Orthodox Observer - OCTOBER 2013 by Orthodox Marketplace

OCTOBER 2013 • Vol. 78 • No. 1289

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

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Ecum. Patriarch, Other Orthodox Mark Milan Edict

Moscow Patriarchate photo

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is flanked by Patriarchs Theophilos of Jerusalem, Kiril of Russia, Irinej of Serbia, and their counterparts from Albania, Cyprus, Poland, Slovakia and other smaller Orthodox churches as he delivers the homily at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Nis, on Oct. 6.

NIS, Serbia - Eight Orthodox Christian leaders, dignitaries from other faiths, politicians and thousands of others on Sunday celebrated the anniversary of the Edict of Milan, which established toleration for Christianity in the Roman Empire 1,700 years ago, according to a Reuters report by Fedia Grulovic. Roman Catholic Pope Francis was not present at the liturgy in the Serbian city of Nis, his absence reflecting centuries-old divisions between the two main Christian denominations, despite moves by both towards reconciliation and dialogue. Instead, the Catholic Church marked the same anniversary at a mass served in Nis last month by papal envoy Angelo Scola, the Cardinal of Milan. The city of Nis, 200 km (125 miles) south of Belgrade, was selected as the venue for the celebration because the emperor Constantine the Great, who proclaimed religious tolerance, was born in what was then the Roman city of Naissus in 272. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was flanked by Patriarchs Theophilos of Je-

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Assembly of Bishops Issues Statements on Marriage, Middle East CHICAGO – The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America held its fourth annual assembly meeting Sept. 17–19. Following the first day of meetings, the Assembly issued the following release: The first day of meetings reflected a growing collegiality and cooperation among those present. Forty–three hierarchs representing 11 jurisdictions attended. The morning began with hierarchs participating in a common celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Des Plaines, Ill. “Today…we are here together in unity and joy in full awareness of the truth that the love of Christ has brought us together and is with us,” said Archbishop Demetrios, the Assembly chairman, in his opening remarks to the hierarchs. “As we stand with awe, having prayed the Divine Liturgy and received the precious Body and Blood of our Lord, we are not only in God’s presence but, also more importantly, we experience His presence as one undivided Body–His Body.” His Eminence asked the hierarchs to keep in mind a number of issues over the course of the next several days: the threat to Orthodox Christians in other parts of the world and the kidnapped Syrian bishops whose whereabouts are still unknown; the responsibility to offer a complete and authentic image and experience of Christ to faith-seeking Americans; and an acknowledgment of our many blessings and the

accompanying responsibility to promote and share the Orthodoxy faith to those who are suffering and in need. Bishop Basil, secretary of the Assembly, initiated a candid conversation in the afternoon on the vision of the Assembly, and how the Assembly is to interpret and act on the Chambesy decision. Break-out groups followed, in which hierarchs shared their views and then reported back to the group at-large. Further discussion on this topic, including proposals for canonical restructuring was held Wednesday, the second day. An outcome of Tuesday’s meeting was the creation of a new committee to oversee agencies and endorsed organizations. The committee will review recommendations that have been made as to the relationship between the Assembly and its agencies and organizations, and determine criteria for future agency and organization endorsement. The committee’s members will be those hierarchs who serve as agency liaisons, with a chairman to be appointed. At the end of the meeting the Assembly released three official statements to the faithful: on the Church’s unchanging view of marriage; expressing grave concern over escalating violence in the Middle East; and a message on the conclusion of the fourth Assembly. Marriage statement In the statement on marriage, the Assembly expresses its deep concern over

recent actions concerning the status of marriage, in particular the legalization of same–sex unions. (The full statement on marriage) 1. We, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America, representing millions of Orthodox Christians in the United States of America, Canada and Central America, express our deep concern over recent actions on the part of our respective governments and certain societal trends concerning the status

of marriage in our countries, in particular the legalization of same–sex unions. 2. The Orthodox Christian teaching on marriage and sexuality, firmly grounded in Holy Scripture, two millennia of Church Tradition, and Canon Law, holds that the sacrament of marriage consists in the union of a man and a woman, and that authentic marriage reflects the sacred unity that exists between Christ and His Bride, the Church.

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To contact National Ministries Archives 212.570.3517 ncalles@goarch.org Communications 212.774.0244 communications@goarch.org Greek Education 212.774.0233 greekeducation@goarch.org Internet Ministries 646.850.1350 jimil@goarch.org Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations 212.570.3593 ecumenical@goarch.org Ionian Village 212.570.3538 ionianvillage@goarch.org Marriage & Family 845.424.8175 familycare@goarch.org Parish Development 847.825.1432 jminetos@goarch.org Philanthropy 212.774.0283 bishopandonios@goarch.org Public Affairs 212.774.0400 fralex@goarch.org Registry 212.570.3558 frmichael@goarch.org Religious Education 617.850.1218 religioused@goarch.org Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism 646.519.6160 stewardship@goarch.org Youth and Young Adult Ministries 646.519.6180 youthoffice@goarch.org

NEXT DEADLINE

Deadline for submitting information, articles and photos for consideration in the November 2013 issue: Tuesday, Oct 29. 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.

Retired Clergy Assoc. Achieves 25 Years by Fr. Nick Soteropoulos

The Greek Orthodox Retired Clergy Association will observe the 25th anniversary of its founding Nov. 16-17 weekend at St. Demetrios Church, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. During the commemoration priests who have served the Church 50 years or more will be honored. The program includes: Saturday, Nov. 16 7:00 p.m. Hierarchical Great Vespers with Archbishop Demetrios officiating, assisted by the retirees present. An artoclasia will be celebrated during the vespers to pray for the hierarchy, the retirees, and all clergy in active service. Sunday, Nov. 17 8:30 a.m. Orthros, 10:30 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, with the Archbishop officiating, assisted by RCA Board of Trustees members only. A memorial service will take place for the departed priests and presbyteres who have served the Church. 12:30 p.m. 25th anniversary complimentary luncheon immediately after the Liturgy. The organization’s goal is to serve the needs of our priests who have served a lifetime, most with 50 and 60 years of service, and are now retired. Many served diligently during the years when the country was at war; when the Archdiocese did not have a pension program; when salaries were not what they are today. Some of these retirees now live with very modest financial resources. The RCA, through the Archdiocese Benevolence Committee, helps them to survive. Additionally, we assist priests who have not yet retired to prepare for retirement. The RCA keeps retirees informed on changes in Medicare and Medicare Supplement programs and of other health and drug programs, as well as the developing changes under the ‘Affordable Care Act’ for health insurance. The monthly newsletter, The “EPISTLE,” helps unite retired clergy and their church family. It includes pictures of the present and past, health tips and ways of enjoying retirement.

ISSN 0731–2547

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

Orthodox Observer photo

RCA board members (from left) Fr. Joel McEachen (president) and Fr. Nick Soteropoulos meet with Archdiocese Chancellor Bishop Andonios to discuss plans for the upcoming anniversary.

The following programs are offered to all retirees: Managing Your Retirement – Materials have been prepared and distributed to assist retirees with ideas and thoughts on retirement. The following are just a few of the printed pamphlets: Life After Retirement A Guide to Retirement Getting Your House in Order A Will, Is it necessary? The “Biography” Program – records our contribution to the Greek Orthodox Church of America. Each biography can be found in either the Archdiocese web site or by a Google search. The life and memory of retirees thus is kept alive. Scholarship program – Offers the following annual scholarships: 1. A $1,000 scholarship to assist a theological student. 2. Two “Dr. Nicholas Vidalakis Family Scholarships” of $2,500 for widowed presbyteres or family members. If awarded to a seminarian, $1,000 additional.

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

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

Periodicals’ postage paid at New York, NY 10001 and at additional mailing offices. The Orthodox Observer is produced entirely in–house. Past issues can be found on the Internet at: www.observer.goarch.org • e–mail: observer@goarch.org Articles and advertising do not necessarily reﬂect the views and opinions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which are expressed in ofﬁcial statements so labeled.

Subscription rates are $12 per year. Canada $25. Overseas Air Mail, $55 per year. $1.50 per copy. Subscriptions for the membership of the Greek Orthodox Church in America are paid through their contribution to the Archdiocese. Of this contribution, $5 is forwarded to the Orthodox Observer. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ORTHODOX OBSERVER, 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075

3. The “Pedas Brothers Scholarship” of $2,500 for widowed presbyteres or family members. The Crisis Fund – Members affected by a national disaster are eligible for an immediate grant of up to $5,000 for immediate needs. Benevolent Programs – The benevolence for retired clergy and widowed Presbyteres is handled directly through the Archdiocese Philanthropy Department. All requests are sent directly to Bishop Andonios, director of the Department of Philanthropy. A Death Benefit – Upon the death of a retiree member, his presbytera receives a memorial gift of $1,000. Archdiocese Benefits Program – Keeping members informed on updates of the Pension Program and health insurance. Health Watch – Informs members on health issues and programs. When changes take place either by the Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, pharmaceutical programs, we inform the members; including special discount medications programs for seniors. A Chat with Older Brothers Program – This ministry introduced by the RCA was begun in January 2008. It enhanced and expanded the realities of parish life to students of Holy Cross Theological School. Retirees can volunteer to live on campus for a week, interacting with students in their daily activities.

Ecum. Patriarch, Other Orthodox Mark Milan Edict u u from page 1 rusalem, Kiril of Russia, Irinej of Serbia, and their counterparts from Albania, Cyprus, Poland, Slovakia and other smaller Orthodox churches, as he called in a sermon for more religious freedom and reconciliation. “Many Christians are being persecuted these days in the Middle East, in Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Nigeria and other places, only because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus,” he said. “They cherish everyone and are persecuted by all ... they live in good (faith) and are being persecuted as villains,” Bartholomew said. He called for the release of Syriac Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Archbishops Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi, abducted in April during fighting in the city of Aleppo. The Syrian government has blamed rebel groups, who deny it.

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National Leadership 100 Sunday Slated Archbishop Demetrios issued an encyclical on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod designating Oct. 27 as the fifth observance of National Leadership 100 Sunday. It was the Sunday following the Feast of St. Iakovos, chosen as a tribute to Archbishop Iakovos of Blessed Memory, the visionary founder and namesake of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, according to L-100 Chairman Charles H. Cotros. Many parishes conducted a program, led by Leadership 100 members during coffee hour after the Divine Liturgy emphasizing the support of the Archdiocese National Ministries. In the 29 years since the endowment fund’s founding in 1984, more than $35.6 million in grants have been distributed. Membership in Leadership 100 to-

day, which stands at 925, is inextricably tied with these critical National Ministries, which include scholarship funds for seminarians preparing for the priesthood at Holy Cross School of Theology; Youth, Camping and Youth and Young Adult Ministries; Interfaith Marriage and Family Ministries; Information Technologies, Internet Ministries and Greek Orthodox Telecommunications (GOTelecom); Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism (including Home Mission); Religious and Greek Education; Parish Development; Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations; and humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of national and international crises such as Sept. 11, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy and the devastating fires and earthquakes in Greece. Orthodox Observer photo

Ecumenical Office Director Named NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios appointed the Very Rev. Archimandrite Dr. Nathanael Symeonides as director of the Office of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations on Sept. 16. Fr. Nathanael was born in Thessaloniki, Greece, and graduated from Hellenic College in 2000 and from Holy Cross School of Theology in 2003.

He also holds a ThD in bioethics from Boston University, and an MS from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. He was ordained a deacon by Archbishop Demetrios in 2003 and a presbyter by the Archbishop in 2010. He served as the Archbishop’s deacon from 2006-2010 and as pastor of Annunciation Church in Manhattan since 2010.

American Bible Society Presents Christian Leadership Award to Jerry Dimitriou American Bible Society officials on Sept. 27 presented Archdiocese Executive Director of Administration Jerry Dimitriou with the ABS’ 2013 Christian Leadership Award for his leadership in Bible engagement ministry and service to the Bible cause. The presentation took place at the annual American Bible Society Golf Benefit fundraiser in Lawrence, Long Island. Mr. Dimitriou, a member of the ABS Board of Trustees, was one of three recipients. He was presented the award by Executive Vice President Robert Briggs, ABS Board members Lea Velis–Drivas and Thomas Durakis and Chief Audit Executive Donald P. Cavanaugh. Other recipients were Dr. Mac Pier, founder and president of the New York City Leadership Center, and Bishop Nelson J. Perez, auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y. The golf outing–called “Driving For

Bibles”– helps American Bible Society reach more people and change more lives with the hope found in the Bible. Today, fewer people than ever are engaging God’s Word, and events like this help American Bible Society turn the tide on Bible engagement. All of the proceeds from this tournament will help fund crucial Bible ministry initiatives. Headquartered in Manhattan, the 197–year–old American Bible Society exists to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. One of the nation’s oldest nonprofit organizations, today’s American Bible Society provides resources across a variety of platforms enabling first-time readers and seasoned theologians alike to engage with the best-selling book of all time. For more information, visit AmericanBible.org.

St. Michael’s Home Gala to Present Archangel Michael Award YONKERS, N.Y. – St. Michael’s Home will hold its annual Name Day Gala on Nov. 10 at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. Chairman of this year’s gala is trustee. Efthalia Katos. The event will begin with a 4 p.m. reception, followed by the dinner and the awards program. This year’s gala will celebrate the 55 years of quality care the Home has offered the elderly and to raise funds for expansion of the facility. This year’s celebration is enhanced by the recent purchase of an 11–acre property on Long Island as the future site of the continuum care facility able to house 150 residents. In conjunction with the gala, St. Michael’s annually honors a distinguished member of the Greek Orthodox community who embodies and promotes the

finer qualities and traditions of our Faith and heritage. This year’s recipient of the Archangel Michael Award is John Koufakis, who will be recognized for his accomplishments and dedication to the Church and community. He has supported many causes and has served as an example through his efforts and generosity. The evening will also include a special presentation to New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg for his service to the city. For more information on St. Michael’s, especially regarding ticket purchases, sponsorship opportunities, raffle information, or to include a message in the commemorative journal, call (914) 476.3374 or visit www.stmichaelshome. org/what-our-residents-do/gala/.

Jerry Dimitriou makes some preliminary comments about the St. Nicholas at ground zero project, prior to Archbishop Demetrios’ presentation at the Oct. 18 Archdiocesan Council meeting.

Archdiocesan Council Hears Progress Report on St. Nicholas Church Project NEW YORK – Archdiocesan Council members received a significant briefing about the progress of rebuilding St. Nicholas Church at ground zero during their fall meeting from Archbishop Demetrios and Executive Director of Administration Jerry Dimitriou “When this church opens it will be one of most historic and significant events this church in America has ever done,” said Mr. Dimitriou. “It will be an unprecedented event; very significant.’ Archbishop Demetrios narrated a slide presentation showing architect’s renderings of the proposed church, which will be built on top of a thick concrete shell above a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey center. He said that the Archdiocese consulted with as many as 13 architects about the project. “Ground zero is a gigantic tomb of 3,000 people;” said the Archbishop. He compared it to a site near the plain of Marathon in Greece where there is a low hill covering remains of soldier in Battle of Marathon 490 BC. The Archbishop added that, for many survivors and families of the victims who had no place to go for their spiritual needs after the 9/11 tragedy, the new church will serve that purpose. “Many of the firefighters and police who died were Roman Catholics;” he continued. “Now they (the survivors) will have a place to light a candle, to connect to God.” St. Nicholas to be a national Shrine Archdiocesan Council Vice Chairman Michael Jaharis stated, “St. Nicholas will be a national shrine. It represents what Orthodoxy is about.” Mr. Jaharis observed that the church will function as a strong symbol for the more than 200,000 commuters per day who pass by the building to and from work. For a long time after 9/11, the Archdio-

cese faced many difficulties in pursuing the goal of restoring the Church’s presence at the lower Manhattan site. “It has been very difficult to get this done,” Mr. Jaharis said. “It took 12 years and a lawsuit, and strong support from both Gov. George Pataki and Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “We spent a lot of time and money in the federal courts to have the judge compel the Port Authority to finally agree.” Council member Arthur Anton of Boston, who traveled to the site the day prior to the meeting, said once the church is completed “It will be electrifying and spiritually beyond words. It will be something not only we can be proud of, but the whole world as well.” Administration Committee Chairman Anthony Stefanis of Atlanta, a Brooklyn native, said “This is the Statue of Liberty for Orthodoxy. It will draw people from around the world and will make us better known.” Polly Hillier, director of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, Fla., noted that St. Nicholas, in addition to serving as a church, will also be an organization of the Archdiocese and “we have to ensure it will be properly endowed and properly staffed.” The Archdiocesan Council also heard reports from the many committees that will be presented in detail in the November issue of the Orthodox Observer. In addition, Council members passed a resolution that calls for Metropolis-level clergy-laity assemblies and other events to be scheduled on dates that do not conflict with the Archdiocese Clergy–Laity Congress or meetings of the Archdiocesan Council. In his closing remarks, Archbishop Demetrios observed that the meeting had “one of the highest participation” rates in recent memory and praised the work of the committees. He called the work of the committees “a triumph of volunteerism.”

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Arthur Anton of Boston addresses the Archdiocesan Council meeting.

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Communiqué of the Holy Eparchial Synod The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened for its regular scheduled meeting in the Synodal Chamber at the Archdiocesan headquarters on October 16 and 17. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America presided at the meeting, with the 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, among them the following:1) Liturgical Matters: On the day before the meeting, October 15, the Synod worked on the English translation of the text of the Divine Liturgy and completed its undertaking. The translation, in its final form, incorporated suggestions from priests of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese who have used, on trial, the text of the proposed translation. 2) Canonical Matters: a) The Synod deliberated on disciplinary matters for clergy. b) The list of eligible candidates for Hierarchical ordinations was reviewed, as it is done annually. 3) Administrative Matters: a) The Synod approved the process of issuing ecclesiastical marriage licenses for couples wishing to get married in a Metropolis other than the one where they reside. b) The Members of the Synod had the opportunity to receive up-todate information regarding the progress for the rebuilding of the Holy Church of Saint Nicholas at Ground Zero. 4) Pastoral Care Matters: The Synod discussed at length matters regarding the youth and ways to better educate them in the Christian faith. b) Also discussed were: the major subject of the condition of the family, various aspects of the family life, and the need to develop programs to strengthen the family. 5) Religious Education: a) The Synod dealt with matters regarding the theological education of candidates to the priesthood and the Special Educational Program for Deacons. Also discussed was the need to update the manual The Priest’s Handbook. b) The Synod also referred to the work that is accomplished by the parishes for the promotion of Greek Education. With the assistance of the Holy Archdiocese of America, this work is incessantly fortified by the newly published manuals for learning the Greek language and culture. The additional four new books for teaching the Greek language, the first issue of the third level and the special manual for kindergarten, were presented. The two day meeting of the Synod was concluded on Thursday, October 17, at noon and immediately afterwards, the members of the Synod departed for the Marriott Hotel in order to participate in the meetings of the Archdiocesan Council.

Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

60 Minutes Receives Athenagoras Human Rights Award by Jim Golding

NEW YORK – Religious freedom and human rights took center stage Oct. 19 at the Archons-Order of St. Andrew banquet where CBS’ 60 Minutes received the Athenagoras Human Rights Award for its groundbreaking program on the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and subsequent two-part segment about Mount Athos. The award-winning, most-watched news program’s other human and religious rights broadcast projects in recent years also came to light through a heart-wrenching video that highlighted 60 Minutes’ coverage of religious and human rights issues around the world. In 2010, the significant feature on the Ecumenical Patriarch reported by corresponded Bob Simon first aired. In his comments at the banquet, he commented about the negative reaction in Turkey to the broadcast, accusing the program of being “one-sided.” “If we’ve ever been accused of being one-sided,” said Simon. “It would be on the side of a holy man.” He went on to reflect on his experience in reporting the event and noted he was surprised by two elements – His All Holiness’ humility and the dramatic response to his question of whether he thought he was being “crucified” in Turkey, to which the Patriarch responded: “Yes, I do.” The immediate result was His All Holiness being lambasted in the Turkish press for several days. Accepting the Athenagoras Award was CBS News Chairman and 60 Minutes Executive Producer Jeff Fager, who noted the “strong culture at 60 Minutes” to cover what’s important, “making it as interesting as possible and to strive for fairness and ac-

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Archbishop Demetrios and Dr. Limberakis present Athenagoras Award to Jeff Fager.

curacy.” He bestowed high praise on Bob Simon, “one of the best correspondents who I ever worked with,” and the rest of the team involved with the feature who also attended the event and share in the award: Bill Owens, executive editor; Harry Radliffe II, producer; Michael Karzis, co-producer; Magalie Laguerre, associate producer and cameramen Christopher Albert and Wim DeVos. In his closing remarks, Archbishop Demetrios reflected on the spirit of the banquet as “a spirit of achievement, a spirit that should be projected as real advocacy

for human rights and religious freedom.” He praised CBS’ efforts as “a tremendous activity in keeping with a journalism that is really appreciated and to say the substantive in the shortest time possible.” The program also included a brief presentation by Archons’ National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis on the religious freedom mission of the Order of St. Andrew. He noted, in part, that 60 Minutes was selected for the award “because it meets the goals of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to uphold and defend the historical status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”

New Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Twenty–one new Archons were inducted into the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle on Oct. 19-20 weekend in New York. They are as follows: Michael Angeliades, Port Washington, N.Y; Arthur Anton Jr., Weston, Mass; Robert Buchanan Jr., Pensacola, Fla; Nicholas Chimicles,

Broomall, Pa; John Colis, Glenview, Ill; James Coromilas, Wyckoff, N.J; George Demos, Los Angeles; Phillip Frangos, Lansing, Mich; John Halecky III, Elizabeth, N.J; Stavros Haviaras, Brooklyn, N.Y; John Kalucis, North Royalton, Ohio; Louis Koumoutsos, Ocean Township, N.J; Frank Lagouros, Peoria, Ill; Nicholas Lekas, Akron,

Ohio; Elias John Livaditis, Atlanta; John Metaxas, New Rochelle, N.Y; Steven Padis, Oakland, Calif; Constantinos Perdikakis, Cranston, R.I; George Stefanidakis, Ph.D; Houston; George Venizelos, Randolph, N.J; John Manos, Chicago (invested by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in March).

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Assembly of Bishops Holds Annual Meeting u u from page 1 3. Persons with homosexual orientation are to be cared for with the same mercy and love that is bestowed on all of humanity by our Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, the Church is a spiritual hospital, where we all are called to find the healing of our fallen humanity through Jesus Christ, who assumed human nature in order to restore it. All of us struggle with various passions, and it is only within the Church that we find the means of overcoming these passions with the assistance of God’s grace. Acting upon any sexual attraction outside of sacramental marriage, whether the attraction is heterosexual or homosexual, alienates us from God. 4. We exhort the clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church to bear witness to the timeless teachings of Christ by striving for purity and holiness in their own lives, by instructing their families and communities in the precepts of the Holy Gospel, and by placing their trust in our Lord, who “has overcome the world.” (John 16.33) 5. Finally, we encourage our faithful to approach their parish priest or spiritual father with any questions or concerns about this statement and its practical repercussions in their daily lives. Middle East unrest (Full statement on violence in the region) 1. We, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America, representing millions of Orthodox Christians in the United States, Canada and Central America, express our grave concern over the escalation of political unrest and ongoing violence in countries throughout the Middle East, especially in Palestine, Egypt, Iraq and more recently in Syria. 2. Our Assembly repudiates any and all attacks on human beings, irrespective of race and religion, by means of violence, kidnapping, torture and killing. Moreover, we deplore the destruction of all places of worship. We are especially disheartened at the inexcusable indifference and unjustifiable inaction of authorities, which have failed to protect the Christian population and the broader public in these regions. 3. We implore all involved parties and political authorities, especially those of the countries we represent, to pursue vigorously all peaceful means for the resolution of the conflicts and the termination of the murder of men, women and children. 4. Finally, we appeal once more to the responsible persons for the release of all those kidnapped, especially the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Boulos Yazigi (brother of His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch) and the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim, both of Aleppo, Syria. 5. The Assembly of Bishops urges people to remember that Christians in the Middle East, Egypt, and Syria have peacefully coexisted with all people in the region for two thousand years. As such, they must be respected and included in all decisions toward social and political justice. Message to the Faithful Forty-three Hierarchs convened in the unity of our holy Orthodox faith, mindful of our responsibility to each other and to the whole Church as the Body of Christ. We recognize our responsibility to “do all things decently and in order” as our foremost duty towards His holy Church and the people of Christ, especially the youth. We belong to the Church, which believes in and manifests the grace of the Triune God and the power of our Lord’s passion and resurrection. In professing our common witness and love for one another and the faithful entrusted to us by God, we shared the Holy Eucharist on a day when we also commemorated

the 1,700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan and proclaimed the importance of religious freedom, especially for religious minorities throughout the world. We expressed our sorrow that, seventeen centuries after its promulgation, the Ecumenical Patriarchate today does not enjoy fundamental religious freedoms guaranteed by the Emperor St. Constantine’s edict. In this regard, we urge people to remember that the Christians in Turkey, the Middle East and Egypt have peacefully coexisted with all people in the region for two thousand years. Furthermore, we appeal once again for the release of all those kidnapped, especially the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Boulos Yazigi (brother of His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch) and the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim, both of Aleppo, Syria.

“The Orthodox Christian teaching on marriage and sexuality, firmly grounded in Holy Scripture, two millennia of Church Tradition, and Canon Law, holds that the sacrament of marriage consists in the union of a man and a woman...” However, during this intense period of conflict throughout the Middle East, inasmuch as we represent millions of Orthodox Christians in the United States, Canada and Central America, we express our grave concern over the escalation of political unrest and ongoing violence in Palestine, Egypt, Iraq and more recently in Syria, but also the continuing threats and crimes against churches and people in Kosovo. In this regard, we repudiate any and all attacks on human beings, irrespective of race and religion, by means of violence, kidnapping, torture and killing. Moreover, we deplore the destruction of all places of worship. We are especially disheartened at the inexcusable indifference and unjustifiable inaction of authorities, which have failed to protect the Christian population and the broader public in these regions. Moreover, following the example of Jesus Christ, who blessed the peacemakers in his Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5.9), we implore all involved parties and political authorities, especially those of the countries we represent, to pursue vigorously all peaceful means for the resolution of the conflicts and the termination of the murder of men, women and children. We have also been apprised and are deeply concerned about the arrest and detention of Archbishop Jovan of Ohrid in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as a result of exercising his fundamental human right of religious freedom. We urge our faithful to stand in prayer and solidarity for a prompt and positive resolution to this issue. In his report as chairman of the Assembly, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios raised the critical issues of a rising militant Islam marked by violence against ancient Christian communities throughout the world, including the Middle East, Nige-

ria, and the Philippines. He also referred to challenges created by the expanding secularism and scandalous poverty that characterize our contemporary world, emphasizing: “The sight of social injustice should trouble us. We should be worried if we find ourselves becoming ‘mere spectators’ in our world.” We commend the prompt and practical response by the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) as the Assembly’s agency to people suffering under conditions of war, famine and natural disaster. We also express our prayers in support of the families involved and for the repose of the souls of the victims in the Naval Yard tragedy in Washington. Throughout the meeting, we had a candid and fraternal evaluation of achievement hitherto and work that remains outstanding in our ministry as Orthodox in this region, observing that, despite the geographical expanse of our regional assembly, we are nevertheless bridged by our love for God. Therefore, mindful of our obligations as well as the challenges in order for us to affirm and realize the vision of the Assembly of Bishops for our Church in the Americas, and cognizant of the diversity and unique issues in our traditions, cultures and administrations, we reviewed and deliberated on ideas and possibilities for canonical restructuring of the Church in America, which was presented by the Committee for Canonical Regional Planning under the leadership of Archbishop Nicolae. In this regard, we reflected on and reaffirmed our commitment to the decisions and expectations of the Primates of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches and the Pan-Orthodox Preconciliar Conferences. Among the items on the agenda were reports from the Assembly’s Secretariat, its 13 committees, and 14 agencies and endorsed organizations. We praise God for the open and sincere spirit of deliberation and cooperation that prevailed during the sessions of the Assembly and celebrate the larger vision of unity that lies before us. Upon hearing the report from the Committee for Youth, we were delighted to bless a proposal to plan a conference of Orthodox youth on the local, regional, and national levels from across all jurisdictions of the Assembly of Bishops in order to foster closer relationships among our youth, create common programs and ministries in response to their shared challenges, and advance a common witness toward greater unity throughout our territory. For all these things, we ask for your prayers as the precious people of God and our beloved Orthodox faithful, while we pray that the abundant blessings of our merciful God be always with all of you. Priority discussions This year’s priority discussions included the vision of the Assembly and interpretation of the Chambesy decision and canonical restructuring of the Church in America. The Assembly reviewed a model for canonical restructuring that was presented by the Committee for Canonical Regional Planning under the leadership of Archbishop Nicolae. The model was a further development of one put forth at last year’s Assembly meeting. The hierarchs engaged in a lengthy discussion and provided comments. Based on the feedback, the committee will continue the process of developing a model that will garner the consensus of the hierarchs. As an immediate step, the committee’s membership will be expanded to represent the viewpoints of every jurisdiction. It was acknowledged that the unique history and experiences of each jurisdiction in the U.S. results today in a range of responses to ecclesiastical unity. In particular, one of the points of discussion was

the pastoral care of recent Orthodox immigrants and the need for any future action to consider the needs of these communities. Additional outcomes of the annual meeting included the Assembly giving its blessing on a proposal to plan for a national gathering of high school students. The proposal was brought forth by the Committee for Youth. The gathering would enable Orthodox youth from all jurisdictions to come together, share in their faith, bear witness to the Church, and build bridges across our Orthodox family. It is envisioned that the national gathering, which is to be organized by jurisdictional youth departments, would take place in 2016 or 2017. The hierarchs also agreed to create a new committee to oversee agencies and endorsed organizations. The committee will review recommendations that have been made as to the relationship between the Assembly and its agencies and organizations, and determine criteria for future agency and organization endorsement. The committee’s members will be those hierarchs who serve as agency liaisons, with a chairperson to be appointed. Before adjourning on the final day, the Assembly voted unanimously to re-elect Bishop Basil as secretary and Metropolitan Antony as treasurer. Archbishop Demetrios recognized and commended them for their devotion to the Assembly over the past three years. The Assembly also reviewed and approved the 2014 budget. The Assembly expects to hold its next meeting in September 2014. (See more at: http://assemblyofbishops.org) Members of the Assembly Attending Archbishop Demetrios, chairman; Archbishop Justinian, 2nd vice chairman; Bishop Basil, secretary; Metropolitan Antony, treasurer; Metropolitan Iakovos, Metropolitan Isaiah, Metropolitan Alexios, Metropolitan Nikitas, Metropolitan Nicholas, Metropolitan Savas, Metropolitan Gerasimos, Metropolitan Evangelos, Bishop Andonios, Bishop Ilia, Bishop Daniel, Bishop Demetrios, Bishop Sevastianos, Bishop Pankratij, Bishop Gregory, Bishop Thomas, Bishop Alexander, Bishop John, Bishop Nicholas, Metropolitan Hilarion, Archbishop Alypy, Archbishop Kyrill, Bishop Peter, Bishop Theodosy, Bishop George, Bishop Longin, Bishop Maxim, Archbishop Nicolae, Bishop Ioan Casian, Bishop Daniil, Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop Nathaniel, Archbishop Nikon, Archbishop Benjamin, Bishop Melchisedek, Bishop Michael, Bishop Alexander, Bishop Irineu and Bishop Mark.

Questions about submitting news and photos: Jim Golding (212) 570.3557; jim@goarch.org For advertising or the Greek section: Lefteris Pissalidis, (212) 570. 3555; lefteris@goarch.org Change of Address To submit a change of address: Contact Soula Podaras at 212.774.0235 e-mail: spodaras@goarch.org fax: 212.774.0239. Or regular mail to: Orthodox Observer, 8 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10075-0192 Be sure to include old address, new address and name of parish.

HCHC 75th

OCTOBER 2013

From Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beginnings...

HCHC Archival photos

Holy Cross Preparatory Theological School, as it was first known, opened its doors on Sept. 15, 1937 in the former Randolph Clark estate, which included 20 acres of rolling countryside in the hamlet of Pomfret, northeastern Connecticut. This former mansion included 26 rooms and a large hall. It was the fulfillment of Archbishop Athenagorasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goal of establishing such a school in America. Bishop Athenagoras Cavadas was the first dean. Fr. Dimitrios Coucouzes (later Archbishop Iakovos) for a time served as assistant dean.

Students attend a class in this undated photo. In addition to basic theological courses, the original 15 students studied the history of Greeks in America, the history of Greek American organizations, the organization of Sunday Schools and parishes, economics, typography and the history of the American churches.

Students spend time in study hall in the late 1930s. In addition to their studies, the students also had to farm the land and perform other chores. Parishes were asked to contribute one dollar annually to support the students. Source: From Mars Hill to Manhattan by Fr. George Papaioannou (later Bishop George). More coverage pages 8-9.

OCTOBER 2013

The Voice of Philoptochos

National Philoptochos Makes a Diﬀerence for Literacy by Aphrodite Skeadas

The National Philoptochos Literacy Outreach program launched in 2005 promotes literacy through a hands-on approach targeting both children and adults. Philoptochos chapters observed the International Literacy Day on Sept. 8 and are collaborating for a second year with author Nick Katsoris in the ‘National Make a Difference Day’ on Oct. 26. Pam Argyris and Irene Arsoniadis, Literacy co-chairmen, encourage all chapters to organize activities during the week of National Make a Difference Day from Oct 19-26. Chapters have a unique opportunity to involve Philoptochos, Sunday school, Greek School, Youth Ministries and the parish to engage the children from HOPE, GOYA, Sunday school and Greek School to read Loukoumi’s Good Deeds and Loukoumi’s Gift and encourage the children to discuss what good deed they can do to make a difference in the lives of others. In the first year children were in-

volved in good deeds such as making thank you cards for our troops and armed forces; making bookmarks to go along with the donated books; participating in a clothing and food drive; organizing a book drive and recycling projects. Chapters are encouraged to offer a Loukoumi Literacy Awareness Book Fundraiser where $2 from all Loukoumi books sold is donated by Katsoris to the National Philoptochos. In addition, Katsoris donates one book per book sold to the Philoptochos chapters’ local charity of choice. He also introduced his newest book, Loukoumi and The Schoolyard Bully, this fall. The book has an anti–bullying theme and can be used as an added tie in to ‘Make A Difference Day’ activities. Bullying is rampant, whether it is at school, in the neighborhood, or in the work place. It is essential that we recognize this and work to teach children how to face this problem. Visit www. Philoptochos.org for more details or call 212.977.7770.

San Francisco Spiritual Conference DUNLAP, Calif. – More than 75 members participated in the three-day Fall Spiritual Conference at St. Nicholas Ranch in late September. Metropolitan Gerasimos conveyed his joy and gratitude for Philoptochos under the inspired leadership of Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas that truly exemplifies the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our Christian obligation to provide for those in need. The Metropolitan offered an agiasmos service at the newly remodeled patio of the Philoptochos Lodge, assisted by Chancellor Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, for the dedication of the new Recognition Dove at the ranch entrance. The Recognition Dove provides an opportunity for individuals and parishes to leave a lasting legacy by purchasing an engraved gold, silver or bronze wing. Funds raised through the Recognition Dove are used to maintain the Philoptochos Lodge for the future. http://sfphiloptochos. org/assets/forms/2013RecognitionDove.pdf Speakers included Gerontissa Markel-

la, abbess of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring Monastery, adjacent to the ranch and Vivian Siempos, National Philoptochos communications manager who provided practical chapter resources to enhance communication, expand membership, and encourage greater outreach into the community. Presbytera Donna Pappas from St. George in Fresno shared an uplifting message on “Combating our Greatest Fears by Practicing the Presence of God in our Lives.” The members heard reports on the Metropolis ministries including the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape, Women’s Health and Wellness, Emergency Relief Fund, HCHC Adopt–a–Student, and Pennies and Prayers and elections for the 2013–2015 Metropolis Board were held. Each day ended with fellowship allowing Philoptochos members to share their ideas, create lasting friendships, and celebrate the beauty of the Philoptochos ministry prior to departing for their homes, uplifted by God’s grace and committed to their unique ministry.

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society has lost a true angel for the organization and a giant of a personality in the untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague, Nick Sialmas on Sept. 27. In a letter to the National Philoptochos membership, National President Aphrodite Skeadas stated, “Nick was a committed and caring person who loved the Greek Orthodox Church. He was an Archdiocesan Council member who worked to advance the mission of the Church. He was also a beloved member of our Philoptochos family and served as our devoted and talented web developer. He was a wonderful man with a kind heart and was a dear and encouraging friend to our staff and the Philoptochos Sisterhood throughout the country.” Nick Sialmas labored tirelessly with a loving spirit to bring National Philoptochos into the 21st century in its technology and operational infrastructure. For almost a decade we had the honor to garner Nick’s

expertise as he built the National Philoptochos website in collaboration with our Internet Ministries team and the public relations chairmen. Nick created on line capacity for donations, convention registration and chapter membership, designed our social media and developed a National Philoptochos Board and membership list serve to increase electronic communications in support of the environment. Nick was known to the Philoptochos membership nationwide with his presentations at the Philoptochos conventions and through his assistance to chapters in developing websites and navigating electronic communications. Nick often remarked how much he had learned about Philoptochos working with the organization and wherever he travelled he would spread the Philoptochos message and its good works. We will miss Nick greatly. May his memory be eternal. Christine Karavites

“Lo, I am with you always…” Matthew 28:20

In Memory of Nick Sialmas

Metropolis of Chicago and National Philoptochos Board members with Metropolitan Iakovos.

Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos The Essence of Giving by Christina Hiotis

Philoptochos is Love: Love of those in need; Love of fellow human beings. The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos began the new ecclesiastical year with its annual luncheon, Sept. 21 at the Rosewood Banquet Halls in Rosemont, Ill., with a sold out crowd gathered to demonstrate once again its love for those in need and for one’s fellow human beings. The annual luncheon is the signature event of the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos with a great deal of effort put into the preparations. The luncheon’s success is the harbinger of the Society’s achievements throughout the year. From that perspective, the annual luncheon theme “The Essence of Giving” was a resounding success. Proceeds from the event support various Metropolis Philoptochos philanthropic endeavors including the Saint Iakovos Retreat Center in Brighton, Wis., and the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign. Irene Arsoniadis, Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos president, offered stirring remarks and credited the Co-Chairmen Carol Stamas, Joanne Stavrakas, and Marilyn Tzakis for the successful event. She introduced Ioanna Efthymiadou, consul general of Greece in Chicago, and the National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas and thanked those present for their participation and continued support. Consul General Efthymiadou complimented Philoptochos for its numerous accomplishments and undertakings to assist those in need throughout the United States and now to extend a hand to their brothers and sisters in Greece and Cyprus at this critical time. The visible presence of Aphrodite Skeadas, our national president, with her indefatigable energy was inspirational and uplifting for the Philoptochos ladies. Aphrodite has endeared herself to the Chicago community, which in turn has a special bond with her. President Skeadas warmly welcomed each guest at the door with her

charming smile. Aphrodite’s stirring speech struck a special chord with the audience as she highlighted the importance of aiding our brethren in Greece and Cyprus in these difficult times. She complimented and encouraged the Philoptochos ladies for their continued “dedication and commitment to our faith as we work to bring hope to others less fortunate.” The co-chairmen of a bowling event underwritten by all the National Board members from the Metropolis of Chicago, Carol Stamas, Joanne Stavrakas and Peggy Vranas, presented President Skeadas a check for $10,000 for the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign. A special luncheon highlight was the honoring of two very special ladies: Marilyn Tzakis and Christine Voutiritsas. Our spiritual guide and shepherd Metropolitan Iakovos always extolling Philoptochos, on this day, left a deep imprint on the hearts of the faithful with his words. While bestowing the Metropolitan Iakovos Award for Service to the Metropolis, he singled out Marilyn Tzakis for her extraordinary contribution of service and dedication to the Metropolis, the Orthodox community, and Hellenic organizations and causes in the Greater Chicago area. His Eminence cited Marilyn’s mother for her services to the Chicago Orthodox community and said Marilyn is honoring her mother by following in her footsteps. Mrs. Stavrakas, former Chicago Metropolis Philoptochos president and cochair of this year’s luncheon, presented the Philoptochos Sts. Cosmas and Damianos Silver Bracelet to Christine Voutiritsas, in honor of her many years of dedication, extraordinary service and commitment to the Metropolis Philoptochos Board and her Philoptochos chapter. This “agape–filled” event came to a close with a nostalgic feeling in the hearts of the attendees, and the concluding words of Aphrodite Skeadas, quoting Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.”

Contact Information for Center of Philanthropy The Philoptochos Society has successfully relocated to its new home, the Center of Philanthropy, at 126 East 37th St., New York, NY 10019. Philoptochos extends sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that made the dream of a permanent home for Philoptochos a reality. Please note two upcoming events at the new home: Friday, Nov. 1, the Feast Day of Sts. Cosmas and Damianos, the Philoptochos patron saints. Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, National Philoptochos advisor, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy followed by an artoclasia at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, 319 East 74th Street, New York. Philoptochos hosts an Open House at the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy immediately following the services. For information: 212.977.7770 or www.philoptochos.org

OCTOBER 2013

A Self-Guided Virtual Tour of HCHC

2 3

Though it is very unlikely that most readers of the Orthodox Observer throughout the U.S. and 33 other countries where it circulates will have the opportunity to visit the Hellenic College Holy Cross campus, the Observer brings the school to the readers through this “virtual” orientation tour. It stands in dramatic contrast to the seminary of the early days in the late 1930’s in rural Connecticut where the first successful attempt to educate priests in America had its beginnings. The institution welcomes individuals and groups who do want to visit the campus, which is set on 60 acres atop a verdant hill overlooking the city of Boston. The “tour” begins at the top of the tree-covered “holy hill” and leads downward to the Pappas Gymnasium.

4 9

1. (At right) Dendrinos Village-Appropriately set among dozens of “dendra”, construction of the four buildings with 24 apartments began in 1995. They contain one, two or three bedrooms to accommodate married students and their families. 2. (Far right) Halki Village–Built in 1982 and first used as seminarian apartments, the 12 townhouses are now occupied by married students and their families.

4. Holy Cross Chapelthe spiritual center of HCHC was built in the early 1960’s with funds raised by GOYA chapters throughout the country. It has undergone several improvements over the years and plays a vital role in the liturgical training of the seminarians.

Photos by Peggy Giovane

3. Maliotis Cultural Center-built and donated in 1976 by the late Costas and Mary Maliotis, the two–level building, the cultural center for all of Greek Orthodox New England, consists of a 346–seat auditorium, two lecture areas, a 3,250 square– foot lobby and administrative offices. Cultural and religious programs held here throughout the year draw many area Greek Orthodox Christians and scholars.

5 5. Archbishop Cavadas Administrative Building – the nerve center of HCHC (the original Weld Mansion and its additions), houses administrative and faculty offices, the Holy Cross Book Store on the ground floor and, at the far end, the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education with its treasury of religious education materials. 8.Condakes Hall – The cafeteria is in the west wing of Polemanakos Hall and serves about 600 meals a day to students and faculty who gather in fellowship.

9 9. Skouras Classroom Building –The two-story building with classrooms, a language lab and computer labs, was built in 1960 and named for great benefactor Spyros Skouras, head of 20th Century Fox Studios. It also houses the Dept. of Internet Ministries.

6. Archbishop Iakovos Library and Learning Resource Center-the building was dedicated Sept. 12, 1999 with President George Bush serving as honorary chairman of the dedication committee. The structure also encompasses the former Costidas–Tonna Library. The library houses about 65,000 books, 400 periodicals, sacred artifacts and archives of Archbishop Iakovos.

10. Pappas Gymnasium – Donated by John and Thomas Pappas, the gym includes a basketball court, two racquetball courts and a state–of–the–art fitness center donated by Leadership 100. The gym served as the practice site for the Boston Celtics in the 1980s and early ‘90s where such legends as Hall of Famers Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale perfected their sport.

7. (Above) Polemanakos Dormitory– Two brothers from Houston, Theodore and Nicholas Polemanakos, donated the building, which was completed in the 1968-69 academic year. It has a capacity of 158 students and is divided into separate men’s and women’s’ floors. Each floor has a study lounge and bathroom facilities, and also houses a student lounge, recreation room, laundry room, student mailboxes and a resident assistant’s office.

OCTOBER 2013

HCHC 75th Anniversary

HCHC Jubilee Weekend Finale by Christine Karavites

Sunday was a glorious finale to the September Jubilee celebration that began with overflow crowds under the tent for the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Demetrios who then offered a moving Trisagion at the gravesite of Archbishop Iakovos, Metropolitan Silas and Bishop Gerasimos of blessed memory as well as for the alumni at the Alumni Wall of Honor. The brilliant, sunny day enhanced the beauty of the magnificently landscaped HCHC campus adorned with flowers of all colors and hues and the Hellenic College Holy Cross maroon and gold banner. Hundreds of guests from across the country boarded the Historic Boston Trolley Cars, hopped on the golf carts and were greeted at the information booth as they walked the breadth of the

His Eminence offers some constructive comments for this little boy’s art project.

Dozens of Greek dancers from several parishes of the Metropolis of Boston with Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh and other clergy and school officials at the Sept. 15 open house.

campus enjoying superior views of the city of Boston. Archbishop Demetrios engaged in the celebration stopping to greet the children creating Byzantine crowns, icons, face painting and balloon creatures; joined the Metropolis of Boston Dance groups at the Maliotis Center for several performances and a group photo and visited those enjoying lunch under the tent. Additional activities included the

Iconography Exhibit, tours of the chapel, the Archbishop Iakovos Museum and Library and full campus tours. His Eminence stated, “We should have more of these celebrations.” About 1,000 people attended the beautiful, fun–filled, educational and inspirational day, as a proper finale to the 75–year celebration. Throughout the weekend we heard comments and many from our own Me-

tropolis friends who did not know the graves were here, never knew the campus was so large, etc... The goal was to offer myriad activities around the campus so that we encouraged – some say forced – people to visit beyond the chapel and the administration building.

Fr. Peter Chamberis, school chaplain, participates in the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Chapel.

A young child with her pet “balloon dog” at the open house Jaharis Center arts & crafts activity.

Arts and crafts activities taking place in conjunction with the Mary Jaharis Center.

Jaharis Center Teaches Byzantine Art by Josh Cole

As part of its 75th Jubilee celebrations, Hellenic College Holy Cross hosted a campus festival and open house. The Mary Jaharis Center, which is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of knowledge about the rich heritage of Byzantine art and culture, participated in the event with family-themed programming. In conjunction with the Hellenic College Holy Cross 75th Anniversary Jubilee, on Sept.15, the Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture sponsored an afternoon of Byzantine-themed children’s crafts and provided family entertainment. An able group of Hellenic College Holy Cross students helped Brandie Ratliff, the new director of the Mary Jaharis Center, run the crafts table, which had as its aim children’s interaction with the art of the Byzantine world.

Children made paper mosaics using designs derived from Byzantine mosaics, created crowns inspired by the imperial portraits in the Hagia Sophia, and crafted bracelets and shields based on repoussé, a metalworking technique in which designs are raised by working metal from the reverse. All in attendance were delighted when Archbishop Demetrios of America visited the crafts table to watch the young artists in action. His Eminence joined right in, helping some children with their crowns. The children weren’t the only artists on campus. The ZeeBree face painters transformed kids into butterflies, puppies, monsters, and other whimsical creations. Their skill and imagination was matched by the twisters of Balloon Moose. Using balloons, they created penguins, octopuses, and even a snowmobile. While waiting in line, children

Christine Karavites was the HCHC 75th Anniversary Jubilee chairman.

Photos by Nikos Tzetzis

One of the Greek dance troupes entertain the audience at the open house.

enjoyed free cotton candy provided by the Mary Jaharis Center.

* Josh Cole is Marketing and Communications Manager at HCHC.

A RCHDIOCESE N E WS

OCTOBER 2013

L–100 Sponsors Video Series on Orthodox Christianity “Discovering Orthodox Christianity,” a 26–part series of talk shows and Bible studies produced by Greek Orthodox Telecommunications, (GOTelecom) and designed to educate viewers about the basic teachings of Orthodox Christianity, was made possible with a grant from Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. Archbishop Demetrios presents five programs, which were videotaped at Archdiocese headquarters in Manhattan. The remaining 21 were videotaped with other presenters in Holy Cross Chapel at HCHC. (See listings at end of article) The programs were developed by GOTelecom Senior Producer/Director Nicholas J. Furris and Managing Director Marissa P. Costidis, with input from Stavroula Savelidis. The production team worked closely with director of the Department of Religious Education Dr. Anton Vrame to identify show topics and experts in those topics. Staci Spanos, newscaster from Jacksonville, Fla., served as the host, engaging the guests and inspiring thoughtful and educational discussions. “We are extremely grateful to Archbishop Demetrios and Leadership 100 for recognizing the opportunity to use video and subsequent dissemination in multiple platforms to educate and inform our faithful and all people who are interested in the Orthodox Faith. Leadership 100 has always supported the work of GOTelecom, and in this day and age we have so many more ways of getting our message of Christ’s love out to an international audience,” said Mr. Furris. The programs will be available to the public beginning in November and will be accessible on YouTube at www.YouTube. com/greekorthodoxchurch. Additionally, the programs will air on the Archdiocese television channel through WhereverTV. The Channel, GOTelecomTV, is the only Greek Orthodox channel offered

and is free on both internet and television and features past GOTelecom productions, including Greek Orthodox religious, cultural and educational programs. WhereverTV, a cable television service, uses the internet instead of cable wires or satellite dishes to bring television programming to you. There are two ways to watch – either by streaming content directly to your PC or iPad, or by using a ROKU Box streaming device connected to your television. There is no installation needed as long as a wireless internet connection already exists. To learn more about WhereverTV’s GreekTV service visit: http://greek.wherever.tv or call WhereverTV at 412-663-0094. The programs are also available as a complete set for parish and ministry education. Contact GOTelecom for more information at 212-774-0244. A number of marketing tools will be used to inform faithful about the availability of these programs, including highlighting

(Above left) The series DVD cover. (Above right) Director Nick Furris speaks with Staci Spanos at a videotaping session. (Below) Staci Spanos with presenters Rev. Dr. Alkiviadis Calivas and Rev. Dr. Philip Zymaris.

the series on the Archdiocese home page at www.goarch.org, through social media, listservers, blogs and podcasts. The Archbishop presents programs 11, and 23 to 26, as follows: 11 – The Ecumenical Patriarchate – Aspects of Past and Present; 23 – An Interpretation of Psalm 8 – A Bible study; 24 – An Interpretation of the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 19, Verses 1-10 – A Bible

study; 25 – An Interpretation of St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 8,, Verses 31–39 – A Bible study; 26 – An Interpretation of the First Epistle of St. John, Chapter 4, Verses 7–16 – A Bible study.

Other programs and presenters 1) What is Orthodox Christianity? - Rev. Dr. Thomas Fitzgerald and Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis 2) The Bible in the Orthodox Church – The Old Testament -Rev. Dr. Harry Pappas 3) The Bible in the Orthodox Church – The New Testament - Rev. Dr. Eugen Pentiuc and Dr. Bruce Beck 4) Worship in Life - Rev. Dr. Alkiviadis Calivas and Rev. Dr. Philip Zymaris 5) The Orthodox Liturgical Year - Rev. Dr. Philip Zymaris and Rev. Fr. John Vlahos 6) The House of God – Iconography - Dr. Helen C. Evans and Dr. Anton C. Vrame 7) The House of God – Architecture, Vestments the Religious Articles -Dr. Helen C. Evans and Dr. Anton C. Vrame 8 ) Music in the Orthodox Church - Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos, Dr. Vicki Pappas and Dr. Grammenos Karanos 9) The Early Church - Dr. Demetrios S. Katos and Dr. James C. Skedros 10) The Modern Church – the Growth of the Orthodox Church in America -Fr. Mark Arey and Dr. Anton C. Vrame 12) Orthodoxy and Other Faith Tradition - Metropolitan Methodios of Boston and Rev. Dr. Demetrios Tonias 13) Orthodoxy: Faith In Action - Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit and Fr. John Vlahos 14) The Orthodox Stance on Moral the Social Issues - Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, and V. Rev. Dr. Nathanael Symeonides 15) Saints and Martyrs of the Orthodox Church - Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis and Dr. James C. Skedros 16) The Changing Orthodox Family - Rev. Fr. Constantine L. Sitaras and Presbytera Kerry Pappas 17) Orthodoxy and Our Youth - Fr. Jason Roll and Eva Kokinos 18) Ministering to our Elderly -V. Rev. Dr. Nathanael Symeonides 19) Orthodoxy in a New Media Age - Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh and Theo Nicolakis 20) Faith and Pop Culture - Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh 21) Patristics – The Fathers of the Church - Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis and Dr. James C. Skedros 22 ) The Ethics of Orthodoxy - Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit and Rev. Dr. Mark Sietsema

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OCTOBER 2013

Encyclicals

Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries Saints Cosmas and Damian To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ. The Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian is the occasion of our annual offering for the philanthropic ministries of our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate. Led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society through the local chapters in our parishes, we are asked to contribute generously to services and programs for orphans, the elderly, the sick and the poor. Certainly, we respond to this appeal out of our love and support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. We also respond through our love for the faithful Orthodox Christians in Turkey and in our commitment to offer the witness of Christ and the Gospel through compassionate service to anyone in need. This commemoration of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian and our offering of support to the philanthropic ministries of our Patriarchate represent the very meaning of philanthropy. In response to God’s grace in their lives, Cosmas and Damian used their skills to offer compassionate service to all. Their motivation to respond was not based on the worthiness of a person, nor was it dependent on the social or economic status of the one in need. Freely they had received the power of healing through the grace of God, and freely they gave as a witness of the true life that is found in Christ. As Orthodox Christians our philanthropic ministry is twofold. First, we are called to care for those within our community of faith. We are brothers and sisters in

Christ, and together we share both the joys and the burdens of those in our parishes, in our Church in America, and among our beloved faithful throughout the world. Knowing the needs and challenges of our Ecumenical Patriarchate should also lead us to give faithfully and generously. Second, we are called to offer ministry and healing to any person in need. Our Lord who had compassion on the sick and the poor, who gave His disciples the power to preach and to heal, who blessed Cosmas and Damian and many other Saints with the ability to bring comfort and restoration, He sends us into our communities to seek and to save those who are lost in poverty, homelessness, hunger, and infirmity. He also calls us to support vital ministries that are accomplishing this mission around the world. This is why we are asked by our Ladies Philoptochos Society to support the philanthropic ministries of our Ecumenical Patriarchate. On Sunday, November 3, our parishes are asked to have a special collection for this purpose, and I ask our faithful throughout the Holy Archdiocese to give generously. By supporting these ministries we not only bring encouragement and hope to many of our brothers and sisters in need, but we also strengthen the witness of Christ through the work of the hierarchs, clergy, and laity under the Archdiocese of Constantinople and the Metropolitanates in Turkey. May we ask for the continued blessings of the Lord upon these sacred ministries and for His guidance in offering our resources and our lives so that others in need will find solace, hope, and salvation in Him. With paternal love in Christ,

† DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of America

OXI Day What does the Lord seek from you but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 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, On this day of October 28, we give thanks to God and we remember our valiant forbearers for their stand against the forces of tyranny in 1940. For the people of Greece, their love of freedom after centuries of occupation helped them to recognize the heinous nature of the expansion of the Axis powers and to support heroically the “NO” given in reply by the prime minister when asked to surrender. In the midst of overwhelming threats of violence and destruction, they also relied on their faith in God and on their affirmation of all that is just and true. Certainly, the people of Greece knew

that the attempt to occupy their beloved land was unjust. The forces of the totalitarian regimes of the Axis had already taken life, liberty, and property in other countries, and the onslaught of fascism continued. In response our ancestors sought to defend our homeland, to meet injustice with honor, and to support the response of “NO” with a willingness to sacrifice all for the cause of freedom. They knew their character, identity, and faith would not allow them to step aside quietly and acquiesce to the demands of tyranny. The response of the Greeks to the Fascist and Nazi Axis forces and the resistance to occupation was just, for it was a firm and bold recognition of evil. They knew that ultimately this was a confrontation with powers that sought to strip people of their freedom, their dignity, and even their lives. This just cause was also motivated by a love of family, of sacred and ancestral lands, and of the blessings of freedom. Further, the stand of the people of Greece was not characterized by arrogance, disdain, and conceit. These attributes of the Axis leaders and forces were met by a strong and humble people whose love of God and each other led them to act justly, seeking to uphold what was good and noble and placing their hope and future in

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OCTOBER 2013

IOCC IOCC Expands Eﬀort to Address Growing Food Needs in Greece BALTIMORE – Seeking to rally the Greek American community’s support for the humanitarian crisis in Greece, the Jaharis Family Foundation announced a $1 million Challenge Grant for IOCC to expand its program to provide fresh food for the growing number of children, families and elderly facing poverty and hunger in Greece. The Challenge Grant to IOCC is part of a larger $2 million pledge made by the Jaharis Family Foundation to support relief efforts by IOCC and other groups in Greece. The gift to IOCC will help expand the work that it has been doing over the past two years to address the critical health and nutritional needs emerging in Greece. Every dollar contributed to IOCC’s efforts in Greece will be matched by the Jaharis Family Foundation. IOCC anticipates that 1.7 million people will benefit from access to fresh food, supplemental food assistance, medical aid and other support over the next two years. An estimated 50,000 vulnerable families throughout Greece will benefit from the program. Through the provision of food products and health supplies donated to the effort, IOCC expects that it will be able to deliver more than $8 million in assistance as a result of the grant from the Jaharis Family Foundation. “We know from our work in a variety of contexts around the world that lack of proper nutrition not only causes personal suffering, but also has detrimental effects on long-term health and productivity,” said Constantine M. Triantafilou, IOCC executive director. “We are concerned about those who are especially vulnerable – children and the elderly – and are deeply appreciative of this important gift from the Jaharis Family Foundation as well as the continued support of Archbishop Demetrios and the Archdiocese to help make this work possible.” Over the past two years, IOCC has delivered more than $4 million in food, medical assistance and heating fuel to Greece with the support of the Greek Diaspora. IOCC also responded with emergency relief and long-term assistance to the agricultural community in Greece following the 2007 wildfires that devastated family farms over a wide area of

the Peloponnese. “Part of our response will be to engage Greek farmers in supplying fresh food products for people in need,” explained Triantafilou. “In this way, we are not only providing critical nutrition for people in need, but are able to develop locally sourced and sustainable resources that will benefit the Greek economy as well.” The gift from the Jaharis Family Foundation will help IOCC develop and sustain these efforts in partnership with Apostoli, the humanitarian organization of the Archdiocese of Athens. “The Jaharis Family Foundation’s generosity will assist us in further developing our programs and partnerships with Apostoli to offer assistance to children who are experiencing the devastating effects of poverty and hunger,” added Triantafilou. “This lead gift will help offer immediate relief and also help support programs that will create jobs and expand sustainable local agricultural initiatives. We will be able to greatly increase our efforts in offering assistance with dignity and respect.” In announcing the gift on behalf of the foundation, Michael Jaharis stated, “Mary Jaharis experienced the devastating childhood hunger and poverty that existed in Greece during and immediately after World War II, and we, along with our family, feel compelled to support organizations promoting the welfare of children of Greece during the current crisis. “We are honored and humbled to support IOCC’s great work responding to international humanitarian crisis and, specifically, their response to the crisis in Greece. We hope that this gift will inspire other members throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Hellenic American community to collectively respond by donating funds that will match this gift and therefore further positively impact the children as well as other vulnerable populations such as the elderly of Greece.” Contributions to IOCC’s efforts in Greece will be matched by the Jaharis Family Foundation Inc. on a dollar-fordollar basis – effectively doubling every gift made to the humanitarian relief effort. To learn more about donating to further assist Greece, visit: www.iocc.org/Greece.

Addressing the Needs of Syria’s Christians BALTIMORE – For centuries the Syrian town of Maaloula has been a peaceful enclave of coexistence among Christian and Muslim neighbors, and one of the few places where Aramaic, the ancient language of Christ, is still spoken. That peace was shattered recently when the country’s conflict spilled into the area and threatened the safety of the more than 2,000 people who live there. Many of the townspeople managed to escape Maaloula before the roads were closed, while others found themselves outside of the town unable to return to their homes. It is unknown how many families remain trapped in Maaloula, but those who were able to flee describe the situation they left behind as being harrowing. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) in cooperation with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East (GOPA) is assessing the urgent needs of the Syrian families displaced from Maaloula. To date, IOCC/GOPA has registered more than 300 displaced families from Maaloula who gathered at the Church of

the Holy Cross in Damascus. Speaking on behalf of the Patriarchate, Bishop Efram Maalouli offered reassurance to all those seeking relief. “Assisting the needy is one of the first priorities that Jesus Christ called for, and affirms the calling of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East to continually extend a helping hand to all the people of Syria – Muslims and Christians of all sects and denominations,” said Bishop Efram as he stressed the importance of prayer for peace for the people of Syria. “We share in the pain of the displaced families from Maaloula.” With 18 field offices across the country, IOCC/GOPA supports one of the largest established networks to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid inside Syria where more than 7 million people are currently in need of assistance. In addition to its work inside Syria, IOCC staff is on the ground working regionally to address the growing needs of more than two million refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Armenia as well as people in need in those host countries.

OCTOBER 2013

Metropolis news

Modern Greek Architecture in Istanbul Exhibit Opening in Chicago

Center dedicated - (from left) Fr. Fred Fotion, V. Rev. Archmandrite Apostolos Koufallakis; Chris W. Caras; Metropolitan Gerasimos; Joan Caras and Fr. Michael Courey.

California Church Dedicates Education Center REDONDO BEACH, Calif. – St. Katherine Church celebrated the blessing and dedication of the Joan and Chris W. Caras Education Center on Sept. 29, officiated by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, and assisted by the chancellor, the Very Rev. Archmandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, Fr. Michael K. Courey, Fr. Fred G. Fotion and Deacon Kyriakos Constantine. The Education Center includes a newly remodeled and expanded classroom building, a youth room and a fellowship hall that will be used for meetings and smaller functions. The dedication was followed by a luncheon for all parishioners attending. Speakers included Capital Campaign Committee member John Papadakis, Building Committee Chairman Robert Vezzuto and Parish Council president and Capital Campaign Committee Chairman George Mitsanas. St. Katherine Church has completed the first phase of three planned and will soon begin phase two. Joan and Chris W. Caras as two of the grand benefactors were instrumental in making Phase 1 a reality.

CHICAGO: The Metropolis of Chicago will sponsor the exhibit, “Greek Architects of Istanbul in the Era of Westernization,” which focuses on the contributions of Greek architects to the modernization of Istanbul (ancient Constantinople). The exhibit runs from Oct. 27 to Nov. 10 and is open to the public at the at the Damen Student Center at Loyola University of Chicago (6511 N Sheridan Road). This exhibition was organized by Zographion Lyceum Association of Istanbul and co-funded by Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture and the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation. Opened in Istanbul in 2010, the exhibition has traveled to six cities in Greece, including Athens and Thessaloniki. A large number of Greek architects greatly contributed to Istanbul’s architec-

ture. Today the buildings in certain districts of Istanbul are still standing with all their magnificent forms and the splendor of their unique architectural character. From large state and commercial buildings to smaller residential buildings, prominent Greek individuality is expressed in the photographs. This collective effort, begun in 2008, highlights this otherwise unknown imprint of the Greek Orthodox community on the cultural life of modern Istanbul. The exhibition is a captivating way to get to know the diversity of buildings and their innovative uses, and the life of families and eminent personalities who lived there. Additionally, the exhibition features everyday people who brought life to this built environment for so many decades by living together in peace and practicing a multicultural coexistence.

Three generations of Yiayia’s,

Metropolis Honors St. Paul Medal Winners Metropolitan Gerasimos awarded the Medal of St. Paul to Joan and Chris Caras and to Rosalind Farmans Halikis. These stewards have an exemplary record of distinguished service to St. Katherine In Redondo Beach, and to many other Orthodox communities and organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Caras and Mrs. Halikis are grand benefactors of the building project at St. Katherine, each offering a pledge of one million dollars, thus representing the top two donor families. Mr. and Mrs. Caras have been enthusiastic supporters of the entire renovation project. Phase One included a newly remodeled and expanded classroom building, now named the Joan & Chris W. Caras Education Center. They have been active at St. Katherine in the following ways: Stewardship; chairing the Building Committee (72–73); Audit Committee; V.P. of the St. Katherine Foundation and members of Philopto-

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OCTOBER 2013

Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon Pittsburgh Hosts First CMF Event

Dimitrios Panagos photo

Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh records the luncheon for posterity (and his facebook page).

2013 Children’s Medical Fund Recipients The following are the Metropolis of Pittsburgh 2013 recipients of the $136,900 in grants awarded at the medical fund luncheon. Any funds not dispersed at the luncheon will be put in the National Philoptochos Fund for other philanpthropic uses.

Ohio

Canton – Aultman Hospital, $3,500. The grant will be used to purchase donor breast milk from the Mother’s Milk Bank of Ohio, located in Grant Medical Center in Columbus. Cleveland – Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, $20,000. The CMF grant will directly fund medications and supplies that are not covered by health insurance in order to provide ongoing support and relief for the families of patients. * University Hospital’s Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, $21,000. The CMF funds will be used for insulin pumps and will help advance diabetic self-management among children. Columbus – The Children’s League Center, $10,000. CMF funds will support one social worker and expenses associated with home visits, and professional development. Lancaster – New Horizons Youth & Family Care Center, $12,000. The CMF grant will subsidize the screening and outpatient treatment of additional children and families who are uninsured or under–insured. Public funding for services such as these has been drastically reduced over the past three years, causing children with severe emotional disturbances to go untreated. CMF funds will help restore care for these children.

Pennsylvania

Harrisburg – Pinnacle Health Children’s Resouce Center, $16,500. The CMF funds will offset expenses related to child forensic medical examinations and mental health counseling services, as well as training. Irwin – Genre’s Kids with Cancer

Fund, $9,000. The CMF grant will be used to purchase hand held electronics for pediatric cancer patients. Pittsburgh – Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center, $10,000. The CMF grant enables the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh to provide services to additional children in the Child’s Way. * Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, $12,000. CMF funds will permit researches to expand the number of children enrolled in the trial, increase the options for patients, and prepare to enlarge the trial to other sites so that more children throughout the country have access to the therapy, and more researches are engaged in the work. In doing so, the trial will maintain momentum toward developing a viable treatment for these fatal tumors. * Variety the Children’s Charity, $5,400. CMF funds will be used to purchase additional adaptive bikes to expand the number of children served by the Center. Stroudsburg – The Angel’s Closet, $1,500. The CMF grant will be used to purchase clothing and accessories for newborns, which will be distributed by The Angel’s Closet.

PITTSBURGH – The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos hosted their first Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon on Oct. 12, which drew about 500 supporters from every metropolis. The attendance figure for the 14th national luncheon far exceeded expectations and 13 hospitals and medical facilities caring for the needs of children were the beneficiaries. The event raised $136,900. Since the start of the CMF luncheons, Philoptochos has raised more than $14 million to benefit children at nearly 80 medical facilities in every metropolis and abroad. At a press conference, National President Aphrodite Skeadas praised the work of Pittsburgh Metropolis Philoptochos President Rosemary Nikas in organizing the event. “Rosemary Nikas has done amazing things and brought in a record number of attendees,” she said. Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh added his accolades for the effort. “I’m proud of what’s been accomplished by the 37 Philoptochos chapters. They raised twice as much as others across the country” on a chapter-by-chapter basis. Metropolitan Savas added that within the past two years the metropolis has raised “more than $400,000 for Archdiocesan causes, and about $120,000 for HCHC.” He added, “I honor Metropolitan Maximos for having delivered such a wonderful metropolis that was in his care for 32 years.” Archbishop Demetrios praised the leadership displayed by the Philoptochos women at the metropolis and Archdiocese levels and Bishop Savas for promoting the luncheon for Pittsburgh. “It is quite an experience to be among

such leaders,” His Eminence said. At the luncheon at Pittsburgh’s Fairmont hotel, Fox News Congressional Correspondent Mike Emanuel served as master of ceremonies. He commented in his opening remarks that, “Where there is a need, Philoptochos delivers. Thank God for all of you and the tireless work you do.” Luncheon honorees included Maria Skiadas, the outgoing Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos president, who organized the 2011 luncheon that took place at Old Greenwich, Conn. The recipient of the 2013 Arista Award, which is bestowed upon exceptional members for their philanthropic service and contributions, was Helen Collis, wife of Cleveland neurosurgeon Dr. John Collis. Mrs. Collis has served in numerous positions at her parish of Sts. Constantine and Helen in Cleveland Heights, as well as on numerous boards of local professional and civic organizations and on the National Philoptochos Board, where she served as co-chair of the Hellenic College Holy Cross Committee. On Oct. 11, the day before the luncheon, members of the National Philoptochos Executive Board held a full-day meeting. Their discussions included the acquiring of a building for the Center of Philanthropy in Manhattan that will serve as the permanent headquarters for the philanthropic organization. They also discussed their continuing efforts to provide aid to Greece and Cyprus during their period of economic hardship, which most recently included $40,000 to the Cyprus Autistic Association and $20,000 to Apostoli, the philanthropic organization of the Church of Greece.

West Virginia

Morgantown – West Virginia University Children’s Hospital, $11,000. The CMF grant will provide funds to assist the Pediatric Supportive Care Program to continue its work with child trauma victims, thereby directly enhancing the children’s emotional well–being. Weirton – Weirton Christian Center, $5,000. The CMF grant will be used for gasoline costs to enable the Weirton Christian Center to provide these vital transportation services. The Center provides a safe afterschool program for children ages 3 to 18. Children receive homework help, access to computers and tutors, snacks, dinner and Bible study.

Orthodox Observer photo

National Philoptochos Executive Board members and Bishop Sevastianos at Pittsburgh event.

ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2013

ΕΤΟΣ 78 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1289

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ

Ηγεσίες Ελλάδος–Κύπρου επισκέφθηκαν την Αρχιεπισκοπή ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý

Φωτογραφία: ΠΟΛΕΜΙΚΟ ΜΟΥΣΕΙΟ

Ελληνες στρατιώτες προελαύνουν, έξω από την Κλεισούρα, Νοέμβριος 1940.

28η Ὀκτωβρίου Ἡμέρα τοῦ ΟΧΙ Ἥ τί Κύριος ἐκζητεῖ παρά σοῦ, ἀλλ’ ἤ τοῦ ποιεῖν κρίμα, καί ἀγαπᾷν ἔλεον, καί ἕτοιμον εἶναι τοῦ πορεύεσθαι μετά Κυρίου Θεοῦ σου; (Μιχαίου 6:8) Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Τήν ἡμέρα τῆς 28ης Ὀκτωβρίου εὐχαριστοῦμε τόν Θεό καί τιμοῦμε τούς ἀνδρείους προγόνους μας γιά τήν στάση τήν ὁποία ἐπέδειξαν ἔναντι τῶν δυνάμεων τῆς τυραννίας τό 1940. Ἡ ἀγάπη τῶν Ἑλλήνων γιά τήν ἐλευθερία, μετά ἀπό αἰῶνες κατοχῆς, τούς βοήθησε νά ἀναγνωρίσουν τήν ἀποτρόπαια φύση τῆς ἐξαπλώσεως τῶν δυνάμεων τοῦ Ἄξονος καί νά ὑποστηρίξουν ἡρωϊκά τό «ΟΧΙ» τοῦ πρωθυπουργοῦ ὅταν ἀντιτάχθηκε στήν ἀπαίτηση νά παραδοθῇ. Ἐν μέσῳ τεραστίων ἀπειλῶν βίας καί καταστροφῆς, στηρίχθηκαν καί στήν πίστη τους στόν Θεό καθώς καί στήν ἐμπιστοσύνη τους στήν ἔννοια τοῦ δικαίου καί τοῦ ἀληθινοῦ. Βεβαίως, οἱ Ἕλληνες γνώριζαν ὅτι ἡ προσπάθεια τοῦ κατακτητοῦ ἐναντίον τῆς ἀγαπημένης τους πατρίδος ἦταν ἄδικη. Ἤδη οἱ δυνάμεις τῶν ὁλοκληρωτικῶν καθεστώτων τοῦ Ἄξονος εἶχαν ἀφαιρέσει τήν ἐλευθερία, τίς ζωές καί περιουσίες ἀνθρώπων σέ ἄλλες χῶρες, καί ἡ ἐξάπλωση τοῦ φασισμοῦ συνεχιζόταν. Σέ ἀπάντηση, οἱ πρόγονοί μας προσπάθησαν νά ὑπεραμυνθοῦν τῆς πατρίδος μας, νά ἀντιμετωπίσουν τήν ἀδικία μέ τιμή, καί νά ὑποστηρίξουν τήν ἀπάντηση «ΟΧΙ» μέ τήν ἐπιθυμία νά θυσιάσουν τά πάντα γιά τήν ἐλευθερία. Γνώριζαν ὅτι ὁ χαρακτήρας, ἡ ταυτότητα καί πίστη τους δέν θά τούς ἐπέτρεπε νά μείνουν ἄπραγοι καί νά ἐνδώσουν στίς ἀπαιτήσεις τῆς τυραννίας. Ἡ ἀντίσταση τῶν Ἑλλήνων στόν Φασισμό, στόν Ναζιστικό Ἄξονα καί στήν κατοχή ἦταν δίκαιη ὡς τολμηρή καί θαρραλέα ἀπάντηση στό κακό. Γνώριζαν ὅτι ἡ στάση τους οὐσιαστικά ἦταν σύγκρουση μέ τίς δυνάμεις οἱ ὁποῖες ἀποζητοῦσαν νά ἀφαιρέσουν ἀπό τούς ἀνθρώπους τήν ἐλευθερία, τήν ἀξιοπρέπεια καί τίς ζωές τους ἀκόμη. Αὐτός ὁ ἱερός σκοπός

uΣελίδα 16

ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος υποδέχθηκε στις 24 Σεπτεμβρίου στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής τον Πρόεδρο της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας κ. Νίκο Αναστασιάδη, ο οποίος επισκέπτεται την Νέα Υόρκη συμμετέχοντας στη Γενική Συνέλευση του Οργανισμού Ηνωμένων Εθνών. Τον κ. Αναστασιάδη συνόδευαν η σύζυγος του και πρώτη κυρία της Κύπρου κυρία Άντρη Αναστασιάδου, ο Πρέσβυς της Κύπρου στην Ουάσινγκτον κ. Γιώργος Σιακαλλής, ο Μόνιμος Αντιπρόσωπος της Κύπρου στον ΟΗΕ κ. Νικόλαος Αιμιλίου, ο Κυβερνητικός Εκπρόσωπος κ. Χρήστος Στυλιανίδης, ο κ. Νίκος Χριστοδουλίδης (διευθυντής) και ο κ. Παντελής Παντελίδης του Διπλωματικού Γραφείου του Προέδρου, η Γενική Πρόξενος της Κύπρου στη Νέα Υόρκη κ. Κούλα Σοφιανού και ο κ. Πανίκος Παπανικολάου. Εκ μέρους της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής παρευρέθησαν ο Θεοφιλέστατος Επίσκοπος Ζήλων κ. Σεβαστιανός και ο π. Αλέξανδρος Καρλούτσος. Στις δηλώσεις του προς τους εκπροσώπους του Τύπου ο κ. Αναστασιάδης δήλωσε: «Θέλω να εκφράσω τη συγκίνησή μου σήμερα γιατί είχα την ευκαιρία να συναντηθώ με τον Μακαριώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο και μέσα από την συνάντηση να μου δοθεί ευκαιρία να εκφράσω και την βαθιά ευγνωμοσύνη για την συμπαράσταση της Εκκλησίας αλλά και ιδιαίτερα των πρωτοβουλιών που αναλαμβάνει στην Αμερική για να συμπαρασταθεί

Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

Ο Πρόεδρος της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας κ. Νίκος Αναστασιάδης με τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο.

στους δυσπραγούντες, σαν αποτέλεσμα της οικονομική κρίσης, Κυπρίους πολίτες. Ενημέρωσα τον Μακαριώτατο για τα όσα διαμείβονται και λαμβάνουν χώρα τόσο για την οικονομική κρίση αλλά ιδιαιτέρως και για το εθνικό θέμα. Θέλω να πω και δημόσια και να μεταφέρω τις ευγνώμονες ευχαριστίες όχι μόνον της Κυβερνήσεώς μου αλλά και του Κυπριακού Ελληνισμού για τις σημαντικές πρωτοβουλίες που ανελήφθησαν τελευταίως και έχουν συμβάλλει σημαντικά στην ανακούφιση πασχόντων Κυπρίων σαν αποτέλεσμα της οικονομικής κρίσης».

Ενημέρωση Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.- Τα μέλη του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου έλαβαν σημαντική ενημέρωση από τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής Δημήτριο και τον Εκτελεστικό Διευθυντή της Αρχιεπισκοπής Ιερώνυμο Δημητρίου, αναφορικά με την πρόοδο της ανοικοδόμησης της εκκλησίας του Αγίου Νικολάου στο ‘σημείο μηδέν’, κατά τη διάρκεια των εργασιών του συμβουλίου για το φθινόπωρο του 2013. «Οταν η Εκκλησία αυτή ανοίξει τις θύρες της θα είναι μία από τις πιο ιστορικές και σημαντικές εκδηλώσεις που έχει προσφέρει ποτέ στην ιστορία της αυτή η εκκλησία στην Αμερική» , είπε ο κ. Δημητρίου. «Θα είναι ένα γεγονός χωρίς προηγούμενο, πολύ σημαντικό κι αξιόλογο», πρόσθεσε. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος έκανε την αφήγηση κατά τη διάρκεια προβολής μιας σειράς διαφανειών η οποία παρουσίαζε αντιπροσωπευτικά δείγματα και αρχιτεκτονικά μοντέλα της προτεινόμενης εκκλησίας, η οποία θα κατασκευαστεί στην κορυφή ενός ενισχυμένου κελύφους από μπετόν πάνω από το Κέντρο της Διευθύνσεως Λιμένων Νέας Υόρκης και Νέας Ιερσέης. Τόνισε πως η Αρχιεπισκοπή συμβουλεύθηκε 13 αρχιτέκτονες μέχρι στιγμής αναφορικά με το έργο αυτό. «Το ‘σημείο μηδέν’ είναι ένας γιγαντιαίος τάφος 3.000 ανθρώπων», είπε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος, συγκρίνοντάς το με μια τοποθεσία κοντά στην πεδιάδα του Μαραθώνα στην Ελλάδα όπου υπάρχει ένας χαμηλός λόφος που καλύπτει τα υπολείμματα των στρατιωτών που έπεσαν το 490 π.χ. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος πρόσθεσε πως για πολλούς επιζώντες (της τρομοκρατικής επιθέσεως) και για τις οικογένειές τους, οι οποίοι δεν είχαν άλλο

μέρος για να ικανοποιήσουν τις θρησκευτικές τους ανάγκες, ιδιαίτερα μετά την τραγωδία της 11ης Σεπτεμβρίου, η εκκλησία αυτή που θα ανοικοδομηθεί θα καλύψει ακριβώς αυτό το μεγάλο κενό. «Πολλοί από τους πυροσβέστες και τους αστυνομικούς που έχασαν τη ζωή τους εκεί ήταν Ρωμαιοκαθολικοί», συνέχισε ο Σεβασμιώτατος. «Τώρα, (οι επιζώντες) θα έχουν ένα μέρος που θα μπορούν να ανάψουν ένα κερί, να έρθουν σε επαφή με τον Θεό», πρόσθεσε. Από την πλευρά του, ο Αντιπρόεδρος του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου, Μιχαήλ Τζαχάρης, τόνισε πως «η εκκλησία του Αγίου Νικολάου θα είναι ένα εθνικό ιερό. Αντιπρο-

σωπεύει ό,τι ακριβώς είναι η Ορθοδοξία». Ο κ. Τζαχάρης παρατήρησε πως ότι η εκκλησία αυτή θα λειτουργήσει ως ένα ισχυρό σύμβολο για τους περισσότερους από 200.000 επιβάτες που μετακινούνται κάθε ημέρα περνώντας από το κτίριο προς την εργασία τους. Για ένα μεγάλο χρονικό διάστημα μετά την 11η Σεπτεμβρίου, η Αρχιεπισκοπή αντιμετώπισε πολλές δυσκολίες στην επιδίωξη του στόχου να αποκαταστήσει την παρουσία της Εκκλησίας στην περιοχή αυτή του Κάτω Μανχάταν. «Ηταν πάρα πολύ δύσκολο να φτάσουμε να πραγματοποιηθεί αυτό» είπε ο κ. Τζαχάρης. «Χρειάστηκαν 12 χρόνια και μια δίκη και η ισχυρή υποστήριξη και από τους δυο Κυβερνήτες της Πολιτείας της Νέας Υόρκης, Τζορτζ Πατάκι και Αντριου Κουόμο. Περάσαμε πολύ μεγάλο χρονικό διάστημα και ξοδέψαμε πολλά χρήματα σε ομοσπονδιακά δικαστήρια ώστε να μπορέσει ο δικαστής να υποχρεώσει τη Διεύθυνση Λιμένων να συμφωνήσει», είπε.

Στη δική του δήλωση ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος μεταξύ άλλων τόνισε: «Κι εγώ θα ήθελα να εκφράσω την βαθύτατη συγκίνηση μου για την παρουσία του εξοχωτάτου Προέδρου της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας ο οποίος ήταν μαζί μας για μια ώρα σήμερα σ’ αυτήν την ιστορική επίσκεψη στην Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής και για μια ατμόσφαιρα εγκαρδιότητος, ειλικρίνειας, αγάπης και σεβασμού στην οποία διεξήχθη η συζήτηση μας στην ώρα που είμεθα μαζί. Ο κ. Πρόεδρος είχε την

uΣελίδα 16

Ανακοινωθέν Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συνόδου Ἡ Ἱερά Ἐπαρχιακή Σύνοδος τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς συνῆλθεν εἰς τήν τακτικήν συνεδρίαν αὐτῆς εἰς τήν αἴθουσαν τῆς Συνόδου τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς ἐν Νέᾳ Ὑόρκῃ τήν 16ην καί 17ην Ὀκτωβρίου 2013 ὑπό τήν προεδρίαν τοῦ Σεβασμιωτάτου Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Ἀμερικῆς κ. Δημητρίου καί τήν συμμετοχήν ἁπάντων τῶν Μελῶν αὐτῆς. Ἡ Σύνοδος κατά τήν συνεδρίαν αὐτῆς ἠσχολήθη μέ σειράν θεμάτων ἀφορώντων εἰς τήν ζωήν καί τό ἔργον τῆς Ἐκκλησίας μεταξύ τῶν ὁποίων καί τά ἑξῆς: 1) Λειτουργικά θέματα: Τήν προηγουμένην ἥτοι τήν 15ην Ὀκτωβρίου ἐ.ἔ., ἡ Σύνοδος ἐπεξειργάσθη μετάφρασιν εἰς τήν Ἀγγλικῆν τοῦ κειμένου τῆς Θείας Λειτουργίας καί ἐπεράτωσε τό ἔργον αὐτῆς. Είς τήν τελικήν αὐτῆς μορφήν, ἡ μετάφρασις ἐνσωματώνει καί στοιχεῖα παρελθόντα ἐκ τῆς δοκιμαστικῆς χρήσεως αύτῆς ὑπό ἱερέων τῆς Ἱ.Α. 2) Κανονικά θέματα: α) Ἐξητάσθησαν θεμάτα πειθαρχικῆς φύσεως κληρικῶν. β) Ἀνεθεωρήθη ὁ κατάλογος ὀνομάτων κληρικῶν ὑποψηφίων πρός Ἀρχιερατείαν, ὡς εἴθισται κατ΄ ἔτος. 3) Θέματα διοικητικῆς φύσεως: α) Ἠ Σύνοδος ἐνέκρινε διαδικασίαν ἐκδόσεως

uΣελίδα 16

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ

28η Ὀκτωβρίου • Ἡμέρα τοῦ ΟΧΙ uΣελίδα 15 ὑποκινεῖτο ἐπίσης καί ἀπό τήν ἀγάπη γιά τήν οἰκογένεια, τήν ἱερή καί προγονική γῆ καί τίς εὐλογίες πού ἀπορρέουν ἀπό τήν ἐλευθερία. Ἐπίσης, ἡ στάση τῶν Ἑλλήνων δέν εἶχε στοιχεῖα ἀλαζονείας, ἐπάρσεως ἤ περιφρονήσεως. Τά στοιχεῖα αὐτά τά ὁποῖα χαρακτήριζαν τούς ἡγέτες τοῦ Ἄξονος ἀντιμετωπίσθηκαν ἀπό δυνατούς καί ταπεινούς ἀνθρώπους τῶν ὁποίων ἡ ἀγάπη γιά τόν Θεό καί ἀλλήλους τούς ὁδήγησε νά ἐνεργήσουν μέ τρόπο δίκαιο, ἐπιχειρώντας νά διατηρήσουν τό καλό καί τό εὐγενές καί στηρίζοντας τήν ἐλπίδα καί τό μέλλον τους στίς ὑποσχέσεις τοῦ Θεοῦ. Τήν ἡμέρα αὐτή, τό «ΟΧΙ» τῆς 28ης Ὀκτωβρίου 1940, καί ἡ ἡρωϊκή στάση τῶν Ἑλλήνων μᾶς ἐμπνέει καί προσφέρει μαρτυρία στόν κόσμο ἀναφορικά μέ τήν προτεραιότητα καί τόν χαρακτήρα τῆς δικαιοσύνης ἐνώπιον μεγάλων κινδύνων καί ἀντιξοοτήτων. Σέ ὁλόκληρο τόν κόσμο μαίνονται πολλές διαμάχες γιά τήν κατάκτηση τῆς ἐξουσίας καί δημιουργοῦνται κινήματα ἐναντίον τῆς τυραννίας καί τῆς ἀδικίας. Ὡς Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί, μέ γνώμονα τήν πίστη μας στόν Θεό καί τήν συνειδητοποίηση ἐκ μέρους μας τῶν εὐλογιῶν τῆς κληρονομιᾶς μας, πρέπει νά διακρίνουμε τό δίκαιο ἀπό τό ἄδικο, νά ζοῦμε καί νά ἐνεργοῦμε δίκαια, νά ἀντιμετωπίζουμε τίς μηχανουργίες τοῦ κακοῦ,

καί μέ τήν χάρη τοῦ Θεοῦ νά ἐμπνεόμεθα ἀπό τήν ἀγάπη γιά τήν ζωή καί τούς συνανθρώπους μας οἱ ὁποῖοι εἶναι πλασμένοι κατ’ εἰκόνα καί καθ’ ὁμοίωσίν Του. Οἱ δίκαιες καί ἐνάρετες πράξεις μας πρέπει ἐπίσης νά χαρακτηρίζονται ἀπό ἀξιοπρέπεια καί ταπεινοφροσύνη. Ἡ ἀληθινή, ἀξιοπρεπής ταπεινοφροσύνη δέν εἶναι σημάδι ἀδυναμίας, ἀλλά μᾶλλον μεγάλης δυνάμεως καί πίστεως, πού ἀποκαλύπτει μιά βαθειά καί διαρκῆ ἐμπιστοσύνη στήν ἱερότητα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου καί στήν δύναμη καί τίς ὑποσχέσεις τοῦ Θεοῦ. Μέ τόν τρόπο αὐτόν δέν θά τιμήσουμε μόνον τήν κληρονομιά τῶν Ἑλλήνων προγόνων μας, ἀλλά θά τιμήσουμε καί θά δοξάσουμε τόν Θεό ἔτσι ὥστε νά ἐπικρατήσῃ ἡ χάρη Του, προσφέροντας μαρτυρία στήν ἀλήθεια τῆς ζωῆς καί τῆς σωτηρίας ἐν Αὐτῷ. Εἴθε οἱ ἄφθονες εὐλογίες τοῦ Θεοῦ νά συνοδεύουν ὅλες τίς ἐκδηλώσεις τῆς ἡμέρας αὐτῆς, καί εἴθε νά συνεχίζουμε νά προσφέρουμε λαμπρή μαρτυρία τῆς θυσιαστικῆς καί δικαίας στάσεως τῶν Ἑλλήνων!

Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη,

† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

Ανακοινωθέν Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συνόδου uΣελίδα 15 ἐκκλησιαστικῶν ἀδειῶν γάμου διά μελλονύμφους, οἱ ὁποῖοι ἐπιθυμοῦν νά τελέσουν τόν γάμον των εἰς Μητρόπολιν ἐτέραν ἑκείνης εἰς τήν ὁποίαν διαμένουν. β) Τά Μέλη τῆς Συνόδου εἴχον τήν εὐκαιρίαν νά ἐνημερωθοῦν περί τῆς πορείας τῶν ἔργων διά τήν άνέγερσιν τοῦ Ἱεροῦ Ναοῦ τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου εἰς Ground Zero. 4) Ποιμαντικά θέματα: Ἠ Σύνοδος ἠσχολήθη ἐκτενῶς μέ θέματα σχετικά μέ τήν νεότητα καί τοῦς τρόπους διά τήν καλυτέραν χριστιανικήν διαπαιδαγώγησιν της. β) Ἐγένετο, ἐπίσης, ἀναφορά είς τό μείζον θέμα τῆς οἰκογενείας καί είς τήν ἀνάγκην άναπτύξεως προγραμμάτων διά τήν ἐνίσχυσιν αὐτῆς ὡς καί τῶν ἐπί μέρους πτυχῶν της. 5) Θρησκευτική παιδεία: α) Τήν Σύνοδον ἀπασχόλησαν θέματα σχετιζόμενα μέ τήν θεολογικήν κατάρτισιν τῶν ὐποψηφίων κληρικῶν καθῶς καί τό Εἰδικόν Μορφωτικόν Πρόγραμμα Διακόνων. Ἐπίσης συζητήθη

ἡ ἀνάγκη ἀναθεωρήσεως τοῦ βοηθητικοῦ ἐγχειριδίου (manual) Ὁδηγοῦ τοῦ Ἱερέως. β) Ἠ Σύνοδος άνεφέρθη καί είς τό ἔργον, τό ὁποίον ἐπιτελεῖται εἰς τάς ἐνορίας, πρός προαγωγήν τῆς Ἑλληνικῆς Παιδείας ἐνισχυόμενον συνεχῶς καί διά τῆς ἐκδόσεως νέων ἐγχειριδίων, πρός ἐκμάθησιν τῆς ἑλληνικῆς γλώσσης και πολιτισμοῦ, ὑπό τήν ἐπίβλεψιν τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς. Ἐγένετο παρουσίασις τῶν νέων διδακτικῶν βιβλίων ἥτοι τοῦ πρώτου τεύχους τοῦ τρίτου ἐπιπέδου ἐκμαθήσεως τῆς ἑλληνικῆς γλώσσης καί τοῦ εἰδικοῦ βιβλίου διά παιδιά νηπιαγωγείου. Τά ἔξοδα παραγωγῆς τῶν ὡς ἄνω βιβλίων καλύπτονται διά τῆς γενναιοδώρου χορηγίας τοῦ κληροδοτήματος Πίστις (Faith Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism) . Ἡ ἐπί διήμερον συνεδρία της Συνόδου ὠλοκληρώθη τήν μεσημβρίαν τῆς Πέμπτης 17 Ὀκτωβρίου καί τά Μέλη τῆς Συνόδου ἀκολούθως μετέβησαν εἰς τό ξενοδοχεῖον Marriott πρός συμμετοχήν των εἰς τάς ἐργασίας τοῦ Ἀρχιεπισκοπικοῦ Συμβουλίου.

Ο ΥΠΕΞ του Καναδά John Baird επισκέφθηκε τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο Θέματα θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών συζητήσε ο Υπουργός Εξωτερικών του Καναδά John Baird με τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο, τον οποίον επισκέφθηκε στο Φανάρι το απόγευμα του Σαββάτου. Κατά την συνάντηση που διεξήχθη σε εγκάρδιο κλίμα ο Καναδός υπουργός εξέφρασε τον βαθύ σεβασμό του προς το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο και το πρόσωπο του Προκαθημένου της Ορθοδοξίας. Εξέφρασε το αμειωτο και έντονο ενδιαφέρον του Καναδά για ζητήματα θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών ανά τον κόσμο και ιδιαίτερα του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου και των μειονοτήτων στην Τουρκία. Εδειξε ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον να ενημερωθεί και για την πορεία των ζητημάτων που απασχολούν το Πατριαρχείο και την Ομογένεια της Πόλης, καθώς και για την επαναλειτουργία της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης. Ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος ευ-

χαρίστησε τον Υπουργό για το ζωηρό προσωπικό ενδιαφέρον του, καθώς και της Κυβέρνησής του για τα θέματα που απασχολούν το Πατριαρχείου επισημαίνοντας το γεγονός ότι πραγματοποιήθηκαν διάφορα θετικά βήματα ενώ αναμένονται και άλλα ακόμη. Συζητήθηκε το θέμα της δυσάρεστης κατάστασης των Χριστιανών ανά τον κόσμο, ιδιαίτερα στη μέση Ανατολή, την Νιγηρία και αλλού καθώς το γεγονός των δύο απαχθέντων Χριστιανών ιεραρχών στην Συρία. Κατά τη συνάντηση παρέστησαν ο Πρέσβυς του Καναδά John Holmes στην Άγκυρα, ο Γενικός Πρόξενος στην Πόλη Shawn Steil, και συνεργάτες του Υπουργού και ο Αρχιγραμματέας της Αγίας και Ιεράς Συνόδου Αρχιμ. Βαρθολομαίος. Ο Υπουργός είχε επισκεφτεί επίσης τον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη το 2011. www.amen.gr

ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2013

Ηγεσίες Ελλάδος–Κύπρου επισκέφθηκαν την Αρχιεπισκοπή uΣελίδα 15 πολλή καλοσύνη να κάνει με πολύ μεγάλη ακρίβεια μια σκιαγράφηση της καταστάσεως στην Κύπρο, από την οποία σκιαγράφηση διαφαίνεται αφ’ ενός μεν η τεραστία δύναμη αυτού του λαού, η αξιοπρέπεια αυτού του λαού στην αντιμετώπιση της κρίσεως και η βεβαιότητα ότι η κρίση η οικονομική θα ξεπεραστεί και ότι και η άλλη η πολύ μακρότερη κρίση της κατοχής του ενός τρίτου του ηρωικού αυτού νησιού, επίσης σε κάποια στιγμή θα τελειώσει. Πρέπει να πω ότι καθώς μιλούσαμε, αισθανόμουν να ανεβαίνει συνεχώς το στοιχείο της ελπίδος και της αισιοδοξίας, διότι ακόμη και τα μακρότερα τούνελ έχουν ένα τέλος και βγάζουν σε ξέφωτο και οι σκοτεινότερες νύχτες έχουν πάντοτε διαδοχή σε μια φωτεινή μέρα. Τον κ. Πρόεδρο και την κυρία Αναστασιάδου, την πρώτη κυρία της Κύπρου και την κυβέρνηση της Κύπρου και τον λαό της Κύπρου, τους συνοδεύουν οι μόνιμες, θερμές και αδιάλειπτες προσευχές μας. Θ Θεός να είναι πάντοτε μαζί σας με την Κυβέρνηση της Κύπρου και με τον λαό της Κύπρου».

ΜΕ ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΟ ΒΕΝΙΖΕΛΟ

Ο Αντιπρόεδρος της Ελληνικής Κυβερνήσεως και Υπουργός Εξωτερικών κ. Ευάγγελος επισκέφθηκε στις 25 Σεπτεμβρίου, τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο στο γραφείο του στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής. Τον κ. Βενιζέλο, ο οποίος βρίσκεται στη Νέα Υόρκη για τις εργασίες της Γενικής Συνελεύσεως του Ο.Η.Ε., συνόδευαν ο υφυπουργός Εξωτερικών κ. Δημήτριος Κούρκουλας, ο πρέσβυς της Ελλάδος στις Η.Π.Α. κ. Χρίστος Παναγόπουλος, ο Μόνιμος Αντιπρόσωπος της Ελλάδος στον Ο.Η.Ε. πρέσβυς κ. Μιχαήλ Σπινέλλης, ο εκπρόσωπος του υπουργείου Κωστής Κούτρας, ο διευθύνων του διπλωματικού γραφείου του υπουργού κ. Ευάγγελος Σέκερης, ο κ. Δημήτρης Παρασκευόπουλος, γενικός διευθυντής του υπουργείου, η κ. Χριστίνα Μανωλοπούλου, διευθύντρια του πολιτικού γραφείου του υπουργού και οι συνεργάτες του υφυπουργού κ. Κούρκουλα κ. Ιωαννίδης και κυρία Καρπέτου. Εκ μερους της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής συμμετείχαν ο Αντιπρόεδρος του Αρχιεπισκοπικού Συμβουλίου κ. Εμμανουήλ Τζαχάρης, ο Πρωτοσύγκελλος Θεοφ. Επίσκοπος Φασιανής κ. Αντώνιος και ο π. Αλέξανδρος Καρλούτσος. Μετά το πέρας της συναντήσεως, ο κ. Βενιζέλος και ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος έκαναν τις ακόλουθες δηλώσεις: Υπουργός Εξωτερικών: «Μια συνάντηση με τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής τον κ. Δημήτριο είναι πάντοτε ουσιαστική και ενδιαφέρουσα, είναι μια πνευματική απόλαυση. Έχω επισκεφθεί και άλλες, πολλές φορές, την Αρχιεπισκοπή και ως Ελληνισμός και ως Ορθοδοξία είμαστε

υπερήφανοι για το έργο που επιτελεί ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος εδώ, σε ένα χώρο πολύ κρίσιμο, πάντα, για τα εθνικά μας συμφέροντα. Γιατί ο Σεβασμιώματος είναι αυτός που, με το κύρος του, μπορεί να εκφράσει πραγματικά όχι μόνο το λόγο της Ορθοδοξίας αλλά και το λόγο του Ελληνισμού, και αυτός ο λόγος να γίνει ακουστός από την αμερικανική κυβέρνηση, από το Κογκρέσο, από τους ισχυρούς κοινωνικούς και πολιτικούς κύκλους, στη Νέα Υόρκη, στην Ουάσιγκτον και παντού. Σεβασμιώτατε, σας ευχαριστώ πολύ για το έργο σας και για την πολύτιμη βοήθειά σας». Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος: «Κύριε Πρόεδρε, με εκπλήττετε, διότι παρουσιάσατε κάτι που μάλλον ανήκει στην Ομογένεια και πολύ λίγο σε εμένα. Ευχαριστούμε ιδιαιτέρως για την επίσκεψη σήμερα, ανταποδίδω αυτό που είπατε ότι είναι απόλαυση μια συζήτηση μαζί σας, διότι εγώ σας γνωρίζω όχι μόνο ως πολιτικό αλλά και ως ακαδημαϊκό πρόσωπο και ειδικό σε δύσκολα, νομικά θέματα. Αυτές τις ημέρες βέβαια, μας έχετε εκπλήξει, διότι είδατε τόσους υπευθύνους ανθρώπους, πολιτικούς σε όλα τα επίπεδα, τόσο που διερωτώμαι ποιον δεν είδατε. Ήταν κάτι πάρα πολύ σημαντικό, τρέξατε αυτές τις ημέρες για τα θέματα της Ελλάδας. Στη συνάντηση που είχαμε μαζί με τον κ. Πρόεδρο είχαμε την ευκαιρία να έχουμε μια εξαιρετική ενημέρωση, ρεαλιστική, με τα πραγματικά δεδομένα, αλλά πάντοτε γεμάτη με την ελπίδα και τον σχεδιασμό, ο οποίος είναι αναπόσπαστο στοιχείο των Ελλήνων ανά τους αιώνες. Πάντοτε σχεδιάζουμε, ακόμα κι αν είμαστε στη σκοτεινότερη νύχτα και στη χειρότερη θύελλα, διότι ξέρουμε ότι η νύχτα πάντοτε περνάει, η θύελλα θα περάσει και θα ανατείλει και πάλι ο ήλιος, ο οποίος είναι ιδιαιτέρως ευνοϊκός για την Ελλάδα. Ευχαριστούμε για αυτή την πολύ ωραία και ουσιαστική επίσκεψη και όπως είπαμε και στη συνάντησή μας επάνω, να γνωρίζετε κ. Πρόεδρε, ότι η Ομογένεια είναι στο πλευρό των αδελφών μας της Ελλάδος, αισθάνεται τον πόνο, θέλει να βοηθήσει με κάθε τρόπο και βοηθάει, πάντοτε υπολογίζοντας ότι είμαστε σε έναν άρρηκτο δεσμό, ώστε να δώσουμε αυτό που ο Θεός έχει πλάσει την Ελλάδα και τους Έλληνες να είναι, να είναι σε κατάσταση αποστολής για ό,τι ωραίο, ό,τι μεγάλο και ό,τι αιώνιο. Ευχαριστούμε πάρα πολύ».

ΜΕ ΑΝΤΩΝΗ ΣΑΜΑΡΑ

Ο Πρωθυπουργός της Ελλάδος Αντώνης Σαμαράς εκκλησιάστηκε την Κυριακή 29 Σεπτεμβρίου στον Ιερό Ναό του Αγίου Νικολάου της μεγάλης Ελληνορθοδόξου κοινότητος στο Φλάσινγκ της Νέας Υόρκης. Της Θείας Λειτουργίας πρ οεξήρχε ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος, συμπαραστατούμενος από τους

uΣελίδα 17 Φωτογραφία: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΣ

ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2013

Επιμορφωτικά σεμινάρια στη Νέα Υόρκη ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ.- Το Τμήμα Ελληνικής Παιδείας της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής πραγματοποίησε δύο επιμορφωτικά εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια για τα νέα βιβλία της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά μου», για τους μαθητές του νηπιαγωγείου, δημοτικού και γυμνασίου, προκειμένου να βοηθήσει τους δασκάλους στο διδακτικό τους έργο. Τα σεμινάρια πραγματοποιήθηκαν στις 28 Σεπτεμβρίου για το νέο βιβλίο του νηπιαγωγείου και στις 5 Οκτωβρίου για το τεύχος 1 του 3ου Επιπέδου. Τα σεμινάρια αυτά, υπό την αιγίδα του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής Δημητρίου, πραγματοποιήθηκαν στο ημερήσιο Ελληνοαμερικανικό σχολείο Αγίου Δημητρίου Αστορίας, με τη συμμετοχή διδασκάλων από σχολεία της Νέας Υόρκης και της Νέας Ιερσέης. ΠΡΩΤΟ ΣΕΜΙΝΑΡΙΟ Στο πρώτο σεμινάριο που είχε ως θέμα «η διδασκαλία στο Νηπιαγωγείο», κύρια εισηγήτρια ήταν η Δρ. Μαρία Ηρακλέους ερευνήτριαΝηπιαγωγός από το Παιδαγωγικό Ινστιτούτο Κύπρου. Η Δρ. Ηρακλέους, με δεξιότητα και πρακτικές ασκήσεις δίδαξε τρεις αντιπροσωπευτικές ενότητες από τη νέα έκδοση, ώστε να παρουσιάσει στους δασκάλους τις βασικές αρχές διδασκαλίας των νέων βιβλίων με σκοπό να είναι ευχάριστα και κατανοητά στα νήπια. Εισηγήσεις έκαναν επίσης ο διευθυντής παιδείας, Δρ. Ι. Ευθυμιόπουλος και η βοηθός του και μέλος της συγγραφικής ομάδας Μαρία Τελειοπούλου. Η κ. Τελειοπούλου ανέπτυξε τη φιλοσοφία των ενοτήτων και ανέλυσε το περιεχόμενό τους. Ο κ. Ευθυμιόπουλος ανέπτυξε τις παραμέτρους των εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

των κοινοτικών νηπιαγωγείων, ώστε να είναι ευχάριστα και αποδοτικά. Στη διάρκεια του σεμιναρίου ακούστηκαν παιδικά τραγούδια από ψηφιακούς δίσκους (CD) που συνοδεύουν τα βιβλία του Νηπιαγωγείου. Τα βιβλία αυτά –βιβλίο μαθητή και βιβλίο δραστηριοτήτων του μαθητή-, εκδόθηκαν για πρώτη φορά. Η προσπάθεια αυτή ξεκίνησε με τις ευγενικές χορηγίες των κ.κ. Στέλιου Ζερβούδη, Νίκου Γαβαλά, της Ένωσης Καστοριαίων «ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑ», του Χρήστου Τομαρά και του Ιωάννη και της Ελένης Ψαρρά. ΔΕΥΤΕΡΟ ΣΕΜΙΝΑΡΙΟ Το δεύτερο σεμινάριο πραγματοποιήθηκε το Σάββατο 5 Οκτωβρίου και παρουσιάστηκαν δειγματικές διδα¬σκαλίες από το 1ο Τεύχος του Τρίτου επιπέδου, που εκδόθηκε πρόσφατα με την γενναιόδωρη χορηγία του Κληροδοτήματος «Πίστη: για την Ορθοδοξία και τον Ελληνισμό» (FAITH). Εισηγητές στο σεμινάριο αυτό ήταν τα μέλη της συγγραφικής ομάδας, Μαρία Τελειοπούλου, Αναστασία Μαντά, και Γιάννης Γιαβάρας, καθώς και ο διευθυντής παιδείας Δρ. Ιωάννης Ευθυμιόπουλος. Οι εισηγητές με μεθοδικότητα δίδαξαν αντιπροσωπευτικές ενότητες από το βιβλίο, οι οποίες περιλάμβαναν θέματα από την αρχαία ιστορία, τη μυθολογία, τον ελληνικό πολιτισμό, αλλά και από τη νεώτερη ιστορία, όπως η αναφορά στη μικρασιατική καταστροφή του 1922, το διωγμό και την προσφυγιά των Ελλήνων. Στο σεμινάριο αυτό αναπτύχθηκαν παιδαγωgικές μέθοδοι διδασκαλίας και πρακτικοί τρόποι εφαρμογής τους, ώστε να βοηθηθούν οι δάσκαλοι στο διδακτικό τους έργο.

(Αριστερά) Η καθηγήτρια Δρ. Μαρία Ηρακλέους. (Δεξιά) Ο Δρ. Ι. Ευθυμιόπουλος, διευθυντής παιδείας και η κυρία Ελένη Καραγεωργίου, συντονίστρια εκπαίδευσης στο γενικό προξενείο της Νέα Υόρκης.

ΤΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΜΟΥ

Πρώτο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 1Α

Πρώτο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 2

Δεύτερο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 2

Ηγεσίες Ελλάδος–Κύπρου επισκέφθηκαν την Αρχιεπισκοπή uΣελίδα 16 ιερείς του Αγίου Νικολάου, τον ιερατικώς προϊστάμενο π. Παύλο Παλεστίδη και του πατέρες Ιωακείμ Βαλασιάδη και Αριστείδη Γαρίνη. Ο ναός ήταν κατάμεστος από χίλιους και πλέον πιστούς. Τον Πρωθυπουργό υποδέχθηκαν με μια ανθοδέσμη στην είσοδο του Ναού μαθητές και μαθήτριες του ημερησίου Ελληνοαμερικανικού Σχολείου «Βασίλειος Σπυρόπουλος» της κοινότητος, ο πρόεδρος Νικόλαος Καρακώστας, η διευθύντρια του σχολείου Αθηνά Τσώκου-Κρομμύδα και άλλοι ομογενείς. Λίγ ο πρ ιν το π έρ α ς τ η ς Θ ε ί α ς Λειτουργίας ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος αφού αναγνώρισε με χαρά και τιμή την παρουσία του Πρωθυπουργού και της συνοδείας του, αναφέρθηκε στην ευαγγελική περικοπή της ημέρας από το Κατά Λουκά Ευαγγέλιο (Λουκά 6:31-36) τονίζοντας ιδιαίτερα τον στίχο «καθώς θέλετε ίνα ποιώσιν υμίν οι άνθρωποι, και υμείς ποιείτε αυτοίς ομοίως», ενώ αργότερα κάλεσε τον κ. Σαμαρά να απευθύνει λίγα λόγια στο εκκλησίασμα. Ο κ. Αντώνης Σαμαράς επαίνεσε την Ελληνοαμερικανική κοινότητα στην Αμερική για τα επιτεύγματα και τις επιτυχίες σε όλους του τομείς της Αμερικανικής κοινωνίας. Μίλησε εναντίον των φαινομένων της

βίας, του μίσους και του ρατσισμού που είναι ασύμβατα με τον Ελληνισμό και την Ορθοδοξία. Στη συνέχεια απηύθυνε μήνυμα ενότητος που οδηγεί στην πρόοδο και στην επιτυχία πέρα και πάνω από κόμματα και πολιτικές δοξασίες. Δήλωσε επίσης πολύ εντυπωσιασμένος από τον μεγάλο αριθμό μικρών παιδιών και νεολαίας στη Θεία Λειτουργία, τα οποία όπως είπε «παρήλασαν» για να μεταλάβουν με ευλάβεια δίνοντας ελπίδα σε όλους. Μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία, ο κ. Σαμαράς είχε την ευκαιρία να χαιρετίσει διά χειραψίας εκατοντάδες από τους ενορίτες ομογενείς που παρευρέθηκαν στη δεξίωση που παρέθεσε η κοινότητα αμέσως μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία στο παρακείμενο κοινοτικό κέντρο καθώς η χορωδία μικρών μαθητών του σχολείου παρουσίασε ένα μουσικό πρόγραμμα. Στη Θεία Λειτουργία παρέστησαν, συνοδεύοντας τον Πρωθυπουργό, ο Υπουργός Πολιτισμού Πάνος Παναγιωτόπουλος, ο Υφυπουργός Ανάπτυξης Νότης Μηταράκης, ο Πρέσβυς τ η ς Ε λ λ ά δ ο ς σ τ ι ς Η . Π . Α . Χ ρ ί σ το ς Παναγόπουλος, ο Μόνιμος Αντιπρόσωπος τ η ς Ε λ λά δ ο ς σ τον Ο. Η . Ε . πρ έ σ βυ ς Μιχαήλ Σπινέλλης και ο Γενικός Πρόξενος της Ελλάδος στη Νέα Υόρκη Γιώργος Ηλιόπουλος. Παρέστησαν επίσης πολλοί Άρχοντες του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, και εκπρόσωποι της ΑΧΕΠΑ και άλλων ομογενειακών οργανισμών.

Νηπιαγωγείο • Βιβλίο Μαθητή

Με την ευλογία και καθοδήγηση του Σεβασµιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αµερικής Δηµητρίου, τη χορηγία του κληροδοτήµατος FAITH και την επιµέλεια του Τµήµατος Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής, εκδόθηκαν τα βιβλία της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά µου», τα οποία διδάσκονται στα ελληνικά κοινοτικά σχολεία, όπως και σε σχολεία άλλων φορέων. Τα βιβλία 1Α & 1Β επανεκδόθηκαν τον Ιούλιο του 2011 σε βελτιωµένη έκδοση και χρησιµοποιούνται για την 1η και 2α τάξη για τη διδασκαλία των Ελληνικών ως δεύτερης/ξένης γλώσσας. Το τεύχος 2 του πρώτου επιπέδου που επανεκδόθηκε τον Ιούλιο του 2013 αποτελεί τη συνέχεια των δύο προηγούµενων βιβλίων και διδάσκεται µετά την ολοκλήρωσή τους, δηλαδή καλύπτει µέρος της Δευτέρας τάξης και συνεχίζεται στην Τρίτη. Το τεύχος 1 του δευτέρου επιπέδου της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά µου», εκδόθηκε τον Ιούλιο του 2011 και διδάχθηκε για πρώτη φορά την προπερσινή σχολική χρονιά. Καλύπτει τις ανάγκες της Τρίτης και Τετάρτης τάξης. Το τεύχος 2 του δευτέρου επιπέδου της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά µου», εκδόθηκε τον Ιούλιο του 2012 και διδάσκεται από την περσινή σχολική χρονιά. Καλύπτει τις ανάγκες της Πέµπτης και Εκτης τάξης. Το τεύχος 1 του τρίτου επιπέδου καλύπτει τις ανάγκες της Εκτης και Εβδόµης τάξης. Τα δυο νέα βιβλία του Νηπιαγωγείου -Βιβλίο Μαθητή-Τετράδιο Δραστηριοτήτωνεκδόθηκαν τον Ιούλιο του 2013 και χρησιµοποιούνται για πρώτη φορά τη φετεινή σχολική χρονιά.

Πρώτο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 1Β

Δεύτερο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 1

Τρίτο επίπεδο • Τεύχος 1

Νηπιαγωγείο • Τετράδιο Δραστηριοτήτων

Η ολοκλήρωση του παιδαγωγικού έργου της σειράς «Τα Ελληνικά μου» αναμένεται να πραγματοποιηθεί με τη συγγραφή και έκδοση του δευτέρου τέυχους του τρίτου επιπέδου μέχρι τον Αύγουστο του 2014, καλύπτοντας έτσι όλα τα επίπεδα του ελληνικού σχολείου για τη διδασκαλία και εκμάθηση της Ελληνικής ως δεύτερης / ξένης γλώσσας. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες απευθυνθείτε στο Γραφείο Παιδείας της Αρχιεπισκοπής 8 Ε 79 Street, New York, NY 10075, μέσω ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου: ioannise@goarch.org, mteleiopoulou@goarch.org, daisytsitouridou@goarch.org ή στα τηλέφωνα 212.774.0233 και 212.774.0417.

ΟΡΘΟ∆ΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ

Ε Γ Κ Υ Κ Λ ΙΟΣ Ἑορτή τῶν Ἁγίων Ἀναργύρων Κοσμᾶ καί Δαμιανοῦ

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, Ἡ Ἑορτή τῶν Ἁγίων Ἀναργύρων Κοσμᾶ καί Δαμιανοῦ ἀποτελεῖ εὐκαιρία γιά μᾶς τούς Ὀρθοδόξους Χριστιανούς νά προσφέρουμε τήν στήριξή μας στίς φιλανθρωπικές διακονίες τοῦ προσφιλοῦς μας Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου. Ὑπό τήν καθοδήγηση τῶν Κυριῶν τῆς Φιλοπτώχου καί τῶν τοπικῶν παραρτημάτων τῶν ἐνοριῶν μας, καλούμεθα νά ὑποστηρίξουμε μέ γενναιοδωρία ὑπηρεσίες καί προγράμματα πού ἔχουν ἀποδέκτες ὀρφανά, ἡλικιωμένους, ἀσθενεῖς καί πτωχούς. Ἡ προσφορά μας σέ αὐτή τήν ἔκκληση ἐμφορεῖται σαφῶς ἀπό τήν ἀγάπη καί ὑποστήριξή μας πρός τό Οἰκουμενικό Πατριαρχεῖο, τούς πιστούς Ὀρθοδόξους Χριστιανούς στήν Τουρκία καί τήν δέσμευσή μας νά προσφέρουμε τήν μαρτυρία τοῦ Χριστοῦ καί τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου μέ φιλεύσπλαγχνες πράξεις σέ ὅσους ἔχουν ἀνάγκη. Αὐτή ἡ ἀπότιση τιμῆς στούς Ἁγίους Κοσμᾶ καί Δαμιανό καί ἡ προσφορά στηρίξεως τῶν φιλανθρωπικῶν διακονιῶν τοῦ Πατριαρχείου μας ἀντανακλοῦν τήν ἔννοια αὐτή καθ’ ἑαυτή τῆς φιλανθρωπίας. Ἀποδεχόμενοι τήν χάρη τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τά τάλαντα τά ὁποῖα Ἐκεῖνος τούς ἐχάρισε, οἱ Ἅγιοι Ἀνάργυροι, Κοσμᾶς καί Δαμιανός, προσέφεραν φιλεύσπλαγχνη διακονία σέ ὅλους. Δέν τούς ἐνδιέφεραν τά ἐπί μέρους στοιχεῖα τοῦ κάθε ἀσθενοῦς, ἀλλά οὔτε ἡ κοινωνική ἤ οἰκονο-

μική θέση αὐτοῦ. Εἶχαν ἀποκτήσει τό χάρισμα τῆς θεραπείας ὡς δωρεά ἀπό τόν Θεό τό ὁποῖο προσέφεραν στόν κόσμο ὡς μαρτυρία τῆς ἀληθινῆς ζωῆς ἐν Χριστῷ. Ὡς Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί, συνεχιστές τῆς κληρονομιᾶς αὐτῆς καλούμεθα νά ἀκολουθήσουμε τήν ὁδό τῆς φιλανθρωπίας. Πρῶτον, καλούμεθα νά στηρίξουμε τά ἄτομα ἐκεῖνα ἐντός τῆς κοινότητος τῆς πίστεώς μας. Εἴμεθα ἀδελφοί καί ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ καί μαζί πρέπει νά μοιραζόμεθα τίς χαρές καί τίς προκλήσεις πού ἀντιμετωπίζουν οἱ πιστοί στίς ἐνορίες μας, στήν Ἐκκλησία μας στήν Ἀμερική, στό Οἰκουμενικό Πατριαρχεῖο μας καί σ’ ὁλόκληρο τόν κόσμο. Εἰδικά στήν περίπτωση τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου μας, οἱ ἀνάγκες αὐτοῦ θά πρέπει νά ἀποτελοῦν τόν γνώμονα τῆς γενναιόδωρης προσφορᾶς μας πρός αὐτό. Δεύτερον, καλούμεθα νά προσφέρουμε διακονία καί θεραπεία σέ ὁποιοδήποτε ἄτομο χρειάζεται βοήθεια. Ὁ Κύριός μας ὁ Ὁποῖος ἦτο φιλεύσπλαγχνος στούς ἀρρώστους καί στούς πτωχούς, πού ἔδωσε στούς μαθητές Του τήν δύναμη νά κηρύττουν καί νά θεραπεύουν, πού εὐλόγησε τούς Ἁγίους Κοσμᾶ καί Δαμιανό καί πλείστους ἄλλους ἁγίους μέ τήν ἱκανότητα νά προσφέρουν ἀνακούφιση καί ἀποκατάσταση, ἀνέθεσε σέ ἐμᾶς νά κινητοποιηθοῦμε καί νά βοηθήσουμε ἐκείνους πού εἶναι βασανιστικά πτωχοί, ἄστεγοι, πεινασμένοι καί ἁμαρτωλοί. Μᾶς καλεῖ νά στηρίξουμε διακονίες οἱ ὁποῖες πραγματοποιοῦν ἀκριβῶς αὐτή τήν ἀποστολή ἀνά τήν ὑφήλιο. Γι’ αὐτό τόν λόγο, καλούμεθα ἀπό τήν Φιλόπτωχο Κυριῶν νά στηρίξουμε τίς φιλανθρωπικές διακονίες τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου μας. Τήν Κυριακή, 3 Νοεμβρίου, οἱ ἐνορίες μας θά περιάγουν εἰδικό δίσκο γι’ αὐτό τόν σκοπό, καί ζητῶ ἀπό τούς πιστούς ὁλοκλήρου τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς νά βοηθήσουν ἁπλόχερα. Μέ τήν στήριξη αὐτῶν τῶν διακονιῶν, δέν προσφέρουμε μόνον ἐνθάρρυνση καί ἐλπίδα σέ πολλούς ἀδελφούς καί ἀδελφές μας, ἀλλά ἐπίσης ἐνδυναμώνουμε τήν μαρτυρία τοῦ Χριστοῦ διά τοῦ ἔργου τῶν ἱεραρχῶν, τοῦ κλήρου καί τοῦ λαοῦ τῆς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Κωνσταντινουπόλεως καί τῶν Μητροπόλεων στήν Τουρκία. Εἴθε ὁ Κύριος νά συνεχίζῃ νά εὐλογῇ αὐτές τίς ἱερές διακονίες καί νά μᾶς καθοδηγῇ στήν προσφορά ὑλικῶν καί πνευματικῶν ἀγαθῶν ὥστε ὅσοι χρήζουν ἀνάγκης νά λαμβάνουν τίς δωρεές τῆς ἀνακουφίσεως, ἐλπίδος καί σωτηρίας ἐν Κυρίῳ.

Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη,

† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

Συγχαρητήρια επιστολή του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη στην Καγκελάριο Μέρκελ Συγχαρητήρια επιστολή στην Καγκελάριο της Ομοσπονδιακής Δημοκρατίας της Γερμανίας κυρία Angela Merkel, για την επανεκλογή της, απέστειλε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος. Στην επιστολή του, μεταξύ άλλων, ο Προκαθήμενος της Ορθοδοξίας αναφέρεται στις δύο επισκέψεις της γερμανίδας

Καγκελαρίου στην έδρα του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου καθώς και στην προγραμματισμένη επίσημη Πατριαρχική επίσκεψη στην Γερμανία, τον Μάιο του 2014, για τους εορτασμούς με την ευκαιρία της 50ης επετείου από την ίδρυση της Ιεράς Μητροπόλεως Γερμανίας. www.amen.gr

ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2013

ΓΕΓΟΝΟΤΑ & ΝΕΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΚΟΣΜΟ Εκτός του «πακέτου εκδημοκρατισμού» η Θεολογική Σχολή της Χάλκης Αμηχανία προκάλεσαν οι ανακοινώσεις του τούρκου πρωθυπουργού για το πακέτο «μέτρων εκδημοκρατισμού» που είχε προαναγγείλλει το προηγούμενο διάστημα και τα οποία θα συνέβαλαν στη γεφύρωση των αντιδράσεων στο εσωτερικό της τουρκικής κοινωνίας, καθώς παρά τις αρχικές ελπίδες δεν συμπεριέλαβε και την επαναλειτουργία της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης. Και αυτό παρά τα σχετικά δημοσιεύματα τους τελευταίους δύο μήνες, αλλά και τις διαβεβαιώσεις των αξιωματούχων του τουρκικού κράτους. Ο Τούρκος πρωθυπουργός το πρωί της Δευτέρας προχώρησε στις ανακοινώσεις μέτρων και ρυθμίσεων που σχετίζονται με τον εκλογικό νόμο, την παιδεία σε γλώσσες εκτός της τουρκικής, την μαντίλα και κάποιες παροχές προς τους Συροχαλδαίους και τους Ρομά περιλαμβάνονται στη δέσμη μέτρων εκδημοκρατισμού που ανακοίνωσε ο πρωθυπουργός της Τουρκίας Ρετζέπ Ταγίπ Ερντογάν. Προσφάτως ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος, κατά την επίσκεψη του Πατριάρχη της Βουλγαρίας στο σεπτό κέντρο της Ορθοδοξίας είχε αναφερθεί και στο ζήτημα της επαναλειτουργίας της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης. Απαντώντας σε σχετικό ερώτημα του Πατριάρχη Νεόφυτου ο προκαθήμενος

της Ορθοδοξίας είχε επισημάνει ότι «το ότι η Θεολογική Σχολή παραμένει ακόμη κλειστή σημαίνει ότι υπάρχει έλλειμμα δημοκρατίας στην Τουρκία». Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης . Μετά την ανακοίνωση του «πακέτου εκδημοκρατισμού» ο Μητροπολίτης Προύσης Ελπιδοφόρος, Ηγούμενος της Μονής Αγίας Τριάδος Χάλκης σε ανακοίνωσή του (που αναρτήθηκε στην σελίδα του στο facebook) σχολίασε την ανακοίνωση των μέτρων του Τούρκου πρωθυπουργού αναφέροντας ότι «η μή συμπερίληψη του θέματος της επαναλειτουργίας της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης στο ανακοινωθέν σήμερα «πακέτο εκδημοκρατισμού» μας λύπησε βαθύτατα. Η απογοήτευσή μας είναι μεγάλη. Ως Πατριαρχείο τη φορά αυτή τρέφαμε βάσιμες ελπίδες ότι θα γινόταν. Δεν το περιμέναμε αυτό από την Κυβέρνησή μας. Εμείς θα συνεχίσουμε να πιστεύουμε ότι είναι αναγκαία η επαναλειτουργία της Σχολής μας και δεν θα πάψουμε να την επιδιώκουμε. Παρακαλούμε τον Πρωθυπουργό μας να συνεχίσει προς την ορθή κατεύθυνση την πορεία για την πλήρη άρση της παραβίασης των ανθρωπίνων και των θρησκευτικών δικαιωμάτων των πολιτών του». www.amen.gr

Ο Αμερικανός Γενικός Πρόξενος στο Φανάρι Το συνεχές και αμείωτο ενδιαφέρον των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών Αμερικής προς τα ζητήματα που απασχολούν το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο και τη Ρωμηοσύνη της Πόλης μετέφερε στον Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο ο νέος Αμερικανός Γενικός Πρόξενος στην Πόλη Charles Hunter κατά την επίσκεψή του στο Φανάρι. Κατά την εγκάρδια συνάντηση, ο νέος Γενικός Πρόξενος των Η.Π.Α. εξέφρασε τα αισθήματα ειλικρινούς χαράς του για την επίσκεψή του στο Ιερό Κέντρο της Ορθοδοξίας και διερμήνευσε τον προσωπικό αλλά και σύνολης της Αμερικανικής Πολιτείας βαθύ σεβασμό του προς το πρόσωπο του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου καί προς τον θεσμό της Μητρός Εκκλησίας. Συζητήθηκαν τα θέματα που καλείται να αντιμετωπίσει στις μέρες μας το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο και η Ρωμέηκη Ομογένεια της Πόλης, οι θετικές κινήσεις που έχουν γίνει από πλευράς του Κράτους πρός την βελτίωση των συνθηκών διαβίωσης των Μειονοτήτων στην επικράτεια της Χώρας καθώς και οι αρκετές ενέργειες που υπολείπονται προς αυτήν την κατεύθυνση με πρώτη την επίκαιρη μη συμπερίληψη της επαναλειτουργίας της Θεολογικής Σχολής της Χάλκης στο νέο πακέτο εκδημοκρατισμού που εξήγγειλε πρόσφατα η Κυβέρνηση. Ο Αμερικανός Γενικός Πρόξενος θέλησε να ενημερωθεί για τη σύγχρονη εκπαιδευτική πραγματικότητα της Ρωμηοσύνης, για τα σχολεία και στην ερώτησή του αν υπάρχει Πανεπιστήμιο της Ομογένειας, ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος απάντησε πως ετοιμάζεται και

ήδη ξεκίνησε μία προσπάθεια που περιλαμβάνει μελέτες και σχέδια προς υλοποίηση αυτού του πρωτοποριακού σχεδίου στο κτήριο του πάλαι ποτέ Κεντρικού Παρθεναγωγείου στο Πέραν της Πόλης. Επ΄αυτού ο Γενικός Πρόξενος της Αμερικής έδειξε έντονο ενδιαφέρον με επιθυμία να πληροφορείται ο ίδιος προσωπικώς για τις όποιες εξελίξεις στο ζήτημα. Στη συζήτηση αναφέρθηκε το θέμα των διαθρησκειακών και διαχριστιανικών διαλόγων καθώς και η δυσχερής θέση των Χριστιανών στις περιοχές της Μέσης Ανατολής και άλλων χωρών όπου καταπατώνται καθημερινά τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και οι θρησκευτικές ελευθερίες. Στη συνάντηση παρέστησαν ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος, ο Μητροπολίτης Νέας Ιερσέης Ευάγγελος καθώς και ο εκ των Ελλήνων της Αμερικής Πατριαρχικός Διάκονος Νήφων και οι συνεργάτες του νέου Γενικού Paul Palmer και Patrick Hanish. Πριν την αναχώρησή του ο νέος Γενικός Πρόξενος των Η.Π.Α. προσκύνησε και ξεναγήθηκε από τον Πατριαρχικό Διάκονο Νήφωνα στον Πάνσεπτο Πατριαρχικό Ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου. www.amen.gr

ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2013

ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης: Πολέμησαν εμφανώς και αφανώς το Πατριαρχείο αλλά άντεξε ôïõ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΥ ΜΑΓΓΙΝΑ

Εμφανώς συγκινημένος ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος μοιράστηκε μαζί με τους εθελοντές των φιλανθρωπικών δραστηριοτήτων της Ι.Μ.Νεαπόλεως και Σταυρουπόλεως, το βράδυ της Κυριακής, κάποιες από τις αγωνίες της πατριαρχικής διακονίας αλλά και στιγμές τις προσωπικής του διαδρομής από την ταπεινή Ίμβρο μέχρι τον πρώτο της Ορθοδοξίας Θρόνο. Συνάμα ο Πατριάρχης του Γένους μίλησε για τους αγώνες επιβίωσης του Πατριαρχείου, σε αντίξοες συνθήκες, αλλά και επιτέλεσης της οικουμενικής αποστολής και μαρτυρίας του. Στην εκδήλωση παρέστη ο υπουργός Μακεδονίας-Θράκης Θ. Καράογλου και πλήθος κόσμου που με θέρμη εξέφραζε την αγάπη και τον σεβασμό του στον προκαθήμενο της Ορθοδοξίας. Μεταξύ άλλων προβλήθηκε ένα ντοκιμαντέρ για τη ζωή του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη κάνοντας τον κ.Βαρθολομαίο, στην ομιλία του, να αφήσει στην άκρη το γραπτό κείμενο, να ευχαριστήσει ιδιαιτέρως τον Μητροπολίτη Νεαπόλεως και Σταυρουπόλεως Βαρνάβα και να μιλήσει συγκινημένος σε πιο προσωπικό τόνο, για τα παιδικά του χρόνια και για τη διαδρομή του μέχρι τον Πατριαρχικό Θρόνο καθώς επίσης και για τις δοκιμασίες, τους αγώνες και τις αγωνίες, τους «αλάλητους στεναγμούς της μητρός εκκλησίας» . «Και διερωτήθην, πώς πέρασαν τα παιδικά μου χρόνια, πώς διάβαζα στην Ίμβρο τα μαθήματα με τη λάμπα την πετρελαίου, δεν είχαμε ηλεκτρικό, πώς με έστειλε ο γέροντας μου στη Χάλκη, την οποία αγάπησα περιπαθώς… και πώς ήρθε η μεγάλη στιγμή της ζωής μου να γίνω Πατριάρχης και να σηκώσω αυτό το βαρύ σταυρό της ευθύνης του πρώτου της Ορθοδοξίας. Ο πολύς ο κόσμος βλέπει τις δόξες, τις τιμές, τα χειροκροτήματα, αλλά ένας Πατριάρχης κλεισμένος στο Φανάρι, έχοντας στους ώμους την ευθύνη του ποιμνίου του την ευθύνη της ενότητος της Ορθοδοξίας, την ευθύνη διεξαγωγής των θεολογικών διαλόγων με τις άλλες χριστιανικές εκκλησίες, έχοντας τη φροντίδα των διαθρησκειακών διαλόγων, έχοντας να αντιμετωπίσει τα γνωστά και τα μη γνωστά τοπικά προβλήματα της έδρας του Πατριαρχείου, μόνον αυτός γνωρίζει και ζει και αισθάνεται, ότι πίσω από τις τιμές και τα χειροκροτήματα υπάρχουν και οι αλάλητοι στεναγμοί της μητρός εκκλησίας, τους οποίους αισθάνεται και εκφράζει ο εκάστοτε Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης. Είναι οι αλάλητοι στεναγμοί της μητρός εκκλησίας Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, τους οποίους ζει αιώνες τώρα, αλλά με τη Χάρη του Θεού υπερβαίνει τους χαλασμούς, τις θύελλες, τις καταιγίδες και ιδού ζει». «Το επολέμησαν εμφανώς και αφανώς, το Πατριαρχείο άντεξε και είναι εκεί» συνέχισε ο κ. Βαρθολομαίος, αφού προηγουμένως έκανε μια ιστορική αναδρομή για τον θεσμό του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου και του ρόλου των Πατριαρχών και συνέχισε : «Το Φανάρι μπορεί να σταυρώνεται, αλλά κηρύττει διαρκώς και προς πάσα κατεύθυνση : «Ανάσταση, Χριστός Ανέστη». Ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης - όπως και νωρίτερα κάνοντας τα εγκαίνια του «Σταθμού Αγάπης» στον Ι.Ναό των Αγίων Πάντων - χαρακτήρισε υψηλό το έργο της διακονίας «της τραπέζης της αγάπης», ως έμπρακτη εφαρμογή της χριστιανικής αγάπης, καθώς «δίνει ένα μήνυμα ελπίδας» και δείχνει τη συνεχή προσφορά της εκκλησίας, ιδιαίτερα σε αυτή τη δύσκολη

συγκυρία και κάλεσε όλους να συνεισφέρουν. Πρόσθεσε, ότι για την εκκλησία «η φιλανθρωπία δεν είναι αυτοσκοπός της, αλλά είναι το μέσο για να εργασθεί ο ίδιος ο Θεός». «Ουδείς δύναται όμως να παραστήσει την οδύνη και τον πόνο όσων ζουν εις την πτωχείαν, όταν μάλιστα δε γνωρίζουν να την αντιμετωπίσουν χριστιανικώς, χριστιανοπρεπώς και υποφέρουν περισσότερο όταν βλέπουν τους έχοντας και κατέχοντας, τους ηγέτας, πνευματικούς και πολιτικούς να αδιαφορούν, να τους περιφρονούν και να κοιτάζουν μόνο τον εαυτόν των, την καλοπέρασιν των, την ευτυχίαν των, την αναγνώριση και τας τιμάς των ανθρώπων» πρόσθεσε ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης, υπογραμμίζοντας ότι «η χριστιανική διδασκαλία συνιστά τη μεσότητα και τη σύγκλιση αμφοτέρων, πλούτου και πτωχείας» και συνέχισε: «Η λεγομένη πάλη των τάξεων εντός του χώρου της εκκλησίας εξαφανίζεται δια της εν Χριστώ αγάπης και κοινωνίας. Η εκκλησία δεν φιλοσοφεί επί του κοινωνικού προβλήματος, κατασκευάζουσα και επινοούσα θεωρίας και επαναστάσεις και ανατροπάς κατεστημένων, ως επαγγέλλονται άλλοι θεσμοί και παράγοντες. Η εκκλησία καλλιεργεί την αλληλοπροσέγγιση των ανθρώπων εις την αμοιβαία απόλαυση των αγαθών της γης». Oμιλία Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη

«Ο πανάγαθος Θεός μας αξιώνει να τελέσωμεν σήμερον τα Εγκαίνια του «Σταθμού Αγάπης», ένθα συνεστήθη το αρχαιότερον συσσίτιον της Θεσσαλονίκης, πλησίον του Ιερού τούτου Ναού των Αγίων Πάντων. Ο Σταθμός ούτος αποτελεί απτήν απόδειξιν της προνοίας και μερίμνης της Εκκλησίας περί του ποιμνίου αυτής, κατά την παρούσαν δυσχερή συγκυρίαν, δια της προσφοράς καθ ἡμέραν εις τους έχοντας ανάγκην του επιουσίου αυτών άρτου καθώς επίσης και δια της στεγάσεως απόρων φοιτητών. Πάντα ταύτα αποτελούν εκδηλώσεις φιλανθρωπίας. Η φιλανθρωπία του Θεού, ως γνωστόν, αποτελεί μίαν των ακτίστων θείων ενεργειών, δια των οποίων εδημιούργησε κατ εἰκόνα και καθ ὁμοίωσιν Αυτού και διατηρεί εν διαρκεί αγάπη και προνοία εις την ζωήν το κατ ἐξοχὴν δημιούργημά Του, τον άνθρωπον. Ως δε παρατηρεί ο εν αγίοις προκάτοχος ημών Ιωάννης ο Χρυσόστομος εις την ερμηνείαν της Γενέσεως, «Πηγή εστι φιλανθρωπίας ο Θεός, και ουδέποτε παύεται τα εκείθεν νάματα τη των ανθρώπων φύσει προχέουσα». Εκ της ανεκφράστου ταύτης ιδιότητος παρακινούμενος ο Τριαδικός Θεός ενήργησε και το μυστήριον της Θείας Οικονομίας, της σαρκώσεως του Λόγου, εν τω προσώπω του Κυρίου και Σωτήρος ημών Ιησού Χριστού. Ούτως ο Δημιουργός επιθυμεί να εγκολπωθή ο άνθρωπος την προς τον σύνδουλον αυτού ανυστερόβουλον φιλανθρωπίαν, θεωρών τον πλησίον ως ίδιον μέλος και ορών εις το πρόσωπον αυτού τον ίδιον τον Χριστόν, αποφασιστικώς ειπόντα ότι «εφ ὅσον εποιήσατε ενί τούτων των αδελφών μου των ελαχίστων, εμοί εποιήσατε» (Ματθ. κε , 4041). Δεν είναι δυνατόν, χωρίς την αγάπην, να ίδωμεν τον Ήλιον της δικαιοσύνης, ο Οποίος ορίζει εν τω ιερώ Ευαγγελίω: «Εν τούτω γνώσονται πάντες ότι εμοί μαθηταί εστε, εάν αγάπην έχητε εν αλλήλοις» (Ιω. ιγ , 35-36). Δια της φιλανθρωπίας γινόμεθα όμοιοι τω Θεώ και Αυτός κατοικεί εις τας καρδίας ημών και πληροί τας ψυχάς δια του αγιασμού και της ανεκλαλήτου ευωδίας Του. Κάθε δαπάνη, ήτις γίνεται υπέρ των πτωχών, ως αι παρούσαι δια την λειτουργίαν του Σταθμού τούτου, «θησαυρός εστιν», καθώς λέγει ο

άγιος Ιωάννης Χρυσόστομος εις τον περίφημον περί ελεημοσύνης λόγον αυτού. «Θησαυρός θησαυρού παντός βελτίων. Ούτος μεν γαρ ο αισθητός, και επιβουλεύεται και μειούται, και τους ευρόντας πολλάκις απώλεσεν• ο δε εν τοις ουρανοίς ανάλωτος μένει και ανεπιβούλευτος, σωτηρία τοις κεκτημένοις και τοις μεταλαμβάνουσι. Ου γαρ δαπανάται χρόνω, ουχ αλίσκεται φθόνω, … και μυρία κομίζει τοις λέγουσιν αυτόν αγαθά.» (ΕΠΕ 40, σελ. 420). Διο και η καθ ἡμᾶς Αγιωτάτη Μήτηρ Μεγάλη του Χριστού Εκκλησία, και εν πάση τη ζώνη κανονικής δικαιοδοσίας Αυτής, όλως δ ἐξαιρέτως εν τη Βασιλευούση Πόλει, επέδειξεν αρχήθεν της παρουσίας αυτής αξιομίμητα έργα αγάπης και φιλανθρωπίας, προκαλούντα πάντοτε τον θαυμασμόν ημών. Κατά καιρούς οι μακάριοι προκάτοχοι ημών Πατριάρχαι, έκαστος κατά την αρετήν και ελεήμονα διάθεσιν αυτού, επηύξανον και συνέχιζον ταύτα. Άπασα η ζωή των Πολιτών είχεν εμποτισθή εκ του πνεύματος της φιλανθρωπίας και βοηθείας των του Χριστού πενήτων και αναξιοπαθούντων. Χαίρομεν δε διότι βλέπομεν σήμερον το αυτό πνεύμα να εμπνέη και τον αρχιποίμενα της Ιεράς ταύτης Μητροπόλεως, μετά των εκλεκτών συνεργατών του, κληρικών τε και λαϊκών. Ο μακαριστός Μητροπολίτης κυρός Διονύσιος έθεσε τα καλά θεμέλια αυτής της ανεκτιμήτου φιλανθρωπικής προσφοράς της Ιεράς Επαρχίας Σταυρουπόλεως και Νεαπόλεως. Το άξιον αυτού τέκνον, ο αγαπητός αδελφός και συλλειτουργός ημών κύριος Βαρνάβας, όχι μόνον ηξιοποίησεν αλλά και επηύξησε το εμπιστευθέν αυτώ τάλαντον, συνεχίζων ούτω κατά τον καλλίτερον τρόπον την παράδοσιν αυτήν της φιλανθρωπίας της Μητρός Εκκλησίας, εις την άλλοτέ ποτε συμβασιλεύουσαν πόλιν, την πόλιν του εξόχως φιλανθρωποτάτου αγίου Δημητρίου, εις τα πρόπυλαια των εορτών του οποίου ευρισκόμεθα. Ως γνήσιος ποιμήν, λοιπόν, ο Μητροπολίτης σας δεν δύναται να κοιμάται ήσυχος, όταν γνωρίζη την πενίαν και την στέρησιν του λαού του, ως ο άγιος Ιωάννης Χρυσόστομος δεν ήτο δυνατόν να ησυχάση βλέπων εις καιρόν χειμώνος «τους πένητας και πτωχούς ανεπιμελήτους ερριμμένους κατά την αγοράν», πριν εκφωνήση την τοιαύτην περί ελεημοσύνης ομιλίαν του. Το φιλανθρωπικόν τούτο έργον, αδελφοί μου, είναι σημαντικόν όχι μόνον δι αὐτὴν καθ ἑαυτὴν την πρακτικήν προσφοράν αυτού. Είναι σπουδαίον, επειδή εις την σημερινήν δυσχερή περίοδον, μας δίδει εν μήνυμα ελπίδος, αισιοδοξίας και παρηγορίας, ότι, ιδού, η Εκκλησία είναι κοντά εις τους αναξιοπαθούντας, ότι ο Θεός είναι κοντά μας, προνοεί υπέρ ημών, έχει την μέριμνάν Του δι ἕνα έκαστον εξ ημών. Όμως, εν ταυτώ η Εκκλησία δεν παύει

ποτέ να μας υπενθυμίζη ότι η φιλανθρωπία δεν είναι αυτοσκοπός Της. Είναι απλώς το μέσον δια να εργασθή, δια να εργασθή ο Θεός. Δεν είναι σκοπός της Εκκλησίας να θρέψη πάντας τους πένητας. Εάν περιωρίζετο εις αυτό, ασφαλώς θα εξέπιπτεν εις μίαν κοινωνικήν οργάνωσιν. Η Εκκλησία μανθάνει τον άνθρωπον να υπερνικά πάσαν δυσκολίαν και να είναι ευτυχής και ειρηνικός, και εις αυτάς τας δια τους περισσοτέρους ανθρώπους πλέον δυσχερείς και φοβεράς στιγμάς της ζωής του. Δια τούτο και δεν απογοητευόμεθα από τας ελλείψεις και τα αδιέξοδα αυτής της περιόδου. Απ ἐναντίας, αι θλίψεις αύται και αι δυσκολίαι θα οδηγήσουν ημάς εις την βασιλείαν του Θεού. Όπως λέγει ο εν Κωνσταντινουπόλει αναδειχθείς μέγας κοινοβιάρχης όσιος Θεόδωρος ο Στουδίτης, «αυτό τούτο απόδειξιν λαμβάνομεν της σωτηρίας ημών, τον πολύθλιπτον και πολύιδρον ημών βίον, ότι ανατέλλει ημίν ανάπαυσις αιωνία, αντί της νυν κακουχίας και ευφροσύνη αΐδιος αντί της νυν λυπηράς διαθέσεως, ελευθερία απαθείας αντί των θλιπτικών» τούτων στερήσεων (Κατήχησις 123η, ΕΠΕ 18Α, σελ. 514). Πρέπει να αποσκοπώμεν όχι εις τα παρόντα, τα οποία είναι πρόσκαιρα και φθαρτά, αλλά εις τα μέλλοντα και αιώνια, τα οποία είναι αΐδια και μακάρια. Δια τούτο είναι μακάριοι όσοι υπομένουν αυτάς τας δυσκολίας, χωρίς να γογγύζουν και να αγανακτούν. Μακαριώτεροι δε πάντων όσοι εκουσίως παρέδωσαν, χάριν του Χριστού και της ωφελείας του πλησίον, τους εαυτούς των εις τας στερήσεις και τας ελλείψεις και τας δυσκολίας, έτι δε και εις αυτά τα βάσανα και μαρτύρια, ως ο μεγαλομάρτυς Δημήτριος ο μυροβλύτης. Όμως, ας εκμεταλλευθώμεν την περίστασιν ταύτην, όσοι εισέτι έχομεν εκ Θεού την οικονομικήν δυνατότητα, δια να θησαυρίσωμεν θησαυρόν ανέκλειπτον εν τοις ουρανοίς. Ας επαναλάβωμεν προς πάντας την προτροπήν πάλιν του αγίου Χρυσοστόμου: «όταν ελέους η καιρός και φιλανθρωπίας, διόρθου την πενίαν, λύε τον λιμόν, απάλλαττε της θλίψεως, μηδέν περαιτέρω περιεργάζου ... ίνα και αυτοί κατά την ημέραν εκείνην (της κρίσεως) πολλού του ελέους και της παρά του Θεού φιλανθρωπίας τύχωμεν» (Περί ελεημοσύνης, ΕΠΕ 40, σελ. 440). Ας ενθυμηθώμεν την γυναίκα εκείνην της εποχής μας, ήτις, επειδή έδιδεν αφθόνως εις τους πτωχούς, η δεξιά χειρ αυτής ευρέθη κατά την ανακομιδήν άφθαρτος και ευωδιάζουσα. Πατρικώς δεόμεθα του Κυρίου, ταις πρεσβείαις των αγίων Πάντων, να ευλογήση την λειτουργίαν του εγκαινιαζομένου «Σταθμού αγάπης» δια να σκορπίζη την ελπίδα και την παρηγορίαν εις όσους έχουν ανάγκην και να χαρίζη εις τους διακονούντας εκατονταπλάσιον τον μισθόν της διακονίας των. Αμήν.

Βραβείο Χριστιανικής Ηγεσίας - Το Βραβείο της Χριστιανικής Ηγεσίας για το 2013 της Αμερικανικής Βιβλικής Εταιρίας αποδόθηκε στον εκτελεστικό διευθυντή της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής κ. Ιερώνυμο Δημητρίου για τη εξέχουσα συμβολή του στον αγώνα και στην εξάπλωση του μηνύματος της Βίβλου. (από αριστερά) Ρόμπερτ Μπρίγκς, εκτελεστικός αντιπρόεδρος της Αμερικανικής Βιβλικής Εταιρίας, Λία Βελή-Δρίβα, διευθύντρια, Ιερώνυμος Δημητρίου, Τόμας Δουράκης, διευθυντής και Π. Κάβανο, εκτελεστικός διευθυντής του ιδρύματος.

OCTOBER 2013

Ethics Ethics and Tragedy by Professor Timothy Patitsas

Ways of the Lord

The_latest_book_by_His_Eminence_Archbishop_Demetrios_of_America_ includes_his_Keynote_Addresses_from_his_first_Clergy-Laity_Congress_in_ Philadelphia_in_July_2000_through_his_address_in_Washington,_DC__ in_July_2008._Also_included_are_addresses_given_in_Athens,_Greece,_ Cyprus,_Fordham_University_and_Brookline,_MA_plus_others. The_texts_presented_in_this_book_constitute_an_humble_effort_to_ contribute_to_such_a_task,_which_is_the_sacred_but_also_demanding_work_ of_sharing_the_Gospel_with_the_people_of_today;__hence,_the_subtitle__ of_the_book_‘Perspectives_on_Sharing_the_Gospel_of_Christ.’” To_purchase_your_copy_of_“Ways_of_the_Lord”_($24.95_per_+_$6_S&H)*_ please_call_212-774-0244,_or_email_gotel@goarch.org,_or_comple_the_ order_form_below_and_mail_it_to_GOTelecom,_8_East_79th_Street,_New_York,_NY_10075.

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Within Greek civilization there was a fundamental disagreement about the ethical life. For Homer, the tragedians, and Aristotle, it was possible that things could happen to us – things beyond our control – that would determine our moral status. In other words, our freedom and self-determination are to some extent circumscribed by circumstance. We might suffer the ruin of our character simply due to events. For Plato, however, and for the tradition that followed him, there could be no such “moral luck.” No matter what life might throw at us, a properly informed person could choose the good and determine his moral state. In America we run into the reality of moral tragedy most commonly in two ways. When we accept that addictions function more like a disease than a series of bad moral choices, we can understand that for reasons beyond a person’s control – their genes or upbringing – they may be liable to a condition that will erode their character over time. Post-traumatic stress disorders are another species of bad moral luck. Simply because of what happened to a person, through no choice of their own, their ability to relate to others properly is compromised. Even though both the addict and the trauma victim are in a deep sense innocent, still what has happened to them now impinges upon their character. They live, in some sense, tragically. As Americans this can be difficult for us to accept. The American ideal is the Horatio Alger ideal: that every person can overcome circumstance in order to prosper both materially and in virtue. In this, we follow Plato more closely than Homer. We become impatient with the trauma sufferer and the addict. Why can’t they just change? Why is the one so sensitive, and the other so weak in willpower? Are they just faking it? In the Church, we accept a counterintuitive blend of the Homeric and the Platonic approaches to moral life. In no way is the trauma sufferer to blame for his state. The addict may have vast reserves of willpower, but finds that the exercise of his willpower only makes his disease worse. All who suffer in this way deserve prayer and empathy. Perhaps above all, they deserve respect. Their suffering is real. But how can we help? And, how can we recover from a tragic happening in our own lives, and go on to recover all our ethical capacities? The tragic dimension of moral life, what some modern philosophers call “bad moral luck,” is above all an illustration of one unavoidable fact: our lives are a gift. Moral life, too, though it involves our exertions and choices (the Platonic side), also involves free gifts, unanticipated kindnesses, and good “luck” (the Homeric side). Our moral life is a synergy between us, others, circumstance, and God’s Providence. This dependence on gift does not

take away our moral dignity. Rather, it means that we cannot be happy and good unless we receive such gifts. It means, in fact, that we were designed, by God, to be gifted, chosen, anointed. Thus, in Christ our dependence on good “moral luck” is the highest sign of our transcendent human dignity. We don’t make sense, morally, as human beings, until we fulfill our destiny to receive the Holy Spirit. In his wonderful book The Gift, Lewis Hyde writes that the “rules of the gift” are three: We must give gifts. We must accept gifts. And when we accept gifts, we must pay them forward. In the synergy between us and God, God is primary. Our righteousness is first and foremost a gift from God in Christ. And when we receive that righteousness, our obligation can be frightening; it is to give that righteousness away. How do we give away the righteousness we receive from Christ? By seeing it as a gift from God, praising Him. By not blaming God for our falls. By praying for the life of the world. By seeing other men as blameless, as merely the victims of bad moral luck, while seeing ourselves as responsible, as sinners. By blaming yourself when those around you fall. By regarding yourself as the worst of men. By longing to suffer as Christ suffered, for the life of the world. Two things happen when we do this. First, as we become an extension of Christ’s giving away of His righteousness, on the Cross, addicts and trauma sufferers around us (which may be, in one form or another, just about every one we meet) sense that they have at last found a refuge from bad circumstance. They see in us their first sign that their “luck has changed.” When a fallen person meets a saint, they sense that they are truly accepted, truly understood, truly loved. We no longer project a hidden pressure of sin, forcing them to flee in bad directions in order to survive our negative presence. Second, when we begin to take on the burdens of others by giving away whatever righteousness we possess, we find that bad moral luck in our own lives begins to lose its power. Slowly, perhaps imperceptibly, we are relieved of our obsession with self. The wounds of the past do not disappear, but they shrink in size relative to our newly expanded soul. Mysteries are revealed to us when, from the position of ultimate suffering, we begin to take on the care of others in this way. How much love we feel then! How much reverence we then have for all those who suffer! So, was Plato right, or Homer? Can we determine our moral fate, or will God condemn us for factors beyond our control? Christ shows us exactly how to hold more loosely to this concern with our own ethical status. As we join ourselves to His Liturgy for the salvation of others, we learn to walk with faith in the mysterious synergy between God and man. Dr. Patitsas is professor of ethics at HCHC.

OCTOBER 2013

Parish Profile

Ohio Community One of 38 Area Orthodox Churches P A R I S H

profile

Name: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Location: Rocky River, Ohio Metropolis of Pittsburgh Size: about 550 families Founded: 1967 (as a separate community) Clergy: Fr. James Doukas (Holy Cross, ‘76; M.Div.) E-mail: sdrroffice@sbcglobal.net Web: www.stdemetriosrr.org ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ROCKY RIVER, Ohio – St. Demetrios Church is the “newest” of the four Cleveland-area parishes which sprang from the American Hellenic Community of Great Cleveland, the umbrella organization founded in November 1913 by Greek immigrants in what was then Ohio’s largest city. Shortly afterward, Annunciation Church was formally established as the mother church of the area. Sts. Constantine and Helen followed in 1957, then St. Paul in 1966 and, finally, St. Demetrios in 1967 in this suburb of about 20,000 population, nine miles west of downtown Cleveland. (Though it actually got its start in 1960). A temporary priest, Fr. Dan Sfikas, a Rochester, N.Y., native, served the community from 1959-61. Until 1967, Annunciation was the administrative center of the four parishes. The mother church of the Annunciation, with her satellite of daughter churches, functioned as an administrative unit until July 2, 1967, when it was voted that each parish become administratively independent. Since then, only three priests have served the community: Fr. Peter Metallinos, Fr. Paul Patitsas and Fr. James Doukas, who was raised in the parish and returned as the pastor in 2006. He previously served at Annunciation in Buffalo, N.Y., for 18 years. Parishioners

Letter to the Editor

Church fires Editor I have been struck recently by the number of fires to our churches that I have seen in the Orthodox Observer. Between the one in Arizona on May 29 and the one in Long Island on Aug. 9, was the four-alarmer in Philadelphia, not reported by I heard about on radio, to the St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This parish is a member of the Orthodox Christian Brotherhood of the Delaware Valley. What a beautiful gesture it was that Archbishop Demetrios designated that a collection tray in all churches would be for the assistance of relief of destruction to the Long Island church. Mary Varvootis Upper Darby, Pa.

are mostly American-born, but with a large percentage of immigrants. Many originated in the Greek islands of Samos and Icaria. Fr. Doukas said one of his constant challenges is using the right amount of Greek and English in the services. “We still have people who are mostly Greek speaking and we try to accommodate everyone.” He said weekday services are about 90 percent Greek, with more English used at the Sunday Liturgy. The community is highly involved in Orthodox Christian life in greater community as well as the parish. With 38 Orthodox churches under several jurisdictions in Greater Cleveland, there is much involvement in Pan Orthodox services and other activities through the year, especially through the efforts of Philoptochos. “The Philoptochos helps people who need food; and provides gift cards to people in need of food,” said Fr. Doukas. “They also have an outreach to Cleveland area schools, helping students with reading, and providing tutors for small children. Missions is another area where parishioners are very active. They provide support for the International Orthodox Christian Charities, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, the Russell/Linderman Mission in Albania (an OCMC soup kitchen in Albania run by George and Pauline Russell), and the St. Nicholas Uganda Children’s Fund. In addition, parishioners minister to Navajo Indians in Arizona and Blackfoot Indians in Montana. “Quite a few from the Cleveland area have gone out to serve on missions, including teen-agers,” said Fr. Doukas. St. Demetrios’ internal ministries include the Yassou Club for senior citizens, Sunday school with 130 students, Greek school with 73 enrolled, GOYA and JOY with “very large memberships,” Fr. Doukas said. As mentioned above, the parish actually got its start in 1960, but was not a separate entity from the American Hellenic Community of Greater Cleveland. According to a parish history, the community purchased an existing Methodist church building and the name St. Demetrios was adopted, the wish of the “godfather” of the church, James Watson. The growth of the parish was phenomenal, the parish history noted. In a few years, the little church was bulging at the seams. Sunday school classes were

overflowing, making it necessary to rent space and later to accept the hospitality of the Rockport Methodist Church across the street. The search for a location to build a new church and educational facilities began. In 1968 the groundbreaking ceremony took place. In 1969 the successful fund raising campaign resulted in the building of the first phase of the new facilities and Hellenic Cultural Center. Christmas Eve 1970 Divine Liturgy was celebrated for the first time in the new Saint Demetrios Hellenic Cultural Center. “Gratitude, pride, and misty eyes were very much in evidence that memorable evening,” the parish history noted, For a year and a half church services were held

at the cultural center. Fr. Peter Metallinos succeeded Fr. Sfikas and served as the pastor there until his retirement in 1998. A native of Tinos, Greece, he attended the University of California-Berkeley in 1952 before he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Germany. He enrolled at Holy Cross School of Theology in 1956. In his 36 years at St. Demetrios, he served as Greek school and Sunday school superintendent, as Philoptochos advisor, and GOYA advisor. He also served as the Orthodox chaplain of the Cleveland Policeman’s Association for 22 years. Upon Fr. Peter Metallinos’ retirement, Fr. Paul A. Patitsas, a native of nearby Akron, Ohio, who served as assistant priest, became pastor. He oversaw completion of the church dome and the construction of the activity center. He also served as president of the Greater Cleveland Orthodox Clergy and Rocky River Police chaplain. Fr. Doukas, who also served parishes in Astoria, N.Y., Fort Wayne, Ind., and Plymouth, Mich., grew up in St. Demetrios Church and was an altar boy under Fr. Metallinos. Throughout his priesthood, Fr. Doukas has served the Church in many capacities, including member of the Archdiocesan Council, OCMC Board, president of the Council of Orthodox Churches of the Niagara Frontier, secretary of the Metropolis of Detroit Spiritual Court, St. Timothy Summer Camp director, and Ionian Village chaplain. — Compiled by Jim Golding

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

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

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

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

Want More Information?

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

OCTOBER 2013

Metropolis News

Boston Metropolis photo

Jamil Samara, Internet Ministries director, addresses the clergy-laity delegates.

Metropolis of Boston Holds Clergy–Laity Conference Board Begins New Term

Orthodox Observer photo

Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos Board members began their new term for 2013-15 on Oct. 9. Archbishop Demetrios administered the affirmation to the board in a brief service at the Archdiocesan Chapel of St. Paul. Newly elected members are (in alphabetical order): Athina Beaury, 2nd vice president, Church of the Resurrection, Brookville, N.Y; Kathy Boulukos, St. Paul, Hempstead, NY; Rebecca Boutsikoudis, Annunciation, Stamford, Conn.; Demi Brountzas, St. Demetrios, Astoria, N.Y; Stella Capiris, Holy Trinity, Bridgeport, Conn; Cathy Chrestatos, secretary, Holy Trinity, Hicksville, N.Y; Jennifer Constantin, president; Church of Our Savior, Rye, N.Y; Maria Demas, Kimisis tis Theotokou, Island Park, N.Y; Mary Floratos, Holy Trinity, Hicksville; Bia George, treasurer, Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral, New York; Marina Katsoulis, 1st vice president, Archangel Michael, Port Washington; N.Y; Rose Koulouris, Assumption, Danbury, Conn; Helen Misthos, St. Nicholas, Flushing, N.Y; Stella Panagakos, assistant treasurer, Holy Cross, Brooklyn, N.Y; Irene Panagos, Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas, Staten Island, N.Y; Georgeann Papadakos, Sts. Constantine and Helen, Brooklyn. Appointed members: Presbytera Paula Strouzas, Archangel Michael, Port Washington; Marina Harrison, assistant secretary, Annunciation, New York; and Maria Skiadas, advisor, Holy Cross, Whitestone. Also taking part in the ceremony was Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, Archdiocese chancellor and director of the Department of Philanthropy.

GREEK ORTHODOX PILGRIMAGE TO HAVANA, CUBA

JANUARY 22- 27, 2014 • 6 Days / 5 Nights

Celebrate the 10 year Anniversary of the Consecration of the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Havana by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Pilgrimage under the auspices of His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras

Join us for a once in a life time opportunity to celebrate history in the making with the Cuban Greek Orthodox faithful! As part of the anniversary celebrations, the relics of St. Nicholas of Myra, on the island of Syros, Greece, will be brought to Cuba for veneration. RATES: Double Occupancy: $2990 per person / Single Occupancy: $3490 per person ACT FAST AS SPACE IS LIMITED: Deadline to register: Nov. 15, 2013. From Nov. 16 and later $100 late booking fee plus any additional air supplement. INCLUDED SERVICES:

• Round trip air from Miami to Havana including departure tax from Miami. • Five nights at the Cuban deluxe Melia Habana Hotel with daily breakfast, service fees and taxes. • 2 lunches & 3 dinners at historic & special venues. Some venues include cocktail reception, cigar rollers & Cuban music. • Vespers and Divine Liturgy to celebrate the anniversary including Baptisms of Cuban to the Greek Orthodox faith. • Presentations by representative of His All Holiness, HE Athenagoras and His Grace Bishop Kyrillos of Abydou. • Tours of Old Havana and New Havana of religious & cultural sites. • Cuban Visa and Medical insurance in Cuba.

NOT INCLUDED: Cuban departure tax of approximately $30 per person, gratuities and travel insurance.

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PLEASE NOTE: Our religious visit will be arranged through a legally licensed TSP or Travel Service Provider License CUBA TOURS & TRAVEL (CU-077926-b) located in Long Beach, California and authorized by OFAC, CST 2073790-40. OFAC: http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/cuba_tr_app.pdf This pilgrimage will operate under the United States Department of Treasury Office Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) under 31 C.F.R. 515.566 (a) general license provision for religious activities. Our visit includes a full schedule of religious activities consistent with U.S Regulations.

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The Metropolis of Boston held its Clergy–Laity Conference on Oct. 5 with about 250 clergy and laity attending. This year’s theme, “Best Practices in Successful Ministries” highlighted the very successful ministries offered by our communities throughout New England. The morning session provided attendees an overview of the various Archdiocesan and Metropolis ministries, while the afternoon session offered the attendees the opportunity to discuss the presentations more extensively. The conference was an opportunity for all delegates to grow in the image and likeness of Christ. The conference speakers presented reports on the following ministries: Archdiocese Internet Ministries – Jamil Samara, director of the Department of Internet Ministries, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism – Fr. James W. Kordaris, director of Archdiocese Department of Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism. Youth and Young Adult Ministries – Fr. Jason Roll, director of the Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Enriching Catechism: Lifetime Learners – Fr. Robert Archon, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Portsmouth, N.H. Finance Report – Ted Speros, Archdiocesan Council member. Metropolis of Boston Emerging Leaders Ministry – Fr. Ted Barbas, Metropolis chancellor Youth and Young Adult Ministries – Chrysanthy Tiggas, Metropolis Youth Ministry Program coordinator

The Metropolis of Boston Camp – Michael Sintros, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and of the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center The St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center – Michael Sintros Philoptochos Ministries – Frances Levas, president The Philoxenia House – Eleni Pantelis, coordinator Administration and Finance Reports – Metropolis Finance Team During his keynote address, Metropolitan Methodios referred to the plight of Christians living in the Near East, expressing his disappointment that the leaders of our nation “do not have the courage to publicly protest this systematic genocide.” The following resolution was passed by the Assembly. “The delegates of the Clergy Laity Assembly representing the 62 parishes of the Metropolis of Boston deplore the wanton destruction of Christian Churches, monasteries, convents, orphanages and hospitals in Syria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and throughout the Middle East. The ethnic cleansing of Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians must end. We call upon the leaders of our nation to protest these unspeakable acts of terror and to work unceasingly to bring to an end the heinous genocide of our brethren.” Additionally, in response to Metropolitan Methodios’ remarks concerning the need to involve young adults in the administration of our communities, the conference passed the following resolution. “All Communities in the Metropolis of Boston are strongly encouraged to renew their Parish Councils by inviting young adults between 25-50 years of age to serve.”

OCTOBER 2013

OCMC

2014 Mission Team Opportunities by Andrew Lekos

Openings for the Orthodox Christian Mission Center’s 2014 Short-Term Mission Team are now available and all Orthodox Christians seeking to share in a journey of faith and fulfill the mandate of our Lord Jesus Christ are invited to participate. The upcoming year’s teams Alaska – Youth ministry (Ouzinkie) July 18–27 Albania – Mission Institute (Tirana) (TBD) Albania – Youth ministry (Shen Vlash) March 10–17 Albania – Children’s Home of Hope youth ministry (Shen Vlash) June 16–July 1 Albania – Womens’ retreats (Tirana) Aug. 11–24 Ghana – Teaching; celebrate the 25–year anniversary (Accra and Peki) Aug. 2–16 Guatemala–Hogar Rafael Ayau youth ministry (San Miguel del Lago) July 10–21, Kenya–Evangelism (Turkana) March 8–16 Kenya–Teaching (Nairobi) June 4–14 Kenya–Church construction, catechism, and health care (Turkana/Lokichaar) June 17–July 1 and June 24–July 11 Moldova–Women’s retreats (Orhei) April 28–May 6 Moldova–Youth camp (Orhei) July 12–23 Tanzania–Health care outreach (Bukoba) Feb. 3–14 and May 12–23 Tanzania–Clergy retreats (Bukoba) Oct. 27–Nov. 8 Uganda–Stewardship training (Kampala) Oct. 27–Nov. 8 Uganda–Health care and education (Gulu) Aug. 18–30 and Aug. 26–Sept. 8 Teaching Offer a living witness of Orthodoxy through evangelism, religious education, seminars, Bible studies, and retreats. Share the Orthodox Faith with youth, adults, catechumens, clergy, ministry leaders, and the

faithful. clergy, students, teachers, seminarians, youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, and Bible study leaders are urged to apply. Evangelism Preach the Gospel of Christ through evangelism in cross-cultural environments, offering the opportunity to hear and embrace the Good News. Live as Orthodox witnesses so others may come to know the saving love of Christ. Construction Provide labor and service on a building project while working with members of a local Orthodox community to help construct churches in growing Orthodox communities. Construction experience is welcomed, but not necessary. Youth Camp Serve as an example of God’s love by engaging youth around the world through offering religious education, Bible studies, sports, arts and crafts, teaching activities, camps, and fellowship. Those willing to work with youth and young adults are encouraged to apply - camp counselors, teachers, youth ministry directors, and students. Health Care Provide a holistic witness to the Gospel by ministering to physical needs and offering health education in regions where medical services are scarce. Health personnel - doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, counselors, HIV/AIDS specialists, therapists - are especially needed. This is your opportunity for early registration! Participation costs and full team descriptions will be coming soon. Apply online at http://www.ocmc.org. Contact Andrew Lekos by phone at 1-877-GO FORTH (463-6784), or by e-mail at teams@ocmc. org, for more information

Encyclical u u from page 11 the promises of God. On this day the “NO” of October 28, 1940, and the heroic stand of the people of Greece inspires us and offers a witness to the world of the priority and character of justice in the face of great threats and adversity. Throughout the world there are many struggles for power as well as movements against tyranny and injustice. Through our faith in God and in our recognition of our cherished inheritance, we must discern what is just and what is not. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to live and do justly, to confront the machinations of evil, and to do so in the grace of God with a love for life and for others who are created in His image and likeness. Our just and holy ways should also be characterized by dignity and humility. True, decent humility is not a

sign of weakness, but of great strength and faith, revealing a deep and abiding trust in the sacredness of the human person and in the power and promises of God. It is in this way that we will not only honor the legacy of our Greek forbearers, but we will also bring honor and glory to God as we allow His grace to prevail and as we bear witness to the truth of life and salvation in Him. May His abundant blessings be upon all of our commemorations of this day, and may we continue to offer a bright witness of the sacrificial and just stand made by the people of Greece! With paternal love in Christ,

† DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of America

Letters from Camp Editor’s Note: Letters from Camp is a new feature that will appear occasionally in the Orthodox Observer. Attendees of any Archdiocese camps, either Ionian Village or the Metropolis camps, are invited to submit brief letters or essays (100-150 word-limit) for consideration. They will be used on a space available basis. Include name and home parish.

A miraculous cave Before I came to Ionian Village, I had heard stories of the cave on the island of Kefalonia where St. Gerasimos, healer of the mentally ill, lived in as a hermit for many years. I had actually heard more, however, about the supposedly small hole one has to crawl through to reach the actual “room” where he lived. It is said the more faith you have, the larger the hole seems when you are actually crawling through it. Despite learning all of this, the thought never occurred to me that crawling through this hole would bring me to tears. As I waited in the church to climb down into the main cave, I sang “Kyrie Eleison” incessantly along with my fellow campers and counselors. That time, in and of itself, was a spiritual bonding moment with my IV family. While I waited to crawl into the cave through the hole, I murmured the Jesus Prayer and turned my komboskini out of habit. When it was my turn to crawl through, I crouched down on the ground and started through, quite a difficult task wearing a floor length skirt I might add. But looking back, making my way through the hole seemed effortless once I was through to the other side. After I was in the area of the cave where St. Gerasimos lived, I felt an overwhelming spiritual presence embrace me and I was overcome with emotion and was moved to tears. I thought of and prayed for a couple of family members who had suffered from mental illness, knowing that the spirit of St. Gerasimos was there and listening. Maria Chiarel Holy Trinity , Columbia, S.C.

An amazing experience I was a camper at Ionian Village in 2011 and, just recently in June 2013. IV is amazing summer camp that all GreekAmerican children should experience. It is a chance to make many new friends

and become extremely close to your 16 or 17 cabin mates - Xios was my cabin this year. At IV you visit many monasteries and churches and your faith in God increases dramatically. You also get the chance to visit Greek islands and learn about our culture.My favorite trip was to the island of Zakynthos. The island and the monastery there are extremely beautiful and being able to see the remains of St. Dionysios was truly inspirational. There are also many activities to participate in at camp; for example the IV Olympics, Junkyard Wars, dances, and Carnavali which were all very fun. All of these activities, travel, and learning about our roots and religion make IV the best summer of your life! Penelope Combs St. Nicholas Church, Newburgh, NY

Lots of memories Picture the following: an early morning sunrise over the Peloponnese mountains that glistens a medieval fortress or a golden-sand beach. Sitting on a restaurant porch or a ferry boat deck eating souvlaki, drinking a frappe, and fixating your vision out toward the beautiful, Hellenic seas, valleys, and mountains. Standing among ruins, buildings, monasteries and structures that defy humanity. Absorbing iconography in churches that allows you to vividly spectate the life of Christ. Venerating the relics and incorrupt bodies of saints whose lives and teachings have transcended and surpassed generational boundaries. Conversing, competing, laughing, dancing, worshiping, praying, eating, shopping, sharing and bonding with other people of the same age and faith from every corner and crevice of America. These events along with countless, memorable others have one thing in common: Ionian Village. John J. Petrolias Holy Cross Church, Pittsburgh

Corrections In the September issue, the page 11 cutline under the top photo of the Southampton church thyranixia was incorrectly in place from a previous issue. In the page 2 article on Leadership 100, the first name of President Charles H. Cotros was incorrect.

OCTOBER 2013

Metropolis News

Metropolis of Pittsburgh Holds Clergy-Laity Assembly PITTSBURGH – Metropolitan Savas convened his third Clergy-Laity Assembly as Metropolitan of Pittsburgh on Sept. 26 at the newly built Holy Trinity Church. More than 110 delegates, observers, and presenters participated in the threeday event which featured productive committee sessions, edifying presentations, and abundant opportunities for networking between the parishes represented. The first day began with a meeting of the Metropolis Council while the arriving delegates had an opportunity to explore the new parish facilities, including the beautiful sanctuary which celebrated its door-opening this past June. Metropolitan Savas then opened the Assembly itself with a keynote address focusing on the many parts of the Body of Christ–the parishes, the Metropolis and Archdiocese and their ministries, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the world–wide Orthodox Church. Attendees had multiple committee sessions to participate in that evening. Friday featured presentations on the new parish management and ledger software by Effie–Marie Smith, the work of the Archdiocesan Department of Religious Education by Archon Gerry Clonaris, and the role of fundraising in the parish ministries by Jerry Minetos. Additional sessions on parish music ministry and parish histories and archives were also available. The Assembly concluded Sept. 28 with the plenary session and the Metro-

Metropolitan Savas with attendees at the Clergy-Laity Assembly held in the new Holy Trinity Church.

poitan’s closing remarks.Delegates, many of whom had never attended a Metropolis Assembly, walked away with a greater appreciation for the resources available to them from the Archdiocese and Metropolis, and with a greater sense of connection to the wonderful ministry work being done at the various other parishes and Metropolises. Metropolitan Savas remarked, “The hospitality of the Holy Trinity parish combined with the skill of

our presenters, the tireless dedication of our Metropolis Council and staff, and the energy and enthusiasm of our parish delegates to create a memorable Assembly and a wonderful continuation of the vibrant ministries of our Holy Metropolis.” Those present at the Assembly were saddened at the news of the passing of Nicholas Sialmas who at previous as-

semblies taught delegates about the new software initiative. He was a dedicated volunteer who loved his Church and dutifully served his parish, the Archdiocesan District, and our Archdiocese faithfully. Metropolitan Savas with the clergy and faithful of the Metropolis send their love to the Sialmas family and all those who loved Nicholas.

OCTOBER 2013

Day Schools Brooklyn’s Kaloidis School Maintains High Standards by Francesca Mannino

BROOKLYN, N.Y.-The Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School was named for its principal benefactors and is more commonly referred to as DGK. Our school was established in 1980 to provide a quality elementary and middle grade education in all academic subjects, in the Greek language, and in the Greek Orthodox faith. Our schools’ goal is to fortify the scholastic abilities of our students and to cultivate academic excellence during these formative elementary and middle school years. DGK’s mission statement is “To provide a safe environment where a student learns to trust, respect his or herself and others, and become an independent thinker. We aim to provide our children with a friendly and stimulating environment where children are able to develop to their full potential.” The Greek curriculum is more than just teaching the language. Students are exposed to our glorious past history as well as our unique culture. The most important part of our heritage is the Greek language. The goal of all our Greek teachers, certified by the Greek Ministry of National Education, is to provide their students with the best academic background which will form a solid foundation in their Greek studies. Upon completion of the required curriculum eligible students may qualify for the diploma recognized by the Ministry. The academic curriculum is aligned with the NYS Common Core Standards and Regents requirements. Our building has been outfitted with a computer lab, all the newest SmartBOARD technology, and brand new 2014 textbooks in reading, math, and science. Our new investment of textbooks offers the luxury of being able to access our students’ textbooks on line when at home. In addition we offer prep classes for the ELA and math state exams and for the specialized high school entrance exam. We take pride that our graduates have gone on to prestigious schools such as Bishop Kearney, Poly Prep, Xavier and New York City specialized high schools and that our alumnae have contributed to all fields such as medicine, law, education, politics, and religious orders. The school website has been redesigned and offers more functionality for parent convenience such as “teacher pages” which allows our teachers to post homework assignments, test/quiz and project dates, and any pertinent information. Here at Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis we employ New York State Department of Education-qualified teachers in all academic areas in grades K-8, including

the nursery and pre–K programs which also follow a prescribed NYS curriculum. Our school has a committed, experienced staff that is well supported by both parents and community. Children are exposed to literacy, math, science, social studies, reading, writing music, art, physical education, technology, and dance. At the primary school level, kindergarten–2nd grades, the curriculum focuses on student-centered learning which encourages cooperative learning, critical thinking, and problem solving to prepare them with 21st century skills for college and career readiness. The intermediate school level, grades 3-5, is a time of transition in preparation for middle school. As an additional perk we have added “team teaching” to the fifth grade classroom where the middle school math, science, social studies and English teachers co-teach with the fifth grade teacher to promote the best instructional and academic practices. These teachers will be in the fifth grade classroom three times a week. This will ensure rigorous academic implementation while exposing our fifth graders to the changes they will be experiencing in middle school. This shift will prepare students not only for the following year but also for their competitive future in the outside world. The middle school team for grades 6-8, in addition to academic preparation, fosters independence to prepare students for their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual changes that take place with students between the ages of 11-14. Additionally, middle school teachers, while providing educational skills, encourage individual growth and development in personal discipline, self-initiation, and independent learning. Middle school teachers are all NYS Secondary-certified teachers educated in teaching methods to motivate and encourage students to work hard and feel a sense a pride in their work. The middle school teaching team goals includes promoting self-esteem, good study habits, community spirit, supporting positive values, and enriching academic learning. The Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Greek American Parochial School of Brooklyn is an NYS-accredited school and committed to providing students from nursery, pre–K and kindergarteneighth grade with a quality education that emphasizes academic achievement as well as social, emotional, and spiritual development. By building on the rich tradition of our Greek heritage and Greek Orthodox religion, we instill values that prepare our students for their future and personal success. Francesca Mannino is the DGK School principal.

DG Kaloidis School in Brooklyn. (below) A row of students marches in the annual Greek Independence Day Parade in Manhattan. (bottom left) Greek culture is alive and well at DGK as indicated by this lively dance program.

CLERGY UPDATE Ordinations to the Diaconate Kava, John – Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver – St. Catherine Church, Greenwood Village, Colo. 08/04/13 Vaporis, John – Metropolitan Methodios of Boston – Transfiguration Church, Lowell, Mass. 09/22/13 Kostakis, Peter – Bishop Andonios of Phasiane – Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, West Nyack, NY 09/29/13 Assignments Fr. Vasileios Tsourlis – St. George Church, New Port Richey, Fla. 06/01/11 Fr. George Kouzelis – Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church, Dracut, Mass. 10/01/13

Fr. Dean Nastos – Annunciation Church, Fort Myers, Fla. 10/01/13 Fr. Theodore Roupas – St. George Church, Schenectady, NY 10/01/13 Fr. Haralambos Spaliatsos – AnnunciationtoChurch, Missoula, Mont. 10/01/13 page 12 u u Fr. Gregory Trakas – Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene, Palm Harbor, Fla. 10/01/13 Offikia Fr. Constantine Simeonidis – Office of Protopresbyter, bestowed by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco 06/22/13 Fr. Dimosthenis Paraskevaidis – Office of Confessor, bestowed by Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta 09/1/13

Obituaries Nicholas James Sialmas

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BEACON, N.Y. – Nicholas James Sialmas, 56, a member of the Archdiocesan Council, died Friday, Sept. 27. He was born on November 5, 1956 in Beacon, the son of Rosalie (Loula) and George Sialmas. He attended Beacon School. He graduated from Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa, with a bachelor of science in biology. He was president of the student body while attending Simpson College and a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. Nick was a loving son, brother, uncle, and good friend to all who knew him. He greeted everyone he met with a smile and a handshake. Humble and kind, Nick gave generously and graciously of his time and abilities to all. He was famous for recruiting his family and friends when the need arose. Such was his enthusiasm when he and Larry Cohen started the Dutchess Junction Gazette. It was a fun venture that we all enjoyed collaborating on. His greatest love was being of service to the Greek Orthodox Church, where at the age of 6 he became an altar boy. He continued his service with the Archdiocese as a member of the finance and stewardship committees, and gave technical assistance to the National Philoptochos Society. He was past parish council president of the St. Nicholas Church in Newburgh, NY and was a member of the Order of AHEPA. He was an avid photographer who could be found with a camera in his hand photographing street fairs and nature, talking to all he met along the way. The gift of speaking brought Nick to be a speaker with Toastmasters. He thoroughly enjoyed public speaking. Nick was a charter member of the Dutchess Junction Fire Company and held the position of commissioner. He worked for IBM as a senior client relationship representative before venturing on his own as a managing partner in a business consulting firm as a web designer. Through the Women’s Enterprise Development Center, Nick became an instructor for The Business Training Program at the Mid- Hudson Satellite Office at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. It was a job he was passionate about and enjoyed immensely. He was enthusiastic over every member of his class wishing to launch them on to successful endeavors. He loved his one-on-one consultations and in Nick’s way, wished he could do even more for his class. Nick loved teaching his nephew Michael about the world of computers and photography. Both would venture out to see the world through the lens of the camera.. This summer Michael accompanied Nick on his trip to the Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy–Laity and Philoptochos Conference in Boca Raton, Fla. Nick leaves behind his parents, Rosalie and George; sister, Tina and brother-in-law, Erick Mercado; sister, Georgia Patchen and his beloved nephew, Michael Patche and other relatives. A trisagion was held Oct. 3 at Libby Funeral Home Inc. in Beacon. Funeral service was held Oct. 4, at Kimisis Church, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., officiated by Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, assisted by Frs. Gregory Patsis , Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church; Costas Sitaras and Anthony Falsarella, Saint Basil Academy; John Angel, St. Nicholas, Newburgh; Charles Joanides, Department of Marriage and Family; and Jim Kordaris,

OCTOBER 2013

Department of Stewardship, Outreach and Evangelism. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saint Basil Academy, 83 Saint Basil Rd. Garrison, NY 10524 or to The Dutchess Junction Fire Company, PO Box 107 Beacon, NY 12508.

Presbytera Arite J. Tomarakos NEW CASTLE, Pa., Presbytera Arite J. Tomarakos, 76, wife of retired priest Fr. Photios Tomarakos, died May 14. They were married 50 years. She was born Aug. 25, 1937 in Bangor, Maine, the daughter of the late John and Anna Azimopoulos Vomvoris. A 1955 graduate of Bangor High School, she went on to graduate from the University of Maine in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She worked 40 years as a medical technician in New Castle and in Kansas City, Mo. She was a member of the Philoptochos and taught Sunday school in Greek at St. George Church in New Castle. In addition to Fr. Tomarakos, survivors include two sons, Peter P. Tomarakos of New Castle; and John R. Tomarakos of Boston; a daughter, Maria P. Katsaras of Mentor, Ohio; two brothers, George Vomvoris of Waxahachie, Texas; and William Vomvoris of Dover, N.H.; and eight grandchildren. Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh officiated at the funeral , assisted by Fr. Theophanis Nacopoulos of Erie, Pa.

Presbytera Veatricky (Vicky) Neofotistos Presbytera Veatricky (Vicky) Neofotistos, 85, wife of the late Rev. Dr. George Neofotistos, died Oct. 14 in Albuquerque, N.M. She was the daughter of Stefanos and Mary Neofotistos. She was born July 2, 1928 in Marlborough, Mass. Survivors include her children, Elaine and husband, David; Mary and husband, Tom; Peter and Justin, and several grandchildren; a brother Steve and wife, Kay. Presbytera Vicky was remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She loved to cook and cherished spending time with her family. Her infectious smile and desire to help others were greatly admired by all who knew her. She instilled in her children that quiet strength and a positive attitude are important to handle life’s challenges. Funeral services were held Oct. 22 at St. George Church in Albuquerque, with Fr. Conan Gill presiding.

Antoinette M. Pappas PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – Antoinette M. Pappas, 95, a former district governor of the Daughters of Penelope, Philoptochos chapter president at St. Nicholas Church, and Diocese Laity Award recipient, died Sept. 27. Mrs. Pappas also taught Sunday school at St. Nicholas Church, and was active in the Daughters of Penelope at all levels. She was born Oct. 29, 1917 in Providence, R.I., to Theophanous and Jennie Marcopoulos. She and her husband, George, were married 56 years. Survivors include a son, John G. Pappas of Rye, N.H.; grandchildren and other relatives. Funeral services took place Oct. 1 at St. Nicholas Church with Fr. Robert Archon officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund, 40 Andrew Jarvis Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801.

OCTOBER 2013

Pan-Orthodox

Center for Family Care

Cleveland to Host Public Forum on Unity

Center Sponsors 1st Conference

The Orthodox Christian community of Cleveland will host a public forum on the Assembly of Bishops and the future of Orthodox Church unity in America on Sunday, Oct. 27. The program will begin with Vespers followed by a presentation by Protodeacon Peter Danilchick, member of the Secretariat of the Assembly of Bishops. Protodeacon Danilchick will discuss the history of the Assembly, its goals, and highlights from the fourth annual meeting in Chicago. Three hierarchs - Metropolitan Savas (GOA), Bishop Gregory (ACROD), and Bishop Peter (ROCOR) - are expected to attend. Following the presentation, clergy and laity

will have an opportunity to ask questions about the Assembly and discuss the future of Church unity. The forum, which was planned by Cleveland-area laity, has received the blessing and support of the Assembly of Bishops and the Greater Cleveland Council of Orthodox Clergy. It is the Assembly’s hope that the forum will serve as a model to be replicated in other cities, as a means to promote pan-Orthodox understanding and dialogue about the Assembly and its mission. The Cleveland event will begin at 5 pm at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 6822 Broadview Rd., Parma, Ohio. The event is free and open to the public.

Metropolis News Brooklyn Church Holds Memorial for 1922 Asia Minor Victims BROOKLYN – Three Hierarchs Church hosted its annual memorial service in remembrance of the Smyrna Holocaust. Under the leadership of Very Rev. Archimandrite Eugene Pappas and Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, the service commemorated the tragedy and honored the blessed memory of the millions who died during that period. The service is coordinated annually by Archon Depoutatos Basil ( Basilios) Theodosakis who has dedicated his life to raising awareness and global attention to this painful period in history. At\the end of this year’s

service, he received citations and letters for his untiring efforts, including from Mayor Bloomberg and other dignitaries. In the eulogies offered by both Fr. Eugene and Bishop Sevastianos, both cited the current terror against Orthodox Christians in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and other lands. They both appealed to the people in the audience that they make contact with their political leaders to express their outrage that is aimed at Christians and their churches in these lands. – Katherine Boulukos

New Jersey Church to Install Elevator PERTH AMBOY, N.J. – In 1998, the St. Demetrios Parish Council began a project of installing an elevator for handicapped parishioners and visitors to help them avoid using 12 large steps that lead to the upper level of the building where services take place. That goal will soon be realized. From original cost estimates of $250,000, in the late 1980s, a further

study by parishioner Lambros Simatos and an architect who volunteered his services, Nicholas Tsapathsaris, resulted in revised cost estimate of $130,000. Parishioners Peter Christopoulos agreed to be the finance committee chairman and the amount was raised from 11 members and other sources over the past three years.

Church Dedicates Center u u from page 13 chos. They have been members of Leadership 100 since 1996 with Mr. Caras serving as a trustee and a member of the executive committee. They are supporters of various churches in Southern California-St. Sophia in L.A., St. Nicholas in Northridge, St. Barbara in Santa Barbara and St. George in the desert. They have been generous donors to Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, Calif, serving on the Board of Trustees, and providing major gifts to fund a new NICU wing for newborns; a surgical wing that bears their name and a Children’s Room in the ER. They are active supporters of many other organizations including AHEPA, Archons, PAOI, Shriner’s Hospital, Torrance Memorial Hospital, Norris Theatre for Performing Art and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Rosalind Farmans Halikis, together with her late husband, Dr. Michael Halikis have a long record of philanthropic service. She has served as Stewardship Chairman since 2009-resulting in the highest era

of giving in parish history, Foundation Scholarship Chair and Endowment donor, Philoptochos, church library donor, and GOYA advisor. Mrs. Halikis has been co– president and treasurer of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute Women’s Board, Southern California presently serving on the Board of Trustees. A St. Sophia Cathedral life member, she also is an athletic office donor, Philoptochos member and a steward of her childhood church, All Saints in Weirton, W.Va. Rosalind has promoted Hellenism by establishing an endowment for a minor in Modern Greek Studies at Loyola Marymount University in L.A. She has served and supported the Hellenic American Medical & Dental Society, the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago, Daughters of Penelope, AHEPA scholarship program and the LA Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA, UCLA Ob/Gyn Dept., and the local hospitals. She received the USC Staff Recognition Award in 1988 and the L.A. County Recognition Award for Years of Dedicated Service to Young Historians of Los Angeles County in 1993.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named… that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:14-19 by Harriette Jacobs

MINNEAPOLIS - The Center for Family Care held its first Family Ministry Conference Sept. 25-28 with 90 participants from several Orthodox jurisdictions, including clergy, mental health professionals, ministry leaders, and laypersons. St. Mary’s Church was the host parish. The conference offered methods and ideas for communities to grow and support family ministry that responds to the needs of Orthodox families and parishes. By offering a working definition of family in the Church and the vision of effective family ministry, the Center for Family Care has laid the foundation for parish family ministry programs. Speakers included Archbishop Demetrios, Fr. Anthony Coniaris, Fr. Constantine L. Sitaras (director of the Center), and Fr. Harry Pappas. Jim Burns, executive director of HomeWord Center for Youth and Family at Azusa Pacific University, also presented sessions that allowed him to share his expertise by enthusiastically communicating his outlook and practices related to family ministry. The event also included workshops, breakout sessions on key themes of family ministry, and a panel discussion on concerns and challenges in implementing

family ministry. Archbishop Demetrios offered a thoughtful reflection on Ephesians 3:1419 and clearly identified the very threshold families are standing before when he said, “Our lives are ruled by a new tyrant – the tyrant of the urgent, the busy. Our families are on a treadmill of activities, scholastics, sports…Our tyrant demands every waking hour and drives apart generations of families.” As an attendee of the conference, I recommend that all parishes participate in these gatherings and prioritize using the resources available to parish families and communities. While the culture of the 21st century continues to clamor for our time and attention to distract us from our focus on Christ, His Church, and our families, it is incumbent upon us to hear the advice and the spiritual instructions directed to us—putting them into practice as the priority for our families. Fr. Anthony Coniaris, who has offered a lifetime of service to the Archdiocese as a priest, author, and instructor, related a critical truth as the conference drew to a close in saying, “If children do not feel the presence of God at home, they will not feel the presence of God anywhere else.” Since May 2011, Harriette Jacobs has served the Metropolis of Atlanta’s Family Life Ministry (www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org) as a contributing writer and assistant to the team now managing the ministry’s media and marketing areas. She is a freelance writer and is also a contributing blogger to The Sounding Blog of the Orthodox Christian Network. For more information about this conference and future conferences visit www. family.goarch.org. The keynote addresses and additional resources from this conference will be made available online.

Choir Notes Composers Collaborate on Psalm 103 Project by Dr. Vicky Pappas

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Six Orthodox composers gathered here for a working session to plan their collaborative composition of Psalm 103, reflecting Orthodox sacred music traditions. They were: Dr. Michael Arndt (University of Iowa), John Michael Boyer (Holy Cross School of Theology), Dr. Alexander Khalil (Cardiff, Calif.), Dr. Kurt Sander (University of Western Kentucky), Dr. Richard Toensing (Boulder, Colo.), and Dr. Tikey Zes (San Jose, Calif.). During two-day meetings, they set the groundwork for deciding which sections of the Psalm each would compose, identifying a way to unify the sections, establishing keys, and reviewing the translation they will use (modification of Fr. Ephraim Lash’s work). The expectation is that their sections will be complete by April.

They had concerns about the feasibility of the project at first. But once they reflected on the rubrics for the Psalm during Vespers, that became the unifying force and they proceeded easily to make their needed decisions from there. Though each has an individual style, it was clear that their common liturgical concepts and understandings became the driving and unifying force. The work is intended to be a concert piece; there will be some chant and some polyphonic sections; the music will reflect the composers’ individual styles; and the refrain “Glory to You, O God, Allilouia” will be repeated between sections as the unifying element. On Saturday evening, Oct. 19, the composers gave a wonderful concert for the university and community. Each shared examples of their works, performed by the chanters and a professional choir of Indiana University School of Music students.

A RCHDIOCESE N E WS

OCTOBER 2013

Saturday at Saint Basil – a Popular Tradition

Orthodox Observer photos

A popular destination- These folks braved a partly treacherous rocky path to reach is idyllic spot, located near a waterfall on the Academy property.

GARRISON, N.Y. – In what has become a recent annual tradition, GOYA chapters and Philoptochos members from several New York and New Jersey parishes have made it a point to spend a relaxing fall Saturday at Saint Basil Academy in picture-perfect weather. The Academy hosted about 150 visitors on Sept. 28 for a day of enjoying nature and interacting with children of the academy, playing games and sports. Academy staff members prepared a lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and pastries. Activities featured a walk-a-thon, hiking, soccer-playing and indoor activities that included pumpkin painting, face painting and games of skill. Parishes represented include Ascension Church in Fairview, N.J., with a large contingent of Goyans. Other New Jersey communities: St. John the Theologian in Tenafly, St. Nicholas, Wyckoff, St. George, Clifton and St. Demetrios, Union. New York parishes included St. Nicholas, Flushing; St. Nicholas, Newburgh; Resurrection, Brookville; St. Demetrios, Merrick; and St. Sophia, Albany. The visitation schedule at the Academy is also busy in October, with a retreat of the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting, an AHEPA “Motorcycle Picnic” fund-raiser and, in November, a New Jersey Metropolis Philoptochos retreat and meetings of local AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope chapters. Groups and individuals are welcome to visit the Academy. Call (845) 424-3500 for more information.

Chasing a soccer ball-Children from one visiting parish play a game while waiting for lunch. On hand to help-Academy Board President Evellyn Tsiadis (center) is a familiar sight on many weekends when visitors come to enjoy the facility. At left is new board member Maria Panayiotou of St. Sophia Church in Albany, and Valery Kontakos, part of a pilot youth ambassador program involving young adults mentoring the children in residence. Upon recently completing high school, Valery donated monetary gifts she received to the Academy. Blessing the crowd-Fr. Nikiforos Fakinos, pastor of St. Demetrios Church, Merrick, N.Y., holds an agiasmo service following everyone’s arrival.

Fun and games- “Batman junior” rolls a ball into a target to win a prize.

(Above) Participants in Walk-a-thon- that covered more than a mile. (Below) Several kids show their artistic skills in pumpkin painting.

Three cute “kittens” (Goyans) from Ascension parish in Fairview, N.J.

Some New Jersey kids hike through the woods.

OCTOBER 2013

Family Connections

Preparing for the Journey of Marriage by Philip Mamalakis, Ph.D.

Few days in our lives are as memorable as our wedding day, and few decisions more significant, than deciding to marry. While couples spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars on the wedding, which will last a few hours, they often neglect to prepare for the marriage, which we want to last a lifetime. All couples dream of living “happily ever after” but many are unaware of, and ill-prepared for, the normal challenges and struggles of marriage. The sad reality is that almost half of all couples will experience the pain of divorce because strong feelings of attraction are not what you need to have a great marriage. Research indicates that couples who take some sort of marriage preparation have a lower divorce rate than couples without marriage preparation. Preparing for marriage means… Learning what marriage is for God is the author and architect of marriage. He reveals to us, through the Scriptures, the Church, and the Tradition, His purpose and plan for marriage. Couples get married for a variety of reasons, but couples need to learn that a successful marriage needs to follow God’s plan for marriage. Marriage is a journey together, a journey of getting to know ourselves and each other, and a journey of becoming one. “O Master, stretch out Your hand…and join your servants; …Yoke them in oneness of mind; crown them in one flesh.” (Orthodox wedding prayer before the crowning) Becoming one means learning how to make decisions together, not apart, and working together through the challenges and disagreements of daily life. It’s easy to work together when spouses agree on things. Marriage is a journey of learning how to build oneness with your spouse when you disagree. “Marriage is a journey of love,” writes Elder Aimilianos. I remember how much I loved my wife on my wedding day. After 20 years I realize how limited my love was for my wife back then. It is easy to love my wife’s good qualities, or when she sees the world the way I see it. Marriage is a journey of learning to love each other as you discover the faults and when we you see things differently. Marriage is about learning to love each other with God’s love, with Christ-like love. Christ’s love for our spouse is selfless and unconditional. God’s love is much deeper than feelings, which come and go. God’s love is expressed as a commitment to serve and care for someone, no matter what we’re

feeling. Christ’s love is expressed as putting our spouse’s needs before our own desires. God allows the predictable struggles and challenges of marriage so that we can learn His perfect love. “Marriage is the key that opens the door to discover…perfect love.” (St. Gregory Nazianzus) This journey of acquiring God’s love for our spouse is a process of healing of our own sins, rather than trying to change our spouse. Preparing for marriage means learning that God’s plan for couples, on their wedding day, is that they do live “happily ever after,” but not by getting all our desires met, or trying to change each other. Rather, it is by learning how to love with Christ-like love, and allow God to change us. “If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12) Learning the danger signs All couples have differences and all marriages experience disagreements and difficulties. Happy couples learn how to work together through these differences. When couples chose to react selfishly, then criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling to enter their relationships. When these selfish types of reactions fill a couple’s relationship, intimacy and oneness are undermined and couples slip down a slippery slope toward marital meltdown and divorce. Couples need learn how to recognize these warning signs that they are sliding down that slope and learn to address their difficulties in a way that nurtures intimacy and oneness. Getting to know each other Everyone enters marriage with certain expectations about marriage, assumptions about the world, and ideas about love and family life. We acquire these things from the families we grew up in. The list is endless of the ways the families in which we grow up shape our expectations about everything from the role of the Church in the home to the role of the dad in the home. Preparing for marriage means getting to know your own family, and your fiance’s family, and deciding together how you would like to do things in your new home. These mature conversations facilitate oneness and put good patterns in place for how couples work together in the home. It’s one thing if you discover, after the wedding, that your wife prefers Miracle Whip to real mayonnaise. It’s another thing to discover that she wants a career, and you want to have kids right away, or you want to attend church and he wants to sleep in on Sundays. Preparing for marriage means making the time to discuss the larger issues that can undermine oneness in marriage if they are unaddressed. Issues related to faith, finances, parenting, in-laws, communication, sexual intimacy, problem solving, and personal time versus couple time need to be addressed before the wedding. Discussing this issues as a couple, and with your priest, prepares couples for all the issues that will arise along the journey of marriage. Engaged couples can feel a lot of pressure to go through with the marriage without addressing these issues. While it’s disruptive to postpone a wedding until these issues are addressed, it is more disruptive to get divorced because one of these issues was not attended to before the wedding. Learning to communicate We inherit our communication style, in part, from our families. Before the wedding

is the best time for couples to learn how to speak and listen to each other in a way that builds oneness and intimacy. Learning to speak, as an offering of our thoughts, feelings, and ideas, allows couples to grow in intimacy as they work though difficulties. No marriage struggles from too much listening. Rather, listening is the first casualty in marital discord. Listening is a sacrificial act of self-offering to your spouse. Real listening requires that we suspend our own thoughts, feelings, and agenda, and allow the other to be heard. Real listening is an act of veneration that nurtures oneness in the midst of daily life. Couples do best when they learn the importance of listening and make time to listen to each other. Making a plan As engaged couples learn about the path of marriage, the danger signs, about each other, and how to communicate, they can put some strategies in place before the wedding to help them stay on the path of marriage. Several of the strategies include: Ground rules: Like guardrails along winding roads, ground rules keep happy marriages on the path on oneness and salvation. Couples need to make ground rules together around those areas they have difficulty, whether it’s anger, communication, finances, or time together. We show our love to our spouse by sticking to these ground rules no matter how we feel. A guide: Couples who desire to stay on the path of marriage need a guide, a priest who knows the path, to work with them, to lead them on the path of marriage, and assist them when they get stuck. It is the priest, with the Gospel in hand, who leads couples on their very first steps of their marriage in our wedding ceremony. Couples are united in Church, in the

midst of a community of friends, family, and faithful. Couples who desire to stay on the path of marriage keep their marriages, and their homes, Christ-led, intimately connected to the Sacramental life of the Church. Forgiveness: All couples have struggles and all couples make mistakes. Happy couples learn how to incorporate forgiveness and repentance into their daily and weekly lives. Christ offers to each of us the sacrament of Confession, to help us get back on the path of oneness and salvation. Prayer: We participate in the life of Christ and His Church by incorporating prayer into our marriage and our homes. Couples who learn how to pray together, and as a family, invite the Holy Spirit into their union. It is the Holy Spirit who transforms a couple and unites them into one. Oneness is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Mandatory marriage preparation for all couples We need to make marriage preparation a priority as we prepare for our wedding day. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Center for Family Care developed a three-part marriage preparation program designed to address this need, The Journey of Marriage in the Orthodox Church. For more information about workshops in your area contact Center for Family Care familycare@ goarch.org. Dr. Philip Mamalakis is the assistant professor of pastoral care and director of the Field Education Program at Holy Cross School of Theology. Together with Fr. Charles Joanides, he authored “The Journey of Marriage,” marriage preparation program. He offers seminar for couples and trainings for facilitators on the marriage preparation program.

A Prayer for the Ser vice of Marriage Bless this marriage and grant unto these Your servants (Name) and (Name) a peaceful life, length of days, chastity, love for one another in a bond of peace, offspring long lived, fair fame by reason of their children, and a crown of glory that does not fade away. Account them worthy to see their children’s children. Keep their wedlock safe against every hostile scheme; give them of the dew from the Heavens above, and of the fatness of the earth. Fill their houses with bountiful food, and with every good thing, that they may have to give to them that are in need, bestowing also on them that are here assembled with us all their supplications that are unto salvation. * From The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, 1995, courtesy of Holy Cross Orthodox Press

OCTOBER 2013

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OCTOBER 2013

BE BRAVE! Take a Stand Against Bullying

Stephen Christoforou and Nick Lionas shoot a scene for YouTube.

“Be the Bee” – A New YouTube Series They say bad news always travels faster than good news. It seems as if we are addicted to finding and accentuating the negative about virtually anything. Tabloids and talk shows rarely focus on the positive things happening in people’s lives. So... instead of focusing on the negative, the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) wants to focus and draw from the positive. Also, the Y2AM wants each person to seek out and choose those things that are good, spirituallybeneficial, and fruitful. Thus, the YouTube series “Be the Bee” was born! The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries now

is bringing you a regular series of short and informative videos, focusing on the good things in our everyday lives… a refreshing change from the negativity that surrounds us on a daily basis. Hosted by Youth Protection/Parish Ministries Coordinator, Steven Christoforou, the series is sure to be entertaining and educational. More importantly, it will be relevant and applicable to today’s Orthodox Christian and their journey toward salvation. Viewers can access the channel by searching “Y2AM” on YouTube, or going to www.youtube.com/user/y2am. New episodes are released every Thursday afternoon.

BE REAL – “REAL” MINISTRY FOR YOUNG ADULTS by Nicholas Lionas

“What is REAL?” In a world where image is so important, where it seems people wear masks all the time, it’s difficult to find something authentic. We’re all searching for a direction, but it’s easy to become disoriented in the “mists” of sin that cloud our vision. However, we’re not alone: Christ is always with us, the lamp that cuts through the fog, and the beacon illuminating the path back home. “But how can Christ and His Church be relevant in my life?” You’re not the only one who’s wondered that. All over the country, young adults are coming forward and asking questions, wrestling with faith and struggling with daily issues. We are thirsting for answers. But mostly, we are starving for God’s love. The Church has always been there. Unfortunately, it’s become the best kept secret from people our age. Now is the time we begin changing that. Representing Emerging Adult Leaders (REAL) is the new initiative from the Archdiocese. Church isn’t just for little kids and old ladies. It’s for us, too. In fact, it’s essential, and REAL is designed to finally let the secret out to emerging adults. The tough part is, there are ten billion different directions we’re being called in, and they’re not all right for us. There are easy ways and there are ways that take a little bit of work. But we’re not afraid of things that take work. We’ve fought for things that we believe in, we’ve scraped and clawed for grades, for jobs, for success. But are we willing to fight for what’s real? In the REAL logo, you might notice two

things: the symbol for infinity and the fish. This is not just any program. This is about something eternal, something true: Christ and His Church. This is about our connection with the infinite, with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Savior. You may have seen the Jesus Fish on the back of a car before, but don’t allow Christianity to be reduced to nothing more than a bumper sticker, when it is a life changing reality that has moved young men and women, just like you and me, to do incredible things for the glory of God. We invite you to authenticity. To live Orthodoxy, to Be REAL. We invite you to join and be a leader as REAL Orthodox Christians, as members of the Body of Christ. REAL offers resources and programs that present the Orthodox Faith in an honest, smart, sometimes humorous, and always relevant way. One that will offer everything from podcasts and videos to fellowship and service opportunities. Check out the links below for more information. Look for us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and of course here on YouTube. And mark your calendar now

“Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.” – Theodore Roosevelt A 12-year-old Florida girl, Rebecca Ann Sedwick, committed suicide in early September 2013 after months of bullying... including messages online from bullies saying, “You should kill yourself.” A 15-year-old Connecticut boy, Bart Palosz, committed suicide Aug. 27 after constant bullying... because of his height (6’3”) and his Polish accent. A 13-year-old Georgia boy, Devin Brown, committed suicide in April after physical and mental bullying… allegedly being labeled a “snitch” for reporting a fellow student had a knife. These stories are all too common in today’s news. Here are some statistics from www.dosomething.org: More than 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year. • Approximately 160,000 teens skip school every day because of bullying. • 1 in 7 students in grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of bullying. • 56 percent of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school. • 71 percent of students report incidents of bullying as a problem at their school. • 90 percent of 4th through 8th graders report being victims of bullying. • 1 out 10 students drop out of school because of repeated bullying. • Harassment and bullying have been linked to 75 percent of school-shooting incidents. October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Unfortunately, bullying is an ever-present issue in the lives of teenagers. This bullying happens for many different reasons: race, sexuality, gender, appearance, disabilities, and much more. U.S. News and World Report states that “more than 62 percent of American students are bullied because of the way they look and or the way they speak.” For some young people, they endure the bullying and move on. For others, the bullying results in emotional distress and social withdrawal. But the most startling trend is for young people to commit suicide for July 3-6, 2014 for REAL Weekend: Philadelphia, which promises to be an incredible experience. This is only half the equation. REAL can give us the resources, but the choice is ours. We can say we’re Orthodox, or we can truly live Orthodoxy. No more illusions. We’re done with what’s fake. It’s time for something REAL. Find us on: Facebook: GOA Young Adults Twitter: @GOA_YoungAdults Instagram: @GOA_YoungAdults Pinterest: GOA YoungAdults Tumblr: GOA Young Adults Youtube: Y2AM – REAL Orthodoxy Blog: The Ladder Nicholas Lionas serves as the National Young Adult Ministries Coordinator for the Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. He is a 2013 graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology, receiving a Masters of Divinity.

as a result of bullying, referred to as “bullycide.” It is contributing to the rising statistic that suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 16-25 year olds. We’ve heard the horrible, heart-breaking stories and we know the statistics. So, the question is… what can we DO to prevent bullying? Be Kind! One of the easiest way to start the fight against bullying is to be an example of kindness and respect. Our greatest commandment from Jesus Christ is to love God AND to love our neighbor. If we all took time to follow that one lesson, the world could be a different place. But it starts with YOU! Smile at someone, give a friend a compliment, stop yourself before you make fun of someone’s appearance, and think twice before gossiping. Be Educated! Teen bullying prevention starts with education. It is important to discuss issues like this with your family, friends, and teachers. It is important to know how bullying affects the victims of bullying so you can encourage your peers to take a stand against bullying. Also, it is very likely that some of them are either currently being bullied or have experienced bullying. You can stand together and support one another! Consider the following questions and discussion about bullying: 1) What is bullying? How do you see bullying happen among your peers and friends? 2) Do you know bullies at school or in your other activities? If so, what do they do? 3) Have you ever been a victim of bullying? (Ask for volunteers to speak about their experiences) 4) Why do you think people bully other people? 5) What should you do if you or someone you know is being bullied? 6) Do you think you might have been a bully? How can we be bullies, maybe without knowing it? (Judging others, gossip, not being inclusive, etc.) 7) What are some of the effects of bullying? (Depression, self-esteem issues, separation, anger and violent retaliation, sometimes self-violence or suicide, etc.) 8) In what ways can Christ and the Church help an individual who might be a victim of bullying? (Discuss the importance of community and how the youth group is a no-tolerance zone for bullying, discuss how the Church is full of trusted individuals that will listen to your concerns, discuss God’s unconditional love, discuss Christ’s own humiliation at the hands of those who He has come to save, etc.) 9) What does the Church say about how we should treat others? Should we EVER be bullies? (Read and discuss any of the following and how it pertains to bullying: The Greatest Commandment, the Parable of the Last Judgment, Luke 6:31-36 “Do unto others…” etc.) Be Brave! Stand with the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) against bullying. Even if we are not the bully, we still have a responsibility to stand up for those who are not strong enough to defend themselves. Be brave enough to love every person because everyone is created in God’s image. Check out the YouTube video about bullying www. youtube.com/user/y2am.

OCTOBER 2013

The Metropolis of Chicago Revisited

Building the Future at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center have demonstrated not only a superior level of skill but a love and respect for the project and the important role it will play in the future growth and development of our Holy Church. Every Tuesday the owner’s representative and building committee chairman meet on site with the superintendents and project manager to discuss ongoing progress and open tasks in order to keep the project running efficiently and on schedule. Twice each month we are joined by our architect. Additionally, the owner’s representative visits the site each Thursday. We are pleased to report that the project has had a tremendous start and we are on schedule for a summer completion. With the prayers and generous contributions of our many donors, we will continue to completion of this sacred center for the glory of God.

by Fr. Michael Stearns

On the Friday after Pascha, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago celebrated more than just the Feast of the Life-Giving Fountain. Hundreds of both clergy and laity gathered together in order to participate in the official groundbreaking ceremony of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Despite the cold and rainy weather conditions in southern Wisconsin, the flame of Christ’s eternal presence both illuminated the souls, and warmed the hearts, of all the faithful in attendance. Led by Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, and assisted by both Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos (Metropolis Chancellor), and Bishop Ilia of Philomelion (Albanian Diocese); these three hierarchs, surrounded by dozens of priests and scores of faithful, implored God to bless the work of their hands on the foundation of our Savior Jesus Christ. After blessing the sacred ground in front of the existing chapel with holy water, the three hierarchs led the Retreat Center’s major donors in turning over the sanctified soil at the foot of the Cross with ceremonial shovels. Honored participants in the groundbreaking ceremony included the Center’s Great Benefactor Chris Tomaras, who has contributed more than $1 million to the project; as well as major donors Harold Anagnos, Arthur Labros, Kosmas Pablecas, and Steve Regopoulos, all contributing in excess of $100,000. Parishes and church organizations were also recognized through individuals present, as sources of significant donations: Irene Arsoniadis, president of the Metropolis Philoptochos Society; Fr. James Greanias, president of the Metropolis Clergy Syndesmos; Fr. James Dokos, pastor of Sts. Peter & Paul

The Metropolis of Chicago Staff Metropolis staff (from left) Constantine Kartsimas, registrar and executive aide to Bishop Demetrios; Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, chancellor; Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago; Chris Avramopoulos, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries; Ms Lynn Dallas, office coordinato;. (Not present, parttime staff Fr. Constantine Botsis, secretary of the Spiritual Court; Fr. David Bissias, special assistant to the Metropolitan; Fr. Michael Monos, webmaster.

(Glenview, Ill.); Fr. David Hostetler, associate priest of Annunciation (Milwaukee, Wis.); and Fr. Theodore Poteres of the Novak Foundation. Representing the St. Iakovos Retreat Center Board were Bill J. Vranas, its current chairman, and George Vourvoulias, past chairman (under whose leadership the property was acquired). At the conclusion of the ceremony, several individual and organizational donors came forward to present sizable commitments to Metropolitan Iakovos, who was visibly moved by their generosity. All present were then invited inside the existing log cabin, where the Metropolis Philoptochos had prepared an elegant reception to honor the dedication of all donors to the Retreat Center. Those in attendance

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 July–August 2012 archived edition, page 32.

were reminded of not only the significance of this endeavor, but also of the important impact that the St. Iakovos Retreat Center will have on ministry in the Metropolis of Chicago. Construction has now begun on Phase II of the Retreat Center’s development. A main lodge building will be accompanied by two independent cabins, at a cost totaling approximately $6 million. The project will additionally include significant improvements to the facility’s infrastructure, in order to prepare the site to become the permanent home of the Fanari Camping Program (Summer 2015). The St. Iakovos Retreat Center’s current Capital Campaign is ongoing, with several significant gifting opportunities still available. In addition, the Board hosted the inaugural fund-raising gala on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Rosewood Banquets in Rosemont, Ill. On a hot summer day in early July a most exciting step on the road to the completion of our St. Iakovos Retreat Center took place. At that time, our general contractor, Delko Construction, started moving earth. Since that time we have seen a tremendous amount of progress. Not only has a majority of the site work taken place, but the all of the water retention and management has been completed and all of the roads are rough graded and the stone base has been installed. However, the most exciting occurrence of all is that all of the foundations are completed, backfilled and most importantly, blessed. And shortly after Aug. 15, the work commenced on the masonry as well as underground mechanicals. Now that the foundations are in and one can more easily see the orientation of the buildings, we begin to realize that the effort involved in site design as well as the building has resulted in a facility which will be a joy to all who visit and an expression of our Faith. We are fortunate to have two construction superintendents on site who

Metropolis of Chicago Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago

40 E. Burton Place Chicago, IL 60610-9391 (312) 337-4130

www.chicago.goarch.org Chancellor: Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos Secretary to the Spiritual Court: Fr. Constantine Botsis Office Coordinator: Evangeline (Lynn) Dallas Registrar: Constantine Kartsimas Special Administrative Assistant: Fr. David Bissias Clergy Syndesmos: Fr. James Greanias Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries: Chris Avramopoulos Religious Education: Fr. William Chiganos Sisterhood of Presvyteres: Presbytera Stefanie Malamis Metropolis Council Vice President: George Vourvoulias Jr. FANARI Summer Camp: Fr. William Chiganos Greek Education: Maria Hatzinakos-Litsas Orthodox Ministries: Fr. James Dokos Parish Renewal Outreach and Evangelism: Fr. James Dokos Church Music Federation: Peter Condos St. John Damascene League of Chanters: Nick Karavites Pan–Orthodox Clergy Association: Fr. Milorad Loncar Regional Archon Commander: Harold A. Peponis Metropolis Philoptochos: Irene Arsonidis Metropolis Radio Program: “The Hour of Hope” Bishop’s Task Force on AIDS: Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos Domestic Violence Ministry: Pamela A. Paziotopoulos, Peggy Chiampas Webmaster: Fr. Michael Monos