Board fall meeting Friday, Oct. 11. Friday evening the Metropolis of Pittsburgh welcomes the National Philoptochos Board at a reception at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens that includes entertainment, tours throughout the Conservatory, Greek music and delicious food offerings. Help us achieve our goal of providing life–saving grants to worthy organizations throughout our Metropolis.

We continue to strive as an organization to carry out our Mission Statement and to work to bring all of our Chapters together for greater acts of philanthropy and love. ‘For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ Deuteronomy 15:11

National Board Meeting Transmits Live Coverage BOSTON – The Spring National Philoptochos Board meeting April 5–6 was filled with many firsts as the members gathered in the Metropolis of Boston only days before the terrible bombing at the Boston Marathon. Metropolitan Methodios warmly welcomed National Philoptochos advisor Bishop Sevastianos; National President Aphrodite Skeadas, past national President Eve Condakes and many board members from around the country.

The two-day meeting included inspiring spiritual reflections offered by Bishop Sevastianos; discussions and

reports from the respective committees on the broad scope of philanthropic work conducted by all chapters and metropolises nationally; an update on the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy; two interactive board sessions reflecting on one’s role as a national board member; multiple personal vision statements on the importance, role and the future of the Center of Philanthropy and specific recommendations for proposed activities; a session on human trafficking and a special guest appearance from actress NiaVardalos who charmed the audience with her

wit. Thanks to the tremendous support of the Archdiocese Internet Ministries and Hellenic College Holy Cross team, the human trafficking forum and the special appearance of Ms. Vardalos were offered through live streaming to the delight of viewers who immediately responded from across the country.

The national board will meet in Pittsburgh on Oct. 11 prior to the Childrens’ Medical Fund Luncheon on Oct. 12.

For more information and the interview with Ms. Vardalos visit www. philoptochos.org

Michigan Lenten Women’s Retreat Focuses on Prayer TROY, Mich. - Over 50 attendees from Detroit–area parishes attended the 9th annual Women’s Lenten Spiritual Retreat sponsored by the St. Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos Society and Mothers on an Orthodox Mission (M.O.M.s).

Author and editor Theodora Dracopoulos Argue of Mercer Island, Wash., a member of St. Demetrios Church in Seattle, was the retreat leader and guest speaker. She discussed material from her book “Practicing Daily Prayer in

the Orthodox Christian Life.” Held on the fifth Saturday of Great Lent at St. Nicholas Church, the event included worship, presentations, discussion, and fellowship. Demetra Manolias chaired the retreat.

Fr. Stratton Dorozenski offered the Orthros service prior to the morning session “How to make prayer a vital part and the powerhouse of daily living.” Mrs. Argue provided various examples of the elements of prayer that

can lead to living a full Orthodox prayer life, noting the wealth of resources available both in print, and on-line at www.goarch.org.

The afternoon session “Icons and Their Relationship to Prayer,” included discussion of icons of Christ, the Theotokos, saints, and biblical events and how they can help the faithful in their prayer life. The role and placement of icons in the church building and miracle-working icons also were reviewed.

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Church History

ΜΑΥ 2013

The Long Road to Brookline

by William H. Samonides, Ph.D

Nothing came easily to the early Greek immigrants in America. Most descendants of that pioneering generation can recount stories of the hardships their ancestors endured and the sacrifices they made. The Greek Orthodox Church in America also had its share of early struggles. Perhaps nothing illustrates this better than the efforts to establish a seminary to train priests for service in America.

This project was always a top Church priority. A seminary was planned or established on four occasions in four states: Missouri, New York, North Carolina, and Connecticut. It took 20 years from the time of the first discussions to the establishment of a stable institution at Pomfret in 1937. Another decade passed before the seminary was permanently situated at its present location in Brookline, Mass.

The idea of an American seminary occupied the attention of hierarchs Meletios Mexatakis and Athenagoras Spyrou. Each tried to establish a seminary shortly after his arrival in America.

The first serious discussion appears to have occurred in fall 1918 during the first visit of Meletios, Metropolitan of Athens, to this country. A group of wealthy Greeks pledged over $100,000 to finance the project, and the mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, offered to donate land for the seminary if it were located there. Archbishop Athenagoras, in 1932, the year after his arrival in America, initiated plans to open a seminary in Gastonia, N.C. Neither plan progressed beyond the discussion stage.

Meletios and Athenagoras, who both served as Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople, were more successful in their second attempts. Shortly after Meletios returned to America in 1921, he established St. Athanasios Seminary, originally established in Brooklyn in November 1921 at the Central YMCA, but relocated in February 1922 to the old Foster Mansion in Astoria.

This took place only weeks after the first Clergy-Laity Congress and the incorporation of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America by the State of New York. Unfortunately, there was not enough money to continue operating St Athanasios, and it closed after two academic years in May 1923. It did, however, have an enduring impact.

The stately mansion at 273 Elm Street in Astoria that had been purchased to house the seminary remained an important part of the Archdiocese for two decades after St. Athanasios closed. It functioned both as a chapel where many priests were ordained and as Archdiocese headquarters.

In his autobiography, Fr. John Gerotheou, writes in detail about the ordeal of a four-hour exam on July 22, 1925 at Archdiocese headquarters in Astoria.

The following month, he made a second trip to Astoria from his Philadelphia home for his ordination as Deacon.

As the Church in America continued to grow, the Archdiocese outgrew this facility. Peter Kourides pointed out that, at the time of the arrival of Archbishop Athenagoras to this country in 1931, “the Archdiocese was...situated in an antiquated frame house in Astoria upon which there were two mortgages totaling

$35,000.00. Its heating facilities were so primitive and inadequate that the Archbishop actually shivered from the cold during the winter.” In 1942, the current home of the Archdiocese was purchased in Manhattan.

The official publication of the Seminary and of the Greek Orthodox Church in America was The Church Herald, edited by Professor Michael Galanos. It was the first such publication issued by the Archdiocese. It, too, was discontinued due to a lack of funding. The Church Herald was a forerunner to the Orthodox Observer, which was established in 1934.

Because St. Athanasios Seminary was only in existence for two years, no students completed the three-year course and graduated from the seminary. It did, however, confer two honorary degrees.

On May 27, 1923, Archbishop Alexander conferred Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) degrees upon New York City Episcopalian ministers Rev. Henry V. B. Darlington and Rev. Thomas J. Lacey for their work on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. These were the first such degrees issued by the Greek Orthodox Church in America.

It was the students who began their training at St. Athanasios who are the Seminary’s legacy. Thalis Demetriades, Aristides Palaynes, Haralambos Skoufis, and George Evrotas, who had been an English-language student instructor at the Seminary, were among those who completed their studies at nonOrthodox American seminaries. All were ordained as priests and went on to serve parishes throughout the Archdiocese for decades. Fr. Demetriades served in Portland, New Orleans, Tulsa, Okla., and Mobile, Ala.; Fr. Palaynes at Sioux City, Iowa; Perth Amboy, N.J., and Asbury Park, N.J; Father Skoufis at Nashville, Duluth, Minn., Sacramento, Calif., Stockton, Calif., Cincinnati, and Fresno, Calif; and Fr. Evrotas at Dayton, Ohio; Kansas City, Mo.; Joliet, Ill.; Peoria, Ill.; Omaha, Neb.; Racine, Wis.; Waukegan, Ill.; and Des Moines, Iowa. Athanasios Theodorides, the Seminary’s student instructor of Byzantine music, did not become a priest, but he continued to teach Greek and direct choirs for a half-century in Baltimore and elsewhere.

Another student, Michael Mikelis, never entered the priesthood, but he achieved local celebrity for the Bible quotations that adorned the walls and menus of his Long Island City eatery, the Central Lunch Room for Ladies and Gentlemen.

It was the second attempt by Archbishop Athenagoras to establish a seminary that led to the foundation of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Pomfret, Conn., in September 1937.

Here at last was created the enduring institution of which so many had dreamed. Now in its 76 th year, situated on a beautiful campus in Brookline, Mass., Holy Cross has graduated thousands, many of whom have been ordained and others who have served the Archdiocese and the faith in other capacities.

The author thanks Nikie Calles, Theodora Poletis and Anne Reece for their assistance. He invites readers to share their thoughts by contacting him (email: htgochistorian@aol.com; telephone: 330-

9

ΜΑΥ 2013

The Meanest Mom in the World

by Fr. Mark Sietsema

Nowadays many people go on talk shows to tell all the sordid details of their lives. In that spirit of full disclosure I now confide to you: when I was growing up … I had the Meanest Mom in the World.

To those who have met her, I know this comes as a shock. It wouldn’t surprise her to hear me say this, though. More than once my siblings and I told her this when we were kids. It didn’t bother her; in fact, she even said it about herself!

At mealtime, I was perfectly willing to have seconds on meat and potatoes. But she insisted that we had to try the vegetables each and every time. It’s irrelevant that now, as a grown-up, I enjoy asparagus and Brussels sprouts. As a kid I hated them, and it was just plain mean to make me keep trying them again and again, like that was ever going to get me to like them.

At school the other kids wore Levi’s jeans. When she finally let us wear jeans to school (because for a while she wasn’t sure they were “appropriate”), what did we wear? Sears Toughskins. Why? “It’s a waste of money to pay more for a piece of denim just because it has a different tag on it.”

Which makes fiscal sense … though not to the kids at school, who always let us know that there was a big difference in brands.

Then, when we came home, we had chores. Mom made us dust and vacuum and wash the dishes, like we had nothing else important to do. I even had to learn how to cook meals and handle the laundry. It’s as if she was preparing me to go off and live on my own, which eventually, of course, I did because of all the meanness.

As a kid, I figured out that sometimes quitting is the best option. But my mom never came around to that point of view.

My Rocket League baseball coach was less interested in teaching boys how to play the game and more interested in winning. So he stuck me in left field and he shook his head in disgust when I struck out again and again.

I wanted to quit mid-season, but Mom said we had to follow through on our commitments, like it or not. And so I stayed on the team to the end of the season.

You know, in retrospect I think my Mom cared less about whether her kids were happy and more about whether they were doing the right thing. Because of her we wrote thank you notes for gifts that we weren’t thankful for. We went to church every week—even in the summer!—and we had to take part in all the goofy Sunday school activities. If we ever got a little

money, we had to put some in the collection plate and most of the rest in our savings account.It couldn’t have been easy being mean all the time.

Now that I am a parent, I know how hard it is to say “No” to your kids: first of all, because you want them to like you, and secondly, because once you say “Yes,” they stop bugging you and let you get back to reading the paper. So I have to give my Mom credit for her iron willpower in staying so consistently mean to four kids equally for so many years. That’s an accomplishment, and I do recognize it.

My wife is now vying for the title of Meanest Mom in the World. I have to say, she’s a strong contender. When the boys were going through the “Terrible Twos” and saying NO! to everything, it puzzled me that she wanted sympathy. From whom do you suppose they learned the word “No”?

Only from one very mean mother!

I think to claim the title of Meanest Mom you have to have one key attribute or you’ll never make it. You have to love your children so much that you don’t care if they say they hate you, … or even care if they really do hate you … so long as your rules help them grow up to be safe, healthy, thoughtful, independent, adults who have the gumption to be equally mean to your grandkids.

To be honest, now that I am older, I feel sorry for the kids who didn’t have such a mean Mom saying No to them all the time.

Because of my mom, I learned to say “No” to myself: No to cutting class, No to blowing off homework, No to calling in sick when I wasn’t, No to taking things that didn’t belong to me. And I am way better off for it.

So for Mother’s Day this year, I am going to do this for my mom: I’m going to floss my teeth, wash my dishes, hang up my clothes, take off my muddy shoes before I go in the house, and not ruin my appetite with snacks between meals. I hope that makes her happy.

I guess I’m happy too; at least as happy as a guy can be who had such a mean mom.

And so to all you mean mothers and grandmothers and godmothers who say “No” to the ones you love, this Mothers Day’s for you. God bless you and keep you and give you many more years to tell us what we don’t want to hear. We’ll never admit it, but we really are very grateful to you after all.

So thank you! And, we love you! ©Copyright 2013 by Fr. Mark Sietsema. Fr. Sietsema is pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Lansing, Mich.

Holy Cross Seeks New Dean uu from page 3 in teaching as well as scholarship, and a demonstrated ability to lead through collaborative and shared decision-making. Candidates should also have proficiency in the Greek language and proven interpersonal, communication, and managerial skills.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate the ability to foster and sustain a collegial spirit and environment among faculty and staff as well as the ability to express the value of theological learning for the everyday life of the Church with attention to developing a faculty that shares this vision. The candidate selected will receive faculty rank based on teaching experience and research accomplishments; salary and compensation are competitive nationally.

Holy Cross is the graduate school of theology and seminary responsible for educating, training, and forming the future clergy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and other Orthodox Churches in the United States and abroad, as well as men and women for other ministries and leadership roles in Church and society.

The School offers three graduate degree programs: The Master of Divinity (M.Div.), the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.), and the Master of Theology (Th.M.). Holy Cross holds accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association of Theological Schools of the United States and Canada.

Applications should include a letter addressing qualifications for the position along with a complete curriculum vitae.

Include names and contact information of four professional references. The Search Committee will begin the review of applications on September 15, 2013. The position is to be filled by January 1, 2014.

Applications, nominations, and questions concerning this search may be directed to: Search Committee for the Dean Office of the President Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology 50 Goddard Avenue Brookline, MA 02445

Archons Mount Athos Monk Featured Speaker at Retreat WESTFIELD, N.J. – The Order of Saint Andrew held its 10th annual Archon Lenten Retreat April 19-20 at the Metropolis of New Jersey headquarters at the invitation of Metropolitan Evangelos.

Featured speaker was Fr. Maximos, -a monk from Mount Athos. A native New Yorker and Hellenic College Holy Cross graduate holds a Ph.D. in patristics, has twice been a fellow at Dumbarton Oaks, and for many years was a professor at Harvard Divinity School and subsequently at Holy Cross.

The author of many scholarly books, articles, and translations, his edition and translation of St. Maximos the Confessor’s Ambigua will be published later this year

by Harvard University Press. He is currently a visiting professor at Hellenic College and Holy Cross and appeared on CBS’s 60 Minutes Mount Athos documentary, which aired December 2011.

The retreat commenced on the topic, “The Distracted Life,” following the Akathist Hymn service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Friday evening. The presentation focused on how our daily lives are preoccupied with modern technology such as cell phone

devices, tablets, personal computers--all of which permit your mind to wander to something not relevant at the moment.

He elaborated on how these distracted thoughts steal our possibility to know God. We consume the ads that we are fed through the media and focus our lives on that which is of the moment and will not enrich the core of our being. We must focus not from surface, but instead to depth; from mind to heart; from outward to inward.

Archon Peter Skeadas, Committee Chairman on Spirituality, was the retreat’s organizer while Archons John Halecky, Jr. and James C. Fountas assisted in coordinating the event with the Metropolis Headquarters. In expressing thanks to Fr. Maximos, National Commander Anthony J. Limberakis, M.D. said, “The retreat participants are truly blessed to have had the opportunity to participate in a retreat led by such a learned, spiritual and pious cleric. He challenged the retreatants to abandon the distracted life of the superficial and mundane and focus on nurturing the seed of the Holy Spirit that Orthodox Christians receive at baptism by doing good works.”

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ΜΑΥ 2013

Boston Marathon Bombing ‘Father, There’s a Tank in Front of My House!’

by Jim Golding

WATERTOWN, Mass. – For parishioners of Taxiarchae Church, the trauma of Friday, April 19, is forever etched in their memories.

The chaos that followed the April 15 Boston Marathon bombing, which left three people dead and 264 injured, reached a climax that Friday following a carjacking and killing of an MIT police officer in Cambridge, a high-speed car chase into Watertown, bullets and pipe bombs flying in and around the area of the church during a shootout, the death of one suspect after being run over by the car driven by his brother, and the subsequent swarm of police inspecting every residence for the second suspect who had escaped on foot.

Several days later, Taxiarchae’s pastor, Fr. Demetrios Tonias, related the day’s events to the Orthodox Observer in a telephone interview.

Fr. Tonias’ day began with a sleepless night listening to radio reports of the situation.

Shortly after 1 a.m., gunshots erupted in the Watertown neighborhood near the church.

Fr. Tonias said, “This was happening within site of the church. The car chase came right by the church and then continued around a corner in an area where a lot of parishioners lived.”

The suspects, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

and his older brother, Tamerlan, were shooting at police and hurling pipe bombs from the windows of the Mercedes they had carjacked in Cambridge, the suburb across the Charles River from Boston bordering Watertown to the east.

“Bullets were flying all over the place,” Fr. Tonias said. “It’s a miracle that no innocent persons were hit.” A parishioner later told the priest that one bullet went through a window of his house.

“It’s a very compact area,” Fr. Tonias explained, noting that the older suspect was killed near some parishioners’ residences.

He said the older brother, who at one point emerged from the car, “comes out shooting, then runs out of ammunition.” Police subdued the suspect and prepared to handcuff him when the other brother suddenly sped toward them in the Mercedes.

“The police jumped out of the way, with one of them pressing against a parishioner’s fence, while the younger suspect ran over his brother and dragged him about 35 feet,” Fr. Tonias said.

“The police shot up the Mercedes and the surviving brother ran off on foot.”

The older brother was later pronounced dead at Massachusetts General Hospital.

About 3:30 a.m., Massachusetts

Oriental carpet & area rugs

Ceramic tile & grout cleaning

Upholstery & fine fabrics

Headboards & bed frames

Drapery & shades

Fabric walls

Marble & stone cleaning

Leather furniture

Metropolitan Methodios comforts a parishioner during his pastoral visit on April 21.

(Photo courtesy of Taxiarchae Church/Fr. Tonias).

State Police ordered Watertown residents to lock their doors and not to venture outside as local and state police, and FBI agents, instituted a house-to-house search for the remaining suspect the entire day, including many parishioners’ homes.

A funeral scheduled for that morning was in jeopardy of being held. The priest, who was at home at the time, also was receiving continuous text messages from parishioners starting about 5 a.m. “Calls were coming in from all over the place, from around the world, expressing support,” he said. One of the calls came from a young adult parishioner who said, ‘Father, there’s a tank outside my house.’” It was one of the armored assault vehicles used by police.

Fr. Tonias continued, “We were trying to coordinate with the funeral home to see if it would be feasible to have the funeral. The funeral home director told me there were six busloads of police in from of his funeral home.”

A final decision had not been made at that point.

Meanwhile, the church neokoros (caretaker), Demetrios Brakoumatsos, entered church to prepare for the possible funeral but “he was not allowed

to leave and spent the day there,” Fr. Tonias said.

According to several news reports after the younger suspect had been captured, the two planned to drive to New York to bomb Times Square, but did not have enough gas.

Meanwhile, Fr. Tonias contacted Metropolitan Methodios on how to proceed with the day’s services. The Akathyst Hymn service was to have taken place that day. “We put that off for as long as possible and it became evident by 5 p.m. that it just wasn’t going to happen,” said the priest. “It just wasn’t practical.” He performed the service the following Friday, April 26.

The funeral also could not take place and was held the following day, Saturday, April 20. The funeral home said that a police escort would be provided. The surviving suspect was captured shortly before 9 p.m. Friday.

On the following day, April 21, Metropolitan Methodios made a pastoral visit to the church.

“I think his coming on Sunday was a really important event; to have the shepherd of the flock was the most eloquent thing,” Fr. Tonias said.

For more information and to view pictures, visit: www.goarchangels.org.

OCMC OCMC Facebook and Twitter Communities Get Medicines to Tanzania

by Emily Walker

Serving the Tri-State Area 212.777.4040 fabracleen.com fabracleenstoneandtilecare.com

During February and into the first week of March, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) held its first-ever social media fundraising campaign. The primary goal was to raise $2,500 for medicines to be used by the OCMC healthcare team traveling to Tanzania this fall. The secondary goal was to use social media to spread awareness about Orthodox missions and the OCMC. At the end of the fundraising campaign, friends of the Mission Center on FaceBook and Twitter exceeded the monetary goal by donating $3,005 for medicines to Tanzania.

These funds will accompany the OCMC team that will serve communities that otherwise go without healthcare

services by treating malaria, pneumonia, STDs, TB, and infections from AIDS free of charge.

In addition to being thrilled that the fundraiser was successful, OCMC was also very happy at the amount of awareness that was spread during the campaign and the heartfelt prayers that accompanied each gift of support.

The OCMC FaceBook fan base grew by over 500 fans due to many of those who shared the campaign with their friends, families, and parishes on FaceBook, and it was exciting to see people participate in missions through this new medium.

If you’d like to become part of the OCMC FaceBook community, visit www. facebook.com/OrthodoxChristianMissionCenter, or follow the OCMC on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OCMC.

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HCHC Metropolis of Pittsburgh Raises More Than $120,000 for HCHC CLEVELAND – The Metropolis of Pittsburgh, under the leadership of Metropolitan Savas, recently held two major fundraising events in honor of the 75th anniversary of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology.

The first took place in Cleveland; the second in Pittsburgh. Each received overwhelming local support.

Cleveland churches honored the school with events over the Feb. 22–24 weekend.

Festivities began with a welcome party at the home of Linda and Manuel Glynias for distinguished guests: HCHC President Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, and students and seminarians Cassandra Garibaldi, Christina Stavros, Ted Cherpas, Dean Kokanos and Rassem El Messih.

On Saturday, more than 50 Goyans attended a half-day seminar at St. Demetrios, Rocky River titled “What is God calling you to do?” Rhea Ballas, the Metropolis youth director, assisted by Presbytera Nicole Keares of St Paul North Royalton and George Athanasiou HCHC alumnus, organized the seminar that brought together young people from four area churches and Goyans from Akron and Canton.

A banquet at a local country club took place that evening, where five area HCHC alumni shared their memories of the school and how their experiences brought them to where they are today.

They were Fr. Jerry Hall, Popadia Chris-

North Royalton; Annunciation, Cleveland; and Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral, Mayfield Heights.

Fr Nicholas concelebrated Divine Liturgy with Fr Jim Doukas at St Demetrios Rocky River. Following liturgy, the St Demetrios Philoptochos hosted a brunch with all the proceeds going to HCHC. Sofia Henry, an HCHC trustee, and Presbytera Goldie Doukas served as the Cleveland event cochairs.

Helen A. Carlos, the 75th Anniversary national chairwoman and an HCHC trustee, attended both events.

Metropolitan Savas with Fr. Jim Katinas of HCHC. For the Pittstine Chambers-Monkowski, Dr. Jonathan burgh event, Holy Cross Church commuTartara, Fr. Matthew Thurman and Fr. nity center in Mt. Lebanon, Pa., served as the venue on March 3. Representatives of Costa Valantasis.

Visiting students stayed at parishio- all 11 Pittsburgh area churches and clergy ners’ homes and worshipped and chanted and laity from Pennsylvania and eastern in the churches at Sunday liturgy where Ohio attended.

The evening gala, with more than they addressed parishioners of St Paul,

250 attendees, was chaired by HCHC trustee Dr. Nicholas G. Loutsion and his wife, Susan, with the help of a dedicated committee.

Guests included Bishop Savas of Pittsburgh, Bishop Gregory of the CarpathoRussian Orthodox Diocese, and Fr. Jim Katinas, director of institutional advancement at HCHC along with current and former students.

Remarks by current and former HC/ HC students from the Pittsburgh region highlighted the evening. Manolis Maginas, a Hellenic College freshman; Alyssa Loutsion, a second-year Masters of Divinity student; and recent HCHC graduate George Athanasiou, focused on enlightening, informative and moving topics.

Fr. Theodore Petrides, HCHC Alumni Association vice president, described the affect of his school experience on his life and ministry and how the school touches the lives of all.

Following the presentation of the 75th anniversary video, Fr. Katinas discussed the importance of HCHC as the only Greek Orthodox institution of higher learning in America.

Like the many other anniversary events held throughout the country this year, these two events served not only to raise much needed funds for the school, but also to educate the Greek Orthodox community about this institution’s importance.

New Director Named for Mary Jaharis Center BROOKLINE, Mass. – Hellenic College Holy Cross recently announced the appointment of Brandie Ratliff as the new Director of the Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture. Ratliff is a well respected Byzantine art historian with extensive project management and curatorial experience at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

She will begin her duties June 18.

According to Hellenic College Dean Demetrios Katos, “This appointment signals HCHC’s commitment to becoming an important center for the dissemination of Byzantine art and culture in both the academy and Church.”

Ratliff will raise public awareness of Byzantine art and culture and promote the expansion of Byzantine studies within universities and cultural institutions. “I am excited and humbled to be given this opportunity to join the Jaharis Center as it enters into a new phase of outreach to academia and the public-at-large,” said Ratliff, “My vision is to turn the Jaharis Center into a nexus for intellectual and cultural exchange centered on Byzantium’s rich heritage.”

Ratliff has worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art since 2001. For the past seven years, she was a research associate for the Byzantine collection of the Department of Medieval Art. She was instrumental in developing the intellectual vision and content of the exhibition Byzantium and Islam: Age of Transition and in selecting its 260-plus objects. She was also co-editor of the exhibit’s nearly 400-page catalogue and author of many of its entries.

At the Met, Ratliff also authored edu-

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Participants in the CrossRoad Alumni Retreat at HCHC.

CrossRoad Retreat Helps Professionals Bring Faith to Work BROOKLINE, Mass. – Fifty-seven alumni of the CrossRoad Program Summer Institute attended a retreat at Hellenic College Holy Cross April 5–7 for theological and vocational reflection, worship, quiet time, and communal recreation.

CrossRoad is a 10-day program sponsored by the Office of Vocation and Ministry for 60 Orthodox Christian high school juniors and seniors that marks its 10th anniversary this summer.

Young men and women attendees from California, Tennessee and other states were challenged to re-examine their understanding of vocation in relation to their faith and their call to love.

The retreat began with a combined session on campus, featuring all four past and present CrossRoad directors: Dr. Ann

Bezzerides, Deacon Nick Belcher, Mary Long, and Mike Tishel. They discussed different aspects of the Office of Vocation and Ministry’s definition of vocation, “One’s unique and ongoing response to Christ’s call to love God with heart, soul, strength and mind and one’s neighbor as oneself. “ For the first time, post-college CrossRoad alumni had their own retreat track designed especially for emerging adults.

The alumni themselves had requested the separate track; in the words of one alumnus, “You taught us to think about vocation while we were in high school. Now is when the questions are really pertinent for us.”

On April 6, participants heard from five Orthodox professionals about how their faith informs their careers and lives in general. Panelists were Joshua Birdsall, chef at

Women’s Lunch Place; Ioana Chirieac, MD, psychiatrist, Science Faculty at Boston Trinity Academy; Sophie Giontzis, investment services and operations manager at Putnam Investments; Charles Lelon, founder and managing partner at Kamylon Capital LLC; and Archdeacon Seraphim (Jeff) Solof: senior vice president and communications executive at Bank of America.

One retreat participant commented, “I was amazed to meet these individuals who are so successful in their careers in banking, finance, academia, etc., yet they were so faithful in their lives and in the workforce.”

Another participant said, “They gave us courage to live out our faith, to be ourselves,

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Metropolis News 30th Anniversary of YAL Scheduled July 4 Weekend DALLAS – The Young Adult League Reunion planned for July 4–7 will be the same for the Orthodox young adults of the 1980’s, along with their families and friends of today. The event’s theme is “Unite in CommUNITY” in celebrating the 30 years of the National YAL conferences/ retreats.

The reunion also will commemorate church leaders at a memorial service following the Divine Liturgy.

Dallas hosted the first national event that brought Orthodox young adults from the entire Archdiocese as a united community, into the fold of the body of the Church.

With the passing of the former Archdiocesan Youth Director Fr. Angelo Gavalas, many throughout the Archdiocese heeded a call to reunite.

This event is offered as a living memorial in honor of Fr. Gavalas.

Any proceeds from this event will create the Father Angelo Gavalas Living Memorial Fund, which will help support future young adult ministries that creatively cultivate Liturgy, Witness, Service and Fellowship.

The Fourth of July Weekend includes: a firewords display, Texas barbecue, grand banquet, workshops and a Sunday, Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service for Archbishop Iakovos and Fr. Angelo Gavalas.

For information, registration and connecting: visit www.YAL30thReunion. com, e-mail: YAL30thReunion@gmail. com, Facebook/Twitter: YAL30thReunion (Be sure to “LIKE” us on Facebook), Photo-sharing: SmugMug.com account: YAL30threunion@gmail.com; password: frangelo.

Metropolitan Visits Houston Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver visited Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston for the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day. Each year the school has a name day celebration. This year, Metropolitan Isaiah addressed the students during a chapel service. His message was regarding the free will given to us by God, and the freedom we have to love him and follow his teachings. Other clergy with the Metropolitan and students (from left) are: Frs. Daniel Payne and Demetrios Tagaropulos, associate priests; and Fr. Michael J. Lambakis, Annunciation Cathedral dean.

Illinois Church Helps Feed 40,000 through Outreach

Chicago Academy Hosts Spring Gala CHICAGO — The Hellenic American Academy held its annual spring gala May 11 under the theme “Follow your Dreams to Success,” the central principle to the educational model of the school.

The annual gala allowed the academy the opportunity to honor and recognize the achievements of Greek Americans who have excelled in every field of endeavor and use these stories to inspire the students to continuously strive for excellence.

Demetrios Logothetis, Hellenic American Academy board chairman, stated, “The Spring Gala is our opportunity to honor the ongoing support of many individuals in the Hellenic community who continue to assist the Hellenic American Academy in reaching its goals of creating a place where young generations discover their roots, cultivate their talents, and invest in their future; Inspiring the students of the academy to dream big.”

NY Church Consecration Planned June 1–2 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Holy TrinitySt. Nicholas Church will conduct and celebrate its consecration June 1-2. For more information, contact Fr. Nicholas P. Petropoulakos, proistamenos at (718) 494-0658 or Thomas Vlastakis at (917) 359 4911.

Outreach Chairs (above) Fr. James Dokos, Maryann Rasmussen, Maria Demos, Connie Teska and Fr. Dimitri Tobias. (Below) The 200 volunteers at work.

GLENVIEW, Ill.– Sts. Peter and Paul Church, partnering with Outreach, an international non-profit organization based in Union, Iowa, packed 40,000 meals for Chicago-area on April 21.

Approximately 200 volunteers spent four hours in fun fellowship and true stewardship.

Fr. James Dokos, Fr. Dimitri Tobias, Chairwomen Maria Demos and Connie Teska and the Philoptochos Society led by President Maryann Rasmussen and volunteers from the parish council, the outreach committee, Junior and Senior GOYA, Bible Studies, Church School, Dynamis, Orthodox Parents Association, and others to make this a church-wide event to round out prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Great Lent.

Since its founding in 2004, Outreach has packaged and distributed nearly 230 million meals to hungry children and their families, seniors, and veterans.

Through its innovative mobile food packaging program, Outreach, and its Chicago affiliate, Feed6, bring together hundreds of volunteers – in church halls, school gyms, and hotel conference rooms- each prepared to donate time and money to package meals for the hungry.

N. California Greek Language Workshop

by Dr. Alexandros Kokkinidis

ELK GROVE, Calif. - The Hellenic Education and Culture Committee (HECC) of the Metropolis of San Francisco presented its eighth workshop, “Best Practices in Teaching Greek as a Foreign Language,” April 13 at St. Katherine Church.

In attendance was Metropolitan Gerasimos. In his remarks, the Metropolitan stated, “As many of our children are growing up in non-Greek speaking homes, we must become aggressive and innovative with our teaching methods so that the next generation of children can benefit from knowing one of the richest languages in the world.”

The event was attended by more 20 Greek

Metropolis of San Francisco photo.

Metropolitan Gerasimos at the workshop with HECC members and participants.

language instructors from the surrounding communities in northern California. Also attending were Metropolis Chancellor, Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, and St. Katherine parish priest Fr. Constantine Pappademos.

Theodora Kounalakis, HECC chairwoman, introduced the day’s agenda which

included three presentations from Greek language instructors in the Metropolis, Laura Moussa, Joanna Thanasi, and Dr. Ioanna Lekkakou.

Rear Admiral, H.N. (Ret.) Alexandros Kokkinidis, M.D. is secretary of the HECC for the Metropolis of San Francisco.

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ΜΑΥ 2013

Metropolis News

Lancaster GOYA Feeds 20,000 Children LANCASTER, Pa. - More than 100 Goyans gathered at Annunciation Church on April 20 to package high-protein dehydrated meals to be shipped to schoolsanctioned programs in developing countries. Friends from Bethlehem and Reading joined their counterparts in Lancaster to assemble 20,000 meal bags in less than three hours as part of their Lenten retreat.

The energy, joy and excitement in the room were electrifying. In an assembly line, each GOYAN was responsible to put carefully measured ingredients consisting of a rice-soy meal fortified with 21 essential vitamins and nutrients in a plastic bag to be sealed. The meals were then packed in boxes to be distributed.

Goyans commented how this was the most fun they ever had at a GOYA gathering. The only complaint was that the packaging event ended too quickly.

Last June, incoming GOYA President Jenna Ioannidis sought out a project that would help fight hunger and that the Lancaster youth group could rally and support with their fundraising efforts and talents.

In keeping with the Lancaster parish’s long tradition of supporting the CROP Walk, and after much research, she found an organization called Stop Hunger Now,

an international hunger relief organization that coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid around the world.

The idea seemed simple: raise 25 cents per meal and host a packaging event. The Lancaster GOYA then embarked on a yearlong fundraising campaign with the support and encouragement of Fr. Hector Firoglanis and set a goal to feed 20,000 children.

A cupcake sale, collection jars, a gyro sale, a holiday pie sale and personal donations from the supportive parishioners and community helped reach the $5,000 goal by March. The nearby churches were invited to assist and the Stop Hunger Now organization brought all the supplies.

A day-long retreat was the setting that brought 100 Greek Orthodox youth together to assemble over 20,000 meals.

Along with meeting the production quota, our youth shared memorable fellowship as Fr. Hector Firoglanis and Presbytera Pearl Veronis led the GOYA gathering in a Lenten Retreat program.

The program focused everyone’s thoughts on the day’s contribution to prepare these meals to help the fight against hunger across the world.

The success of the program was resonated throughout the day as everyone

GOYA participants (from left) Eleni Jones, Katina Jones, Maria Mylonas , GOYA president and coordinator Jenna Ioannidis and Kristen Longsderff.

asked “when could we do this again.” Fr. Hector’s hope is that this becomes an annual event in the Lancaster parish and he would like to see Goyans gather in Packaging Tournaments throughout the

Pittsburgh Metropolis.

For information on hosting a packaging event and on how to begin e-mail Fr. Hector Firoglanis, Lancaster Pa, at firoglanis@gmail.com.

Connecticut Parish Honors 13 Scouts

Patric Marchitto photo.

(left to right: E. Wagner, A. Lolis, R. Wagner, T. Delos, N. Lolis, Fr. Joel McEachen, A. Agapiou, M. Albanis, E. Nicolakis, Z. Johnson, A. Zikos, K. Nicolakis & Clio Nicolakis).

ORANGE, Conn. -- St. Barbara Church recently honored 13 young parishioners who earned Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting (EOCS) Religious Awards.

These Scouts are active in troops in their local communities and meet periodically to learn about themselves and their Faith under EOCS award requirement guidelines.

As part of their community service, the Scouts raised awareness about missions and IOCC through a lemonade sale and also assembled emergency health kits for IOCC. Retired priest Fr. Joel McEachen, who has long-time EOCS involvement, assisted by parish EOCS Coordinator Clio Nicolakis, presented the awards on Feb. 17.

Chi-Rho Awards recipients were: Georgia Dalakas, Christian Fronzi, Zoe Johnson, Andreas Lolis, Ephemia Nicolakis and Robbie Wagner.

Scouts receiving the St. George Medal were: Alexis Agapiou, Marianna Albanis,

Tennyson Delos, Nicholas Lolis, Kassiani Nicolakis, Eleni Wagner and Thana Zikos.

More than 50 years ago, hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas established the EOCS, which created the Eastern Orthodox medals for Scouts to earn: the St. George, the Chi-Rho, and the Alpha-Omega medals for the youth and the Prophet Elias Medal for adults.

Fr. McEachen, who also assists at the parish, developed the requirements for these awards.

He has been a lifetime volunteer for Boy Scouts and has served as the Orthodox Chaplain for National Boy Scout Jamborees and spiritual advisor for EOCS retreats for many decades.

The Boy Scouts of America honored him with the distinguished “Silver Beaver” Award, which is bestowed to Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service to their council.

Washington Greek Museum Announces 1st Competition Winners SEATTLE – The Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State has selected the winners of its first Washington State Greek History Competition.

The awards were presented during the Greek Independence Day celebration on March 23rd at St. Demetrios Church to an appreciative crowd of nearly 400.

First place, which included a $1,000 prize, was awarded to Olivia Eugenia Grosvenor, a 10th grader at Cedar Crest High School in Duvall, Wash., for her book with text and photographs about her grandfathers, Michael Damascus and George Macris.

Second place, with its $500 prize, went to Stephanie Semandiris Sampson, a student at the University of Washington in Seattle, for her creative adaptation of her grandparents’ flight from their village

in what is today Albania.

Third place, and its $250 prize, went to Themio Pallis, a 10th grader at Mercer Island High School, Mercer Island, Wash., for his narrative and PowerPoint presentation about his great grandfather, Nicholas E. Katsaniotis.

All three winners attend St. Demetrios Church.

Other submissions were entered by: Abby Gray from Assumption Church in Seattle, who produced a video interview with her grandmother Catherine Iles and longtime family friend Fran Plumis Barnecut; Andrew Manos from St. Nicholas Church in Tacoma, Wash., who entered an essay and photo history of the Manos family in Washington; Alexandros Skoulis

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Angelique Saffle photo.

Two of the three winners in the history contest (from left) Themio Pallis (3rd place) and in the center Olivia Grosvenor (1st place) with emcee Shawn Carkonen at right. The 2nd place winner, Stephanie Sampson, was unable to attend.

14

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΜΑΥ 2013 ΜΑΙΟΣ

Εορτάστηκε ο Αγώνας της 25ης Μαρτίου 1821 στην 5η Λεωφόρο της Νέας Υόρκης

Φωτογραφίες: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ - Γέµισε και πάλι γαλανόλευκες σηµαίες κι ελληνικές φωνές η 5η Λεωφόρος στο Μανχάταν κατά τη διάρκεια της ετήσιας παρέλασης που διοργάνωσε η Οµοσπονδία Ελληνικών Σωµατείων Μείζονος Νέας Υόρκης. Οι δρόµοι της Νέας υόρκης γέµισαν και πάλι από χιλιάδες οµογενείς κάθε ηλικίας που ειδικά φέτος έδωσαν το παρών και την υποστήριξή τους στους δοκιµαζόµενους οικονοµικά λαούς της Ελλάδας και της Κύπρου. Η παρέλαση της εθνικής επετείου της 25ης Μαρτίου είχε κεντρικό σύνθηµα: «Με την αποφασιστικότητά τους, οι Έλληνες θα ξεπεράσουν την κρίση». Την παρέλαση ξεκίνησε άγηµα Ευζώνων της Προεδρικής Φρουράς κι έλαβαν µέρος τοπικοί Αµερικανοί αξιωµατούχοι, όπως ο δήµαρχος Μάικλ Μπλούµπεργκ, οι πολιτειακοί γερουσιαστές Μάικλ Γιάνναρης και Αραβέλα Σιµώτας κι άλλοι. Τελετάρχης της παρέλασης, ήταν ο ελληνικής καταγωγής βοηθός διευθυντής του FBI στη Νέα Υόρκη, Γιώργος Βενιζέλος. Σε ειδική εορταστική εγκύκλιό του για την Παρέλαση στην 5η Λεωφόρο ο Σεβασµιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αµερικής Δηµήτριος ανέφερε µεταξύ άλλων: «Γιά µιάν ἀκόµη φορά προσµένουµε µέ ἐνθουσιασµό καί χαρά τόν ὑπέροχο ἑορτασµό τῆς Ἡµέρας Ἑλληνικῆς Ἀνεξαρτησίας διά τῆς συµµετοχῆς µας στήν ἐτήσια παρέλαση ἐπί τῆς 5ης Λεωφόρου στό Μανχάτταν. Ἡ παρέλαση ἐφέτος θά γίνῃ στίς 7 Ἀπριλίου, καί θερµότατα προσκαλῶ καί παρακινῶ ὅλες τίς κοινότητες καί τούς ὀργανισµούς νά συµµετάσχετε πλήρως

καί ἐνθουσιωδῶς σέ αὐτή τήν πολύ σηµαντική ἐκδήλωση. Ἡ παρέλασή µας ἀποτελεῖ µοναδική µαρτυρία τῆς πίστεως καί τῆς Ἑλληνικῆς κληρονοµιᾶς µας. Καθώς θά παρελαύνουµε, θά τιµήσουµε τόν ἀγώνα τῶν προπατόρων καί προγόνων µας οἱ ὁποῖοι ἔκαναν µεγάλες θυσίες γιά νά ἐγκαθιδρύσουν τήν ἐλευθερία στήν πατρίδα µας µετά ἀπό τέσσερις αἰῶνες ὑπό ξένη κατοχή. «Ἡ πίστη στόν Θεό, ἡ ἀφοσίωση στό θέληµά Του, καί ἡ συνειδητοποίηση τῆς µεγάλης δυνάµεως καί σοφίας Του ἐνέπνευσαν τούς προγόνους µας νά διεκδικήσουν ἐλευθερία, δικαιοσύνη, ἀνθρώπινη ἀξιοπρέπεια καί δηµιουργική ζωή. Βεβαίως, αὐτά ὑπῆρξαν πόθοι πολλῶν γενεῶν πού ὑπέφεραν ὑπό κατοχή καί καταπίεση. «Ἀλλά, τό 1821 αὐτές οἱ εὐλογίες τῆς ἐλευθερίας ἄρχισαν νά γίνονται πραγµατικότητα γιά τούς Ἕλληνες. Τήν ἡµέρα αὐτή, ἐνθυµούµενοι τήν προσφορά των, θά ἐπιβεβαιώσουµε τήν δύναµη τῆς πίστεως στόν Θεό καί θά προσφέρουµε ἐνθουσιώδη µαρτυρία αὐτῆς τῆς πίστεως καί τῆς πολύτιµης κληρονοµιᾶς µας ὡς Ἕλληνες. «Καθώς ἑτοιµαζόµαστε δυναµικά γιά τήν παρέλαση καί τόν πανηγυρισµό, ἄς σκεφθοῦµε πῶς αὐτό τό γεγονός µπορεῖ νά ἐµπνεύσῃ καί νά ὁδηγήσῃ τήν νεολαία καί τά παιδιά. Μέ τόν ἑορτασµό τῆς Ἡµέρας Ἑλληνικῆς Ἀνεξαρτησίας καί

τῆς Παρελάσεως, ἔχουµε τήν εὐλογηµένη εὐκαιρία π λ ή ρε ι ς δ υ ν άµ ε ω ς κ αί ἐνθουσιασµοῦ νά διδάξουµε τή νεολαία µας καί τά παιδιά µας τήν σπουδαιότητα τῆς Ἑλληνικῆς Ὀρθοδόξου κληρονοµιᾶς µας καί τόν ζωτικό ρόλο πού ἡ πίστη µας ἔπαιξε στήν διαµόρφωση τῆς Ἑλληνορθοδόξου ταυτότητός µας. Ἄς εἴµεθα ὅλοι παρόντες καί ἄς διακηρύξουµε µέ δυνατές φωνές τήν προσήλωσή µας στίς αἰώνιες καί παγκόσµιες ἀξίες τοῦ Ἑλληνισµοῦ, πού εἶναι ἡ ἐλευθερία καί δικαιοσύνη, καί στήν πίστη µας στήν ἀναζωογονητική δύναµη τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας».

ΜΑΙΟΣ 2013

ΕΤΟΣ 78 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1285

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ 19 Μαϊου: Κυριακή της AHEPA 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,

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος ζητά την εξασφάλιση της προστασίας του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Μόλις έγιναν γνωστά δημοσιεύματα στο Τουρκικό Τύπο και σε άλλα μέσα ενημέρωσης που αφορούν σχέδιο δολοφονίας του Παναγιωτάτου Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου κ. Βαρθολομαίου, ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος απηύθυνε επιστολή στον Πρόεδρο των ΗΠΑ Μπαράκ Ομπάμα, προτρέποντας τον να ασκήσει τις καλές υπηρεσίες της θέσεώς του για να εξασφαλίσει την ασφάλεια του Παναγιωτάτου. Επιπλέον, στην επιστολή του ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος σημειώνοντας την συνεχιζόμενη κρίση στο Χαλέπι της Συρίας, καθώς αγνοούνται ακόμη ο Ελληνορθόδοξος Μητροπολίτης Χαλεπίου κ. Παύλος και ο Συροϊακωβίτης Επίσκοπος κ. Yohanna, οι οποίοι απήχθησαν από τρομοκράτες, ζητά από τον Πρόεδρο να προστατευθεί ο Παναγιώτατος Οικουμενικός

Πατριάρχης κ. Βαρθολομαίος, τονίζοντας ότι η επί 17 αιώνες παρουσία του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου στην Κωνσταντινούπολη αποτελεί την ανώτατη χριστιανική παρουσία χριστιανού θρησκευτικού ηγέτου σε μουσουλμανική χώρα Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος: Καταδικάζουμε τη βία και την τρομοκρατία Στο μεταξύ, ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος καταδίκασε, γι’ άλλη μια φορά, τη βία και την τρομοκρατία με αφορμή τη διπλή βομβιστική επίθεση στην τουρκική πόλη Ρεϊχανλί, στα σύνορα με την Συρία, αποτέλεσμα της οποίας ήταν ο θάνατος 46 ανθρώπων και ο τραυματισμός πάνω από 50. Σε ομιλία του στο Ιερό Αγίασμα της Αγίας Παρασκευής Γκιόκσου-

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Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Καθώς συνεχίζουμε νά χαιρόμαστε τήν ζωή μέσα στήν χαρά καί στό φῶς τῆς Πασχαλινῆς αὐτῆς περιόδου, τιμοῦμε σήμερα τήν Κυριακή τῶν Ἁγίων Μυροφόρων. Ἡ ἡμέρα αὐτή ἔχει ἐπιλεγεῖ ἐπίσης καί γιά τόν ἐτήσιο ἑορτασμό τῆς Κυριακῆς τῆς AHEPA σέ ἀναγνώριση τῶν μελῶν καί τοῦ ἔργου αὐτῆς τῆς Ἑλληνοαμερικανικῆς Ἐκπαιδευτικῆς Προοδευτικῆς Ἐταιρείας. Οἱ δύο αὐτοί ἑορτασμοί εἶναι πολύ σημαντικοί καθώς ἐπιβεβαιώνουν τήν προτεραιότητα τῆς ἀγάπης, τῆς πίστεως καί τῆς διακονίας. Τό ἔνδοξο πρωί τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Κυρίου μας, ἡ Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή, ἡ Μαρία, μητέρα τοῦ Ἰακώβου καί ἡ Σαλώμη προσῆλθαν στόν τάφο γιά νά ἀλείψουν τό σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ (Μάρκου 16: 1-2). Τό ἔπραξαν αὐτό μέ καρδιές γεμάτες ἀγάπη γιά Ἐκεῖνον, καί βλέποντας τόν ἄδειο τάφο καί ἀκούοντας τήν διακήρυξη τῶν ἀγγέλων, πῆγαν στούς Ἀποστόλους ἀναγγέλοντας ὅτι ὁ Χριστός ἠγέρθη! (Λουκ. 24:1-10). Τά ἰδανικά στά ὁποῖα πιστεύουμε καί μοιραζόμεθα διά τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου πίστεώς μας καί τῆς Ἑλληνικῆς κληρονομιᾶς μας ἀποτελοῦν τμῆμα τῆς ἀποστολῆς τῆς AHEPA καί τῶν ὀργανισμῶν τῆς οἰκογενείας τῆς AHEPA. Διά τῆς ἀγάπης των πρός τόν Θεό, πρός αὐτή τήν χώρα καί πρός τήν Ἑλλάδα, καθώς καί πρός τήν Ἑλληνοαμερικανική κοινότητα, τά μέλη τῆς AHEPA υἱοθέτησαν καί προσέφεραν στήριξη σέ πλεῖστα ἐκπαιδε υτικά πρ ογρ άμματα καί φιλανθρωπικές προσπάθειες. Ὡς μέλη ἐνοριῶν καί ἡγέτες στήν Ἀρχιεπισκοπή μας καί τίς Μητροπόλεις μας, ἔχουν καταστεῖ μάρτυρες τοῦ οὐσιαστικοῦ ρόλου τῆς πίστεως καί τῆς Ἐκκλησίας μας στήν κάλυψη ἀναγκῶν ἄλλων ἀνθρώπων. Ἐπ ί ἕ ν αν π ερ ίπ ο υ α ἰ ών α ἡ AHEPA ἔχει τονίσει σέ πολλούς στήν χώρα αὐτή ἀλλά καί σ’ ὁλό-

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Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Υποδοχή Σεβασμού, Τιμής και Αγάπης για τον Μακαριώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αθηνών και Πάσης Ελλάδος στο Αεροδρόμιο της Βοστώνης

πριν από την δημόσια τελετή, η οποία άρχισε στις γύρω στις 6 μ.μ. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος στην ομιλία του με την οποία άρχισε και το πρόγραμμα σημείωσε τις ιδιαίτερες συνθήκες της εφετινής τελετής: «... οι καρδιές μας είναι γεμάτες λύπη, οι σκέψεις μας μουδιασμένες και η χαρά μας έχει επισκιαστεί από τη θλίψη για τις τρομοκρατικές επιθέσεις της Δευτέρας στη Βοστώνη και για τα αθώα θύματα και τις οικογένειες τους», είπε. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος μετέφερε τα θερμά συλλυπητήρια και τις προσευχές στηρίξεως του Παναγιωτάτου Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου κ. Βαρθολομαίου. Έκανε παραλληλισμούς μεταξύ του αγώνα των Ελλήνων για ελευθερία και ανεξαρτησία και των αρχών και αξιών της

ΒΟΣΤΩΝΗ – Αφίχθη την Τετάρτη 15 Μαϊου στις 8 μ.μ. στο Διεθνές Αεροδρόμιο Λόγκαν της Βοστώνης ο Μακαριώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αθηνών και Πάσης Ελλάδος κ. Ιερώνυμος Β΄, ο οποίος πραγματοποιεί επίσκεψη στην Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής, επ’ ευκαιρία της αναγορεύσεώς του εις Επίτιμο Διδάκτορα της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού της Βοστώνης, η οποία ήταν προγραμματισμένη να λάβει χώρα στη διάρκεια της τελετής αποφοιτήσεως, το Σάββατο 18 Μαΐου 2013. Τον Μακαριώτατο υποδέχθηκαν, αμέσως μετά την αποβίβαση του, ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος και ο Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Βοστώνης κ. Μεθόδιος. Στην συνέχεια προσήλθαν στην ειδική αίθουσα του αεροδρομίου για την επίσημη υποδοχή του. Κατά την είσοδό του, ο Μακαριώτατος χαιρέτισε τους παρόντες με το «Χριστός Ανέστη» ενώ τρεις μαθήτριες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου της περιοχής του προσέφεραν ανθοδέσμες. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος παρουσίασε τον Μακαριώτατο λέγοντας ότι πρόκειται για μια πρώτη «υποδοχή σεβασμού, τιμής και αγάπης». «Θέλω να σας ευχαριστήσω μέσα από την καρδιά μου λέγοντας το Χριστός Ανέστη!» είπε ο Μακαριώτατος και πρόσθεσε: «Πρέπει να σας διαβεβαιώσουμε ότι ερχόμαστε με πάρα πολύ χαρά, με πολύ ευχαρίστηση και πιστεύουμε απόλυτα ότι θα φύγουμε με την καρδιά μας γεμάτη. Χριστός Ανέστη!» Αμέσως μετά ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος παρουσίασε τη συνοδεία του Μακαριωτάτου

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uΣελίδα 17

Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος μιλά κατά τη διάρκεια της εκδήλωσης για την Ημέρα της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας στο Λευκό Οίκο, ενώπιον του προέδρου των ΗΠΑ Μπαράκ Ομπάμα και του Αντιπροέδρου Τζο Μπάιντεν (αριστερά).

Εκδήλωση για την Εθνική Παλιγγενεσία στο Λευκό Οίκο Τη στήριξη και προσευχή της Ελληνορθοδόξου Κοινότητας εξέφρασε ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος ΟΥΑΣΙΓΚΤΟΝ – Η εφετινή τελετή για τον εορτασμό της Εθνικής Παλιγγενεσίας της 25ης Μαρτίου 1821 που πραγματοποιείται κάθε χρόνο στο Λευκό Οίκο έγινε φέτος σε βαρύ κλίμα με δεδομένο ότι είχαν προηγηθεί οι βομβιστικές επιθέσεις στη Βοστώνη. Παρόλα αυτά ο Πρόεδρος Μπαράκ Ομπάμα, ο οποίος μόλις είχε επιστρέψει από την επίσκεψή του στη Βοστώνη, την Πέμπτη 18 Απριλίου 2013, και ο αντιπρόεδρος Τζο Μπάϊντεν υποδέχθηκαν τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο και την Ελληνοαμερικανική Ομογένεια. Ήταν η 27η συνεχής χρονιά εορτασμού της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας στο Λευκό Οίκο. Ο πρόεδρος Μπαράκ Ομπάμα και ο αντιπρόεδρος Τζο Μπάϊντεν συναντήθηκαν ιδιαιτέρως με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο για είκοσι περίπου λεπτά στο Green Room λίγο

16

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

Εκδήλωση για την Εθνική Παλιγγενεσία στο Λευκό Οίκο Τη στήριξη και προσευχή της Ελληνορθοδόξου Κοινότητας στους κατοίκους της Βοστώνης εξέφρασε ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος

uΣελίδα 15 Αμερικανικής κοινοπολιτείας και διαβεβαίωσε τον Πρόεδρο για τη σταθερή υποστήριξη και τις αδιάλειπτες προσευχές της Ελληνορθόδοξου κοινότητος ώστε «να δούμε όλοι σύντομα την ημέρα που η ειρήνη, η δικαιοσύνη, και η δύναμη της αγάπης θα κυριαρχήσουν στον κόσμο μας και δεν θα χυθούν άλλα δάκρυα για τους αθώους». (βλ. πλήρες κείμενο της ομιλίας που ακολουθεί) ΜΠΑΡΑΚ ΟΜΠΑΜΑ Ο Πρόεδρος Ομπάμα καλωσόρισε τους παριστάμενους στα Ελληνικά με τον χαιρετισμό «Καλησπέρα» και ευχαρίστησε ιδιαίτερα τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο διότι όπως είπε τον υπολογίζει μεταξύ αυτών των οποίων ζητά τη γνώμη και τη συμβουλή. Ο Πρόεδρος αναφέρθηκε στην επίσκεψή του στη Βοστώνη, νωρίτερα την ίδια ημέρα, και τόνισε ότι το θάρρος και η αποφασιστικότητα του λαού της Βοστώνης αναπτέρωσαν το ηθικό του. Σημείωσε επίσης ότι οι δεσμοί μεταξύ της Ελλάδος και των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών είναι στενοί και δυνατοί και θα δυναμώσουν περισσότερο τα επόμενα χρόνια. Καλωσόρισε επίσης και τους Ελληνοαμερικανούς φίλους του από το Σικάγο και με την ευκαιρία σημειώνοντας ότι η συμβολή όλων των Ελληνοαμερικανών των Η.Π.Α. είναι ιδιαίτερα σημαντική. Η Ελληνοαμερικανική κοινότητα είπε, αντιπροσωπεύει ότι είναι ουσιώδες στην Αμερική, αφού δημιούργησε κάτι εντελώς καινούργιο διατηρώντας παράλληλα τη σύνδεση και τους δεσμούς με τις πατροπαράδοτες αρχαίες αρχές και παραδόσεις της. Ο Πρόεδρος Ομπάμα ευχαρίστησε τον Πρόεδρο της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας Κάρολο Παπούλια και τον Πρωθυπουργό Αντώνη Σαμαρά για τα συλλυπητήρια τηλεγραφήματα τους και την συμπαράσταση που επέδειξαν τις δύσκολες ώρες των τρομοκρατικών επιθέσεων στη Βοστώνη. επίσης αναγνώρισε την παρουσία του Πρέσβη της Ελλάδος στις Η.Π.Α. Χρίστου Παναγόπουλου και της εκπροσώπου της Κυπριακής Πρεσβείας της Ουάσιγκτον Ολυμπίας Νεοκλέους. ΤΖΟ ΜΠΑΙΝΤΕΝ Στη δική του ένθερμη ομιλία, ο αντιπρόεδρος Τζο Μπάϊντεν είπε στους παρισταμένους ότι διδάχθηκε από μικρή ηλικία ότι η έννοια και η λέξη ελευθερία είναι σχεδόν συνώνυμη

με την Ελλάδα και ότι θεωρεί τους Ελληνοαμερικανούς ιδιαίτερα αξιόλογους πολίτες. Ο Αντιπρόεδρος τόνισε ότι τη μεγαλύτερη εντύπωση του έχει κάνει μια ελληνική παροιμία που λέει ότι μια κοινωνία προοδεύει όταν οι πολίτες της φυτεύουν δέντρα γνωρίζοντας ότι οι ίδιοι δεν πρόκειται ποτέ να αναπαυθούν στη σκιά τους. Τέτοια, είπε, είναι η συμβολή της κοινότητός σας στην Αμερική διότι κατανοεί τις υποχρεώσεις της. ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ “Kύριε Πρόεδρε, κύριε Αντιπρόεδρε, Για μια ακόμη φορά, εμείς η Ελληνοαμερικανική Ορθόδοξη Κοινότητα, έχουμε την μεγάλη τιμή σήμερα να βρισκόμαστε στο Λευκό Οίκο, για να εορτάσουμε την Ημέρα της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας. Σε αντίθεση όμως με προηγούμενα χρόνια, οι καρδιές μας είναι γεμάτες λύπη, οι σκέψεις μας μουδιασμένες και η χαρά μας έχει επισκιαστεί από τη θλίψη για τις τρομοκρατικές επιθέσεις της Δευτέρας στη Βοστώνη και για τα αθώα θύματα και τις οικογένειες τους. Σε αυτήν την επίσημη αλλά και βαριά για όλους μας στιγμή, επιτρέψτε μου να σας μεταφέρω τα θερμά συλλυπητήρια και τις προσευχές στηρίξεως του Παναγιωτάτου Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου κ. Βαρθολομαίου που μοιράζεται τη θλίψη και την αγωνία του Αμερικανικού λαού. Οι κάτοικοι της Βοστώνης απέδειξαν στους ίδιους και στον υπόλοιπο κόσμο τι πραγματικά σημαίνουν η ελευθερία, ο πατριωτισμός, και το πνεύμα του ηρωϊσμού. Η ίδια αποφασιστικότητα και ο πατριωτισμός οδήγησαν τις καρδιές και τη σκέψη των Ελλήνων που το 1821 πολέμησαν ηρωικά για την ανεξαρτησία τους μετά από 400 χρόνια ξένης κατοχής προκειμένου να ξανακερδίσουν την ελευθερία τους και να δημιουργήσουν το ελεύθερο πλέον ελληνικό κράτος. Σχεδόν δύο αιώνες πριν, ο ηρωικός ελληνικός λαός στον αγώνα του αυτό μοιράστηκε την ίδια διακαή επιθυμία για Ελευθερία και Δημοκρατία, ακριβώς όπως και οι πατέρες του έθνους μας. Συχνά το αποτέλεσμα τέτοιων τολμηρών και θαρραλέων πράξεων έχει ένα τεράστιο τίμημα. Ένα τίμημα, ωστόσο, που πηγάζει από την έντονη ροπή προς οικουμενικές αξίες όπως η επιδίωξη της ευτυχίας, η περιφρούρηση των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων, η αξιοπρέπεια, η θρησκευτική ελευθερία και η

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ 19 Μαϊου: Κυριακή της AHEPA uΣελίδα 15 κληρο τόν κόσμο τήν προτεραιότητα τῆς διακονίας. Τήν Κυριακή τῆς AHEPA, παρακαλῶ ἀπό ὅλες τίς ἐνορίες μας νά τιμήσουν τήν φωτεινή κληρονομιά καί προσφορά τῆς AHEPA καί νά ἀναγνωρίσουν τά μέλη τῶν ὀργανισμῶν της. Ἐπίσης, ἄς ἐκφράσουμε τίς εὐχα-

ριστίες μας στά μέλη τῆς AHEPA γιά τήν συνεισφορά των στήν Ἐκκλησία μας στήν Ἀμερική καί τήν Ἑλληνοαμερικανική κοινότητά μας, καί γιά τήν προσφορά των σέ πολλές ἐκπαιδευτικές, φιλανθρωπικές καί πολιτιστικές προσπάθειες. Ἄς συνεχίσουμε νά προσευχόμεθα στόν Θεό γιά τίς εὐλογίες, τήν δύναμη καί τίς δωρεές Του, καθώς ἡ μαρτυρία τῆς ἀγάπης καί τῆς δυνάμεως τῆς Ἀναστάσεως διαποτίζει ὅλα τά ἔργα μας.

Μέ πατρική ἀγάπη ἐν Χριστῷ Ἀναστάντι,

† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

ειρηνική συνύπαρξη. Ο καθένας μας γνωρίζει ότι λίγες ώρες πριν, ο Πρόεδρός μας και η Πρώτη Κυρία βρέθηκαν στο πλευρό της πενθούσας πόλης της Βοστώνης. Η ηγετική του παρουσία εκεί προσέφερε μεγάλη παρηγοριά και ανακούφιση στο λαό της Βοστώνης στη δύσκολη αυτή περίσταση. Τώρα, ο Λευκός Οίκος μας καλωσορίζει σ΄ αυτήν την εκδήλωση προς τιμήν του αγώνα του 1821 για την ανεξαρτησία του Ελληνικού Έθνους. Υπό το πρίσμα της τραγωδίας που

ΜΑΙΟΣ 2013

περνούμε αυτήν την εβδομάδα και του συνεχούς αγώνα για την ασφάλεια του Έθνους μας σήμερα, προσφέρουμε τις αδιάλειπτες προσευχές μας, τη σταθερή υποστήριξή μας και την υπόσχεσή μας να δώσουμε το παν ως πιστοί πολίτες της μεγάλης αυτής χώρας. Και για να δανειστώ τα λόγια του Προέδρου: «Πρέπει να σηκωθούμε, να ξεσκονιστούμε και να συνεχίσουμε». Στεκόμαστε παρά τω πλευρώ σας στο έργο της διατήρησης και ενίσχυσης της ελευθερίας. Και προσευχόμεθα να δούμε όλοι σύντομα την ημέρα που η ειρήνη, η δικαιοσύνη, και η δύναμη της αγάπης θα κυριαρχήσουν στον κόσμο μας και δεν θα χυθούν άλλα δάκρυα για τους αθώους. Είθε ο Θεός να ευλογεί τον Πρόεδρό μας και την αξιότιμη οικογένειά του, τον Αντιπρόεδρος και την αξιότιμη οικογένειά του, τον αγαπητό λαό της Βοστώνης και είθε ο Θεός να ευλογεί τις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες της Αμερικής, τη γη των ελευθέρων και των γενναίων.”

Ευχετήριο Μήνυμα Ομπάμα για το Πάσχα ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής ανακοίνωσε με μεγάλη χαρά τη λήψη ενός ιδιαίτερα σημαντικού ευχετήριου μηνύματος του Προέδρου Μπαράκ Ομπάμα και της Πρώτης Κυρίας των Η.Π.Α. κυρίας Μισέλ Ομπάμα επ’ ευκαιρία του Ορθοδόξου Πάσχα. Στο μήνυμά του, ο Πρόεδρος Μπαράκ Ομπάμα αναφέρεται στις δοκιμασίες που αντιμετωπίζουν οι Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί στη Μέση Ανατολή και στη Βόρειο Αφρική και επαναλαμβάνει την υποστήριξή του στη προστασία της θρησκευτικής ελευθερίας ως ένα παγκόσμιο ανθρώπινο δικαίωμα. Ακολουθεί το μήνυμα του Προέδρου Ομπάμα: THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 4, 2013 Statement by the President on the Occasion of Orthodox Easter This weekend, Michelle and I extend our best wishes to members of the Orthodox Christian community here in America and around the world as they observe Holy Friday and the Feast of the Resurrection.

For millions of Orthodox Christians, this is a joyful time. But it’s also a reminder of the sacrifice Christ made so that we might have eternal life. His decision to choose love in the face of hate; hope in the face of despair is an example we should always strive to follow. But it’s especially important to remember this year, as members of the Orthodox community have been confronted with persecution and violence, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. For centuries, the region and the world has been enriched by the contributions of

Orthodox communities in countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. As a nation, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting universal human rights including the freedom of religion. And in this season of hope and restoration, we celebrate the transformational power of sacrificial love. Προεδρική δήλωση με αφορμή το Ορθόδοξο Πάσχα Αυτό το Σαββατοκύριακο, η Michelle και εγώ στέλνουμε τις καλύτερες ευχές μας στα μέλη της Ορθόδοξης Χριστιανικής Κοινότητας εδώ στην Αμερική και σε ολόκληρο τον κόσμο καθώς διάγουν τη Μεγάλη Παρασκευή και τη μεγάλη Εορτή της Αναστάσεως. Για εκατομμύρια Ορθοδόξων, αυτή είναι μια χαρούμενη στιγμή. Αλλά είναι επίσης μια υπενθύμιση της θυσίας που έκανε ο Χριστός έτσι ώστε να μπορούμε εμείς να έχουμε αιώνια ζωή. Την απόφασή του να επιλέξει την αγάπη ως αντιμέτωπη του μίσους. η Ελπίδα αντιμέτωπη στην απελπισία είναι ένα παράδειγμα που πρέπει πάντα να προσπαθούμε να ακολουθούμε. Αλλά είναι ιδιαίτερα σημαντικό να το θυμόμαστε αυτό το έτος, καθώς τα μέλη της Ορθόδοξης Κοινότητας αντιμετωπίζουν διώξεις και περιστατικά βίας, ιδιαίτερα στη Μέση Ανατολή και τη Βόρεια Αφρική. Για αιώνες, η περιοχή και ο κόσμος έχουν εμπλουτιστεί από τη συνεισφορά των ορθόδοξων κοινοτήτων σε χώρες όπως η Αίγυπτος, ο Λίβανος, η Συρία και το Ιράκ. Εμείς, ως έθνος, επαναβεβαιώνουμε την δέσμευσή μας στην προστασία των παγκοσμίων ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της ελευθερίας της θρησκείας. Και σε αυτήν την εποχή της ελπίδας και της αποκατάστασης, γιορτάζουμε τη μετασχηματιστική δύναμη της θυσιαστήριας αγάπης.

Συνάντηση Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου με τον Υπουργό Δημοσίας Τάξεως και Προστασίας του Πολίτη της Ελλάδος Νίκο Δένδια ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Την επίσκεψη του Υπουργού Δημοσίας Τάξεως και Προστασίας του Πολίτη της Ελλάδος Νίκου Δένδια δέχθηκε ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος με τον οποίο συζήτησε θέματα σχετικά με την κρίση στην Ελλάδα και την Ομογένεια στην Αμερική. Τον κ. Δένδια συνόδευαν ο Γενικός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στη Νέα Υόρκη, κ. Γεώργιος Ηλιόπουλος και οι συνεργάτες του Γεώργιος Βανικιώτης, Μαρία Θεοδώρου και Χρήστος Παρθένης. Μετά το τέλος της συνάντησης ο κ. Δένδιας στις δηλώσεις του είπε ότι συναντήθηκε με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο με μεγάλη χαρά στα πλαίσια της επισκέψεως και παρουσίας του στη Νέα Υόρκη και τόνισε ότι «είναι εξαιρετικά σημαντικό να ακούει ο οποιοσδήποτε Έλληνας Υπουργός τις απόψεις του Αρχιεπισκόπου για την Ελληνική Ομογένεια και για την θέση της στο σημερινό Αμερικανικό γίγνεσθαι. Θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο γιατί μοιράστηκε τις σκέψεις του μαζί μας και επίσης να διαβεβαιώσω ότι η Ελληνική Κυβέρνηση βρίσκεται πάντοτε κοντά στην Εκκλησία και στην Ομογένεια». Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος δήλωσε ότι

κάθε ευκαιρία ανταλλαγής απόψεων τόσο για την Ομογένεια όσο και γενικότερα για την θέση και την αποστολή της Ελλάδος στον σύγχρονο κόσμο αποτελεί πάντοτε έναν πολύ γόνιμο διάλογο ο οποίος κρατάει ζωντανούς και ανοιχτούς τους δρόμους επικοινωνίας μεταξύ Μητροπολιτικής Ελλάδος και Ομογενείας εκτός Ελλάδος. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ευχήθηκε ευόδωση του έργου του Υπουργού και της Ελληνικής Πολιτείας για να υπερνικήσει η Ελλάδα την κρίση στην οποία αυτή τη στιγμή βρίσκεται. Και καταλήγοντας τόνισε: «Είμαστε βέβαιοι ότι αυτό θα γίνει. Βρισκόμαστε από πλευράς εκκλησιαστικής ενώπιον της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος, η Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα είναι εβδομάδα του πάθους και του Σταυρού αλλά έχει πάντοτε την Ανάσταση. Επομένως όσο μεγάλες κι αν είναι οι δυσκολίες κι όσο βαρύς κι αν είναι ο σταυρός, τον οποίο σήμερα η πατρίδα μας φέρει, υπάρχει πάντοτε η θέα, η προοπτική της Αναστάσεως, και με αυτή την προοπτική σήμερα υποδεχόμεθα και αποχαιρετούμε φυσικά τον κ. Υπουργό όταν τελειώσει την αποστολή του εδώ. Ευχώμεθα και στον ίδιο και στο λαό μας στην Ελλάδα, κάθε καλό, κάθε ευλογία και σύντομη υπερνίκηση των δυσκολιών και των αδιεξόδων.

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

ΜΑΙΟΣ 2013

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“Χριστός Ανέστη εκ νεκρών...” στη μαρτυρική νήσο Ιμβρο

Φωτογραφία ΝΙΚΟΣ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑΣ

ôïõ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΥ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑ

ΙΜΒΡΟΣ – Συγκίνηση, μια γλυκιά νοσταλγία για το «χθες» αλλά και ελπίδα και αισιοδοξία για το μέλλον ήταν ορισμένα από τα συναισθήματα που κυριάρχησαν μεταξύ των πιστών που εόρτασαν την Ανάσταση του Κυρίου στην πονεμένη Ίμβρο. Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος που εόρτασε ύστερα από πολλά χρόνια το Πάσχα στην ιδιαίτερη πατρίδα του – και για πρώτη φορά μετά την ανάρρησή του στον Πατριαρχικό Θρόνο – στην ομιλία του, το βράδυ του Μεγάλου Σαββάτου, επισήμανε τις διαφαινόμενες ελπιδοφόρες προοπτικές για την Ίμβρο και τους ομογενείς κατοίκους της. Λίγο πριν είχε ψάλλει το «Χριστός Ανέστη», μαζί με τον κλήρο και τον πιστό λαό, στέλνοντας από την ταπεινή Ίμβρο το συγκλονιστικό μήνυμα της θριαμβευτικής νίκης του Κυρίου της ζωής επί του θανάτου.Η Ιερά Ακολουθία της Αναστάσεως τελέστηκε προεξάρχοντος του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη στον Ιερό Ναό του χωρίου του, στους Αγίους Θεοδώρους. Μαζί με τον Πατριάρχη του Γένους συγχοροστάτησαν ο επιχώριος Μητροπολίτης Ίμβρου και Τενέδου Κύριλλος και Κυδωνιών Αθηναγόρας. Παρέστησαν συμπροσευχόμενοι ο Πρέσβης Νικόλαος Ματθιουδάκης, Γενικός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στην Κωνσταντινούπολη με τη σύζυγο κυρία Αικατερίνα Βαρβαρήγου, Πρόξενο της Ελλάδος στην Αδριανούπολη, Άρχοντες του Οικουμενικού Θρόνου και πλήθος πιστών από το νησί, την Ελλάδα και άλλες χώρες. ΤΗ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ Στην ξεχωριστή νοηματοδότηση που έχει η Μεγάλη Παρασκευή για το σεπτό κέντρο της Ορθοδοξίας, καθώς «καμμιά ημέρα του εκκλησιαστικού έτους δεν ταιριάζει τόσο πολύ στη Μητέρα Εκκλησία μας της Κωνσταντινουπόλεως τους τελευταίους αιώνες. Και καμμιά δεν εκφράζει τόσο όμορφα την “Πονεμένη Ρωμιοσύνη”, όπως ωνόμαζε το Γένος μας ο Φώτης Κόντογλου, όσο η Μεγάλη Παρασκευή» αναφέρθηκε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος από τον Ι.Ναό της Αγίας Βαρβάρας στο χωριό Ευλάμπιο της Ίμβρου, όπου χοροστάτησε στην ακολουθία της Αποκαθηλώσεως. Ο προκαθήμενος της Ορθοδοξίας δεν παρέλειψε να παραλληλίσει το συμβολισμό της Μεγάλης Παρασκευής με αυτό που βιώνει και η ιδιαίτερη πατρίδα του. «Ακριβώς το ίδιο συμβαίνει και με την αγαπημένη μας Ίμβρο. Είναι η δική μας ημέρα. Το γιατί, το ξέρετε!...» σημείωσε με νόημα ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης. Το Πάθος, ο Γολγοθάς και η Σταύρωση όμως είναι τα μονοπάτια που οδηγούν προς την Ανάσταση. «Αν άλλες χριστιανικές παραδόσεις έχουν ενθουσιαστικές τάσεις και καλλιεργούν μια ψεύτικη συνεχή ευφορία, οι Ορθόδοξοι, και ιδιαίτερα εμείς, κινούμαστε υπομονετικά από τον Κήπο της Γεσθημανής, τον κήπο της αγωνίας, μέχρι τον Γολγοθά, τον Κρανίου Τόπο, μαζί με τον Πονεμένο, τον Ταπεινωμένο, τον Βασανισμένο, τον Εσταυρωμένο Κύριό μας. Βαστάζομε τον Σταυρό Του και τον σταυρό μας.

Περιφέρομε την ταπείνωση και την υπομονή Του, προσδοκώντας την Ανάστασι. Γιατί, ναι! Θάρθη και η Ανάστασις! Είμαστε βέβαιοι πως θάρθη η Ανάστασις! Το σκοτάδι της Μεγάλης Παρασκευής που εκράτησε “από ώρας έκτης έως ώρας ενάτης”, δηλ. από τις δώδεκα το μεσημέρι ως τις τρεις το απόγευμα, καθώς υπέφερε ο Κύριός μας στον Σταυρό εν μέσω δύο ληστών, ήταν προσωρινό» είπε ο προκαθήμενος της Ορθοδοξίας απευθυνόμενος στο χριστεπώνυμο πλήρωμα της ιδιαίτερης πατρίδας του. Διότι μετά τη σταύρωση και τον μαρτυρικό θάνατο έρχεται το χαρμόσυνο μήνυμα «Τα χαράματα της Κυριακής ως ωραίος πολύφωτος ήλιος θα ανατείλη ολόλαμπρος ο Αναστάς Χριστός από τον δανεικό Τάφο, στον οποίο Τον είχε κηδέψει ο Ιωσήφ! Σταυρός και Ανάστασις είναι πολύ κοντά. Δίπλα-δίπλα!» υπογράμμισε με νόημα ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης. Ο κ. Βαρθολομαίος δεν παρέλειψε να αναφερθεί και στην χωροταξική εγγύτητα του Γολγοθά και του Πανάγιου Τάφου που συμβολίζουν τις στενά συνυφασμένες έννοιες του θανάτου και της ανάστασης. «Εάν κάποιος πάη να προσκυνήση στα Ιεροσόλυμα, στον Ναό της Αναστάσεως, θα δη ότι ο Γολγοθάς απέχει λίγα μόνο μέτρα από τον Πανάγιο Τάφο. Από δεξιά ο Γολγοθάς, το Μαρτύριο, ο Σταυρός, ο Θάνατος. Από αριστερά το Κενό Μνημείο, το Φως, η Ζωή και η Ανάστασις! Έτσι λοιπόν, εμείς ζούμε καθημερινώς το μυστήριο του Σταυρού, αλλά επ’ ελπίδι Αναστάσεως. Τόσο στην προσωπική μας ζωή και πορεία ως πιστών Χριστιανών, όσο και στην ιστορική πορεία της Εκκλησίας μας και του Γένους μας! Γι’ αυτό και λέμε πάντοτε: «Τον Σταυρόν Σου προσκυνούμεν, Δέσποτα, και την αγίαν Σου Ανάστασιν δοξάζομεν»! Αναφερόμενος στον Χριστό σημείωσε ότι τα ανοιγμένα χέρια του εσταυρωμένου αποτελούν μια μεγάλη αγκαλιά, «ξεχωριστά ανοιχτή για τους πονεμένους, για τους ταπεινούς, για τα «μωρά του κόσμου και εξουθενωμένα», για τους αδικημένους και βασανισμένους, γι’ αυτούς που δεν τους πιάνει το μάτι των μεγάλων και ισχυρών του κόσμου τούτου. Ασφαλώς και για όλους όσοι απέμειναν στην πολύπαθη κοινότητά μας στην Ίμβρο και στην αδελφή της την Τένεδο!» Συγκινημένος από την επάνοδό του στην ιδιαίτερη πατρίδα του την Ίμβρο ο προκαθήμενος της Ορθοδοξίας δεν παρέλειψε να αναφερθεί στην τόσο ξεχωριστή για τον ίδιο φετινή Μεγάλη Παρασκευή και τη μοναδική ευκαιρία να χοροστατήσει ως Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης στις ακολουθίες των Παθών στον τόπο που μεγάλωσε και από όπου ξεκίνησε την πορεία του. «Τούτη η Μεγάλη Παρασκευή είναι πολύ ξεχωριστή για μένα, όπως ασφαλώς και για σας. Δεν ξανάγινε και ούτε είναι εύκολο να ξαναγίνη, Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης να χοροστατήση τέτοιες μεγάλες ημέρες στην Ίμβρο. Όμως το ήθελα πολύ, για να σας δείξω πόσο αγαπώ την Ίμβρο και τους Ιμβρίους. Για να σας δείξω πως δεν ελησμόνησα το ταπεινό μου ξεκίνημα από αυτό το φτωχό και μαρτυρικό νησί. “Ποτέ σου να μη λησμονής τα κάτω σκαλοπάτια γιατί σ αυτὰ πρωτοπατείς και βγαίνεις στα παλάτια”! Και ακόμη για να σας βεβαιώσω ότι στη σταυρική σας πορεία είμαι πάντοτε μαζί σας. Κυρηναίος της Μεγάλης Εκκλησίας, Κυρηναίος του Γένους, Κυρηναίος και της Ίμβρου. Και δεν θα δώσω ύπνο στα μάτια μου ώσπου να σας δω στηριγμένους, παρηγορημένους, λουσμένους στο φως και στη χαρά της Αναστάσεως!». Η ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΝΥΜΦΙΟΥ Η Λειτουργική ζωή, το θυμίαμα της Εκκλησιάς και τα αρώματα των ανοιξιάτικων λουλουδιών, ο ήλιος και η θάλασσα, ο ήχος από το θυμιατό και οι ψαλμοί που ακούγονται από τα παρεκκλήσια και διατρέχουν τα δασώδη βουνά και τις καταπράσινες λαγκάδες, η στεντόρεια φωνή και η επιβλητική παρουσία του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη, τα χαρούμενα πρόσωπα των ρωμηών αλλά και όλων εκείνων που «επέστρεψαν», τα γέλια και τα ανέμελα παιχνίδια των μικρών παιδιών είναι μερικές από τις ψηφίδες που συνθέτουν την εικόνα της Ίμβρου, αυτές τις ημέρες της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας όπου κυριαρχεί η προσδοκία της Αναστάσεως του Κυρίου.

«Ήλθαμε σιμά στον Νυμφίο, ταπεινωμένον όπως τον βλέπουμε στην εικόνα, φτωχόν και εξευτελισμένο, δαρμένο και βασανισμένο, ελεεινά ταλαιπωρημένο και περιφρονημένο, και Του φέραμε τα μύρα της ευλάβειας και του σεβασμού μας, με λίγα εύοσμα νιμπριώτικα λουλούδια από τις ελάχιστες γλάστρες που μας απόμειναν κι αγριολούλουδα από τα ρημαγμένα κηποχώραφά μας», είπε με νόημα ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης το βράδυ της Μεγάλης Τρίτης μετά την απογευματινή Ακολουθία. «Του φέραμε και τα δάκρυά μας για όσα έρχεται να τραβήξη για μας. Μα και τα δάκρυά μας για όσους μας λείπουν και για όσα μας έλειψαν. Για το δράμα που πέρασε το νησί μας, για τη φωτιά που έκαψε τις καρδιές μας. Για τα πολλά κλειστά σπίτια και τα έρημα μνήματα, για τα σιωπηλά σχολειά και σοκάκια μας, για τις ανησυχητικές ησυχίες μας και για τους ξεριζωμένους συντοπίτες μας που ζορισμένοι και πικραμένοι άφησαν τα άγια τούτα χώματα και πήγαν στα τέσσερα σημεία του κόσμου. Φέραμε στον παραπονεμένο Χριστό το παράπονό μας και τ’ αποθέσαμε στα δεμένα άγια χέρια Του. Ξέρει Εκείνος!... Αλλά και μπορεί Εκείνος!... Και θέλει Εκείνος!... Κάποτε καθυστερεί λίγο, μα δεν λησμονεί! Ποτέ δεν ξεχνά τα παιδιά Του, τα δάκρυά τους, τους αναστεναγμούς τους, την πίστη τους, την ελπίδα τους!...», πρόσθεσε συγκινημένος ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος. «Ήταν ένα όνειρο ζωής!» Στην ομιλία του, την Μεγάλη Τρίτη, ο

Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης μοιράστηκε με τους συντοπίτες και τους προσκυνητές στην Ίμβρο τις σκέψεις και τα συναισθήματά του από το γεγονός της παρουσίας του στη γενέτειρά του για τις ημέρες του Πάσχα, για πρώτη φορά μετά πολλές δεκαετίες. «Δόξα τω Θεώ που μας αξιώνει να συνεορτάσωμε τις άγιες τούτες ημέρες μαζί στην Ίμβρο μας, και ιδιαιτέρως απόψε στην προσφιλή γενέτειρά μας, το χωριό μας, τους Αγίους Θεοδώρους. Για τον Πατριάρχη τούτο ήταν ένα όνειρο ζωής!», είπε ο Πατριάρχης και συνέχισε: «Μετά από δεκάδες ετών, όταν μικρό παιδί βοηθούσε τον αλησμόνητο π. Αστέριο στο άγιο βήμα, και τον μητροπολιτικό θρόνο του νησιού εκοσμούσε ο μακαριστός Γέροντας Μελίτων, μετά από τόσες δεκαετίες απουσίας, και πάλι εδώ! Εδώ που είδαμε και το φως του ηλίου, με τη γέννηση, και το φως του Χριστού με τη βάπτιση και τον εκκλησιασμό μας. Πολλά ιερά βιώματά μας και συγκινήσεις και πνευματικές χαρές της εποχής εκείνης, που εσφράγισαν ανεξίτηλα όλη την υπόλοιπη ζωή μου, έχουν να μαρτυρήσουν τούτες οι άγιες εικόνες του τέμπλου, τούτα τα ταπεινά στασίδια, που τότε ήταν καθημερινώς γεμάτα, τούτοι οι ιεροί θόλοι που στοργικά μας καλύπτουν!.. Αλλά το όνειρο ήδη είναι πραγματικότητα! «Η χάρις του Αγίου Πνεύματος ημάς συνήγαγε», όπως ψάλαμε προχθές των Βαΐων, και σας απ’ εδώ, και άλλους από την Ελλάδα και από ακόμη πιο μακριά, όπως τα αδέλφια μου. Βλέπω στα μάτια σας ότι και σεις όλοι το χαίρεσθε εξ ίσου! Και πάλι, δόξα τω Θεώ!».

«Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας»

Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

«Δεύτε λάβετε Φως...» Πλήθος πιστών κρατούν λαμπριάτικες λαμπάδες με το ανέσπερο Φως που έλαβαν από τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο, κατά τη διάρκεια της Θείας Λειτουργίας της Αναστάσεως στον Καθεδρικό Ναό της Αγίας Τριάδας στο Μανχάταν.

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αθηνών και Πάσης Ελλάδος κ. Ιερώνυμος θα Αναγορευθεί Επίτιμος Διδάκτωρ της Θεολογικής Σχολής uΣελίδα 15 την οποία αποτελούσαν: ο Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Μεσσηνίας κ. Χρυσόστομος, ο Θεοφιλέστατος Επίσκοπος Διαυλείας κ. Γαβριήλ (Αρχιγραμματεύς της Ι. Συνόδου), ο Αιδεσιμολογιώτατος Πρωτοπρεσβύτερος Αδαμάντιος Αυγουστίδης, ο Αιδεσιμολογιώτατος Πρωτοπρεσβύτερος Στέφανος Αβραμίδης, ο Ιερολογιώτατος Ιεροδιάκονος Επιφάνιος Αρβανίτης και ο κ. Δημήτριος Καρανάσος. Μεταξύ των παρόντων στην υποδοχή ήταν η Γενική Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στη Βοστώνη κυρία Ιφιγένεια Καναρά, ο Πρόεδρος του Ελληνικού Κολεγίου και της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού π. Νικόλαος Τριανταφύλλου, ο Αντιπρόεδρος της Εφορίας της Σχολής Δρ. Θωμάς Λίλον, ο Κοσμήτωρ της Θεολογικής Σχολής π. Θωμάς Φιτζέραλντ, ο Πρωτοσύγκελλος της Μητροπόλεως Βοστώνης π. Θεόδωρος Μπάρμπας, πολλοί κληρικοί και λαϊκοί της περιοχής και φοιτητές της Θεολογικής Σχολής οι οποίοι έψαλλαν και την φήμη του Αρχιεπισκόπου Ιερωνύμου. Την Πέμπτη 16 Μαΐου, ο Μακαριώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αθηνών και Πάσης Ελλάδος αναμενόταν να πραγματο-

ποιήσει επισκέψεις στο Μουσείο Τέχνης της Βοστώνης και στο χώρο της βομβιστικής επιθέσεως του Μαραθωνίου, ενώ το εσπέρας αναμενόταν να παρακαθίσει σε δείπνο που θα παρέθετε ο Μητροπολίτης Βοστώνης κ. Μεθόδιος προς τιμήν του. Την επομένη, 17 Μαΐου το εσπέρας, ο Μακαριώτατος αναμενόταν να χοροστατήσει στον Εσπερινό στο παρεκκλήσιο του της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού και στη συνέχεια σε επίσημο δείπνο. Το πρωί του Σαββάτου 18 Μαΐου, και μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία, αναμενόταν να πραγματοποιηθεί η επίσημη τελετή της αποφοιτήσεως. Το εσπέρας ο κ. Ιερώνυμος συνοδευόμενος από τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο κ. Δημήτριο αναμενόταν να μεταβεί στη Νέα Υόρκη. Την Κυριακή 19 Μαΐου το πρωί ανεμενόταν να πραγματοποιηθεί Αρχιερατικό Συλλείτουργο στον Καθεδρικό Ναό Αγίας Τριάδος και το βράδυ ειδική συναυλία της Βυζαντινής Χορωδίας και της Χορωδίας Νέων της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής προς τιμήν του Μακαριωτάτου. Τη Δευτέρα 20 Μαΐου, ο κ. Ιερώνυμος αναμενόταν να επισκεφθεί την έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής και το σχολείο του Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας. (Πλήρες ρεπορτάζ στο φύλλο του Ιουνίου)

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ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

ΜΑΙΟΣ 2013

Γ ΕΓΟΝΟΤΑ & Ν ΕΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΚΟΣΜΟ

Συνάντηση Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου με τον Υπουργό Εξωτερικών των ΗΠΑ στο Φανάρι του Νικολάου Μαγγίνα

ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΗ – Το αμείωτο ενδιαφέρον της αμερικανικής κυβέρνησης για τα ζητήματα του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου εξέφρασε, σύμφωνα με πληροφορίες, ο υπουργός Εξωτερικών των ΗΠΑ Τζον Κέρι κατά την συνάντησή που είχε με τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο στο Φανάρι, το απόγευμα της Κυριακής. Ο επικεφαλής της Αμερικανικής Διπλωματίας που επισκέφθηκε για περισσότερο από μια ώρα την ιερή Καθέδρα της Μεγάλης Εκκλησίας συζήτησε με τον Προκαθήμενο της Ορθοδοξίας ζητήματα που απασχολούν το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο και την ομογένεια, μεταξύ των οποίων η επαναλειτουργία της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης και γενικότερα των θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών. Σύμφωνα με πληροφορίες ο κ.Κέρι έθεσε το θέμα της Σχολής της Χάλκης και στον τούρκο ομόλογό του Αχμέτ Νταβούτογλου. «Τους τελευταίους μήνες, τα τελευταία χρόνια έχουμε θετική πρόοδο στην συμπεριφορά της Κυβερνήσεώς μας έναντι του Πατριαρχείου μας και γενικότερα έναντι των μειονοτήτων και περιμένουμε ασφαλώς την επίλυση των υφιστάμενων προβλημάτων μας όπως είναι η επαναλειτουργία της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης που αποτελεί μεγάλη ανάγκη για το Πατριαρχείο μας, για το παρόν και το μέλλον

Φωτογραφίες: ΝΙΚΟΣ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑΣ

του», σημείωσε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης, απευθυνόμενος στον αμερικανό υπουργό Εξωτερικών, στην αρχή της συνάντησής του, παρουσία των εκπροσώπων των ΜΜΕ. «Δεν διαθέτουμε τη δυνατότητα να έχουμε καλά εκπαιδευμένους νέους και δεν έχουμε άλλα μέσα εκτός από αυτή την Σχολή η οποία ιδρύθηκε το 1844 και δυστυχώς έκλεισε το 1971 και παρά τις προσπάθειες μας η Κυβέρνησή μας δεν την άνοιξε ξανά μέχρι σήμερα. Είμαστε αισιόδοξοι, είμαστε πεπεισμένοι ότι υπάρχει καλή διάθεση από την πλευρά του Πρωθυπουργού μας κυρίου Ερντογάν», πρόσθεσε ο Οικουμε-

νικός Πατριάρχης ο οποίος ευχαρίστησε για το ενδιαφέρον που επιδεικνύουν οι ΗΠΑ για τα ζητήματα του Πατριαρχείου και τις θρησκευτικές ελευθερίες του. Δεν παρέλειψε μάλιστα να εκφράσει την συμπαράστασή του στον αμερικανικό λαό για την τραγωδία από την τρομοκρατική επίθεση στη Βοστώνη. Μεγάλη τιμή και ιδιαίτερο προνόμιο χαρακτήρισε την συνάντησή του με τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο ο υπουργός Εξωτερικών των ΗΠΑ Τζον Κέρι, σε δηλώσεις του αμέσως μετά. «Ήταν εξαιρετικό προνόμιο για μένα να συναντηθώ από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη, τέτοια τιμή να μιλήσω με ένα πρόσωπο το οποίο είναι η φωνή της ανεκτικότητας, η φωνή της διαθρησκειακής αλληλοκατανόησης, ο οποίος πρόσφατα συναντήθηκε με τον Πάπα Φραγκίσκο, και έχει συστηματικά έχει μιλήσει για την προστασία των μειονοτικών δικαιωμάτων και των θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών και που αγωνίζεται για μεγαλύτερη κατανόηση στον κόσμο. Είναι γνωστός περιβαλλοντολόγος και έχει τιμηθεί από πολλά πανεπιστήμια μεταξύ των οποίων και το δικό μας Πανεπιστήμιο Ταφτς της Μασαχουσέτης», είπε ο υπουργός Εξωτερικών Τζον Κέρι και πρόσθεσε: «Για μένα είναι ένα μεγάλο προνόμιο η συνάντησή μου με αυτόν τον προστάτη των δικαιωμάτων των ανθρώπων να ασκούν ελεύθερα την θρησκεία τους και να προωθεί την διαθρησκειακή κατανόηση». Στην συνάντηση του υπουργού Εξωτερικών των ΗΠΑ με τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη, που διήρκεσε περίπου σαράνταπέντε λεπτά, παρέστησαν ο Μητροπολίτης Νέας Ιερσέης Ευάγγελος, ο Αρχιγραμματέας του Πατριαρχείου, Αρχιμ.Βαρθολομαίος Σαμαράς, ο Πατριαρχικός Διάκονος Νήφων Τσιμαλής, ο Άρχων Χαρτοφύλαξ του Οικουμενικού Θρόνου Παντελεήμων Βίγκας, εκλεγμένος εκπρόσωπος των Μειονοτήτων στο Δ.Σ. της Γενικής Διεύθυνσης Βακουφίων, ο Πρέσβης των ΗΠΑ στην Άγκυρα κ.Ριτσιαρντόνε, ο Γενικός Πρόξενος των ΗΠΑ στην Κωνσταντινούπολη καθώς και συνεργάτες του κ.Κέρι. Στην παρέμβασή του, κατά την συνάντηση, ο κ.Παντελεήμων Βίγκας ενημέρωσε τον υπουργό Εξωτερικών για τα βήματα που έγιναν στην αποκατάσταση δικαιωμάτων των μειονοτικών ιδρυμάτων, επισημαίνοντας ότι πρέπει να ενισχυθούν και με την ισότητα των ευκαιριών ώστε οι μειονότητες να μπορέσουν να ακολουθήσουν με την ίδια δυναμική το σύνολο της Κοινωνίας. Αμέσως μετά τη συνάντησή τους, ο Υπουργός Εξωτερικών των ΗΠΑ, συνοδευόμενος από τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη, προσκύνησε στον Πατριαρχικό Ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου και ξεναγήθηκε στις Αυλές της Μεγάλης Εκκλησίας όπου έδειξε έντονο ενδιαφέρον να ενημερωθεί για την ιστορία του θεσμού του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου.

Ένα κερί για τον Πατριάρχη Γρηγόριο Ε’ του Νικολάου Μαγγίνα

Στις 10 Απριλίου 1821, Κυριακή του Πάσχα τότε, απαγχονίστηκε ο μαρτυρικός Πατριάρχης του Γένους Γρηγόριος ο Ε’ στην κεντρική Πύλη του Πατριαρχείου στο Φανάρι. Έκτοτε η Πύλη αυτή έμεινε κλειστή εις ένδειξιν τιμής και μνήμης.Κάθε χρόνο τη μέρα αυτή ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος ανάβει το κερί της μνήμης και της πίστης, καταθέτει λίγα λουλούδια και προσεύχεται μπροστά στην Πύλη του μαρτυρίου του Πατριάρχου Γρηγορίου. Αυτό έκανε και σήμερα το πρωί, εν σιωπή και περισυλλογή. Ο Πατριάρχης Γρηγόριος δεν ήταν ο μόνος... Δυστυχώς διάφοροι Τούρκοι ξεναγοί και όχι μόνο, διαδίδουν παραπληροφορώντας ότι η κλειστή πύλη ονομάζεται «Πύλη του μίσους» καθώς και ότι δήθεν θα ανοίξει όταν κρεμαστεί εκεί κάποιος Μουσουλμάνος. Πρόκειται για ένα μεγάλο ψέμα και παραμύθι, κάτι που ούτε διανοήθηκαν οι Ορθόδοξοι, ούτε φαντάσθηκαν και φυσικά αντίκειται στο Χριστιανικό πνεύμα. Έχει σκοπό μόνο την δημιουργεία τεχνητής έντασης. Δεν είναι, λοιπόν, ο Γρηγόριος Ε΄ ο μόνος Πατριάρχης Κωνσταντινουπόλεως που απαγχονίσθηκε. Μετά την Άλωση της Πόλης αρκετοί Οικουμενικοί Πατριάρχες που ανήλθαν στο θρόνο ήλθαν αντιμέτωποι με την Οθωμανική Διοίκηση, την «Υψηλή Πύλη». Ορισμένοι απαγχονίσθηκαν, άλλους τους έπνιξαν στη θάλασσα, άλλους τους εξανάγκασαν σε παραίτηση, άλλους τους έστειλαν σε εξορία, άλλοι άφησαν την τελευταία τους πνοή στις φυλακές. Και όλα αυτά μετά από αποφάσεις της Οθωμανικής Διοίκησης. Στο σημείωμά αυτό αναφέρουμε συνοπτικά τις περιπτώσεις των Πατριαρχών που απαγχονίσθηκαν η θανατώθηκαν και δεν είναι και τόσο γνωστές στο ευρύ κοινό, χωρις να γινεται λόγος για τη σημαντική πλειάδα των Ιεραρχών, των ιερέων και των μοναχών που απαγχονίσθηκαν η θανατώθηκαν. Ο πρώτος Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης μετά την Άλωση, Γεννάδιος Σχολάριος, είναι και ο πρώτος που παραιτείται λόγω διαφωνιών με την Οθωμανική Διοίκηση. * Ιωάσαφ Ι΄ (1465-1466): Αφού τον ξύρισαν, εκθρονίσθηκε με εντολή του Σουλτάνου. * Ραφαήλ Ι΄ (1475-1476): Μη δυνάμενος να πληρώσει το επιβαλλόμενο φόρο (πεσκέσι) εκθρονίσθηκε, φυλακίστηκε όπου και μετά ένα χρόνο απεβίωσε. * Ραφαήλ Β΄ (1603-1607): Με εντολή του Σουλτάνου Αχμέτ Ι΄ εκθρονίσθηκε και εξορίσθηκε και θανατώθηκε κατά φρικτό τρόπο. * Κύριλλος Ι΄ ο Λούκαρης: Αρκετές φορές ανήλθε και κατήλθε του θρόνου με πρώτη άνοδο το 1612. Στις 20 Ιουνίου 1638 με εντολή του Σαντραζάμη Μπαϊράμ Πασά συνελήφθη και φυλακίσθηκε σε πύργο του Βοσπόρου. Στις 27 Ιουνίου παραδίδεται σε Γενιτσάρους και εκείνοι με ένα πλοιάριο τον πνίγουν στη θάλασσα. * Κύριλλος Β΄ ο Κονταρής (1633-1639): Λόγω τών αντικανονικών του ενεργειών εκθρονίζεται και κατόπιν συλαμβάνεται απο τις Οθωμανικές Αρχές, φυλακίζεται και εξορίζεται στην Καρθαγένη. Ο εκει Οθωμανός πασάς της Τύνιδος του επέβαλε να ασπασθεί το Ισλάμισμό αλλὰ ο Κύριλλος αντιστάθηκε και για τον λόγο αυτό απαγχονίζεται στις 24 Ιουνίου 1640.Και μία εντυπωσιακή λεπτομέρια κατα τον απαγχονισμό το σχοινή κόβετε δυο φορές και για το λογο αυτο τον πνίγουν. * Παρθένιος Β΄ (1644-1646, 1648-1651): Με εντολή του Σουλτάνου Ιμπραχίμ εκθρονίσθηκε και παραδόθηκε στους Γενιτσάρους για να τον πνίξουν. Το σκήνος του βρέθηκε στη γύρω περιοχή της νήσου Πλάτης των Πριγκηπονήσων, από Χριστιανούς οι οποίοι και το ενταφίασαν στο νησί της Χάλκης. * Παρθένιος ο Γ΄ (1656-1657): Με εντολή του Σουλτάνου μετά από φρικτά βασανιστήρια απαγχωνίσθηκε στην περιοχή Παρμακκαπή της

uΣελίδα 19

ΜΑΙΟΣ 2013

19

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος ζητά την εξασφάλιση της προστασίας του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου Εκκληση Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου και Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής Δημητρίου στον Υπουργό Εξωτερικών των ΗΠΑ για την Απελευθέρωση των Απαχθέντων Μητροπολιτών Παύλου και Ιωάννη uΣελίδα 15 γιου, όπου χοροστάτησε, εξέφρασε τη λύπη του για το τραγικό γεγονός. «Λυπούμεθα και επαναλαμβάνουμε την πεποίθηση του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου ότι η βία και η τρομοκρατία δεν επιλύουν κανένα πρόβλημα, αλλά αντιθέτως προσθέτουν προβλήματα εις τα ήδη υπάρχοντα προβλήματα», είπε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης και εξέφρασε την ευχή «να φωτίσει ο Θεός, όχι μόνο τους ηγέτες, οι οποίοι διαχειρίζονται τας τύχας των ανθρώπων και των λαών, αλλά και όλα τα επί μέρους πρόσωπα, ώστε να συμπεριφέρονται υπεύθυνα και να συμβάλλει ο καθένας από το μετερίζι του εις την οριστικήν επικράτησιν της ειρήνης, της δικαιοσύνης, της ελευθερίας και της εν ανθρώποις ευδοκίας και εδώ εις την χώρα που ζούμε και που εδρεύει το Οικουμενικόν μας Πατριαρχείον, αλλά και σε όλον τον κόσμον». Στην Πατριαρχική χοροστασία παρέστη συμπροσευχόμενος ο Μητροπολίτης Χαλκιδόνος Αθανάσιος και πλήθος πιστών. ΕΚΚΛΗΣΗ ΓΙΑ ΑΠΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΩΣΗ ΑΠΑΧΘΕΝΤΩΝ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΩΝ Τη σκέψη του προς το Πατριαρχείο Αντιοχείας, που δοκιμάζεται έντονα από το λυπηρό γεγονός της απαγωγής του Μητροπολίτη Χαλεπίου Παύλου, αυτάδελφου του Πατριάρχη Αντιοχείας Ιωάννη, έστρεψε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος. Ο προκαθήμενος της Ορθοδοξίας από τον Ιερό Ναό Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου Ίμβρου, όπου χοροστάτησε στην ακολουθία των Αγίων Παθών, ευχήθηκε το ευχάριστο μήνυμα, «το ευαγγέλιον της απελευθερώσεως» όπως είπε χαρακτηριστικά προ του Πάσχα. «Την εφετινήν Αγίαν και Μεγάλην Εβδομάδα σκιάζει και φορτίζει ακόμη περισσότερο το γεγονός της απαγωγής του αδελφού Μητροπολίτου Χαλεπίου Παύλου, προσφιλεστάτου εν Χριστώ αδελφού και επιφανούς ιεράρχου του πρεσβυγενούς Πατριαρχείου Αντιοχείας και του Συροϊακωβίτου Μητροπολίτου Ιωάννη επίσης γνωστού και αγαπητού εν Χριστώ αδελφού, για τους οποίους ευχόμεθα να απελευθερωθούν ως τάχιστα πρό του Πάσχα για να ειναι η χαρά μας πεπληρωμένη» ανέφερε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης μιλώντας στους πιστούς. Ο προκαθήμενος της Ορθοδοξίας ένωσε τη φωνή του με τους υπόλοιπους θρησκευτικούς και πολιτικούς ηγέτες και απηύθυνε έκκληση προς τους απαγωγείς να θέσουν τέρμα στην οδυνηρή, όπως την περιέγραψε, περιπέτεια του Ελληνορθόδοξου Μητροπολίτη Χαλεπίου Παύλου και του Συροϊακωβίτη Χαλεπίου

Ιωάννη, λέγοντας πως: «ενώνουμε τήν φωνή της εκκλήσεως μας με την Αυτού Αγιότητα τον Πάπα, όλους τους ισχυρούς της γης, τα Ηνωμένα Έθνη, όλους του εχέφρονας ανθρώπους και καλούμε τους απαγωγείς να θέσουν τέρμα εις την οδυνηράν περιπέτειαν των αδελφών μας Ιεραρχών». Ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος, ενώπιον του ποιμνίου της ιδιαίτερης πατρίδας του, καταδίκασε τη βία και απηύθυνε έκκληση για ειρηνική επίλυση των διαφορών αναφέροντας με νόημα ότι: «διακηρύσσουμε απά του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, δια πολλοστήν φοράν, ότι η βία δεν επιλύει κανένα πρόβλημα,αντιθέτως προσθέτει προβλήματα εις τα υπάρχοντα προβλήματα. Αποκηρύσσουμε την βίαν, την τρομοκρατίαν και καλούμε όλα τα εμπλεκόμενα μέρη όχι μόνο εις αυτή την περίπτωση της απαγωγής, αλλά και γενικώς, όπου υπάρχουν προβλήματα και διαφοραί να τα επιλύουν γύρω από από την τράπεζαν του διαλόγου ως εμπρέπει εις πολιτισμένους ανθρώπους» . Ευχήθηκε, τέλος, οι οδυνηρές εμπειρίες του παρελθόντος που σκίασαν τον 20ο αιώνα να αποτελέσουν παρελθόν στον αιώνα που διανύουμε καθώς «είναι καιρός να δεχθούμε τον Άρχοντα της ειρήνης Χριστόν και το μηνυμά του και το ευαγγέλιο του και τα διδάγματά του και να ζήσουμε εν ειρήνη και ομονοία και αγάπη», όπως είπε. Μαζί με τον Πατριάρχη του Γένους συγχοροστάτησαν ο επιχώριος Μητροπολίτης Ίμβρου και Τενέδου Κύριλλος και Κυδωνιών Αθηναγόρας. Παρέστησαν συμπροσευχόμενοι ο Πρέσβης Νικόλαος Ματθιουδάκης, Γενικός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στην Κωνσταντινούπολη με τη σύζυγο κυρία Αικατερίνα Βαρβαρήγου, Πρόξενο της Ελλάδος στην Αδριανούπολη, Άρχοντες του Οικουμενικού Θρόνου και πλήθος πιστών από το νησί, την Ελλάδα και άλλες χώρες. ΕΚΚΛΗΣΗ ΣΕ ΤΖΟΝ ΚΕΡΙ Στο μεταξύ, έκκληση στον υπουργό Εξωτερικών των ΗΠΑ Τζον Κέρι για απελευθέρωση των δυο απαχθέντων Μητροπολιτών απηύθηνε η Συνέλευση των Κανονικών Ορθόδοξων Επισκόπων της Βορείου και Κεντρικής Αμερικής, στην οποία προεδρεύει ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος. Οι υπογράφοντες ορθόδοξοι επίσκοποι ενημερώνουν τον επικεφαλής της αμερικανικής διπλωματίας για το δυσάρεστο γεγονός της απαγωγής του ελληνορθόδοξου Μητροπολίτη Χαλεπίου Παύλου και του Συροϊακωβίτη επισκόπου της ίδιας πόλης Ιωάννη, αλλά και για την αυξανόμενη πίεση που δέχονται οι χριστιανικοί πληθυσμοί της Συρίας καθόλη

Ένα κερί για τον Πατριάρχη Γρηγόριο Ε’ uΣελίδα 18 Πόλης το Σάββατο του Λαζάρου και μετά απο τρείς ημέρες ερίφθη στη θάλασσα. * Γαβριήλ Β΄ (23/4-5/5-1657): Στον Πατριαρχικό Θρόνο παρέμεινε μόνο δώδεκα μέρες. Εκθρονίσθηκε και τοποθετήθηκε στη Μητροπολίτη Προύσης. Μετά από καταγγελία-συκοφαντία Εβραίων της περιοχής ότι βάπτισε ένα μουσουλμάνο Χριστιανό, ένω στην πραγματικότητα αυτός που βαπτίσθηκε ήταν Εβραίος. Ως αποτέλεσμα, τον φυλάκισαν και στη συνέχεια τον απαγχόνισαν στις 3 Δεκεμβρίου 1659. * Μελέτιος Β΄ (1768-1769): Μετα την παραίτηση του συλλαμβάνεται μαζι με αλλους τριάντα προκρίτους,κληρικούς και λαικούς και φυλακίζεται βασανιζόμενος φρικτά.Ενώ αθωώθηκε της κατηγορίας για συνεργασία κατα του Οθωμανικού κράτους εξορίσθηκε στη Μυτιλήνη.Εκει υπέφερε περισσότερα απο την Οθωμανική Διοίκηση εξαιτίας και του πυρπολισμού του Τσεσμέ απο τους Ρώσσους.Κατόπιν

ζήτησε αδεια απο τον Σουλτάνο να μεταβεί στην πατρίδα του την Τένεδο .Στη συνέχεια μετέβη και στην Κωνσταντινούπολη με αδεια μονο για 61 ημέρες.Απεβίωσε στην Τένεδο το 1777 σε μεγάλη φτώχεια. * Κύριλλος Στ΄ (1813-1818): Επειδή δεν κατέστη αρεστός στο Σουλτάνο Μαχμούτ εκθρονίσθηκε και εξορίσθηκε στο Άγιον Όρος. Αργότερα εγκαταστάθηκε στην Αδριανούπολη. Οκτώ μέρες μετά τον απογχονισμό του Γρηγορίου Ε΄, στις 18 Απριλίου 1821, ο Σουλτάνος δίνει εντολή να κρεμασθεί και εκείνος στην πύλη του Μητροπολιτικού Μεγάρου. Μετά από 3 μέρες ρίφθηκε στον παταμό Έβρο, τα νερά του οποίου τον έβγαλαν στις ακτές του Διδυμοτείχου. * Ευγένιος Β΄ (1821-1822): Διάδοχος του απαγχονισθέντος Γρηγορίου Ε΄. Παραδόθηκε σε διαδηλωτές και σύρθηκε στους δρόμους από τα γέννια και τα μαλλιά και πέθανε αργότερα από τις κακουχίες που υπέστη. Αυτά προς γνώση της ιστορίας και μόνο. Και όχι να προκαλέσουν το δίκαιο αίσθημα. Αιωνία τους η μνήμη.

τη διάρκεια της εμφύλιας σύγκρουσης που μαστίζει τη χώρα. «Από το ξέσπασμα του εμφυλίου πολέμου στη Συρία, οι θρησκευτικές μειονότητες όχι μόνο δέχονται αυξανόμενες επιθέσεις από φονταμενταλιστές αντάρτες, αλλά βρίσκονται και εν μέσω διασταυρούμενων πυρών μεταξύ τω αντιμαχόμενων πλευρών» επισημαίνουν σε δραματικό τόνο οι εκπρόσωποι της Συνέλευσης των ορθόδοξων Επισκόπων της Αμερικής. «Σας παρακαλούμε θερμά» γράφουν σε άλλο σημείο της επιστολής τους προς τον υπουργό Εξωτερικών των ΗΠΑ «να εργαστείτε ενεργά για την άμεση απελευθέρωση

των Μητροπολιτών Παύλου και Ιωάννη, ιδίως ως Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί που ετοιμάζονται σε όλο τον κόσμο να γιορτάσουν την Ανάσταση του Κυρίου Ημών Ιησού Χριστού στις 5 Μαΐου. Ελπίζουμε ότι η κυβέρνηση των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών, η οποία ήταν ανέκαθεν υπέρμαχος των πολιτικών δικαιωμάτων και της θρησκευτικής ελευθερίας και υπερασπίζεται την αξιοπρέπεια και την ασφάλεια του κάθε ατόμου, ότι θα ασκήσει κάθε δυνατή πίεση σε όλα τα μέρη στη Συρία για να σταματήσει η δολοφονία αθώων ανθρώπων και να αποκατασταθούν η ελευθερία της θρησκευτικής έκφρασης και του σεβασμού όλων των θρησκευτικών μειονοτήτων».

Εγκύκλιος Συμπαράστασης προς το Δοκιμαζόμενο Λαό της Κύπρου ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ - Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος δήλωσε για ακόμη μια φορά την έμπρακτη υποστήριξη της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής στο δοκιμαζόμενο λαό της Κύπρου, την Κυριακή των Βαϊων μέσω Αρχιεπισκοπικής Εγκυκλίου, κάνοντας έκκληση προς το Ελληνορθόδοξο πλήρωμα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής να ‘βοηθήσει εμπράκτως με γενναιοδωρία κι αγάπη’ τον ταλαιπωρημένο λαό της Κύπρου. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος τόνισε μεταξύ άλλων πως “Καθώς συγκεντρωνόμεθα σήμερα γιά τόν ὑπέροχο ἑορτασμό τῆς Κυριακῆς τῶν Βαΐων καί διακηρύσσουμε Εὐλογημένος ὁ Ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου, βλέπουμε ἐνώπιόν μας, στήν εἴσοδο τοῦ Κυρίου μας στήν Ἱερουσαλήμ Ἐκεῖνον ὁ Ὁποῖος εἶναι γεμᾶτος μέ εὐσπλαγχνία γιά τόν λαό Του. Πρόκειται γιά θεϊκή ἀγάπη τήν ὁποία μοιραζόμεθα καί ἑορτάζουμε στήν διάρκεια τῆς Ἁγίας καί Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστῆς καθώς πλησιάζουμε τόν Θεό καί βιώνουμε τήν ἀπέραντη χάρη Του. Ἡ χάρη αὐτή μᾶς ὁδηγεῖ στό νά ἀνταποκρινόμεθα στίς ἀνάγκες τῶν ἄλλων καί μέ ὠθεῖ νά ἐπικοινωνήσω μαζί σας ἐκ μέρους τῶν Ἱεραρχῶν μας τῆς Ἐπαρχιακῆς Συνόδου τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς ἀναφορικά μέ τούς ἀδελφούς καί τίς ἀδελφές μας στήν Κύπρο. Πέρυσι οἱ καρδιές μας εἶχαν βαρύνει ἀπό τίς δυσκολίες πού ἀντιμετώπιζε ὁ λαός τῆς Ἑλλάδος, καί ἐσεῖς οἱ πιστοί τῆς Ἐκκλησίας τῆς Ἀμερικῆς βοηθήσατε ἐμπράκτως μέ γενναιοδωρία καί ἀγάπη. Τώρα βλέπουμε τίς οἰκονομικές

καί ἁπτές δυσκολίες οἱ ὁποῖες ἐμφανίσθηκαν πρόσφατα καί ταλαιπωροῦν τήν Κύπρο. Ἀπό τήν κοινή κληρονομιά καί πίστη, ἀπό τούς πολλούς οἰκογενειακούς καί κοινωνικούς δεσμούς ἐντός τῆς κοινότητάς μας στήν Ἀμερική, ἀπό τήν ἀγάπη μας γι’ αὐτούς τούς τόπους καί τούς ἀνθρώπους τους, ἀλλά κυρίως, ἀπό τήν πίστη μας στόν Θεό καί τήν ἀνταπόκρισή μας στήν χάρη Του, καλούμεθα νά προσφέρουμε ἐκ τοῦ πλεονάσματός μας ἔτσι ὥστε οἱ ἔχοντες ἀνάγκη νά αἰσθανθοῦν ἀνακούφιση, στοργή καί ἀνανεωμένη ἐλπίδα. Μέ τούς ἀδελφούς Κυπρίους στή σκέψη μας καθώς εἰσερχόμεθα στήν Μεγάλη Ἑβδομάδα, παρακαλοῦμε ὡς Ἱερά Σύνοδος τούς πιστούς νά συγκεντρώσουν βοήθεια τήν Κυριακή τῶν Βαΐων γιά τό Ταμεῖο Ἀνακουφίσεως γιά τούς Κυπρίους καί νά συνεχίσουν νά προσφέρουν βοήθεια πρός αὐτό τόν σκοπό στίς ἑπόμενες ἑβδομάδες καί μῆνες. Μέσα ἀπ’ αὐτή τήν εὐσπλαγχνική καί πιστή ἀνταπόκριση στίς ἀνάγκες τῶν προσφιλῶν αὐτῶν ἀνθρώπων, τό φῶς θά λάμψῃ στό σκοτάδι καί ὁ φόβος θά διαλυθῇ ἀπό τήν δύναμη τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ. Εὔχομαι σέ σᾶς καί τίς οἰκογένειές σας εὐλογημένη Μεγάλη Ἑβδομάδα καί καλό Πάσχα, καθώς συγκεντρωνόμεθα μέ τούς ἀδελφούς καί ἀδελφές μας στήν Κύπρο καί τούς Ὀρθοδόξους Χριστιανούς ἀνά τόν κόσμο προσφέροντας μαρτυρία ἐλπίδος καί σωτηρίας ἐν Χριστῷ”, συμπλήρωσε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος.

Επί του πιεστηρίου

Απάντηση του ελληνικού ΥΠΕΞ στις δηλώσεις Αρίντς για την επαναλειτουργία της Χάλκης ΑΘΗΝΑ – Ζήτημα αμοιβαιότητας για την επαναλειτουργία της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης έθεσε ο αντιπρόεδρος της κυβέρνησης Ερντογάν, Μπ. Αρίντς, προκαλώντας την αντίδραση του ελληνικού υπουργείου Εξωτερικών. Ο εκπρόσωπος του Υπουργείου Εξωτερικών Γρηγόρης Δελαβέκουρας απαντώντας σε ερωτήσεις δημοσιογράφων σχετικά με τις δηλώσεις του Αντιπροέδρου της κυβέρνησης της Τουρκίας Μπ. Αρίντς περί αμοιβαιότητας για την επαναλειτουργία της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης, ο ανέφερε τα εξής: «Συγκρατούμε, από τη δήλωση του κ. Αρίντς, τη διαβεβαίωση ότι η κυβέρνηση της Τουρκίας διάκειται θετικά στην επαναλειτουργία της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης. Και περιμένουμε.

Η επαναλειτουργία της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης θα είναι ένα θετικό σημάδι για τις προθέσεις και την εκπεφρασμένη πολιτική βούληση της Τουρκίας. Όσο για τα περί αμοιβαιότητας, οι δεκάδες χιλιάδες Μουσουλμάνοι της Θράκης, επειδή ακριβώς ζουν κάτω από τις αρχές του Κράτους Δικαίου, της Ισονομίας και της Ισοπολιτείας, μπορούν να απαντήσουν. Όχι όμως και οι μερικές εκατοντάδες των Ελλήνων, που έχουν απομείνει στην Κωνσταντινούπολη, από τις εκατοντάδες χιλιάδες που ζούσαν εκεί. Καλό θα είναι να σταματήσουν αυτές οι δηλώσεις, που κάθε άλλο παρά συμβάλλουν στη διατήρηση και ενίσχυση του κλίματος συνεννόησης που υπάρχει στις σχέσεις ανάμεσα στις χώρες μας».

20

ΜΑΥ 2013

Day Schools

Spyropoulos Day School One of Top NY Private Schools

by Athena Kromidas

FLUSHING, N.Y. – The William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School of St. Nicholas Church at 196th Street and Northern Boulevard, named for great benefactor William Spyropoulos, opened its doors in September 1977 to serve Greek Americans of the area and neighboring communities.

Since then, this institution, with its strong foundation, serves as a seedling of the Hellenic Orthodox Paideia, holds steadily the torch of knowledge and guides the new generation of Greek-Americans preparing them to confront the challenges of their society.

It provides a solid core curriculum, enriched with many extracurricular activities (among which are the Greek theater, Greek dance, Byzantine choir and debate clubs) as well as a strong Greek language and heritage program.

Its mission is to provide its students with a solid education based on Hellenic Christian ideals and principles that will instill good character, strong intellect and the capacity to make a valuable contribution to society.

The school consists of first, second, third and fourth generation GreekAmerican students baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church.

It employs 47 faculty and staff members who teach a variety of subjects as required by the New York State Board of Education, including English, math, science, social studies, physical education, music, health, art and computers.

It also offers honors and accelerated classes with Regents credits in Greek, mathematics and earth science with many recording perfect scores.

Major subjects also include religion, taught by the parish priests, and Greek language and culture by teachers educated in Greece and who are New York residents.

Students in upper grades learn Modern Greek Literature, including the Dialogues of Plato and ancient Greek drama.

Spanish is offered to junior high school students. All teachers hold graduate degrees and many of them post-graduate degrees.

The William Spyropoulos School programs are ambitious and goals are set high. An integral part of the curriculum is attendance in liturgy at least once a month. Assemblies throughout the school year make us all very proud. The Thanksgiving Assembly by Kindergarten students, the American Heritage Assembly presented by the 4th and 5th grade students, and assemblies for Christmas, October 28th and March 25th presented by all the students justify the quality of our school’s programs.

Among the many activities we are known for are successful fundraisers for causes that include: • The Ronald Mc Donald fundraiser collecting money for Christmas through their own Christmas ornaments and taking part in the Annual Walk-A- Thon • During Thanksgiving Day students generously collect food they distribute to

School Facts Pastor: Protopresbyter Paul Palesty Priests: Protopresbyter Ioakim Valasiadis Presbyter Aristidis Garinis Parish Council President: Nick Karacostas School Board Chairman: Elaine Mallios Principal: Athena Kromidas Assistant Principal: Mary Tzallas P.T.A President: Helen Papageorgiou Enrollment: About 450 in grades K-8

needy families along with Goyans under the guidance of our pastor and the priests.

Christmas toy drives are another annual successful undertaking and the school is being rewarded with a citation by the public officials in our district.

Through our school’s art program cards are prepared and sent to veterans every year.

A respectable amount of funds is collected for victims of emergencies and disasters including earthquakes in Greece, Hurricane Katrina, Haiti, 9/11, the Japan Relief Fund and Hurricane Sandy. We received a proclamation from the New York City Council for our generous assistance in the Tsunami Relief effort.

Among the recognitions and awards our school has received are the “Team up to Clean Up” Award from the Department of Sanitation and the State’s Melanoma (protection from the sun) award (1st place).

Our students’ art work for the Museum of the City of New York was exhibited and shown on the Internet with a theme on 9/11 and is in the archives of the museum.

Also, the art work of our students for the scenery for the opera “Where the Wild Things Are” is exhibited on the Atrium of the City Opera and copies are part of the City Opera’s archives.

Lastly, our choir students’ pictures are displayed in the Graduate Center of City University of New York for their partici-

pation in the “Axion Estin” appearances.

It gives us great pride to mention that the William Spyropoulos is a “sister school” with the “Megali tou Genous Scholi” in Constantinople and the Malliaras Music school in Athens.

While academic excellence, character development and strong faith are stressed and religiously practiced, an extraordinarily nurturing and caring approach to education guides our youth and helps them reach their goals.

In this institution our youngsters’ minds and souls are nourished in the prairies of Christian love and the apothegms “Know Thyself,” “Pursue Excellence” and “Love one another” have become a way of life.

Indispensable for the school’s success is the guidance given by the school board

and parish council under the spiritual leadership of the St. Nicholas’ pastor.

Supporting the efforts is the ParentTeacher Association that helps to enhance the educational environment and means, funding school trips and assemblies, supporting the teachers and furnishing classrooms with school supplies and anything needed to help the children’s education.

The St. Nicholas William Spyropoulos School looks towards a bright future. It is a sight to behold everyday as students enter the doors with joy and confidence.

Graduating from our institution students are highly respected and accepted to the specialized high schools of New York City such as Stuyvesant, Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Tech, LaGuardia, Frank Sinatra, Townsend Harris, Cardozo’s Da Vinci Program and other prestigious schools in our area.

Archbishop Molloy, St. Francis Prep, Holy Cross, and Chaminade are some of the private high schools that our graduates successfully attend.

As they continue into higher education many of them have been accepted to prominent institutions such as Harvard, Cornell, Duke, John Hopkins, MIT, New York University, Cooper Union, Columbia, Sophie Davis, Fordham and more.

The William Spyropoulos School has been recognized by the city and state of New York as one of the top parochial/ private schools as indicated by the high achievement scores on state testing.

What this school offers to the Omogeneia (community) and to the greater community is greatly respected. In its relatively short history, its graduates have become highly recognized professionals, scientists and irreplaceable members of our society acting as ambassadors of our heritage.

ΜΑΥ 2013

21

Parish Profile

Suburban Community Offers Service, Outreach, Person-to-Person Ministry P A R I S H

profile

of establishing a church community. Most of them were traveling long distances to New York or New Jersey to attend religious services.

Name: Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Location: West Nyack, New York Direct Archdiocesan District Size: about 250 members Founded: 1962 Clergy: Fr. Nicholas Samaras (Holy Cross ’81; U. of Thessaloniki ’83; Columbia U. Masters degree; Ph.D., U. of Denver) E-mail: westnyack@optonline.net Web: www.saintschchurch.org Noteworthy: priest has an active hospital ministry W. NYACK, N.Y. – Located about 20 miles north of New York City in a community of about 3,500 in suburban Rockland County, Sts. Constantine and Helen Church has several ministries and community service programs to serve its members from the very youngest all the way to its senior citizens.

“Rockland is a phenomenal place to raise a family,” said Fr. Nicholas Samaras, the pastor since 2006. He described his church as “very vibrant.”

Parishioners are spread over a threecounty area. Many live in Orange County and in New Jersey, a few miles from W. Nyack. Fr. Samaras noted that about a third of his parishioners are from Greece; the rest are American-born of second and third generation.

Its active youth ministry includes Sunday school and Greek school, each with

STS. CONSTANTINE AND HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH about 60 students, HOPE, JOY and GOYA held the first weekend in June. It serves as chapters. Each year the latter two groups a revenue source, but the parish’s main inmake a strong showing in the Direct come source is the stewardship program, Archdiocesan District Youth Olympics, which it adopted in 1987.

The parish formally organized in the winning numerous medals. The young people also take part in community ser- early 1960s, but the first Greek Orthodox vice projects such as visits to local senior person know to have settled in the area was Tom Vasiliou in the early 1900s, citizens centers.

Fr. Samaras noted the Philoptochos according to a parish history. He was chapter “supports every project as the well-known locally as the “Candy Man” national level,” including fund-raising in Nyack, where he ran the Eagle Confor the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Holy fectionery store on Main Street with his Cross Seminary, Saint Basil Academy and brother, Chris.

In the early 1960’s, several Greek famSt. Michael’s Home. “They also work to promote community outreach in the local ilies had moved to Rockland County from the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. area,” he said.

The parish’s other major organiza- In leaving their close-knit neighborhoods tions include the choir, AHEPA and the of the city, many of them missed not only their Church but also a sense of a Greek “Kali Parea” senior citizens group.

One of Rockland County’s largest Community. They took steps to organize cultural attractions is the church festival local Greek families with the sole purpose

People Named Outstanding American Lucas Metropulos, son of Fr. Chris Metropulos, pastor of St. Demetrios Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., recently was honored with the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) 2013’s Ten Outstanding Young Americans award. For 75 years, the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) has recognized the 10 young men and women – under the age of 40 – who best exemplify the highest attributes of the nation’s emerging generation. Metropulos is being honored for his creation of “Fishing for Families in Need,” started when he was 15, as a mechanism to immerse and educate socio-economically disadvantaged children about their local marine and/or freshwater environment. He will be honored at the annual black-tie awards ceremony on June 8 at the Doubletree Seattle Airport Hotel.

National ‘Penelope’ Honor Nicki Boudos McDonald a member of St. Helen’s Philoptochos in Chicago, recently was selected as “National Penelope of the Year” by the national Daughter of Penelope organization. She has many achievements in the 13th District Daughters of Penelope in Chicago. She has served as its chairman of the board of governors, national athletic director and in many other positions.

Emmy nominee New York Daily News photographer Julia Xanthos was recently nominated for a New York Emmy Award for her video “Saint Nicholas Church Ten Years Later” which

recounts the devastation of 9/11 and the human spirit that endured 10 years later.

Read more: www.nydailynews.com/newyork/daily-news-website-earns-2-ny-emmynoms-article Ms. Xanthos has been a Daily News photographer for nine years and this was her second Emmy nomination. The video can be viewed on YouTube, the St. Nicholas Church connection. Julia is the daughter of Peter and Kiki Xanthos of Long Island and grew up in the Cathedral of St. PaulHempstead community.

High School Hall of Fame Dr. Christopher A. Troianos, Anesthesiology and Residency director at Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, has been inducted into the McKeesport High School (Pa.) Hall of Fame. He is the son of Achilles and Evangeline Troianos of White Oak Boro-McKeesport. Dr. Troianos is regarded as a leader in his field, and has authored numerous scientific articles and a book Anesthesia for the Cardiac Patient.

At McKeesport High he was valedictorian of his class of 1977.

Receives promotion Nicholas D. Treantafeles of Grayslake, Ill, son of retired priest Fr. Demetrios and Presbytera Rose Treantafeles, recently was elevated to the position of deputy chief of the Des Plaines (Ill.) Police Department.

He and his wife, Joan, have four children.

Deputy Chief Treantafeles is a graduate of Benedictine University.

First Steps An initial meeting in early 1962 brought together 78 families who desired to form a parish. The families represented areas of Greece and Cyprus, including the Peloponessos, Athens, and several islands.

Fr. Constantine Volaitis of St. Nicholas Church in Flushing became the group’s advisor. Gus Pappas, of Pearl River, who eventually became the first parish council president, led the group.

Fr. John Havriliak of St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church, in Spring Valley, offered the use of his church for worship services and Sunday School classes. Cynthia Thanos, Antigone Joakimides and Gus Pappas were the initial organizers of the group Mrs. Thanos became the first Sunday school teacher and the first class took place on Nov. 25, 1962 with 39 students in attendance.

The Archdiocese approved the new parish and the first liturgy took place Dec. 25, 1962, The Ladies Philoptochos chapter was established and the members started a very intense fund-raising campaign to build a church.

On Feb. 22, 1963, the Greek Orthodox Community of Rockland County was officially incorporated and received its charter. The parish celebrated its first Easter services at St. John Episcopal Church in New City, Rockland County, in April with Fr. George Bacopoulos officiating.

The community purchased a four-acre site in October l963, in West Nyack where the first church, a white wood-framed

u u to page 23

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22

ΜΑΥ 2013

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CROWN POINT, Ind. – Fr. Evagoras Christopher Constantinides, 95, father of the Rev. Christopher Constantinides and grandfather of Rev. Evagoras Constantinides, died April 14.

He was a retired priest of the Archdiocese since Jan. 1, 1984, and had served parishes in Chicago, Anaheim, Calif., and Merrillville, Ind. Fr. Constantinides also had served as co-chairman of the 1994 Clergy Laity Congress, along with Andrew Athens, and had been an occasional contributor to the Orthodox Observer.

He was born Oct. 2, 1918 in Lapithos, Cyprus and cane to the United States on Sept. 1, 1938. He had married Marie Demetrios of Vancouver, British Columbia on March 25, 1946.

In addition to Fr. Christopher, pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Dallas, they became parents of a daughter, Joanne, and two other sons, John and Andrew.

Fr. Constantinides completed elementary school in Cyprus and high school in Athens, Greece. He attended Fenn College in Cleveland, Ohio where he studied civil engineering and North Park College in Chicago where he received a B.A. in philosophy.

He was ordained a deacon on Jan. 27, 1956 at St. Sophia Cathedral in Washington by Archbishop Michael, and a priest on March 11 at St. Demetrios Church in Chicago by Bishop Ezekiel of Nazianzos.

He served at St. Demetrios in Chicago from February 22, 1956 to Dec. 31, 1966, and was assigned to St. John the Baptist Church in Anaheim from Jan. 1, 1967 to April 30, 1969, when he transferred to Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Merrillville. He served the parish until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by Presbytera Mary in July 2010, and is survived by his children, grandchildren and other relatives.

A Trisagion for Fr. Constantinides was held on April 17 at Holy Trinity Church in Dallas. The Funeral service was held on April 18, also at Holy Trinity. Internment followed the service at Restland Cemetery in Dallas.

Memorials may be sent to Ionian Village, Attn: Fr. Evagoras Memorial Fund, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075.

Fr. Sotirios M. Kalavritinos DRACUT, Mass. – Fr. Sotirios M. Kalavritinos, 76, a former priest at St. John the Baptist Church in Boston, died April 15. He had been retired since July 1, 1999.

Fr. Kalavritinos was born Feb. 27, 1937 in Gerakion, Sparta, Greece. He attended primary school in Sparta, high school in Athens and attended the University of Athens where he earned a Juris Doctor degree. He had married Constance Cutrumbus in June 1966. They had two sons, Michael and Constantine.

He arrived in the United States in 1969 and attended Suffolk University in Boston, earning an L.L.M. Law degree. He had also studied Human Resource Management at the University of Utah in 1977.

Fr. Kalavritinos was ordained a deacon April 12, 1987 at Transfiguration Church in Lowell and as a priest on May 3 at St. John the Baptist in Boston, both times by Bishop Methodios of Boston. He served the Boston church from his ordination until his retirement.

Survivors include his Presbytera and two sons.

Funeral service took place April 17 at St. Demetrios Church in Fall River, Mass.

Los Angeles Cathedral Hosts Mother’s Day Luncheon LOS ANGELES - St. Sophia Cathedral Philoptochos hosted more than 350 mothers, their families and guests at a Mother’s Day celebration May 11 in Universal City honoring Mother of the Year Susan Giokaris Patzakis.

A film narrated by Patzakis’ children Michele Patzakis Prappas, Theresa Stamus, John Patzakis and Peter Patzakis highlighted the major events of the honoree’s family life, professional career and service to church and community.

The Very Rev. John S. Bakas, dean of St. Sophia Cathedral, presented Patzakis with an icon followed by Philoptohos president Noyes who presented her with a silver frame.

A City of Los Angeles Proclamation, in recognition of the honoree’s many achievements, was presented to her by her daughter, Theresa Stamus, senior assistant city attorney.

Patzakis’ achievements include serving her church and community as a board member and secretary of St. Sophia Philoptohos Society board member and secretary; Philoptohos Metropolis Board member: USC Medical Faculty Wives board member; founding member and president of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute; and supporter of the Hellenic American Medical and Dental Society.

Born in Lima, Ohio, Patzakis graduated from Lima Senior High School and Ohio State University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She met her husband of 51 years,

Dr. Michael John Patzakis, while still a student and they were married shortly after her graduation. Dr. Patzakis’ acceptance to the LA County-USC Medical Center prompted a move to California, making their home in San Marino. Dr. Patzakis was professor and chairman of the USC Department of Orthopedics from 1991to 2012.

Philoptohos chapter President Virginia Noyes thanked guests for their support of Philoptohos charities that include Foundation for the Junior Blind, Kids ‘n’ Cancer and International Orthodox Christian Charities. Event chairman was Patricia Ballas Kremer. Committee members were Dorothea Ales, Helene Ballas, Scarlett Billis, Tina Callas, Judith Christopoulos, Jeanne Boukidis, Helen Ellis, Pauline Evangelatos, Mary Gallanis, Olga Jordan, Joyce Kokkinides, Doris Kollias, Trisha Kourafas, Sophie Mastor, Dina Oldknow, Marianna Politis, Sonia Stathes and Eleni Yokas.

Detroit Summer Camp Information Addition According to Caryl Lowes, Metropolis of Detroit Summer Camp Registrar, the registration cost per camper will be $360. Registration will continue until the beginning of the summer camp sessions. Each week session can accommodate up to 85 campers. More information, e-mail: gomdsc@gmail.com

23

ΜΑΥ 2013

Metropolis News

Early Christian Texts from U. of Michigan Come to Ann Arbor Church St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Ann Arbor Michigan, in collaboration with the University of Michigan Papyrology Collection, hosted a presentation and special exhibit of Early Christian Texts on April 9.The University of Michigan Papyrus Collection of ancient manuscripts is one of the most prestigious collections in the world. It is the largest collection in the Western Hemisphere and fifth largest worldwide.

The University of Michigan Papyrology Collection came from ancient Egypt and was purchased in its near entirety by Professor Francis W. Kelsey in the 1920’s.

In the 1990’s Traianos Gagos, Professor of Papyrology and Greek, a member of St. Nicholas Church in Ann Arbor, initiated the digital cataloging and imaging of the collection. This is part of the Advanced Papyrological Information System which is a joint effort by papyrologists at universities from North America and Europe. The purpose of digitizing the collections is to unify them into a global virtual library which is available for viewing and use by academics and laypersons. Professor Gagos believed that these ancient manuscripts are not only a resource for scholars but are a part of the public domain. Since Professor Gagos’ death in2010, Dr. Verhoogt and members of the papyrology staff are continuing the work to unify the collection into the global virtual library.

Papyrus, made from the papyrus sedge that grew on the banks of the Nile River, was the writing surface used in the ancient world until the introduction of

paper at the end of the first millennium A.D. The University of Michigan Papyrus Collection has texts in Egyptian, Greek, Latin, Coptic and Arabic. The collection dates from the eleventh century B.C. to the 10th century A.D., incorporating a vast array of types of texts of great interest to scholars in fields as diverse as history, classical studies, religion, science and law. The study of these texts is known as papyrology.

Dr. Arthur Verhoogt, Associate Professor of Papyrology and Greek in the Department of Classical Studies and Acting Archivist of the Papyrology Collection at the University of Michigan presented a lecture on papyri. Dr. Verhoogt lectured on how papyri texts provide us with an insight into the ancient world and its importance in understanding the history of Egypt during Greek and Roman rule, the preservation of languages in use during Egyptian times, the structure of society, government administration , official religions, history of ancient scholarship and literary texts.

The highlight of the presentation was the 7 papyri (5 Greek and 2 Coptic) which Dr. Verhoogt brought as part of his presentation and which the attendees had an opportunity to view up close.

An important selection of the collection are some early Christian texts dating from the early third to the seventh century A.D. These include fragments of the Old and New Testaments, documents on early Christian religious practices and the daily lives of early Christians.

New Literacy Committee Established The National Philoptochos and its chapters have supported literacy initiatives for many years, most recently partnering with Nick Katsoris and the Loukoumi books to expand literacy programs.

Recognizing the critical importance of a focus on literacy, National Philoptochos created a literacy committee and adopted the following mission statement at its spring meeting in Boston: “To promote literacy for children and adults through a ‘hands on’ approach appropriate for use by all Philoptochos chapters. Philoptochos will actively work to promote motivation, success and enjoyment of reading and oral communication for school age children. In addition, Philoptochos will encourage the strengthening of ties

between generations by providing opportunities for adult tutors and young children to bond through additional instruction, support and encouragement.”

Literacy Committee Chairmen Pam Argyris and Irene Arsoniadis and their committee have set four important action steps to develop the following: SMART goals for implementation; literacy projects and activities that will foster love of books and learning; a list of books for different age levels that focus on making a difference in the lives of others and to compile and share best practices and ideas.

Look for more details on the following upcoming events: International Literacy Day, Sept. 8 and Make a Difference Day, Oct. 27.

People New Podiatrists’ President Matthew G. Garoufalis, DPM, has assumed the office of President of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Dr. Garoufalis practices podiatric medicine and surgery in Chicago and Hinsdale, Ill. He will serve as the chief representative of APMA’s more than 12,000 podiatrist members across the country.

Dr. Garoufalis of Chicago has been a member of APMA’s Board of Trustees for the last 10 years, with much of his time spent on the Clinical Practice Advisory Committee.

He currently chairs APMA’s Development Committee, which has helped increase sponsorship to record levels at the association, and is the associate chief

of the podiatry section and assistant director of the podiatric residency program at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Garoufalis is member of St. Athanasios Church in Aurora, Ill. Writes Children’s Play D.S. Botseas, M.D., a retired professor of nursing at the State School of Nursing in Athens, Greece, recently completed a five-act play, “Pirates in the Aegean Sea” for young people. The play takes place around the island of Icaria about 1788. Dr. Botseas also writes stories for Orthodox Christian magazines and newspapers in Greece. When he was a medical student in Indiana, he served as GOYA president of the Indianapolis chapter.

The Epistles of St. Paul are the most famous manuscript in the University of Michigan Papyrology Collection. The Collection contains thirty leaves of a codex (P.Mich.inv. 6238) of the Epistles of St. Paul. (Another 56 leaves of the same codex are in the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Ireland.) The text was written about 200 A.D., making this papyrus the oldest manuscript of the Epistles of St. Paul in existence. Dr. Verhooht brought two leaves of the Epistles of St. Paul for his presentation. These were the highlight of the evening.

The University of Michigan has created an interactive app of the thirty leaves of the Epistles of St. Paul which can be downloaded for free on an iPhone or iPad. To download the app one only needs to search for PictureIt:EP at iTunes. The app allows one to flip through the leaves of the Epistles of St. Paul and view line-by-

line translations and annotations about peculiarities and variations between this text and the version of texts we see in the present day Bible.

Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, clergy from Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas (Orthodox and non-Orthodox) and 200 attendees were present for this intriguing presentation.Thanks to the hard work, dedication and support of St Nicholas parishioners Dr. Sem and Mrs. Katherine Phan, an invitation was extended to Dr. Verhoogt to do this presentation and to bring samples from the University of Michigan Papyrology Collection which are relevant to us as Orthodox Christians.

Following Dr. Verhoogt’s presentation, St. Nicholas’ Philoptochos and Parish Council hosted a beautiful Lenten reception for the attendees.

The presentation can be viewed on Youtube at:http://youtube/8miKyetJgfk

Suburban Community Offers Service u u from page 21 structure, was later completed in 1967.

Fr. Arthur N. Pappas became the first permanently assigned priest in September 1964. He was succeeded in late 1969 by Fr. Emmanuel Vasilakis and the church was officially dedicated to Sts. Constantine and Helen. The annual Greek festival was inaugurated in June 1970.

In 1972, Fr. John Maheras arrived and continued the parish’s progress, setting foundations of hard work and fund-raising for a badly-needed building expansion.

The new building program and fundraising began in February 1977.

Fr. Maheras served until the second half of 1980 when Fr. Nicholas Katsoulis was assigned. A building contract was approved and the groundbreaking ceremony was held for the present Neo-Byzantine church.

Archbishop Iakovos opened the church doors on May 20, 1986. The following year, the Stewardship program replaced the annual dues system.

Fr. Theodore Sideris became the new spiritual leader of the parish in 1992. He supervised the final phase of the new church building, which completed the interior appointments.

He retired in July 2006 and Fr. Sama-

ras, the son of Bishop Kallistos Samaras of blessed memory, came to the parish. Since then, he has focused on spiritual growth and education.

Under his leadership the parish improved office organization with the addition of computers, Internet, and a website. The next goal is to build community center.

Hospital ministry Fr. Samaras conducts an extensive hospital ministry that includes two areahospitals in Rockland County, as well as nursing homes, assisted care facilities in our area, and shut-ins. He also makes regular visits to a nearby hospital complex in Westchester County, the Westchester Medical Center and the Helen Hayes Rehab Center in Rockland County. “I have a number of parishioners who come with me to bring care and attention,” Fr. Samaras said. He also has visited hospitalized parishioners as far away as Long Island and in Manhattan.

Fr. Samaras describes his service to the parish as “person to person contact, spending really quality time with your parishioners and paying attention to the needs of parishioners spiritually.”

—Compiled by Jim Golding

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r u o y t r o p p Su The ORTHODOX OBSERVER has been offering Greek Orthodox faithful in America and around the world news from our Archdiocese, our Metropolises and our parishes for almost 40 years. Originally begun primarily as a theological magazine by Archbishop Athenagoras in 1934, the ORTHODOX OBSERVER was transformed into its present format and role by Archbishop Iakovos in 1971.

Each member of the national Church continues to receive a complimentary copy of the ORTHODOX OBSERVER as part of their stewardship to their local parish.

Over the years, mailing and printing costs have continued to rise and have outpaced increases in theORTHODOX OBSERVER’S income resources. Advertising revenue and donations contribute to our revenue, but an increasing shortfall exists because of these rising costs.

The ORTHODOX OBSERVER, which will print 10 issues in 2013, has initiated a campaign to raise additional funds for these rising costs. We invite you to participate as a Donor, Patron or Special Patron.

Voluntary donations are welcome in one of the following categories:

• DONOR $25 • PATRON $50 • SPECIAL PATRON $100 Special Patrons will receive a complimentary DVD of the award winning: “Pascha: The Resurrection of Christ Those hose contributing to the campaign will receive a special mention in each issue of the ORTHODOX OBSERVER. *The ORTHODOX OBSERVER welcomes gifts of any size, including sponsorship of a full issue.

For more information contact Marissa Costidis at phone: 212-570-3555.

✓Yes, I want to Support our ORTHODOX OBSERVER ❏ ❏Enclosed is my 2013-2014 Ecclesiastical Year donation. $5000 Patron ❏ $2500 Donor ❏ ❏ $10000 Special Patron Special Patrons will receive a complimentary DVD of the award winning:

“Pascha: The Resurrection of Christ

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ City: ________ ___ _______________________ State: _______________________ Zip: _________ Phone: _________________________________ E-Mail: ____________________________________ SUBSCRIBER’S NUMBER (located above your name on the mailing label): ________________________________

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Mail this form and/or make your check payable to:

Orthodox Observer 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075-0106

ΜΑΥ 2013

Mary Jaharis Center New Director u u from page 11 cational and marketing materials as well as original content for the museum’s website.

She earned an M.Phil in Byzantine art from Columbia University.

The Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture was founded in October 2010 to help advance study and to promote appreciation of Byzantine Art and Culture to the public.

To date, it organized lectures by

renowned Byzantinists, hosted the 2012 Byzantine Studies Conference, the largest annual gathering of Byzantine scholars in the western hemisphere, sponsored cultural events such as the Fotis Kontoglou icon exhibit and a historically informed musical performance by the ensemble Capella Romana, and funded the creation of the permanent museum exhibition of the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Objects in the Archbishop Iakovos Library and Learning Resource Center at HCHC.

CrossRoad Retreat Helps Professionals Bring Faith to Work u u from page 11 and to look at our lives with an eagerness and excitement for the surprises to come.”

Simultaneously, the younger, collegeage CrossRoad alumni participated in a series of inspiring talks by HC alumnus and longtime parish priest Rev. Dr. Calinic Berger on “Bridging the Gap Between Sunday and Monday: Life as Vocation, Life as Church.” An alumna noted, “Fr. Calinic gave me many useful tools to apply to my life - especially on the different ways we commune with Christ (Scripture, our neighbor, etc.).”

Another attendee remarked after the retreat, “The community created was amazing and exactly what I needed. Such a beautiful thing to experience unconditional love with total strangers. Glory to God for

all good things!”

Each retreat track included a session with Dr. Albert Rossi, who has lectured on prayer and purity since the inception of CrossRoad in 2004; he exhorted participants to heed the Christian call to be “a healing presence” in our world.

All alumni reconvened on April 7 for Divine Liturgy in the HCHC chapel.

After brunch, everyone met for a wrapup session, where they were encouraged to return to their jobs and schools with joy and diligence, “as if before the Lord.”

For more information visit www.crossroad.hchc.edu or contact: Dr. Ann Bezzerides, director, Office of Vocation & Ministry, Hellenic College Holy Cross; abezzerides@hchc.edu; Tel.: (617) 850-1308.

Washington Museum Winners u u from age 13 from St. Demetrios, who wrote an essay with photos about his family’s annual Pascha celebrations; and Evan Skandalis from Assumption, who entered an essay about the life of James “Stamati” Bratsanos.

The competition, which was open to participants between the ages of 15 and 25, covered topics such as family histories, immigration stories, contributions to the Greek community of Washington, the importance of Greek culture on their individual lives, and related subjects.

The submissions were judged on their creativity, originality, depth of research, and thorough documentation of sources.

All entries will become part of the collection of the Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State, and may be posted on its website at www.greeksinwashington.org The museum’s judging committee included Cleo Blackstone, Shawn Carkonen, Liz Economou, Mel Geokezas, and Helen

McClure. In other museum news, it was awarded the Charles Payton Heritage Advocacy Award by the Association of King County Historical Organizations (AKCHO) in April.

This award is for innovation, initiation, development or presentation of a plan by an organization or individual which has led to the advancement of funding for heritage projects, protection of heritage resources, or development of advocacy tools such as posters, videos, newsletters, or websites.

Board President John Nicon accepted the honor at the presentation which took place at the new Seattle Museum of History and Industry. A second award has been given to the Museum by the Washington Museum Association. (WMA).

This Award of Project Excellence is for a project concerning education, collections management, public programming, a web site, etc .

This award will be presented at the annual WMA conference in Ellensburg, Wash., in June.

Florida Priest Holds Bible Study at Armenian Assembly BOCA RATON, Fla. – Fr. Mark Leondis, pastor of St. Mark Church, recently offered a keynote Bible study at a general session of the 111th Diocesan Assembly of the Armenian Church of America.

Archbishop Barsamian presided over the meeting of clergy and lay delegates, representing parishes from across the Diocese.

Fr. Leondis spoke about the biblical phrase “beloved children of God,” and stressed its importance to applying the teachings of the Gospel to daily life.

“We are the beloved of God,” he said. “Being the beloved is an important phrase. These words allow us to best understand who we are in relation to God and in relation to each other.”

He went on to describe ways through which the message of the Gospels can be incorporated into daily living. “Understand what it means to be the beloved of God, and your life will be fulfilled,” Fr. Leondis concluded.

“We all have a calling to enter a life with Christ–a life of love, service, and action.”

Following the inspiring address, clergy and delegates had an opportunity for Bible study, after which Archbishop Barsamian offered his comments on Fr. Mark’s address, “The words of our Lord were not only meant to be heard . . . the words of Jesus are alive, and that life needs to be expressed through us: through the way we live, through our families and our community.”

25

ΜΑΥ 2013

NYC’s Greek Independence Parade More than105 groups and 44 floats advanced up Fifth Avenue for nearly four hours on April 7 in commemoration of the 192nd anniversary of Greek Independence.

Groups representing dozens of parishes and federations came from as far as Hartford, Conn., and Albany, N.Y, and included a very large contingent of New Jersey communities led by Metropolitan Evangelos (in photo at right) including Ascension Church of Fairview (lower right). Archdiocesan Chancellor Bishop Andonios is also in photo at right.

(At left) Archbishop Demetrios, flanked by Grand Marshal George Venizelos (left), the FBI’s assistant director for New York; and Elias Tsekerides, president of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York.

Dimitris Panagos photo

Dimitris Panagos photo

St. Paraskevi Shrine Church, Greenlawn, N.Y.

Dimitris Panagos photo

Columbia University’s Greek American students were among those from several institutions of higher learning marching in the parade.

(above) Young ladies of Leros take in the sights. (left) a contingent of Greek American police officers from the New York City Department of Correction.

Photos by Orthodox Observer A small sampling of groups. (counterclockwise, in descending order from upper left) Doctors of the Hellenic Medical Society of New York follow their advice and take a long walk. Brooklyn’s Sts. Constantine and Helen Church marks its 100th anniversary this year.

Hartford’s St. George Cathedral traveled the furthest distance. Holy Trinity–St. Nicholas of Staten Island shows its vibrant spirit in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Bikers of Brooklyn Riding Club get their motors running. The Brotherhood of Mani, one of the parade’s 44 floats (below).

To view the hundreds of other photos from Fashion statements ranged from conthe 2013 Greek Independence Parade, visit temporary (above) to traditional vilwww.panagos.com, or the new Archdiocese lager (at right). website: http://ny.goarch.org

26

ΜΑΥ 2013

Metropolis News

Homeschooled Children Learn about Orthodoxy BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-A group of homeschooled children recently had a class in an unusual place. That is not unusual for homeschooled children, but the place in this instance is. One of the benefits of homeschooling is the variety of curriculum.

The majority of homeschooling parents in the United States are concerned about the school environment, and/or to provide religious or moral instruction to their children and catered academics.

Fr. Kevin Millsaps, serving the Huntsville community at the Holy Cross-Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, was asked to share the history and the architecture of the Eastern Orthodox faith.

A discussion rarely, if ever, heard in regular classrooms.

Families brought their children to the church to learn of its long and rich history.

Fr. Kevin explained that the church was founded by Christ and the Apostles in Jerusalem, Antioch, Cyprus and Greece. Services, very much like those that are held today, were secretly held outside of the Jewish temple, in homes of early Christians or caverns in 200 AD, before Christianity was legalized.

The liturgy would follow in a

similar fashion to the liturgy celebrated today: the singing of the Psalms, the reading of the Epistles, with the Eucharist being the central part of the service, as noted in John 6:56.

The students had a fascination with the unique fragrance surrounding them.

He explained the purpose and the origin of the incense that filled the church.

Fr. Kevin answered many questions regarding the use of icons, the religious paintings of Christ and the saints.

He explained that they are simply a visual form of the gospel. In an Orthodox church, a person may see unfolded before him, in paintings on the walls and ceilings, much of the mysteries of the Christian religion.

The students where also fascinated to hear that the Eastern Orthodox religion has churches in countries all over the world, most of which were established many centuries before.

In this Church in Huntsville, members represent countries from Greece, Russia, Iran, Malta, Albania, Romania, Ethiopia, Chile, and Thailand just to name a few.

The Lord’s Prayer at this church is usually said in at least 12 languages each Sunday.

IOCC IOCC Gives $1 Million for Books to Chicago Children BALTIMORE (IOCC) – The same day that the Chicago Public Schools announced the closure of 54 schools, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) responded with a donation of $1 million in new books to benefit schoolchildren participating in after-school enrichment opportunities, mentoring and summer learning programs in the Chicago area.

Bishop Demetrios of the Metropolis of Chicago, facilitated the gift on behalf of Orthodox Christians in Chicago. Bishop Demetrios is past president of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (CRLMC).

More than 25,000 books will be distributed to educational programs and outreach efforts the CRLMC, an alliance of chief religious leaders of the Greater Chicago faith communities, and coordinated by the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.

The new books, which will also benefit Orthodox Christian day schools in the Chicago area, were blessed at two separate ceremonies on March 22 by Archbishop Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Archdio-

cese in America and Canada, Bishop Longin of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of New Gracanica and Midwestern America, and Bishop Peter of Cleveland of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

The Revs. Paul Rutgers and Dr. Stanley L. Davis, Jr., CRLMC co-executive directors joined the Orthodox hierarchs in dedicating the new books.

Also attending the ceremonies and visiting with some of the young recipients of the books was Chicago Bulls forward Vladimir Radmanovic, who has supported similar educational initiatives for underprivileged children in the U.S. and his native Serbia throughout his 12-year NBA career.

The books are part of a broader effort

by IOCC to provide assistance in the United States where, over the past three years, the organization has distributed $30 million in educational support and emergency assistance to more than 20 states. IOCC plans to make the book distributions in Chicago an annual event in response to the continuing educational needs of the community’s children.

$1.5 Million Gift Presented to Advance Clean Water in Africa BALTIMORE - International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) announced the establishment of the Katherine Valone “St. Photini” Water Program to advance projects that provide safe, healthy and reliable water resources to communities in need in Africa.

The $1.5 million gift, the largest single private donation in the history of IOCC, was a bequest from the late Katherine Valone, a retired Chicago schoolteacher with a lifelong desire to provide clean water to the people of Africa.

Metropolitan Nikitas of Dardanelles and Victoria Anderson, great niece of Katherine Valone, presented the gift to Trustees Michael Tsakalos and Presbytera Maria Mossaides, and Executive Director, Constantine M. Triantafilou, at a luncheon honoring Ms. Valone’s legacy.

The water program, according to Metropolitan Nikitas, is named after St. Photini, the Samaritan woman who encountered Jesus Christ at a well and received the “living water” of baptism by Christ. “As St. Photini went to the well to quench her physical thirst and left with living water that quenched her spiritual thirst, the precious gifts entrusted to IOCC will spiritually and

physically provide safe water to the people of Africa,” the Metropolitan said.

In the African country of Cameroon, less than 40 percent of its 20 million people have access to clean water in rural areas.

The tiring task of collecting water for the family often falls on the women and children, who must often walk miles to collect and carry back water. The water source’s questionable safety also exposes them to life-threatening diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and dysentery. Children are especially vulnerable, with waterborne disease the leading cause of childhood deaths in Cameroon.

One of the first proposed IOCC projects under water program will be to provide safe water access to schoolchildren at 15 rural primary schools in Cameroon, create jobs through construction projects such as drilling wells and installing community water pumps, and establish sustainable water access that will be easy to maintain by the local people.

“We are honored by this heartfelt gift of a remarkable woman who shared a passion for the mission of IOCC,” said Mr. Triantafilou.

A Haven for Romania’s Poor Children It’s a big day for the youngsters at Joy Aid Foundation daycare center in Urlati, Romania. They are filled with questions for Archbishop Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas, the Episcopal Liaison between IOCC and the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America, who visited the center during his recent trip to Romania.

The center, which serves as a haven for 25 school children from underprivileged families in the community, was founded by local priest, Fr. Manuel Radu.

The fundraising skills he learned through an IOCC training program equipped Fr. Manuel to better serve the social needs of

his community’s children.

Through support from local donations as well as produce sales from Fr. Manuel’s 150 fruit trees, he and his volunteer team of high school teens, professors, a social worker and a doctor provide these children with everything from after school tutoring on 10 donated computers to clothes, shoes and a hot meal each day.

Since 2005, IOCC has worked in partnership with the Romanian Orthodox Church and trained more than 2,100 priests, religion teachers and social service providers on how to better respond to the social needs of vulnerable Romanian families and strengthen Romanian communities.

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Family Connections

Summer Vacation: Renewing the Powers of the Soul

by George Stavros, Ph.D.

“I’m bored… there’s nothing to do… are we there yet… play with me.” These are the calls of our children during summer vacation. Rather than hearing these statements as pesky intruders, it is possible to think of them as voices crying out from the wilderness of the young soul, seeking activity, connection, and stimulation within the safe environment of the family vacation.

The Orthodox Christian spiritual tradition thinks of the human being as having a powerful ability, the ability to see God and His creative love in all things. This ability is located within the nous. The nous is that part of each of us which looks out into the world, at other people, and into our own hearts and tries to make sense of what it sees. The healthy nous always sees God’s love at work. The broken or injured nous tends to be more self-serving, competitive, fearful, vindictive, unrealistic, and deceptive.Most of all, the nous is seeking ways in which to engage others, and all of God’s creation, with the powers of the soul. While our spiritual tradition speaks of many powers of the soul, the ones most commonly referred to are thymos, epithymia, and dianoia.

Each of these powers requires loving care, discipline, and exercise in order for the nous to do its work of finding God’s love.

THYMOS Thymos is the fiery power of healthy aggression, and it is the basis for virtues such as courage, protectiveness, honor, moral strength, and righteousness. It is what gets tapped into when children defend peers against unfair attacks. It is the source of conviction in children saying “no” to temptation or pressure from schoolmates. Injured thymos is the source of bitter rivalry, deceptive game-playing tactics, and hopeless resignation.

EPITHYMIA Epithymia is the magnetic desire for beauty and connection, and it is the basis for the human ability to reach out in compassion and affection, to appreciate deeply the beauty of art and the natural majesty of the created world. Injured epithymia is the source of exploitative relationships, ones designed to gratify only one person. Injured epithymia triggers greed, relentless hunger, and distorted desire for control of beautiful objects.

DIANOIA Dianoia is the human ability to reason, to make sense of things in an intellectual way, to find meaning in the events and situations of everyday life. Healthy dianoia is realistic, with an ever-present hopefulness. It finds meanings which are intellectually sound while still remaining open to mystery. Unhealthy dianoia either insists on absolute and rigid explanations for events, or gives up any hope that there is life-giving meaning to be found.

The Powers of the Soul on Vacation The powers of the soul, then, need both discipline and freedom in order to blossom. They require both healthy input (prayer, images, relationships, teaching) and opportunities for vigorous and safe expression. Summer vacation is an ideal time to try out some ways to build up the powers of the family’s soul. The key here is to participate in activities mindfully and skillfully, allowing the activities to serve as expressions of thymos, epithymia, and dianoia.

PRAYERFUL STRUCTURE The best structure for developing healthy powers of the soul is the structure of everyday life. Make use of the events and transitions during vacation to build in a prayerful mindfulness, a constant

gratitude, for God’s loving presence with the family.

Adopt a prayerful orientation to each day of the vacation. Without letting this become burdensome, some ways to do this include: • Start each leg of the journey with a prayer and the sign of the Cross • Say a prayer before each meal • Recite the Jesus Prayer out loud, together, 5-10 times, once each day • Spend 3-5 minutes per day while driving reciting the Jesus Prayer silently • End each day with a prayer review of the day, emphasizing gratitude • Bring an icon to keep by each family member’s bed PRACTICE One of the keys to spiritual life is nepsis, or watchfulness. Basically, this means we have to stay awake and aware of what we are doing. This takes practice.

The good news, however, is that you are supposed to still have fun, maybe even more because you notice that you are having fun. You can practice building up and renewing the powers of the soul with the activities of the vacation. This can include: • Building sandcastles • Hiking and swimming • Miniature golf • Watching sunrises and sunsets

• Stopping at scenic views • Showing each other physical affection • Eating great, fresh food • Going to movies • Reading books • Talking to each other • Playing road games Conclusion In the end, this is meant to be simple, and yet, it is never easy. It can be very difficult to develop a sense of awakeness, especially on vacation.

At the same time, the powers of our souls cry out for this. By tapping into the simple structures and rhythm of a prayerful vacation, the whole family can experience their time together with abundance and pleasure.

George Stavros is Executive Director of the Danielsen Institute at Boston University and a Clinical Associate Professor of Pastoral Psychology. He is a licensed psychologist, certified pastoral counselor, and a graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology. His clinical, teaching and research interests are in psychotherapy training and the connection between depth psychotherapy and Eastern Orthodox theology.

This article initially appeared in the June 2003 Youth Pulse Listserve.

Family Focus on Pentecost On June 23 we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, which is celebrated 50 days after the Resurrection of our Lord.

At Pentecost, the disciples received the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire, fulfilling the promise that Christ had given them while He was still with them. The Holy Spirit was the Comforter Who would lead them into the fullness of the Truth concerning God. They received Him as preparation to evangelize the world and establish Christ’s holy Church.

As Orthodox Christians, we each receive the seal of the Holy Spirit when we are chrismated into the Faith. This is our personal Pentecost.

The feast reminds us of our apostolic calling as baptized and chrismated members of the Church—to spread the Gospel in word and deed wherever we happen to find ourselves. To learn more about Pentecost visit http://www.goarch. org/special/listen_learn_share/pentecost.

Offer Prayer Blessed are You, O Christ our God, who made fishermen all-wise, sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them drawing all the world into Your net. O Loving One, glory to you.

-Apolytikion of Pentecost Interested in chanting? Unfading Rose has a CD of the Apolytikia of the Great Feasts in Greek and English www. unfadingrose.com.

Read Together Gospel: John 7:37-52; 8:12 Epistle: Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 After you finish each of the readings, ask the following three questions: • What is happening in this Bible passage?

• What does this mean in our lives as

Orthodox Christians?

• What questions do we have? (Write them down and go over them with your priest.)

To Do Together • Pentecost Mural–Create a mural illustrating the scene from the Epistle reading for Pentecost (Acts 2:1-11).

Imagine it carefully and draw the vivid images—the strong wind and the tongues of fire that ignited the apostles in undertaking the evangelization of the world.

• Fishers of Men— Look at the Apolytikion of Pentecost above and discuss how you can be “fishers of men.”

Consider which tools and skills you would need to gather and cultivate in order to carry this out. Challenge your family going forth to be witnesses of your faith to others through your actions!

• Prayer to the Holy Spirit—Gather as

a family, especially during the eight days that we celebrate this feast, and offer the following prayer to the Holy Spirit: O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art present everywhere and fills all things; Treasury of blessings and Giver of life; come and abide in us and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O Gracious One. For Inspiration When Orthodox Christians confess, “I believe in one—APOSTOLIC church,” apostolic does not refer only to apostolic succession. More importantly, it implies having an apostolic fire and zeal to preach the gospel, ‘to every creature’ (Mk 16:15), because it nurtures its members so that they may become ‘witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria, to the end of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). —Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania.

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SF’s Greek Independence Parade

Metropolitan Gerasimos and Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, Chancellor.

Members of the Holy Trinity dance group in San Francisco.

KRISTEN BRUSKAS photos

The Greek Independence Day Parade was held in downtown San Francisco on Sunday, April 7.

Organized by the United Hellenic Societies of Northern California, the parade enjoyed participation from several of the bay area Greek Orthodox communities, as well as various Hellenic organizations. In addition to the representation from our parishes, the parade also featured marching bands and drill teams from the local area high schools.

Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco was in attendance, along with Metropolitan Nikitas of the Dardanelles, and His Excellency Ambassador Ioannis Andreades, consul general of Greece in San Francisco.

Following the parade, an outdoor festival was held at the San Francisco Civic Center. Greek folk dance groups from the parishes performed, and vendors offered an array of Greek food for the enjoyment of all.

The Nativity of Christ parish from Novato, California ride of a float in the parade, with members of the award-winning Minoan dancers.

St. Nicholas Church in San Jose was well-represented with members of the Greek School and AHEPA riding a float.

The Spithes and Thisavri dance groups from the Annunciation Cathedral in San Francisco.

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Boston’s Greek Independence Parade

Boston’s 19th annual parade on April 7 featured more than 50 organizations and parishes led by Metropolitan Methodios, who earlier addressed a session of the Massachusetts Legislature (right).

Photos by

ALEX MAVRADIS

(At right) The Greek 4 Kids group from Newton, Mass.

The Very Rev. Archimanrite Cleopas Stongylis leads a large group of parishioners from Annunciation Cathedral of New England. Members of St. John the Baptist Church, also represented Boston.

Students from Hellenic College Holy Cross were among several collegiate groups that also included Harvard, M.I.T., Northeastern and Boston University.

A variety of groups and organizations included a contingent of New England Evzones, more than 20 parishes from Maine, New Hampshire Massachusetts and Rhode Island: Holy Trinity of Lowell, Dormition in Somerville, Sts. Constantine and Helen, Cambridge; St. Catherine’s, Braintree; Annunciation, Brockton; St. Nektarios, Roslindale; St. Spyridon, Worcester; Holy Trinity, Fitchburg; Taxiarchae, Watertown; St. Demetrios, Weston; St. Vasilios, Peabody; St. Nicholas, Lexington; St. Anargyroi, Marlborough; St. George, Dartmouth; Greek Orthodox parishes of Manchester, N.H., and Holy Trinity, Lewiston, Maine. Other participating organizations included: the Pan-Cretan Association First District, Arcadian Society, the Athenian-Piraean Association, Epirotic and Macedonian groups, the AHEPA, Greek schools, high schools and several bands, including two Italian American bands.

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MAY 2013

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ΜΑΥ 2013

Sharing the Light

by Jenny Stasinopoulos

Every Pascha, as the lights dim in the church that I have attended my entire life, I feel a stillness within myself. It’s a moment to reflect upon the struggles of the Lenten season, and the weariness we live through in our day-to-day existences. It is also a moment of literal darkness which begets the most joyous moment in our Faith.

At my home parish of The Holy Trinity in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it’s tradition for any female GOYANS to accept the Holy Light from our priest at the beginning of the Anastasi Service, and every year I watch as those young people come forward and spread their light to all the people in the congregation. I spend the next few minutes watching as the community silently passes the light from person to person as the nave is slowly filled with a beautiful and radiant glow. In that moment, the church is filled with a light that electricity cannot emulate, because this is the light of life, joy, and celebration. This is a light that lasts throughout our lives.

Light has many meanings within our lives just as it does during the Anastasi service. St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite tells us that light within the Church symbolizes our good works, as the Lord said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.”

And just as it is done during Pascha, we are to pass our inner light from person to person.

Unfortunately, I find that the broken world that we live in can make this very difficult. We witness things every

FOR PARENTS AND YOUTH WORKERS * Summer is just around the corner!

Make sure to promote the incredible summer camping ministries programs that provide youth with faith, fun, fellowship, and a lifetime of memories!

For a full list of the Orthodox Summer Camps in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, visit http://www.goarch. org/archdiocese/departments/youth/ camping * For Youth Ministry Resources that range from Pascha to Pentecost, visit www.youth.goarch.org and visit our “For Youth Workers” section. We have sessions, as well as archives from the “Youth Worker Pulse.” * Ionian Village is an unique summer camping program located in Greece and operated by the Archdiocese of America. Registration for some sessions is still open. Visit www.ionianvillage.org/ for more information! * Don’t forget to sign up for the Youth Worker Pulse! This is the weekly listserv of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Subscribers will receive valuable tips, tools, and resources for creating a successful and transformative youth ministry experience. Sign up today at www.youth. goarch.org.

Christ is Risen! single day in our lives and in the media that depict people’s suffering, pain, and loss. Young people have become accustomed to seeing these things, and I fear that the constant barrage of violent images and actions may make people numb to the suffering of others.

However, it has come to my attention that every time I see tragic events on the news, I can always spot the bubbling up of kind-hearted people sharing their good works with others. In the wake of events such as the Newtown school shooting and the Boston Marathon bombings, I was very touched by the way people across the world opened their hearts to those who were suffering. This is not to say that our anger and inability to understand the evil in the world is easy to overcome, but we can take a page out of the book of the people in this world who prove themselves to be a light in the darkness.

It is the kindness of a stranger, the sincerity of a friend, and the support of our neighbors that makes these hard times bearable.

In order to fulfill our potential as sharers of Christian light, we must keep in mind that the lessons we learned during the Lenten season should not be discarded following Pascha, but rather, added upon throughout the year. This ensures spiritual growth through the entirety our lives. Simple acts of kindness are ways to let your light shine from within you. When you are able to offer your works to someone in need, you allow that person to see the image of Christ within yourself. We can let our inner light illuminate the fact that we are all made in the image and likeness of God. People are drawn to actions more than they are words, and there is no better way to draw people towards the realization of God’s love than through your actions and character. In the words of Saint Seraphim of Serov, we should, “acquire a peaceful spirit, and thousands around you will be saved.” By changing our demeanor to one that is more Godly, we will not dim the light that should shine from us as Christians.

And make no mistake that even the simplest of gestures can brighten the darkest of days in any given person’s life.

Another way in which we can share our inner light as Christians is to include others in our personal prayers.

Just as we pray for the intercessions of the saints to light the way for us, we are also able to ‘pass the light’ unto others with our prayers. Praying for others is an expression of love, and although it may seem difficult, it is also important to include our enemies in our prayers.

I often tell my Sunday school

students that if they find it difficult to pray for someone or something, they can always ask the Lord for help. God understands our hearts just as well as He understands our words.

Just as the GOYANS of my parish share their tiny flames until the entire church is radiating light, I hope that we can find it within ourselves to spread our inner light upon all those we come in contact with. I also pray that while we celebrate the Anastasi, we are able to keep that Holy Light bright throughout the year. And I hope we can always

remember the words of Ephesians that say, “at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

Jenny Stasinopoulos serves as a youth advisor and Sunday school teacher in her home parish, and enjoys dedicating her time to the youth of her Metropolis. She graduated from Northeastern State University in 2012 with her B.A. in elementary education.

Jenny attends Holy Trinity Church in Tulsa, Okla.

STAY CONNECTED

Social Media and the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Virtually everyone we know has web access, an email address, a smart phone, a Facebook profile, or even a Twitter account.

We want you to stay connected to The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, as well as other Orthodox Christians throughout the world.

Check out the ways you can stay connected, no matter where you are!

Are you on FACEBOOK? If you are a member of Facebook, you can visit

us on our GOA Youth and GOA Young Adult Pages! Just search for GOA Youth or GOA Young Adults and Become a fan today!

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Find us on INSTAGRAM and Twitter.

Follow the GOA Youth at @GOAYouth and follow GOYA Young Adults at @ GOAYoungAdults Love to blog? Subscribe today to THE LADDER… the official blog of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Join us for discussions about a variety of topics.

Find us at http://orthodoxyouthministry. blogspot.com/

IDEAS FOR YOUR SUMMERTIME High school seniors and college students are graduating from school. For other students, the school year will be ending soon for the summer break. So what can Orthodox Christian youth and young adults do during the summer months?

Here are a few tips for how to spend your summer days: Attend/Work at a Summer Camp There are awesome camping ministries throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, including Ionian Village in Greece, for youth ages 18 and under. In addition to exciting outdoor activities, crafts, and music, Orthodox Christian Camps offer youth a full experience of worship, witness, service and fellowship.

Consider spending a week, or more, at summer camp! You will come back home with a heart full of wonderful memories!

For those young adults who are older and can no longer participate as campers, consider working at a summer camp as a counselor or volunteer. Think about those awesome adults who made YOUR camp experience unforgettable and consider “paying it forward.” Offer your time, talents, and treasure. Apply to serve a camp near you. Talk to your parish priest about camp staff opportunities!

Participate in Service/ Philanthropic Projects We tend to think of service and philanthropic projects during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. But unfortunately, hunger, poverty, and tragedies do not take a vacation. Every day, there are individuals that go without some basic need that we sometimes take for granted.

This summer, set aside time from your summer vacation to serve others. You might choose to do small things like helping elderly neighbors with their yard work.

But you could also commit to a larger effort like organizing a summer fundraiser or volunteering weekly at a soup kitchen.

Learn more about the Orthodox Christian Faith We know… we know! The last thing a student wants to do is STUDY MORE during their summer vacation. But summer time is the perfect time to learn more about your faith. Pick up your Bible and commit to reading a few passages every day.

Ask your parish priest to recommend a book or two for your summer reading list. You could even download podcasts from www.goarch.org, www.myocn.net, and other Orthodox Christian websites.

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The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Revisited PITTSBURGH – The Metropolis’ dynamic summer camp ministry has been operating since the 1960’s, instilling in the children of the District/Diocese/Metropolis (and many from neighboring Metropolises) a deep and abiding love for Orthodoxy and a personal connection to their faith and Lord.

Through the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers and paid staff, and Just as many teachers, clergy, doctors, and artists, the Metropolis has succeeded in sustaining a rich and vibrant program that blends the theological with the experiential, bringing worship into daily life and the enjoyment of life into a faith-rooted environment.

Throughout the brief six-day (Sunday evening to Saturday noon) experience, the staff and children immerse themselves in worship (twice daily services, including the Divine Liturgy, Holy Unction, Paraklesis, Artoclasia, and daily Orthros), in nature (via hikes, outdoor activities, and discussion groups spread throughout the grounds), in fellowship (through campfires, athletic activities, swim time), in creativity (working on multiple skits, art, and problem-solving), and in faith (learning from various didactic sessions and brief sermons).

Their communal participation and life lead to an immediate and lasting sense of camaraderie, while baptizing this fellowship in the Orthodox life, leading to a truly enjoyable and uplifting experience that is consistent with our faith practice and teaching.

Over the years we have covered such topics as the use of technology, creation, prayer, love, the scripture.

The members of Holy Trinity, using the strengths of our clergy, seminarians and theological school graduates, dedicated teachers and staff make the subjects relevant to the children, easy to understand, and fully integrated into

memorable experience of divine love in their lives.

What began as one icon weeping in a cabin’s staff room became an all-night vigil in thanksgiving to the Theotokos, which then became the site of multiple additional weeping icons.

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh, in conjunction with the Carpatho-Russian Diocese, will mark the blessed anniversary in multiple occasions over the course of the Summer, with the children and grandchildren of the clergy, staff, and campers from that blessed summer present as campers and staff for the festivities.

This multi-generational commitment to faith and family is the fruit of the commitment of the parents to Holy Orthodoxy, and the hard work of the numerous staff and clergy who have poured their time, talent, and treasure into this successful and God-blessed ministry.

Meet the Office Staff (from left) George Athanasiou, graduate intern; Rhea Ballas, Fr. George S Callos, Metropolitan Savas; Archdeacon Ryan Gzikowski, Presbytera Eileen Sedor,; Michael Gavrilos, graduate intern.

the life of the camp. The talented members of our Summer Camp committee have taken on many challenging topics and themes and created remarkable curricula to address these timely issues.

An integral part of the experience has been the beautiful facility that we have called home since 1977: Camp Nazareth in Mercer, Pa. Owned by the American Carpatho–Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S. and Canada (ACROD), Camp Nazareth has been a truly blessed place where our campers have found God in the beautiful chapels (indoor and outdoor), picturesque grounds, challenging trails, and beautiful waterfalls.

The Diocese has been a gracious host for over 35 years, and through the close relationships of its staff to

our own has forged a true model of Orthodox cooperation and fellowship.

(We’ve even had multiple seminarian staff members from ACROD marry Greek Orthodox women they met at camp.)

The Lord’s grace and love have allowed our program to serve even second- and third-generation campers who continue in their commitment and enthusiasm for Christ’s Church.

One significant milestone this year is the 25th anniversary of the weeping icons of the Virgin Mary that took place during one of our camp sessions in 1988 at Camp Nazareth.

This truly remarkable event came at the end of a long and challenging week that, following the experience of this blessed event, left each camper with a

Metropolis of Pittsburgh Metropolitan SAVAS of Pittsburgh Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh 5201 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412.621.5529 www.pitssburgh.goarch.org Chancellor Fr. George S. Callos Assistant to the Metropolitan and Registrar Archdeacon Ryan Gzikowski, Receptionist Presbytera Eileen Sedor Youth & Young Adult Ministries Coordinator Rhea Ballas Religious Education Director Phyllis Meschell Onest Stewards of the Metropolis Dr. Nicholas Loutsion Metropolis Philoptochos President Rosemary Nikas Clergy Syndesmos President Fr. Jerry Hall Sisterhood of Presvyteres Presbytera Becky Touloumes Church Music Federation Peter N. Vatsures Youth Commission Chairman Fr. Michael Kallaur

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 April 2012 archived edition, page 36. Note: number 46 on the map is the Mission parish of St. James in Belpre, Ohio.

Religious Education Commission Chairman Fr. Frank Milanese Greek Education Maria Stamoolis Regional Archon Commander Peter Clyde Papadakos Regional Leadership 100 Coordinator Angelo Coutris