Orthodox Observer - December 2000/January 2001

VOL. 65 – NO. 1178

DECEMBER 2000 - JANUARY 2001

Metropolitan Silas Dies Dec. 12

http://www.observer.goarch.org E-mail: observer@goarch.org

Ecumenical Patriarch Convenes First Clergy-Laity Conference in Constantinople

by Fr. Emmanuel Gratsias

O

Archive photo

NEW YORK — Metropolitan Silas, former bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey, passed away Dec. 12, at the age of 80. He suffered a heart attack, following surgery for a broken hip after a fall the previous day at his home in Scarsdale, N.Y. Archbishop Demetrios, at a memorial service at the Archdiocese chapel of St. Paul on Dec. 13, announced the Metropolitan’s passing.

He recalled that Metropolitan Silas had served the Archdiocese for 35 years and was a beloved figure to the assembled staff members. “He was one of our own,” said the Archbishop. “He breathed the same air and walked in the same space as many of us. He was a hierarch who was a permanent presence in this Archdiocese.

“As a priest, and especially as a hierarch, Metropolitan Silas was distinguished for his ecclesiastical ethos, his work ethic, his adherence to the fundamentals of liturgical life, his rich knowledge of theology, his commitment to the Orthodox Faith and the traditions of his Hellenic Heritage, Archbishop Demetrios said in an official statement. “He was the first bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey, which he served with utmost love and commitment, leaving a shining legacy as a pious hierarch. Beloved by thousands of Orthodox faithful, he will be remembered with everlasting gratitude as a model of benevolence, kindness and reconciliation.”

More than 50 priests and hierarchs of

NE HUNDRED delegates from the Archdiocese of America participated in the first-ever Clergy-Laity Conference hosted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Conference took place in Istanbul on Nov. 25 through Dec. 1.

The American delegation, led by Archbishop Demetrios and our hierarchs, joined 650 other clergy and laypersons representing all worldwide eparchies of the Ecumenical Throne. It was an event set for discussion, pilgrimage and worship.

MEMBERS of the American contingent surround Archbishop Demetrios at the conference. page 2

SCOBA Hierarchs Release Archbishop Demetrios Congratulates Bush, Gore, Millennium Pastoral Letter Cheney and Powell NEW YORK— Following the conclusion of the general election, Archbishop Demetrios sent letters of congratulations to President-elect George W. Bush, Vice President Al Gore, Vice President-elect Richard Cheney and Secretary of State-designate Gen. Colin Powell.

To President-elect Bush, the Archbishop wrote, in part, “You begin your Presidency at a momentous time in the life of our nation and at a critical juncture in world affairs. This is not only because we enter a new century and a new millennium, but also because all

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page 23 Orthodox Observer

IONIAN VILLAGE SPECIAL FEATURE Archbishop’s Encyclical 11,32 Archdiocese News 2-3, 6-8 Books 30 Challenge 29 Clergy Update 30 Christmas Thoughts 12 Diocese News 24-25 Ecum. Patriarchate 4-5, 16 Greek section 15-19 In Memoriam 27

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Interfaith Marriage 9 Opinions 10 Oratorical 8 Orthodoxy Worldwide 26 Parish Profile 20 People 20 Religious Education 14 Retired Clergy 21 Scholarships 30 Voice of Philoptochos 13

SCOBA HIERARCHS at the Archdiocese, from left: Archbishop Peter of the OCA, Metropolitan Christopher of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Theodosius of the OCA, Bishop Antoun of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese, representing Metropolitan Philip; and Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos. A major snowstorm in the East prevented other SCOBA hierarchs from attending.

NEW YORK - The Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA) released a pastoral letter on the occasion of the Third Christian Millennium on Dec. 14 at Greek Orthodox Archdiocese headquarters.

On the occasion of the millennial anniversary of the Birth of Jesus Christ, the SCOBA hierarchs have chosen to address their first major pastoral letter to the members of their own Church and others who

are searching for God’s truth in today’s world.

In a simple but profound text they take up questions of faith and spirituality that are central to people’s search for meaning and ultimately God. They seek to reintroduce the clarity and power of the Christian message to an American audience in a fresh way, draw-

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ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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A R C H D I O C E S E

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

N E W S

Ecumenical Patriarch Convenes First Clergy-Laity Conference in Constantinople page 1 The conference’s theme was “The Parish, Cell of the Church’s Life: Living reality, contemporary orientations and challenges.” This scope was developed through presentations on various aspects of parish life such as: The Parish and moral-social issues; role of women; governing structures; language, education, catechism; youth; clergy; and challenges faced by the so-called diaspora. Opportunity was given for questions and discussions.

The welcoming address was offered

by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who helped focus the conference on the parish as the fundamental framework of the Church’s cohesion. He called upon the delegates to reach into the Church’s Orthodox tradition and patrimony to develop ideas and suggestions for strengthening and developing the potency and effectiveness of the parish. There is no need to imitate opinions and systems alien to Orthodox tradition, he said.

The conference emphasized the uniqueness and diversity of every parish, while each one being the Body of Christ and in Eucharistic unity with one another.

N. Manginas

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Efessos and Metropolitan Genadios of Sassima at the Conference.

The Conference’s closing document stated that “the Parish as a worshipping, eucharistic and eschatological community is not indifferent towards the world

estivities N e w Year’s FFestivities Archbishop Demetrios celebrated the Liturgy of St. Basil on Jan. 1 at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral, where he ordained George Zugravu as deacon, , a native of Romania, and held the Vasilopita cutting ceremony.

Chancellor Fr. Savas Zembillas, Fr. Robert Stephanopoulos, dean; assistant priest Fr. Angelo Gavalas and Dn. Nektarios, assisted. Deacon Zugravu, married with two children, holds a master’s in theology from St. John’s University, and also studied Byzantine music at the University of Thessaloniki. Afterward, the Philoptochos sponsored the Vasilopita at the Cathedral Center (right). His Eminence gives Mary Jaharis

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a slice of the Vasilopita, in which she discovered the traditional coin. Mrs. Jaharis gave a generous donation for the upgrade of the Cathedral Center’s sound system.

DIRECTOR & MANAGING EDITOR: Stavros H. Papagermanos EDITOR: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) ADVERTISING: Ioanna Kekropidou ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Irene Kyritsis CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Nicholas Manginas Elizabeth Economou

or the problems of the present life, but is interested in orienting its members, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, toward the uncreated reality of eternity.” Certainly the diversity of parishes and the eparchies was evident in the composition of the delegate body.

A Hong Kong native, a Filipino nun, the Russians of Western Europe, the Ukrainians and Carpatho-Russians of America, monks from Athos and from Patmos, Koreans, Indonesians, native French, Swiss, English joined the descendents of Greek-speaking emigres living throughout the world. Together they constituted this unique gathering.

A pleasant and most welcomed observation was that the Patriarch sat through most of the conference sessions, got involved in the discussions, listened attentively and responded enthusiastically. He insisted on personally greeting and giving to each delegate a memento of the event. He set aside hours to meet with delegations and individuals at the Patriarchal compound.

Pilgrimage was a very important aspect of the week. A moving experience for all was on the first Sunday when the entire complement was bused to Iznik, the ancient lakeside Nicaea, about 2 ½ hours from Constantinople. Nicaea was a great Christian center in Byzantium and was the site of both the First and the Seventh (the last) Ecumenical Councils. The delegates visited the Aghia Sophia Church, the actual site of the Seventh Council. It was here that the decree restoring the icons was proclaimed and from which we hear “This is the Faith of the Apostles!” annually on the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

The church is now but four walls, lacking its roof, yet still a place of pilgrimage and veneration for Orthodox Christians. The First Council in Nicaea proclaimed the first half of the Creed. That site is now under water due to the rise in the level of the lake over the centuries.

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The great Church of Aghia Sophia in Constantinople was, of course, a very important highlight of pilgrimage, as was the Church of the Chora with its plethora of mosaics. The monastery of Zoodochos Peghe at Baloukli provided the opportunity to take holy water from the life giving well and to visit the graves of our patriarchs.

The Feast of St. Andrew on Nov. 30 marks the patronal feast day of the Patriarchate. It was Apostle Andrew who established the church in a small town on the Bosphorus shores.

Three hundred years later that town would become Constantinople, the New Rome. The delegates gathered at the Cathedral of St. George at the Patriarchal compound to worship at Vespers and Divine Liturgy. Archbishop Demetrios of America offered the homily at the Liturgy to a congregation that had jammed the church, filling the first and second balconies and the courtyard. The Patriarch celebrated the Liturgy with representative hierarchs from other autocephalous Orthodox churches, who came to bring greetings on the occasion.

Present also was the representative of Old Rome, Cardinal Eugene Cassidy of the Vatican’s Congregation for Christian Unity. In a tradition going back many years, a Vatican representative brings the greetings of the Pope on the Feast of St. Andrew, while a Patriarchal representative brings greetings to Rome every June on the occasion of the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

For the American delegation the week’s experience was both different and familiar. We are used to our biennial Congresses that are deliberative and legislative in nature. This event was different, oriented towards conferencing and pilgrimage. Also, it was interesting for us to hear the spokespersons from dioceses in Europe discuss their problems such as the role of women in a parish, the use of the vernacular, the “community” and how it is defined, the identity of the Orthodox in non-Orthodox lands. We were hearing our own history come alive, for these were questions that we confronted and essentially answered decades ago.

What was familiar to us was the opportunity to sense unity. Just as we experience our eight dioceses united in one Archdiocese when we gather for our congresses, we could in Constantinople, for one week, talk and exchange with Orthodox Christians from around the world.

Whether the delegates represented the older mature dioceses such as ours, a developing diocese in Europe, one of the new Metropolitanates such as Hong Kong or Central America, or one of the autonomous churches such as Crete, we all knew we live a common bond. We welcomed the dynamic of that distinct unity under the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The Conference was a successful beginning in manifesting this unity, and helping us all to focus on the divine mission we have.

St. Basil Vasilopita Event Set Feb. 3 GARRISON, N.Y. – St. Basil Academy will host its annual vasilopita celebration Saturday, Feb. 3, beginning at 1 p.m., and continuing until 4 p.m., in the main hall of the administration building. Fr. Constantine Sitaras, Academy director, will officiate.

More information: (845) 424-3500.

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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Archbishop Congratulates Bush, Gore, Cheney and Powell Proposed Charter Under Consideration at Patriarchate page 1 parties and institutions are growing in the awareness of the necessity of confronting real problems, problems not simply ameliorated by wealth and prosperity. Among these are learning to respect life in all its forms, acknowledging the centrality of human rights in all societies, appreciating the critical importance of education and family life, and recognizing the urgent need to change attitudes toward our natural environment.”

To Vice President Gore, His Eminence wrote, “I congratulate you for the example you have set for all who aspire to public service, especially for our youth.

“Your moving speech has inspired us.

The insightful understanding you have shown that in life we can transfigure all disappointments reflects so well our deepest Christian convictions.

“We look forward to your future contributions to our national life. As a Church, we share with you a dedication to the urgently needed improvement of our natu-

ral environment and to the enhancement of our social sensitivities. Your continued leadership in these areas would prove a great encouragement to all Americans.

In his letter to Vice President-elect Cheney, Archbishop Demetrios noted, “There are many areas in which a more cooperative partnership with government would be productive, including education, environmental awareness and addressing human needs. The hopes and prayers of all Americans will be with you in the years to come.”

To Gen. Powell, His Eminence said, “Many issues are of deep concern to us in the Orthodox Church. Among them are a better understanding of Orthodox culture and Orthodox lands which encompass some 300 million people; a resolution of the Cyprus problem in accordance with the principles of human rights; a true peace and justice in the Balkans; and full guarantee of freedom for our Ecumenical Patriarchate.

“I look forward to meeting you and having the great honor to discuss with you in person these issues of human rights.”

Executive Committee Holds First Meeting NEW YORK —Archbishop Demetrios convened the first regular meeting of the Archdiocesan Council Executive Committee at Archdiocese headquarters Nov. 16.

All nine members and Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis attended the daylong meeting.

His Eminence addressed concerns he believes should be the focus of the Church’s work and ministry: the family as the nucleus; youth and young adults; reaching out to those unchurched, education, with the focus on Hellenic College/Holy Cross, developing Greek Studies departments at the university level, and Greek education through afternoon Greek schools and parochial schools; emphasizing Hellenic culture through museums, exhibits, folk dances, enhancing philanthropic outreach and encouraging more Orthodox institutions for the young, aged and infirm.

Archbishop Demetrios further called on the Executive Committee and the Council to have “revolutionary, not conventional” ideas to solve Church’s fiscal problems.

Michael Jaharis, vice chairman, stressed the importance of the establish-

ment of a development office and longterm goals must be set based on concerns outlined by the Archbishop.

Members also heard reports from the following: Legal, Emanuel Demos, Archdiocese legal counsel; Administration, Jerry Dimitriou, executive director of Administration; and John Barbagallo, director of Finance.

They also designated the Archdiocesan Council committee heads for 20012002.

The Executive Committee agreed to make every effort to have the Archdiocese debt-free by the end of the year, and stressed the need for full participation in the Church’s mission at all levels –parish, diocese, institutions and organizations.

Executive Committee members include Archbishop Demetrios, chairman; Michael Jaharis, vice chairman; Peter Dion, treasurer; Nicholas Bouras, secretary; George Behrakis, Dr. John Collis, John Papajohn, John Payavlas, Georgia Skeadas, Anthony Stefanis, and the Holy Eparchial Synod of Bishops.

Gov. Pataki, Lt. Governor Donohue Extend Christmas Greetings It is always a pleasure for us to extend holiday wishes to all our friends in the Greek-American community.

Christmas and the arrival of the New Year give countless New Yorkers a chance to experience the joy of greeting loved ones while looking with optimism toward a promising future. A tradition of giving gifts that dates back to the celebration of Jesus’ birth is vigorously alive in our prosperous, generous society. Nevertheless, when embracing this tradition, New Yorkers often discover that the best gifts carry no price tag and produce the fondest Christmas memories. In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul teaches us that all gifts — just like all deeds — are meaningful only when the giver or doer is motivated by love. What a wonderful summation of the Christmas spirit.

Religious institutions play a key role in our celebration of the Nativity.

Houses of worship serve as beacons for the observant and foundations

upon which entire communities enjoy the unity and faith prevalent among people of Greek ancestry. So many of these churches and places of assembly have their roots in the aspirations of New York’s earliest settlers, men and women who were guided by religious values that are still common here in the Empire State. Their clergy and lay leaders, deserve our thanks and admiration for the fine example they set during Christmas and yearround.

As the days grow colder, the welcoming environment that is New York grows ever warmer, fueled by the emotions of nostalgia, anticipation and happiness that this joyous season elicits. Let all of our children grow to appreciate the spiritual meaning of Christmas, and may each of us enjoy our holidays to the fullest. From our families to yours, and on behalf of the State, best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Last June, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America submitted for consideration by the Ecumenical Patriarchate the text of a proposed revision of the existing Charter.

The Charter has been in need of such a revision for some time in order to facilitate the administration and foster the growth of our Church in America.

The text submitted was the result of a process that began several years ago, and that was given impetus and focus with the Enthronement of Archbishop Demetrios in September 1999.

Following his enthronement, His Eminence, together with the Holy Eparchial Synod, took measures to facilitate and accelerate the process, by creating a charter committee comprised of hierarchs, priests and laypersons with expertise in canon law. The work of this Committee was systematically reviewed and revised several times by the Holy Synod, resulting in numerous drafts.

Finally, a larger Committee made up of the Synod and clergy and lay representatives from each diocese approved revisions resulting in a tenth draft of a text of the Charter, which was submitted for consideration by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in June of 2000.

A recommendation made at the 35th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Philadelphia this past summer, suggested that the text of the Charter be distributed throughout the Archdiocese at the discretion of the Archbishop for review by the faithful before its submission to the Patriarchate. This was deemed not an appropriate course of action, as the Charter is not a constitution presented for ratification but rather something granted to the Archdiocese by the Patriarchate, and it would have been discourteous and disrespectful not to give the Mother Church the opportunity to review first what is essentially a work in progress.

In late November of last year, a historic Clergy-Laity Assembly took place in Constantinople (see related story), following the close of which a meeting was held at the Phanar to discuss the proposed Charter.

Participating were members of the Patriarchal Committee on Canonical Issues, chaired by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Ephesos, and a delegation from our Archdiocese led by Archbishop Demetrios and comprised of nearly all the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod as well as the clergy and lay members of the original Archdiocesan Charter Committee.

His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the combined committee prior to the start of its meeting, emphasizing both the sacredness of the task at hand and the desire of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

He stressed in particular the need for the Charter to preserve the internal unity of the Archdiocese as well as the unity between the Archdiocese and the Mother Church.

The combined committee then discussed for more than five hours a wide range of preliminary issues in an open and cordial spirit. Evident from both sides was a genuine determination to proceed with the review of the proposed Charter in a serious, thorough and timely manner.

It was agreed that the combined committee meet again at the Phanar on Feb. 20-22, to discuss in detail each article of the proposed Charter.

Archbishop Demetrios, speaking on behalf of the Charter Committee, expressed the hope that, “with God’s help and the good disposition of all involved, the work of drafting a final Charter will continue to fruition. It will be carried out with thoughtful and prayerful consideration, with the serious attention that such an important document requires, so that the Charter emerging from these labors will constitute a genuine source of unity and strength for our Holy Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for the present and the future.”

Archdiocese Creates Office of Camping Ministry NEW YORK - Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director Fr. Mark A. Leondis has announced the creation of an Archdiocesan Office of Camping Ministry.

“The Office of Camping Ministry,” said Fr. Leondis, “fills a void by setting standards for all camping programs in the Archdiocese, and providing a source of unity and a forum for camp program leaders to learn from each other.”

Ionian Village Director Michael A. Pappas will head the new office. He also assumes duties as Camping Ministry coordinator.

Its mission will be to ensure that all Archdiocesan camps meet the guidelines

of safe and spiritually uplifting experiences for the Church’s youth.

As part of this development, Ionian Village has been placed under the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

According to Archdiocese Director of Administration Jerry Dimitriou, “This move is an important step forward for youth ministry in the Church. By bringing Ionian Village into the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and through the creation of an Office of Camping Ministry, we can coordinate a national camping ministry while concentrating our resources and knowledge towards a maximum effort to reach our youth with the Church’s message.”

Ionian Village is Accepting Staff Applications Ionian Village is accepting applications for staff positions for the summer of 2001. Anyone interested in a challenging and rewarding summer, and in working with teenagers in an Orthodox camp setting, should contact Ionian Village for information and an application immediately by calling (212) 570-3534 or by email to: ionianvillage@goarch.org

Staff can apply to work in the following areas: Arts and Crafts, Lifeguards (certification required), Athletics, Music and Greek Culture, Infirmary (RN or MD required), Orthodox Life (Priests and seminarians.) Applicants must be Orthodox Christians; 21 years of age or older by June 25, 2001; available to work from June 25 to August 17, 2001.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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ECUMENICAL

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

PATRIARCHATE

REPORT OF ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE’S WORLDWIDE CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS CONCLUSIONS “Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17.11).

1. The Great and Holy Church of Christ, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, from November 27 to December 1 , 2000, convened a ClergyLaity Conference in the Queen of cities, with the topic: “The Parish, cell of the Church’s life: Living reality, contemporary orientations and challenges.” This Conference was organized within the framework of festive events prepared to celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ the Savior.

2. During the sessions of the Conference the more than seven hundred participants -Bishops, Presbyters, Deacons, Monks, Nuns, and Laypersons -the Eparchies of the Ecumenical Throne throughout the Oikoumene -discussed contemporary issues and problems related to the parish extensively, in a spirit of mutual understanding.

3. The Conference members realized the growing institutional crisis as well as the subversive destructive influences of secularization on the coherence of the fullness of the flock. For this reason, they paid close attention to the fundamental framework of this cohesion, the parish. This concern primarily aims at the reexamination of the existing parish practice having as its further goal the improvement and upgrading of the relations among parishioners. Far from any thought of imitating opinions and systems, alien to Orthodox tradition and patrimony, the Conference discussed improving ideas and suggestions to strengthen and develop the efficacy of the institution and work of the parish.

4. The Conference speakers, by virtue of their detailed papers, presented the theological basis of the parish, the ideal prototype of which, related to its perfect organization and functioning is expressed by the Church itself as the Body of Christ.

This reference focuses on the eucharistic unity of the one community under the one Bishop or the presbyters, who by the Bishop’s command initiate the faithful into the divine mysteries, “as the model of Christ.” Moreover, the notion of locality serves the sanctifying, pastoral, and administrative diakonia (ministry/service). To this diakonia the experience of the rich work of the parish is offered, along with its alternative applications by the Churches in various places, which strive to support spiritually, assist socially, and primarily sanctify the faithful.

5. This diversity can be used as a purveyor of ideas for the selective application, relative to the particular conditions of the life and functioning of each parish. More specific guidelines to this end were indicated by His All Holiness, our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as follows: a) the attraction of the more fervent believers without neglecting those less devoted; b) the avoidance of imitating foreign prototypes and the persistence in the tradition with regard to liturgy , and adaptation to the needs with regard to interpersonal relations; c) the care for the Orthodox of foreign backgrounds with an increased attempt to reverse the growing number of mixed marriages; and d) the special care for the cultivation and strengthening of the spiritual life. The Parish as a worshipping, eucharistic, and eschatological community is not indifferent towards the world or the problems of the present life, but is interested in orienting its members, by the

“The Parish, cell of the Church’s life: Living reality, contemporary orientations and challenges” grace of the Holy Spirit, toward the uncreated reality of eternity.

6. Likewise, the elucidation of the meanings of “parish” and “community” was considered to be significant, in light of the particularities mainly of the meaning of “community,” which, in spite of its biblical origin, has acquired inauspicious connotations in certain contexts. Beyond the exclusion of certain meanings of “community,” within ecclesiological and sociological boundaries, it presupposes the existence of the parish and in the Orthodox tradition is expressed as nearly identical to it. The gathering at Pentecost represents the community that can simultaneously be considered as the first “Apostolic Parish” of the newly formed Church.

This proximity of meaning today establishes the parish as an institution” which is called to play an ever-increasing role in the contemporary articulation of Orthodoxy. The new social horizons of modernday, inhumane cities, even the hitherto virgin countryside, can become humane once again, if the contemporary parish seeks new models of parish life and activity within the current post-industrial and multicultural horizon.

7. Certainly, the spiritual state of contemporary societies does not allow excessive optimism, given the crisis of values and the negative moral devolution of the whole of humanity. The many global problems that are either difficult or impossible to solve as well as grieve and press upon the human person, create fears about the future of societies and test the limits of our emotional endurance and our faith itself.

It is precisely here that the parish gains its place as “the Church in a particular locality.” The parish’s Church building becomes the central point of reference, the refuge and the hope of encounter with the shepherd and the brethren. Herein the mystery of divine epiphany and simultaneously the communion of persons are initiated. This means that the parish has God as its center and has as its outlook the service and the sanctification of humanity. It serves and sanctifies the human person with baptism, the Divine Eucharist, the sacrament of matrimony , and with all the other sacraments and other rites, and also escorts him in the end, at his exit from the present world. The parish does not forget his memory and invokes his supplications on his behalf, when the grace of God sanctifies the life, faith and work of the departed person chosen by God and it numbers him among God’s saints.

8. This sacramental existence and eschatological dimension of the parish is immediately connected with the prosopon (person) and the spiritual quality of the priest, who also presides over the assembly, always in the name of the local bishop.

The priest is a liturgical servant of Jesus Christ, while the parish is the incarnation of the Church, the basic eucharistic cell without which the Church cannot exist.

This relationship contains within it both privilege and responsibilities. The notion of privilege should be sought out in the gift of priesthood, whereas the responsibilities are to be found in the constant care, through diakonia and the sanctification, of his parishioners. On this point, the celebration of the Divine Eucharist and holy

services, which give rise to the liturgical and interpersonal communion between the priest and the faithful, have a primary place. These opportunities are used by the priest to teach and for the service of the divine word. In a parallel fashion, he is obligated, as the good shepherd, to be vigilant to the problems of his parishioners, to direct them in the spiritual life, and to care for his entire flock in a spirit of sacrifice and selfless love. The priest is a minister of the activity of divine Grace, and for this reason he cannot be employed as a “stipendiary.” This clarification is necessary to underscore the multitude of virtues and spiritual particularities that must adorn him. The flock that he shepherds is not authoritatively his. It was entrusted to him by the Lord (cf. John 21:16).

9. In the work of the parish the entire the parish should participate. Lay persons, men and women, although ecclesiologically and pastorally they make up the flock, in the activity of the Church and as members of its living body , they , nonetheless, participate by virtue of their own gifts in the diakonia of the entire body. Particularly the presence of women in the activity of the Church on the parish level is an indubitable fact that can be interpreted according to the presuppositions of Orthodox theology and soteriology. The beginning of our thoughts on this issue is the person of the All-holy Theotokos, through whom the chapter of divine economy was opened and by whom the gap caused by disobedience and the fall was bridged.

Within the new reality, woman is becoming a witness to the divinity of Jesus and a preacher of the message of the Resurrection. Ever since then she has served in catechesis, teaching, missionary activity, monasticism, philanthropy, and social work, hymnography and hymnology, iconography and beautification of the church, and as a wife of a priest and nun she cooperates with the priest in the pastoral assistance and even in the spiritual guidance of the faithful. The revival of the ancient office of deaconess, which has of late been expressed as a wish, is able to contribute even more in the furthering of the activity of the parish. On this issue, the Ecumenical Patriarchate convened an inter-Orthodox Conference (Rhodes, 1988) at which the role and the type of this ecclesiastical diakonia was clarified. This request is in no way connected with the novel discussion concerning the “priesthood” of women, as it is postulated by other Christian churches and confessions, concerning which the teaching and position of the Orthodox Church are known.

10. More particular problems that are related to broader lay participation, being different in each geographical territory and ethnic church, are evaluated with particular attention within the limits of the administrative responsibilities of each eparchy In empirically approaching the relative vastness of opportunities for lay participation, such as, the administrative councils, the finances, the organizations, and philanthropy, has at times placed the institutional character of the councils before the spiritual character, which is relegated to second place. The situations, in which the choice of people was based upon

spiritual qualities, ecclesiastical ethos, and mainly the heightened sense of responsibility with regard to the parish are prototypes of tested suggestions; and also hopeful compasses of reorientation. The forms of ecclesiastical councils known as “parish” and “community councils” cannot be autonomous and exist severed from one another; since, according to the initial ascertainment, the authentic expression of the parish must coincide with the true communion among the faithful in the Church.

11. In the Eparchies of the Throne throughout the Oikoumene, the witness of Orthodoxy is an extension of the work of the parish, where the homogeneia encounters the countries which receives it. Certainly the varying conditions influence the existence and the life of the parishes, in a different way. In spite of this, the ongoing problems are referred to in the crisis of language, in mixed marriages, in the crisis of the calling to the priesthood, and in the difficulties the younger generation has in communicating with the ecclesiastical language. In these circumstances, the local dioceses assume analogous initiatives such as translations of liturgical texts, bilingual divine liturgies, or —for a correct pastoral support in cases of mixed marriages— the suitable preparation of young people. For staffing the parishes with priests, an attempt has recently been made to strengthen and encourage the priestly vocation in the young people of the second, third and even further generations. The local Archpastors continue to establish theological schools, ecclesiastical seminaries, holy monasteries, and other beneficial foundations and at the same time, through timely educational and festal events, strengthen in diverse ways, the local conscience always in reference to the center of Orthodoxy —the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

12. In this direction, catechetical work and education have central significance.

Primarily, catechesis is a ministry of the Church and its ideal contribution is encompassed within the framework of the parish. Catechesis uses language. The knowledge of the Greek language is a bridge to approach the fruits of the Holy Scriptures and the Greek Orthodox Tradition, essentially in the different expressions of the one Orthodoxy. The great privilege of having the Sacred Texts written in Greek as well as the treasury of the Patristic Tradition makes this language an instrument of communication by which we, the Orthodox everywhere, irrespective of our mother tongues, race, and place of residence, know the one truth of the faith. At this point, catechesis within the parish is transfigured into a work of interior mission to all the parishioners —children, young people, adults, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and particularly those marginalized in of our societal concern. To this end, catechesis seeks to inform and protect the faithful from heresies and anti-Christian ideologies. Concurrently, the parish becomes the center of outward evangelism, when it accepts to transmit the Gospel of salvation to those far off. The parish is the place of Orthodox witness in the dialogue of love, reconciliation, and truth with our heterodox brethren. The catechizer, whether a priest or lay person, man or woman, assumes a central role in the process of evangelism, of Christian discipline and education, the moral formation of character , and principally the approaching of the parishioners to the Lord: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The work

page 8

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 5

PATRIARCHAL MESSAGE ON THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST BARTHOLOMEW

BY THE GRACE OF GOD ARCHBISHOP OF CONSTANTINOPLE, NEW ROME AND ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH to all the fullness of the Church grace, mercy, and peace from the Savior Christ who is born in Bethlehem Christ is on earth, be exalted!

Brothers and beloved children in the Lord, this exhortation from St. Gregory the Theologian, proclaimed sixteen centuries ago, remains timely to this day. And it will always remain timely, so long as life on this planet earth continues. For all of this material life, being uni-dimensional, the exclusively worldly life of humanity, is not fitting for our true nature as images of God. Humanity usually looks downward and is attached to earthly and corruptible things, as if its entire existence is exhausted in these things, and as if the world beyond this material creation is non-existent. This is why the exhortation to “be exalted” is always timely in as much as it comprises an emphatic reminder of the superiority of humanity by comparison with earthly things. However, this exhortation is not of itself sufficient to move humanity, nor can it properly justify why humanity should be raised above and transcend tangible realities, rising to an apparently uncertain search for some spiritual source of satisfaction and joy.

The only reason which properly justifies this elevation of humanity above everything earthly and corruptible is the fact that “Christ is on earth,” which is the first part of the exhortation as well as its explanation. Therefore, St. Gregory the Theologian cries out, be exalted, fellow human beings, because Christ has descended on earth.

Christ is not only human; He is not one of many human beings. He is fully

human, but at the same time also the incarnate Son and Word of God. He became flesh, assuming the form of a servant in order to raise us mere human beings beside His heavenly Father, in order to deify us. Therefore, it is necessary, on the occasion of His human Birth, for us to turn our attention upward, to lift up our mind and heart to the highest, in order to see where He descended from and where He invites us to rise.

He invites us to rise to the beautiful and incorruptible world of divine love, which never fails. He invites us to rise to the beautiful and incorruptible world of the peace that transcends all understanding, which God grants to those who love Him. He invites us to rise to the heavenly kingdom of the eternal and blessed life, prepared for all those who desire to love the Lord. It is only in this supreme spiritual space that all the deepest human desires are satisfied for a genuine communion in love with the most desired and beloved person, our Lord Jesus Christ. He now sits at the right hand of the Father; the beauty of His person is ineffable; and the vision of Him fills our heart with every joy, life, knowledge, perfection, and unsurpassed blessedness.

Christ, then, is on earth, brothers and children, in order that we may be exalted to the heavenly way of existence and life, which is none other than Christ’s own existence and life, namely love and sacrifice for those who are loved.

We shall not be alienated from this existence and life so long as we are in this present world and life, which God in His love and wisdom has established as our home. However, we shall be alienated from Christ’s existence and life by our captivity and submission to a materialistic and earthly life, without perspective, which knows only hopeless death as its sole end.

Christ is on earth. Therefore, brothers, be exalted to the way of life that is Christ’s.

Out of love He healed the sick, fed the hungry, relieved the burdened, forgave the sinful, and overlooked nothing necessary to teach us the way of this new life, to render us a new leaven, a new ferment, new wineskins, full of new spiritual wine. From this, the new humanity in Christ is appointed, one that dwells on earth and lives in heaven. This new humanity in Christ rests its feet firmly upon this earth, works good things in this world continually with its hands. Yet with its mind and heart, the new humanity is always raised upward, to the heavenly and the high, towards love for God and human beings, towards the practice of good deeds, of peace, of reconciliation, of hope, and of life.

Having these things in mind, the Holy Mother and Great Church of Christ, with its mind and heart continually turned upward, does not fail to practice good deeds on earth through its faithful members and to call these “to show leadership in good deeds for all necessary things.” Evidence of this are three significant conferences which the Mother Church organized and realized in Constantinople this year, being the 2000th anniversary since the Birth of Christ in flesh. These conferences included the Congress of Orthodox Youth which met in June on the central theme: “The Youth in the Church before the Third Millennium;” the International Scientific Conference which met a little later on the central theme: “The Creation of the World and the Creation of Humanity: challenges and problematics in the year 2000;” and the great Clergy-Laity Congress which met in the same city one month ago with representatives from the Eparchies and Parishes of the Ecumenical Patriarchate throughout the world on the central theme: “The Parish as the Cell of Church

Life: experienced reality, contemporary perspectives, and challenges.” Through these and other activities, such as the concern for the natural environment as well as for peaceful resolution among peoples, nations, and various Churches, the concern to find solutions which cease tensions among people, the concern to proclaim throughout the world the message of Christ’s presence within this world, the ministry of the monastics and laity who strive for holiness, and the general invitation and contribution for a genuine experience of life in Christ, there is ample evidence of the fact that “Christ is on earth” in order for us to be raised to the heavens. And there is ample evidence that the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church embraces in its entirety this earthly life as a forestage of the heavenly one, calling us to live on this earth in a way that raises us to the heavens. Furthermore, the presence today of our beloved brother Primates and representatives of the most holy Orthodox Churches throughout the world in this Sacred Church of the First-Throne Church of Constantinople bears witness to the fact that all of these constitute and comprise the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church which is united in Christ and in the Holy Spirit, in spite of any divisions in administration.

Christ is on earth. Therefore, brothers and beloved children in the Lord, exalt your life in a fitting manner for our Great Visitor.

May His grace and rich mercy be with you all. Amen.

At the Phanar, on the Nativity of our Lord 2000 PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW of Constantinople fervent supplicant to God for all.

Christ is born; give Him glory!

Christ has come down from heaven: receive Him! Christ is now on earth: exalt Him! O you earth, sing to the Lord!

O you nations, praise Him in joy for He is gloriously triumphant!

St. Gregory of Nazianzus

A blessed Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year!

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 6

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

Bishop Dimitrios Part of Delegation on Mideast Peace Mission NEW YORK – Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, ecumenical officer of the Archdiocese, was part of a high-level delegation of American church leaders visiting the Middle East in early December to express solidarity with Christian churches there to lend their voices to a growing chorus calling for renewed efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in the area.

The delegation met with Israeli and Palestinian political and religious leaders to discuss the escalation of violence and collapse of the peace process, as well as difficult issues such as the future status of Jerusalem, Israeli settlements in Gaza and the West Bank, refugees and the protection of human rights.

Bishop Dimitrios told the Orthodox Observer after his return, “ You have all seen the continuing television coverage of the tragic events that have consumed the Middle East since October.

What this coverage does not show is the special suffering of the Orthodox Christians of the Holy Land. You have seen tanks and helicopters, retaliating against sniper fire, shelling houses in the villages of Bait Jala and Bait Sahour. What the television does not show is there are largely Orthodox Christian towns, Christian businesses, which depend on tourism, and have closed their doors by the hundreds.

Food supplies to Christian neighborhoods have been interrupted by riots and police roadblocks. Even those Christians who do have access to food stores cannot buy food because they are out of work.

Unemployment in East Jerusalem neighborhoods approaches ninety percent because the tourist-based businesses have closed. The suffering among Orthodox Christians in the Holy Land is acute and growing.”

Despite the heightened tensions in the area, the delegation, visited institutions in Jerusalem, Gaza, Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. “One afternoon”, Bishop Dimitrios noted, “we were able to meet with all the major religious leaders in Jerusalem at a reception at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Metropolitan Vasilios of Caesarea hosted the session, due to the illness of His Beatitude Patriarch Diodoros, who has since fallen asleep in the Lord”. There we

MARKOS DAILY DEPARTURES

Mike DuBose, UMNS

BISHOP DIMITRIOS of Xanthos, ecumenical officer of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, prays with members of the Baboun family. The family’s car repair business in the Israeli-occupied West Bank near Bethlehem was demolished by the Israeli Army.

were able to learn of the difficulties endured by Christians, and to share their pain and hopes for a just solution to this crisis.”

The delegation also included participants from the National Council of Churches, the United Church of Christ and the Armenian Apostolic, Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Quaker and United Methodist churches.

The visit comes at the same time as many of the churches are involved in a Prayer Vigil for Middle East Peace. The vigil began on Sunday, December 3rd, and will continue until the violence ends a peace agreement emerges. Organized by the ecumenical working group Churches for Middle East Peace, the vigil holds in prayer all those who are suffering in the Holy Land, including Palestinians and Israelis.

On December 14th, at the regular Fall Meeting of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas, which was convened at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and chaired by Archbishop Demetrios, the following statement on Middle East crisis was adopted:

STATEMENT OF THE STANDING CONFERENCE OF CANONICAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS IN THE AMERICAS The violence and death characteristic of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are brought to our attention day after day.

We are not and cannot be indifferent to the suffering of Palestinians or Israelis, of Muslims, Christians, or Jews.

We express our grief for all victims of the violence, for all who have died and their mourning families and communities, for all who have lost their homes and their livelihood.

We have received the statement of the United States Ecumenical Delegation, which visited the Holy Land December 7-12.

In its meetings and conversations with religious communities and political authorities the delegation gained many insights concerning the violence, fear, privation, and suffering which deeply traumatize people and communities in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour, and Gaza. The delegation’s call for prayer

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for a just peace has our full support.

We strongly urge U.S. policy-makers to receive the statement of the delegation and to engage in a full and thoughtful consideration of the statement’s insights, concerns, and proposals.

As Orthodox bishops in the United States we wish to emphasize our sense of urgent concern about the future of the Christian churches and communities in the land all Christians call holy.

While we fully recognize the needs and concerns of the Muslim and Jewish religious communities in Jerusalem, in Palestine, and in Israel, we also express our solidarity with the living Christian communities in the region.

The future of Jerusalem, of Palestine, and of Israel must include not only access to Christian holy places and sites, but also space for the historic, indigenous living Christian communities.

In this connection we express our solidarity with the recent appeal of the patriarchs and heads of churches and Christian communities in Jerusalem, which calls for the constructive involvement of the Christian communities in the international diplomatic effort to define the future status of Jerusalem.

The achievement of justice and peace requires the contributions of all three faiths - Jewish, Muslim, and Christian through their living communities in the region.

Finally, recognizing the humanitarian crisis, which has been caused by the violence, by the ongoing confiscation of homes and land and the establishment of new Israeli settlements, by prohibitions against travel, and by massive unemployment, we appeal to all Orthodox Christians in the United States to open their hearts to our suffering brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.

We ask that funds for this purpose collected in dioceses and parishes of the member jurisdictions of SCOBA be transmitted to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), our humanitarian agency. We fully endorse IOCC in its initiative to provide humanitarian assistance on our behalf directly to the vulnerable and suffering people and communities.

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DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 7

Dinner to Salute Philoptochos, Raise Funds for HC/HC Ionian Village BROOKLINE, Mass. — Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology will honor the National Philoptochos Society at a benefit dinner Jan. 27 in Queens, N.Y. Proceeds will go to the school’s educational programs. Some 93 percent of Greek Orthodox clergy in the United States are HC/HC graduates.

Since 1931, the Philoptochos has pursued its philanthropic activities and has grown to include 500 chapters throughout the nation.

The organization also has been the

single staunchest and most faithful supporter of HC/HC, according to school officials.

The dinner is open to all members of the Greek Orthodox community.

For more information on attending the dinner, or to participate as a sponsor, write to: Hellenic College Inc., c/o Development Office, 50 Goddard Ave., Brookline, MA 02146, or call: (212) 744-4390 in New York, or (617) 850-1227 in Massachusetts, or fax (617) 850-1405; e-mail: pdspiliakos@hchc.edu

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New Presbyters Council Holds First Meeting The new Archdiocesan Presbyters Council for 2000-2001 held its first meeting recently in New York following its appointment by Archbishop Demetrios.

Fr. Nicholas G. Bacalis, dean of Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Richmond, Va., was elected president of the Council.

The organization serves the Archdiocese by enhancing and promoting the mission of its priests at all levels of their ministry, spiritual growth and needs.

Other officers are the Very Rev. Sebastian Skordallos, Holy Transfiguration Church, Atlanta, vice president; Fr. Paul Kaplanis, Holy Trinity, Raleigh, N.C., secretary; and Fr. Basil Kissal, Sts. Constantine

and Helen, Washington, treasurer.

Diocesan representatives are: Atlanta– Frs. Skordallos and Kaplanos; Boston – Fr. Theodore Barbas, Watertown, Mass., and Fr. Christ Foustoukos, Woburn, Mass; Chicago – Fr. Chris Kerhulas, Chicago, and the Very Rev. Timothy Bakakos, Oak Lawn, Ill.; Denver – Fr. Nicholas Pepedo Boulder, Colo., and Fr. Nicholas Katinas, Dallas; Detroit – Fr. Mark P. Emroll, Saginaw, Mich.; New Jersey – Fr. Bacalis and Fr. James Moulketis, Wyckoff, N.J.; New York – Fr. Kissal and Fr. Emmanuel Gratsias, Glen Cove, N.Y.; Pittsburgh – Fr. Costas Keares, Camp Hill, Pa., and Fr. Paul Patitsas, Rocky River, Ohio; San Francisco – Fr. Stephen Kyriacou, San Francisco, and Fr. Steven Tsichlis, Irvine, Calif.

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Please check the program you are interested in: ____ Summer Travel Camp, Ages 12-15 • July 2-20, 2001 ____ Byzantine Venture, Ages 16-18 • July 26 - August 13, 2001 ____ Spiritual Odyssey, Young Adults 19 and older • July 15-30 2001 Name ______________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________

Internet Ministries Offers Free Web Site Hosting NEW YORK. – As part of its continuing effort to assist parishes in their local ministry, the Department of Internet Ministries will offer free web site hosting to all parishes of the Archdiocese wanting to establish a web site.

Parishes already taking advantage of this free service include St. Vasilios in Peabody, Mass. (http://www.stvasilios. org); St. Nicholas in Portsmouth, N.H. (http://www.stnickport.org); and Nativity of Christ in Ignacio, Calif. (http://www. nativityofchrist.org).

Through this program, parishes can build and develop their web sites and also use many current and new Internet technologies the Archdiocese uses such as dynamic news generation; live and archived Internet broadcasting; interactive chat rooms; e-mail list servers; and 3-D site map generation.

Parishes may also set up multiple email accounts through this program.

Any parish wanting this free service should do the following: 1) Draft a letter from the parish priest on parish stationary requesting the creation of web server space.

2) List the complete contact information (name, address, telephone number, email, etc.) of the individual(s) responsible for

maintaining the web site.

3) List the domain name of your parish’s web site if you have registered one already.

4) Fax the letter to 212-570-3569 directed to the attention of Internet Ministries.

5) The Department of Internet Ministries will then send the contact individuals the necessary account information to begin developing the parish web site.

The Department of Internet Ministries has been providing free web hosting services since 1995 and hosts all diocesan, institutional, and organizational web sites including Hellenic College and Holy Cross (http://www.hchc.edu); the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council (http://www.apc. goarch.org); OCMC, (http://www.ocmc. org); and the interfaith marriage research project (http://www.interfaith.goarch.org).

The free web site hosting is part of a national initiative by the Department of Internet Ministries to connect every diocese and parish in the Archdiocese of America to the Internet. This and other offerings provided by the Department of Internet Ministries have been the direct result of the support and vision of Leadership 100.

For more information, please contact Theo Nicolakis in the Department of Internet Ministries at: 212-570-3500 or via email at: theo@goarch.org.

SCOBA’s Millennium Pastoral Letter page 1 ing upon the richness of the two thousand year tradition of eastern spirituality. They challenge the reader to reflect upon the importance of Jesus Christ on human history and on the work of the Holy Spirit in shaping human aspirations. They also challenge us to consider the importance of faith in our own lives.

In this sense, the Millennium Pastoral is a missionary document, but in a particular Orthodox manner. “The missionary principle of the Orthodox Church is to meet people where they are, on their own terms, “the bishops say, “in order to show them how much more they can become through the love of God.”

Titled, “And the Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us,” the pastoral letter culminates over a year’s work by the SCOBA Hierarchs and its Study and Planning Commission.

Conducting a press conference to announce its release was the Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, past president of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. “We hope that all Orthodox parishes will use its study guidelines as part of their religious education programs,” said Fr. Kishkovsky.

“It is a way to increase our voice in the public domain,” said Archbishop Demetrios, “and as a mechanism for further drawing together” the various Orthodox jurisdictions.

Phone _______________________________ E-Mail ________________ Parish Priest/Community ________________________________________ Mail this form to: Ionian Village, 8-10 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021.

Or contact us at: Tel.: (212) 570-3534 • Fax: (212) 570-3569 E-mail ionianvillage@goarch.org Web page: www.Ionianvillage.org Ionian Village is a program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 8

ORATORICAL

COMMITTEE MEMBERS for annual St. John Chrysostom Festival taking place in June.

2001 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Season Begins The Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, director of the Department of Religious Education, has announced that the 2001 Oratorical Festival Finals will be hosted by the Diocese of Chicago June 9 at St. Nicholas Church in Oak Lawn, Ill. The host committee, under the chairmanship of the Very Rev. Timothy Bakakos of St. Nicholas Church, met recently with Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos, Archdiocese festival co-chairman, to discuss plans for the festival weekend that begins on Friday, June 8.

Other committee members include Fr. Nicholas Jonas from Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Palos Hills and Fr. John Kalomas from Holy Cross Church in Justice, Ill. The theme of the Oratorical Festival each year is based on the annual theme of the Department of Religious Education. Thus, the theme of the 2001 Oratorical Festival is the Holy Fathers. Some of the topics for this year are: 1. Icons have been an important part of the life in the Church for centuries and something that we, as Orthodox Christians, take for granted. Speak on the life of St. John of Damascus and his fight against the iconoclasts, and 2. The Church, led by St. Athanasios the great, rejected the teachings of Arianism. Speak about the life of St. Athanasios and his fight against this

heretical doctrine.

The complete list of topics, topic tips and bibliography are found in The ARC (The Annual Resource Companion), Vol. 3 titled The Holy Fathers published by the Department of Religious Education.

The ARC, published annually each July, provides relevant articles and insightful essays based on the annual theme and serves as a resource for teachers and students in preparation for the Oratorical Festival.

The topics, tips and bibliography are also available at the Department of Religious Education website at: www.religioused.goarch.org/ At the 2000 Oratorical Festival Finals held in Daytona Beach, Fla., last June, the college scholarships awarded to the top three speakers in each division were increased to $2,000 for the first-place speakers; $1,500 to the second-place speakers and $1000 to the third-place speakers.

In addition, the remaining 12 diocesan finalists who received Honorable Mention were awarded $500 United States Savings Bonds.

The increase in awards was made possible by many generous donations to the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Scholarship Foundation. For more information, contact the Department of Religious Education at 1-800-566-1088.

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Paul Manolis to Retire as Director of Patriarchal Institute BERKELEY, Calif. — The Board of Trustees of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute announced the scheduled retirement of Director Paul G. Manolis.

Manolis, who has served as the institute’s director for the past 10 years, has voluntarily requested he be relieved of administrative duties of that position as of July 1, 2001.

Chairman Christ Kamages stated, “The Board of Trustees received the announcement of Manolis’ retirement with both regret and high praise for his many, many accomplishments. Paul has created and nurtured a foundation that will grow and develop to benefit many generations to come.”

Co-chairman Helen Lambros with a touch of nostalgia and great enthusiasm said, “Paul has done so much in all aspects of the navigation and mentoring of the Institute. I am confident that the Institute, due to his unique foresight and the work begun by him and Father Contos will maintain its position as an international Orthodox focal point. His unique contribution is that he had the foresight to chart and build on the unknown.”

Manolis will continue to serve as president and director emeritus of the institute. A search committee has been appointed, which will seek applications for a successor.

Together with the late Father Leonidas Contos, Manolis nurtured the growth of the Institute from its embryonic stage. It now has three buildings neighboring the University of California and, under his leadership, has developed a variety of programs. Among them are symposia, lectures, continued education and a very active and vibrant campus ministry.

Manolis has been a major benefactor of the Institute, having contributed his personal collection of more that 3,000 books to the Institute’s Library, and together with his wife, Elene, contributed the St. Demetrios Chapel, a focal point of the Institute.

The mission of the Orthodox Institute, an affiliate of the Graduate Theological Union at the University of California at Berkeley, is to educate, communicate, promote and sustain the traditions, values, teachings and culture of Orthodox Christianity.

The Institute was incorporated in 1981 and represents the various Orthodox churches in this country. It has been designated a “patriarchal institute” by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople to which it is ecclesiastically related. It is the only such patriarchal institute in this country.

Instruction is the Institute’s primary purpose, along with other programs that include lectureships, symposia, a pastoral dimension, continuing education, scholarships and a vibrant campus ministry. It is an important center for the study and dissemination of Orthodox thought and culture. It has a permanent Chair in Orthodox Christian Study, endowed by Alexander G. Spanos.

The quality of instruction at the graduate level inevitably reflects the quality of the library that supports it.

The library consists of a specialized (and growing) collection of more than 10,000 books and journals to support the work of the students. It is the premier library of Orthodoxy on the West Coast.

Mr. Manolis has given a lifetime of service to the church. He is Great Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, served for many years on the Archdiocesan Council and was named by Archbishop Iakovos as chairman of the Council committee that established the Orthodox Observer in its newspaper format. He also served as the first chairman of its publishing board and headed the committee that erected the statue of Patriarch Athenagoras at Holy Cross/Hellenic College.

As a historian of the church in this country, Manolis plans to devote himself to completing his history of the Greek Archdiocese of North and South America.

The Parish, cell of the Church’s life page 4 of catechesis, which begins in the family, “the church at home,” consequently, is a work of responsibility and love; and presupposes faith, patience, diligent contribution, sacramental life, but also knowledge and a multifaceted and multidimensional preparation, since this leads the catechumens to the mystery of God. 13. The parish tries to infuse this mystery into the young people, in other ways, as well. It is an outward movement towards encountering the tomorrow of history, the continuation of the Church, the extension of the Kingdom of God, in the more dynamic hope of our tired world, as in the case of our Orthodox youth. This encounter is also their own request. Young people today look to the Church with particular trust. They are looking for solutions to the impasses of a mechanized, technical culture. They want to surpass the different tendencies towards dehumanization. Furthermore, they are seeking answers to the arrogance of power and the disdain of various scientific achievements.

From out of their existential questionings, they reveal their intense metaphysical sensitivity and show a surprising receptivity towards the Word of God. However, they also formulate their requests. They want, for example, the spiritual leaders of the Church to be unfeigned, pure, true prototypes in ethos, conduct, and lifestyle.

And, at this point, the movement of their reception by the whole parish must have the criteria of love and respect of their liberty parallel towards the dynamic attempt to correspond to their authentic requests

and their youthful, reasonable preferences. The parish centers with libraries, with their technological substructures, with cultural initiatives, with athletic installations, and many other similar things form useful entryways “into the eucharistic encounter and participation in the Eucharistic Table.” Our young people are the future of the Church. For this reason, it must not be seen as an exaggeration that one of the principle areas of activity in the parish is the concern with young people.

14. All these above mentioned thoughts are expressed as observations, orientations, and problematics during the course of the discussions of the Greater Clergy-Laity Conference, which together with other things, gave many valuable opportunities for personal communication between the participants. The continuous presence of His All Holiness during the sessions demonstrated the shepherd’s proximity to his flock, in a dialogue of love and responsibility, and contributed to the living experience of the unity of the Pleroma of the Church. For this reason, we thank His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy and Sacred Synod for convening this Conference and for its successful completion.

15. We glorify God in Holy Trinity for this historic congress and for the thoughts, discussions, and experiences which it provoked. As each one of us departs to his own country, we hold to heart, as a valuable exhortation, the words of St. Ignatius, the God-bearer, “And therefore you must as a chosen people and a holy nation perform everything in concord in Christ” (The Letter to the Philadelphians 4, PG 5, 824

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 9

I N T E R F A I T H

T

here are many challenges that couples face just before and immediately after the children arrive. In addition to the challenges that single faith couples encounter, intermarried couples face a host of additional challenges related to their religious and cultural differences.

Part One of this two-part article featured a couple discussing some of these challenges. Part Two will identify and discuss some of these challenges in more detail.

by Fr. Charles Joanides, PhD., LMFT

Some Typical Marital Challenges before Baptism If intermarried couples failed to decide before they married where to baptize their children and in which church they would be raised, some conversation regarding these questions will likely occur after marriage and around the time the children arrive.

“I was surprised at how much conversation was required when we finally got around to discussing baptism,” stated one participant from the Interfaith Research Project (IRP). “I really didn’t think this issue was going to require so much energy. I guess that’s why we didn’t discuss it before marriage. But I was wrong.”

The degree of attachment each spouse has to his or her religious tradition will affect these conversations. In cases where both spouses have equally strong attachments to their religious background, couples can expect to struggle more with this issue.

However, such couples might also take comfort in knowing that results from the IRP suggest that their faith in God will generally assist them in reaching a mutually satisfying resolution. “We’re both very committed to our religious backgrounds, so when we started talking about starting a family the topic of baptism came up. It was really an upsetting time for us both.

Fortunately Father Nick and our faith in God helped us get beyond this issue.”

Some couples will also struggle with the cultural tradition that necessitates Greek parents to name their first-born son after the Greek Orthodox spouse’s father.

“I love my father-in-law. He’s a precious and sweet man. But when John informed me that if our first born was a boy, he wanted to name him Panteleimon, well let’s just say I wasn’t very happy.”

The Greek Orthodox partner may feel a deep need to honor his or her parents in this way, while the non-Orthodox partner frequently views this tradition as intrusive. “I had a real deep need to honor my Dad by naming our first son after him.

He slaved to put me through school, and he didn’t want anything in return. The least I could do is honor him in this way.”

Finding ways of striking a balance between personal, couple, and extended family needs in this situation can generate marital, family and extended family tension. This challenge is not insurmountable. Time, prayer and a desire to make things work are imperative. “After considerable conversation, we resolved this issue peacefully, and with God’s help. But making everyone happy was a real delicate balancing act.”

Extended Family Challenges Grandparents’ yearnings to see their grandchildren baptized and raised in their faith community can also present some challenges to intermarried couples.

Couples will be challenged to find respectful ways of (a) honoring their parents, and (b) drawing healthy boundaries between

When Children Arrive... themselves and their extended families as they attempt to resolve this issue. “We’ve tried to respect our parents opinions and needs, but we’ve also made it clear to them that our decisions will be based on what’s good for our family and the children.”

If the couple elects to baptize their children in the Greek Orthodox Church, the non-Orthodox partner’s extended family may feel somewhat short changed. This is often the case, because Orthodox pastoral guidelines prohibit non-Orthodox participation in the Sacraments. Additionally, the Orthodox partner may feel varying degrees of pressure and resentment from their nonOrthodox in-laws to explain the Orthodox

Church’s position with regards to non-Orthodox participation in the sacraments.

Finding ways of not personalizing this resentment will be helpful to nuclear and extended family stability and well-being.

“It was kind of hard putting up with some of my in-law’s questions about my church’s rules,” stated one Greek Orthodox IRP participant. “Sometimes, I felt as if they were attacking me. So I had to keep reminding myself that they weren’t really angry with me, but were disappointed that they couldn’t be more a part of their grandson’s baptism. I finally asked Father Lou to offer some clarification, and this really helped.”

Challenges as Children Mature As the children mature and grow, and in order to meet children’s growing religious and spiritual needs, couples normally choose to attend the church where their children were baptized. When intermarried couples determine to baptize their children in the Greek Orthodox Church, and subsequently determine to attend the Orthodox Church, the non-Orthodox partner may struggle to avoid feeling like the odd-man-out when the family attends Divine Liturgy together. This sometimes happens because non-Orthodox cannot participate in the Sacramental life of the Orthodox Church. Being aware of this potential pitfall can help both

page 23

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ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 10

EDITORIAL

A Valuable Resource The Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas recently issued an extraordinary publication commemorating the beginning of the third Christian millennium and serving to reconnect the faithful with the teachings of the faith, especially as they relate to contemporary society.

Titled “And the Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us…A Pastoral Letter on the Occasion of the Third Christian Millennium, and published by Holy Cross Orthodox Press in Brookline, Mass., the 46-page booklet contains 164 numbered paragraphs and is subdivided into eight sections.

They consist of: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth,” “God’s Plan for Our Salvation,” “The Sin that Separates Us from God,” “The Joy of Our Witness,” “Preaching the Gospel in a Pluralistic Society,” “A Community of Healing and Reconciliation,” “The Community that Remembers,” and “A Community of Hope and Joy,” At the end of each section are excerpts from the writings of various Church fathers and saints pertaining to the particular theme of that section, including St. John Chrysostom, St. Cyril of Alexandria, Maximus the Confessor, and others.

We are three millennia removed from the miraculous time when Jesus Christ came to earth of the subsequent witness of His Apostles and Disciples.

The SCOBA hierarchs’ pastoral letter reminds us of God’s purpose in sending His Son for the salvation of humanity.

Paragraph 55 clearly states: “One of the most sublime aspects of Christian theology is how our Lord redeemed us

by His suffering and death on the Cross.

We cannot make any claim at being exhaustive here. However, we would ask you to reflect on this. God knows our nature. Were He to confront us directly

with our sin, we would react by justifying ourselves and hardening our hearts.

(Have you ever noticed what children do when they are admonished?) What, the, does God choose to do? He becomes one of us. He lives with us. He works with us. He teaches and heals us.

And, finally, He becomes the object of our jealousy and hatred. He takes all of this on Himself, even to the point of death, so that in watching Him outstretched on the Cross, dying, our hearts will melt and we might repent.”

It offers practical advice on dealing with various issues we face in furthering the Church’s mission in our contemporary pluralistic society.

For example, Paragraph 110 states: “As Orthodox Christians we must have a view of mission that focuses both on the salvation of persons and on the transformation of the cultural context. There is nothing more precious than one soul.

Certainly the surrounding environment can provide support and encouragement in the Christian life. Orthodox mission has traditionally been oriented toward both. As we preach the Good News to those around us, we must be thinking about this question of the cultural context of Orthodox mission in North America. It must become a subject of study and reflection, not only in our seminaries, but also in our parishes and homes. We are not suggesting there is such as thing as a “Christian culture.”

There is not. However, the risk of not engaging and transforming the culture in which we live is that the Orthodox Church will become just another sect.”

These are but two examples that can make us ponder about the effect of faith on our lives.

For those who are serious about getting in touch with the basics of our faith, this timely pastoral letter would be an important addition to your parish and home library.

Priest comments on RU-486

will be the expulsion of the embryo through miscarriage.

This drug, previously marketed in Europe and manufactured by Danco Laboratories, and sold under the name Milfeprex, is milfepristone. It is administered in three visits to a doctor and results in abortion through miscarriage 92 to 95 percent of the time.

Its legalization allows women to secure abortions privately and in isolation and, therefore, allows for evil and sin to take place without the application of religious, spiritual, social and moral duties and responsibilities.

As our Christian faith and Orthodox Church officially condemns and prohibits abortion and self-inflicted miscarriage, we also condemn the acceptability and use of this new drug.

As hierarchy and clergy, we must also advise all the faithful, and particularly Christian Orthodox women, to maintain our faith and tradition as well as the moral and ethical values of Christian Orthodoxy with reference to the right to life.

Fr. Steven J. Vlahos, pastor of St. Demetrios Church Wildwood, N.J.

Editor, From an Orthodox Christian theological perspective, and according to our sacred ecclesiastical life and tradition, abortion and self-inflicted miscarriages are viewed as murder.

In addition to the already practiced American legal right to surgical abortion and “partial birth” abortion, the new abortion pill, “RU-486,” recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration brings one more theologically, spiritually, ecclesiastically and morally harmful option to unwanted pregnancies.

Unfortunately, this new legal right together with the other previously approved methods to terminate pregnancies are violations of Christian teaching and are not moral, ethical, acceptable or legal to members of the Orthodox Church.

The drug RU-486 blocks the activity of a hormone that allows a woman’s body to sustain a pregnancy. When it is taken during the first seven weeks of pregnancy, followed by another drug that causes cramping and bleeding, the result

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

VIEW POINT Lead Us Not Into Temptation

by Fr. Angelo Artemas

FOX television has done it again. The network that brought viewers “Married With Children,” “Melrose Place,” “Ally McBeal” and “Who Wants To Marry a Millionaire” began airing “Temptation Island” on Jan. 10.

The program features what producers call “four unmarried but committed couples” separated for several weeks on a tropical island near Belize with 26 singles eager to tempt them into infidelity.

The couples are separated with the males taken to one side of the island with the single females, and the females taken to the other side of the island with the single males.

Young couples have a hard enough time sustaining relationships, not just due to temptation, but also due to immaturity, selfishness, bad habits and naive expectations. Yet in this next level of “reality television” the heat is literally turned up. High ratings are projected, probably because viewers have been conditioned to be good voyeurs and because viewers love a good tale about sex and broken relationships. Selfish gratification and sadism seem to be Hollywood’s values.

The premise of the show is that the four couples are unmarried but committed. Producers originally sought married couples to be tempted, but then reconsidered as they speculated breaking up marriages might be crossing the line.

Wow! What profound thinkers!

The irony is that the assertion “unmarried but committed” is an oxymoron.

According to the Judeo-Christian definition of infidelity, the couples (who are already sexually intimate) are fornicating before the show even begins taping.

Some critics have attacked the show for making sport of breaking up honorable relationships. Sex outside of marriage and lack of commitment in relationships is honorable? Don’t long held biblical principals declare marriage honorable? Has television finally succeeded in turning family values upside down?

The couples that have agreed to be part of this experiment are dishonoring their partners. Oh sure they will go out of their way to be strong under temptation; after all, the camera is on and they have something to prove. But anytime the camera is rolling can the actions of those being filmed actually be real?

What networks call reality television is really “Look at me, I’m extraordinary – television.”

Television is not reality! Being videotaped ensures contrived behavior. Reality is what people do when the public is not watching, and unfortunately, sinful private behavior does not result in appearances on Oprah or Simon & Schuster book deals.

Self-appointed family values experts love to talk about divorce and its consequences on children and society. Is anyone mentioning that marriages fail precisely because relationships prior to marriage have stifled or hurt any sense of responsibility and maturity?

People cannot fool around from junior high school and expect to one day be ready for marriage. Everyone has heard that marriage takes hard work, but is any-

one hearing that marriage takes conditioning and preparation?

Athletes don’t fool around before competition, they workout and prepare.

Actors rehearse and prepare before their performances. Serious students study and prepare for learning, taking examinations and writing papers.

And, lest anyone be fooled, wedding rehearsals are not marriage rehearsals.

Preparing for a ceremony and sacrament is one thing; conditioning for a lifetime is another.

Any female who has been on the dating scene knows one thing is certain – men are dogs. The Baha Men song Who Let the Dogs Out was written as a female response to men encountered at clubs.

But who is raising these dogs? Who is teaching them?

The expression “men are dogs” is itself an oxymoron, for if boys were men, they wouldn’t be dogs. There are too many adult boys running around looking for physical gratification, or at best, looking for a substitute “mommy” to take care of them. This does not make for good marriage material. These boys shouldn’t be husbands, or, God forbid, fathers.

But who is tolerating this behavior, which is insulting to real dogs since they are actually loyal and obedient? Women are! With all due respect to the ladies, the more you tolerate from adult boys, the more they will regress, and the less you will ever want to marry any of them.

In the Aug. 28, 2000 issue of Time magazine the cover story read “Who Needs A Husband: More and more women are embracing the single life.”

The article features confident quotations from independent and successful women who state they don’t need husbands to be happy. That is certainly understandable, since adult boys will make any mature woman unhappy. But none of the women in the article admits they are not married because no one has ever proposed to them.

In the field of maturity, responsibility and fidelity, men have much more work to do than women. But when women tolerate boyish behavior and give men sexual pleasure without commitment, why would men be motivated to commit to marriage or settling down?

What could possibly help make better relationships and marriages? Boys should grow up and become men! Stop seeking physical gratification and begin thinking of offering something to others.

Women, don’t tolerate, excuse, accept or succumb to boyish behavior and irresponsibility. You have been our best guardians of morals and virtues. Don’t give in now.

Parents, talk to your kids before their teen-age years about responsibility in relationships, maturity, discipline and selfrestraint. Better yet, be an example of such values for your children who are starved for love, and who are tempted by friends, CDs, DVDs, MTV and AOL. Conditioning for marriage takes sacrifice while young. Many young people like to excuse reckless behavior by saying “you’re only young once.” But bad habits and behaviors impede and jeopardize future happiness. A few years invested while young into proper conditioning may result in a lifetime of happiness.

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 11

New Year’s Encyclical

HOLY CROSS Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Feast of Saint Basil and the New Year

Educating Church Leaders Since 1937 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 Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

o

Master of Divinity

o

Master of Arts in Church Service

o

And I heard the Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Theological Studies

voice of the Lord

At the inception of this new millennium I invite you to reflect on another beginning that occurred almost two thousand years ago in the days following the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Holy Apostles at Pentecost. The Holy Scriptures tell us that upon hearing the witness of the Gospel of Christ thousands believed, were baptized, and joined together in worship and ministry (Acts 2). The community of faith, the koinonia of the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:9) was visibly established and consequently extended throughout the world through missionary endeavors.

It is with this sacred history in our hearts and minds that on January 1 we celebrate our sharing in faith and fellowship in several ways. First, we commemorate our Holy Father among the Saints Basil the Great, whose pastoral, ascetical and theological labors extended and strengthened the koinonia of Jesus Christ. Second, in recognition of our rich heritage of ministry and philanthropy so exemplified by this great Saint, we celebrate the cutting of the Vasilopeta. In this annual custom of our Greek Orthodox communities, our leaders and organizations, as well as our families, are remembered in the parishes and homes of our Holy Archdiocese as we acknowledge our shared commitment to faith, worship, and works of love. Finally, it is also on this day that we recognize a very special group among our koinonia—the children, the young men and women, the staff, and the directors of Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, New York. Each year we are led by our National Philoptochos Society in collecting funds for this vital ministry that provides a supportive and nurturing environment for children and young people from across America. May we all participate in the work and growth of Saint Basil Academy by sharing the material blessings we have been given by God. As we celebrate this day in worship, in fellowship, and in giving to the needs of others, may we firmly acknowledge our commitment to and participation in the community of faith in Jesus Christ. As we are united with Him in the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, we are united with one another as His Body, members who are equipped for the work of ministry in our homes, in our parishes, and throughout our Holy Archdiocese and the world. May we be thankful for our fellowship, our partnership, our koinonia in the Gospel as we worship and labor together, knowing that He who began a good work in each one of us “will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:5-6).

May the Lord grant joy in fellowship and strength in service to each of you and your families as we begin this New Year and new millennium in the hope and the vision of His glory.

With paternal love in Christ,

DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

Master of

o

saying, "Whom shall I send,

Master of Theology

and who will go for us?"

Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

Isaiah 6:8

Call Our Admissions Office (617) 731-3500 • FAX (617) 850-1460 Please send me information on Holy Cross School of Theology.

I am interested in the following program(s): M. Div. M.A. M.T.S. Name Address City

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Th.M.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 12

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

T he Di hr he SSaav io r Divv ine Bir Birtt h of CChr hrii st tthe

A

mong the hopes, the thoughts, the sen timents and joys that the great holy day of the divine birth of Christ, our Lord, brings to us, let us turn our minds to the holy event, which turned the tide of history.

The peace that Christ brought, the happiness Glory to God in the highest, He gives, cannot exist when we thrust aside dilaws, when there is distrust and conflict beand on Earth peace, good will toward men. vine tween parents, disobedience of children, systematic immorality among individuals, indifference toward religious principles and the eternal teachings of Christ. Often, there is little appreciation and contentment with the gifts God gives us in life. We seek happiness, but happiness that can be lasting and rewarding, comes from doing, serving and giving. There is no greater reward and satisfaction for the human soul than to serve.

by Fr. George E. Kalpaxis

The bright Star of Bethlehem illumines our path that we may spiritually worship at the humble manger where Christ was born. And we hear the hymn, “Christ is born, glorify Him,” and the angels of God singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.”

“Peace on Earth!” How deep in meaning, how magnificent in honorable achievements; peace in our hearts and minds, peace in our conscience and in our noble desires; peace that is the main source for brotherhood among all nations and for true progress in our society.

For this peace, people speak everywhere, many not knowing where to find true peace, for they are captivated by worldly desires, by greed for wealth, by hatred, by egoism and other evils.

In this way, they create undesirable relations between people and as a result uprisings and wars occur. People want wars and they create them and then suffer their tragic consequences.

Let us be practical. Peace on Earth does not come with good wishes, or with agreements written on paper, nor with promises. It comes from noble-hearted people who truly believe in the One, Holy, Almighty and Loving God and in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Divine guidance needed

Opposite groups On the night of the Savior’s birth came the Light of Bethlehem. How bright is it? Where does it lead us? What does it teach us?

Today, there are two opposite groups. One teaches that the supreme rules of the world are the secular forces that should dominate the hearts of people. Virtue, faith, moral principles are myths, it says. Remorse of conscience is self-deception.

The purpose of life is to gain whatever we can with whatever means possible.

The other group speaks of true ideology. Man has an immortal soul, the breath of God. The kingdom of Christ is the destination of man. It teaches that if people adhere to and practice the commandments of God in their life, they can establish divine peace in the world.

The first group attempts to extinguish the Light of Bethlehem, the second to keep it burning, because in the human conscience there are

many eternal truths and ideals, which make bright in our inner being.

These cannot be lost.

When, however, the Light of Bethlehem does not illumine the path of our life and there is no angelic peace and good will, then there is no room in our hearts for Christ, just as when Christ was born there was no room for the Divine birth, except in a manger.

Once again, as we celebrate the anniversary of the divine birth of Christ, we lift up our hearts in prayer and give thanks unto the Lord. We need divine guidance and help as individuals and as a nation.

Without the infinite love, concern and help of God, our freedom is in danger, our natural right to worship Him is threatened and our souls can be lost. We are beset by enemies without and weaklings within. A philosophy of stark heartless materialism is poisoning the souls of our children.

The blessed name of God is ridiculed and used as blasphemy.

Today, the battle of the good against evil continues and within humble, sympathetic, noble and warm human hearts, there will always be a place for the Kingdom of God. This kingdom shall have no end; no one, no power, no hatred, no nation, no evil, no human force will ever succeed in destroying it.

The spirit of Christmas, anywhere we look, is truly a necessity. It moves once again the hearts and minds of people and motivates us to pause in our daily routine and pursuits of life, to offer friendly greetings to each other and to think of what the divine birth of Christ means to us.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, may we embrace the underprivileged and misfortunate people with the same love and charity with which we have been embraced by Christ.

Only then will we commemorate with a clean heart, with pure enthusiasm and conscience the divine birth of our Savior. Then, spiritually bowing at the manger in Bethlehem, we may say to Christ that our heart is ever ready with warm faith and gratitude to lead our lips in praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.”

Fr. Kalpaxis, is retired pastor of St. Nicholas Church, Baltimore.

Christmas Transformations

by Fr. Demetrios S. Kavadas

M

ost of the leaves have now fallen from the trees. I have watched them from my window every day. They create a very artistic car pet that will not last long. The wind or human hands will remove them from the mother tree and they will disappear and become a part of the mother earth.

Snow comes and goes with time and temperature until the white substance will cover backyards, streets and mountains until the sun will melt them and return them to the earth as a great miraculous metamorphosis of color, temperature and usefulness.

This is the first time in my life I find myself in a frequent dialogue with the leaves and the snow. Carrying on my back very close to seven decades of seasonal changes I realize that I withdraw myself from other people and frequently become interested in the conversation a person like myself must have with the leaves and the snow.

The Birth of the Child of Bethlehem comes like a light that dissolves darkness and even temporary shadows created by the fallen leaves and the white snow. The melancholy of the disappearance of the leaves and the snow is transformed into an un-expectable joy. The divine nature of the Child reminds me of an eternal springtime that it is to arrive only after a little time later. God loves me and comes in the world to tell me how much He cares for me. It is just a mystery how the human nature of that Child brings into my life forces that continuously test me to follow the Star of Bethlehem. Sometimes I feel like one of the Magi, yet I cannot find the proper gifts to offer Him. Other times, the voice from the cradle changes me to

become a shepherd of sheep, yet so many of them wish to escape the flock.

He transforms Himself into so many forms. Almost everyone everyday becomes His angel. All kinds of people come with smiles and tears, with words and various sounds with promises of great disappointment, with praises or criticism. Christ continuously tells me to accept everyone equally, to be patient, to be kind and to envy no one, to avoid being boastful nor conceited nor rude, never selfish, not quick to take offense. My Messiah suggests to keep no score of wrongs, not to gloat over other men’s sins but to delight in the truth. “In one word there are three things that last forever...faith, hope and love; but the greatest of all is love” (1 Corinthians 13, 13).

We are all safe if we declare to each other that Christmas is in one word, including gifts and smiles, laughter and joy, family and sweet remembrances-All that is Christmas.

How wonderful the word would be if families all over the world wished the above thoughts to each other. For we all know that most of us find ourselves speechless and mend the Schismata with a card and a gift.

Please offer an opportunity to the fallen leaves and the dancing flakes to become teachers that prepare you to observe clearly the flickering beams of the Star of Bethlehem.

It is like a candle that melts as time goes by but gives to the world light (meaning wisdom) and warmth (meaning love).

My family wishes to you and yours all the above with a prayer, that Christmas completes your days now and all the years of your life upon this earth.

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 13

The Voice of Philoptochos Colorado Chapter Walks for Cancer Fund

Christmas 2000 Presiden t’s M essage esident’s Message

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — St. Catherine’s Church sponsored its second annual “Stepping Out to Stop Cancer” pledge walk Sept. 30 as nearly 100 men, women and children raised more than $5,000 in the continuing effort to eradicate cancer.

Generous donors donated a pancake breakfast, and participants donned T-shirts made for the occasion.

My beloved Sisters in Christ and Fellow Presidents of Philoptochos: “And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

Cathedral Ladies Sponsor Art Exhibit NEW YORK — Archbishop Demetrios and other distinguished guests recently attended the fourth International Art Exhibition at the Cathedral Center. The event was chaired by Margo Catsimatides, Antonia Giannaris and Aphrodite Skeadas and took place October 12-15.

The exhibition featured 42 works by 20 Greek artists and included both sacred and secular images ranging in value from $900 to $15,000.

National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes, who welcomed His Eminence, said in her opening remarks, “It really is my privilege this evening to welcome all of you to our art exhibition, featuring the work of Hellenic artists. Art is truly an expression of love for the Creator of All, Whom we serve in His Holy Church.

“Art is a form of love which the human eye can see and which the human heart can feel. At the same time, this exhibit is a powerful expression of our identity as people of Hellenic heritage. As Greek-Americans, it is in our nature to love what is beautiful and good.”

CONNECTICUT PHILOPTOCHOS members with Archbishop Demetrios, Fr. Triantafilou, Fr. Zembillas, Fr. Demetrios Recachinas, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, and National President Condakes at fund-raiser.

Connecticut Chapters Aid Seminary, College BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Representatives of chapters and parishes from throughout the state held a successful fund-raising banquet at Holy Trinity Church Nov. 9 to benefit Holy Cross School of Theology/Hellenic College.

Archbishop Demetrios, accompanied by the chancellor, the Very Rev. Savas Zembillas, attended the event, along with new president of HC/HC, Fr. Nicholas

Triantafilou. Others attending included Kalliopi Tsitsipas, general chairman; Stella Capiris, Diocese Philoptochos president and National President Eve Condakes, who pledged the support of all chapters in the Archdiocese.

The seminary choir offered several selections that brought an enthusiastic response from those attending. A video about the school followed.

Mad Hatters Luncheon Held PEORIA, Ariz. – St. Haralambos Chapter held a luncheon featuring hats on Nov. 4 to benefit the National Philoptochos Cancer Fund.

The “Mad Hatters” luncheon drew about 50 women and a few men, all fes-

tooned with hats. A contest took place to select the funniest, prettiest and most original.

Chapter president and luncheon chairman Charlotte Servetas was assisted

by Alice Hecht, Lola Durand, Penelope Obren, Carol Izbrand and Presbytera Kristin Pallad.

Our Lord and Savior came unto us as the King of Kings. Yet He chose not a palace for His first home, not even a comfortable room in the inn. “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor.” (II Cor: 9) He chose to be born in a cave, in a place where animals slept and ate. This lowly place is where the star pointed, this is where the angels hymned Him, this is where shepherds found Him, this is where the Magi journeyed, and this is where they honored Him as Lord, God, and King.

My beloved sisters, when we honor the poor, the needy, the helpless, the sick and the suffering with our generosity and love, we honor our Lord.

I pray that your Philoptochos chapter will find many opportunities to spread joy in the spirit of Christmas that is peace, — the miracle of Christmas which is hope, — and the heart of Christmas that is love.

May the light of your faith shine so that it will illuminate the heart of another.

With all my love I wish each and every one of you, a Merry Christmas surrounded with those you love and brimming with beautiful memories.

Your loving Sister in Christ, Eve Condakes National President

Annual Chicago Diocese Luncheon

ST. MICHAEL’S Home Director, the Very Rev. Andonios Paropoulos, with (l. to r.) Metropolitan District President Stella Caperis, NSQ Gala Chairman Helen Toth, and board member Katherine R. Boulukos.

NSQ Fund-raiser for St. Michael’s Home

by Kathy Boulukos

“Lets make the dream of building a St. Michael’s Greek Orthodox nursing home a reality” was the call that brought together 554 people to the gala dinner fashion show sponsored by the Combined Nassau-Suffolk-Queens Philoptochos chapters. This effort produced a great financial and social success, due to the combined efforts of women from these chapters who believe that the time is now to make such a dream a reality.

Under the dynamic leadership of

Helen Toth, chairwoman of NSQ, who is past president of the Whitestone Philoptochos chapter, the event was a smooth, fun-filled evening. Held at the elegant Crest Hollow Country Club, the dinner included a spectacular fashion show from five top fashion stores at the Americana of Manhasset.

Highlight of the evening was the address by the Very Rev. Archimandrite Fr. Andonios Paropoulos, director of St. Michael’s Home for the Aged, who reiterated the need to build a nursing home as quickly as possible to assist our aging Orthodox flock.

CHICAGO – Diocese Philoptochos honored several chapters at their recent annual luncheon under the theme “Philoptochos: A Loving Hand.”

Diocese President Mary Ann Bissias welcomed the guests and introduced chairman Joanne Stavrakas who thanked all in attendance for their continued support and generosity that enables the Diocese Philoptochos to fulfill its many philanthropic obligations.

Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis praised the Philoptochos for their efforts and accomplishments in the many programs, including the Feed the Hungry Program, Hellenic Heart Program at Children’s Memorial, IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities), Campus Ministry, Bishop’s Task Force on AIDS, St. Basil’s Academy, Diocesan Home, Bishops Scholarship Assistance Program, and the Philanthropy Fund.

Consul General of Greece in Chicago Gabriel Coptsidis also addressed the guests and cited the many achievements by the Philoptochos ladies.

Philanthropy Fund President Helen Theodosakis and members of her committee presented awards to the chapters who have consistently supported the Philanthropy Fund.

Chapters that have paid more than their fair share commitment since 1986 include: All Saints, Joliet. Ill; St. Demetrios, Chicago; Holy Apostles, Westchester , Ill; St. George, Chicago; St. John the Baptist,

Des Plaines. Ill.; Sts. Peter and Paul, Glenview, Ill. Chapters that have consistently met their fair share since 1986: Annunciation Cathedral, Chicago; St. Nectarios, Palatine, Ill; and St. Sophia, Elgin, Ill. Chapters consistent in giving each year: St. Anagyroi, Rochester, Minn; St. Andrew, Chicago; St. John, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn, Ill; St. Nicholas, St. Louis.

Luncheon proceeds benefited the Bishops Iakovos Scholarship Assistance Program, Diocese Philoptochos philanthropies and the diocesan home.

Chicago Chapter Holds Benefit Luncheon CHICAGO — St. Andrew’s Women’s Philoptochos Society recently held its biennial luncheon/fashion show. In keeping with the philosophy of philanthropy and inclusion, the floral centerpieces were donated to patients of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Also, beaded bracelets, the part of the table decorations made by students of Chicago’s Anton Dvorak Academy and members of St. Andrew’s JOY, were gifted to the children of Dvorak.

Proceeds from the event went to the Bishop’s Task Force on Aids, the Ounce of Prevention Fund, and other numerous charities.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 14

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Going Home for Christmas? The Mystagogy of the Holy Nativity

by Fr. Frank Marangos

There is no place like home during the Christmas - Epiphany season. While crowded subway cars lined with standing gift carriers rumble beneath the frosted pavement, holiday flyers frantically search airport labyrinths for parking.

Laundry-toting students board freeway stagecoaches, not to mention countless midnight rails that stop at every town along the way. Even late afternoon pigeons appear to follow young families walking hastily along their familiar holiday paths.

Whatever the case, the Nativity season always seems to activate in all of us an inner instinct — an unavoidable desire to go home.

Numerous hymns chanted during the Nativity cycle allude to mankind’s inner need to return to our spiritual home. “Let us celebrate the forefeast of the Nativity,” insists a hymn chanted on Christmas Eve, “let us go home to Bethlehem in spirit raising our minds on high!”

In yet another hymn of the Forefeast, the purpose of Christ’s Nativity is described as God’s search for His wandering sheep, who we are told “became exiles (without a home) because of transgression.”

The Church humbly petitions, “O Supreme God, through Your infinite love make me a citizen of the heavenly homeland!”

The hymns link the images of home and Bethlehem with to the Garden of Eden for, in truth, Eden, according to Orthodox theology, is the primordial source of all our homecoming urges. Thus, Jesus is

born to “open to us the gates of Paradise.”

Mankind has been going home for Christmas since the ordering of the Roman census by the Emperor Augustus.

Today, the holiday census has become synonymous with those familiar sights and sounds which unwrap semi-forgotten memories of childhood surprises.

Images of melting snowmen and swift sled rides down community commons even now send chills down aging backs.

While all of us travel home for Christmas, if only in our dreams, we might pause to reflect beneath our tinsel-twinkling pines for a Child resting amid a foil and ribbon clad manger; for a Child who left His Father to sojourn among wanders who knew Him not, nor knew exactly why the longed for home.

Such is the inner musing of mystagogy, the proper form of Orthodox Christian education. Mystagogy emphasizes a lifelong process whereby baptized Christians grow in the image and likeness of God through an active participation of the liturgical services of the Church.

While catechesis is often characterized as scholastic, focusing on dogmatic and theological principles, mystagogy draws attention to the integration of these ideas through experience-oriented religious participation.

The underlying basis of all mystagogical experience, therefore, is our dependence on the Holy Spirit, the True Educator of the Faith.

While Catechesis is, at best, a parallel activity of the Church that focuses on the comprehension of the content of our Faith, mystagogy is capable of uniting the content of our Faith with its charismatic center, thereby correcting the tendency of reducing our spiritual life to mere intellectual analysis.

“We offer You, O Lord, something better than taxes and money,” insists a hymn sung during the Orthros service of Christmas, “rightful theology expressed in hymns and verse.” This, in short, captures the essence of mystagogy which unites liturgical experience with religious knowledge.

The mystagogical goal of the NativityEpiphany liturgical cycle is the discovery that our soul’s desire to return home can only be satisfied by Christ.

Our contemporary homecomings are profoundly significant and, create “teachable moments” whenever we liturgically muse upon those who had gathered at Bethlehem two millennia ago. He who had His birth in Bethlehem at a time when every Roman subject was returning home to register in the village of their family origin, also desires to be born anew in the hearts of men and women. For what would it if Christ was a born a thousand times in the historically reduced Bethlehem of our mind and never in the manger of our souls?

The mystagogical message of the Nativity hymns is clear. Christmas is more than historical re-enactment. It embraces

more than even our theological prescriptions can accommodate.

It is not enough to come home to freshly spiked eggnog and to toast the good old memories of Christmases past.

It is not enough to return home where we friends and family have gathered. It is not enough to attend photo-op Christmas pageants without experiencing the Nativity of Christ, the Incarnation, as a divine invitation to return home to Him. All other homecomings should find their announcement from this eternal clarion. It is only be gathering our families around the mystagogical experience of Christmas and Epiphany that we truly come home.

While God was compelled to expel our progenitors from Eden and to punish them for their sin, He, nonetheless, promised them a redeemer (Gen 3:15) born from a woman’s seed.

During this exile He who had all resources of the universe at His command chose to commune with those He loved by personal visitation. He frequently visited Abraham to prepare him to become the father of a great nation.

He visited Moses through a burning bush. In the darkness of night He visited a young boy named Samuel, calling him to become a prophet unto his people.

Finally, He visited the prophet Isaiah and gave him a revelation of the coming

page 22

ÅÔÏÓ 65

ÄÅÊÅÌÂÑÉÏÓ 2000 – ÉÁÍÏÕÁÑÉÏÓ 2001

ÁÑÉÈÌÏÓ 1178

Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò Ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï óõãêáëåß ôçí ðñþôç óõã÷áßñåé íéêçôÝò êáé çôôçìÝíïõò ÊëçñéêïëáúêÞ ÓõíÝëåõóç óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç ôùí ðñïåäñéêþí åêëïãþí å óõììåôï÷Þ ðïõ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ—Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò áðçýèõíå ðñüóöáôá óõã÷áñçôÞñéåò åðéóôïëÝò ðñïò ôïí íåïåêëåãÝíôá ðñüåäñï ê. Ôæüñôæ Ìðïýò, ôïí áíôéðñüåäñï ê. Áë Ãêüñ ôïí íåïåêëåãÝíôá áíôéðñüåäñï ê. Ñßôóáñíô ÔóÝúíé êáé ôïí óôñáôçãü ê. Êüëéí ÐÜïõåë ðïõ ðñüêåéôáé íá áíáëÜâåé ôï Õðïõñãåßï Åîùôåñéêþí. Óôçí åðéóôïëÞ ôïõ ðñïò ôïí íÝï ðñüåäñï ê. Ôæüñôæ Ìðïõò, ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò åêôüò áðü ôá èåñìÜ ôïõ óõã÷áñçôÞñéá åêöñÜæåé ôçí åëðßäá ôïõ ãéá ôçí áíôéìåôþðéóç «áëçèéíþí ðñïâëçìÜôùí ðïõ äåí âåëôéþíïíôáé ìå ôïí ðëïýôï êáé ôçí åõçìåñßá», êáé ìåôáîý ôùí ïðïßùí áðáñéèìåß «ôïí óåâáóìü ôçò æùÞò óå üëåò ôéò ìïñöÝò ôçò, ôçí áíáãíþñéóç ôçò âáñýôçôïò ôùí áíèñùðßíùí äéêáéùìÜôùí óå üëåò ôéò êïéíùíßåò, ôçí åêôßìçóç ôçò êáèïñéóôéêÞò óçìáóßáò ôçò ðáéäåßáò êáé ôçò ïéêïãåíåéáêÞò æùÞò êáé ôçí Üìåóç áíÜãêç ãéá áëëáãÞ ôçò áíôéìåôþðéóçò ðñïò ôï öõóéêü ìáò ðåñéâÜëëïí». Óôçí åðéóôïëÞ ôïõ ðñïò ôïí áíôéðñüåäñï ôùí ÇÐÁ ê. Áë Ãêïñ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ãñÜöåé: «Óáò óõã÷áßñù ãéá ôï ðáñÜäåéãìá ðïõ äþóáôå óå üëïõò üóïõò öéëïäïîïýí íá óõìâÜëëïõí êáé íá ìåôÝ÷ïõí óôç äçìüóéá æùÞ, éäéáßôåñá äå ðñïò ôçí íåïëáßá». Êáé óõíå÷ßæåé, «...o óõãêéíçôéêüò óáò ëüãïò åíÝðíåõóå üëïõò ìáò. Ç âáèåéÜ êáôáíüçóç ðïõ äåßîáôå üôé óôçí æùÞ ìðïñïýìå íá ìåôáìïñöþíïõìå üëåò

óåë. 18

Ì

îåðÝñáóå ôïõò 750 óõíÝäñïõò áðü üëï ôïí êüóìï óõíåêëÞèç ìå åðéôõ÷ßá óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç ÊëçñéêïëáúêÞ ÓõíÝëåõóç áðü 25 Íïåìâñßïõ Ýùò 1çò Äåêåìâñßïõ 2000. Ôçí É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ ÁìåñéêÞò áíôéðñïóþðåõóáí 100 áíôéðñüóùðïé õðü ôçí çãåóßá ôïõ Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ ÁìåñéêÞò ê. Äçìçôñßïõ. ¹ôáí ìéá ðñùôüãíùñç êáé áóõíÞèéóôç óõíÜíôçóç ïñèïäüîùí áð’ üëï ôïí êüóìï. Ïé åëëçíéêÞò êáôáãùãÞò ìåôáíÜóôåò åß÷áí ôçí åõêáéñßá íá óõíáíôÞóïõí, íá ãíùñßóïõí êáé íá áíôáëÜîïõí áðüøåéò ìå ôïõò áäåëöïýò ôïõò ïñèïäüîïõò áðü ÷þñåò ìáêñéíÝò êáé Üãíùóôåò üðùò ôï ×üíãêÊüíãê, ôéò Öéëéððßíåò, ôçí ÊïñÝá êáé ôçí Éíäïíçóßá áëëÜ êáé Ñþóóïõò ôçò ÄõôéêÞò Åõñþðçò, Ïõêñáíïýò êáé Êáñðáèïñþóïõò áðü ôçí ÁìåñéêÞ, ìïíá÷ïýò áðü ôï ¢ãéï ¼ñïò êáé ôçí ÐÜôìï üðùò êáé ÃÜëëïõò, Åëâåôïýò êáé ¢ããëïõò ïñèïäüîïõò. Ç ÓõíÝëåõóç ðñïóáíáôïëßóôçêå êõñßùò ðñïò ôçí áíôáëëáãÞ áðüøåùí êáé óõæÞôçóç ìåôáîý ôùí ïñèïäüîùí óõíÝäñùí óõìâÜëëïíôáò óôçí êáëýôåñç ãíùñéìßá ìåôáîý ôùí êáé óôçí êáôáíüçóç ôùí éäéáßôåñùí óõíèçêþí ðïõ åðéêñáôïýí óôéò äéÜöïñåò áíÜ ôïí êüóìï åðáñ÷ßåò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Èñüíïõ. ¹ôáí óõíÜìá ìéá

Í. ÌÁÃÃÉÍÁÓ

ðñïóêçíõìáôéêÞ êáé ëáôñåõôéêÞ åõêáéñßá ãéá üëïõò. Ôï èÝìá ôçò óõíÝëåõóçò Þôáí «Ç åíïñßá êýôôáñï ôçò æùÞò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò: Âéïýìåíç ðñáãìáôéêüôçò êáé óýã÷ñïíïé ðñïóáíáôïëéóìïß êáé ðñïêëÞóåéò». Ôï èÝìá åîåôÜóôçêå êáé áíáëýèçêå äéá ìÝóïõ ðáñïõóéÜóåùí ðïõ Üðôïíôáí çèéêü-êïéíùíéêþí èåìÜôùí üðùò ï ñüëïò ôùí ãõíáéêþí êáé èåìÜôùí äéïéêçôéêþí äïìþí, ãëþóóáò, ðáéäåßáò, íåïëáßáò ê.ë.ð. ÊáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôùí ðáñïõ-

óéÜóåùí õðÞñ÷å ç åõêáéñßá õðïâïëÞò åñùôÞóåùí êáé äéáëüãïõ. Ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïò óôçí åíáñêôÞñéá ïìéëßá ôïõ ôüíéóå üôé ç åíïñßá áðïôåëåß ôï èåìåëéþäåò óçìåßï áíáöïñÜò ãéá ôçí óõíï÷Þ ôçò Åêêëçóßáò. Ðáñüôñõíå ôïõò óõíÝäñïõò íá áíáôñÝ÷ïõí óôçí Ïñèüäïîç ðáñÜäïóç þóôå íá áíáðôýîïõí êáé íá åíäõíáìþóïõí ôçí áðïôåëåóìáôéêüôçôá ôçò

óåë. 18

ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÉÊÇ ÅÃÊÕÊËÉÏÓ ×ÑÉÓÔÏÕÃÅÍÍÙÍ

×ñéóôïýãåííá 2000 «Äåýôå ßäùìåí ðéóôïß ðïõ åãåííÞèç ï ×ñéóôüò áêïëïõèÞóùìåí ëïéðüí Ýíèá ïäåýåé ï áóôÞñ ìåôÜ ôùí ÌÜãùí ÁíáôïëÞò ôùí ÂáóéëÝùí» (¼ñèñïò ×ñéóôïõãÝííùí) Ðñïò ôïõò ÓåâáóìéùôÜôïõò êáé ÈåïöéëåóôÜôïõò Áñ÷éåñåßò, ôïõò ÅõëáâåóôÜôïõò Éåñåßò êáé Äéáêüíïõò, ôïõò Ìïíá÷ïýò êáé Ìïíá÷Ýò, ôïõò ÐñïÝäñïõò êáé ÌÝëç ôùí Êïéíïôéêþí Óõìâïõëßùí, ôéò Öéëïðôþ÷ïõò Áäåëöüôçôåò, ôá ÇìåñÞóéá êáé ÁðïãåõìáôéíÜ Ó÷ïëåßá, ôçí Íåïëáßá, ôéò Åëëçíïñèüäïîåò Ïñãáíþóåéò êáé ïëüêëçñï ôï ×ñéóôåðþíõìïí ðëÞñùìá ôçò ÉåñÜò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò Ðñïóöéëåßò ìïõ áäåëöïß, «Åßäùìåí Áõôïý ôüí áóôÝñá åí ôç áíáôïëÞ êáß Þëèïìåí ðñïóêõíÞóáé Áõôþ» (Ìáôè. 2:2) Ìå ôá ðáñáðÜíù ëüãéá ïé ÌÜãïé ðáñïõóßáóáí óôïõò Ýêðëçêôïõò áíèñþðïõò ôçò ÉåñïõóáëÞì ôçí åíôïíüôáôç åðéèõìßá ôïõò íá ãíùñßóïõí ðïõ áêñéâþò èá Ýðñåðå íá âñïýí ôïí íåïãÝííçôï âáóéëÝá. ¸öèáóáí áðü ìáêñéÜ, äéáó÷ßæïíôáò åñÞìïõò êáé âïõíÜ, ü÷é ãéáôß Üêïõóáí êÜðïéïí ðñïöÞôç Þ ãéáôß áêïëïýèçóáí ôçí ÃñáöÞ, ïýôå äéüôé õðÞêïõóáí óå Ýíá üíåéñï Þ óå ìéÜ ïñáìáôéêÞ Ýêóôáóç. Áõôü ðïõ ôïõò Ýöåñå óôçí Éïõäáßá Þôáí Ýíá ìïíáäéêü, óéùðçëü Üóôñï, Ýíá Üóôñï ðïý ôïõò ïäÞãçóå äõôéêÜ áðü ôá áíÜêôïñá ôçò äüîçò ôçò ÁíáôïëÞò óôçí ôáðåéíÞ öÜôíç ôçò ÂçèëåÝì. Ðþò óõíÝâç þóôå áõôü ôï ìåìïíùìÝíï Üóôñï íá êéíçôïðïéÞóåé ôïõò áñ÷áßïõò áõôïýò áóôñïëüãïõò óå óçìåßï íá êÜíïõí ôï ìáêñõíü ôïõò ôáîßäé; Áõôïß ïé Üíèñùðïé ïé ïðïßïé ìåëÝôçóáí ìå ðñïóï÷Þ ôïí íõêôåñéíü ïõñáíü Þîåñáí ðÜñá ðïëý êáëÜ ôïõò áóôåñéóìïýò êáé ôïõò ðëáíÞôåò. ÊáôáëÜâáéíáí ðïëý êáëÜ ôéò ïõñÜíéåò ôñï÷éÝò ôùí Üóôñùí, ôùí êïìçôþí êáé ôçò óåëÞíçò. Áíåãíþñéæáí ôïí ðïëéêü áóôÝñá, ôéò ÐëåéÜäåò, êáé ôá Üëëá ïõñÜíéá öáéíüìåíá ôá ïðïßá ïäçãïýóáí ôïõò áíèñþðïõò óôá ôáîßäéá ôïõò. Êáé ãé’ áõôü êïéôÜæïíôáò ôï èáõìáóôü Üóôñï ôçò ÂçèëåÝì, áíôåëÞöèçêáí ïôé áíôéìåôþðéæáí Ýíá öáéíüìåíï

ìåãÜëï êáé óõíôáñáêôéêü. ¸íá íÝï Üóôñï, Ýíá Üóôñï ðïõ ïäçãïýóå ôïõò âáóéëåßò ó’ Ýíá ÂáóéëÝá, Ýíá Üóôñï ôï ïðïßï êáèïäçãÞôï áðü ôïí ¸íá ðïõ Þèåëå íá åëêýóåé üëïõò ôïõò áíèñþðïõò ðñïò Áõôüí (Éùáí. 12:32). ¸ôóé Üñ÷éóå óôçí ÂçèëåÝì ç åðáíÝíùóç êáé ç åíïðïßçóç ôïõ áíèñùðßíïõ ãÝíïõò. Ðáëáéüôáôåò äéáéñÝóåéò äéáëýèçêáí êÜôù áðü ôï öùò ôïõ Üóôñïõ ôçò ÂçèëåÝì. Ðëïýóéïé êáé öôù÷ïß Þëèáí ìáæß ãéá íá ëáôñåýóïõí, ìïñöùìÝíïé êáé áãñÜììáôïé, íÝïé êáé çëéêéùìÝíïé, Üíäñåò êáé ãõíáßêåò, éïõäáßïé êáé åèíéêïß, Üãéïé êáé áìáñôùëïß, Üããåëïé êáé Üíèñùðïé, áêüìá êáé ôá æþá êáé ôá èçñßá ôïõ áãñïý, üëç ç êôßóç óôáìÜôçóå êáé óôÜèçêå óéùðçëÞ ãéá íá ÷áñåß ôç ÷áñÜ ôçò óôéãìÞò, íá õðïêëéèåß êáé íá ëáôñåýóåé ôïí óáñêùèÝíôá õéü ôïõ Èåïý. ¼ëá ôþñá åßíáé ãáëÞíéá, üëá åßíáé öùôåéíÜ óå ìéÜ ìéêñÞ ãùíéÜ áõôïý ôïõ óêïôåéíïý êáé ôáñáãìÝíïõ êüóìïõ. ¼ëá îáíáâñßóêïõí ôçí ïëïêëÞñùóÞ ôïõò êáèþò ôï Üóôñï ôçò ÂçèëåÝì åéóÜãåé ôïí Þëéï ôçò äéêáéïóýíçò ï ïðïßïò áíáôÝëëåé êáé öÝñíåé óôá öôåñÜ ôïõ ôçí ßáóç (Ìáëá÷. 4:2). ¸÷ïõí ðåñÜóåé äýï ÷éëéÜäåò ÷ñüíéá áðü ôç óôéãìÞ ðïõ ïé ÌÜãïé åñåõíüíôáò ôïõò ïõñáíïýò âñÞêáí ôïí Ïõñáíü óå ìéÜ öÜôíç. ¹äç ðñü ðïëëïý ôï ïäçãçôéêü áóôÝñé ôïõò îáíáãýñéóå óôçí öõóéêÞ ôñï÷éÜ ôïõ óôïõò ïõñáíïýò. Ôï èÝëçìá üìùò ôïõ Èåïý ðáñáìÝíåé ãéá ðÜíôá ôï ßäéï: íá åëêýóåé üëç ôçí áíèñùðüôçôá ðñïò Áõôüí ìå ôï öùò ôçò ÷Üñéôüò Ôïõ, ôçò åéñÞíçò Ôïõ êáé ôçò åõäïêßáò Ôïõ. Óå ìéÜ ôÝôïéá ðåñßðôùóç, ðïý åßíáé ôï Üóôñï ôçò ÁíáôïëÞò ðïõ ïäçãåß ôçí áíèñùðüôçôá óôçí åìðåéñßá ôçò äüîçò, ôçò äéêáéïóýíçò êáé ôùí èáõìáóßùí ôçò áãÜðçò ôïõ Èåïý; Ðïý åßíáé ôï õðÝñëáìðñï Üóôñï ðïõ ìðïñåß íá ïäçãÞóåé ôïí ðåðôùêüôá êüóìï óå óõíÜíôçóç ìå ôïí ÅììáíïõÞë, ôïí Èåü ðïõ åßíáé ìáæß ìáò ãéáôß Ýãéíå Üíèñùðïò; Áäåëöïß êáé áäåëöÝò åí ×ñéóôþ, Åìåßò áêñéâþò êáëïýìåèá íá åßìåèá ôï Üóôñï ôùí ×ñéóôïõãÝííùí. Åìåßò ðïõ ëïõóèÞêáìå óôï öùò êÜôù áðü ôéò èåñáðåõôéêÝò áêôßíåò ôïõ çëßïõ ôçò äéêáéïóýíçò, åìåßò ðïõ ãåõèÞêáìå ôç ÷áñÜ ôçò âáóéëåßáò Ôïõ, êáëïýìåèá íá åßìåèá ôï öùò ôïõ êüóìïõ (Ìáôè. 5, 14) ïäçãüíôáò áõôïýò ðïõ åßíáé ãýñù ìáò óôç ãíþóç ôïõ óáñêùèÝíôïò Èåïý ìáò. Åìåßò óôéò êáñäéÝò ôùí ïðïßùí Ý÷åé áíáôåßëåé ç çìÝñá êáé ôï ðñùúíü Üóôñï Ý÷åé Þäç öáíåß (´ ÐÝôñïõ 1:19). Åìåßò ëïéðüí Ý÷ïõìå

óåë. 17

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 16

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÄÅÊÅÌÂÑÉÏÓ 2000 – ÉÁÍÏÕÁÑÉÏÓ 2001

ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÉÊÇ ÁÐÏÄÅÉÎÉÓ ÅÐÉ ÔÏÉÓ ×ÑÉÓÔÏÕÃÅÍÍÏÉÓ ÿ ÂÁÑÈÏËÏÌÁÉÏÓ ÅËÅÙ ÈÅÏÕ ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÏÓ ÊÙÍÓÔÁÍÔÉÍÏÕÐÏËÅÙÓ, ÍÅÁÓ ÑÙÌÇÓ ÊÁÉ ÏÉÊÏÕÌÅÍÉÊÏÓ ÐÁÔÑÉÁÑ×ÇÓ ÐÁÍÔÉ ÔÙ ÐËÇÑÙÌÁÔÉ ÔÇÓ ÅÊÊËÇÓÉÁÓ ×ÁÑÉÍ, ÅËÅÏÓ ÊÁÉ ÅÉÑÇÍÇÍ ÐÁÑÁ ÔÏÕ ÅÍ ÂÇÈËÅÅÌ ÃÅÍÍÇÈÅÍÔÏÓ ÓÙÔÇÑÏÓ ×ÑÉÓÔÏÕ ×ñéóôüò åðß ãçò, õøþèçôå! Åîáêïëïõèåß, áäåëöïß êáß ôÝêíá åí Êõñßù áãáðçôÜ, íÜ åßíáé êáß óÞìåñïí åðßêáéñïò ç ðáñáßíåóéò áõôÞ ôïý Áãßïõ Ãñçãïñßïõ ôïý Èåïëüãïõ, ç ïðïßá åîåöùíÞèç ðñü äÝêá êáß Ýî áéþíùí. Êáß èÜ åßíáé ðÜíôïôå åðßêáéñïò åö’ üóïí èÜ óõíå÷ßæåôáé ç æùÞ åðß ôïý ðëáíÞôïõ ãÞ. Äéüôé ç ìïíïäéÜóôáôïò õëéêÞ æùÞ, ç áðïêëåéóôéêþò åãêüóìéïò æùÞ ôïý áíèñþðïõ, äÝí åßíáé áõôÞ ç ïðïßá áñìüæåé åéò ôÞí áëçèÞ öýóéí áõôïý ùò åéêüíïò ôïý Èåïý. Åí ôïýôïéò ï Üíèñùðïò óõíÞèùò êýðôåé êÜôù êáß ðñïóêïëëÜôáé åéò ôÜ ãÞúíá êáß öèáñôÜ, ùò åÜí ç üëç ýðáñîßò ôïõ åîáíôëåßôáé åéò áõôÜ êáß ï åðÝêåéíá ôÞò ýëçò êüóìïò åßíáé áíýðáñêôïò. ÄéÜ ôïýôï åßíáé ðÜíôïôå åðßêáéñïò ç ðáñáßíåóéò <õøþèçôå>, ùò ìßá Ýíôïíïò õðüìíçóéò ôÞò õðÝñ ôÜ ãÞúíá áíùôåñüôçôïò ôïý áíèñþðïõ. Áëë’ ç ðáñáßíåóéò áýôç ìüíç ôçò äÝí åðáñêåß äéÜ íÜ óõãêéíÞóç ôüí Üíèñùðïí, ïýôå äéÜ íÜ äéêáéïëïãÞóç åðáñêþò ôü äéáôß ï Üíèñùðïò ðñÝðåé íÜ åîáñèÞ ôþí øçëáöçôþí ãçÀíùí êáß íÜ õøùèÞ õðÝñ áõôÜ, åéò ìßáí öáéíïìåíéêþò áâåâáßáí áíáæÞôçóéí ìéÜò ðçãÞò ðíåõìáôéêÞò éêáíïðïéÞóåùò êáß ÷áñÜò. Ï ìüíïò ëüãïò ï ïðïßïò äéêáéïëïãåß åðáñêþò áõôÞí ôÞí ýøùóéí ôïý áíèñþðïõ õðÝñ ôÜ ãÞúíá êáß öèáñôÜ åßíáé ôü «×ñéóôüò åðß ãÞò», ôü ðñþôïí óêÝëïò ôÞò ðáñáéíÝóåùò, ôü ïðïßïí áðïôåëåß êáß ôÞí áéôéïëïãßáí ôçò. Õøþèçôå, ëïéðüí, óõíÜíèñùðïé, áíáöùíåß ï Áãéïò Ãñçãüñéïò ï Èåïëüãïò, äéüôé ï ×ñéóôüò êáôÞëèåí åðß ôÞò ãÞò. Ï ×ñéóôüò äÝí åßíáé ìüíïí Üíèñùðïò, äÝí åßíáé åßò åê ôþí ðïëëþí áíèñþðùí. Åßíáé ôÝëåéïò Üíèñùðïò, áëëÜ ôáõôï÷ñüíùò åßíáé êáß ï Õéüò êáß Ëüãïò ôïý Èåïý óåóáñêùìÝíïò. Åóáñêþèç äÝ êáß ðñïóÝëáâå äïýëïõ ìïñöÞí ßíá çìÜò ôïýò óõíÞèåéò áíèñþðïõò áíáâéâÜóç ðëçóßïí ôïý ïõñáíßïõ ðáôñüò Ôïõ, ßíá èåïðïéÞóç çìÜò. Äéü êáß åßíáé áðáñáßôçôïí åðß ôç êáô’ Üíèñùðïí ÃåííÞóåé Ôïõ íÜ óôñÝøùìåí ôÜ âëÝììáôá ðñüò ôÜ Üíù, íÜ õøþóùìåí íïýí êáß êáñäßáí ðñüò ôÜ õøçëÜ, ßíá ßäùìåí ïðüèåí êáôÝâç êáß ðïý êáëåß çìÜò ßíá áíáâþìåí. Êáëåß çìÜò ßíá áíáâþìåí åéò ôüí ùñáßïí êáß Üöèáñôïí êüóìïí ôÞò áãÜðçò ôïý Èåïý, ç ïðïßá ïõäÝðïôå åêðßðôåé.

<«Ç ÖõãÞ óôçí Áßãõðôï>, äéá ÷åéñüò Ãåùñãßïõ Ðáðáóôáìáôßïõ, éäéùôéêÞ óõëëïãÞ ôïõ ðñùôïðñåóâýôåñïõ Êùíóôáíôßíïõ Ìïíéïý.

Êáëåß çìÜò ßíá áíáâþìåí åéò ôüí ùñáßïí êáß Üöèáñôïí êüóìïí ôÞò ðÜíôá íïýí õðåñå÷ïýóçò åéñÞíçò, ôÞí ïðïßáí äßäåé ï Èåüò åéò ôïýò áãáðþíôáò Áõôüí. Êáëåß çìÜò ßíá áíáâþìåí åéò ôÞí ïõñÜíéïí âáóéëåßáí ôÞò áéùíßïõ êáß ìáêáñßáò æùÞò, ôÞò çôïéìáóìÝíçò äé’ üëïõò ôïýò áíèñþðïõò, ïé ïðïßïé èÜ èåëÞóïõí íÜ áãáðÞóïõí ôüí Êýñéïí. Ìüíïí åéò ôüí õøçëüí ðíåõìáôéêüí áõôüí ÷þñïí éêáíïðïéïýíôáé üëïé ïé âáèýôáôïé ðüèïé ôïý áíèñþðïõ äéÜ ìßáí áëçèÞ åí áãÜðç êïéíùíßáí ìåôÜ ôïý ðëÝïí áîéáãáðÞôïõ ðñïóþðïõ, ôïý êáèåæïìÝíïõ åí äåîéïßò ôïý Ðáôñüò Êõñßïõ çìþí Éçóïý ×ñéóôïý, ôü êÜëëïò ôïý ðñïóþðïõ ôïý Ïðïßïõ åßíáé Üññçôïí êáß ç èÝá ôïý Ïðïßïõ ðëçñïß ôÞí êáñäßáí ðÜóçò ÷áñÜò êáß æùÞò êáß ãíþóåùò êáß ôåëåéüôçôïò êáé áíõðåñâëÞôïõ ìáêáñéüôçôïò. ×ñéóôüò, ëïéðüí, åðß ãÞò, áäåëöïß êáß ôÝêíá, ßíá õøùèþìåí çìåßò åéò ôüí ïõñÜíéïí ôñüðïí õðÜñîåùò êáß æùÞò, ï ïðïßïò äÝí åßíáé Üëëïò áðü ôüí ôñüðïí õðÜñîåùò êáß æùÞò ôïý ×ñéóôïý, äçëáäÞ áðü ôÞí áãÜðçí êáß ôÞí õðÝñ ôþí áãáðùìÝíùí èõóßáí. ÄÝí èÜ áðïìáêñõíèþìåí åí üóù åõñéóêüìåèá åéò ôÞí ðáñïýóáí åíóþìáôïí æùÞí áðü ôÞí ãÞí, ôÞí ïðïßáí ï Èåüò åí ôÞ áãÜðç Ôïõ êáß ôÞ ðáíóïößá Ôïõ êáôÝóôçóå êáôïéêçôÞñéïí çìþí. ÈÜ áðïìáêñõíèþìåí üìùò áðü ôÞí Üíåõ ðñïïðôéêÞò áé÷ìáëùóßáí êáß õðïäïýëùóéí åéò ìßáí õëüöñïíá êáß ãçÀíçí æùÞí, ç ïðïßá ìüíïí ôÝëïò ãíùñßæåé ôüí Üðåëðéí èÜíáôïí.

×ñéóôüò åðß ãÞò, õøþèçôå, ëïéðüí, áäåëöïß, åéò ôüí ôñüðïí æùÞò ôïý ×ñéóôïý, ï Ïðïßïò åî áãÜðçò êáß ôïýò áóèåíåßò åèåñÜðåõóå, êáß ôïýò ðåéíáóìÝíïõò Ýèñåøå, êáß ôïýò ðåöïñôéóìÝíïõò áíÝðáõóå êáß ôïýò áìáñôùëïýò óõíå÷þñçóå êáß ïõäåí ðáñÝëåéøåí åî üóùí áðçôïýíôï ßíá çìÜò äéäÜîç ôñüðïí íÝáò æùÞò, ßíá çìÜò êáôáóôÞóç íÝáí æýìçí êáß íÝïí öýñáìá êáß íÝïõò áóêïýò êáß åìðëÞóç íÝïõ ïßíïõ ðíåõìáôéêïý, åê ôïý ïðïßïõ èÜ áíáäåé÷èÞ ï íÝïò åí ×ñéóô`ù Üíèñùðïò, ï åí ôç ãç ïéêþí êáß ùò ïõñÜíéïò ðïëéôåõüìåíïò. Áõôüò ï íÝïò åí ×ñéóôþ Üíèñùðïò äéÜ ìÝí ôþí ðïäþí ôïõ ðáôåß óôáèåñþò åðß ôÞò ãÞò, äéÜ äÝ ôïý íïüò êáß ôÞò êáñäßáò ôïõ õøþíåôáé ðÜíôïôå ðñüò ôÜ Üíù, ðñüò ôÜ ïõñÜíéá êáß ôÜ õøçëÜ, ðñüò ôÞí áãÜðçí ôïý Èåïý êáß ôþí áíèñþðùí, ôÞí áãáèïåñãßáí, ôÞí åéñÞíçí, ôÞí êáôáëëáãÞí, ôÞí åëðßäá, ôÞí æùÞí. Ôáýôá, Ý÷ïõóá õð’ üøéí ç ÌÞôçñ Áãßá ôïý ×ñéóôïý ÌåãÜëç Åêêëçóßá, åíþ Ý÷åé åóôñáììÝíïí äéáñêþò ôüí íïýí êáß ôÞí êáñäßáí ðñüò ôÜ õøçëÜ, äÝí ðáñáëåßðåé íÜ åñãÜæåôáé ôü áãáèüí åðß ôÞò ãÞò äéÜ ôþí ðéóôþí ìåëþí ôçò êáß íÜ êáëÞ áõôÜ <êáëþí Ýñãùí ðñïÀóôáóèå åéò ôÜò áíáãêáßáò ÷ñåßáò>. Áðüäåéîéò ôïýôïõ ôÜ ôñßá ìåãÜëá ÓõíÝäñéá, ôÜ ïðïßá ùñãÜíùóå êáß åðñáãìáôïðïßçóåí åí ôç Ðüëåé êáôÜ ôü ôñÝ÷ïí äéó÷éëéïóôüí áðü ôÞò êáôÜ óÜñêá ÃåííÞóåùò ôïý ×ñéóôïý Ýôïò, Þôïé ôü êáô’ Éïýíéïí óõíåëèüí ÓõíÝäñéïí ôÞò Ïñèïäüîïõ Íåïëáßáò ìÝ êåíôñéêüí èÝìá «Ïé íÝïé óôÞí Åêêëçóßá ôÞò ôñßôçò ÷éëéåôßáò»^ ôü ïëßãïí áñãüôåñïí óõíåëèüí

ÄéåèíÝò Åðéóôçìïíéêüí ÓõíÝäñéïí ìÝ êåíôñéêüí èÝìá «Ç Äçìéïõñãßá ôïý êüóìïõ êáß ç äçìéïõñãßá ôïý áíèñþðïõ^ ðñïêëÞóåéò êáß ðñïâëçìáôéóìïß ôïý 2000»^ êáß ç ðñü ìçíüò óõíåëèïýóá åí ôç áõôÞ ðüëåé Ìåßæùí ÊëçñéêïëáúêÞ ÓõíÝëåõóéò ôþí áíÜ ôüí êüóìïí Åðáñ÷éþí êáß Åíïñéþí ôïý Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ ìÝ êåíôñéêüí èÝìá «Ç Åíïñßá êýôôáñïí ôÞò æùÞò ôÞò Åêêëçóßáò^ âéïõìÝíç ðñáãìáôéêüôçò^ óýã÷ñïíïé ðñïóáíáôïëéóìïß êáß ðñïêëÞóåéò». Äé’ üëùí áõôþí ôþí åíåñãåéþí êáß ðëåßóôùí Üëëùí, ùò ç ìÝñéìíá õðÝñ ôïý öõóéêïý ðåñéâÜëëïíôïò, õðÝñ ôÞò åéñçíéêÞò åðéëýóåùò ôþí ìåôáîý ôþí áíèñþðùí, ôþí åèíþí êáß ôþí Åêêëçóéþí äéáöïñþí, ç ìÝñéìíá õðÝñ ôÞò åîåõñÝóåùò ëýóåùí, áé ïðïßáé êáôáðáýïõí ôÜò ìåôáîý ôþí áíèñþðùí åíôÜóåéò, ç öñïíôßò üðùò êçñýóóåôáé ðáíôá÷ïý ôÞò ãÞò ôü ìÞíõìá ôÞò åð’ áõôÞò ðáñïõóßáò ôïý ×ñéóôïý, ç äéáêïíßá ôùí áóêïõìÝíùí äéÜ ôÞí áãéüôçôá ìïíá÷þí êáß ëáúêþí êáß åí ãÝíåé ç ðñüóêëçóéò êáß ç ðñïóöïñÜ äéÜ ôÞí ðñáãìáôéêÞí âßùóéí ôÞò åí ×ñéóô`ù æùÞò, ìáñôõñåßôáé ôñáíþò ôü ãåãïíüò üôé <ï ×ñéóôüò åßíáé åðß ôÞò ãÞò> äéÜ íÜ áíÝëèùìåí çìåßò åéò ôïýò ïõñáíïýò êáß üôé ç Ìßá, Áãßá, ÊáèïëéêÞ êáß ÁðïóôïëéêÞ Åêêëçóßá áãêáëéÜæåé ïëüêëçñïí ôÞí åðßãåéïí æùÞí ùò ðñïóôÜäéïí ôçò åðïõñáíßïõ êáß êáëåß çìÜò üðùò æÞóùìåí åðß ôÞò ãÞò êáôÜ ôñüðïí õøïýíôá çìÜò åéò ôïýò ïõñáíïýò. Ç äÝ ðáñïõóßá óÞìåñïí ôþí áãáðçôþí áäåëöþí ÐñïêáèçìÝíùí êáß åêðñïóþðùí ôþí êáôÜ ôüðïõò ÁãéùôÜôùí Ïñèïäüîùí Åêêëçóéþí åéò ôüí óåðôüí Éåñüí ôïýôïí Íáüí ôÞò Ðñùôïèñüíïõ Åêêëçóßáò ôçò Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò ìáñôõñåß üôé üëáé áõôáß óõãêñïôïýí êáß óõíáðáñôßæïõí ôÞí Ìßáí, Áãßáí, ÊáèïëéêÞí êáß ÁðïóôïëéêÞí Ïñèüäïîïí Åêêëçóßáí, ç ïðïßá åßíáé çíùìÝíç åí ×ñéóô`ù êáß åí Áãßù Ðíåýìáôé, ðáñ’ üëáò ôÜò äéáéñÝóåéò åí ôç äéïéêÞóåé. ×ñéóôüò åðß ãÞò, õøþóáôå, ëïéðüí, áäåëöïß êáß ôÝêíá åí Êõñßù áãáðçôÜ, ôÞí æùÞí õìþí ùò åìðñÝðåé åéò ôüí ìåãÜëïí ÅðéóêÝðôçí ìáò. Ôïýôïõ ç ÷Üñéò êáß ôü ðëïýóéïí Ýëåïò åßç ìåôÜ ðÜíôùí. ÁìÞí. ÖáíÜñéïí, ×ñéóôïýãåííá

äéÜðõñïò ðñüò Èåüí åõ÷Ýôçò ðÜíôùí õìþí

ÐïéìáíôïñéêÞ ÅðéóôïëÞ ôùí Éåñáñ÷þí ôçò SCOBA åðß ôç åõêáéñßá ôçò åéóüäïõ óôç íÝá ×éëéåôßá «Êáé ï ëüãïò ÓÜñî åãÝíåôï êáé åóêÞíùóåí åí çìßí» (Éùáí. 1, 14) ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ—Ç ÄéáñêÞò Óýíïäïò Êáíïíéêþí Ïñèïäüîùí Åðéóêüðùí óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ (SCOBA) äçìïóéïðïßçóå ÐïéìáíôïñéêÞ ÅðéóôïëÞ åð’ åõêáéñßá ôçò 3çò ×ñéóôéáíéêÞò ×éëéåôßáò, êáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá óõíÝíôåõîçò Ôýðïõ óôçí Ýäñá ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ïñèïäüîïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò óôéò 14 Äåêåìâñßïõ. Åð’ åõêáéñßá ôçò óõìðëçñþóåùò ôçò äåýôåñçò ÷éëéåôßáò áðü ôçí ÃÝííçóç ôïõ Êõñßïõ çìþí Éçóïý ×ñéóôïý ïé ÉåñÜñ÷åò ôçò SCOBA áðåõèýíïõí ôçí ðñþôç ôïõò ÐïéìáíôïñéêÞ ÅðéóôïëÞ ôüóï ðñïò ôá ìÝëç ôçò Ïñèïäüîïõ Åêêëçóßáò üóï êáé ðñïò üëïõò üóïõò áíáæçôïýí ôçí áëÞèåéá ôïõ Èåïý óôï óçìåñéíü êüóìï. Óå Ýíá áðëü áëëÜ âáèý êåßìåíï ðñáãìáôåýïíôáé èÝìáôá ðßóôåùò êáé ðíåõìáôéêüôçôïò êåíôñéêÜ óôçí áíáæÞ-

Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò êáé ï ð. Ëåïíßäáò Êéóêüöóêé êáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôçò óõíÝíôåõîçò Ôýðïõ.

ôçóç ôùí áíèñþðùí ãéá ôï Èåü. Åðé÷åéñïýí íá ðáñïõóéÜóïõí åê íÝïõ ôçí äéáýãåéá êáé ôçí äýíáìç ôïõ ×ñéóôéáíéêïý ìçíýìáôïò ðñïò ôï Áìåñéêáíéêü êïéíü ìå ôñüðï ðïõ áíôëåß óôïé÷åßá áðü ôçí ðëïýóéá äéó÷éëéåôÞ ðáñÜäïóç ôçò ÁíáôïëéêÞò Ïñèïäüîïõ Åêêëçóßáò. Ðñïóêáëïýí ôïí áíáãíþóôç íá óõëëïãéóôåß ôçí

åðéññïÞ ôïõ Éçóïý ×ñéóôïý åðß ôçò áíèñþðéíçò éóôïñßáò êáé ôïõ Ýñãïõ ôïõ Áãßïõ Ðíåýìáôïò óôçí äéáìüñöùóç ôùí áíèñùðßíùí öéëïäïîéþí. Åßíáé åðéðëÝïí ìéá ðñüêëçóç ðñïò üëïõò ìáò íá áíáëïãéóôïýìå ôç óçìáóßá ôçò ðßóôåùò óôç æùÞ ìáò. Ç ÐïéìáíôïñéêÞ áõôÞ åðéóôïëÞ åðß ôç ×éëéåôßá ìðïñåß íá èåùñçèåß ùò éåñáðïóôïëéêü Ýããñáöï êáôÜ Ýíá éäéáßôåñá Ïñèüäïîï ôñüðï: «Ç éåñáðïóôïëéêÞ áñ÷Þ ôçò Ïñèïäüîïõ Åêêëçóßáò åßíáé íá óõíáíôÞóïõìå ôïõò áíèñþðïõò åêåß ðïõ âñßóêïíôáé, óôéò äéêÝò ôïõò óõíèÞêåò æùÞò», ëÝãïõí ïé Åðßóêïðïé, «þóôå íá ôïõò äåßîïõìå ôé ðïëý ðåñéóóüôåñï ìðïñïýí íá ãßíïõí äéÜ ôçò áãÜðçò ôïõ Èåïý». Ç ðïéìáíôïñéêÞ åðéóôïëÞ õðü ôïí ôßôëï: «Êáé ï Ëüãïò óÜñî åãÝíåôï êáé åóêÞíùóåí åí çìßí» áðïôåëåß ôï áðáýãáóìá ôçò ðëÝïí ôïõ åíüò Ýôïõò åñãáóßáò ôùí Éåñáñ÷þí ôçò SCOBA êáé ôçò õð’ áõôïýò ÅðéôñïðÞò ÌåëÝôçò êáé Ó÷åäéáóìïý.

Ôçí ÄéáñêÞ Óýíïäï Êáíïíéêþí Ïñèïäüîùí Åðéóêüðùí óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ áðïôåëïýí: • Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò, Ðñüåäñïò, ÅëëçíéêÞ Ïñèüäïîïò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ ÁìåñéêÞò •Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Ößëéððïò, Áíôéðñüåäñïò, Áíôéï÷åéáíÞ Ïñèüäïîïò ×ñéóôéáíéêÞ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ Â. ÁìåñéêÞò •Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÉùóÞö, Ãñáììáôåýò, ÂïõëãáñéêÞ ÁíáôïëéêÞ Ïñèüäïîïò Åêêëçóßá •Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Íéêüëáïò, Ôáìßáò, ÁìåñéêáíéêÞ Êáñðáèï-ÑùóéêÞ Ïñèüäïîïò ÅðéóêïðÞ óôéò Ç.Ð.Á. •Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Èåïäüóéïò, Ïñèüäïîïò Åêêëçóßá óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ •Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò Âéêôùñßí, ÑïõìáíéêÞ Ïñèüäïîïò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ ÁìåñéêÞò êáé ÊáíáäÜ •Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ×ñéóôüöïñïò, ÓåñâéêÞ Ïñèüäïîïò Åêêëçóßá ÇíùìÝíùí Ðïëéôåéþí êáé ÊáíáäÜ •Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Êùíóôáíôßíïò, ÏõêñáíéêÞ Ïñèüäïîïò Åêêëçóßá Ç.Ð.Á. •Ðñùôïðñåóâýôåñïò Çëßáò ÊÜôñå, Ãåíéêüò Áñ÷éåñáôéêüò Åðßôñïðïò, ÁëâáíéêÞ Ïñèüäïîïò ÅðéóêïðÞ ÁìåñéêÞò.

ÄÅÊÅÌÂÑÉÏÓ 2000 – ÉÁÍÏÕÁÑÉÏÓ 2001

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 17

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÓõíÝíôåõîç ôïõ ÌáêáñéùôÜôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ Áëâáíßáò ÁíáóôÜóéïõ Ï Ìáêáñéþôáôïò Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÔéñÜíùí êáé ÐÜóçò Áëâáíßáò ê. ÁíáóôÜóéïò, ðïõ âñÝèçêå ãéá ëßãåò çìÝñåò óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç ãéá ôïí åãêáéíéáóìü ôçò ëåéôïõñãßáò ôïõ Éäñýìáôïò ÁñéóôïôÝëç ÙíÜóç óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ – ôïõ ïðïßïõ åßíáé êáé ìÝëïò ôïõ Äéïéêçôéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ— åðåóêÝöèç êáé ôçí Ýäñá ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò åð’ åõêáéñßá ôïõ åïñôáóìïý ôçò ìíÞìçò ôïõ Áãßïõ Äçìçôñßïõ, êáé ôùí ïíïìáóôçñßùí ôïõ Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ ÁìåñéêÞò ê. Äçìçôñßïõ. ÊáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá ôçò äåîßùóçò ðïõ ðáñåôÝèç óôçí Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ ìáò äüèçêå ç äõíáôüôçôá íá ãíùñßóïõìå ãéá ëßãï ôïí ÉåñÜñ÷ç ðïõ çãåßôáé êáé ðïéìÜíåé åäþ êáé åííéÜ ÷ñüíéá ôçí Ïñèïäüîç Åêêëçóßá ôçò Áëâáíßáò. Ç óõæÞôçóç Þôáí áðëÞ, áëëÜ ôá ëüãéá ôïõ óïöÜ êáé öùôéóìÝíá, ç óêÝøç ôïõ êáèÜñéá. Ìéá Ýíôïíç ðßóôç óôç Èåßá Ðñüíïéá ðïõ öñïíôßæåé ðÜíôá êáé ãéá ôá ðÜíôá. Ôïõ æçôÞóáìå íá ìáò ðåß ãéá äõü ëüãéá ãéá ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÄçìÞôñéï êáé ôçí ðïëõåôÞ öéëßá ðïõ ôïõò óõíäÝåé. Êé áðÜíôçóå: «Äåí Ý÷ïõìå áðëþò öéëéêÞ ó÷Ýóç Ý÷ïõìå áäåëöéêÞ ó÷Ýóç. Âáäßæïõìå ìáæß ðÜíù áðü ðåíÞíôá ÷ñüíéá ôþñá, áðü ôçí åðï÷Þ ðïõ åßìáóôå áêüìç öïéôçôÝò óôï ÐáíåðéóôÞìéï. ÄéáôçñÞóáìå ìéá ïõóéáóôéêÞ ðíåõìáôéêÞ ó÷Ýóç áó÷Ýôùò áí âñåèÞêáìå ãéá ðïëëÜ áð’áõôÜ ôá ÷ñüíéá óå äéáöïñåôéêÜ óçìåßá ôçò ãçò. >Åóåßò, ìáò åßðå, íá åý÷åóôå íá ìáò áîéþíåé ï Èåüò üðùò Åêåßíïò èÝëåé». Åñþôçóç:ÈÝëåôå íá ó÷ïëéÜóåôå ôá ðñïâëÞìáôá ðïõ ðñïÝêõøáí éäßùò ôïí ôåëåõôáßï êáéñü óôçí Áëâáíßá; «Óáò êÜíïõí åíôýðùóç ôá ðñïâëÞìáôá; Ôá ðñïâëÞìáôá ðïõ áíÝêõøáí ôåëåõôáßá... Åìåßò æïýìå ðñïâëÞìáôá åðß åííÝá ÷ñüíéá. Åßìáóôå ëïéðüí óõíçèéóìÝíïé êáé óôï ÷éüíé êáé óôç âñï÷Þ êáé óôç ëéáêÜäá. ¼ðùò íïìßæù êé åóåßò åäþ îÝñåôå êáé ôïí êáëü êáéñü êáé ôçí ïìß÷ëç. Åßíáé áëÞèåéá üôé åßìáóôå óå äýóêïëåò óõíèÞêåò». Åñþôçóç: ÂëÝðåôå íá åðéäåéíþíïíôáé ïñéóìÝíåò Þäç äõó÷åñåßò êáôáóôÜóåéò üóïí áöïñÜ ôçí Ïñèüäïîç Åêêëçóßá ôçò Áëâáíßáò; «Ïé ó÷Ýóåéò ðÜíôá ìåôáîý çãåôþí äåí åßíáé åýêïëåò ðåñÜóáìå êáé ðïëý äõóêïëüôåñåò þñåò. ¢ñá íïìßæù üôé Ý÷ïõí óõíçèßóåé ôá âïõíÜ áð’ôá ÷éüíéá. Åêåßíï ôï ïðïßï ÷ñåéÜæåôáé åßíáé èåôéêÞ äïõëåéÜ êáé äçìéïõñãéêÞ ðñïóðÜèåéá. Êé áðü áõôÞò ôçò ðëåõñÜò ðñÝðåé íá äïîÜóïõìå ôïí Èåü... äéüôé óêåöôåßôå üôé ìÝóá óå áõôÜ ôá ëßãá ÷ñüíéá åß÷áìå ôçí äõíáôüôçôá áðü ôï ôßðïôå, áðü åñåßðéá íá äçìéïõñãÞóïõìå ðÜëé ðïëëÝò êïéíüôçôåò óå üëåò ôéò ðüëåéò êáé ôá ÷ùñéÜ üðïõ õðÜñ÷ïõí Ïñèüäïîïé. Íá îáíá÷ôéóôïýí 75 åêêëçóßåò áðü ôá èåìÝëéá, áðü ôéò ðáëéÝò åêêëçóßåò 65 ðÜëé íá áíáóôçëùèïýí, Üëëåò 140 íá åðéóêåõáóèïýí... êáé ìüíï áõôÜ ôá íïýìåñá äåß÷íïõí öïâåñÞ äñáóôçñéüôçôá.

>ÁëëÜ ôáõôü÷ñïíá õðÞñîå ìéá ðñïóðÜèåéá ãéá ôçí äçìéïõñãßá íÝùí óôåëå÷þí. ÕðÜñ÷ïõí óÞìåñá ðåñßðïõ 130 Üôïìá ôá ïðïßá åñãÜæïíôáé óôçí Áëâáíßá. Ç Åêêëçóßá ìáò Ýäùóå åðéðëÝïí éäéáßôåñç ðñïóï÷Þ óôï êïéíùíéêü Ýñãï, óôçí åêðáßäåõóç êáé óôï èÝìá ôçò Õãåßáò. ¸ôóé ëïéðüí ç Åêêëçóßá áõôÞ ðïõ ðñéí åííÝá ÷ñüíéá äåí õðÞñ÷å ó÷åäüí êáèüëïõ, óÞìåñá Ý÷åé Ýíá ðïëý äõíáìéêü ðáñüí óôç ÁëâáíéêÞ êïéíùíßá. Ôï äéáãíùóôéêü êÝíôñï ôï ïðïßï Ý÷ïõìå óôá Ôßñáííá èåùñåßôáé ôï êáëýôåñï ôçò Áëâáíßáò. Ç ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ, ôï Åêêëçóéáóôéêü Ëýêåéï êáé ðñüóöáôá ìüëéò ðñéí áðü äýï åâäïìÜäåò êÜíáìå Ýíá Üëëï ìåãÜëï Üíïéãìá ãéá ðñþôç öïñÜ, ôá Éíóôéôïýôá ÅðáããåëìáôéêÞò Åêðáéäåýóåùò ãéá íÝïõò ðïõ Ý÷ïõí ôåëåéþóåé ôï ãõìíÜóéï. >Ç Åêêëçóßá ëïéðüí åßíáé óå ìéá ðñùôïðïñßá. ¼÷é ìüíï óôï èñçóêåõôéêü ôïìÝá áëëÜ ãåíéêüôåñá óôïí êïéíùíéêü ôïìÝá. Êáé áõôü áíáãíùñßæåôáé óÞìåñá. Óõã÷ñüíùò äå ðñïóðáèïýìå íá åßìáóôå ðáñÜãïíôåò óõìöéëéþóåùò êáé åéñÞíçò óôá ÂáëêÜíéá. Åßôå ç äéêÞ ìáò Åêêëçóßá áðïôåëåßôáé áðü Áëâáíïýò ïñèïäüîïõò, åßôå áðü Åëëçíåò Ïñèïäüîïõò, åßôå áðü ïñèïäüîïõò óëáâéêÞò êáôáãùãÞò óôï âïññÜ, åñãáæüìáóôå üëïé ìáæß êáé äßíïõìå Ýíá ôÝôïéï ìÞíõìá óõíåñãáóßáò üëùí ôùí ïñèïäüîùí áëëÜ êáé óõíåñãáóßáò ìå áíèñþðïõò Üëëùí èñçóêåõôéêþí êïéíïôÞôùí üðùò åßíáé ïé Ñùìáéïêáèïëéêïß êáé ïé ÌïõóïõëìÜíïé. Ôï ìÞíõìá åßíáé üôé ôá ÂáëêÜíéá ãéá íá ìðïñÝóïõí íá óôáèïýí óùóôÜ êáé åéñçíéêÜ ï ìüíïò ôñüðïò åßíáé ï óåâáóìüò ôïõ Üëëïõ êáé ç óõíåñãáóßá üëùí ãéá ìéá ðåñéï÷Þ åéñÞíçò, áäåëöùóýíçò êáé ðñïüäïõ. Êé áõôü êÜíïõìå». Åñþôçóç: Ðïéü äßäáãìá Üñáãå Ý÷åé íá ðñïóöÝñåé ï ïñèüäïîïò ëáüò ôçò Áëâáíßáò óôïõò ïñèïäüîïõò ôçò ÁìåñéêÞò. «Ï ïñèüäïîïò ëáüò ôçò Áëâáíßáò ìáæß ìå ôïõò áäåëöïýò ôïõò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ ëá÷ôáñïýí êáé äïîÜæïõí ôï Èåü. Åßôå åß-

ìáóôå åêåß óå äýóêïëåò óõíèÞêåò, åßôå åßóôå åäþ õðü Üëëåò äõóêïëßåò, üëïé ìáæß áðïôåëïýìå ìéá ïéêïãÝíåéá. Íïìßæù üôé áõôü ðñÝðåé íá ôï îáíáâñïýìå. Äåí åßíáé äõü äéáöïñåôéêÝò Åêêëçóßåò. Åßíáé ç ìßá Åêêëçóßá, áðëþò óå äõü äéáöïñåôéêïýò ôüðïõò. Ç ÷áñÜ ç äéêÞ óáò åßíáé êáé äéêÞ ìáò ÷áñÜ êáé ïé äõóêïëßåò ïé äéêÝò óáò, äéêÝò ìáò äõóêïëßåò êáé åëðßæù üôé êé åóåßò áéóèÜíåóèå áíÜëïãá». Åñþôçóç: ¼ôáí ï Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïò åðéóêÝöèçêå ôçí Áëâáíßá äÞëùóå üôé üóïé äåí ðéóôåýïõí óå èáýìáôá ïöåßëïõí íá åðéóêåöèïýí ôçí Áëâáíßá êáé íá äïýí ôï èáýìá ìå ôá ßäéá ôïõò ôá ìÜôéá. Ôß Ý÷åôå íá ðåßôå åð’ áõôïý; «ÄïîÜæïõìå ôï Èåü. Ãéáôß áõôü äåí åßíáé äéêü ìáò Ýñãï. Åßíáé äéêÞ ôïõ åõëïãßá êáé ðñüíïéá. ÓêÝöôïìáé ôéò ìÝñåò ðïõ ðñùôïåðéóêÝöèçêá ôçí Áëâáíßá êáé åßìá-

ÅÉÄÉÊÇ ÐÑÏÓÖÏÑÁ

ÔÇÓ ÏËÕÌÐÉÁÊÇÓ ÁÅÑÏÐÏÑÉÁÓ

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ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÉÊÇ ÅÃÊÕÊËÉÏÓ ×ÑÉÓÔÏÕÃÅÍÍÙÍ

êëçèåß íá ãßíïõìå êáé íá ìåßíïõìå ôá ïäçãçôéêÜ Üóôñá ôçò áíèñùðüôçôïò, åëêýïíôáò ôïõò óõíáíèñþðïõò ìáò óôï ×ñéóôü äéÜ ôïõ öùôüò ôçò åéñÞíçò, ôçò áñìïíßáò êáé ôçò êáëÞò èåëÞóåùò, äéÜ ôçò ëáìðñüôçôïò ôçò ðßóôåþò ìáò, ôçò áñåôÞò êáé ôçò êáëùóýíçò ìáò, äéÜ ôçò èåñìüôçôïò ôïõ æÞëïõ ìáò êáé äéÜ ôçò êáôáëëáãÞò êáé áãÜðçò ìáò. Óå ìáò áíÞêåé ç ðñïóðÜèåéá íá ïäçãÞóïõìå ôïõò óõíáíèñþðïõò ìáò óôïí Éçóïý ×ñéóôü. ¹ñåìá, ìå õðïìïíÞ, óÜí ôï ëáìðñü Üóôñï ôçò ÂçèëåÝì, áò âïçèÞóïõìå óôçí ðñïóÝããéóç êáé óôçí Ýíùóç ôùí áíèñþðùí êÜèå öõëÞò, êÜèå Ýèíïõò. Áò ôïõò ïäçãÞóïõìå óôç öÜôíç ôçò ÂçèëåÝì, üðïõ ï íåïãÝííçôïò ÓùôÞñ, ç åî ïõñáíïý áíáôïëÞ, ìáò ðåñéìÝíåé ãéá íá äþóïõìå öùò ó’ áõôïýò ðïõ åßíáé óôï óêïôÜäé êáé óôç óêéÜ ôïõ èáíÜôïõ, ãéá íá ôïõò ïäçãÞóïõìå óôï äñüìï ôçò åéñÞíçò (Ëïõê., 1:79). Åßèå ôï öùò, ç åéñÞíç êáé ç ÷áñÜ ôùí ×ñéóôïõãÝííùí íá åßíáé ìüíéìï óôïé÷åßï óôá óðßôéá êáé óôéò ïéêïãÝíåéÝò óáò, óÞìåñá êáé óôïí Êáéíïýñãéï ×ñüíï êáé ðÜíôïôå êáèþò ðñïóöÝñåôå ôçí ëáôñåßá óáò óôïí ÂáóéëÝá ôùí âáóéëÝùí êáé óôïí Êýñéï ôùí êõñßùí. Ìå ðáôñéêÞ áãÜðç åí ×ñéóôþ óáñêùèÝíôé,

ÿ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ÄçìÞôñéïò

US $466 $496 $516 $556 $516 $536 $586 $546 $666 $526 $506

MYRTLE BEACH/ASHEVILLE/ FAYETTEVILLE/GREENSBORO NORFOLK/RICHMOND RALEIGH MILWAUKEE COLUMBUS/DAYTON DES MOINES INDIANAPOLIS MOLINE/KANSAS CITY/MADISON LOUISVILLE ST. LOUIS

$586 $556 $516 $596 $605 $636 $696 $636 $606 $556

TO ATHENS/THESSALONIKI (SKG) Áðü ôá áíùôÝñù óçìåßá ãéá ÁèÞíá Þ Èåóóáëïíßêç ãéá ôáîßäéá ðïõ áñ÷ßæïõí áðü 01 Ïêôùâñßïõ Ýùò 15 Äåêåìâñßïõ 2000 êáé 24 Äåêåìâñßïõ Ýùò 31 Ìáñôßïõ 2001. ÄéÜñêåéá ðáñáìïíÞò óôçí ÅëëÜäá áðü ìßá ÊõñéáêÞ Ýùò Ýíá ìÞíá. Åêðôþóåéò ãéá ôá ðáéäéÜ êÜôù ôùí 12 åôþí. Ìå $100 åðéðëÝïí ðåôÜôå óå ïðïéïäÞðïôå åóùôåñéêü óçìåßï ôçò ÅëëÜäïò. Ïé áíùôÝñù íáýëïé äåí éó÷ýïõí ãéá áíá÷ùñÞóåéò êáé åðéóôñïöÝò áðü 16 Äåêåìâñßïõ Ýùò 9 Éáíïõáñßïõ. Éó÷ýïõí ðåñéïñéóìïß. Áðïôáíèåßôå óôïí ôáîéäéùôéêü óáò ðñÜêôïñá Þ óôçí ÏëõìðéáêÞ Áåñïðïñßá êáé êåñäßóôå. Öüñïé áåñïäñïìßùí åßíáé åðéðëÝïí.

Ç ÄÉÊÇ ÓÏÕ ÅÔÁÉÑÉÁ

© ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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ÄÇÌ. ÐÁÍÁÃÏÓ

Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò õðïäÝ÷åôáé ôïí Ìáê. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï Áëâáíßáò ê. ÁíáóôÜóéï êáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá äåîßùóçò ãéá ôá ïíïìáóôÞñéá ôïõ ÓåâáóìéùôÜôïõ.

óôå áíáãêáóìÝíïé íá ôåëïýìå ôéò éåñÝò áêïëïõèßåò óôçí ýðáéèñï, íá ôåëïýìå ÷åéñïôïíßåò ó’Ýíá ìðáëêüíé Þ ìéÜ áõëÞ êáé ôþñá... Åßíáé üíôùò èáýìá êáé äïîÜæïõìå ôï Èåü ãé áõôü. Ãéáôß ôá èáýìáôá åßíáé Ýñãï Èåïý êé ü÷é áíèñþðùí». Åñþôçóç: Ôé åßäïõò âïÞèåéáò ÷ñåéÜæåóôå ó’áõôÞ ôç öÜóç áðü ôï åîùôåñéêü; «Ôá ðÜíôá. Äåí åßíáé ìüíï ôá êôßñéá, äçëáäÞ ïé íáïß, áëëÜ êáé ïé ðáñÜëëçëåò ðñïôåñáéüôçôåò ðïõ Ý÷ïõìå èÝóåé. Ãéá ôçí ðáéäåßá, ôçí õãåßá, ôï êïéíùíéêü Ýñãï êáé ôçí ðïëéôéóôéêÞ áíÜðôõîç. Ó’üëïõò áõôïýò ôïõò ôïìåßò êÜèå ðñïóöïñÜ åßíáé äåêôÞ. Éäéáßôåñá äå óå áíèñþðéíï äõíáìéêü. Êáé ôÝôïéïé óêïðïß äåí åðéôõã÷Üíïíôáé ìå ðåíôáñïäåêÜñåò. >Áöçãïýìáé óõ÷íÜ Ýíá ðåñéóôáôéêü ðïõ óõíÝâç ðñüóöáôá. Ôáîßäåõá äéá ìÝóïõ Éùáííßíùí ðñïò ôï Áñãõñüêáóôñï êáé ìå ðëçñïöüñçóáí üôé äõü çëéêéùìÝíåò êõñßåò åðÝìåíáí íá ìå óõíáíôÞóïõí. Äåí êáëÜâáéíá ôçí åðéìïíÞ ôïõò áëëÜ ôåëéêÜ óõìöþíçóá íá ôéò óõíáíôÞóù. ¹ñèáí êáé ìïõ åßðáí ôï åîÞò óõãêëïíéóôéêü. Ï ãéüò ôçò ìéáò åß÷å óêïôùèåß óôïí ´ Ðáãêüóìéï Ðüëåìï. ÐÝñíáí ôçí óýíôáîÞ ôïõ ãéá üëá áõôÜ ôá ÷ñüíéá ÷ùñßò íá îïäåýïõí ïýôå äñá÷ìÞ.Åß÷áí êÜðïéï ðïóü êáé ìïõ ðáñÝäùóáí ìéá åðéôáãÞ ôåóóÜñùí åêáôïìõñßùí äñá÷ìþí. ÅîÞíôá ÷ñüíéá óýíôáîçò... Ñþôçóá, ôß èÝëåôå íá êÜíù ì’áõôÜ ôá ÷ñÞìáôá. Ãéá êÜðïéï êáëü óêïðü ìïõ åßðáí óôç ìíÞìç ôïõ íåêñïý. ÓõìöùíÞóáìå íá äéáôåèïýí ãéá Ýíá ïéêïôñïöåßï. Ìïõ äþóáíå êé Ýíá ìðïõêÝôï ëïõëïýäéá íá ôï êáôáèÝóù óôç ãÞ üðïõ óêïôþèçêå ï ãéüò ôïõò. >ÂëÝðåôå áõôü ôï åßäïò ãåííáéïäùñßáò êáé øõ÷éêÞò êáëùóýíçò. Áõôü åßíáé Ïñèïäïîßá. Ç ðñáãìáôéêÞ éóôïñßá ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ãñÜöåôáé áðü ôïõò áãíþóôïõò êáé áöáíåßò. Áíèñþðïõò üðùò áõôÝò ïé ãõíáßêåò».

1-800-223-1226

ÏËÕÌÐÉÁÊÇ ÁÅÑÏÐÏÑÉÁ• Ç ÄÉÊÇ ÓÏÕ ÅÔÁÉÑÉÁ

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 18

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÄÅÊÅÌÂÑÉÏÓ 2000 – ÉÁÍÏÕÁÑÉÏÓ 2001

ÊëçñéêïëáúêÞ ÓõíÝëåõóç óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç ×ñõóïýí Éùâçëáßïí ôïõ åðéóêüðïõ Ìåëüçò ÖéëïèÝïõ óåë. 15 åíïñßáò. Äåí õðÜñ÷åé ëüãïò ôüíéóå, íá ìéìïýìåèá ãíþìåò êáé óõóôÞìáôá îÝíá ðñïò ôçí Ïñèüäïîç ðáñÜäïóÞ ìáò. Ôá óõìðåñÜóìáôá ôçò óõíÝëåõóçò äéáôõðþèçêáí óõíïðôéêÜ áðü ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï êáé èá äçìïóéåõèïýí óôá åëëçíéêÜ óôï åðüìåíï ôåý÷ïò. Óçìáíôéêü êïììÜôé ôçò åâäïìÜäïò áðåôÝëåóå ôï ðñïóêõíçìáôéêü ìÝñïò éäéáßôåñá ãéá üóïõò åðéóêÝðôïíôáí ãéá ðñþôç öïñÜ ôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç. Ôçí ðñþôç ÊõñéáêÞ ïé óýíåäñïé ôáîßäåøáí ïìáäéêþò óôçí Íßêáéá, äõüìéóõ ðåñßðïõ þñåò áðü ôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç. Ç Íßêáéá, ôï ìåãÜëï ÷ñéóôéáíéêü êÝíôñï ôïõ Âõæáíôßïõ Þôáí ç ðüëç óôçí ïðïßá óõãêëÞèçêáí ç Á´ êáé ç Æ´ ÏéêïõìåíéêÞ Óýíïäïò. Ïé óýíåäñïé åðéóêÝöèçêáí üôé Ý÷åé áðïìåßíåé áðü ôçí Áãßá Óïößá óôçí Íßêáéá üðïõ áêñéâþò ðñáãìáôïðïéÞèçêå ç Æ´ ÏéêïõìåíéêÞ Óýíïäïò. ÖõóéêÜ ïðïéáäÞðïôå åðßóêåøç óôçí Âáóéëßäá ôùí Ðüëåùí äåí ìðïñåß ðáñÜ íá ðåñéëáìâÜíåé ôçí Áãßá Óïößá êáèþò êáé ôçí ÌïíÞ ôçò ×þñáò áëëÜ êáé ôï ìïíáóôÞñé ôçò Æùïäü÷ïõ ÐçãÞò óôï Âáëïõêëß. Óôéò 30 Íïåìâñßïõ ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü ìáò Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï åïñôÜæåé ôçí èñïíéêÞ åïñôÞ ôïõ Áãßïõ ÁíäñÝá, éäñõôÞ ôçò Åêêëçóßáò óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç. Ôï ðëÞèïò ôùí áíôéðñïóþðùíóõíÝäñùí ãÝìéóå áóöõêôéêÜ ôïí Ðáôñéáñ÷éêü Íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ Ãåùñãßïõ áíÞìåñá ôçò åïñôÞò. Ôçò Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò ðñïÝóôç ï Ðáíáãéþôáôïò Ïéêïõìåíéêüò ÐáôñéÜñ-

÷çò ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïò êáé óõëëåéôïýñãçóáí áñ÷éåñåßåò Üëëùí ïñèïäüîùí áõôïêåöÜëùí Åêêëçóéþí ðïõ åðéóêÝðôïíôáí êÜèå ÷ñüíï ôï ÖáíÜñé åðß ôç åõêáéñßá ôçò ÈñïíéêÞò ÅïñôÞò ôïõ Áðïóôüëïõ ÁíäñÝá. Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò êÞñõîå ôïí Èåßï ëüãï. ÐáñåõñÝèçêå åðßóçò óýìöùíá ìå ôçí ðáñÜäïóç ï åêðñüóùðïò ôïõ ÐÜðá êáé ôïõ Âáôéêáíïý ÊáñäéíÜëéïò ÅõãÝíéïò ÊÜóóéíôé. Áíôéóôïß÷ùò åêðñüóùðïò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ åðéóêÝðôåôáé ôï Âáôéêáíü êÜèå Éïýíéï åð’ åõêáéñßá ôçò åïñôÞò ôùí Áðïóôüëùí ÐÝôñïõ êáé Ðáýëïõ. ÁðïôÝëåóå êïéíÞ áíôßëçøç ôùí áíôéðñïóþðùí ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò, áëëÜ êáé üëùí ôùí óõíÝäñùí ç áßóèçóç åíüôçôáò ðïõ óôéãìÝò-óôéãìÝò Þôáí äéÜ÷õôç ìåôáîý ôùí, êé áò ôïõò ÷ùñßæïõí áðïóôÜóåéò ãåùãñáöéêÝò, ãëùóóéêÝò, åèíéêÝò êáé ðïëéôéóìéêÝò. Ìéá áßóèçóç êïéíÞ, ìéá áßóèçóç åíüôçôïò åí ôç ðßóôåé, ìéá åíüôçôá êáé Ýíáò êïéíüò äåóìüò êáè’ üëá ÷ñéóôéáíéêüò êáé ïñèüäïîïò.

Kronos New Kronos International Shippers, Inc.

ôï ëÜäé óáò áðü ôï ÷ùñéü ç ðüëç óáò óôçí ÅëëÜäá óôï óðßôé óáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ

22 N. Sangamon, Chicago, IL. 60607 Tel. 312-432-0011 / 800-535-9635 Fax. 312-432-0507

E-Mail: kronos@kronosint.com

M åôáöïñÝò Måãáëýôåñç Ýêèåóç çëåêôñéêþí óõóêåõþí ìå ñåýìá ÅëëÜäïò. Øõãåßá, ÐëõíôÞñéá, óôåãíùôÞñéá, êïõæßíåò, ôçëåïñÜóåéò, âßíôåï, êëéìáôéóôéêÜ, ìéêñïóõóêåõÝò êïõæßíáò.

ìÝ÷ñé ôï 1964. Áðü ôï 1965 Ýùò ôï 1971 õðçñÝôçóå óôïí É. Íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ Åëåõèåñßïõ óôï Ìáí÷Üôáí. Óôéò 6 Éïõíßïõ 1971 åîåëÝãç Åðßóêïðïò êáé õðçñÝôçóå ùò ï ðñþôïò âïçèüò åðßóêïðïò ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ Éáêþâïõ, ìå åõèýíç ôçí åðïðôåßá ôùí åíïñéþí ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò. Áñãüôåñá ïíïìÜóèç Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêüò Åðßôñïðïò (Vicar) ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêÞò ðåñéöÝñåéáò ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò. Ùò åðßóêïðïò õðÞñîå ðñüåäñïò ôïõ åêêëçóéáóôéêïý äéêáóôçñßïõ ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêÞò ðåñéöÝñåéáò, äéåõèõíôÞò êáé ìÝëïò ôïõ Äéïéêçôéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ ôçò Áêáäçìßáò ôïõ Áãßïõ Âáóéëåßïõ êáé ìÝëïò ôçò åðéôñïðÞò Êáíïíéêïý Äéêáßïõ êáé ôçò åðéôñïðÞò ìåëÝôçò ôùí êáíïíéóìþí ðåñß ãÜìùí êáé äéáæõãßùí. ÕðçñÝôçóå åðßóçò ùò ôïðïôçñçôÞò ôçò ÅðéóêïðÞò ÓéêÜãïõ ìåôáîý 1978-1979. Ï Èåïö. Åðßóêïðïò Ìåëüçò ê. Öéëüèåïò óõíôáîéïäïôÞèçêå êáé áðå÷þñçóå ôçò åíåñãïý õðçñåóßáò ôçí 1ç Ïêôùâñßïõ 1997, ÷ùñßò üìùò íá ðÜøåé íá äßíåé ôï ðáñüí êáé íá ðñïóöÝñåé Üïêíá ôéò õðçñåóßåò ôïõ óôçí Åêêëçóßá êáé ôçí ÉåñÜ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ.

Áãùíéóôéêüò ðáëìüò óôïí ¢ãéï ÅëåõèÝñéï

MåôáöÝñïõìå

MåôáöïñÝò áðü ÁìåñéêÞ óôçí ÅëëÜäá. ÏéêïóêåõÝò, áõôïêßíçôá, ïéêïäïìéêÜ õëéêÜ, çëåêôñéêÝò óõóêåõÝò, áåñïðïñéêÝò ìåôáöïñÝò.

ÌÝóá óôï 2000 óõìðëçñþèçêáí 50 ÷ñüíéá éåñùóýíçò ôïõ Èåïö. Åðéóêüðïõ Ìåëüçò ê. Öéëüèåïõ êáé óõã÷ñüíùò 40 ÷ñüíéá áöïóéùìÝíçò ðñïóöïñÜò êáé õðçñåóßáò ôïõ óôçí É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ ÁìåñéêÞò. Ï ÈåïöéëÝóôáôïò,êáôÜ êüóìïí ÌÜñêïò ÊáñáìÞôóïò, ãåííÞèçêå ôï 1924 óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç. Ôï 1949 ìåôáíÜóôåõóå óôçí ÅëëÜäá, üðïõ óõìðëÞñùóå ôéò ãõìíáóéáêÝò ôïõ óðïõäÝò êáé åíåãñÜöç óôçí ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôçò Êïñßíèïõ áð’ üðïõ áðåöïßôçóå ôï 1954, áêïëïýèùò öïßôçóå óôçí ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôïõ Ðáíåðéóôçìßïõ Áèçíþí áðïöïéôþíôáò ôï 1959 ìå ôï ðôõ÷ßï ôçò Èåïëïãßáò. Å÷åéñïôïíÞèåé äéÜêïíïò óôéò 30 Éïõëßïõ ôïõ 1950 êáé ðÞñå ôï üíïìá Öéëüèåïò. ÕðçñÝôçóå ùò äéÜêïíïò óôïí É. Íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ Áñôåìßïõ ôùí Áèçíþí êáé óôïí Ìçôñïðïëéôéêü Íáü Áèçíþí ùò ôï 1960 üôáí ìåôáíÜóôåõóå óôéò Ç.Ð.Á. ìåôÜ áðü ðñüóêëçóç ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ Éáêþâïõ. Ôçí åðüìåíç ÷ñïíéÜ å÷åéñïôïíÞèç ðñåóâýôåñïò êáé õðçñÝôçóå ùò ðñïúóôÜìåíïò ôïõ É. Íáïý ôïõ Åõáããåëéóìïý óôï ÓêñÜíôïí ôçò ÐåíóõëâÜíéáò

áðü ÅëëÜäá óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ. ÐñïóùðéêÜ áíôéêåßìåíá, áõôïêßíçôá, Ýðéðëá, åìðïñéêÜ öïñôßá.

We carry the complete line of GENERAL ELECTRIC export appliances in 220V. 50 Hz.Refrigerators-washers-dryerssplit airconditioners-Ranges-dishwashers etc.Electronics from : Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi, Jvc, Sharp.

ÄÙÑÅÁÍ ÁÐÏÓÔÏËÇ ÊÁÔÁËÏÃÏÕ

220 V. Export Appliances & Shipping

ETApress

Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò ÷ïñïóôÜôçóå óôïí Áñ÷éåñáôéêü åóðåñéíü åðß ôç åõêáéñßá ôùí ïíïìáóôçñßùí ôïõ É. Íáïý ôïõ Áãßïõ Åëåõèåñßïõ.

ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. – Íá ðáñáìåßíïõí üñèéïé óôéò åðÜëîåéò, êÜëåóå ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ôïõò õðåýèõíïõò ôçò Êïéíüôçôáò, óôïí åóðåñéíü ôçò åïñôÞò ôïõ éåñïìÜñôõñïò Áãßïõ Åëåõèåñßïõ, óôçí ïìþíõìç éóôïñéêÞ êïéíüôçôá, óôçí ðåñéï÷Þ ÔóÝëóé ôïõ Ìáí÷Üôáí. Ðáñüíôåò óôïí åóðåñéíü êáé ðÜñá ðïëëïß éåñåßò áðü äéÜöïñåò ãåéôïíéêÝò êáé ìÞ êïéíüôçôåò, ðïõ óõìðáñáóôÜèçêáí ìå ôçí óõììåôï÷Þ ôïõò óôïí éåñáôéêþò ðñïúóôÜìåíï ð. Êùíóôáíôßíï Îõñïõ÷Üêç. Ï ð. Îõñïõ÷Üêçò ìåôÜ ôïí åóðåñéíü

õðïäÝ÷èçêå ìå èåñìÜ ëüãéá ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï. ÊáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôïõ åóðåñéíïý Ýãéíå ç ðåñéöïñÜ ôçò åéêüíáò ôïõ Áãßïõ êáé ôåëÝóôçêå áñôïêëáóßá. Ç êïéíüôçôá ôïõ Áãßïõ Åëåõèåñßïõ, Þôáí üðùò ãíùñßæïõí ïé ðáëáéüôåñïé, ìéá áðü ôéò ìåãáëýôåñåò êáé ðéï äñáóôÞñéåò ôïõ Ìáí÷Üôáí êáé óõíÝäåóå ôçí éóôïñßá ôçò ìå ïñéóìÝíá áðü ôá ðéï óçìáíôéêÜ ãåãïíüôá ðïõ äéáäñáìáôßóôçêáí óôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá. Áñ÷éêÜ ïéêïäïìÞèçêå ôï 1918 êáé êáôáóôñÜöçêå áðü ðõñêáãéÜ ôï 1973.

Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò óõã÷áßñåé íéêçôÝò êáé çôôçìÝíïõò ôùí ðñïåäñéêþí åêëïãþí óåë. 15 ôéò áðïãïçôåýóåéò áíôéêáôïðôñßæåé Üñéóôá ôéò âáèýôåñåò ÷ñéóôéáíéêÝò ìáò ðåðïéèÞóåéò». ÅîÜëïõ óôçí åðéóôïëÞ ôïõ ðñïò ôïí íåïåêëåãÝíôá áíôéðñüåäñï ê. Ñßôóáñíô ÔóÝúíé ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò åêôüò áðü ôá èåñìÜ ôïõ óõã÷áñçôÞñéá óçìåéþíåé üôé «õðÜñ÷ïõí ðïëëïß ôïìåßò óôïõò ïðïßïõò ìéá óôåíÞ óõíåñãáóßá ìåôáîý êõâåñíÞóåùò êáé Åêêëçóßáò èá ìðïñïýóå íá åßíáé ðáñáãùãéêÞ, üðùò ïé ôïìåßò ôçò ðáéäåßáò, ôçò ðåñéâáëïíôïëïãéêÞò áíôßëçøçò, êáé ôçò áíôéìåôþðéóçò ôùí åí ãÝíåé áíèñùðßíùí áíáãêþí».

ÅðéðëÝïí óôçí óõã÷áñçôÞñéá åðéóôïëÞ ôïõ ðñïò ôïí óôñáôçãü Êüëéí ÐÜïõåë ðïõ ðñïïñßæåôáé íá çãçèåß ôïõ Õðïõñãåßïõ Åîùôåñéêþí, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ìåôáîý Üëëùí ôïíßæåé: «ÐïëëÜ èÝìáôá åíäéáöÝñïõí âáèéÜ ôçí Ïñèüäïîï Åêêëçóßá. Ìåôáîý áõôþí åßíáé ç êáëýôåñç êáôáíüçóç ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò êáé ôùí Ïñèïäüîùí ÷ùñþí óôéò ïðïßåò äéáâéïýí 300 ðåñßðïõ åêáôïìýñéá áíèñþðùí, ç åðßëõóç ôïõ Êõðñéáêïý ðñïâëÞìáôïò óýìöùíá ìå ôéò áñ÷Ýò ôùí áíèñùðßíùí äéêáéùìÜôùí, ìéá áëçèéíÞ åéñÞíç êáé äéêáéïóýíç óôá ÂáëêÜíéá êáé ç ðëÞñçò åããýçóç ôçò åëåõèåñßáò ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ìáò Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ».

ÄÅÊÅÌÂÑÉÏÓ 2000 – ÉÁÍÏÕÁÑÉÏÓ 2001

Ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÓáñÜíôá Åêêëçóéþí êõñüò Óßëáò åêïéìÞèç åí Êõñßù, óå çëéêßá 81 åôþí ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ.—ÅêïéìÞèç åí Êõñßù óôéò 12 Äåêåìâñßïõ 2000, ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÓáñÜíôá Åêêëçóéþí êõñüò Óßëáò, óå çëéêßá 81 åôþí. Ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò êõñüò Óßëáò õðÝóôç èëÜóç éó÷ßïõ êáé åéóÞ÷èåé óôï íïóïêïìåßï ãéá ÷åéñïõñãéêÞ åðÝìâáóç, ìåôÜ ôï ðÝñáò ôçò ïðïßáò õðÝêõøå áðü áíáêïðÞ êáñäéÜò. Óôï Üããåëìá ôïõ èáíÜôïõ ôïõ, ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò äÞëùóå: «Ï áåßìíçóôïò Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÓáñÜíôá Åêêëçóéþí êõñüò Óßëáò äéçêüíçóå ôçí ÉåñÜ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ ÁìåñéêÞò åðß ìáêñÜí óåéñÜí åôþí ìå åîáéñåôéêÞí üíôùò ðéóôüôçôá êáé áöïóßùóç. »Ôüóïí ùò éåñåýò, üóïí êáé êõñßùò ùò Áñ÷éåñåýò, äéåêñßèç ãéá ôï åêêëçóéáóôéêü ôïõ Þèïò, ôçí áêáôáðüíçôç åñãáôéêüôçôÜ ôïõ, ôçí åõáéóèçóßá ôïõ åéò èÝìáôá èåßáò ëáôñåßáò, ôçí èåïëïãéêÞ ôïõ åõñõìÜèåéá, êáé ôïí æÞëï ôïõ õðÝñ ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò êáé ôùí ðáñáäüóåùí ôïõ ¸èíïõò. »Óôåíüò êáé ðéóôüò óõíåñãÜôçò ôïõ ìåãáëïõñãïý Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ Éáêþâïõ, ï ìáêáñéóôüò Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Óßëáò õðÞñîåí ï ðñþôïò Åðßóêïðïò ÍÝáò ÉåñóÝçò, ìéáò ðåñéï÷Þò ôçí ïðïßá éäéáéôÝñùò áãÜðçóå êáé ìå ôçí ïðïßá áññÞêôùò óõíåäÝèç. »ÁöÞíåé ðßóù ôïõ ôï ëáìðñü ðáñÜäåéãìá åíüò óåìíïý êáé ðéóôïý óôïí Èåü ÉåñÜñ÷ïõ, ôïí ïðïßï ÷éëéÜäåò åõóåâþí ìåëþí êáé óôåëå÷þí ôçò Åêêëçóßáò èá åíèõìïýìåèá ðÜíôïôå ìå åõãíùìïóýíç êáé èá ôïí ìíçìïíåýïõìå ùò õðüäåéãìá áíèñþðïõ êáëïóýíçò, åõãåíåßáò êáé óõíÝóåùò. Ï Èåüò áò áíáðáýåé ôçí øõ÷Þ ôïõ åí óêçíáßò äéêáßùí êáé áãßùí». Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò åôÝëåóå óÞìåñá ôï ðñùß, óôï ðáñåêêëÞóéï ôçò ÉåñÜò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò, åðéìíçìüóõíç äÝçóç äéá ôçí áíÜðáõóç ôçò øõ÷Þò ôïõ ìåôáóôÜíôïò ÉåñÜñ÷ç. Ï ìåôáóôÜò ÉåñÜñ÷çò, êáôÜ êüóìïí ÓÜââáò ÊïóêéíÜò, ãåííÞèçêå óôéò 27 Äåêåìâñßïõ 1919 óôçí ÊÝñêõñá. Å÷åéñïôïíÞèåé äéÜêïíïò ôï 1941. Áðåöïßôçóå áðü ôçí ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôïõ Ðáíåðéóôçìßïõ Áèçíþí ôï 1943 êáé ôçí ßäéá ÷ñïíéÜ å÷åéñïôïíÞèåé Ðñåóâýôåñïò. Ãéá ôá åðüìåíá ôñéá ÷ñüíéá õðçñÝôçóå ùò óôñáôéùôéêüò éåñåýò êáé ôï 1946 ìåôáíÜóôåõóå óôéò ÇíùìÝíåò Ðïëéôåßåò. ÕðçñÝôçóå ùò åöçìÝñéïò óå ðïëëÝò êïéíüôçôåò êáé ìåôáîý 1951-1957 äßäáîå óôç ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý. ÐáñÜëëçëá óõíÝ÷éóå ôéò ìåôáðôõ÷éáêÝò ôïõ óðïõäÝò óôç ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôïõ Ðáíåðéóôçìßïõ ôçò Âïóôþíçò áð’ üðïõ êáé Ýëáâå ôï ðôõ÷ßï ÌÜóôåñ ôçò Èåïëïãßáò ôï 1957. ÅîåëÝãç ôéôïõëÜñéïò Åðßóêïðïò Áìöéðüëåùò ôï 1960 êáé ôïõ áíåôÝèåé ç üäãïç Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêÞ ðåñéöÝñåéá ìå Ýäñá ôç ÍÝá ÏñëåÜíç óôç ËïõúæéÜíá. Ôï ÍïÝìâñéï ôïõ 1965 ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÉÜêùâïò êÜëåóå ôïí Åðßóêïðï Óßëá íá õðçñåôÞóåé óôçí ðñþôç Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêÞ ðåñéöÝñåéá óôç ÍÝá Õüñêç, ùò âïçèüò Åðßóêïðïò. ÅîåëÝãç Åðßóêïðïò ÍÝáò ÉåñóÝçò óôéò 15 Ìáñôßïõ 1979 êáé ôïí ÉáíïõÜñéï ôïõ 1980 áíõøþèåé óå ôéôïõëÜñéï Ìçôñïðïëßôç. ÕðçñÝôçóå ùò ðñüåäñïò ôçò ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý áðü ôï 1987 Ýùò ôï 1989. Ôïí ÄåêÝìâñéï ôïõ 1996 åîåëÝãç áðü ôçí ÉåñÜ Óýíïäï ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÓáñÜíôá Åêêëçóéþí. Ï ìåôáóôÜò áðïëåßðåé ôïí áäåëöü ôïõ êáé ôçí íýöç ôïõ ÄçìÞôñéï êáé Êëáßñ ÊïóêéíÜ ìå ôïõò ïðïßïõò æïýóå, ôçí êüñç ôïõò Ìåëßíá êáé ôïí óýæõãü ôçò êáé óôçí ÅëëÜäá, ôïí áäåëöü ôïõ ÁíáóôÜóéï, ôçí áäåëöÞ ôïõ Óðõñéäïýëá, Ýíáí áíéøéü êáé ôñåßò áíéøéÝò. Ç íåêñþóéìç áêïëïõèßá åøÜëëåé ôï ÓÜââáôï 16 Äåêåìâñßïõ, óôïí Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ ÉùÜííç ôïõ Èåïëüãïõ óôï ÔÝíáöëáú ôçò ÍÝáò ÉåñóÝçò, áðü ôïí Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéï, ðáñïõóßá ðïëëþí Éåñáñ÷þí ôçò É. Åðáñ÷éáêÞò Óõíüäïõ êáé ðëÞèïõò êëÞñïõ êáé ëáïý. Ç ôáöÞ ôïõ ìåôáóôÜíôïò Ýãéíå óôçí ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý ôçí ÄåõôÝñá 18 Äåêåìâñßïõ, õðü ôïõ Ìçôñïðïëßôïõ ÁíÝùí ê. Ìåèïäßïõ.

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 19

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

Ç ÃÝííçóç ôïõ ×ñéóôïý êÝíôñï ôçò Ðáãêüóìéáò Éóôïñßáò ÁãáëëéÜóèù ïõñáíüò, ãç åõöñáéíÝóèù. ¼ôé åôÝ÷èç åðß ãçò, ï Áìíüò ôïõ Èåïý... çí ðáíáíèñþðéíç áãáëëßáóç ãéá ôçí ÃÝííçóç ôïõ ÓùôÞñïò ×ñéóôïý åêöñÜæåé ìå ôïí óôß÷ï áõôü ï éåñüò õìíùäüò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò ìáò. Ï ïõñáíüò êáé ç ãç êáé ïé Üããåëïé êáé ïé Üíèñùðïé ðñÝðåé íá ðáíçãõñßæïõí, äéüôé ï Èåüò «åí óáñêß åðÝöáíåí» êáé üôé êáé ôï ÓðÞëáéïí êáé ç öÜôíç êáé ïé ìÜãïé åî Áíáôïëþí, Üðáíôåò ðñïóöÝñïõí êáé ðñÝðåé íá ðñïóöÝñïõí äïîïëïãßá óôïí Êýñéï. Äéüôé Þëèåí ç «ðñïóäïêßá ôùí åèíþí», ï Éçóïýò ×ñéóôüò, ï ïðïßïò ìáò Ýóùóåí «åê ôçò äïõëåßáò ôïõ å÷èñïý», ðñïóèÝôåé ï ÉùÜííçò ï Ìïíá÷üò (8ïò áéþíáò).

T

ôïõ êáè. Ãåùñãßïõ ÌðåìðÞ

Ç ÃÝííçóç ôïõ Êõñßïõ áðïôåëåß ôï êÝíôñï ôçò ðáãêüóìéáò éóôïñßáò, ôçí áðáñ÷Þ ìéáò íÝáò æùÞò, ôçí åêðëÞñùóç êáé ôï ðëÞñùìá ôçò ðáíáíèñþðéíçò óùôçñßáò. ¸ôóé áéóèÜíïíôáé ôçí ÃÝííçóç ôïõ ÓùôÞñïò, ôçí æïõí êáé ôçí ðåñéãñÜöïõí ïé éåñïß ÅõáããåëéóôÝò, áëëÜ êáé ï èåßïò Áðüóôïëïò Ðáýëïò, ï ïðïßïò åðéãñáììáôéêÜ ëÝåé, «üôå äå Þëèå ôï ðëÞñùìá ôïõ ÷ñüíïõ, åîáðÝóôåéëåí ï Èåüò ôïí Õéüí áõôïý, ãåíüìåíïí åê ãõíáéêüò, ãåíüìåíïí õðü íüìïí, ßíá ôïõò õðü íüìïí åîáãïñÜóåé, ßíá ôçí õéïèåóßáí áðïëÜâùìåí» (Ãáë. 4, 4-7). íáíôéëÝêôùò, ôá ðÜíôá åß÷áí ðñïåôïéìáóèåß, ãéá ôçí Ýëåõóç ôïõ Ìåóóßá óôïí êüóìï. Ç ïëéêÞ åðéêñÜôçóç ôçò ÑùìáúêÞò åîïõóßáò êáé åéñÞíçò (Pax Romana), áëëÜ êáé ç ãåíéêÞ áíçóõ÷ßá êáé áðïãïÞôåõóç óôéò êáñäéÝò ôùí áíèñþðùí åðåóÞìáíå ðëÝïí, ôçí áíÜãêç ôçò åëåýóåùò ôïõ ÓùôÞñïò ×ñéóôïý. Ôï öëïãåñü ðíåýìá ôçò áíáìïíÞò êáé ëá÷ôÜñáò êáé ðñïóäïêßáò ôï ðåñéãñÜöåé, ùñáéüôáôá ï ÐñïöÞôçò ÇóáÀáò, ï ïðïßïò ëÝåé ôá åîÞò: «ðáéäßïí åãåííÞèç çìßí, õéüò, êáé åäüèç çìßí, ïõ ç áñ÷Þ åãåíÞèç åðß ôïõ þìïõ áõôïý, êáé êáëåßôáé ôï üíïìá áõôïý ìåãÜëçò âïõëÞò Üããåëïò, èáõìáóôüò óýìâïõëïò, Èåüò éó÷õñüò, åîïõóéáóôÞò, Üñ÷ùí åéñÞíçò, ðáôÞñ ôïõ ìÝëëïíôïò áéþíïò...» (Çó. 9, 6-7). Ï Üãéïò ÉùÜííçò ï ×ñõóüóôïìïò óôç äåýôåñç ïìéëßá ôïõ ãéá ôçí ÃÝííçóç ôïõ ÓùôÞñïò ðåñéãñÜöåé ôá áéóèÞìáôÜ ôïõ ãéá ôçí áðïêáôÜóôáóç, èá ëÝãáìå, ôçò ó÷Ýóåùò Èåïý êáé áíèñþðïõ óôï ÓðÞëáéï ôçò ÂçèëåÝì. «ÓÞìåñá, ëïéðüí, ëýèçêáí ôá ìáêñï÷ñüíéá äåóìÜ, íôñïðéÜóôçêå ï äéÜâïëïò, ïé äáßìïíåò åêäéþ÷èçêáí, êáôáñãÞèçêå ï èÜíáôïò, áíïß÷èçêáí ïé ðýëåò ôïõ Ðáñáäåßóïõ, åîáöáíßóôçêå ç êáôÜñá, áðïìáêñýíèçêå ç áìáñôßá, ç ðëÜíç êáôáñãÞèçêå, ç áëÞèåéá åðáíÞëèå êáé äéáäüèçêå ôï êÞñõãìá ôçò åõóåâåßáò ðáíôïý. Ç âáóéëåßá ôùí ïõñáíþí ìåôáöõôåýôçêå óôç ãç, ïé Üããåëïé åðéêïéíùíïýí ìå ôïõò áíèñþðïõò êáé ïé Üíèñùðïé ÷ùñßò öüâï óõíïìéëïýí ìå ôïõò áããÝëïõò». »ÁëëÜ ãéáôß óõìâáßíïõí áõôÜ; ÅðåéäÞ êáôÝâçêå ï Èåüò óôç ãç êáé ï Üíèñùðïò áíÝâçêå óôïõò ïõñáíïýò. Ôá ðÜíôá Þëèáí óå óôåíÞ åðéêïéíùíßá. ¹ëèå ëïéðüí ï Èåüò óôç ãç, åíþ Þôáí áðïêëåéóôéêÜ óôïí ïõñáíü. Åíþ åßíáé ïëüêëçñïò óôïí ïõñáíü, åßíáé ïëüêëçñïò êáé óôç ãç. ¹ôáí Èåüò êáé Ýãéíå Üíèñùðïò, ÷ùñßò íá ðáýóåé íá åßíáé Èåüò. Åíþ Þôáí Ëüãïò ðïõ äåí åðéäÝ÷åôáé ìåôáâïëÞ, Ýëáâå áíèñþðéíç ìïñöÞ, Ýãéíå Üíèñùðïò ãéá íá êáôïéêÞóåé ìÝóá óôïõò áíèñþðïõò. Äåí Ýãéíå ëïéðüí Èåüò áñãüôåñá áëëÜ Þôáí åî’ áñ÷Þò. Ãé’ áõôü óáñêþèçêå, ãéá íá äå÷èåß ç öÜôíç Åêåßíïí ðïõ äåí ÷ùñïýóå ï ïõñáíüò. Ãé’ áõôü ôïðïèåôÞèçêå óôç öÜôíç, ãéá íá ëÜâåé ðáéäéêÞ ôñïöÞ áðü ìçôÝñá ÐáñèÝíïí. Åêåßíïò ðïõ ðñïíïåß ãéá ïëüêëçñï ôï óýìðáí. Ãé’ áõôü ï Äçìéïõñãüò ôïõ ìÝëëïíôïò áéþíïò áíÝ÷åôáé íá êñáôçèåß ùò âñÝöïò ðïõ èçëÜæåé óôçí áãêáëéÜ ôçò ÐáñèÝíïõ, ãéá íá ìðïñÝóïõí íá ôïí ðëçóéÜóïõí ïé ìÜãïé. Ãéáôß óÞìåñá Þñèáí êáé ïé ìÜãïé, áöïý áðïöÜóéóáí íá áðáñíçèïýí ôçí åîïõóßá ôïõ ÓáôáíÜ. ÓÞìåñá íéþèåé êé’ ï ïõñáíüò õðåñçöÜíåéá ìå ôï íá äåß÷íåé ìå ôï áóôÝñé ôïí Êýñéïí ôïõ...» (Ìåôáöñ. Åõáãã. Ã. Êáñáâïýíç. åêä. Áðïóôïë. Äéáêïíßáò, Íï. 2. ó. 43). Üãéïò ÉùÜííçò ï ×ñõóüóôïìïò óå ïëüêëçñç áõôÞ ôçí ðáñÜãñáöï, ìå ñùìáëåüôçôá êáé ìå áîéïèáýìáóôç óõíôïìßá êáé áêñßâåéá ðåñéãñÜöåé ôçí éóôïñéêÞ ðñáãìáôéêüôçôá, ôçí ÷ñéóôïëïãéêÞ äéäáóêáëßá, ôçí óùôçñéïëïãéêÞ åìâÝëåéá ôïõ áóýëëõðôïõ ãåãïíüôïò ôçò Èåßáò ÅíáíèñùðÞóåùò. Ïé Üãéïé ÅõáããåëéóôÝò êáé ïé Üãéïé Áðüóôïëïé êáé ïé ÐáôÝñåò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò åîÝöñáóáí ðïëëÝò öïñÝò, ôïí èáõìáóìü ôùí óôï ìÝãá ãåãïíüò ôçò ôïõ ×ñéóôïý ÃåííÞóåùò. ÅðéðëÝïí ï Üãéïò ÉùÜííçò ï ×ñõóïóôüìïò ðÜëé áðïêáëåß ôçí Èåßá ÃÝííçóç «ÐáñÜäïîïí êáé ðáñÜîåíïí ÌõóôÞñéïí». Óå ìéá Üëëç ÐáôåñéêÞ ïìéëßá, ç ïðïßá áðïäßäåôáé óôïí Üãéï ÁèáíÜóéï, ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Áëåîáíäñåßáò ôïí 4ï áéþíá, êáé ç ïðïßá åðéóõíÜðôåé

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ôï üëï ðáôåñéêü öñüíçìá ï éåñüò óõããñáöÝáò ãñÜöåé üôé ç ÃÝííçóç ôïõ ÓùôÞñïò åßíáé «ÌõóôÞñéï ðáñÜîåíïí». Äéüôé ï Þëéïò ôçò Äéêáéïóýíçò çèÝëçóå êáé áðåöÜóéóåí íá êáôÝëèåé óôç ãç, íá åéóÝëèåé óôçí ÐáñèÝíïí Ìáñßá êáé åãÝíåôï Üíèñùðïò, ÷ùñßò íá ðáýóåé íá åßíáé ôáõôï÷ñüíùò êáé Èåüò (Migne, PG. Óô. 960). ÁëëÜ ðÝñáí ôïõ ãíçóßïõ èáõìáóìïý, ôïí ïðïßïí ïé ÐáôÝñåò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò áéóèÜíïíôáé ãéá ôçí Èåßá ÃÝííçóç, åãíþñéæáí êÜëëéóôá üôé þöåéëáí íá ôçí ðåñéãñÜøïõí ìå áêñßâåéá, óïâáñüôçôá, óõíÝðåéá êáé ïñèüôçôá. Üãéïò ÁèáíÜóéïò óôçí ðñáãìáôåßá ôïõ ðåñß ôçò Óõíüäïõ ôçò Íßêáéáò ôï 325, ìáò äéÝóùóå ïëüêëçñï ôï Óýìâïëï ôçò áãßáò êáé ìåãÜëçò êáé ÏéêïõìåíéêÞò áõôÞò Óõíüäïõ, ôï ïðïßï áðïôåëåß áñéóôïýñãçìá óáöÞíåéáò êáé ðßóôåùò êáé èåßáò åìðíåýóåùò. Ç ðáñÜãñáöïò ãéá ôïí Õéüí êáé ôçí ãÝííçóç áõôïý Ý÷åé ùò åîÞò óå ìåôÜöñáóç: «...Êáé åéò ¸íá Êýñéïí Éçóïýí ×ñéóôüí, ôïí Õéüí ôïõ Èåïý, ï ïðïßïò åãåííÞèç ìïíïãåíÞò åê ôïõ Ðáôñüò, äçëáäÞ åê ôçò ïõóßáò ôïõ Ðáôñüò. Èåüí åê Èåïý, Öùò åê Öùôüò, Èåüí áëçèéíüí åê Èåïý áëçèéíïý, ï ïðïßïò åãåííÞèç êáé äåí åäçìéïõñãÞèç, åßíáé ïìïïýóéïò ðñïò ôïí ÐáôÝñá, äé’ áõôïý äå ôïõ Õéïý Ýãéíáí üëá, êáé ôá ïõñÜíéá êáé ôá åðßãåéá. Áõôüò ï çìÜò ôïõò áíèñþðïõò êáé äéÜ ôçí óùôçñßáí ìáò êáôÞëèåí êáé åóáñêþèç, åíçíèñþðçóåí, Ýðáèå êáé áíåóôÞèç ôçí ôñßôç çìÝñáí, áíÞëèåí åéò ôïõò ïõñáíïýò êáé èá êñßíåé æþíôáò êáé íåêñïýò...». Âåâáßùò óôçí ´ ÏéêïõìåíéêÞ Óýíïäï óôçí Êùíóôáíôéíïýðïëç ôï 381, ôï õðÝñï÷ï áõôü óýìâïëï õðÝóôç ïñéóìÝíåò áëëáãÝò êáé ðñïóèÝóåéò êáé åßíáé áõôü ôï ïðïßï ðéóôåýïõìå êáé äéáêçñýôôïõìå óôéò åêêëçóßåò ìáò, êáôÜ ôéò éåñÝò ìáò áêïëïõèßåò, óõíå÷þò, ìå ôéò êáñäéÝò ìáò öëåãüìåíåò êáé ìå ôçí óêÝøç ìáò êáôáöþôéóôç êáé ôçí øõ÷Þ ìáò ãåìÜôç áãáëëßáóç, êáé ôçí ÷åßñáí èõìéÜæïõóá, äéüôé ï Êýñéïò åßíáé ç æùÞ ìáò, ç ßäéá ìáò ç áíáðíïÞ. «Ôïí ×ñéóôüí áåß áíáðíÝåôå» ëÝãåé ï Üãéïò Áíôþíéïò (Âßïò áãßïõ Áíôùíßïõ, êåö. 91) óå üëïõò ïé ïðïßïé èÝëïõí íá æïõí ôçí êáôÜ ×ñéóôüí æùÞ. Ï Üãéïò Óõìåþí ï íÝïò Èåïëüãïò ôïí 11ï áéþíá áðïäßäåé ùñáéüôáôá êáé åêöñáóôéêÜ ïíüìáôá ãéá ôïí Éçóïý ×ñéóôü. Ï ×ñéóôüò ãñÜöåé åßíáé ãíþóç, óïößá, ëüãïò. Öùò, ëÜìøç, ïìïéüôçôá, èåùñßá êáé åðßãíùóç. Êáé ðùò èá ðëçóéÜóïõìå êáé èá æÞóïõìå ôïí ×ñéóôü ùò áëçèéíïß ×ñéóôéáíïß; Ï Üãéïò Óõìåþí Ý÷åé ôçí áðÜíôçóç. Ìå ôçí ìåôÜíïéá, ôçí ôáðåßíùóç, åñãáóßá ôùí åíôïëþí ôïõ êáé äÜêñõá (Çè. Ëüãïé, 3, 310-312 êáé 9, 463-482). çí ðßóôç êáé áöïóßùóç ôçò Åêêëçóßáò óôïí ÃåííçèÝíôá ×ñéóôü ôçí åêöñÜæåé áêüìç åðéôõ÷Ýóôáôá ï åõëáâÞò Åðßóêïðïò Äéïêëåßáò ÊÜëëéóôïò, üôáí ãñÜöåé «üôé ï ×ñéóôüò åßíáé ÈåÜíèñùðïò, Èåüò êáé Üíèñùðïò, åí ôù áõôþ, Ýíá ìå ôïí ÐáôÝñá Èåüí, êáé êáè’ üëá Ýíá ìå åìÜò. ÁõôÞ ç óùôçñéïëïãéêÞ ðáñáäïîüôçò óõíéóôÜ ôçí êáñäéÜ ôçò ×ñéóôéáíéêÞò ìáò ðßóôåùò» (Áëçèþò Èåüò êáé áëçèþò Üíèñùðïò, åí 2000 ÌåôÜ, åêä. Áêñßôá, ó. 86). Êáé óõìðëçñþíåé ï ìáêáñéóôüò êáé ëáìðñüò Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Ñåèýìíçò êáé ÁõëïðïôÜìïõ êõñüò Ôßôïò, «Ï Ìüíïò ÖéëÜíèñùðïò ãåííÜôáé Üíèñùðïò. Êáé ðáñáìÝíåé Ýêôïôå ôçò éóôïñßáò ï Éçóïýò, ï ×ñéóôüò ôçò ðßóôåùò. Ï ÈåÜíèñùðïò. Ï ËõôñùôÞò ôïõ ãÝíïõò ôùí áíèñþðùí». Êáé óõíå÷ßæåé: «×ñéóôïðïéåßôáé óÞìåñïí ï ÷ñüíïò êáé ï ÷þñïò. Ï Ü÷ñïíïò êáé á÷þñçôïò ËõôñùôÞò äéáðëþíåôáé óôï äüãìá ôçò ðáíáãÜðçò Ôïõ, ôçí íõêôáõãßá ôùí ×ñéóôïõãÝííùí êáé åíáãêáëßæåôáé ôï óýìðáí...» (×ñéóôïý Åõùäßá, ó. 248). Åßìáóôå Ýôïéìïé åöÝôïò ôá ×ñéóôïýãåííá íá ãßíïõìå «óýóóùìïé» ìå ôïí ×ñéóôü; (Åöåó. 3. 6). Åßìáóôå Ýôïéìïé íá ïìïëïãÞóïõìå êáé óÞìåñá êáé áýñéï êáé ðÜíôïôå ôï ÐáíÜãéï üíïìÜ Ôïõ êáé íá ãßíùìåí «÷ñéóôïöüñïé» êáé «èåïöüñïé»; Åßìáóôå Ýôïéìïé íá äéáêçñýîïõìå ìáæß ìå ôïí ìïíá÷ü ÌÜîéìï ôïõ Áãßïõ ¼ñïõò (Éçóïýò ×ñéóôüò ï Êýñéïò ìáò, ó. 69), üôé ï Éçóïýò ×ñéóôüò åßíáé ç ìïíáäéêÞ óùôçñßá ôçò áíèñùðüôçôïò, åßíáé ï Êýñéïò ôçò Åêêëçóßáò, ï äßêáéïò, êáñäéïãíþóôçò êáé áíáëëïßùôïò Êýñéïò êáé ÊñéôÞò ôïõ êüóìïõ; Èá ìðïñÝóïõìå åðÜîéá íá ðëçóéÜóïõìå ôçí öÜôíç ôïõ íåïãåííçèÝíôïò ×ñéóôïý, êáé íá ãïíáôßóïõìå ìáæß ìå ôïõò åî ÁíáôïëÞò ìÜãïõò, ãéá íá ðñïóöÝñïõìå êáé åìåßò ôá äþñá ôçò êáñäéÜò ìáò, ôçí åõùäßá ôçò øõ÷Þò ìáò. Ôüôå ç åéñÞíç ôùí áããÝëùí, ôï Üóôñï ôïõ ïõñáíïý, ç ÷áñÜ ôïõ èåßïõ âñÝöïõò êáé ôçò Ðáíáãßáò ìçôñüò Ôïõ, èá êáôáóôïýí âßùìÜ ìáò êáé êáèçìåñéíÞ åìðåéñßá ìáò.

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Ï ê. Ãåþñãéïò Ó. ÌðåìðÞò åßíáé êáèçãçôÞò Ðáôñïëïãßáò, óôçí É. ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

PEOPLE Strong Support for Stewardship,Youth Programs th

40 anniversary honor Ascension Cathedral community of Oakland, Calif., celebrated the 40th anniversary of their dean, Fr. Thomas J. Paris, and his 65th birthday on Nov. 4. Among the nearly 600 in attendance included Metropolitan Anthony, presiding hierarch of the San Francisco Diocese, and Mayor Jerry Brown. Fr. Paris and Presbytera Vaso have five children, two of whom are also priests: Fr. Paul of St. Sophia in Los Angeles, and Fr. James of St. George in Bethesda, Md.

25th anniversary event Parrishioners of Dormition Church in Oakmont, Pa., honored their priest, the Very Rev. Polycarp Rameas on Sept. 24 for his 25 years’ service to the community. A native of Pittsburgh, he was tonsured a monk in 1965 and ordained in 1968. He served parishes in Watertown, N.., Wheeling, W.Va., Ainousa, Greece, and Jackson, Miss., before being assigned to Oakmont. He also has served two terms as president of the Pittsburgh Diocese clergy Syndesmos and received the Clergyman of the Year Award.

Earns master’s Fr. Aristotle W. Damaskos, associate pastor of Ascension Cathedral in Oakland, Calif., recently earned a master’s in pastoral counseling from Holy Name College in Oakland.

Fund-raising record Mike Manatos, son of Archdiocesan Council member Andrew Manatos of Washington, set a fund-raising record at the Make-A-Wish Foundation Triathalon in September with a total of $22,462 pledged. The Foundation helps children with life-threatening illness by fulfilling their wishes. More than 80 percent of his contributions came from Greek Americans.

Doctor retires Steven S. Demos MD, a Muskegon, Mich. cardiac surgeon, has retired after a lengthy career. He pioneered open-heart surgery in Muskegon in 1982. A lifelong member of Annunciation Church, he graduated from the University of Michigan School of Medicine and served as a medical officer during the Vietnam War before specializing in heart and thoracic surgery. He has been a member of AHEPA since 1967.

Helping academy Since September, Thomas Eliopoulos II, a Life Scout from Troop 25 of St. John the Theologian Church in Tenafly, N.J., has been working on his Eagle Scout project of helping to restore a former chapel at St. Basil Academy for use as a second place of worship. He welcomes any support and can be contacted at (201)573-8411.

Doctor honored The Hellenic American Medical and Dental Society of Southern California honored Dr. Michael J. Patzakis of San Marino, Calif., chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, with a testimonial dinner Nov. 4. Dr. Patzakis, a native of Ohio, is a lifetime member of St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles. He is considered a leader in the prevention and treatment of orthopedic infections.

his huge community northwest of Chicago offers programs and ministries to its parishioners from the very young to senior citizens.

Fr. Rallis notes, “We put the emphasis on ministries, starting with the youth.”

The parish’s youth programs begin with the HOPE program for ages 2-4.

From here, children progress through FAITH (ages 5-8), JOY (ages 9-12), and GOYA programs. All meet twice a month. The Young Adult League meets monthly.

St. John’s also has a strong educational program. Three schools educate children in the faith and their heritage.

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catechism class.

Other programs and ministries include pre-marital and pre-baptismal seminars, library and bookstore, and a prosforo-baking group that meets every Saturday.

Golden-agers, about 150 of them, meet monthly, as does the Men’s Club of about 60.

The church’s Outreach and Mission Committee supports various social service agencies in Des Plaines, a suburban city of about 54,000, including a food pantry, a nursing home, and programs for runaway children and abused women.

The Philoptochos chapter, with a membership of about 250, also is highly active carrying out its philanthropic mission locally and nationally. On Thanksgiv-

Fr. Rallis, a native of Greece who emigrated to the United States at age 25 and originally trained in maritime studies in England, conducts regular Sunday services mostly in English, with more Greek used on major feasts and during weekday liturgies.

Musical ministries consist of an adult and a children’s choir and some chanters.

Early days Fr. Rallis estimates that about 70 percent of his parishioners are American-born.

According to a parish history, the seed for the community was planted in October 1954 when a number of Greek Orthodox women living in

profile

Name: St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Location: Des Plaines, Ill. Diocese: Chicago Size: 1,245 individual stewards Founded: 1959 Clergy: Fr. John Rallis, proistamenos (Holy Cross ’89); Fr. John Ketchum, assistant (Holy Cross ’95) Noteworthy: efforts to establish a church begun by a women’s club.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday school, with about 220 kids, ing Day, members go to Chicago’s Annunmeets every Sunday from September ciation Cathedral to feed the hungry and, through May in its own chapel, the throughout the year, they offer support to Guardian Angel Chapel, where the chil- two major area hospitals.

In August, on the Feast Day of the dren have their own Divine Liturgy celebrated by Fr. Ketchum. They do the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, Outchanting, with most of the service done reach Committee members also take part in a feed-the-hungry program in downin English.

Greek school offers a choice of town Chicago. three programs: a weekly four-hour Worship services Saturday session from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The priests conduct two liturgies each with an enrollment of 180; a Friday Sunday and perform many weekday sernight conversational Greek class with vices take place throughout the year.

30 students enrolled; and an adult In addition to the main sanctuary, St. Greek class with 10 personsthat also John the Baptist Church has two chapels. meets Friday.

The smaller Chapel of the ResurrecParents of pre-schoolers have the tion serves as the baptistery and for choice of enrolling their children in two paraklesis services. The clergy also hear programs in the church’s confessions and meet with young Guardian Angel Child Developpeople in this chapel. ment Center: a Tuesday and The larger, Guardian Angel Thursday session for 3- and Chapel, is used for the parish’s sec4-year olds, and a MondayDES PLAINES ond Sunday Divine Liturgy during the Wednesday-Thursday sesschool year. During Holy Week, spesion for 4- and 5-year-olds. cifically Palm Sunday, Holy Friday and Enrollment is limited to Holy Saturday, the chapel converts about 30 because of space into a full church seating 700. limitations, Fr. Rallis said.

Holy Week presents a special chal“The programs focus on teachlenge.

Clergy officiate at 17 services ing the faith and heritage, sofrom the Saturday of Lazarus to the cialization and developing all Agape Service on Easter Sunday, which skills needed to enter kindergarare attended by an estimated 11,000 perten,” he said.

There are plenty of programs for sons, Fr. Rallis said.

During the week some 70 to 100 ushadults, too, including worship services and athletics program that includes lo- ers help keep things moving smoothly.

“We are known for the excellent orcal basketball tournaments and the Dioder kept by the ushers,” he said. “It’s a cese junior Olympics.

Presbytera Irene Rallis conducts a credit to the lay people and to the Church “Mary and Martha” fellowship gathering Services Committee.”

In addition to Frs. Rallis and Ketchum, for women every Wednesday morning.

Fr. E.M Lionikis, former pastor who retired There is a paraklesis service Thursday nights, followed by an Orthodox in 1996, and is now pastor emeritus, still offers his help throughout the year.

Chicago’s northwest suburbs responded to a local newspaper ad by Christine Demmie of Palatine. Fifteen women met in a private home and formed the Northwest Suburban Women’s Club for the purpose of founding a church and Sunday school.

At their second meeting, guest speaker Bishop Ezekiel of Nazianzos expressed his enthusiasm and encouragement and gave his blessings to their plans.

They held various fund-raisers, including dances, to begin a Sunday school and start a church.

In 1957, a Hellenic Men’s Club was founded and joined the women’s club in organizing the Sunday school, which opened its doors later that year at a Lions Club field house.

The community applied for a church charter in 1958, which the Archdiocese granted at the end of the year.

The first services took place the following April at an Episcopal Church hall.

In May, the parishioners of the new community, led by their first president, Constantine Stamis, purchased a Lutheran church for $29,500 near downtown Des Plaines. Fr. Philip J. Pekras, the first pastor, served for six years.

Membership soon reached 150 families and the Sunday school enrollment was 215.

Within a year, the community had outgrown its facilities and plans were made to establish a new church.

Parish leaders acquired a 5-acre site east of the city and established a building program. The new church, the present home of St. John the Bap-

page 23

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

R ETIRED CLERGY God’s Companions and Friends, the Retired Clergy by the Rev. C.N. Dombalis

A

s the Clergy-Laity Congress met in deliberation recently, convened in an upper room were the retired Greek Orthodox Clergy of our Archdiocese, dedicated priests, servants of the Gospel gathered to praise God and to offer the praise of the entire community of faith.

Our retired clergy have shared with our people across the years togetherness with God and our faithful have felt the strength to change and grow. Without their commitment, many Christian lives may have been less meaningful, our ways of feeling the presence of God less adequate, and our delight in our world less sure.

The elderly clergy in their active years proclaimed God’s word in the pulpit, in the sick room, in the classroom, in the office and have given our Orthodox Church communities a sense of integration rather than a sense of despair. They have given the Eucharist of Life to our children for the first time, to the dying for the last time, and every Sunday nourished the faithful and made meaningful the presence of God. In a broken world, divided by the absence of His Love and justice, they sought to reconcile through God’s forgiveness. They continue to pray unceasingly, counsel families, work for community harmony and protect life through the protection of the young, the abused, the disables, the elderly, and the dying, for in His Blesses Face no woe can remain.

In their retirement, they represent the

Orthodox Church, which shares the distinctive character of our Risen Lord. They love every creation of God, and never dismayed they continue to have insight into human frailty. They love their tasks with an often-overwhelming workload, unrealistic congregational expectations and family responsibilities. They often struggle to balance it all.

There are fewer priests available, for our Greek Orthodox Church in America, has grown beyond expectation. Our retired clergy volunteer and continue to serve as they assist their active fellow clergy in expanded congregations and celebrate the Liturgy in sparsely inhabited Orthodox communities. In their advanced years and declining health, our retired clergy are sustained by their spiritual lives.

They have know deep spiritual relationships in the Lord’s presence, for God has been nearer to them than anything they could see. They shared from generation to generation what they have received from Our Master. As they stood before God’s Altar, they discovered what they had been searching for far and wide. True happiness was found in God as they spoke with our Lord through prayer. They have experienced that God’s greatest gift is Himself, and their greatest gift to God is their being.

As their ranks thin with the passing of years, our retired clergy, earthen vessels, chipped and marred, continue to hold faithfully a precious treasure nonetheless.

Fr. Dombalis is dean emeritus of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Virginia

Like Father, Like Son

by Fr. Nicholas L. Vieron

A

man told his mother one Sunday morning, “Mother, I am not going to that church anymore and I have two good reasons. First, I feel as if I don’t love anyone there anymore and what is worse, I feel as if not one person at that church loves me anymore!”

The mother replied, “Son, you are going to that church and I am going to give you two good reasons why. First, you’re 58 years old, and second...you’re the pastor of that church!”

Well, none of our priests had to ever be told that by their mothers. In fact, just the opposite is true. Here is a story of two of them - a son and his dad.

Fr. James Greanias, who is 39 years old and pastor of St. Iakovos Church in Valparaiso, Ind., sent to the editor of the RCA Epistle, the Retired Clergy Association’s monthly newsletter for our retirees and 84 beloved widowed presbyteres, the following e-mail: “I am writing on behalf of my mother, Presbytera Harriet Greanias, who thoroughly enjoys and looks forward to receiving The Epistle.

“Receiving the newsletter of the retired clergy makes my mother feel vibrant and not forgotten by her Church that she and my late father served so diligently and with love.

“I’m not sure if you knew my dad. His name was Louis Greanias and he was a graduate of Pomfret, Class of 1946. I truly admire and honor the priests and presbyteres of my dad’s generation because I know first hand the many sacrifices they made so that our Church may be estab-

lished in this country. I also know that the salaries and benefits that our families and we young priests enjoy today are the result of the hard work, sweat and blood of those who laid the path for us in the past.

“When my father passed away in 1982 from lung cancer, he did not know of my desire to follow in his footsteps. At the time, neither did I, but it was the inspiration of his life and his love for the Church, even with the many difficulties, that awoke within me that which had remained dormant within me for so long - the desire to serve as a priest of Our Lord. I was also influenced by other senior priests, such as Fathers Byron Papanikolaou, Dennis Strouzas, Gabriel Karambis, William Chiganos, Jim Gordon, Evagoras Constantinides and several more.

I have so much to learn from their experience and wisdom.

“I am always honored when I am visited in my parish by a retired priest. I have so much to learn from their experience and wisdom.

I also know, that if my dad were alive today (he would be 79) I would want some young priest to honor his visit with a welcome of love and not a shrug of indifference. I truly do want to share my admiration to and for all of you who set the way for us.

The editor of the Epistle responded that he, from the Class of 1947, surely remembered with fond memories his dad Fr. Louis Greanias – who graduated just a year earlier. He also commented on Fr. Jim Greanias’ e-mail address: FrJimGoCubs@aol.com to which the following e-mail was forthcoming: “I, too, was at the Clergy-Laity and am

page 22

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION page 14 Redeemer. Thus, the entire Old Testament is aglow with vivid accounts of divine visitation through which the Almighty called, encouraged, rebuked and delivered His people.

The nativity of Christ, however, is much more than any previous visitation.

According to patristic literature, the incarnation, God’s most specific visitation, His bodily appearance, was always in God’s scheme. According to St. Athanasios, the Incarnation had a three-fold purpose “to reveal himself, to conquer death, and to restore life.”

Through Jesus, therefore, the overall restoration of His creation is accomplished and mankind is invited to return to their primordial home where everlasting communion with God is possible.

The Holy Fathers of the early Church unanimously observed this homecoming as the very essence of our salvation. “The Son of God became the Son of man,” writes St. Irenaeus, “that man might also become the son of God.” Gregory of Nazianzen insists, “that which is united with God is saved.” The birth of Christ, therefore, is indeed the beginning of our homecoming, our deification, our becoming god-like. St. John of Damascus once wrote that through the Incarnation, these things were accomplished at once; the assumption, the existence, and the deification of humanity by the Word.”

It should also be understood, however, that the Nativity was an assumption of human life, but not yet of human death.

Salvation is completed at Golgotha and not at Bethlehem.

However as a noted theologian once said, “Bethlehem is the inscape of Calvary

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

Like Father, Like Son as the snowflake is the inscape of the universe.” Our Lord’s earthly life, therefore, is an organic whole and should not be separated into disunited parts that we approach only through cognitive-lensed microscopes.

This is why the hymns of the church portray Bethlehem as the mystagogical link between heaven and earth.

Going home for Christmas? That is, are we truly responding to our homecoming instinct whenever we board the midnight rail or prepare the customary culinary holiday delight?

Do all our homecomings culminate at the traditional gift unwrapping ceremony or might we refocus our attention upon the Holy Altar where God’s gifts are truly mangered.

This is the challenge of going home for Christmas-Epiphany. It should not be reduced to a nostalgic spiritual escape but to a conscious response to our Lord’s special census which reconciles our fragmented human society and mystagogically creates a new social order. We are not called to live out some “homogenous theological principle” that keeps us in our insulated ghettos of political, economic or ethnic influence but to incarnate this new society, the Church, into the world around us, and to thereby prophetically challenge the existing order!

By sending His Son to a frail humanity, lifting it up to the incomparable prerogative of union with Himself, God dignified our human nature. “He raised us to the skies,” writes St. Clement of Alexandria, “transporting earth to heaven.” He called us home!

Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos is director of the Department of Religious Education and adjunct professor of religious education at Holy Cross School of Theology.

page 21 truly sorry our paths did not cross. As for my love for the Cubs, it teaches me great humility and patience, especially when the White Sox are doing so well!

Yes, I agree with you, Fr Vieron, sports have an important role in life. Like everything else, the game remains pure; it’s the players who sometimes mar it through greed. I, too, love sports!”

Fr Jim and Presbytera Stacy Greanias adopted a child from Russia; they named the little boy after his father - Elias (Louie) Demetrios.

“My wife and I adopted a little boy from St. Petersburg last year.

We named him Louie after my dad.

He is now 2 years old. When he grows up I will tell him that I’ll always understand anything he ever tells me and I will support him in everything, unless, that is, he comes home one day to tell me he is a White Sox fan! If he ever does that, then, he is on the first plane back to Russia!

“It was strange to call him Louie at first, but I do feel my dad’s presence in him. I truly learned the power of intercessory prayer through the experience of adoption, especially because I felt my dad at work from His Kingdom. On the day before we received the assignment for our son, our agency had told us that there would be no new assignments for at least three-four more months. This, of course, saddened my wife, Stacy, and me. We had already been waiting over a year and had to endure a lot of red tape.

On the day we received the assignment, I had gone to my dad’s grave (at the time I was the assistant priest in

Merrillville where my wife was one of the secretaries); as I lit a candle and said a prayer, I looked up at the heavens and asked my dad if he could do something for us by asking the Lord to get us our child.

“When I got back to the church I found my Presbytera all excited. She told me that only minutes earlier the agency called that a child, a boy, had just become available!

“To me it was no coincidence but even more proof that even in death one remains a priest forever! To make matters even more special, my mother had been praying throughout to St. Demetrios, her favorite saint and for whom I am named. And guess what? Our son’s name at the orphanage was.... Dmitri! So, the intercessions of prayer do work and today our son is Elias Demetrios, affectionately, little Louie.

“You members of the Retired Clergy Association are rendering such a beautiful ministry, especially to the widowed wives whose husbands left them only with their immediate family members.

Now they again have with them their “Extended Family” - the Church - thanks to you.

“Please know that my invitation to all our retirees is sincere. I would be honored to have you visit and celebrate the Liturgy with me. In the meantime, thank you again for your kindness in looking after mom.”

Write to: Fr Nicholas L. Vieron, RCA Epistle editor. Pastor Emeritus, Annunciation Church, 573 N. Highland Memphis, TN 38122 - (901) 323-9530 Email address: nlvieron@ixlmemphis.com

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 23

Metropolitan Silas Dies Dec. 12 page 1 the Archdiocese attended the funeral service held Dec. 16 at St. John the Theologian Cathedral in Tenafly, along with Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Iakovos, whose association with the Metropolitan dates to the early 1960s.

Archbishop Iakovos delivered the main eulogy in Greek, in which he referred to Metropolitan Silas as “a man who lived what he believed.”

Archbishop Demetrios called him “beloved, respected and unforgettable.”

“He distinguished himself as a celebrant, as a liturgist. He was always focused and directed to the liturgy.”

Fr. Alexander Leondis, New Jersey Diocese chancellor, also offering a eulogy, reflected on the Metropolitan’s close relationship with his parishioners and priests. “He nurtured his flock with love, understanding and wisdom,” said Fr. Leondis. “He always placed his flock above his own needs.

He also reflected God’s love for his priests and parishes. As a true father, he relished the company of his priests.”

After the funeral, Metropolitan Silas’ remains were taken to Brookline, Mass., where he lay in state at the HC/HC Chapel. Interment was on the school grounds Dec. 18.

Metropolitan Silas was elected bishop of New Jersey by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on March 15, 1979, and was enthroned April 5, 1979, at St. John the Theologian Cathedral. He was elevated to titular Metropolitan of New Jersey on Jan. 24, 1980, by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate and, on Oct. 15,1996, was elevated to the rank of full Metropolitan of Saranta Ecclesies, an ancient See in eastern Thrace. He was formerly titular Bishop of Amphipolis, first auxiliary bishop to Archbishop Iakovos.

Born Savas Koskinas on Dec. 27, 1919 on the island of Corfu, he graduated from the University of Athens Theological School in 1943, receiving a degree in Orthodox Theology.

He was ordained a deacon in 1941 and a priest in 1943, later serving as a chaplain in the Greek army.

He arrived in the United States in 1946 and served several parishes including St. George Church, Albuquerque, N.M.; St. Sophia Church, New London, Conn.; St. John the Baptist Church; Boston, and was dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral, Pittsburgh.

While in Boston, he taught at Holy Cross School of Theology from 1951-57.

He also attended Boston University School of Theology and received a master’s degree in sacred theology in 1957.

Following his consecration as titular Bishop of Amphipolis on Oct. 9, 1960, he was assigned to the newly created Diocese of the Eighth Archdiocesan District with his episcopal see in New Orleans.

In November 1965, Archbishop Iakovos named Bishop Silas to serve the First Archdiocesan District at Archdiocesan headquarters in New York.

In 1987, he was named president of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, a position he held until 1989, while continuing to serve as Metropolitan of New Jersey. Metropolitan Silas also served as chairman of the Archdiocesan Missions Program; and as a member of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, traveled to Romania, Russia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Hungary with an interfaith delegation.

He also served as chairman of the Orthodox-Roman Catholic Theological Dialogue and as vice president of Religion in American Life. (RIAL) He was honored

by National Conference of Christians and Jews, which awarded him its Gold Medallion “for courageous leadership in intercreedal relations.”

Metropolitan Silas is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Demetrios and Claire Koskinas of Scarsdale, with whom he lived; their daughter Melina and her husband, Quint Barker; and, in Greece, a brother, Anastasios, sister, Spyridoula, a nephew and three nieces.

INTERFAITH MARRIAGE page 9 partners work through negative feelings and thoughts that might undermine family members religious and spiritual development.

Children’s Cultural Development Lingering hurt feelings related to children’s cultural development could be unhealthy for a couple’s marriage and their children’s development. Finding ways of addressing hurt feelings can be challenging. Failure to assuage hurt feelings could be detrimental to marital and family religious well-being. The following remarks form one of the participants from the IRP reinforce these observations.

“Steve comes from a mixed background.

So he doesn’t have any real attachment to

his ethnic roots. I’m from Greece, and have a deep attachment to my background. It’s also been important to me that our children identify with their Greek heritage.

Steve has never really prevented me from doing this, but he’s also never really supported the idea. This issue has caused some tension and problems for us for time to time. I fear that these arguments have had an ill effect on our children’s cultural development.”

Couples who come from different religious and cultural backgrounds should expect to encounter some challenges and potential pitfalls when they begin thinking about starting a family. A familiarity with these challenges and potential pitfalls, together with a strong and abiding faith in God, can positively enhance marital and family well-being.

PARISH PROFILE page 20 tist Church, opened in September 1964.

An educational and cultural building was dedicated in January 1965, but Fr. Rallis said the parish has outgrown that facility and hopes to construct a larger edifice.

Membership reached 840 by 1968, as many Greek Orthodox moved to the area from the older communities in Chicago proper.

In the 1970s, the parish completed a major iconography project and also embarked on the Fair Share Stewardship Program. Since then, the community adopted total stewardship, which now funds about 60 percent of the church’s $700,000 bud-

get. Other fund-raisers involving festivals and raffles were abandoned. Remaining income sources include donations, the educational ministries and candle offerings.

In the 1980s, the Golden Agers were founded and the parish overcame two major floods in 1986 and 1987 that caused more than $100,000 damage.

Commenting on his ministry and experience at St. John the Baptist, Fr. Rallis commented, “I have found tremendous support from the people and their response in the ministries. It’s a parish that wants, thirsts to learn. By God’s grace, I hope it will continue doing God’s work.”

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PAGE 24

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

DIOCESE Senior Citizens Center Opens

Monument Unveiled Honoring Bishop Aimilianos

JAMAICA, N.Y. — Members of St. Demetrios Church recently opened a center to serve the elderly of central Queens and beyond. “It’s the first and only senior citizens center in America sponsored by a Greek Orthodox church,” said Fr. Nicholas Soteropoulos, head priest of the parish and the facility’s director.

THE SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER on the day of the opening.

The Hellenic Senior Citizens Center of Jamaica occupies a former commercial building on Parsons Blvd, a main thoroughfare a block from the church com-

plex. The facility was dedicated Sept. 23, when Archdiocese chancellor Fr. Savas Zembillas, representing Archbishop Demetrios who was unable to attend, con-

D. Panagos

ducted a blessing service.

The center offers fellowship and many activities. Every weekday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the seniors drop in at the facility to visit with friends, have lunch, exercise, attend lectures on financial management and other topics, take part in musical programs, or watch TV and videos.

Orthodox Observer

Orthodox Observer

FR. SOTEROPOULOS leads a group of the senior citizens in singing the hymn of St. Demetrios, Megan Evraton

Community Center Dedicated in Connecticut

DOROTHY KATOPIS, Fr. Diacovasilis and Greg Nodaros help keep everyone happy at the center.

There are presently some 126 members, Fr. Soteropoulos said. Membership is open to any Greek Orthodox senior citizen and the annual cost is $10. He said the center must be self-sustaining and welcomes donations.

Along with Fr. Soteropoulos, who pays a daily visit as part of his ministry, members are served by center coordinator Dorothy Katopis, St. Demetrios Parish Council President Greg Nodaros and Fr. Taso Diacovasilis who, though officially retired, assists with Sunday services and other activities at the church and comes to the center to hold poetry readings, tell stories and lead sing-a-longs.

The Hellenic Senior Citizens Center is located at 83-12A Parsons Blvd., Jamaica, N.Y. 11432. Telephone, (718) 739-0549.

Denver YAL Organizing Archdiocesan Conference NEW COMMUNITY center of Holy Trinity Church in Connecticut

DANIELSON, Conn. – Metropolitan Methodios recently celebrated the dedication of a new Hellenic community center for Holy Trinity parish in eastern Connecticut, assisted by Fr. Nick Milas, pastor, and other area clergy.

More than 200 parishioners, donors, families and guests attended the ceremony. After the Metropolitan cut the ribbon, the congregants entered the facility.

“You have seeded the future of this parish with this beautiful center,” Metro-

politan Methodios told the gathering. “I want to thank you for being an exemplary community who has come together and presented Greek Orthodoxy with this wonderful jewel.”

The lower level of the building is still undergoing construction of classrooms for religious and Greek language instruction, and meeting rooms.

In 1996, Metropolitan Methodios and Fr. Milas officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the center.

DENVER — Preparations are under way for the 19th annual national YAL Conference to be held July 5-9, 2001.

Metropolitan Isaiah is eager to welcome young adults from throughout the country to the beautiful Rocky Mountain West.

The Denver area YAL is planning a conference schedule that will include speakers, social gatherings, mission activities and recreation in scenic surroundings.

Conference information can be found at: www.yal2001.org.

WASHINGTON — A monument celebrating the life and work of Bishop Aimilianos Laloussis was unveiled and sanctified Oct. 22 at the park that bears his name across the street from St. Sophia Cathedral.

The Very Rev. J. Gabriel Karambis of the Archdiocese represented Archbishop Demetrios at the ceremony.

Fr. Laloussis served St. Sophia as pastor and dean from 1934 to 1960, when he was ordained as Bishop of Harioupolis.

He then served the dioceses of Chicago and Charlotte-Atlanta until retiring in l973.

He resided in Washington and New York until his passing in l992.

One of the inscriptions on the foursided inscribed monument best describes why Fr. Laloussis has remained in the hearts of his parishioners: Bishop Laloussis was a devoted clergyman Who called forth the best in his parishioners, A dynamic teacher who illuminated the path And mission of his faith and a revered leader who, By example, inspired humility, piety and love.

Devoted parishioners adopted the park property in l986 from the city’s Adopt-a-Park Program and the Bishop Laloussis Foundation was formed for the development and perpetual care of the park.

In l998, the City Council, with the consent of Congress, designated the space as The Bishop Aimilianos Laloussis Park, the only public place in the metropolitan area that pays tribute to our heritage and faith.

The Bishop Laloussis Foundation relies solely on individual contributions for its funding; its office is located at 6916 Granby St., Bethesda, Md. 20817.

Chicago Church Holds Retreat CHICAGO – St. Basil parish held a Christmas retreat Dec. 2 on the theme ‘A Christmas Tree’ a wonderful Christian symbol.”

The first presentation was made by Fr. Chrysostom Mezilson, a monk, from Thebes Greece. His topic was “Eternity.”

Fr. Chrysostom spoke about sensitivity to salvation and the concept of eternity as our main goal in life.

The family then broke bread together with a Lenten meal. The younger children then went to the church to discuss the Nativity icon and each character’s meaning. This wonderful and lively discussion was directed by Mark Nicholas Contrearas, iconographer, and Louis Pappas, lay assistant to Fr. Chris Kerhulas, pastor.

The adults stayed in the church hall and watched the new video on the life of St. Nicholas the wonderworker. The final presentation: “The Decorating of the Tree” was presented by Fr. Milton Gianoulis, a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy.

The electricity, as Fr. Chris plugged in the tree on the solea, represents God Himself who gives the power of life. The tree was being decorated by Fr. Chris, Louis Pappas and Peter Sarolas as each theme was presented.

A discussion and closing prayer followed. Fr. Chris ended the retreat by giving participants an icon of the Nativity for their Christmas trees.

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

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ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 25

DIOCESE

New M ission Planted in Rural Washington

by Clifford Argue

WALLA WALLA, Wash. - The former living room of a large home on a tree-lined street in this small agricultural and college community (population 27,000) in the remote southeast corner of Washington state is filled with incense, icons, Orthodox chanting, and many faithful worshipers.

There is little evidence on the outside that it is the temporary chapel of the newest mission parish of the Diocese of San Francisco.

Inside, however, one is transported into a remarkable manifestation of the growth of Orthodoxy in America. The mission, with St. Silouan the Athonite as its patron, was planted here by Fr. Seraphim Bell and several families from his former parish in California less than two years ago.

Metropolitan Anthony, presiding hierarch of the diocese, expressed his pleasure at the "establishment of another eucharistic community," during pastoral visits to the community last summer and again more recently on the eve of feast day of St. Silouan.

He commended Fr. Seraphim, Deacon Timothy Read, and their co-workers on what they had accomplished in such a short period of time, growing from 15 members at the first service in January 1999 to 65 members currently. Nearly all of the parishioners are converts to Orthodoxy, and there are also several potential new members attending services regularly.

"This is mission work in its true form," the Metropolitan stated. "The efforts here can be a model for us elsewhere in the diocese."

Fr. Seraphim and his parishioners are making a significant impact on community where Orthodoxy was for the most part unknown, except for isolated faithful scattered in the area. Until now, the closest Orthodox presence has been a mission parish in Pasco, Wash., about an hour’s drive.

Originally under the Orthodox Church in America, Fr. Seraphim and his congregation were received into the San Francisco Diocese of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America late last year. The Diocese Commission for Orthodox Missions and Evangelism (COME) is providing oversight and guidance to the new community. COME President Catherine Lingas of Portland and Secretary Cliff Ar-

C.T. Argue

METROPOLITAN ANTHONY – presiding hierarch of the Diocese of San Francisco, presents the ChiRho award to three Webelos Scouts. (l to r) Christopher Themelis, Nicholas Karambelas and Peter Themelis. The ceremony took place after the liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Mission in Kenmore, Wash. At left is Deacon Tom Tsagalakis and, at right, is Fr. Michael Johnson, mission pastor.

gue of Seattle joined the Metropolitan on visits to Walla Walla. Fr. Theodore Dorrance of St. John the Baptist Church in Portland and a COME Board member has also been involved.

A native of California, Fr. Seraphim grew up in the Presbyterian Church. He graduated from California State at San Luis Obispo, received a Masters from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena and a Ph.D. at Kings College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

He served as a Presbyterian pastor in Scotland and California and taught New Testament and Theology at several seminaries. After converting to Orthodoxy, he studied at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Mass.

In 1989, he left the Presbyterian denomination, moved to San Jose, Calif., and planted a new church, the Vineyard Christian Fellowship. It started with eight people in his living room and in two years grew to 300 people.

"After a couple of years, I learned that two of my closest friends were investigating the Orthodox faith," Fr. Seraphim noted. "Being upset about this, I determined to learn everything I could about Orthodoxy in order to prove to them the error of that faith. I began an intensive study coupled with meetings with local

Orthodox priests and attendance at many Orthodox services."

"Though I was not at all happy with the outcome, I came to believe that the Orthodox Church was truly the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Out of obedience to the truth that God had shown me, I must become a member of the Church."

Fr. Seraphim shared what he had learned with leaders of his congregation, and they, too, began a study.

In the end, some 120 decided to join him. Fr. Seraphim was ordained in 1993 as an Orthodox priest in the Antiochian Archdiocese and the members were received into Orthodoxy, forming the St. Stephen's Orthodox Church in San Jose. The parish grew to over 300 people by the time Fr. Serpahim departed for a year's sabbatical in Thessaloniki, Greece in 1996. His book "Discovering The Rich Heritage of Orthodoxy" was published by Light and Life.

Soon after his return, Fr. Seraphim and his wife, Presbytera Marilyn, daughter, Melissa, and sons Matthew and Michael, along with several of his spiritual children moved to Walla Walla. That was in July 1998. Eventually some 25 of his California parishioners moved north to form the nucleus of the new mission. Several of them were employed in the Silicon

Valley computer industry and others in health care, making it easy to find similar jobs in Walla Walla.

"We were looking for a small town or city in which we could establish an Orthodox community and where we could live near to one another and to the church," Fr. Seraphim explained. "Walla Walla is a beautiful small city, a good place to raise families. With three colleges, it has many amenities, but few of the distractions of larger cities so we are able to focus our lives within the church."

At first, Fr. Seraphim served regularly on weekends and major feast days at the St. John the Forerunner Monastery in Goldendale, Wash., while conducting inquirers classes and catechisms in Walla Walla. Services began in Walla Walla in January 1999.

The parish now has daily services of Orthros and Vespers, and the Divine Liturgy is served three to four times per week.

The community has developed from within its shared liturgical life. The members gather in casual fellowship after services and have brunch together every Sunday.

Among the members of the community is a recent convert, Innocent Philo, who is one of the foremost specialists in casting bronze in the Northwest. He has turned his skills to iconography, woodcarving, and casting bells for Orthodox churches, several of which are being made for monasteries in the diocese.

The parish continues to grow through an active outreach program. A number of former Presbyterians and even some Seventh Day Adventists are showing interest in Orthodoxy.

Having outgrown the house chapel, the parish purchased 13 acres of property just outside of town, and plans to erect a Byzantine-style church in the new year.

Christ Kamages, president of EKONA Architecture and Planning of San Francisco, is preparing initial concept designs. Fr. Seraphim observed that this authentic Orthodox temple "will stand as a witness to the Faith, and together with vibrant, beautiful worship, serve to draw even more people to Orthodoxy."

St. Silouan the Athonite Greek Orthodox Mission is located at 601 South Park, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Telephone (Chapel) 509-526-7254 (Fr. Seraphim) 509529-0306; e-mail seraphim@innw.net)

M i n n e s o t a C h u r c h Ce l e b rat e s Ce n t e n n i a l MINNEAPOLIS – St. Mary’s Church has completed the observance of its centennial year with numerous festive activities throughout the year.

Last January, parishioners opened a time capsule that was buried when the present church building was completed in 1956.

Other events included the following: Married couples renewed their marriage vows in February and received a special blessing. A wedding cake was served during coffee hour.

In March, godparents and their godchildren received special blessings on Godparents’ Sunday. Baptismal medals were presented.

Easter lamb dinner was served after Liturgy the Sunday after Easter in April.

In August, a two-day centennial festi-

PARISHIONERS OF St. Mary’s Church with church in background.

val took place on the shores of Lake Calhoun, adjacent to the church. A grand banquet also took place in August.

Apple Pie Sunday was celebrated the Sunday of Thanksgiving week.

Other events associated with the centennial included the publication of a book highlighting the history of St. Mary’s first 100 years.

Fr. Anthony Coniaris, pastor emeritus, narrated a video on the church’s history.

A group from the church attended a special vesper service at St. Panteleimon Russian Orthodox Church, which occupies St. Mary’s original church building.

On Aug. 27, a groundbreaking ceremony took place for the construction of a new wing for the community’s social hall.

The centennial year ended with the placement of a new time capsule on Dec. 31.

PAGE 26

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

OCMC Sets Mission Team Dates ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The Orthodox Christian Mission Center has scheduled the dates for the Orthodox Mission Teams it will sponsor in 2001.

These teams will assist Orthodox communities with various projects around the world. Mission teams will travel to Alaska, Albania, Brazil, Cameroon, Guatemala, India, and Romania.

The Alaska Orthodox Mission Team will go to remote villages on the Yukon River offering seminars and retreats on the Church and Faith.

The team will participate in the annual Yukon Youth Camp, and be accompanied by local priests and counterpart team from within the diocese. This eightmember team will travel from July 21 though Aug. 11, 2001.

The Albania Orthodox Mission Team will visit three different regions of Albania offering catechism through preaching and small group outreach. The Team will be accompanied by Albanian seminarians, and will help encourage local communities in the Faith. The small six-member group will travel in Albania from May 26 through June 21, 2001.

The Brazil Orthodox Mission Team has been invited by Bishop Jeremias of Curitiba to help build a small seminary at the Diocese Center in Curitiba. The team will also visit and witness to various communities within the diocese. The 10-member team will work together from June 29 through July 23, 2001.

The Cameroon Orthodox Mission Team, co-sponsored by Metropolitan Anthony of the Diocese of San Francisco, will help build St. Dimitrios Orthodox Church in

Ebolowa, Cameroon (150 km from Yaounde), West Africa. This 10-member team will work June 29 through July 23, 2001.

The Guatemala Orthodox Mission Teams will continue offering assistance through with various projects at the Hogar Rafael Ayau orphanage in Guatemala City.

Work will involve youth ministry, teaching, outreach and other projects. Teams of twelve will travel June 7 through June 29, and July 26 through Aug. 17, 2001.

The India Orthodox Mission Team will lead seminars and offer catechism on the Orthodox Faith; assist with daily mission and medical outreach to needy children and adults; and projects at the Orthodox orphanage just outside Calcutta.

This six-member team will assist in Calcutta from Aug. 16 through Sept. 8, 2001.

The Romania Orthodox Mission Team will assist OCMC missionaries by traveling to remote communities in the Diocese of Cluj and offering youth camps and seminars.

The team is to be accompanied by local priests and a counterpart team of Romanian seminarians. The eight-member group will travel from July 16 through Aug. 7, 2001.

If you want to join one of these teams, contact the Project Coordinator at the Orthodox Christian Mission Center for more information on the 2001 Mission Team projects. Updated information, including a mission teams application, is available online at http://www.ocmc.org/shortterm/.

You can also contact the Mission Center by telephone: (904) 829-5132, by fax: (904) 829-1635 or by mail: OCMC • PO Box 4319 • St. Augustine, FL 32085-4319.

IOCC, Orthodox Youth,Team Up for ‘Souper Bowl’ BALTIMORE - For the third consecutive year, Orthodox parishes across the country will join in a nationwide campaign to help many philanthropic organizations, including International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).

Youth groups will collect canned goods and money in their parishes during the “Souper Bowl of Caring” on Super Bowl Sunday, Jan. 28.

That Sunday, parishioners are asked to give one dollar and a canned good to help hungry and hurting people. Young people will collect donations in soup pots, then will decide where to donate the items and the money collected.

The Souper Bowl of Caring expects 14,000 churches to participate this year, collectively donating an estimated $4 million to worthy organizations nationally.

Souper Bowl presents young people an opportunity to practice their Christian Orthodox faith, to extend a helping hand

to those in need within their own communities and, through support of the IOCC, to the hungry and suffering worldwide,” says Archbishop Demetrios, in his capacity of chairman of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), under which IOCC was organized. “Certainly such a project is blessed by God.” After donations are counted, parishes call 1-800-358 SOUP or contact www.souperbowl.com to report the amount collected.

Collections from Orthodox Christians will be added to the national total. The youth then deliver the canned goods to a local charity and mail the funds to an organization such as IOCC. Contact: Mark Hodde, International Orthodox Christian Charities, 110 West Road, Suite 360, Baltimore, MD 21204; Tel: (410) 243 9820, Fax: (410) 243 9824, e-mail: publicrelations@iocc.org

Miami Cathedral Supports OCMC Teams MIAMI – Since 1987, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center has fielded teams in its efforts to support churches around the world.

A few years ago, OCMC began send-

IOCC Relocates Office The International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) office in Baltimore has relocated. The new address is: International Orthodox Christian Charities, 110 West Road; Suite 360; Baltimore, MD 21204 U.S.A. Tel.: (410) 243-9820 Fax: (410) 243-9824; E-mail: relief@iocc.org

ing mission teams to the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage, an Orthodox facility in Guatemala City.

St. Sophia Cathedral parish and the Very Rev. Stavroforos Mamaies have sponsored three teams, providing meals and helping to prepare them for their spiritual experience. A local hotel provides accommodations and transportation.

Mission team members attend orientation meetings and services at the cathedral before leaving for their short-term assignment to Guatemala.

For more information about mission teams, call the OCMC at 904-829-5132.

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

ALBANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH GIVES $1.36 M to Refugees, Rebuilds 8 Schools

by Penny Panagiota Deligiannis

TIRANA, Albania — The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania’s social, development and relief office, Diaconia Agapes, is currently completing the successful implementation of a $1.36 million emergency program begun at the start of 2000.

A 25-person Albanian national team is implementing the large scale program throughout Albania. Agencies and churches within the worldwide Action by Churches Together (ACT) Network are giving strong financial support in recognition of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania’s mature and meaningful outreach.

During the Kosovo crisis, the Albanian society offered extended assistance to the refugees at the expense of the local population. Albanian students even shared their bare minimum of school materials in order to allow the Kosovo children to participate in education.

In response to pleas from national and local Albanian government officials and the Albanian Ministry of Education, Diaconia Agapes has been rehabilitating two schools, two kindergartens and a water well at several locations since June.

This will restart education benefiting 1,426 Albanian children (of which 230 children are of preschool age). These efforts will allow 1,426 children access to a functioning educational system.

Diaconia Agapes is also providing 62 new classroom kits, 677 new school tables and 1,426 new chairs.

Between February and June, Diaconia Agapes has rehabilitated three schools and a kindergarten, which is benefiting 1,560 Albanian children (of which 100 children are of preschool age).

Over the past four years, the ministry has provided $10.5 million in aid to Albanians and Kosovars.

In 1999, Diaconia Agapes assisted Kosovo refugees, allowing 1,560 children access to a functioning educational system.

In addition, Diaconia Agapes has provided 54 new classroom kits, 780 new school tables and 1,560 new school chairs.

Currently, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees relies on Diaconia Agapes to maintain and manage the only remaining winterized and fully operational refugee collective center in Albania. The camp, located in Tirana, is comprised of 81 pre-fabricated units with a capacity of 344 persons.

Lack of funds forced other non-government organizations in Albania to close their refugee camps. UNHCCR recently asked Diaconia Agapes’ assistance in hosting Kosovo refugees at its collective center in Tirana until April 30.

At its collective center, Diaconia Agapes coordinates seven common service programs for Kosovo refugees that focus on camp management, education, food distribution, health (medical and dental treatments), non-food distribution of hygiene supplies, new winter clothing, and water and sanitation assistance.

Since winter began, Diaconia Agapes has directly distributed 5,984 new winter clothing sets to 5,984 Kosovo refugee children, women and men in Durres, Fier, Shkodra and Tirana between February and April.

Each Kosovo refugee received a parcel that included a winter jacket, a pair of shoes, T-shirt, sweater, a pair of trousers, two pairs of underwear and two pairs of thermal socks.

Diaconia Agapes worked with one local supplier in Albania and one international supplier from Germany to procure the clothing sets.

Because of its unique position to facilitate reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, the ministry continues its outreach in Kosovo and plans to rehabilitate eight schools in the region of Prizren, mainly inhabited by Kosovo-Albanians, and four schools in the Leposavic region populated by Serbs.

Diaconia Agapes also plans to provide classroom kits, school tables and school chairs to these Kosovo schools.

Penny Panayiota Deligiannis of Aurora, Ill., has served as director of Diaconia Agapes in Albania since October 1995.

12th Missions Retreat Set for February ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The Orthodox Christian Mission Center will sponsor its 12th annual mission retreat Feb. 1618,at Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center in Oviedo, near Orlando.

The retreat is open to all those interested in missions, and in gaining a deeper understanding of Christ’s teachings on this important and central aspect of the Orthodox faith. Mission belongs to the very nature of the Church. The theme, “Using One’s Own Gifts to Glorify God,” will look at this ultimate goal of mission work: the Glory of God. Speakers include: Rev. Peter Gillquist, director of the Antiochian Department of Mission and Evangelism in Santa Barbara, Calif., and OCMC Board of Trustees vice president, will speak on the central theme of using one’s own gifts to glorify God in missions; the Rev. Theodore Pisarchuk, of St. Justin the Martyr Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, missions coordinator of the OCA Diocese of the South, OCMC team

leader and board member, will discuss how a life filled with the Holy Spirit is Orthodox evangelism; Rev. Constantine Mbonabingi, OCMC mission student from Uganda, will share what it means to be a missionary in the “two-thirds world,” the Rev. Martin Ritsi, OCMC executive director, will lead participants in praying for missions and all Orthodox missionaries; and meet the OCMC staff and future missionaries, Anthony and Lara Callas.

Registration is all-inclusive (lodging, meals, materials, etc.). Early registration is $245 (if postmarked by January 15, 2001).

Contact Andrew Lekos, the retreat coordinator, at the Orthodox Christian Mission Center for additional information and registration: OCMC, PO Box 4319, St. Augustine, FL 32085; Tel (904)829-5132, Fax (904)829-1635, E-mail mail to:ajlekos@ocmc.com. Additional information is also available online at http:// www.ocmc.org.

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

In Memoriam Patriarch Diodoros of Jerusalem Dies JERUSALEM – His Beatitude Patriarch Diodoros of Jerusalem died Dec. 19 at the Hadassah hospital from kidney failure and liver ailments relating to his diabetes. He was 77.

Born Damianos Karivalis, in Chios in 1923, he moved to Palestine, then a British mandate, in 1938 and completed his education in 1943. For a while, he worked in the mailroom of the Patriarchate.

He became a monk in 1944 and was ordained a deacon. In October 1947, he was ordained a priest.

Diodoros went to Athens, Greece, in 1952 for theological studies, which he completed in 1957. Returning to Jerusalem, he was appointed as a high school teacher and also held many administrative positions.

On Nov. 10 1962, he was consecrated as an archbishop. He was elevated to Patriarch of Jerusalem on Feb. 3, 1981 and enthroned on the 16th at the Church of the Resurrection.

The funeral was Friday, Dec. 22, with many hierarchs and priests attending, including the patriarchs of Alexandria, Antioch, Moscow and Serbia, and Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens. Metropolitan Cornelius of Petra was named as locum tenens until a new patriarch is elected.

Jerusalem is the fourth in rank of the ancient patriarchates that comprise the Orthodox Christian faith’s jurisdictions. First in rank is the Patriarchate of Constantinople, followed by Alexandria, Egypt, and Antioch, Syria.

The Very Rev. Dr. Stephen Upson BATAVlA, N.Y. -The Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Upson, 89, died Sept. 30.

Fr. Upson was born in Lockport, N.Y., April 21, 1911. He was a 1927 graduate of Batavia High School, a 1936 graduate University of Buffalo with honors in Greek and Latin Languages and Literature, a 1937 graduate of the University of Buffalo with master’s degree.

In 1940 he was awarded a Ph.D. from Harvard with a major in ancient languages. During that same year he converted to Orthodoxy.

A year later, Fr. Upson was ordained an Orthodox priest by the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese.

During the first decade of his priesthood he served as a pastor in various churches in the Northeast and Canada under the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese before returning to Batavia.

In the ensuing 50 years, Fr. Upson served with no remuneration at Annunciation parish of the Greek Orthodox Church in Rochester, N.Y., as well as other Orthodox communities in Upstate New York. He was an evangelist and scholar of Orthodoxy on this continent and a gifted translator of liturgical texts.

His works are still in use today, and include, The Little Compline with the Akathist Hymn, and the service book of the Antiochian Archdiocese.

Fr. George Dellas METHUEN, Mass. – Fr. George Dellas, 81, a retired priest who served communities from Massachusetts to California, died Nov. 10. He was a native of Van Houten, N.M. He attended elementary and high school in Hania, Crete, and graduated from the theological school in Hania. He also studied at Rutgers University in New Jersey, and at Hamma Divinity School, Springfield, Ohio.

Fr. Dellas married Argyro Nicholaou Lagoumitzaki of Hania in November 1943.

He was ordained as a priest in October 1951 at St. George-St. Demetrios

Church in New York and served the following parishes: St. George, New Britain, Conn. (1952-54); Assumption Church, Springfield, Ohio (1954-56); Assumption, Price, Utah (1956-57); San Mateo, Calif.

(1957-58); St. John the Baptist, Salinas, Calif. (1958-59); Holy Apostles, Duluth, Minn. (1959-64); St. Spyridon, Sheboygan, Wis. ((1964-66); St. Nicholas, Lorain, Ohio (1966); Sts. Constantine and Helen, Lawrence, Mass. (1966-69) He also served other parishes in New England and Holy Trinity in Binghampton, N.Y. (from 1977 until his retirement in January 1990)

Fr. Harry Apostolakis INDIANAPOLIS — Fr. Harry Apostolakis, 97, a retired priest who served many parishes in the Midwest in his ministry, died Nov. 18.

He was born Oct. 10, 1903, in Hania, Crete, and married Aspasia E. Bourdoumpou, also of Hania, in early 1927. They became parents of five children. She preceded him in death.

He was ordained as a priest on April 4, 1927 and served in Crete until March 1940, when he came to the United States.

Fr. Apostolakis received his theological training at the Ieratiki Skoli in Crete.

He later studied at Butler University in Indianapolis and at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

His first assignment in the U.S. was Annunciation Church in New Kensington, Pa., where he served from 1940-42. His

subsequent assignments included Holy Trinity, Ambridge, Pa. (1942-44); Holy Trinity, Indianapolis (1944-48, and 196468); St. George, Toronto (1948-49); Annunciation, Kalamazoo, Mich. (1949-55); Holy Apostles, Duluth, Minn. ((1955-56); Assumption, St. Louis (1957-61); Assumption, East Moline, Ill. (1961-63); Sts. Constantine and Helen, Gary, Ind. (now in Merrilville) (1963-64); St. Spyridon, Sheboygan, Wis. (1964); and Sts. Constantine and Helen, Milwaukee (1964). He also served as a chaplain at Veterans Administration hospitals.

Fr. Apostolakis retired in 1974.

He is survived by children Emanuel Apostoles, William, Betty Apostoles, Demetrios Sarellas, Irene Sarris; sisters Anna Bolaris and Kostisa Vourakis; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

PAGE 27

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Youth Ministry

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

challenge

PAGE 29

Email: youthoffice@goarch.org

Misplaced Faith

by Rev. Michael Nasser

D

on’t you hate losing stuff? We all know the routine—you go through all your pockets, empty out your bags, back track your way through the last fours days. Later, you begin to miss whatever it is. You wonder if you’ll ever see it again. Depending on what you’ve lost, you might keep searching for days or weeks, or you might not search at all.

We lose watches, socks, library books, and small scraps of paper with incredibly important phone numbers, pin numbers and lock combinations. Though in a much different category, I often hear of people losing not their car keys, but their faith. Is this possible? Can knowledge of God, even though small and incomplete, be misplaced like an ATM card? As weird as it sounds, for many of the college students I talk to, that’s exactly they feel has happened to them.

Now where did I put my faith?

I could have sworn I left it on the kitchen table!

Many of us go off to school with our faith neatly packed along with our sweatshirts and notebooks. Somewhere along the line, though, we look around to realize our faith is missing. Spiritually patting down our pockets, looking around in fear and retracing our steps, we can’t believe the faith we thought we’d have forever is nowhere to be found. “Did I leave it in my psych. class?” you wonder.

“I know I had it before I left for Spring break.” Sometimes a thorough search is conducted and we experience what some call a “crisis of faith.” Other times the losses are assumed to be final—and often not deemed worth looking for—and with a shrug of the shoulders, life goes on.

I’m always glad when people bring this issue to me, because they often mistakenly feel that their faith is gone forever.

Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be the case. Like the watch you never thought you’d ever see again, when you look hard enough—when you search to find faith and work to build it back—you find what you’re looking for.

Some people think questioning one’s faith is a sin. To me if you’re questioning your faith—and just about everyone does at one point or another—I think it’s OK to admit it to God. He never asked us to put on a pretty face for Him. Not only do I think it’s OK for people to question or doubt their faith in their young adult years, I would say that as we grow older, we almost have to lose the faith we had as kids.

That doesn’t mean though, that we can’t find the faith we can have as adults.

Oh, THERE it is!

That doesn’t look like my faith, though.

St. Paul wrote: “When I was a child, I Challenge is the Youth & Young Adult Ministries supplement to the Orthodox Observer.

Articles reflect the opinion of the writers.

Write to: Youth & Young Adult Ministries, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 8 East 79th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021 or email: youthoffice@goarch.org

can’t we pray at home? Yes, we can—and need to— pray at home. But there’s no substitute for gathering together and worshipping as the united Body of Christ. Can you imagine each of our body’s members going different places at the same time? Our body doesn’t do well when we are “dismembered” and neither does the Church. Only in Church is Christ fully present, offering us His Body and Blood for spiritual nourishment. Are you feeling spiritually tired and distant from God? Find shelter, hope and peace in the temple of the Living God and draw life from His Life-giving Body and Blood. You can’t be much closer to God than when His blood is coursing through your veins.

thought like a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child: but when I became a man I put away childish things” (1 Corinthians 13:11). Often when we feel our faith has failed, what has really happened is that the ability to be faithful children has been lost. Why? Well, simply because we’re not children anymore! Adults need adult faith. We haven’t really lost our faith as much as we need to experience God in new ways. It’s like growing out of the clothes you wore in first grade: eventually you’re going to have to go out and buy something bigger, that fits your growing body. Sure, you still need shirts and pants and shoes, which in many ways are just like kids’ clothes, but also in some ways different. Growing hearts and souls must transition into adult ways of believing and living out our Christian faith. That can feel like a loss of faith, but it is really just a faith needing a transition to something different.

That’s not to say we don’t need to become “like little children” as our Lord commands us. We do indeed need a childlike faith that allows us to see God as the Father He is, and enables us to trust, love, and obey Him, just as child does her parents. We need a child-like faith, but not a childish faith.

So if this transition from childhood faith to adult faith really isn’t necessarily a loss of faith, how do we deal with the spiritual void we often experience as young adults? We do that by simply finding God again, only we do that as adults. Fortunately, our Orthodox Christian faith is full of tools for us to do just that. In fact, that is the very content of our faith: connecting ourselves to Christ. From the moment we are “baptized into Christ,” through our return to Him through Confession when we’ve strayed away, all the way until our friends and loved one’s gather to bury us and commend us to find rest “in that life of blessedness which is with Thee,” our Orthodox faith has one and only goal: to put us in touch with God. I will highlight just three of the many methods available to us.

FOR YOUTH WORKERS & PARENTS

“He who has seen me has seen the Father”

Getting to Know Your Child

One vital way we get to know God is by growing in our knowledge of His Son, Jesus. One of the most direct ways of getting to know Him is to read the Bible, specifically the Gospels. Taken even from merely a literary point of view, the Gospels are phenomenal in the amount of detail they provide us in documents that are two millennia old. What makes them so important for us, though, is the detail contained in them is about our Lord.

The Gospels are both a peek back in time allowing us to follow Christ in his earthly ministry, as well as a look into the very heart of God. To get to know God, we need to listen to what He taught and watch how He lived.

You want to find out who God is? Take an afternoon off on your own and read through a Gospel from beginning to end— you’ll never be the same.

“Where two or three are gathered together in my Name”

So often we think there really aren’t good reasons to go to church. After all,

“In as much as you have done this to the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me.”

We know that we are called to help those less fortunate. The reason is that this is God’s work: to care for the hungry, the thirsty, the cold and the lonely. He entrusts us to carry on this work for Him. One thing that we often miss is that this is a way for us to get to know Him better.

First of all, we’re doing His work and get to know in some small way, what God is like. The other thing that happens is that we see Him in the very ones we’ve come to serve. God has always identified with the humble, lowly and meek of the world.

He lives in miraculous ways among the poor and downtrodden. You want to once again regain that feeling of assurance that God is alive and well and unmistakably present in your world? Spend some time with people who know what’s it’s like to

Do you communicate with your child?

Do you speak to your child?

Do you listen to your child?

Communication is more than speaking. Just talking to your child is only half the job. An average father of a child spends 50 hours a week sleeping, 40 hours a week working, 7 hours a week grooming – but only 3 minutes a day speaking with their child. Multiplied over a lifetime, you can see the disaster. Don’t be afraid to keep the lines of communication open.

You can keep the lines of communication open by knowing how to listen and when to talk.

Try these tips: 1. Encourage your children to feel comfortable telling you about problems they may be having.

2. Use a caring tone of voice to answer a child and use encouraging phrases to express interest and to keep the conversation going.

rely solely on God for everything they have, as little as that might be; to trust in Him for their very life, even if it’s only for another day. You’ll be spending time not only with them, but also with Him. It’s absolutely normal for people in the college years to doubt and wonder.

All God asks is that you give Him a fair shake on making Himself known. He’s not usually going to bowl you over like He did with St. Paul on the road to Damascus.

Our God is a humble God who has told us that if we seek Him, we will find Him, that His love endures forever, and that He will be with us, always. We may feel like we’ve lost God, but He never loses us.

3. Create an environment conducive to talking.

4. Listen closely to what your child says.

5. Don’t prepare what you will say while your child is speaking.

6. Ask their opinion and ask effective questions.

What Do You Think ? to the television show Seventh Heaven. The show con tinually portrays issues that affect teens today in an accurate way. More importantly, they work through the various issues presented. to Major League baseball and Alex Rodriguez. They placed so great an emphasis on material gain through his $252 million salary. Although he’s one of the best players in major league baseball, $140,000 per game???

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 30

Retired Bishop Celebrates 50 years NEW YORK– Panchiaki Korais Society of New York honored Bishop Philotheos of Meloa on Nov. 19 for his service to the Church and for his efforts to preserve Greek heritage.

The Society is known for its philanthropic work and support of education in the Greek American community.

Bishop Philotheos, who retired Oct. 1, 1997, had served the Archdiocese 37 years, most recently as vicar of the Archdiocesan District of New York.

In this same year he has celebrated two separate anniversaries; 40 years service to the Greek Orhodox Archdiocese of America and 50 years since he was first ordained.

His Grace was elevated to the episcopacy in 1971 and served as first auxiliary bishop to Archbishop Iakovos. His responsibilities included parishes in New York City.

As a bishop, he served on the ecclesiastical court of the Archdiocese District, as vice president of the Greek Orthodox Clergy Fellowship of Greater New York, as a member of the board of St. Basil’s Academy, and as a member of the Church’s Canonical Committee and Study Committee on Bylaws for Marriage and Divorce.

He came to the United States in 1960 to serve as deacon to Archbishop Iakovos and was ordained as a priest the following year.

In the mid-1960s, he served as pastor of Annunciation Church in Scranton, Pa. Bishop Philotheos was born Mark Karamitsos to George and Lambrini Karamitsos in Constantinople in 1924.

He completed his primary education

B O O K S Daily Meditations and Prayers

by Fr. Alexander Veronis

Review of Daily Meditations and Prayers for the Christmas Advent Fast and Epiphany by Presbytera Emily Harakas and Fr. Anthony Coniaris, Light & Life Publishing Company, Minneapolis, MN, 2000

BISHOP PHILOTHEOS OF MELOA

and two years of high school prior to World War II, when he interrupted his education and served in the army. He went to Greece in 1949 to complete his secondary education.

He next attended the Theological Preparatory School of Corinth on a scholarship and graduated in 1954, then enrolled at the University of Athens Theological School, graduating in 1959 with a degree in Sacred Theology.

He had been ordained a deacon in 1950 and took the name Philotheos. He served as deacon at the Church of St. Artemios in Athens and at the Cathedral until 1960, when he arrived in the United States at the invitation of Archbishop Iakovos.

CLERGY U P D A T E Ordinations To Diaconate: Rev. Deacon Paul C. Bebis, Metropolitan Methodios of Aneon-St. George, Bedford, Mass. –4/16/00 Rev. Deacon Nicholas Andrews, Metropolitan Anthony of Dardanellion,St. John the Baptist, Las Vegas, Nev. – 8/20/00 Rev. Deacon Markos Achilles Nicholas, Archbishop Demetrios, Holy Cross Chapel, Brookline, Mass.–9/14/00 Rev. Deacon Mark Spero, Metropolitan Isaiah of Proikonisos, Assumption Cathedral, Denver–11/5/00 Rev. Deacon Chrysostomos (Ioannis) Nassis, Patriarch Bartholomew, Detroit, Mich.–11/12/00 To Priesthood: Rev. Presbyter Alexander Leone, Archbishop Demetrios, St. Nicholas, San Jose, Calif. –2/20/00 Rev. Presbyter Irenaeus Cox, Bishop Nicholas of Detroit–Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas, Cincinnati – 6/10/00 Rev. Presbyter Mark Sietsema, Archbishop Demetrios, St. Nicholas, Ann Arbor, Mich.–7/15/00 Rev. Presbyter John Paizis, Bishop Dimitrios-Three Hierarchs, Brooklyn, N.Y.–8/13/00 Assignments: Rev. Presbyter Stephen Theophilos, Nativity of the Theotokos, Fredericksburg, Va. – 7/1/00 V. Rev. Archimandrite Vasilios Flionis, Dormition of Virgin Mary, Somerville, Mass. – 7/15/00 Rev. Presbyter Costas C. Constantinou,

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

St. Demetrios, Merrick, N.Y. – 7/15/00 Rev. Presbyter Vasilios Bebis, St. Nectarios, Roslindale, Mass. – 8/1/00 Rev. Presbyter Stelios Sitaras, St. Nicholas, Corpus Christi, Texas – 8/1/00 Rev. Presbyter Kosta Petrogeorge, St. Spyridon, Monessen, Pa. – 8/16/00 Rev. Protopresbyter Peter A. Chamberas, Holy Trinity, Concord, N.H.– 9/1/00 Rev. Presbyter Dimitrios Moraitis, Sts. Constantine and Helen, Fayetteville, N.C. – 9/1/00 Rev. Presbyter Mark Sietsema, Holy Trinity, Lansing, Mich. – 9/1/00 Rev. Presbyter Christ Kontos, St. Luke, Broomall, Pa. – 11/15/00 Rev. Presbyter John Lardas, St. Nicholas, Flushing, N.Y. –11/27/00 (assistant) Rev. Presbyter Stylianos Muksuris, Annunciation, Kalamazoo, Mich.–12/1/00 Rev. Economos Nicholas V. Gamvas, St. Demetrios, Fort Worth, Texas– 12/1/00 Offikia Office of Economos Fr. Philemon Sevastiades, 12 Holy Apostles, Duluth, Minn.-Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis – 6/25/00 Retired Rev. Protopresbyter John A. Limberakis, St. Sophia, Jeffersonville, PA –7/1/00 Rev. Protopresbyter Chrysostom Manuel, Sts. Constantine and Helen, Fayetteville, N.C. – 9/1/00 Deceased Clergy V. Rev. Archimandrite Harry Apostolakis -11/18/00 Rev. Fr. George Dellas -11/10/00

T h e O RT H O D O X O B S E RV E R ON THE INTERNET

w w w. o b s e r ve r.go a r c h . o r g

This small attractive book enriches the devotional life of Orthodox Christians who wish to pray with daily liturgical prayers during the Christmas Advent Fast and Epiphany seasons.

The daily readings include recommended Orthodox Scripture passages from the New Testament and occasionally Old Testament prophecies. Presbytera Emily lists the particular saints in each day’s entry. Two liturgical hymns follow. The first refers to Jesus Christ, the second to the Mother of God. She also highlights one Bible verse from each day’s pericope for memoriza-

tion or reflection.

Fr. Anthony’s contribution includes a daily meditation and sometimes a prayer on the theme of the day’s Scripture readings and/or liturgical hymns. On some days he quotes a meditation from a Church Father, including Sts. Gregory of Nazianzus, Eprhem the Syrian, John Chrysostom. The meditations are insightful, thought provoking, and conducive to personal reflection.

Another dimension of this devotional is the way it connects the Old Testament prophesies with the coming of Christ.

This book is short and sweet to the soul. It brings one into the spirit of the Christmas and Epiphany seasons. Anyone can profit from using it with their daily devotions.

Presbytera Emily previously wrote her helpful devotional on Daily Lenten Meditations for Orthodox Christians that has helped many. Now we have a sequel to enrich our spiritual lives during the Christmas Advent and Epiphany season.

Apollo’s Legacy BROOKLINE, Mass. — Hellenic College Press has just published Apollo’s Legacy: The Hellenic Torch in America at the Dawn of the New Millennium by Effie Lascarides.

The book is a collection of 16 in-depth interviews with successful Greek-Americans. They discuss their work, their lives, and how their Hellenic identity significantly shaped their paths of success and achievement.

Many are widely known, appearing regularly in headlines: Michael Dukakis, former governor of Massachusetts and 1988 Democratic Presidential candidate; George Stephanopoulos, former advisor to President Clinton and now a regular feature on ABC News doing political analysis.

Others are on the cutting edge of science and technology: Philip Christopher, president of the giant Audiovox Communications; Dr. Roy Vagelos, chairman of Merck for nearly a decade and currently chairman of Regeneron; Dr. George Hatsopoulos, founder and, until recently, chairman of Pharos, LLC; Dr. Teni Boulikas, founder, chairman and president of the biotech company, Regulon Inc., as well as founder/chairman of the International Society of Gene Therapy and Molecular Biology, who discusses extensively the newest breakthrough in dynamic, non-invasive, cancer treatment in which his company is in the forefront.

Business giants Evangeline Gouletas of American Invsco, philanthropist, socialite, and also former first lady of New York is interviewed, as is another philanthro-

pist, Alex Spanos, owner of the San Diego Chargers and founder/chairman of one of the nation’s largest real estate development companies.

Still others have reached the highest levels of accomplishments in their respective fields: Helen Alexopoulos, prima ballerina of the New York City Ballet; Peter Chrisanthopoulos, president of Broadcast USA at the advertising giant, Ogilvy and Mather; Dr. Matina Souretis-Horner, president of Radcliffe College for 13 years and now executive vice-president at the financial giant, TIAA-CREF; Dr. Peter Diamandis who founded the International Space University; Dr. Nicholas Robakis, with major contributions in the understanding of Alzheimer’s, searching for a treatment of the disease at Mt. Sinai Medical, where he is a professor; Dr. Tom Maniatis, responsible for identifying and putting together the first DNA library, a leader in research in his field and professor at Harvard; Chris Giftos, who stages the major events at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Demetrios Giannaros, world-renowned, distinguished economist, professor at the University of Hartford and highly accomplished state representative in Connecticut.

The author, Effie Lascarides, is a journalist whose articles have appeared in Greece and the United States. She is a resident of Rhode Island.

The book is available through local bookstores or directly from Holy Cross Bookstore at Hellenic College, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, Mass., Tel: (617) 731-3500. HCBKS@hchc.edu .

SCHOLARSHIPS Professor Offers Engineering Fellowships TUCSON, Ariz. – Dimitri B. Kececioglu, P.E., professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arizona, is making available several graduate fellowships and research assistantships in engineering to students of Greek parentage.

The fellowships offer as much as $11,000 and the assistantships, up to $17,250 per academic year.

Dr. Kececioglu has 45 years teaching experience, is the author of 13

books, the recipient of nearly 100 awards, has conducted nearly 400 training seminars and serves as a consultant to some 95 companies.

For more information contact Dr. Dimitri B. Kececioglu, P.E.; Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering; The University of Arizona; PO Box 210119; Tucson, AZ 85721-0119; Tel.: (520) 6216121; fax: (520) 297-2679; e-mail: dimitri @u.arizona.edu; or www.u.arizona.edu;/ ~dimitri/

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

by Elizabeth M. Economou

H

eading to my seat for a concert at the Beacon Theater on New York’s upper West Side, I noticed a familiar face walking towards me.

It was a vivacious young woman, a former camper of mine named Melissa Kanes from Long Island, New York, whom I had met several years ago at the Ionian Village, the Archdiocesan summer camp program for teenagers, located on the shores of the Ionian Sea, some 45 miles west of Patras, Greece. Reflecting briefly on her time at the Ionian Village, Kanes unabashedly ex-

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 31

the Evangelist, the author of the book of Acts and the Gospel of Luke.

They also journey to the Ionian island of Zakynthos and to the shrine of St. Dionysios. And while touring the Saronic Gulf islands, campers make a stop on the island of Aegina to visit the monastery of St. Nektarios, canonized in 1961.

In Patras, they visit the Church of Saint Andrew to venerate the relics of the “FirstCalled” Apostle of Christ and gaze in amazement at the X-shaped cross where upon St. Andrew was martyred.

Undoubtedly, the totality of these experiences leave indelible impressions on Ionian Village participants, igniting a profound sense of appreciation for their

Where Friendships Last a Lifetime BYZANTINE VENTURE poses for a picture in front of the Parthenon.

claimed to me and to her date, “that’s where I found my Orthodoxy.”

While there is so much to be gleaned from this idyllic wonder where faith and culture converge, Ms. Kanes’ words encapsulate the heart and soul of the memorable Ionian Village experience.

To date, the Ionian Village is one of the most successful camping programs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Since its inception in 1970, more than 15, 000 young adults mainly from the United States have passed through this whitewashed splendor where the Byzantine chapel of St. Iakovos sits purposefully at the center of the modern camping and resort facility.

And for three decades Ionian Village has served as a lens through which young people have deeply experienced their precious Orthodox faith, literally walking in the footsteps of saints and becoming intimately acquainted with their sacred legacies.

VENERATING the X-shaped cross upon which Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle was martyred.

RACING in the ancient stadium in Olympia where the Olympic games were being held.

Village Life Like a traditional Greek village, where life revolves around the Church, days begin with morning prayer services and end with vespers, where scores of young people raise their voices in praise, singing “O Gladsome Light.”

Also central to camp life in the diminutive village of Bartholomio are Orthodox Life sessions or “O-L.” The stillness of the pine forest creates the ideal backdrop for participants to speak and be heard in a loving and supporting environment. Sessions are led by priests and seminarians. Additional activities include music and Greek Culture; and athletics.

Meanwhile, a trip to Greece would not be complete without indulging in sand and sun. The Aquatics program at the Ionian Village includes swimming in the beautiful azure waters of the Ionian Sea and also in the Olympic-size swimming pool located on the manicured grounds of the camp. This program is run by experienced lifeguards and water safety instructors.

When participants are not at camp, an extensive travel schedule takes them to some of Greece’s most inspiring sights, including Aghia Lavra where the fight for independence began, in 1821; the pristine mountain village of Kalavrita, the site of a tragic WWII massacre; and Mega Spileon Monastery where one can venerate an icon of the Theotokos by St. Luke

ORTHODOX LIFE session in a shady spot under the pines.

VISITING the magnificent 11th century Byzantine Church at Osios Loukas Monastery.

Orthodox faith and Hellenic culture.

In addition, campers explore some of the most significant historic sites in Greece, like the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion, Delphi, and ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic games.

Record Summer Most recently, Ionian Village celebrated its 30th anniversary. According to Ionian Village Director Michael Pappas, the summer of 2000 was one of the largest in the history of the program and certainly the best attended in recent memory. While most summers see an average of about 250 participants for all three programs: Summer Travel Camp, for ages 12 –15; Byzantine Venture, for ages 16 – 18; and Spiritual Odyssey, for young adults, 19 and older; upwards of 360 participants came to the Ionian Village over the summer of 2000.

According to Virginia Pourakis, (Byzantine Venture), who participated as a

camper this past summer, “the first thing I tell people when they ask about Ionian Village is that it is the best thing that I have ever done in my life and it exceeds all expectations.” Pourakis’ parents incidentally met and became engaged during the summer of 1977 when they were Ionian Village staff members.

Ellie Tramountas, a former camper and a recent counselor from Seattle, meanwhile says, “the Ionian Village is

how I wish my life was everyday; at Ionian Village I felt an inner peace where people were true and God was living among us.”

Simply stated, Camper Dean Brown from Modesto, Calif., says, “this was the best summer of all time.”

It seems parents are also singing the praises of Ionian Village.

Diane Peterson-Blanas from Glenview, Ill., had her son Timothy attend Ionian Village this summer and says, “the events that happened while at the village this past summer are life altering. What a wonderful way to experience your religion and culture.”

The list goes on and on.

What’s more, Ionian Village is fertile ground for eternal friendships and relationships. And because of this, Ionian Village continues to thrive.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 32

DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001

Archiepiscopal Christmas Encyclical Christmas 2000 “Come, O faithful, let us see where Christ was born!

Together with the Magi, the Kings of the East, let us follow the star where it goes.”

(Christmas Matins, Tone 4)

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 Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “We have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2) With these words the Magi explained to the bewildered people of Jerusalem their burning desire to know where the newborn King was to be found. From afar, across desert and mountain they came, not at the bidding of a prophet, not in response to Scripture, not in obedience to a dream or ecstatic vision. It was a single silent star that brought them, leading them westward from palaces of glory to a humble stable in Bethlehem of Judea.

How is it that a solitary star moved these ancient astrologers to make this long trek? These men who studied the nighttime skies knew well the constellations and the planets; they understood the celestial paths of stars and comets and moons. They recognized the North Star, the Pleiades, and the other heavenly luminaries that guided men in their travels. And so they perceived, gazing upon the wondrous Star of Bethlehem, that they were witnesses to a phenomenon great and awesome: a new star, a star leading kings to a King, a guiding star which was guided by One who willed to draw all men unto Himself (John 12:32).

Thus began in Bethlehem the reunification and reintegration of the human race. Age-old divisions melt away under the light of the Star of Bethlehem. Rich and poor come together in worship, educated and illiterate, young and old, male and female, Jews and Gentiles, saints and sinners, angels and humans and even beasts of the field—all creation pauses to bask in the joy of the moment, to bow down and worship the incarnate Son of God. All is calm, all is bright in one small corner of this dark and troubled world.

All is whole again as the star of Bethlehem ushers in the Sun of Righteousness, risen with healing in his wings (Malachi 4:2).

Two millennia have passed since the Magi searched the heavens and found Heaven in a manger. Long since has their guiding star returned to its natural course in the skies. But the will of God remains forever the same: to draw all humanity unto Himself by the light of His grace, His peace, His good will.

Where, then, is His star in the east, leading mankind to experience the glories of His righteousness, and the wonders of His love? Where now is the lodestar for our fallen race, guiding us into the very presence of Emmanuel—God with us?

NATIVITY ICON, ST. BASIL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, CHICAGO, ILL

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We are called to be the Christmas star. We who have basked in the healing rays of the Sun of Righteousness, who have tasted the joy of His Kingdom—we are called to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), leading those around us to the knowledge of our Incarnate Lord.

We, in whose hearts the day has dawned and the morning star has risen (2 Peter 1:19)—we are designated the guiding stars of humanity, drawing others to Christ through the light of our peace and

harmony and good will, through the brilliance of our faith and virtue and kindness, and through the warmth of our zeal and forgiveness and love.

Ours is the task of pointing our fellow men to Jesus Christ. Quietly, patiently, like that bright star of old, we endeavor to bring together people of every nation and race and station to the manger of Bethlehem, where the Newborn Savior, the Dayspring from on high, is waiting to give light to those in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:79).

May the light, the peace, and the joy of Christmas be with your homes and families today, and in the dawning New Year, and always as you worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

With paternal love in Christ,

DEMETRIOS † Archbishop of America