Orthodox Observer - September/October 2001

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION VOL. 66 NO. 1184 http://www.observer.goarch.org E-mail: observer@goarch.org

SEPTEMBER 11 TRAGEDY

D.Panagos

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD ISSUES ENCYCLICAL ON THE TRAGEDY OF SEPT. 11 Protocol 87/01

October 17, 2001

THE HOLY AND EPARCHIAL SYNOD of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America To 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 Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We address you as we approach the fortieth day, a memorial day, since the tragic events of September 11th. It is through the abundant strength of our Lord and our deep love for you, the faithful of the Holy Church of Christ, that we affirm our unceasing prayer and sacred commitment to the needs of our nation, our people, and all of those suffering from the tragedy of that day. With hearts filled with sorrow we lament the loss of thousands of innocent lives, and we endure the pain that this barbaric attack has inflicted on families and communities throughout this country and the world.

In this time of immense suffering from the injustices of evil we hear the groaning of minds and hearts grasping for answers and responses, seeking to comprehend the magnitude of this horrendous event. Such a burden might elicit the cry of the Psalmist and of our Crucified Lord who said, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1(LXX 21); Matthew 27:46). But from the wisdom of Holy Scripture and the truth revealed by the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, we know that this cry is tempered by hope and faith. For the Psalmist the inner struggle moved beyond feelings of despair and abandonment to an affirmation of the compassionate presence of God. He states in that very same Psalm, For the Lord did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; He did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him (Psalm 22:24). Thus, in the strength and peace from above he goes on proclaiming in hope all the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him (22:27). Further, the cry of our Savior upon the cross, a manifestation of the unspeakable suffering he endured as he bore the indescribable burden of our sin, was also indicative of the fact that it was through this act of sacrificial suffering that the power of life and love was revealed in His glorious Resurrection.

Therefore, our response in the midst of this adversity must be grounded in our faith in the Crucified and Risen Lord. Our answer to this tragedy must be in words of comfort and deeds of service. Our yearnings to understand these events and to cope creatively with them must find rest in the presence, the promises, and the action of our merciful God. Over the past month this kind of response to the September 11th tragedy has been manifested in the tremendous offering of love and assistance that has come from you, the beloved people of our Greek Orthodox parishes. As the Body of Christ and the Holy Archdiocese of America we are laboring with others throughout the nation and the world to address the massive needs that are growing on a daily basis.

First, we are leading the people of our Dioceses and parishes in continuous prayer and support for the families of both the innocent victims and those who lost their lives in the attempt to save others. Second, as an Archdiocese we have established the September 11th Relief Fund. Through this fund the amazing generosity of our faithful will meet genuine needs; thus, we are engaged in a careful process of evaluating how we may assist in a very significant and substantive manner. Third, our relief efforts have facilitated the opening of a center for bereavement counseling, a counseling hotline, a volunteer line, and other programs that are being coordinated with International Orthodox Christian Charities, the relief agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas. Fourth, we are addressing the needs and issues related to the destruction of our historic Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the only church edifice to suffer from the collapse of the World Trade Center. Fifth, our clergy and people in the areas struck by these attacks have responded in numerous ways, both to needs within their own parishes and in the broader communities.

In all of these efforts we are responding to the challenges and needs of our nation, especially in the directly afflicted areas, for as Greek Orthodox Christians we are a vital part of the American community. But more importantly, we are hearing the cry of suffering people, of a grieving nation, and we are answering in word and deed revealing the inexhaustible compassion of our Lord. We ask each of you,

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DIRECTOR & MANAGING EDITOR: Stavros H. Papagermanos EDITOR: Jim Golding (Chryssoulis) PRODUCTION MANAGER: Nikos Katsanevakis ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Soula Podaras CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Nicholas Manginas

D. Panagos

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS holds a memorial and prayer service at the site of St. Nicholas Church on ground zero. (see story on p. 11)

through a witness of prayer and generosity, to overcome distress with hope, to face peril with divine strength, to conquer evil with faith, and thus affirm that neither death, nor life nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

With paternal love in Christ,

DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

IAKOVOS Metropolitan of Krinis Presiding Hierarch of Chicago

ANTHONY Metropolitan of Dardanelles Presiding Hierarch of San Francisco

MAXIMOS Metropolitan of Ainou Presiding Hierarch of Boston

METHODIOS Metropolitan of Aneon Presiding Hierarch of Pittsburgh

ISAIAH Metropolitan of Proikonisos Presiding Hierarch of Denver

ALEXIOS Bishop of Atlanta

NICHOLAS Bishop of Detroit

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Challenge u 21 Classifieds u 28 Clergy Update u 20 Greek Section u 15-19 HC/HC Report u 23 Opinions u 12 SCOBA Encyclical u 13 SEPTEMBER 11 TRAGEDY u 2-11, 14, 22, 24, 26

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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WTC Terrorist Attack Kills Many Orthodox, Claims Historic Church Archbishop Mobilizes Archdiocese, Launches Humanitarian Efforts

On the Scene of the Tragedy the First Day NEW YORK Archbishop Demetrios was determined to reach New York. He had spent the night of Sept. 11 in Connecticut on his way back from Boston by car. But all the entry points into New York City were closed. He arrived in New York the morning of Wednesday Sept. 12.

by Stavros Papagermanos

NEW YORK At least 31 Greek Orthodox were among the estimated 5,000 people killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attack against the 110-story Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, which also destroyed tiny St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church when the two Manhattan landmarks collapsed.

by Jim Golding

The structures crumbled into a 2-million-ton pile of rubble and debris that buried the tiny church 250 feet away, along with other World Trade Center buildings of the 16-acre complex that housed the offices of more than 600 corporations and other organizations.

Many of the dead are foreign nationals from 80 countries and 41 states.

The Twin Towers themselves, completed in 1972-73, housed 385 companies where more than 50,000 persons worked.

There may have been 30,000 persons in the buildings at the time of the attack.

At St. Nicholas Church, a parishioner was in the building when the first of the two hijacked Boeing 767 jets crashed into the north tower at 8:46 a.m. He and another man doing electrical work escaped to safety.

p His Eminence with Chancellor Fr. Savas Zembillas and Fr. Alex Karloutsos hold the first memorial service at the WTC site. u Archbishop Demetrios speaks to the press at WTC.

With the permission of authorities and escorted by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese Fr. Savas Zembillas and Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, Archbishop Demetrios crossed the security zone and arrived at the site of the World Trade Center, which was soon to be known as ground zero.

Their souls were overtaken by deep emotions and their faces reflected pain and awe as they toured the site of the Towers collapse. White dust made the eyes scratchy and an unidentifiable odor you could taste filled the nose and the mouth.

Amidst the bustling crowds of policemen, firefighters, army and National Guard personnel, Security and rescue teams and a countless number of emergency vehicles, His Eminence put on his vestments, faced the point where only hours before the World Trade Towers stood, and offered a memorial supplication for the repose of the souls of our fellow human beings who had perished in the tragedy.

He also offered prayers for the health and the safe recovery of the survivors, the injured and the missing, and for the families and friends of the victims, for the success of the immense rescue efforts and for the Nation as a whole.

This is a tragedy of tremendous proportions with unforeseeable consequences for the entire world. The terrorist acts that took place today incite the justified indignation of all people who value human life, freedom and justice. In this difficult time, I express, along with the entire Greek Orthodox Church, our deep sorrow and strong support to the families who were hurt by this unprecedented tragedy. We fervently pray to God, the Lord of peace, love and justice, to grant to the families of the innocent victims and to the entire American Nation abundant solace and unlimited strength.

Archbishop Demetrios September 11 2001

Orthodox Observer

Related stories, pages 4-14 The tragedy prompted the Archbishop Demetrios to initiate relief and counseling programs for victims in New York, New Jersey and the Washington area, where nearly 200 died in the attack on the Pentagon.

The tragedy was the worst terrorist attack in history and the worst single-day disaster in the United States. The September 1900 hurricane killed an estimated 6,000 people in Galveston, Texas, over several days. The number of dead exceeds the total killed during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 combined.

Archbishop Demetrios, who was in Boston and had been scheduled to fly to New York later Tuesday morning on a Delta Shuttle flight, returned by car after the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all air traffic and closed the nation s airports.

On his way to New York, he issued a statement on the catastrophe (see opposite column) and immediately directed all Greek Orthodox churches to hold memorial prayer services. He also called for blood donations to help wounded survivors for the World Trade Center and Pentagon victims.

Other hierarchs affected

The unprecedented nationwide airport closure that shut down all aviation in this country, also prevented Metropolitan Iakovos and Bishop Alexios of Atlanta from returning to the United States from Greece.

Concurrently, Metropolitan Anthony was at a clergy retreat in Portland, Oregon, also was stranded and returned to San Francisco by car on Friday, Sept. 15.

Metropolitan Iakovos returned to Chicago on Sept. 18 and Bishop Alexios

u page 7

Speaking with rescue teams and firefighters

Orthodox Observer

Noticing the service in progress and the Archbishop in vestments, construction workers, soldiers and firefighters would slow down their vehicles, gaze and pause respectfully. Some crossed themselves, some bowed. George Mossos, a Greek Orthodox firefighter and his partner stopped their dust-covered ATVs right in front. He got off made the sign of the cross, kissed the Archbishop s hand and asked for his blessing.

Archbishop Demetrios expressed to all emergency workers and to the Police and Fire Department officials he met, his gratitude for their gigantic altruistic efforts as well as the unreserved support of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America by any and all means.

His Eminence also expressed his distress regarding the small historical Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, which as he learned later that day had collapsed under the rubble of the fallen Twin Towers.

It is our sacred duty to pray for the repose of the souls of the departed but also for the survivors said the Arch-

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SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

Archdiocese Establishes Relief Fund, Counseling Centers NEW YORK The Archdiocese has Archbishop Demetrios also annoutaken action to provide humanitarian aid nced the September 11 Relief Candles Proin the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist at- gram. Parishioners were asked to light tacks against the United States by estab- candles on Oct. 21, the 40-day memorial lishing a relief fund, relief centers and two of the Sept. 11 national tragedy, and deditelephone hotlines to help with recovery cate the proceeds to the Relief Fund. efforts and counseling in New York, WashThe Archdiocese mobilized the first ington and New Jersey. volunteers from the Archons of the EcuThe September 11 Relief Fund and menical Patrtiarchate, the Ladies Philoseveral national September 11 Relief Cen- ptochos Society, the Young Adult League ters began funcand Greek Orthotioning Sept. 14 in dox Youth of cooperation with America, Archdioother Orthodox jucese and Leadership risdictions.

100 staff members.

To donate to the National Archbishop DeRelief centers metrios, chairman function Orthodox September 11 Relief churches atin three of the Standing New Conference of CaFund, call (212) 570-3595, or York City, two in nonical Orthodox and at visit the Archdiocese website: Washington, Bishops in the least one in New Americas (SCOBA), www.goarch.org; or mail a Jersey. has appealed to all In New York, in Orthodox churches check payable to September addition to St. Barin the nation to parbara Church, cen11 Relief Fund - 8 E. 79th St., ticipate. ters are located at St. The first relief John the Baptist New York, NY 10021 center that opened Church, 143 East was St. Barbara 17th St.; and St. Eleftherios Church, 359 Church, 27 Forsyth St., the church in lower West 24th St. Manhattan closest to the disaster site.

In Washington, St. Sophia Cathedral, The telephone hotlines set up are the 36th St. and Massachusetts Avenue and Sts. National Orthodox September 11 Relief Constantine and Helen Church, 4115 16th Hotline (877)-774-0217, for questions St., NW., serve as relief centers. about missing persons, counseling reOther Orthodox jurisdictions operquests or other assistance; and the Relief ating relief centers in New York are the Volunteer Line (212)-570-3595, to volun- Orthodox Church in America at Holy Virteer for emergency, professional or other gin Protection Cathedral, 59 East 2nd St.; assistance, to donate funds or offer other the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese contributions. at St. Nicholas Church, 288 East 10th St.; The relief centers consist of Orthodox the Serbian Orthodox Church at St. Sava churches staffed by priests and profes- Cathedral, 15 West 25 th St.; and the sional volunteers who offer crisis, family Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church at and bereavement counseling to people St. Nicholas Cathedral, 355 State St., affected by the national crisis.

Brooklyn.

SEPTEMBER 11 RELIEF FUND

On the Scene of the Tragedy the First Day u page 3 bishop a couple of blocks further north, in response to the eager inquiries of the gathered reporters and cameramen.

My presence here today is an expression of support to the victims of this tragedy and to their families, but also to the innumerable people who fight selflessly, putting their lives in direct danger in order to rescue their fellow human beings.

Finally, Archbishop Demetrios said he was pleasantly surprised and grateful for the evident expression of solidarity, unity and determination which he felt among people in coping with the tragedy. He also stated his faith and certainty that the principles and the powers of good, of justice, of peace and of God s love will prevail and triumph.

terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

The Archbishop shared his experiences of that morning with the faithful and spoke of the heroic rescue efforts he had encountered.

He read a letter he had received from His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (see page 5) expressing the condolences and support of the Mother Church.

He also mentioned that he had received a similar message from Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, expressing the support of the Church of Greece to the Greek Orthodox faithful and the American People.

Assisting His Eminence were Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Chancellor of the Archdiocese Fr. Savas Zembillas, Dean of the Cathedral Fr. Robert Stephanopoulos and Deacons Nektarios and Panteleimon.

Present in the congregation were several relatives and friends of individuals known to be missing at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Consul General of Greece Dimitrios Platis, Consul General of Cyprus Vasilios Philippou and former U.S. Ambassador to Greece Michael Sotirhos.

the principles and the

powers of good, of justice, of peace and of God s love will prevail and triumph.

Families of victims attend Cathedral Service That same afternoon, at Holy Trinity Cathedral in NYC, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios presided at a double Prayer and Memorial Service for the health and recovery of those who survived and the missing and for the repose of the souls of those who perished in the wake of the

A SPIRITUAL MOMENT – Days after the smoke cleared, rescue workers pause in prayer at the base of this steel girder from one of the destroyed buildings near ground zero that remained standing in the form of a cross.

LEADERSHIP 100 GIVES $500,000 Grant to September 11 Relief Fund NEW YORK Arthur C. Anton, chairman of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, has announced that the organization s executive committee, in an extraordinary teleconference, unanimously voted to immediately grant $500,000 to the September 11 Relief Fund established by Archbishop Demetrios following his visit to the World Trade Center disaster site the day after that tragic event.

The Relief Fund will primarily address the needs of the victim s children of the September 11 tragedy, the children of the firefighters, policemen and all others who were the innocent victims of such an unspeakable massacre.

Mr. Anton said: We have been witnesses to a great national tragedy, but we are comforted that our spiritual father, Archbishop Demetrios, was there to respond. Our very purpose for existing as an organization is to support the critical ministries of our Archdiocese in

America. What more critical ministry is there than this?

His Eminence, overwhelmed by the gesture, said: Leadership 100 has led us once again with its compassionate heart and strong resolve.

They saw no option but a bold expression of faith in our Church, our community and our country.

In addition, the Leadership 100 Executive Committee approved an appeal to go our to all its members to give urgently and generously to the September 11 Relief Fund.

Archbishop Demetrios also established National Orthodox September 11 Relief Centers in cooperation with International Orthodox Christian Charities.

St. Barbara Church in lower Manhattan, near the disaster site, serves as the relief centers hub. Volunteers and priests, working from the church, are assisting rescue workers and counseling to families and others at emergency centers and hospitals.

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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On a Tour of Ground Zero with President Bush NEW YORK During President Bush s visit to New York on Sept. 14 to view the World Trade Center disaster, the President met with Archbishop Demetrios and other religious leaders who toured the site with him.

Also in attendance were Mayor Rudy Giuliani, New York Gov. George Pataki and other government officials.

President Bush warmly greeted the Archbishop and told him he was pleased to see him especially in this moment of national crisis.

Archbishop Demetrios reassured the president that, as the leader of the Greek Orthodox Church and on behalf of the entire Orthodox Christian community, he is standing by his side and the Church is ready to assist in any possible way in overcoming the wounds caused by the cowardly terrorist act.

In a brief encounter with Mayor Giuliani and Gov. Pataki, he also assured them that the Archdiocese is ready to support their efforts in dealing with the crisis.

A short prayer led by Roman Catholic Cardinal of New York Edward Egan for the victims of the tragedy followed.

Also in attendance were many government officials, firefighters, police, and rescue workers.

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE PHOTOS

PRESIDENT BUSH tours the disaster site three days after the attack. Accompanying the President were several political and a number of religious leaders, including Archbishop Demetrios.

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Most Reverend Archbishop Demetrios of America, It is with deep pain and inexpressible sorrow that we express the wholehearted condolences of the Great and Holy Mother Church of Christ and of our Modesty to your beloved Eminence and the entire Christ loving Omogeneia of America, for the inhuman terrorist and criminal attacks which caused many innocent victims amongst the beloved American people.

Every Christian soul unequivocally condemns this insane and criminal act and wishes wholeheartedly that God would disarm perpetrators of such acts in the future.

May the good God console the grieving families of our brothers and sisters and grant rest to the souls of the victims.

With deep brotherly love and esteem, ð Patriarch Bartholomew Fanar, September 11, 2001

LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH

IOCC Responding to National Tragedy BALTIMORE International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), in cooperation with its volunteers in New York, local Orthodox parishes and the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), has begun emergency aid efforts for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack against the United States.

Immediately following the devastating attacks, IOCC contacted Orthodox Christian churches in lower Manhattan to assess local needs and express support.

All of us are deeply troubled by these unconscionable acts, said IOCC Board Chairman Charles Ajalat. In this time of uncertainty our prayers are with the families of those innocent people whose lives were taken and who were injured in these tragedies.

We are assessing the current emergency needs in cooperation with local partners, said Ajalat. The situation is still unfolding, but it is clear that the needs will be tremendous.

IOCC volunteer groups across America are working with local clergy and parishioners to collect funds.

IOCC also dispatched an emergency response coordinator to New York, Dirk

Message of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Van Gorp, head of program development and emergency response, to work with local Orthodox parishes.

Mr. Van Gorp and the volunteer committee held their first meeting Sept. 17 at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Those attending included Orthodox clergy, church leaders and volunteers with expertise in crisis counseling, social work and disaster management.

This pan Orthodox response will become the basis for a permanent disaster response program.

In addition to emergency aid, committee members discussed immediate and future requirements for trauma and pas-

toral counseling services to help survivors with emotional and spiritual distress.

IOCC international headquarters in Baltimore has received many phone calls nationwide in support of its initiative to help the victims.

IOCC, founded by SCOBA in 1992, is a member of Action By Churches Together (ACT), an international alliance of churches and relief agencies assisting people recovering from emergencies.

To date, more than $100 million in relief and development assistance have been provided to more than 20 countries around the world, including the United States.

SAE Statement on Terrorist Attack The officers of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), in direct communication with Omogenia leadership, issued the following statement following the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon: We express our deep regrets for the loss of so many lives and we hope that the number of those perished will be the smallest possible. We offer our deepest condolences to their loved ones along with assurance that our thoughts are with.

We are appalled by this horrible assault and we condemn the cowardly act and its perpetrators. The Hellenic community, as part of the American people, fully

supports all action that will lead to the punishment of those responsible, said Andrew Athens, SAE President.

The United States, is our country too, and as such, it needs our support to maintain its prestige around the world, to be able to offer its assistance to those who need it, and to continue working for world peace, added Chris Tomaras, SAE Vice President, Coordinator of the Americas Region.

The Coordinating Council of SAE, together with the Greek American Organizations, is ready to provide the necessary support for the relief of all those victimized, Mr. Tomaras stressed.

Dear Mr. President, With deep sorrow and inexpressible affliction, we express to Your much beloved and learned Excellency our wholehearted compassion and deep sympathy on behalf of us and the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the inhuman, vulgar, and fully condemnable act of crime and terrorism, which surpasses all characterization, at the expense of the American people and democracy itself.

We wish that God, by his fortitude, will hinder any further acts of terrorism, that he will comfort the mourning families of the victims, and that he will bring to their senses the fanatic enemies of humankind, the intending perpetrators of such inhuman acts.

Thus, wishing all strength and encouragement to Your Excellency, as well as prosperity and a path without sorrow to the great American Nation, we remain with deep sympathy, love in the Lord, and heartfelt prayers.

September 11, 2001 Your distinguished Excellency s Fervent supplicant before God, ð Bartholomew of Constantinople

To Our Readers On Sept. 11 the regular September Issue of the Orthodox Observer was well in its way and only a few days away from press time.

The national tragedy and the response undertaken by Archdiocese required the full attention and coordinated efforts of all Archdiocesan departments and their staff. This was indeed the case for the Orthodox Observer and even more so, due the nature of our focus in newsgathering and dissemination. We tried to keep our parishes informed via faxed news bulletins and press releases and through the continuous update of the Archdiocese web page.

In this special edition, we have tried to chronicle, not simply the tragic events in themselves, but also the response and actions of our Holy Archdiocese, as well as the care, the solidarity, the Orthodox Christian spirit and resolve demonstrated especially by our faithful, our parishes, our clergy and laity across the country.

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ORTHODOX OBSERVER

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

HISTORIC ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH WILL BE REBUILT City of Bari, Italy to Donate $500,000 for St. Nicholas Rebuilding NEW YORK St. Nicholas Church, demolished in the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center, will receive $500,000 from the town of Bari, Italy.

Fr. John Romas, pastor of St. Nicholas Church displays a metal cross found in the pile of rubble that was left of the small historic church.

The surprise announcement was made on CNN television by Italian Foreign Minister Renato Ruggiero during a press conference with Mayor Rudolph Giuliani on Sept. 26.

In expressing Italy s commitment to the American people and sharing their sadness, he said, I have brought just a small

B

orn and raised in northern New Jersey, I watched the Twin Towers rise into the New York City skyline. As an adolescent and adult, I grew up in their shadow. Their presence was awe inspiring and daunting. They seemed bigger than life itself. In a strange way they were a constant reminder of why New York always seemed to be a step ahead of any other place on the planet.

At an impressionable age, I remember walking the streets of lower Manhattan and seeing something that seemed out of place, a tiny chapel sitting humbly as neighbor to these two massive skyscrapers.

The hustle and bustle of those engaged in commerce during trading hours left the little church ostensibly unnoticed.

My first reaction to this anomaly was that of sadness, remorse that these two colossal towers should hover over and virtually render insignificant such a defenseless little sanctuary.

That opinion changed dramatically when I learned the story of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church that, until Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, stood proudly for 85 years at 155 Cedar St. in the heart of New York City s financial district.

The building itself was originally a tavern erected on the site in 1835. The structure, 22 feet wide, 56 feet deep and 35 feet high, was purchased for $25,000.00 in 1922 by Greek immigrants, transfigured and consecrated as a holy sanctuary.

As Wall Street developed into a megalopolis, the real estate upon which St. Nicholas sat became invaluable.

gesture of solidarity, but I believe it is a significant one. I just received a letter from the mayor of Bari, who announced that he has created a small fund of $500,000 in order to participate in the reconstruction of the church of Saint Nicholas.

Immediately on hearing of the offer, Archbishop Demetrios contacted the Italian Consulate, expressing his appreciation and gratitude to the city of Bari, and asked to meet Mr. Ruggiero to express his appreciation.

However, the Foreign Minister was to leave for Italy and was unable to meet at the time.

Consul General Giorgio Radicate, said a delegation from Bari might personally present the donation at a future date.

St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Bari.

The city annually sponsors a festival Dec. 6 in celebration of his feast day.

Mr. Radicate suggested the contribution might be raised through funds generated over the years by the festival.

The city of Bari, Italy has particular attachment and love for St. Nicholas because of the holy relics of the saint that were enshrined on May 9, 1087, in a magnificent basilica erected there in his honor.

In an ecumenical gesture, the Roman Catholic Church offered some of the above relics of St. Nicholas to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America in 1972.

In addition to St. Nicholas Church, they also are in the St. Nicholas Chapel at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Church of the Archangel in Stamford, Conn., St. Nicholas Church in Flushing, N.Y., and St. Nicholas Church, West Babylon, N.Y.

Foreign Minister of Greece George Papandreou visits Ground Zero with Archbishop.

D. Panagos D. Panagos

Greece Gives $500,000 for Church Rebuilding On his official visit to New York on Oct. 13, Greece s Foreign Minister George Papandreou announced a donation of $500,000 for the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Church.

Archbishop Demetrios welcomed Mr. Papandreou to the Archdiocese where they met for 45 minutes and discussed the tragedy and its affects. They also apprised each other of actions taken by the Archdiocese and the Greek goverement respectivly.

In a press conference that followed, Mr. Papandreou expressed to the press his government s gratitude to the Archdiocese for the work it has been doing for the Greek Orthodox of New York and the United States as a whole.

Archbishop Demetrios replied We are always in a condition of mission. He

also displayed a paper icon and other artifacts retrieved from the rubble where St. Nicholas stood.

Afterward, His Eminence, Mr. Papandreou and other officials of the Greek government traveled with police escort to the disaster site.

At ground zero, the Archbishop held a trisagion memorial service.

Mr. Papandreou told members of the press at the scene that Greece unequivocally condemns the terrorist act against the people of the United States, sends its condolences and stands by the American people.

He also expressed his hope that St. Nicholas Church will serve as a monument and shrine not only for Greek Ortrhodox Christians but for all people of the world.

A Tribute to the ‘Third Tower’

On a warm summer Sunday, just weeks before commencing studies at seminary, I was blessed to worship at that little church. In the peace and calm of Sunday, the edifice that often went unnoticed during the frenetic pace of the trading week, was revealed as the most significant building on the block.

It was only in the tranquility of that Sunday that I realized and was thankful to God that, in reality, this little chapel hovered over those massive towers.

With the tragic fall of the Twin Towers, so fell the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. Its profound presence and the incalculable spiritual profit it brought to the financial district leave a great void in the New York City skyline. Yet, just as the real vitality of the Twin Towers was found not in the shell of steel rafters, mortar and glass, but in the spirit of those inhabiting the space, so, too, will the spirit of the faithful congregants of St. Nicholas be at the heart of the rebuilding of their great tower.

As a nation we are profoundly changed by the tragic events of the last week.

No longer can or will we take for granted the seemingly small blessings that God puts in our path.

When the church of St. Nicholas rises again, it is my hope and prayer that those who might have overlooked her in the past will stop, take notice, remember and pray; for, in reality, her promise of true riches dwarfs those who surround her.

So Be It! Fr. Michael Pappas, St. Basil, Stockton, Calif.

D. Panagos

The small and peaceful interior of St. Nicholas, filled with faithful on a feast-day celebration.

Overtures were made to purchase the property for great sums with the promise of relocating the community, in perpetuity, to the World Trade Center itself. When those overtures were met with rejection, attempts were made to buy the air rights over the sanctuary.

Again the faithful of St. Nicholas, in their steadfastness to remain a presence in but not of the world, said no.

If anything, this little church under-

took a mission and ministry in the heart of the New York concrete jungle. The sanctuary doors were opened as a haven to those overwhelmed by the extremities and pressures of life, as well as to those who just wanted to light a candle, to keep life in perspective and to thank God for their blessings. The paradox of the chapel s humble presence juxtaposed with the Twin Towers, an icon of man s hubris, could not have been more profound.

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 7

Archdiocese Mobilizes, Launches Humanitarian Efforts Ecumenical Patriarchate Gives u page 3 $50,000 to Rebuild Church he traveled to the seminary for Vespers and stavroforia and rasoforia ceremonies.

But Archbishop Demetrios and the of Atlanta from returning to the United States from Greece. Concurrently, Metro- Archdiocese staff arrived at their offices politan Anthony was at a clergy retreat in on the 14th to deal with the extraordinary Portland, Oregon, also was stranded and tragedy as it affected the Church.

The Archbishop directed that humanireturned to San Francisco by car on Fritarian efforts begin immediately with the day, Sept. 15.

Metropolitan Iakovos returned to establishment of a relief fund, relief cenChicago on Sept. 18 and Bishop Alexios ters to staffed by priests, professional counselors and volunteers, and emerreturned to Atlanta on Sept. 24. gency hotline numbers for anyone wantArchbishop visits site, takes action ing to volunteer or donate resources.

The day after the attack, the ArchdioHis Eminence also presided at the cese headquarters was closed, along with feast day service in the Archdiocese chapel most institutions and businesses in Manhat- and reflected on the tragedy with the staff, tan, but Archbishop Demetrios, accompa- He commented on the feast day s signifinied by his chancellor, the Very Rev. Savas cance to what had transpired: Honoring Zembillas; and Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, the cross of Christ is very appropriate at received permission to visit the edge of the this time of sorrow, he said. What hapdisaster area a few blocks from ground zero. pened is the result of evil, unusual terrorHis Eminence held a memorial ser- ism and globalization. He called the atvice near the site, and prayed for the in- tack a negative effect of globalization. jured and their families. He also met with Saturday, His Eminence visited St. police, firefighters and rescue workers.

Vincent Hospital on 14th Street, the mediOn Thursday, Sept. 14, the Feast Day cal facility closest to the disaster site. In the first two days of the catastrophe, the hospital treated more than 600 people.

While there, he observed the presence of some 25 young men and women, who traveled to New York from Alabama to help relieve the volunteers and to entertain the injured with musical instruments they brought with them.

At the Sunday Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral on Sept. 16, both Archbishop Demetrios and Archbishop Iakovos both spoke movingly N.Manginas about the tragedy. After Archbishop Demetrios displays a liturgical book and a paper icon his homily, Archbishop of St. Dionisios of Zakynthos which was originally framed in a wood Iakovos, visibly shaken, and silver frame that was not found. Both items survived the asked congregants to sing God Bless destruction of St. Nicholas church and were found in the rubble.

America.

Meanwhile, Bishop Dimitrios of of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Archdiocese offices normally are closed and Xanthos inaugurated the opening of the Archbishop Demetrios celebrates the start first relief center at St. Barbara Church in of a new academic year at Holy Cross lower Manhattan.

During week two of the crisis, meetSchool of Theology. The previous evening, ings took place at the Archdiocese with a newly created Relief Communications Group and a representative of the International Orthodox Christian Charities, Dirk Van Gorp.

Archbishop Demetrios and Fr. Savas met on two separate days with clergy in NEW YORK In a gesture of support New Jersey and Manhattan to plan the and concern for the destruction of St. Church s response to the tragedy.

Nicholas Church, the American Jewish On Sept. 20, the Archbishop attended Committee recently presented a $10,000 a meeting with President Bush in Washdonation to Archbishop Demetrios toward ington with national religious leaders. The the rebuilding of the church destroyed in next day, His Eminence officiated at a methe Sept. 11 terrorist attack. morial service at St. Sophia Cathedral and Martin Kaplan, chairman of the AJC s attended a prayer service.

Commission on Interreligious Affairs, acBack in New York, during the weekcompanied by other AJC members, made end the Archbishop continued his involvethe presentation in a visit to the Archdio- ment in ministering to those who were cese on Oct. 16. We are proud, Kaplan victims. He presided over a memorial sersaid, to join with the Greek Orthodox com- vice Sept. 22 at St. Catherine Church in munity in rebuilding St. Nicholas Church. Astoria organized by the Hellenic FederaIn accepting the donation, Arch- tion of Greater New York, and delivered bishop Demetrios said, This gesture is a the benediction at a citywide prayer sertreasure, a movement of the heart. vice at Yankee Stadium.

The American Jewish Committee has For Archbishop Demetrios, the Sept. a long-standing relationship with the 11 tragedy also meant undertaking the sad Greek Orthodox Church and has long responsibility of holding memorial services spearheaded the Jewish voice in relation- for several of the Greek Orthodox dead in ships with other faith groups.

New York, Long Island and New Jersey.

American Jewish Committee Donates $10,000 to Rebuild

NEW YORK Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in a telephone call to Archbishop Demetrios Sept. 22, announced the contribution of $50,000 toward the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Church.

His All Holiness said this constitutes a symbolic gesture on the part of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, expressing its deep concern, full support, warm love and participation in the restoration efforts of the American people in general, and the Orthodox faithful in particular.

Archbishop Demetrios announced the donation at a memorial service for victims of the tragedy, at St. Catherine s Church in Astoria, for victims of the attack.

His Eminence also told the congregants of St. Demetrios Church in Astoria of the donation the next day during Liturgy.

Visibly moved, Archbishop Demetrios also communicated the fatherly love and prayers of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Noting that His All Holiness is in constant communication with him, the Archbishop reiterated the extreme concern and agony of the Mother Church for the faithful in America, and the fervent prayers of all the

ST. NICHOLAS PLIGHT Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning, a couple of hours after the attack, Fr. John Romas, pastor of St. Nicholas, tried to go to the scene from his home about 30 miles away in Westchester County but was turned back by police.

Wednesday, the 12th, he was given access to the site and gazed in disbelief over what was left of the church. It would break your heart, he said of the devastation he witnessed. It s one thing to see it on TV, and another thing to see it in person. St. Nicholas is buried under debris.

It is the worst thing.

Fr. Romas told the Observer that, at the time of the first blast, one parishioner, Vassilios Torazanos, 50, had arrived at the church shortly before the first jet crashed into the north tower. Moments after the crash and the ensuing pandemonium on the street, he and an electrician working with him on the second floor, rushed out of the building. He left his car in the adjacent parking lot and ran all the way to Brooklyn, about two miles distant over the East River.

Fr. Romas said at least 45 to 50 congregants usually attend Sunday Divine Liturgy and they have begun to plan the rebuilding of their church. Many donations have poured in since the tragedy, including $500,000 for reconstruction from the mayor of Bari, Italy. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Bari.

A number of other individuals and organizations in the United States, Greece and elsewhere have pledged support to help rebuild the church. TV networks in Greece recently held telethons to raise funds for the church and Archdiocese humanitarian efforts.

Fr. Romas also said he is attempting to find another location in the area to hold church services and hopes to retrieve the church s holy relics: those of St. Nicholas, St. Katherine and St. Sava. They were kept on what had been the top floor of the fourstory building.

On Sept. 14, Archbishop Demetrios accompanied President Bush on a tour to the ground zero on his visit to New York.

His Eminence told the President, the Church was ready to do anything that is asked from us. We share in the deep pain

Icon by Athanasios Clark/DRE

hierarchs of the Holy and Sacred Synod for health, protection and restoration from the wounds inflicted by this great tragedy. and concern for the millions of our fellow citizens here and we stand behind you.

The Archbishop also spoke with New York Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington about retrieving the sacred relics from the ruins. The deputy mayor then put Church officials in contact with one of the companies removing debris in the area.

His Eminence and Fr. Romas were to return to the site Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 19, to retrieve the holy relics, but police cancelled the visit because of the imminent danger of collapse by nearby buildings. However, the Archbishop visited ground zero Saturday, Sept. 22 for the third time, including the site of St. Nicholas Church where he offered prayers.

The history of St. Nicholas dates to 1916 when Greek immigrants purchased the building for $25,000. Until 1993, it was one of two old calendar parishes under the Archdiocese, then it switched to the Gregorian calendar.

Among the church s unique characteristics were its small size and icons that were a gift from the last czar of Russia, Nicholas II. Fr. Romas expressed hope he would be able to salvage some of the icons.

Among St. Nicholas first members were the parents of actors Telly and George Savalas.

During the week, the church was open Wednesdays for people to light candles during their lunch breaks, to attend paraklisis services the first Wednesday of each month, or for spiritual contemplation.

It served as a spiritual refuge for office workers from the hundreds of corporations near the church.

Built in 1832, the irregularly shaped building resembled a Spanish mission of the American Southwest. It originally was a residence and later housed a tavern.

The structure s facade measured 22 feet wide, which narrowed to 20 feet, 11 inches at the rear, was 56 feet long along the west wall and 55½ feet long on the east. It was 35 feet tall. A parking lot bordered the church on three sides.

The church has been known locally for its celebration of Epiphany. A procession would make its away a quarter mile to Battery Park at the south tip of Manhattan where a diver would jump into New York Harbor s icy water to retrieve the cross.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

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SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

Reflections on the Tragedy by three of our Hierarchs METROPOLITAN ANTHONY Eve of the Feast of the Holy Cross On Tuesday, Sept. 11, the tranquility of our nation was shattered by a series of devastating terrorist attacks. We approach the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Cross still struggling to come to grips with the dreadful scope of this tragedy.

Yet I am convinced that the only possible response which the Church can offer to the many disturbing questions raised by this incident is the Cross itself, for it is only in the Cross that the mystery of suffering and evil are resolved and transformed within the mystery of the Resurrection.

In the Cross of Christ, we are confronted with suffering in all its depth of horror, epitomized in our Lord s anguished cry, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Tuesday s traumatic events were experienced by many as a kind of eclipse of the divine presence, an apparent suspension of God s loving activity in the world. To use an expression of Metropolitan Anthony Bloom, the world at that moment ceased to be God colored, as our eyes filled with scenes of unimaginable terror, pain, and death.

In the face of such horrific events, we find ourselves groping for answers, for some explanation of how such a tragedy could have occurred.

Yet, in the Cross we discover a God who suffers with us and for us, and who thus makes our suffering the very context for an event of communion with Himself. As one of the hymns of Holy Friday states, God enters into the human condition by becoming the One who suffers and co-suffers with humanity (Fourth Antiphon, Orthros of Holy Friday).

In the Cross we also encounter the mystery of evil, of creation s rebellion against the Creator. On the Cross, evil bursts forth in all its malice, all its violence, all its life-annihilating force. But evil is defeated and emptied of its power, not by virtue of superior force, but rather through the divine kenosis, though a free outpouring of love whereby Christ empties Himself (Phil 2:7) on behalf of suffering humanity. In light of Tuesday s attacks, there are some who have begun to clamor for vengeance, for retribution, for a justice that exacts an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. A nation, however, we must take care not to stage a hasty show of force in a rash attempt to reassert our perceived dominance in the global arena. Let us remember the words of the Lord: Vengeance is mine; I will repay (Rom.12:19). The strength of our nation lies not in the superiority of armaments or raw military might. Our true strength was rather demonstrated on Tuesday by those who, heedless of their own safety, plunged into the inferno to rescue their fellow human beings. The strength of our nation lies in those who give blood, volunteer in hospitals, aid those who wounded and comfort those who mourn. The Cross teaches us that, finally, in the Cross we come face to face with the mystery and power of the Resurrection.

Formerly an instrument of suffering and death, the Cross has been transformed into a symbol of triumph an a pledge of a new age in which there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor sighing, and no more pain, for the former things have all passed away (Rev. 21:4).

In the Orthodox Church, the Cross is never separated or considered apart from the Resurrection; this is why in the Divine Liturgy of the Feast of the Holy Cross, we sing at the Trisagion hymn, We venerate your Cross, O Christ, and we glorify your Holy Resurrection. Moreover, the Cross with its four branches prefigures that future era in which every tribe and nation shall be gathered together from the four ends of the earth into the Kingdom of God (cf.Mt.24:31), where in all human enmity shall cease and peace shall reign forever.

As one of the hymns of the Vespers states, through the Cross Christ has united in one that which was formerly divided.

Therefore, my beloved, let us embrace the Cross in faith with hearts and lips (kekragarion of the Holy Cross) as support for our weakness, healing for our wounds, and comfort for our sorrow.

Let us take tomorrow s period of fasting as a day of solemn remembrance and prayer for all those who have been affected by this catastrophe, for those who have been wounded or lost love ones, and for the souls of those who have perished. Let us rally around the Cross as a standard of hope, confident that the power of good is greater than that of evil, that the power of love is stronger than that of hate, and that the power of the Resurrection has vanquished and shall vanquish all the powers of fear, of division, and of death.

METROPOLITAN MAXIMOS

METROPOLITAN METHODIOS

Along with all the free people in the United States and throughout the world, I express my indignation at the truly satanic, cowardly attack of the terrorist hijackers who hit the financial and military heart of American this past September 11. I fully agree with President Bush who made the statement that those who supported and harbored these terrorists are equally terrorists. They should be arrested and brought to justice.

It was impossible for anyone to imagine that such a hideous, so well studied and planned crime would have been possible. Only Satan could have conceived such a crime; and only people possessed by him could have executed such an unthinkable crime. This is why I was watching with justified disbelief the awful, cowardly attack against the Manhattan twin towers of the World Trade Center and the heartbreaking scenes of people falling into a vacuum and to their death from the 120th and other floors to avoid being burned alive.

The speculations regarding the causes of the religious fanaticism, which led the terrorists to their crime, vary. The following is one of them: the terrorists and their supporters hate America for supporting pro-Western governments in the Islamic countries; they hate America for supporting Israel; and, they hate America for polluting the sacred soil of Saudi Arabia with infidel (Christian) soldiers. All this indicates that the main reason behind the attack against America is religious fanaticism; it is the exploitation of this Muslim fanaticism by politicians in the pursuit of their own political goals of Islamic expansion.

The fanatic Muslims, represented by the Talibans, wage a Muslim sacred war (Jihad) against the Christian West, and against Christian and American freedoms. They see the West, represented by America as the enemy, and even as satan , for America and its freedom values stand in the way of the robotic fanaticism of misguided Muslims, who are ready to commit suicide for the sake of Allah and for the expansion of Islam, thus gaining for themselves the king of paradise that Qur an promises to these fanatic suicidal terrorists. Probably, this is the explanation of what happened on September 11, and what may continue to happen, if freedom-loving people do not stand up these cowardly abusers of American freedom values. Justice and accountability for crimes committed against humanity such as those of September 11 must prevail. Otherwise, the criminal people and their supporters will be encouraged to commit more of the same hideous crimes.

As a Christian, I do believe in forgiveness and empathy for the criminal, but not for his or her crimes. I do pray for the supporters of the fanatic terrorists to return to their senses; I do pray for their repentance and return to civilized humanity.

I am not very optimistic, knowing that these religious fanatic have sold their soul to Satan. But I do pray for them and for their salvation. Let them realize their crimes, repent and make the necessary reparations for their offenses. In the meanwhile, justice has to be done; the criminal fanatic terrorists have to be prevented from committing more of their crimes. I do trust in the wisdom of our Government; and I do pray to God to continue to inspire our rulers to do His will. May God continue to bless our great country of freedom and liberty in order for it to continue to defend this freedom, liberty and justice throughout God s world.

On Sept. 8 we celebrated the Feast of the Birth of the Virgin Mary. This celebration signals the beginning of God s plan eternal to humanity. On the 14th of September we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Cross that we reverently elevated as the symbol of Christ s victory over death. Exactly in the midst of these two great feasts, we were reminded that goodness, decency, kindness, compassion and a myriad of virtues are not easily attained. On Sept. 11, evil unveiled its ugly face.

Innocent men, women and children, brave firemen, policemen and other rescuers, heroic passengers of a doomed airliner all their families, relatives, friends, and co-workers... all Americans fell victim to the tyranny of this diabolic holocaust of hatred! We were all torn to the depths of our hearts with seemingly unbearable pain. But somehow, through all our sorrows and suffering, we are still able to see the light of the promise of God s love and mercy.

We have rallied together as one great nation as one great world. The heritage of our forefathers reminds us that the Byzantine Christian Empire included peoples of all races and colors. Similarly, America is beautiful mosaic of peoples of all colors, races, creeds and cultural traditions. This is what makes America great.

How delightful it is to see so many faces-all distinctly different-coming together to pray and show support for our nation and our world. All are united in one common bond of powerful unity and oneness of mind. Our common bond of mutual unity has been thoroughly manifested in this national crisis.

As Greek Orthodox Christians, we honor the diversity of our fellow Americans by respecting their faith and heritage. Most especially at this present time, we need to reach out to our brethren of the Moslem Faith and to all Mid-Eastern Americans who have been pained and suffer just as all their fellow Americans. As your Metropolitan and Spiritual Father, I encourage you to treat all peoples equally. Do not allow any form of prejudice to manifest itself in any way. We are all God s children. Reach out to those in our communities whose lives have been threatened and who have experienced unjust prejudice and hatred.

I call upon you at this time to reach deeply into the well of your faith. There you will find consolation, perseverance, compassion and tolerance, hope and assurance. You will find that your prayers will bring God s grace to all those who are suffering.

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 9

Archbishop Attends White House Meeting, Visits Pentagon WASHINGTON Archbishop Demetrios was among several religious leaders invited Sept. 20 to the White House by President George Bush on Thursday to pray with him and to offer counsel as he prepared to address the joint session of Congress and the nation.

The two-hour session began with a meeting of 27 religious leaders and White House officials that resulted in a consensus statement urging both patience and justice in America s response to terrorism.

Immediately following, seven of the leaders, including Archbishop Demetrios, met with President Bush in the Oval Office where he articulated in strong, candid terms where we are now as a nation, how we must cope with the tragedy of Sept. 11 and how important it was to have the spiritual support and leadership of the religious community.

The overriding religious tone of the discussion ended with a prayer led by Bernard Cardinal Law, Roman Catholic archbishop of Boston.

The seven, led

by President Bush, then joined the entire clergy group in the Roosevelt Room.

The President articulated his earlier position, previewing the speech he was to deliver to the Country that evening. He asked each person present to offer a statement, thanked everyone for their support and he was assured that you will be surrounded by prayers.

At the close of the meeting, Archbishop Demetrios offer a prayer on behalf of the President and those present.

The group then proceeded to the White House lawn for a press conference, which began with a statement from each of the leaders present in the Oval Office with President Bush.

Archbishop Demetrios expressed the full support of all the leaders and the Greek Orthodox community, said the President welcomed the candid discussion. He also said, as Americans we should not seek vengeance but only justice, carried out after careful consideration.

Meets with CIA director

Following the White House meeting,

The Archbishop was then escorted close to the actual crash site by Deputy Chief of Police of Arlington County John Haas, who in coordination with the assistant chancellor of the Archdiocese Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, had arranged for the Pentagon visit.

His Eminence placed a rose at a memorial for the victims, then held a press conference with media from throughout the world and three live television interviews.

Capitol Hill Reception

1 2

1) PRESIDENT BUSH meets with national religious leaders in the White House. Archbishop Demetrios is to his right.

2) ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS reflects on the scene near the Pentagon’s ground zero where thousands of volunteers work to sift the debris.

3) A PRAYER service was held in front of the Pentagon. (l. to r.) Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Ambassador Miller, Deacon Nektarios Morrow, Andrew Natsios, Michael Jaharis and Fr. Alex Karloutsos.

At a noon reception on Capitol Hill, Archbishop Demetrios explained the Archdiocese s relief efforts with several legislators. His Eminence then met with Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Marc Grossman and attended the swearing-in of the new U.S. ambassador to Greece Thomas Miller.

The evening concluded with a memorial service at St. Sophia Cathedral. In attendance were Metropolitan Theodosius of the Orthodox Church in America, diplomats, clergy and faithful from the Washington area.

3 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE

Archbishop Demetrios went to the offices of the Central Intelligence Agency where he was warmly received by George Tenet, CIA director and member of the Greek Orthodox Church. They had a private discussion that concluded with a prayer.

Memorial Service at Pentagon Site

Friday, Sept. 21, Archbishop Demetrios, accompanied by a small group including U.S. Ambassador to Greece Thomas Miller, newly appointed director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Andrew Natsios and Michael Jaharis, vice chairman of the Archdiocesan Council, visited the Pentagon site.

His Eminence offered a memorial service for the repose of the souls of those who had lost their lives in the Pentagon attack.

HIS EMINENCE hosted a reception for Congress members at the Capitol Building.

D. Panagos photos

WALKING TOWARD the Pentagon – Archbishop Demetrios is accompanied by Ambassador Miller, Mr. Jaharis and Fr. Kontogiorgis.

PAGE 10

History Is Missing in Void

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

Prayer for America

NEW YORK - All the glass that once stretched for a quarter mile into the sky is gone. Not picked up, or trucked away to a landfill on Staten Island. But gone. Vanished. Pulverized back into the sand from which it came. It is a fundamental consequence of this holocaust on the tip of Manhattan.

Still, Jeff Clark has trouble fathoming something so basic, yet profound. He arrived at ground zero almost byPeter Gelzinis a week ago with an urban search-and-rescue unit from Salt Lake City.

Yesterday morning, he was still humbled by all he s been crawling over and into. There s no concrete, either, he said, not there in the middle of it. There had to be tons of concrete once.

Now it is the insidious dust that covers Wall Street and Battery Park City. It s what gets in your lungs and your eyes and sticks to your shoes. The steel beams we ve come across are like nothing I ve ever seen, Clark said.

I heard someone say 20 tons per square foot. They re enormous. You just don t see anything like that back in Salt Lake. And the steel has been twisted and contorted and thrown across the street into some of these other buildings. Look, I m a firefighter.

This is what I do. But I don t know how anyone could be prepared for something like this. The devastation is beyond belief.

It s just so sad to see what man has done to man.

Into all the crevices Jeff Clark and his searchers have explored, he has yet to find a body. This absence of life, in many respects, makes the heroic effort all the more eerie.

When you get into these places, Clark said, and you don t see anything, you have to assume people must have made it out.

Trouble is, there s still 6,500 people in there somewhere. But NEW YORK At the Prayer for America Service in New York on Sept. 23, the Archbishop where? Like the glass and the concrete, many are simply no more. delivered the benediction at the end of the nearly three-hour event.

This is the unspoken reality of life at ground zero.

Thousands of New Yorkers affected by the disaster attended the service at Yankee The frantic ballet of iron workers deconstructing fragments Stadium, which was organized by the city of New York of this gargantuan skeleton with their cutting torches, the platoons of firefighters digging for lost brothers with picks and shovParticipants included several faiths, including Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant, els, the searchers and tunnel rats who disappear into a cauldron Jewish, Hindu, Sikh and Muslim religious leaders, and many political and civic leaders. that still burns - it continues relentlessly, as if our very life as a nation depended on their conquering these ruins. In a very real Inside the car, Demetrios said, the body of a way, it does. policeman was still behind the wheel. Yesterday, as Last week, an EMT who d rushed down from the leader of his church began chanting prayers for the Boston to join in what was still a rescue, tried to dead, Andreas Gournis began to dig at the dirt near his describe the landscape surrounding him. feet. He had already managed to find a broken leg of a This isn t Pearl Harbor, he told his supervisor. chair he recognized.

This isn t Oklahoma. This is Hiroshima. Indeed, He held the dusty piece of wood as if it were a he was not exaggerating. All around the ruins of the sacred relic. After clearing away several inches, he World Trade Centers stand buildings with great open uncovered a small piece of marble. Look, it is the wounds that span 20 or 25 floors. floor, maybe the altar, he said, his face beaming.

As the twin towers fell to the ground, their Elated firefighters began to hand the archbishop outsized steel beams turned into mammoth pieces more tiny pieces of marble. of shrapnel, tearing open adjoining structures of steel In our faith, said Stavros Papagermanos, an aide and stone, as if they were mere skin and bones on to the archbishop, St. Nicholas is the patron saint some long ago battlefield. of travel. Of course, when this church was built here, There is the ravaged hulk of an elegant stone travel meant the sea crossing the ocean. St. Nicholas building that looms up from the corner of what was was the saint all our ancestors prayed to when they Liberty and West Street, just across from the hauntfirst came into Manhattan from Ellis Island. ing broken facade of the south tower.

Of course, he sighed, taking in the tableau of When United Airlines Flight 175 banked left over destruction and twisted metal, nobody was thinking the Hudson and took dead aim on Two World Trade, about airplanes. They hadn t even been invented yet. it passed directly over 90 West Street. The top dozen And now, look what a plane, two planes, have done. floors of this building were charred nearly to the point So much, gone. So much heartache. of incineration by the ensuing fireball. What little broAs he followed his religious leader out of the ken glass there is, comes from these mortally wounded ruins, Stavros Papagermanos stole one long look buildings. skyward, to where a silvery tower of glass and steel Into this desolation yesterday came the leader once stood. I took my little boy way up to the top of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, Archnot too long ago, he said, wistfully. bishop Demetrios. He led a contingent of church My boy, he says to me, `Look, Papa, I am on leaders across the West Side Highway. They were the top of the world. escorted by the NYPD to a crater in the dirt, where a After this happened, my son asked me just one front-end loader had stopped digging. question: Papa, why did they do that to my top of the Firefighters with shovels jumped into the trench world? How could I ever answer him? I didn t know to gingerly start the process of looking for any remwhat to say. The glass was gone. So was the cement. nants of human life along with pieces of a legendary After Archbishop Demetrios had left, word came church named after St. Nicholas. that searchers had recovered a hand. In the bramble As the churchman approached, the firefighters of a half-million tons of twisted steel, in the place stopped digging and put their dust-covered arms where mashed fire trucks and ambulances are fused around Archbishop Demetrios, marking his robes together in front of a luxury apartment, half a block with the imprint of their courage. away where men in hazardous waste suits were pickLess than two weeks ago, a small church that housed the relics St. Nicholas, St. Katherine and St. AN AERIAL VIEW of lower Manhattan and the World Trade Center only a ing burnt scraps of paper out of children s playcouple of days after the terrorist attack. ground, finding a hand is what passes for joy on this Sava, along with icons donated by Czar Nicholas II battlefield of our time. of Russia, stood somewhere amid this field of dirt, When Andreas came out into the street, said Archbishop twisted metal and anguish.

Now, after nearly 100 years, and at least two world Demetrios, he saw a part of the airplane s wing and pieces of Peter Gelzinis is a columnist for the Boston Herwars, it was gone, vanished, just like the concrete and human bodies. The prelate said that earlier this week he was ald, The above column appeared in the newsthe glass. Andreas Gournis was praying on the marble told that a police car had been uncovered not far from where St. paper s Sunday Sept. 23 issue. floor when the first plane sailed into the north tower. Nicholas stood.

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 11

Washington Area Churches Hold Memorial Vespers

On Sacred Ground

A memorial vespers was celebrated on Sept. 15, in memory of the tragic acts of terrorism both at the Pentagon and at the World Trade Center at Sts. Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Potomac, Md. Fr. George Rados and Fr. Thomas Palke, Washington, National Guard chaplain, hosted the memorial, with Fr. Gregory Safchuk, St. Mark Orthodox Church, (OCA); Fr. Miles Zindak, Holy Resurrection Church (Carpatho-Russian); Fr. Vladimir Danylevich, St. Nicholas Cathedral (OCA), Washington, Fr. James Paris of St. George Church (Greek Orthodox) and Fr. Milorad Milovich of St. Luke Orthodox Church (OCA-Serbian), McLean, Va. Fr. Deacon Nectarios (Trevor) Eiban of Holy Resurrection Church, led the petitions; sub Deacon Job Woodill, St. Nicholas Cathedral, read the Epistle. John Slanta directed the choir, with participants from all Orthodox churches in the Potomac/ Bethesda, Md., area churches sung the responses.

Cranes, bulldozers, backhoes and the other heavy equipment used at ground zero were silenced for a while, as Archbishop Demetrios accompanied by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese Fr. Savvas Zembillas, the priest of demolished St. Nicholas church Fr. John Romas, Fr. John Angel, deacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos, NY State Assemblyman Michael Giannaris and a couple other members of the Archdiocese staff walked solemnly over to the very ground where the modest church of St. Nicholas once stood next to the Twin Towers.

by Stavros Papagermanos

It was Saturday, Sept. 22, only eleven days after the horrific events. It was already the fourth visit of His Eminence to or close to the site but the first time he was allowed precisely on top of the grounds of St. Nicholas Church. It was risky they said, with the ground and the adjoining structures still unstable. The authorities had promised to call the Archdiocese once they had gotten close to the church and there was a chance for retrieval of any items.

They called the night before, as the Archbishop was returning from his trip to Washington D.C. Steel beams, scattered debris, gaping holes in the surrounding buildings composed the scene. All covered with a gray thick overpowering dust and the cloud of souls of those who perished and were now buried underneath the rubble. The senses were overwhelmed and hesitant to do their job.

The people of the rescue and recovery teams, holding shovels and pickaxes were working feverishly, refusing to accept the logic that the 11 days elapsed since the tragedy, were dictating. The logic of death did not measure up to hope, humanity, unselfishness and sacrifice.

Some two-dozen people congregated around the excavation point over St. Nicholas. They stood in prayer. Some took off their hard hats, some pulled down their masks, others were holding candles. Archbishop Demetrios started with the memorial prayer. The chanting would seem foreign at first but the love and warmth emanating from the Archbishop and the clergy around him would soon move those rough and tired faces to tears. The Archbishop offered a separate supplication and blessing for strength and courage from God to all those who were working on the

Radio Program Interviews Archbishop on WTC Tragedy

D. Panagos

site and for their equipment and machinery used in the holy task at hand. A member of the armed forces, who as we learned later was an Episcopalian chaplain from Washington State, knelt on the rubble in front of the Archbishop and said: Archbishop please bless me. Some construction workers brought pieces of broken marble, they were part of the interior sidewalls of St. Nicholas, said Fr. Romas who recognized them. The foreman showed His Eminence a container were

they would collect anything that was perceived to be part of St. Nicholas; Some more marble pieces, a bunch of squeezed and bent candles, a couple of broken oil lamps.

A few minutes of prayer, a few minutes of looking upwards was all it took.

Archbishop Demetrios as he was leaving said: When language and words are unable to express our emotionally flooded souls then we resort to prayer, sometimes to silent prayer

FORT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. Come Receive the Light, the Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) program, featured Archbishop Demetrios on its Sept. 22 broadcast on the World Trade Center terrorist attack.

The Archbishop was interviewed following a visit to the site of the disaster.

His Eminence spoke candidly about the carnage he saw, the dedication of the city personnel serving so many people and the miracles that were occurring each moment.

The National Orthodox Christian Radio program, Come Receive the Light is aired every Saturday Morning from 9 to 10 a.m. on WLVJ 640 AM in the West Palm Beach, Fort, Lauderdale and Miami metropolitan areas.

In Boston and the surrounding area the program is aired every Saturday 3 to 4 p.m. on WEZE 590 AM. For those not in South Florida or Boston, the program can be heard on the World Wide Web @ http:/ /www.receive.org.

Visitors to the web site of the radio program may also hear past programs by visiting the archive section. The program can also be heard by visiting the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese web site @ http:// www.goarch.org.

Boston Diocese Holds Service GREECE PROVIDES Services Held at N.Y. Onassis Foundation of Remembrance for Victims Military Facilities to U.S. Cathedral for Attack Victims Gives $500,000 WATERTOWN, Mass. A prayer service in memory of the victims of the Sept.

11 terrorist attack took place Oct. 20 at Taxiarchae Church, beginning at 5 p.m.

Metropolitan Methodios will lead the 40-day memorial service to be attended

by New England Orthodox Christians.

State and local officials, members of area fire and police departments, the armed forces and family members of the victims have been invited to participate.

Those attending will receive American flags and memorial cards.

The Day of Prayer and Service of Remembrance will include a youth forum led

by Dr. Emmanuel Christ, beginning at 4 p.m.

For more information, call the Diocese of Boston (617) 277-4742.

ATHENS, Greece The Greek government granted use of its airspace and has provided landing rights for U.S. military aircraft, according to government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.

At his briefing Sept. 25, he said it is self evident that Greece will authorize the use of resources that will contribute to the success of the task at hand, i.e., the fight against international terrorism.

He added that Greece would honor its obligations as a member of NATO and the European Union because the national interests of the country and the defense of justice, freedom and human rights dictate this.

The fight against terrorism is a fight for democracy, he concluded.

NEW YORK Archbishop Demetrios celebrated services Sept. 30 at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral for attack victims and an Artoclasia for survivors, their families, and the Orthodox faithful.

Invited to participate were Fr. John Romas, pastor of St. Nicholas Church, which was destroyed in the Twin Towers attack, and his congregants.

Also present were diplomats of Greece and Cyprus, members of the St. Paul Society, comprised of all NYPD Eastern Orthodox law enforcement officers, Greek Orthodox fire department members, survivors and victims families.

A reception followed in the Cathedral Center.

NEW YORK The Onassis Foundation announced it has donated $500,000 to the Uniformed Firefighters Association Widows and Children s Fund of New York.

The funds will benefit the survivors of those firefighters who died in the Sept.

11 terrorist attack on New York.

WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS MUST INCLUDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS AND DAYTIME NUMBER

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

PAGE 12

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

EDITORIAL

After WTC, a Different World and a New Season

No words adequately convey the trauma, the shock and the utter heinousness of the evil of Sept. 11 that reverberated around the world.

The unthinkable, the stuff of disaster movies, suddenly was thrust upon us in a few minutes of mindnumbing reality.

This unprovoked attack against the United States has caused mind-numbing grief for countless thousands of individuals and families who lost loved ones or friends in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

The Church seeks to comfort those who grieve and prays fervently for the souls of the departed,and continuing to console the survivors.

Much outpouring of sympathy and support has been directed to the congregants of St. Nicholas Church, the tiny, historic Greek Orthodox house of worship in lower Manhattan less than 100 yards from ground zero, buried under tons of debris. Since the catastrophe, the response to the plight of the little church has been extraordinary, as many individuals and organizations have pledged financial support in the rebuilding of the church, not only from throughout the United States, but from around the world, especially Greece and the city of Bari, Italy.

In his efforts to respond to this national crisis, Archbishop Demetrios has rallied the Church to take a lead in aiding in recovery efforts, and to energize all Orthodox Christians to aid those who are suffering. Our clergy and counselors are helping victims of the tragedy.

Many parishes and Philoptochos chapters throughout the nation have responded selflessly with generous gifts of funds and other needed items.

Other Church-related organizations, such as the International Orthodox Christian Charities and the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, also have taken immediate action to help the survivors families and victims of the disaster.

His Eminence has pledged the Church s firm support and prayers to President Bush and heightened the Church s awareness among the general public through taking part in national prayer services in Washington and at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Our nation s political leaders and pundits struggle to understand why this has happened, but who can really realize the degree of hatred that must have gone into conceiving and executing these evil deeds.

If there is a silver lining here, it is that the attack against the United States has forced people to rethink their priorities in life, to reassess their spiritual condition, in light of the fact that the lives of so many thousands of people were snuffed out in an instant. It also has rekindled deep feelings of compassion for human suffering, as thousands grieve the loss of their loved ones.

Furthermore, it has pulled this highly diverse nation together in unity and awakened long dormant values of patriotism. On another level, it forced us to refocus on God, although many of those evoking the name of God don t have the same understanding of God that Christians do.

While God allows certain things to happen for a reason, and this tragedy could very well be a wake-up call that we must re-examine our relationship to God and the state of our souls, no nation is without its sins. We can t put God in a closet in our everyday existence only to bring Him out in times of national crisis.

But no other nation has striven for the past two centuries to manifest Christian principles into direct action, such as bringing food and other humanitarian aid to the very enemies who wish us evil.

Life in this country, especially in the New York and Washington, will never be the same. The world seems to be a different, far dangerous place than it was prior to Sept. 11, after the three hijacked airliners that crashed into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon shattered our sense of security for a generation.

Along with the recent arrival of autumn, a new season appears to be upon us, as best expressed in the Book of Ecclesiastes: To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven a time to be born and a time to die a time to kill and a time to heal a time to weep a time to mourn a time for war, and a time for peace

uRighteous angert

and all his angels to lead us into destruction of the terrorists. My righteous anger wanted revenge and retribution.

And, then, as I gazed at the Panaghia, I recalled what Fr. Niko Graff said Sept.

16 as part of the gospel lesson: Under what circumstances would a father give up his son or daughter as God did?

Maybe this loss of innocence was allowed to awaken the whole world to the evil in some that would use innocent people in an airplane to slaughter innocent people of all nations.

There will be military retribution and a push for punishment, on a global scale.

But that will be nothing compared to what God will do to those who pro-

Editor, All day, the eleventh day of September, that day of perfidy and cowardly murder of innocents in New York and Washington, I felt righteous anger.

As a former warrior I sought to wreak annihilation on all that supported terrorism regardless of which nation it was, ally or enemy.

As was directed by Archbishop Demetrios, a service was held at my church, St. John the Divine, here in Jacksonville, Fla. While I was praying I kept looking back and forth between St. Michael with his fiery sword and the Panaghia, the mother of Jesus. My first thoughts were for St. Michael

uuu

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

Reactions to Church’s loss and September 11 Attack uuu fess his word (whether it be Holy Bible or Koran) to justify evil. To those who know better, Woe to those who know and cause others to sin for they will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.

I have been in combat eight times during my 32-plus years in the Navy. I have seen death; I have seen retribution and this will happen again. But, as I looked to Panaghia to whom we pray at these times and remembered that she lost her child, Jesus, and that God gave His Son. I remembered what Jesus said at his moment of greatest agony and righteous indignation: Not my will but THY will be done.

Vice Adm. Michael Kalleres (USN-ret.)

Jacksonville, Fla.

uUrges brotherhoodt Editor, I am writing to reflect on the tragic events that have taken place on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center.

I am also writing because I am hoping that this letter will urge our spiritual leaders to share some of their wisdom with the Orthodox Church and the world at large. Since this tragedy I have stayed in front of the TV hoping to see coverage of one of our congregations praying together. Hoping to hear our wise and humble leaders speak to society at large. I have been raised to believe that our Orthodox Church is the one true church of our Lord Jesus Christ but we hide. We don t embrace society at large.

I am frustrated, I was born and raised in Manhattan. I went to public school and now teach in the same system. Most of my teachers were of Jewish descent. My classmates were African American, Latin American and Korean American. My best friend since first grade was of the Muslim faith.

Nafeeza and I did everything together. Although the majority of my friends belonged to my church community it was Nafeeza that I turned to when I was feeling sad or hurt.

Although we don t speak as often any more because of marriage and children that have taken priority in our lives, she is one of the first people I spoke to for comfort on Sept. 11. I m frustrated because it was this public school system that taught me all people are created equal.

Many call me naive because in my heart I truly believe these words. The other words I truly live by are Love your neighbor as you love yourself. These people are my neighbor, those who lost their lives in this tragedy and those who are responsible for this tragedy. Our enemy is our neighbor. Can we as a Church love this enemy? Can we forgive this enemy? I truly believe we must. Our government and the majority of the people of this country are saying we must attack.

As a mother, a teacher and a Christian I try to teach that violence of any kind is wrong. Our students are taught to have peace talks. I know, the enemy we are dealing with is not open to dialogue but isn t it possible that society as a whole has not been listening to the Middle Eastern World. Does society truly understand their needs, concerns and fears? I don t have any answers.

That is why I want to hear from our church leaders. I want to see their wisdom shared with the whole world not just our communities.

I am ashamed to say that I have heard many of our lay and clergy express opinions about other ethnic groups that are non-Christian. We cannot be phobic of other ethnic groups especially when so many of our children attend public school.

More importantly, it could not possibly be what our Lord Jesus Christ wants.

Let us love our enemy and pray that our merciful Lord heals all our hearts and evil minds.

Anastasia Pinou-Melizanis Cliffside Park, N.J

uFrom Australiat

Editor, To all our dear Orthodox brothers and sisters and citizens of the U.S.A. The Lord reigns!

May you all have the peace aand comfort of the Holy Spirit in your hearts at this time of such tragedy and loss.

We are indeed grateful for your regular updates on the situation developing.

Fortunately our son and grandson are safe in Portland, Oregon.

We grieve greatly and pray for all those who have lost relatives and those suffering anxiety about their loved ones.

It is indeed saddening news about the loss of St Nicholas Church so close to the scenes of destruction. We pray that a miracle may have preserved the holy relics and icons from loss.

Your people are in our thoughts and prayers constantly, offered here in our house chapel of St Gregory of Nyssa and St Macrina.

Many years and may our loving God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless and protect you all.

With love and prayers, Dn. Michael and Diaconissa Colleen Christina Elder Antiochian Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand

uAmericat

Editor, Today America did shed a tear.

Our Twin Towers fell and we did fear. But Americans brave rallied to call.For democracy s freedom will never fall.With fearless pride their blood was spent.Saving others their spirit was unbent.Their mettle will shine forever more.Amongst the destruction so bent with gore.Americans we stood, ethnics of all kinds. Cemented as one for those we did find. And rallied we did for the world to see. Our banners unfurled from sea to sea. Wounded we are, but defeated not. Democracy s freedom will never be got. Our country s forefathers have been laid to rest. Defending our freedom was their final test. We will carry this flame for the world to see. God bless America s freedom for eternity.

Nickolas Serras Brooklyn, N.Y.

uFrom Englandt

Editor, It was with great regret that I read of the destruction of St. Nicholas Church along with WTC. I would like to communicate both the shock and the solidarity felt for you by our community of The Holy Fathers of Nicea in Shrewsbury, England.

Simon Stone Shrewsbury, England

u page 25

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

The Standing Conference

of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas TO ALL THE CLERGY AND LAITY OF THE HOLY ORTHODOX CHURCH THROUGHOUT AMERICA Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation which we ourselves are consoled by God. (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

In the spirit of these God-inspired words of St. Paul, we address this letter to you in this time of great affliction. As we are all painfully aware, our nation has experienced one of the most difficult days in its history. The death of over 5,000 of our fellow citizens and citizens of over 80 other countries on September 11th, 2001 is a profound tragedy which will be forever etched in our memories.

For many of us, the violent events of that day have deep personal consequences which will endure throughout this life. The families and friends of the victims are also themselves innocent victims and are grieving over the loss of their loved ones. The consequences of terrorism in New York, Washington, and Shanksville will continue to affect each of us and our national life in the days, the months and the years ahead, and will cause many questions to trouble our souls.

As Orthodox Christians, we have the resources available to provide answers for our own souls and to strengthen those around us. Putting our trust in the God of love and hope and reconciliation, we receive comfort in knowing that the risen Christ has overcome death and that the Evil One does not have the final word.

God has the final word, and He is always with us. Yes, God is always with us in both our joys and in our sorrows. Resting in God s love we can share the strength that this brings us with those who are troubled and even terrified by the threat of evil.

Confronted by this evil, we have been overwhelmed by the example of the good men and women who have put themselves at risk to save, to protect, and to heal the lives of others. Think of the fire-fighters, police, clergy, counselors, doctors, nurses, emergency medical personnel and others who placed their own lives in jeopardy.

Indeed, we now know that many knowingly gave their lives to save the lives of their fellow citizens. Their sacrifice reminds us of the words of our Lord: No one has greater love than this, to lay down one s life for one s friends. (John 15:13) We can also point to the profound generosity, both spiritual and material, which Americans have shown in response to overwhelming human grief, suffering and need As Orthodox hierarchs, we are acutely mindful that we are mandated by our theological vision, our spiritual convictions, and our pastoral duties to look deeply into the meaning of the challenges faced by our government and our political leaders and representatives. We believe that the United States and the international community must seek the moral and political wisdom to build a world in which justice and tolerance and peace are established. All the disenfranchised and impoverished people of the world, the same opportunities we have for a good and productive life.

For our part, the response to all fear must be our continued growth in the love of God and one another. To work for justice, tolerance, and peace will give testimony to the overcoming of fear. We must

continue to pray and care for one another, to be compassionate and generous. We must give thanks to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who comforts us in our times of difficulties and strengthens us with his love. We must trust in Him who is the help of the helpless, the hope of the hopeless, the Savior of those cast about, the haven of those who are lost, and the physician of our souls and bodies. (Liturgy of St. Basil) Let us continue to remember in our prayers those who died on September 11, 2001. May our good and loving Lord grant rest to the innocent victims in a place of light and a place of peace, and may their memory be eternal. We ask that our parish priests offer memorial prayers on October 21, 2001 to remember those who lost their lives as victims of the terrorist attacks, and as courageous and self-sacrificial rescue workers.

Remembering the God of consolation, may we offer the families and friends who have lost loved ones comfort in this time of sorrow. Remembering the God of healing, may we enable those who have been wounded whether in body or in spirit to find strength and assistance. Remembering the God of compassion, may we be compassionate to one another in our affliction. To offer consolation, healing and compassion, each one of us needs to make time available to be with those in need.

Let us be especially concerned with the well-being of our children and young people during these uncertain times. As they seek greater security and care, may we respond to them as loving parents, teachers, counselors and priests.

May all our public servants, and those who protect us and defend us in the military, be blessed with prudence and courage both now and in the days ahead.

As Orthodox Christians and as citizens of this nation, we are challenged to reassert our dependency upon God who is the source of life and happiness; to reaffirm our relationships with one another as well as our devotion to the common good of our neighborhood, our city and our nation; to renew our commitment to the essential values of this country.

May we all receive from the Father of all mercy and the God of consolation the strength and the wisdom to meet the challenges and needs of the days to come.

To Christ our Lord be glory, together with his eternal Father and the all holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever. Amen ð Archbishop Demetrios, Chairman GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA ð Metropolitan Theodosius ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA ð Metropolitan Philip, Vice Chairman Antiochian Orthodox Christian ARCHDIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA ð Metropolitan Joseph, Locum Tenes ROMANIAN ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE IN AMERICA & CANADA ð Metropolitan Joseph, Secretary BULGARIAN EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH ð Metropolitan Christopher SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE US & CANADA ð Metropolitan Nicholas, Treasurer AMERICAN CARPATHO-RUSSIAN ORTHODOX DIOCESE OF THE U.S.A. ð Metropolitan Constantine UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF USA

PAGE 13

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PAGE 14

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

Two Harrowing Accounts of Escape and Survival NEW YORK For tens of thousands of persons who worked in and around the World Trade Center, Sept. 11 will be the horrific day that changed their lives forever and inflicted them with psychological scars that may never heal. byJim Golding

As many as 30,000 persons working in the Twin Towers at the time of the attacks, and many thousands of others employed in nearby buildings, may have escaped the conflagration, thanks to 300 firefighters and nearly 100 police officers who courageously directed them out and away from the towering infernos the two landmarks had become, and in which they ultimately sacrificed their lives.

Among those who escaped to safety were two Greek Orthodox Christians who, until that day only had in common a spiritual connection to St. Nicholas Church.

Escape from St. Nicholas

One of those is a parishioner, Vassilios Tarazanos of Belle Harbor, Queens.

He and an electrician had moments before entered the church to do some electrical work and were in the building only a few minutes before the terror began.

We were on second floor when first explosion happened, Mr. Tarazanos told the Observer nearly two weeks after the attack. We thought it was a bomb like in 93.

We went downstairs and saw debris all over the place. He recognized part of the landing gear that had fallen on and crushed two cars in the parking lot on the west side of the church. He also noticed some damage to the windshield and sunroof of his vehicle, a 1989 Chevy van he considered my limo, but at the time thought it could be repaired. It, too, was buried in the buildings collapse.

I kept looking around seeing a lot of parts from the airplane and looked up at sky. It was like snow, with papers floating everywhere, Mr. Tarazanos said. I don t want to see this again in my life. I saw body parts, legs, hands, ankles; you name it, you saw it there. It was a disaster.

Mr. Tarazanos decided to reenter the building about 15 minutes later to close the windows and saw a considerable amount of damage on the second floor.

Then the second airliner crashed into Two World Trade Center, the tower nearest the church.

The church began to vibrate. It was a bigger explosion that the first one and I froze, he said. I ran downstairs and looked outside, but couldn t seen anybody. I thought where have all the people gone?, and I got really scared.

Tarazanos said he momentarily froze again, but managed to shut the front door of the church. He ran down a side street away from the towers, staying close to the sides of buildings. Looking up he saw a sky filled with debris. Then the first tower collapsed.

It was chaos, he recalled. People were running, yelling, crying. People were looking for friends. I tried to call my wife, but I couldn t get through.

He resumed walking along the street.

The second building collapsed a short while later.

I heard a rumbling and thought Oh my God the other building is down.

Tarazanos then ran to the Brooklyn Bridge, about a mile east of the World Trade Center. After crossing into Brooklyn, he headed on foot for his best friend s house in Bay Ridge, six miles south of

Manhattan, arriving four hours later. We cried, said Tarazanos.

He also contacted his wife and other relatives who were frantic with worry.

People didn t know what happened to me, he said.

As for the fate of St. Nicholas Church, he was devastated.

It s the saddest thing, Tarazanos said. We lost something very precious. We looked forward every Sunday to get together. If one family was missing (from the liturgy) we d call to ask about them. It was like a second home. We cared for each other. Now we re lost, we have nowhere to go, but we ll be back together. I m alive, that s what counts.

A tower employee s nightmarish ordeal

Sophia Arianas is an executive secretary for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owned the Twin Towers. She also occasionally went to St. Nicholas at lunchtime to spend a few minutes in a spiritual environment.

On Sept. 11, a picture post-card day, she arrived at her office on the 67th floor of One World Trade Center, the north tower, about 8:10 a.m. for what she thought would be a typical day. Then, at 8:46 a.m., the 315,000-pound Boeing 767 of American Flight 11 crashed into her building above the 80th floor.

Her survival experience is typical of many thousands of workers who escaped with their lives.

We were going about our regular business when we felt a very power hit, she told the Observer. The building shook.

It swayed back and forth and I held on to my desk. My boss came out of his office and said, Okay, everybody out. (her voice quivering) We all went running for the staircase. It was very orderly. People weren t panicking. The New York Fire Department arrived very quickly. People say they re the finest and the bravest. They surely are.

As we were going down, people were screaming To the right! To the right! We had to make room for the fire department to go up, and injured to go down. A number of people were burned.

Mrs. Arianas continued, We didn t know what hit the building until a fireman told us. We continued to go down and they kept telling us don t panic. It was pretty orderly going down.

At the 20th floor, a fireman opened door and told some of us to take another staircase that wasn t as crowded. I decided with two others to do that. We lost some time because of others going to that staircase. We continued down and at the 6th floor we started to feel the building shaking once again.

This was like an earthquake, she said. You could feel the debris coming down. The sprinkler system was off and the lights went out. Then another fireman directed us to another staircase. He said you might have to crawl. I guess because it was dark, so you don t hit yourself.

She said three people who carried flashlights in their backpacks passed them to the head of the line. The situation worsened.

At about the sixth floor some smoke started coming in and people were passing paper towels that someone brought so we could cover our faces, but I missed my chance to get one because they were passed up the stairs quickly.

Then a fireman who broke a vending machine got some water bottles and gave them out, and another fireman brought more paper towels and I put one

over my face. The firemen directed us to keep going to the mezzanine level, the balcony above the concourse.

They directed us out to the plaza level, she continued. The inside of the building was covered in soot. It was unrecognizable. One of my coworkers said where are we?

We kept on going and I gave a fireman my water.

When I got outside I started crying for the firemen. I got outside and saw what was there, so much debris and steel and glass everywhere. I had high heels on but took them off on the staircase. Then I put my shoes on after getting outside. A nice young man held on to me and helped me ORTHODOX OBSERVER ARCHIVES get over the steel.

In those cha- ILL-FATED South Tower of World Trade Center looms over the tiny St. otic moments, Nicholas Church near bottom of photo.

Mrs. Arianas said she did not realize that the jet crashed above the 80th floor, he felt Number Two World Trade (the South reassured she was all right. I thought Tower) had also been struck by the other she s safe, she ll get out, he said. Later Boeing 767, which had crashed into the he had moments of doubt and decided to let go and give it to God. building at 9:03 a.m.

Mrs. Arianas and others who fled the I thought it was our building combuilding continued to run north on seving down.

Once outside One World Trade, the eral side streets and looked back in horror. My God, where s Two World Trade, evacuees ran for their lives.

The police directed us to street level. she recalled saying. We didn t know it had They said to run north and don t look gone down.

She first thought the smoke was comback, just run north. There s a gas leak, keep running, The building is collapsing. ing only from the North Tower.

A coworker invited her to come to her (The south tower collapsed at 9:50 a.m. The north tower followed at 10:29 apartment to get cleaned up. Meanwhile, a.m. Mayor Rudolph Giuliani ordered the Mrs. Arianas brother, who works in Midevacuation of all lower Manhattan at 11 town Manhattan, took a cab find her.

About 5 p.m., she took a ferry to see a.m. An estimated 340 firefighters died her mother, Kiriaki Kalcanides in Jersey when the buildings fell).

Mrs. Arianas said no one had panicked City, who she said was fearing the worst but there was a feeling of great sadness as since witnessing the sight of the burning people made their way north away from towers that morning from her home across the Hudson River. the World Trade Center.

Mrs. Arianas eventually was reunited She was unable to call anyone on her cell phone, but managed to contact a rela- with her husband. He said he prayed intive through a pay phone after several at- tently all day for her safety.

In retrospect, she said, I walked out tempts.

I finally got through to a cousin in without a scratch on me; but I m very sore Jersey City at his pizza restaurant, she from all the running. I can t walk around continued. I told him get in touch with that easily.

The sad thing is, at that point (when my husband.

Finally she reached an art gallery in the crash occurred) you have to make a the neighborhood of Soho, a mile away decision. Some decided to stay and wait to the north. They let us use their phone for help, others left the building. Those who and gave us water and offered money, stayed are missing, and you don t know Mrs. Arianas said. They wouldn t accept what the right thing is to do. She said three money for the phone call. She finally con- of her coworkers on the 64th floor were still tacted her husband, Tom, a Long Island reported as missing as of the end of the week. They decided to wait it out. businessman, about 11 a.m.

Describing her feelings after a few Meanwhile, Tom Arianas, (her husband of seven months) was at his business days since the attack, Mrs. Arianas said, I feel devastated. There s not a perin Freeport when he heard the news. He rushed home and watched the terrifying son there that has not been affected by this. It was frightening, but I prefer to talk television images.

But when a friend who called told him about it. I don t want to bottle it in.

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11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ

ÁÑÉÈÌÏÓ 1184

ÐÏËËÏÉ ÅËËÇÍÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÉ ÌÅÔÁÎÕ ÔÙÍ ÈÕÌÁÔÙÍ ÔÇÓ 11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò âñßóêïíôáí óôç Âïóôþíç ôï ðñùß ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ êáé óêüðåõå íá åðéóôñÝøåé óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç áåñïðïñéêþò. Óôï Üêïõóìá ôçò ôñïìïêñáôéêÞò åðßèåóçò êé áöïý êëåßóáíå ôá áåñïäñüìéá áðïöÜóéóå íá êÜíåé ôï ôáîßäé ðñïò ôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç ìå áõôïêßíçôï.

Ðáãêüóìéï åíäéáöÝñïí ãéá ôçí êáôÜññåõóç ôïõ íáïý ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ

ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý

Êáè ïäüí êáé óå éäéáßôåñç äÞëùóÞ ôïõ (âë. Üëëç óôÞëç) êáôåäßêáóå áðåñßöñáóôá ôçí ôñïìïêñáôéêÞ åíÝñãåéá êáé ìå êáôåðåßãïõóá åéäïðïßçóç óõíÝóôçóå üðùò üëïé ïé Åëëçíïñèüäïîïé íáïß ôçò åðéêñÜôåéáò ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò óå üëç ôçí ÷þñá ðáñáìåßíïõí áíïé÷ôïß êáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôçò åèíéêÞò áõôÞò äïêéìáóßáò þóôå ï ÊëÞñïò ìáæß ìå ôï ×ñéóôåðþíõìï ðëÞñùìá ôçò Åêêëçóßáò íá áíáðÝìøåé ðñïóåõ÷Ýò ãéá Èåßá Ðñïóôáóßá áðü «ìá÷áßñáò êáß åðéäñïìÞò áëëïöýëùí», êáèþò êáé ãéá ôçí áíÜðáõóç ôùí øõ÷þí ôùí èõìÜôùí. Åðßóçò ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ðáñüôñõíå üóïõò ìðïñïýí êáé åö üóïí ôï åðéôñÝðåé ç õãåßá ôïõò, íá ðñïóöÝñïõí áßìá ãéá ôïõò ôñáõìáôßåò. Ôçí ßäéá óôéãìÞ êáé åí áðïõóßá ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ ï Ðñùôïóýãêåëëïò ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò Ðáíïó. Áñ÷éìáíäñßôçò ð. ÓÜââáò ÆåìðéëëÜò, êÜëåóå ôï ðñïóùðéêü ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò óôï ðáñåêêëÞóéï ôïõ Áðïóôüëïõ Ðáýëïõ êáé áíÝðåìøå åðéìíç-

u óåë. 16

Grisha Ressetar

ÅÃÊÕÊËÉÏÓ ÔÇÓ ÉÅÑÁÓ ÅÐÁÑ×ÉÁÊÇÓ ÓÕÍÏÄÏÕ ÃÉÁ ÔÇÍ ÔÑÁÃÙÄÉÁ

17 Ïêôùâñßïõ 2001

Ðñïò ôïõò ÓåâáóìéùôÜôïõò êáé ÈåïöéëåóôÜôïõò Áñ÷éåñåßò, ôïõò EõëáâåóôÜôïõò 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 áäåëöïß êáé áäåëöÝò åí ×ñéóôþ, Áðåõèõíüìåèá óå üëïõò óáò óÞìåñá êáèþò ðëçóéÜæïõìå ôçí ôåóóáñáêïóôÞ çìÝñá, ìéá çìÝñá ìíçìïóýíïõ ìåôÜ ôá ôñáãéêÜ ãåãïíüôá ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ. Âáóéæüìåíïé óôçí õðåñâÜëëïõóá äýíáìç ôïõ Êõñßïõ ìáò êáé óôçí âáèåéÜ áãÜðç ãéá óáò, ôïõò ðéóôïýò ôçò Áãßáò Åêêëçóßáò ôïõ ×ñéóôïý, ìðïñïýìå íá óáò âåâáéþóïõìå ãéá ôçí áäéÜëåéðôç ðñïóåõ÷Þ êáé ãéá ôçí éåñÞ ìáò öñïíôßäá ãéá ôéò áíÜãêåò ôïõ Ýèíïõò ìáò, ôïõ ëáïý ìáò, êáé üëùí áõôþí ðïõ õðïöÝñïõí áðü ôçí ôñáãùäßá ôçò çìÝñáò åêåßíçò. Ìå ôéò êáñäéÝò ìáò ãåìÜôåò èëßøç, èñçíïýìå ôçí áðþëåéá ÷éëéÜäùí áèþùí áíèñþðùí êáé õöéóôÜìåèá ôïí ðüíï ôïí ïðïßï ç âÜñâáñç åðéäñïìÞ ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ ðñïêÜëåóå óôéò ïéêïãÝíåéåò êáé óôéò êïéíüôçôåò óå üëç ôçí ÷þñá êáé óå ïëüêëçñï ôïí êüóìï. Ó áõôÞ ôçí åðï÷Þ ôçò áðÝñáíôçò äïêéìáóßáò ðïõ ðñïêëÞèçêå áðü ôçí áäéêßá êáé ôï êáêü, áêïýìå ôïí óôåíáãìü

ôçò øõ÷Þò êáé ôïõ íïõ ôùí áíèñþðùí ðïõ áíáæçôïýí áðáíôÞóåéò êáé ðñïóðáèïýí íá êáôáëÜâïõí ôï ìÝãåèïò êáé ôï âÜñïò áõôïý ôïõ ôñïìáêôéêïý ãåãïíüôïò. ¸íá ôÝôïéï âÜñïò öÝñíåé óôç ìíÞìç ôçí êñáõãÞ ôïõ Øáëìùäïý, áëëÜ êáé ôïõ ÅóôáõñùìÝíïõ Êõñßïõ, ï Ïðïßïò åßðå: «ÈåÝ ìïõ, ÈåÝ ìïõ, ßíáôß ìå åãêáôÝëéðåò;» (Øáëì. 21, 1 êáé Ìáôè. 27, 46). Áíôëþíôáò üìùò áðü ôçí óïößá ôçò Áãßáò ÃñáöÞò êáé ôçí áëÞèåéá ðïõ áðåêÜëõøå ï ÐáñÜêëçôïò, ôï ¢ãéïí Ðíåýìá, îÝñïõìå üôé áõôÞ ç êñáõãÞ åîáöáíßæåôáé üôáí êõñéáñ÷åß ç åëðßäá êáé ç ðßóôç. Ãéá ôïí Øáëìùäü, ç åóùôåñéêÞ ðÜëç ðÝñáóå áðü ôá áéóèÞìáôá áðåëðéóßáò êáé åãêáôáëåßøåùò óå ìéá äéáêÞñõîç ôçò óôïñãéêÞò

ðáñïõóßáò ôïõ Èåïý. Óôïí ßäéï áêñéâþò Øáëìü 21, ï Øáëìùäüò äéáêçñýóóåé «üôé ï Èåüò ïõê åîïõäÝíùóåí ïõäÝ ðñïóþ÷èéóå ôç äåÞóåé ôïõ ðôù÷ïý, ïõäÝ áðÝóôñåøå ôï ðñüóùðïí áõôïý áð åìïý êáé åí ôù êåêñáãÝíáé ìå ðñïò áõôüí åéóÞêïõóÝ ìïõ»(Øáëì. 21, 25). Êáé ìå ôçí äýíáìç êáé ôçí åéñÞíç ç ïðïßá ãåìßæåé ôçí øõ÷Þ ôïõ, óõíå÷ßæåé óå ìéá äéáêÞñõîç åëðßäïò, «ÌíçóèÞóïíôáé êáé åðéóôñáöÞóïíôáé ðñïò Êýñéïí ðÜíôá ôá ðÝñáôá ôçò ãÞò êáé ðñïóêõíÞóïõóéí åíþðéüí óïõ ðÜóáé áé ðáôñéáß ôùí åèíþí» (Øáëìüò 21, 28). ÐåñáéôÝñù, ç öùíÞ ôïõ ÓùôÞñïò óôï Óôáõñü, ìéÜ Ýêöñáóç ôïõ áññÞôïõ ðüíïõ, ôïí ïðïßï äïêßìáóå êáèþò Þôï öïñôùìÝíïò ôï áðÝñáíôï öïñôßï ôùí áìáñôéþí ìáò,

Ç ðñþôç äÞëùóç ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ «Ðñüêåéôáé ãéá ôñáãùäßá ôñïìáêôéêÞò åêôÜóåùò ìå áðñüâëåðôåò äñáìáôéêÝò óõíÝðåéåò ãéá üëïí ôïí êüóìï. Ïé ôñïìïêñáôéêÝò ðñÜîåéò ðïõ óõíÝâçóáí óÞìåñá ðñïêáëïýí ôçí äéêáßá áãáíÜêôçóç üëùí ôùí áíèñþðùí ïé ïðïßïé óÝâïíôáé ôçí áíèñþðéíç æùÞ, ôçí åëåõèåñßá êáé ôçí äéêáéïóýíç. Óôçí äýóêïëç áõôÞ óôéãìÞ ìáæß ìå üëá ôá ìÝëç ôçò Åëëçíïñèïäüîïõ Åêêëçóßáò ìáò, åêöñÜæù ôçí âáèýôáôç èëßøç êáé èåñìüôáôç óõìðáñÜóôáóÞ ìáò óôéò ïéêïãÝíåéåò ðïõ åðëÞãçóáí áðü ôçí ðñùôïöáíÞ áõôÞ ôñáãùäßá. Ðáñáêáëïýìå åêôåíþò ôïí Èåü, ôïí Êýñéï ôçò åéñÞíçò, ôçò áãÜðçò êáé ôçò äéêáéïóýíçò, íá ÷áñßóç Üöèïíç ðáñçãïñßá êáé áðåñéüñéóôç äýíáìç óôéò ïéêïãÝíåéåò ôùí áèþùí èõìÜôùí êáé ó ïëüêëçñï ôï Áìåñéêáíéêü Ýèíïò».

ç öùíÞ áõôÞ Þôï åðßóçò åíäåéêôéêÞ ôïõ ãåãïíüôïò, üôé ìÝóù áõôÞò ôçò ðñÜîåùò èõóßáò êáé ïäýíçò, áðåêáëýöèç ç äýíáìç ôçò æùÞò óôçí Ýíäïîç ÁíÜóôáóÞ Ôïõ. Ãé áõôüí áêñéâþò ôïí ëüãï, ç áðÜíôçóÞ ìáò óôçí ôñáãéêÞ êáôÜóôáóç ðïõ áíôéìåôùðßæïõìå, ðñÝðåé íá óôçñßæåôáé óôçí ðßóôç ìáò, óôïí ÓôáõñùèÝíôá êáé ÁíáóôÜíôá Êýñéï. Ç áðÜíôçóÞ ìáò óôçí ôñáãùäßá ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ ðñÝðåé íá åßíáé áðÜíôçóç ìå ëüãïõò ðáñçãïñßáò êáé Ýñãá äéáêïíßáò. Ç äßøá ìáò íá êáôáíïÞóïõìå ôá ãåãïíüôá áõôÜ, êáé íá ôá áíôéìåôùðßóïõìå äçìéïõñãéêÜ, ìðïñåß íá éêáíïðïéçèÞ ìüíï ìÝóá óôçí ðáñïõóßá, ôéò õðïó÷Ýóåéò êáé ôü Ýñãï ôïõ Ïéêôßñìïíïò Èåïý. Óôï ìÞíá ðïõ ðÝñáóå, áõôü ôï åßäïò ôçò áðáíôÞóåùò óôçí ôñáãùäßá ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ, åêäçëþèçêå ìå ôçí ôåñÜóôéá ðñïóöïñÜ áãÜðçò êáé âïçèåßáò ðïõ ðñïÞëèå áðü óáò, ôïí ðñïóöéëÞ ëáü ôïõ Èåïõ ôùí Åëëçíïñèïäüîùí Åíïñéþí ìáò. Ùò Óþìá ôïõ ×ñéóôïý, êáé ùò ÉåñÜ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ ÁìåñéêÞò, åñãáæüìåèá ìå ðïëëïýò áíèñþðïõò óå üëç ôçí ÷þñá êáé óå üëï ôüí êüóìï, ðñïóðáèþíôáò íá áíôéìåôùðßóïõìå ôéò ìáæéêÝò áíÜãêåò ðïõ áõîÜíïõí çìÝñá ìå ôçí çìÝñá. Ðñþôïí, êáôåõèýíïõìå ôïõò áíèñþðïõò ôùí Åðéóêïðþí êáé ôùí Åíïñéþí ìáò óå óõíå÷Þ ðñïóåõ÷Þ êáé óå õðïóôÞñéîç ôùí ïéêïãåíåéþí ôùí áèþùí èõìÜôùí, êáé áõôþí ðïõ Ý÷áóáí ôçí æùÞ ôïõò óôçí ðñïóðÜèåéá íá óþóïõí Üëëïõò. Äåýôåñïí, ùò

u óåë. 16

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 16

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÅÉÄÉÊÇ ÅÊÄÏÓÇ 11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ

ÅÃÊÕÊËÉÏÓ ÓÕÍÏÄÏÕ Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò áðü ôçí ðñþôç ìÝñá óôïí ôüðï ôçò ôñáãùäßáò u óåë. 15

Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ, éäñýóáìå ôï Ôáìåßï Âïçèåßáò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ, (September 11th Relief Fund). ÌÝóù áõôïý ôïõ ôáìåßïõ, ç èáõìáóôÞ ãåííáéïäùñßá ôùí ðéóôþí ìáò èá áíôáðïêñéèÞ óå ãíÞóéåò áíÜãêåò^ Ýôóé Ý÷ïõìå îåêéíÞóåé ìéá ðñïóåêôéêÞ äéáäéêáóßá åêôéìÞóåùò ãéá ôï ðùò ìðïñïýìå íá âïçèÞóïõìå ìå Ýíá óçìáíôéêü êáé ïõóéáóôéêü ôñüðï. Ôñßôïí, ïé ðñïóðÜèåéåò âïçèåßáò ðïõ ðñïóöÝñïõìå, ïäÞãçóáí óôçí äçìéïõñãßá åíüò êÝíôñïõ óõìâïõëåõôéêïý óå ðåñéðôþóåéò èáíÜôùí, óå ìéá Üìåóç ãñáììÞ åðéêïéíùíßáò óõìâïõëåõôéêÞò, óå ìéá ãñáììÞ åðéêïéíùíßáò åèåëïíôþí, êáé óå Üëëá ðñïãñÜììáôá, ôá ïðïßá óõíôïíßæïíôáé ìå ôçí ÄéåèíÞ Ïñèüäïîï ×ñéóôéáíéêÞ Öéëáíèñùðßá, ðïõ áðïôåëåß üñãáíï ôçò Ìïíßìïõ ÅðéôñïðÞò Êáíïíéêþí Ïñèïäüîùí Åðéóêüðùí óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ. ÔÝôáñôïí, ìåëåôïýìå ôéò áíÜãêåò êáé ôá èÝìáôá ðïõ ó÷åôßæïíôáé ìå ôçí êáôáóôñïöÞ ôïõ éóôïñéêïý ìáò Åëëçíéêïý Ïñèïäüîïõ Éåñïý Íáïý ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ, ôçò ìüíçò Åêêëçóßáò ðïõ êáôåóôñÜöç ëüãù ôçò êáôáêñçìíßóåùò ôïõ Ðáãêïóìßïõ ÊÝíôñïõ Åìðïñßïõ. ÐÝìðôïí, ïé êëçñéêïß ìáò êáé ïé Üíèñùðïß ìáò, óôéò ðåñéï÷Ýò ðïõ åðëÞãçóáí áðü ôéò ôñïìáêôéêÝò åðéäñïìÝò áíôáðïêñßèçêáí ìå ðïëëïýò ôñüðïõò, ôüóï óôéò áíÜãêåò åíôüò ôùí åíïñéþí ôùí, üóï êáé óôéò åõñýôåñåò êïéíüôçôåò. Óå óõíÝ÷åéá ôïõ éåñïý Ýñãïõ äéáêïíßáò êáé ðñïóåõ÷Þò, ðáñáêáëïýìå, êáôÜ ôçí ÊõñéáêÞ 21ç Ïêôùâñßïõ, íá ôåëåóèÞ ôåóóáñáêïíèÞìåñï ìíçìüóõíï óå üëåò ôéò åíïñßåò óôï ôÝëïò ôçò Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò, ãéá ôéò ÷éëéÜäåò ôùí áèþùí áíèñþðùí ðïõ óêïôþèçêáí óôéò 11 Óåðôåìâñßïõ. Óå áõôÞ ôçí éåñÞ åõêáéñßá, ï êáèÝíáò áðü ìáò, ÷ùñßò åîáßñåóç, áò áíÜøç ôï åéäéêü «êåñß ãéá ôá èýìáôá ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ», ãíùñßæïíôáò üôé, ôá Ýóïäá áðü ôï êåñß áõôü èá ðñïóôåèïýí óôï Ôáìåßï Âïçèåßáò ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ìáò. Ìå üëåò áõôÝò ôéò ðñïðÜèåéåò, áðáíôïýìå óôéò ðñïêëÞóåéò êáé óôéò áíÜãêåò ðïõ äçìéïõñãÞèçêáí ãéá ôï Ýèíïò ìáò, åéäéêÜ óôéò ðåñéï÷Ýò ðïõ åðëÞãçóáí Üìåóá, äéüôé, ùò ¸ëëçíåò Ïñèüäïîïé áðïôåëïýìå æùôéêü ôìÞìá ôçò ÁìåñéêáíéêÞò êïéíùíßáò. Ðïëý üìùò ðåñéóóüôåñï åíåñãïýìå åõåñãåôéêÜ, äéüôé áêïýìå ôçí êñáõãÞ ôùí áíèñþðùí ðïõ õðïöÝñïõí, ôïõ ¸èíïõò ðïõ ïäõíÜôå, êáé åíåñãïýìå åí ëüãù êáé Ýñãù, áðïêáëýðôïíôáò ôçí áíåîÜñôçôç áãÜðç ôïõ Êõñßïõ ìáò. Óáò æçôïýìå, êáé æçôïýìå óõãêåêñéìÝíá áðü ôïí êáèÝíá êáé áðü üëïõò óáò, ìÝóù ôçò ìáñôõñßáò ðñïóåõ÷Þò êáé ãåííáéïäùñßáò, íá õðåñíéêÞóïõìå ôçí áðåëðéóßá ìå ôçí åëðßäá, íá áíôéìåôùðßóïõìå ôïí êßíäõíï ìå ôçí èåßá äýíáìç, íá íéêÞóïõìå ôï êáêü ìå ôçí ðßóôç, êáé Ýôóé íá âåâáéþóïõìå üôé, «ïýôå èÜíáôïò ïýôå æùÞ...ïýôå åíåóôþôá ïýôå ìÝëëïíôá ïýôå äõíÜìåéò...ïýôå ôéò êôßóéò åôÝñá äõíÞóåôáé çìÜò ÷ùñßóáé áðü ôçò áãÜðçò ôïõ Èåïý ôçò åí ×ñéóôþ Éçóïý ôù Êõñßù çìþí» ( Ñùì. 8: 38-39). Ç ÷Üñéò ôïõ Êõñßïõ çìþí Éçóïý ×ñéóôïý êáé ç áãÜðç ôïõ Èåïý êáé Ðáôñüò êáé ç êïéíùíßá ôïõ Áãßïõ Ðíåýìáôïò, åßç ìåè çìþí. Ìå ðáôñéêÞ áãÜðç åí ×ñéóôþ, ð ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ÄçìÞôñéïò ð ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÊñÞíçò ÉÜêùâïò ð ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Äáñäáíåëëßùí Áíôþíéïò ð ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Áßíïõ ÌÜîéìïò ð ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÁíÝùí Ìåèüäéïò ð ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÐñïéêïíÞóïõ ÇóáÀáò ð ï Åðßóêïðïò ÁôëÜíôáò ÁëÝîéïò ð ï Åðßóêïðïò Íôçôñüúô Íéêüëáïò

«¸÷ïõìå éåñü êáèÞêïí íá ðñïóåõ÷çèïýìå ãéá ôçí áíÜðáõóç ôùí íåêñþí áëëÜ êáé ãéá ôïõò åðéæþíôåò...»

u óåë. 15 ìüóõíç äÝçóç. Óôü ôÝëïò ôçò áêïëïõèßáò, ï ð. ÓÜââáò óõíÝóôçóå óôïõò ðáñüíôåò «áäéáëåßðôùò ðñïóåý÷åóèå» ãéá ôá èýìáôá, ôïõò åðéæþíôåò, ôéò ïéêïãÝíåéåò ðïõ Ý÷áóáí ôïõò ðñïóöéëåßò ôïõò, êáé ãéá ôçí áóöÜëåéá ôïõ Ýèíïõò ìáò.

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üëéò ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò Ýöôáóå óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç ôï ðñùß ôçò ÔåôÜñôçò 12 Óåðôåìâñßïõ êáé ìåôÜ áðü åéäéêÞ Üäåéá ðïõ ôïõ ðáñåó÷Ýèåé áðü ôéò áñ÷Ýò áóöáëåßáò Ýöèáóå óôçí ðåñéï÷Þ ôïõ World Trade Center, óôï íüôéï Ìáí÷Üôáí óõíïäåõüìåíïò áðü ôïí ðñùôïóýãêåëëï ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ð. ÓÜââá ÆåìðéëëÜ êáé ôïí ðñùôïðñåóâýôåñï ð. ÁëÝîáíäñï Êáñëïýôóï. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò êáé ç óõíïäåßá ôïõ ìå äÝïò êáé âáèýôáôç óõãêßíçóç ðåñéüäåõóå ôçí ðåñéï÷Þ ãýñù áðü ôï óçìåßï ôçò ôñïìïêñáôéêÞò åðéèÝóåùò êáé ôçò êáôÜññåõóçò ôùí ïõñáíïîõóôþí, óõíïìßëçóå ìå åêðñïóþðïõò

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò óõíïìéëåß êáé óôçñßæåé ôïõò áíèñþðïõò ôçò áóôõíïìßáò êáé ôçò ÐõñïóâåóôéêÞò óôïí ôüðï ôçò ôñáãùäßáò.

ôçò áóôõíïìßáò, ìå ðõñïóâÝóôåò, Üíäñåò ôùí åéäéêþí äõíÜìåùí áóöáëåßáò ôïõ óôñáôïý, ôçò åèíïöñïõñÜò êáé ôùí óõíåñãåßùí äéÜóùóçò, ðñïóöÝñïíôáò åõ÷Ýò, åõëïãßåò êáé åõãíùìïóýíç ãéá ôï Ýñãï ôïõò êáé åêöñÜæïíôáò óõ÷ñüíùò ôçí áìÝñéóôç óõìðáñÜóôáóç ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ïñèïäüîïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò êáé æþíôáò óôéãìÝò êáé óêçíÝò ðïõ üðùò ï ßäéïò åßðå ÷áñáêôçñéóôéêÜ èýìéæáí åìðüëåìç êáôÜóôáóç êáé ôéò ìÝñåò âïìâáñäéóìþí ðïõ ï ßäéïò Ýæçóå ùò ðáéäß óôçí Èåóóáëïíßêç êáôÜ ôïí ´ Ðáãêüóìéï Ðüëåìï. Åí ìÝóù ôçò Ýíôïíçò êáé ïñãáíùìÝíçò äñáóôçñéüôçôïò ôùí äõíÜìåùí ôçò áóôõíïìßáò, ôçò ðõñïóâåóôéêÞò, ôïõ óôñáôïý, ôùí óùóôéêþí óõíåñãåßùí, íïóïêüìùí, ãéáôñþí êáé ìéáò ðáíóôñáôéÜò ï÷çìÜôùí êÜèå åßäïõò, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò ðëçóéÜæïíôáò ôï óçìåßï ôçò ôñáãùäßáò åôÝëåóå åðéìíçìüóõíç äÝçóç õðÝñ áíáðáýóåùò ôùí øõ÷þí üóùí óõíáíèñþðùí ìáò ÷Üèçêáí ùò áðïôÝëåóìá ôçò ôñáãéêÞò ôñïìïêñáôéêÞò áõôÞò åíÝñãåéáò. ÁíÝðåìøå áêüìç îå÷ùñéóôÞ äÝçóç õðÝñ õãåßáò êáé áíáññþóåùò ôùí ôñáõìáôéþí êáé ôùí åðéæþíôùí áëëÜ êáé õðÝñ åõïäþóåùò ôïõ çñÜêëåéïõ Ýñãïõ äéáóþóåùò ôùí áãíïïõìÝíùí êáèþò êáé õðÝñ ôùí ïéêïãåíåéþí, ôùí óõããåíþí êáé ößëùí ôùí èõìÜôùí ôçò öïâåñÞò áõôÞò ôñáãùäßáò. Óôç èÝá ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ ìå ôá Üìöéá êáôÜ ôç äéÜñêåéá ôçò äÝçóçò ðïëëïß áðü ôïõò Üíäñåò ôùí óùìÜôùí áóöáëåßáò ðïõ âñßóêïíôáí êïíôÜ, ìåôáîý ôùí ïðïßùí êáé ìåñéêïß ïìïãåíåßò, óôáìáôïýóáí åõëáâéêÜ ãéá íá ëÜâïõí ôçí åõëïãßá ôïõ. ÁíÜìåóÜ ôïõò, ï íåáñüò Åëëçíïáìåñéêáíüò ðõñïóâÝóôçò áðü ôçí Áóôüñéá Ãåþñãéïò Ìüóïò, êÜôáóðñïò êõñéïëåêôéêÜ áðü ôçí óêüíç, êáôÝâçêå áðü Ýíá ìéêñü ü÷çìá ðïõ åðÝâáéíå, Ýêáíå ôï óôáõñü ôïõ, ößëçóå ôï ÷Ýñé ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ êáé æÞôçóå ôçí åõëïãßá ôïõ. Ìéá Üëëç ïìÜäá 15 ðåñßðïõ áíäñþí ôùí åéäéêþí äõíÜìåùí áíé÷íåýóåùò êáé äéáóþóåùò åðéæþíôùí ðïõ ðñïåôïéìÜæïíôáí ìå êñÜíç, ìÜóêåò êáé åéäéêü åîïðëéóìü ãéá íá ìðïýí óôçí ðåñéï÷Þ ôùí åñåéðßùí, æÞôçóáí áðü ôïí Óåâáóìéþôáôï íá ôïõò åõëïãÞóåé üðùò êáé Ýãéíå. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò åîÝöñáóå óå üëïõò üóïõò óõíÜíôçóå ôçí âáèéÜ åõãíùìïóýíç ôïõ ãéá ôï ìåãÜëï áëôñïõúóôéêü Ýñãï ðïõ åðéôåëïýóáí. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò êáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôùí óõíïìéëéþí ôïõ ìå åêðñïóþðïõò ôçò áóôõíïìßáò êáé ôùí Üëëùí óùìÜôùí áóöáëåßáò åîÝöñáóå ôçí áìÝñéóôç óõìðáñÜóôáóç ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò êáé ôçí ðñïóöïñÜ êÜèå äõíáôÞò âïÞèåéáò åê ìÝñïõò ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ïñèïäüîïõ

Åêêëçóßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ ðñïò ïðïéáäÞðïôå êáôåýèõíóç ÷ñåéáóôåß. ÅîÝöñáóå åîÜëïõ ôï Ýíôïíï åíäéáöÝñïí ôïõ ãéá ôïí É. Íáü ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ, ôï ìéêñü éóôïñéêü åêêëçóÜêé ðïõ âñßóêïíôáí áêñéâþò äßðëá áðü ôïõò äýï ïõñáíïîýóôåò ðïõ êáôÝññåõóáí, ÷ùñßò ðñïò óôéãìÞí íá êáôáóôåß äõíáôüí íá ðëçñïöïñçèåß ïôéäÞðïôå ãéá ôï ôé áðÝãéíå. Åê ôùí õóôÝñùí ðëçñïöïñÞèçêå üôé ï íáüò Ý÷åé êáôáññåýóåé õðü ôï âÜñïò ôùí åñåéðßùí ôùí ãåéôïíéêþí êôéñßùí. Ëßãï ìåôÜ, êáé ëßãï âïñéþôåñá åðß ôçò ïäïý ÃïõÝóô, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò áðï÷ùñþíôáò áðü ôçí ðåñéï÷Þ êáé áðåõèõíüìåíïò óôá áìåñéêáíéêÜ ÌÝóá ÌáæéêÞò ÅíçìÝñùóçò, ôïõò äçìïóéoãñÜöïõò êáé ôéò ôçëåïðôéêÝò êÜìåñåò ðïõ ôïí ðåñéêýêëùóáí êáé ôïí êáôÝêëõóáí ìå åñùôÞóåéò ìßëçóå ãéá ôïí ëüãï ôçò åðßóêåøçò ôïõ óôï óçìåßï ôçò ôñáãùäßáò. «¸÷ïõìå éåñü êáèÞêïí, åßðå, íá ðñïóåõ÷çèïýìå ãéá ôçí áíÜðáõóç ôùí íåêñþí áëëÜ êáé ãéá ôïõò åðéæþíôåò...» êáé óå Üëëï óçìåßï ðñüóèåóå: «Âñßóêïìáé åäþ ùò åëÜ÷éóôç Ýíäåéîç óõìðáñÜóôáóçò óôá èýìáôá áõôÞò ôçò ôñáãùäßáò êáé óôéò ïéêïãÝíåéÝò ôïõò áëëÜ êáé óôïõò áìÝôñçôïõò áõôïýò áíèñþðïõò ðïõ áãùíßæïíôáé ìå áõôáðÜñíçóç êáé Üìåóï êßíäõíï ãéá ôçí õãåßá êáé ôçí æùÞ ôïõò ãéá ôçí äéÜóùóç ôùí óõíáíèñþðùí ôïõò». Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò ðåñéÝãñáøå ãéá ôïõò äçìïóéïãñÜöïõò ôéò åéêüíåò ðïõ áíôßêñõóå êáé ÷áñáêôÞñéóå ìå ôá ìåëáíþôåñá ÷ñþìáôá ôçí Üíáíäñç ôñïìïêñáôéêÞ åíÝñãåéá. ÅîÝöñáóå áêüìç ôçí ìåãÜëç ôïõ «Ýêðëçîç êáé óõíÜìá éêáíïðïßçóç ãéá ôçí Ýêöñáóç áëëçëåãýçò, åíüôçôïò êáé áðïöáóéóôéêüôçôïò» ðïõ äéåðßóôùóå êáé äÞëùóå ôçí ðßóôç êáé âåâáéüôçôÜ ôïõ üôé ôåëéêÜ «ïé áñ÷Ýò êáé ïé äõíÜìåéò ôïõ êáëïý, ôçò äéêáéïóýíçò, ôçò åéñÞíçò êáé ôçò áãÜðçò ôïõ Èåïý èá ðñõôáíåýóïõí êáé èá õðåñéó÷ýóïõí».

ÅÉÄÉÊÇ ÄÅÇÓÇ ÓÔÏÍ ÊÁÈÅÄÑÉÊÏ ÍÁÏ ÔÇÓ ÁÃ. ÔÑÉÁÄÏÓ

Ôï ßäéï áðüãåõìá óôïí Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêü Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôçò Áãßáò ÔñéÜäïò óôï Ìáí÷Üôáí ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò áíÝðåìøå åéäéêÞ äéðëÞ äÝçóç ãéá ôá èýìáôá ôçò ôñïìïêñáôéêÞò åðßèåóçò óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç êáé ôçí ÏõÜóéíãêôïí. Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò áðåõèõíüìåíïò óôï åêêëçóßáóìá ìßëçóå ãéá ôéò óêçíÝò ðïõ áíôßêñõóå íùñßôåñá êáôÜ ôçí åðßóêåøç ôïõ óôïí ôüðï ôçò ôñáãùäßáò. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò åßðå üôé ç áíßåñç êáé öñéêôÞ áõôÞ ðñÜîç ôñïìïêñáôßáò êáôÜ áèþùí áíèñþðùí âñßóêåôáé áíôéìÝôùðç ìå ôçí óèåíáñÞ ðßóôç ôùí áíèñþðùí óôï Èåü. Ìßëçóå áêüìç ãéá ôéò áêïýñáóôåò ðñïóðÜèåéåò ôùí áíèñþðùí ôùí óùìÜôùí áóöáëåßáò êáé ôùí óõíåñãåßùí äéÜóùóçò. ÁíáöÝñèçêå óõãêåêñéìÝíá óôï ðáñÜäåéãìá ôïõ ïìïãåíÞ áîéùìáôéêïý ôçò Áóôõíïìßáò ÉùÜííç ÊáóóéìÜôç, ðïõ ìå êßíäõíï ôçò æùÞò ôïõ ðñùôïóôÜôçóå óôç äéÜóùóç üóùí âñßóêïíôáí óôïõò äýï ïõñáíïîýóôåò ôéò ðñþôåò óôéãìÝò ìåôÜ ôçí ôñïìïêñáôéêÞ åðßèåóç. Ï ê. ÊáóóéìÜôçò ðáñåõñßóêåôï óôïí íáü ìáæß ìå ìÝëç ôçò ïéêïãÝíåéÜò ôïõ êáé óõãêåêñéìÝíá ôçí áäåëöÞ ôïõ ôçò ïðïßáò ï óýæõãïò, ðïõ Þôáí êé áõôüò áóôõíïìéêüò áãíïïýíôáí êáé èåùñåßôáé üôé èõóéÜóôçêå êáôÜ ôçí åêôÝëåóç ôïõ êáèÞêïíôïò. Áêïëïýèùò ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò äéÜâáóå Ýããñáöï ìÞíõìá ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïõ (âë. óåë. 17) êáé áíÝöåñå üôé Ýëáâå ìÞíõìá áðü ôïí Ìáêáñéþôáôï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï Áèçíþí êáé ðÜóçò ÅëëÜäïò ê. ×ñéóôüäïõëï óôï ïðïßï åêöñÜæåé ôá óõëëõðçôÞñéá ôïõ êáé ôçí óõìðáñÜóôáóç ôçò ÅëëáäéêÞò Åêêëçóßáò ðñïò ôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá êáé ôïí Áìåñéêáíéêü ëáü. Ðáñüíôåò óôïí Êáèåäñéêü íáü Þôáí ïé Ãåíéêïß Ðñüîåíïé ôçò ÅëëÜäïò êáé ôçò Êýðñïõ ê.ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò ÐëáôÞò êáé Âáóßëåéïò Öéëßððïõ ïé ïðïßïé áðçýèõíáí êáé óýíôïìï ÷áéñåôéóìü åêöñÜæïíôáò ôá èåñìÜ óõëëõðçôÞñéá, ôá áéóèÞìáôá óõìðáñÜóôáóçò êáé ôïí áðïôñïðéáóìü ôùí êõâåñíÞóåùí ôçò ÅëëÜäïò êáé ôçò Êýðñïõ ãéá ôéò åéäå÷èåßò êáé áðïôñüðáéåò ôñïìáêñáôéêÝò ðñÜîåéò ðïõ Ýðëçîáí ôïí Áìåñéêáíéêü Ëáü. Ëßãåò óêÝøåéò áðçýèõíå êáé ï ðñþçí åëëçíïáìåñéêáíüò ðñÝóâçò ôùí Ç.Ð.Á. óôçí ÁèÞíá ê. ÌÜúêë ÓùôÞñ÷ïò, ôïíßæïíôáò üôé áðÜíèñùðåò ôñïìïêñáôéêÝò ðñÜîåéò üðùò áõôÞ äåí èá óôáèïýí éêáíÝò íá êáôáâÜëëïõí ôï ðíåýìá ôçò ÁìåñéêáíéêÞò Äçìïêñáôßáò êáé éäéáßôåñá ôéò áñ÷Ýò ôçò åëåõèåñßáò êáé ôçò äçìïêñáôßáò. ÐáñåõñÝèçêáí åîÜëïõ ìÝëç ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ, óôåëÝ÷ç ôçò ÉåñÜò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò êáèþò êáé ðïëëïß ðéóôïß ðïõ åðéæçôïýóáí ôçí áíáêïýöéóç ôçò ðñïóåõ÷Þò óôç äýóêïëç áõôÞ êñßóç.

ÅÉÄÉÊÇ ÅÊÄÏÓÇ 11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 17

Ï ÔÉÌÉÏÓ ÓÔÁÕÑÏÓ ÓÕÌÂÏËÏ ÅËÐÉÄÁÓ ÊÁÉ ÅÉÑÇÍÇÓ ÌÞíõìá ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ÓõíÜíôçóç ìå ôïí ðñüåäñï Ìðïõò óôï óçìåßï ôçò ôñáãùäßáò ÐáôñéÜñ÷ç Âáñèïëïìáßïõ

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ôéò 14 Óåðôåìâñßïõ, åïñôÞ ôçò Ðáãêïóìßïõ Õøþóåùò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ êáé Æùïðïéïý Óôáõñïý, åßèéóôáé ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò íá âñßóêåôáé êáé íá ëåéôïõñãåß óôçí ÈåïëïãéêÞ Ó÷ïëÞ ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý óôï ÌðñïõêëÜúí ôçò Âïóôþíçò ðïõ ðáíçãõñßæåé. Ôçí ðáñáìïíÞ üìùò ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ðñáãìáôïðïßçóå ïäéêþò Ýíá ôáîßäé áóôñáðÞ óôçí Âïóôþíç üðïõ åôÝëåóå åóðåñéíü, ðñïÝóôç ôçò ôåëåôÞò ôçò óôáõñïöïñßáò êáé ñáóóïöïñßáò ãéá ôïõò íÝïõò öïéôçôÝò ôçò ÈåïëïãéêÞò Ó÷ïëÞò êáé óôï êÞñõãìÜ ôïõ âñÞêå ëßãá ëüãéá ðáñçãïñéÜò êáé óôÞñéîçò ãéá ôïõò öïéôçôÝò åí üøåé ôçò ôñáãùäßáò. Ôá ãåãïíüôá åðÝâáëëáí ôçí ðáñïõóßá ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç. ¸ôóé ôï ðñùß ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò âñÝèçêå ðÜëé óôçí Ýäñá ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò üðïõ ÷ïñïóôÜôçóå ôçò Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò óôï ðáñåêêëÞóéï ôïõ Áðïóôüëïõ Ðáýëïõ. ÌåôÜ ôï ôÝëïò ôçò Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò êáé ôçò ôåëåôÞò Õøþóåùò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý, ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò ìßëçóå óôï åêêëçóßáóìá ãéá ôçí ìåãÜëç áõôÞ åïñôÞ ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò áëëÜ êáé ôá ïäõíçñÜ ãåãïíüôá ôùí ðñïçãïõìÝíùí åéêïóéôåôñáþñùí. «Ç þñá áõôÞ ôçò ïäýíçò óõíôáéñéÜæåôáé óÞìåñá ìå ôçí åïñôÞ ôçò Ðáãêïóìßïõ Õøþóåùò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý. Ôïíßæù éäéáßôåñá, åßðå, ôçí ëÝîç Ðáãêïóìßïõ. Ç åðï÷Þ ìáò Ý÷åé ÷áñáêôçñéóôåß ùò ç åðï÷Þ ôçò ðáãêïóìéïðïßçóçò, êáé äõóôõ÷þò äéáðéóôþíïõìå üôé ìéá ðëåõñÜ ôçò ðáãêïóìéïðïßçóçò äßíåé ôçí äõíáôüôçôá óå ïðïéïíäÞðïôå íá åðéôåèåß ïðïéïíäÞðïôå óôü÷ï óôï ðñüóùðï ôçò ãçò, ÷ùñßò í áöÞíåé êáíÝíá ðéá óçìåßï ôçò ãçò Üôñùôï êáé áóöáëÝò. »ÓÞìåñá ãéïñôÜæïõìå ôï óýìâïëï ôïõ Óôáõñïý, óýìâïëï áëçèéíÞò ðáãêïóìéïðïßçóçò. ÊÜèå ðñïóðÜèåéá ôçò áíèñùðüôçôïò ãéá óõíåñãáóßá, ðñüïäï êáé óõíýðáñîç äåí ìðïñåß ðáñÜ íá âáóßæåôáé óôçí áãÜðç, óôçí óõã÷þñåóç, óôçí óõìöéëßùóç, óôçí óùôçñßá êáé óôçí æùÞ ðïõ óõìâïëßæåé êáé åßíáé ï Ôßìéïò Óôáõñüò êáé ðñïò ôïí ïðïßïí -êáé êõñßùò ðñïò Áõôüí ðïõ óôáõñþèçêå åð áõôïý- åíáðïèÝôïõìå êÜèå åëðßäá ãéá ôï ìÝëëïí, Ýíá ìÝëëïí äéêáéïóýíçò, åéñÞíçò êáé áãÜðçò». Ôï ßäéï áðüãåõìá ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò óõììåôåß÷å ìáæß ìå Üëëïõò èñçóêåõôéêïýò çãÝôåò óå åðßóêåøç óôï óçìåßï ôçò ôñïìïêñáôéêÞò åíÝñãåéáò, üðïõ óõíáíôÞèçêå ìå ôïí ðñüåäñï Ìðïõò ðïõ ðåñéüäåõå ôïí ôüðï ôçò êáôáóôñïöÞò êáé åß÷å ôçí åõêáéñßá íá áíôéêñýóåé áðü ðïëý êïíôÜ ôï ó÷åäüí áðåñßãñáðôï, áðüêïóìï êáé ôñïìáêôéêü èÝáìá ôùí åñåéðßùí. Ïé çãÝôåò ôùí ìåãÜëùí èñçóêåõôéêþí êïéíïôÞôùí ôçò Ìåßæïíïò ðåñéï÷Þò ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò ìåôáöÝñèçêáí ìå áõôïêßíçôá ôçò áóôõíïìßáò êïíôÜ óôï óçìåßï ôçò ôñáãùäßáò óõíå÷ßæïíôáò ðåæïß, õðü äñáêüíôåéá ìÝôñá áóöáëåßáò êáé åðß åíüò óôñþìáôïò ãêñßæáò ëÜóðçò áöïý ç âñï÷Þ ðïõ Ýðåöôå üëç ôçí çìÝñá åß÷å ìüëéò ðñéí óôáìáôÞóåé ìÝ÷ñé ôçí áêñéâÞ ôïðïèåóßá üðïõ óõíå÷ßæïíôáé ìå éäéáßôåñç Ýíôáóç ïé ðñïóðÜèåéåò ôùí óùóôéêþí óõíåñãåßùí. Óôï óçìåßï áêñéâþò äßðëá áðü ôá åñåßðéá ôïõ íüôéïõ äßäõìïõ ïõñáíïîýóôç óõíáíôÞèçêáí ìå ôïí ðñüåäñï Ôæïñôæ Ìðïõò êáèþò êáé ôïí äÞìáñ÷ï ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò Ñïýíôïëö ÔæïõëéÜíé êáé ôïí êõâåñíÞôç ôçò ðïëéôåßáò ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò Ôæüñôæ ÐáôÜêé ðïõ óõíüäåõáí ôïí ðñüåäñï. Ï ðñüåäñïò Ìðïõò ÷áéñÝôéóå ìå èÝñìç êáé óõãêßíçóç ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÄçìÞôñéï ëÝãïíôÜò ôïõ ðùò «÷áßñåé

Éåñþôáôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïí ÁìåñéêÞò êýñéïí ÄçìÞôñéïí Åéò ÍÝáí Õüñêçí Éåñþôáôå áäåëöÝ Áñ÷éåðßóêïðå ÁìåñéêÞò êýñéå ÄçìÞôñéå,

Ï ÐÑÏÅÄÑÏÓ ÌÐÏÕÓ óôçí ðñþôç ôïõ åðßóêåøç óôï GROUND ZERO ìå ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÄçìÞôñéï.

éäéáßôåñá ðïõ ôïí îáíáâëÝðåé, éäáßôåñá ôéò óôéãìÝò áõôÝò ôçò åèíéêÞò äïêéìáóßáò...» Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò Ýóðåõóå êáé äéáâåâáßùóå ôïí ðñüåäñï Ìðïõò üôé ï ßäéïò ðñïóùðéêÜ, ùò çãÝôçò ôçò Åëëçíïñèïäüîïõ Åêêëçóßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ êáé åê ìÝñïõò üëùí ôùí ïñèïäüîùí, áëëÜ êáé åê ìÝñïõò óýóóùìçò ôçò ÅëëçíïáìåñéêáíéêÞò ÏìïãÝíåéáò, âñßóêåôáé óôï ðëåõñü ôïõ, óôï ðëåõñü ôùí áñ÷þí êáé óõìðáñßóôáôáé ìå êÜèå ôñüðï óôï Ýñãï äéÜóùóçò, áíáóõãêñüôçóçò êáé õðåñíéêÞóåùò ôùí ôñáõìÜôùí ðïõ ðñïêÜëåóå ç Üíáíäñç ôñïìïêñáôéêÞ åðßèåóç. ÅîÜëëïõ, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò, óå óýíôïìç áëëÜ óõãêéíçôéêÞ áíôáëëáãÞ ðïõ åß÷å ôüóï ìå ôïí äÞìáñ÷ï ê. ÔæïõëéÜíé üóï êáé ìå ôïí êõâåñíÞôç ê. ÐáôÜêé, ôïõò äéáâåâáßùóå ãéá ôçí áìÝñéóôç óõìðáñÜóôáóç ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò êáé Ýèåóå ôéò êáëÝò õðçñåóßåò ôüóï ôïõ éäßïõ ðñïóùðéêÜ üóï

êáé ôùí õðçñåóéþí êáé åíïñéþí ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò óôç äéÜèåóÞ ôïõò. Áêïëïýèçóå óýíôïìç äÝçóç õðÝñ ôùí èõìÜôùí ôçò ôñáãùäßáò, áðü ôïí Ñùìáéïêáèïëéêü Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò ÊáñäéíÜëéï ¹ãêáí, ðáñïõóßá ôïõ ÐñïÝäñïõ, ôïõ ÄçìÜñ÷ïõ, ôïõ ÊõâåñíÞôç, ôùí ðñþçí äçìÜñ÷ùí ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò Åíô Êüôò êáé ÍôÝéâéíô Íôßíêéíò, ãåñïõóéáóôþí, âïõëåõôþí, ðïëëþí Üëëùí åðéóÞìùí êáé ôùí áìÝôñçôùí ðõñïóâåóôþí, áóôõíïìéêþí êáé ôùí Üëëùí áíèñþðùí ôùí óùìÜôùí êáé óõíåñãåßùí äéÜóùóçò. ×áñáêôçñéóôéêü ôïõ êëßìáôïò Þôáí ôï ãåãïíüò üôé êáôÜ ôçí áðï÷þñçóç ôïí Óåâáóìéþôáôï ðëçóßáóáí ìå äÜêñõá óôá ìÜôéá Ýíáò áóôõíïìéêüò êáé äýï ðõñïóâÝóôåò Ïìïãåíåßò, æçôþíôáò ôçí åõëïãßá ôïõ êáé ôéò ðñïóåõ÷Ýò ôïõ êáé ôï ðáñÜäåéãìÜ ôïõò áêïëïýèçóáí áèñþá ðïëëïß Üëëïé óõíÜäåëöïß ôïõò.

ÊÉÍÇÔÏÐÏÉÅÉÔÁÉ Ç ÉÅÑÁ ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÇ Éäñýåôáé Ôáìåßï Âïçèåßáò êáé Áíáêïýöéóçò ôùí ÈõìÜôùí ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. Ôñåßò ìüëéò ìÝñåò ìåôÜ ôá ôñáãéêÜ ãåãïíüôá êáé ç É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ âñÝèçêå óå ðëÞñç êéíçôïðïßçóç. Óôéò 14 Óåðôåìâñßïõ ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò áíáêïßíùóå åíÝñãåéåò ôçò Åëëçíïñèïäüîïõ Åêêëçóßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ ðñïò ôçí êáôåýèõíóç ôçò ðáñï÷Þò ðïéìáíôéêÞò öñïíôßäáò êáé óôÞñéîçò ðñïò ôï ðïßìíéü ôçò êáé ôïí äïêéìáæüìåíï Áìåñéêáíéêü ëáü. Ç ÅëëçíéêÞ Ïñèüäïîç Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ ÁìåñéêÞò ßäñõóå ÔÁÌÅÉÏ ÂÏÇÈÅÉÁÓ 11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ êáé ôá ÅÈÍÉÊÁ ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÁ ÊÅÍÔÑÁ ÂÏÇÈÅÉÁÓ 11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ óå óõíåñãáóßá ìå üëåò ôéò Üëëåò Ïñèüäïîåò Åêêëçóßåò óôéò Ç.Ð.Á. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò, ùò ðñüåäñïò ôçò Äéáñêïýò Óõíüäïõ Êáíïíéêþí Ïñèïäüîùí Åðéóêüðùí óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ (SCOBA) êÜëåóå üëåò ôéò Ïñèüäïîåò äéêáéïäïóßåò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ íá óõììåôÜó÷ïõí. Åðß ðñïóèÝôùò, ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò Ýêáíå Ýêêëçóç óå üëïõò ôïõò Åëëçíïñèüäïîïõò íáïýò óôéò ÇíùìÝíåò Ðïëéôåßåò íá ðñïâïýí óå ðñïóöïñÜ ÷ñçìÜôùí áðü åéäéêÞ ðåñéöïñÜ äßóêïõ ôçí ÊõñéáêÞ 16 Óåðôåìâñßïõ, ìå óêïðü íá äéáôåèïýí ãéá ôçí êÜëõøç ôùí áíáãêþí ôïõ íåïéäñõèÝíôïò Ôáìåßïõ ÂïÞèåéáò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ êáé ãéá ôç óôÞñéîç ôïõ ðñþôïõ

Ïñèïäüîïõ ÊÝíôñïõ ÂïÞèåéáò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ, ôï ïðïßï åãêáéíéÜóèçêå ôçí ßäéá ìÝñá, 14 Óåðôåìâñßïõ, çìÝñá ôçò åïñôÞò ôçò Õøþóåùò ôïõ Ôéìßïõ Óôáõñïý, óôïí Åëëçíïñèüäïîï Íáü ôçò Áã. ÂáñâÜñáò åðß ôçò 27 Forsyth Street óôç ÍÝá Õüñêç, óôï íüôéï ìÝñïò ôïõ Ìáí÷Üôáí ðïëý êïíôÜ óôïí ôüðï ôçò êáôáóôñïöÞò. Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò ðñïÝâåé óôçí Üìåóç äçìéïõñãßá ôçò ÅèíéêÞò Ïñèïäüîïõ ÔçëåöùíéêÞò ÃñáììÞò ÂïÞèåéáò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ ìå óêïðü ôçí ðáñï÷Þ ðëçñïöïñéþí ãéá ôïõò áãíïïýìåíïõò êáé ôéò ïéêïãÝíåéÝò ôïõò, Þ ãéá ðíåõìáôéêÞ êáé øõ÷ïëïãéêÞ õðïóôÞñéîç êáé óõìðáñÜóôáóç Þ ïðïéáäÞðïôå Üëëç âïÞèåéá. Äçìéïýñãçóå åðßóçò ôçí ÅèíéêÞ Ïñèüäïîï ÔçëåöùíéêÞ ÃñáììÞ ÐñïóöïñÜò (212-570-3595) ìå óêïðü ôçí åããñáöÞ åèåëïíôþí êáé ôçí ðñïóöïñÜ äùñåþí. Ôá ÅèíéêÜ Ïñèüäïîá ÊÝíôñá 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ ðïõ äçìéïõñãÞèçêáí óôåãÜóôçêáí óå ïñèüäïîïõò íáïýò ðñïóöÝñïíôáò ôéò õðçñåóßåò éåñÝùí êáé åðáããåëìáôéþí åèåëïíôþí, åéäéêþí óôçí áíôéìåôþðéóç øõ÷ïëïãéêþí êñßóåùí, ðáñï÷Þ øõ÷ïëïãéêÞò õðïóôÞñéîçò óå Üôïìá Þ ïéêïãÝíåéåò ðïõ åß÷áí áíèñþðéíåò

u óåë. 20

Ìå âáèýôáôïí Üëãïò êáé Üöáôïí èëßøéí åêöñÜæïìåí ôá ïëïêÜñäéá óõëëõðçôÞñéá ôçò Ìçôñüò Áãßáò ôïõ ×ñéóôïý ÌåãÜëçò Åêêëçóßáò êáé ôçò çìåôÝñáò Ìåôñéüôçôïò ðñïò ôçí õìåôÝñáí áãáðçôÞí Éåñüôçôá êáé ïëüêëçñïí ôçí öéëü÷ñéóôïí ÏìïãÝíåéáí ôçò ÁìåñéêÞò ãéá ôá áðÜíèñùðá ôñïìïêñáôéêÜ êáé åãêëçìáôéêÜ ðëÞãìáôá, ôá ïðïßá ðïëëÜ áèþá ðñïåêÜëåóáí èýìáôá åéò ôïí áãáðçôüí Áìåñéêáíéêüí Ëáüí. ÐÜóá ÷ñéóôéáíéêÞ øõ÷Þ êáôáäéêÜæåé áíåíäïéÜóôùò ôçí ðáñÜöñïíá ôáýôçí åãêëçìáôéêÞí åíÝñãåéáí êáé åý÷åôáé ïëïøý÷ùò üðùò ï Èåüò áöïðëßóç ôïõò åðéäüîïõò äñÜóôáò ôïéïýôùí ðñÜîåùí åí ôù ìÝëëïíôé. Åßèå ï áãáèüò Èåüò íá ðáñçãïñÞóç ôáò èñçíïýóáò èýìáôá ïéêïãåíåßáò ôùí áäåëöþí çìþí êáé íá áíáðáýóç ôáò øõ÷Üò ôùí èõìÜôùí. ÌåôÜ âáèåßáò áäåëöéêÞò áãÜðçò êáé ôéìÞò, ð ÐáôñéÜñ÷çò Âáñèïëïìáßïò ÖáíÜñéïí, 11 Óåðôåìâñßïõ 2001

ÅÐÉÓÔÏËÇ ÐÑÏÓ ÔÏÍ ÐÑÏÅÄÑÏ ÌÐÏÕÓ Ôù Åîï÷ùôÜôù ÐñïÝäñù George Bush, Åéò Washington, D.C. Åîï÷þôáôå, ÌåôÜ âáèõôÜôçò èëßøåùò êáé áöÜôïõ ïäýíçò åêöñÜæïìåí ðñïò ôçí ÕìåôÝñáí ëßáí çìßí áãáðçôÞí êáé ðåñéóðïýäáóôïí Åîï÷üôçôá ôá ïëïêÜñäéá óõëëõðçôÞñéá êáé ôçí âáèåßáí óõìðÜèåéáí çìþí êáé ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ äéá ôçí áðÜíèñùðïí, âÜíáõóïí êáé õðåñâáßíïõóáí ðÜíôá ÷áñáêôçñéóìüí êáé ðëÞñùò êáôáäéêáóôÝáí åãêëçìáôéêÞí ôñïìïêñáôéêÞí åíÝñãåéáí åéò âÜñïò ôïõ Áìåñéêáíéêïý Ëáïý êáé ¸èíïõò. Åõ÷üìåèá üðùò ï Èåüò äéá ôçò äõíÜìåþò Ôïõ åìðïäßóç ðÜóáí íÝáí ôñïìïêñáôéêÞí åíÝñãåéáí, üðùò ðáñçãïñÞóç ôáò èñçíïýóáò èýìáôá ïéêïãåíåßáò êáé üðùò óõíåôßóç ôïõò öáíáôéêïýò å÷èñïýò ôçò áíèñùðüôçôïò õðïøçößïõò äñÜóôáò ôïéïýôùí áðáíèñþðùí ðñÜîåùí. Åðß äå ôïýôïéò åõ÷üìåíïé ðÜóáí äýíáìéí êáé åíßó÷õóéí åéò ôçí ÕìåôÝñáí Åîï÷üôçôá êáé åéò ôï ìÝãá Áìåñéêáíéêüí ¸èíïò ðÜóáí åõçìåñßáí êáé Üëõðïí ðïñåßáí, äéáôåëïýìåí ìåôÜ âáèåßáò óõìðáèåßáò, áãÜðçò åí Êõñßù êáé åãêáñäßùí åõ÷þí. Ôçò ÕìåôÝñáò åñéôßìïõ Åîï÷üôçôïò äéÜðõñïò ðñïò Èåüí åõ÷Ýôçò ð Ï Êùíóôáíôéíïõðüëåùò Âáñèïëïìáßïò

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 18

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÅÉÄÉÊÇ ÅÊÄÏÓÇ 11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ

Ï ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÏÓ ÄÇÌÇÔÑÉÏÓ ÌÅ ÈÑÇÓÊÅÕÔÉÊÏÕÓ ÁÑ×ÇÃÏÕÓ ÓÔÏÍ ËÅÕÊÏ ÏÉÊÏ ÏÕÁÓÉÍÃÊÔÏÍ. ÌåôÜ áðü ðñüóêëçóç ôïõ ðñïÝäñïõ ôùí Ç.Ð.Á. Ôæüñôæ Ìðïõò, ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò åðéóêÝöèçêå óôéò 20 Óåðôåìâñßïõ ôïí Ëåõêü Ïßêï êáé óõììåôåß÷å óå óõíÜíôçóç 26 äéáêåêñéìÝíùí èñçóêåõôéêþí çãåôþí ôùí ìåãÜëùí èñçóêåõôéêþí êïéíïôÞôùí ôçò ÁìåñéêÞò. Ï Áìåñéêáíüò Ðñüåäñïò õðïäÝ÷èçêå ôïí Óåâáóìéþôáôï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï êáé Ýîé Üëëïõò èñçóêåõôéêïýò áñ÷çãïýò óå éäéáßôåñç êëåéóôÞ óõíÜíôçóç óáñÜíôá ðåñßðïõ ëåðôþí, óôï ðñïåäñéêü ÏâÜë ãñáöåßï. ÊáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôçò óõíÜíôçóçò áõôÞò, ï ðñüåäñïò Ìðïõò åíçìÝñùóå ôïõò èñçóêåõôéêïýò áñ÷çãïýò ãéá ôá âáóéêÜ óçìåßá êáé èÝìáôá ðïõ ðñïÝêõøáí áðü ôá ôåëåõôáßá ôñáãéêÜ óõìâÜíôá, ãéá ôá ìÝôñá ðïõ åðñüêåéôï íá ëçöèïýí êáèþò êáé èÝìáôá, ðïõ üðùò ï ßäéïò åßðå, èá Ýèéãå ôï ßäéï âñÜäé óôï äéÜããåëìÜ ôïõ óôï ÊïãêñÝóóï. Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò ðïõ êáèüôáí äåîéÜ ôïõ ÐñïÝäñïõ, óôçí åéóÞãçóÞ ôïõ ôüíéóå ôçí áèñüá óõììåôï÷Þ êáé óõìðáñÜóôáóç ôùí Åëëçíïñèïäüîùí ÊïéíïôÞôùí óôçí ôñáãùäßá ðïõ Ýðëçîå ôçí ÷þñá: «Äéáðéóôþíïõìå ê. Ðñüåäñå, ìéá ôåñÜóôéá Ýêöñáóç áãÜðçò êáé åéëéêñéíïýò åíäéáöÝñïíôïò, óõíáäåëöþóåùò, óõìðáñÜóôáóçò êáé âïÞèåéáò ðïõ åßíáé óôïé÷åßá Ýêäçëá êáé ðïëëáðëáóéáæüìåíá óå üëåò ôéò êïéíüôçôÝò ìáò óå üëá ôá ðëÜôç êáé ôá ìÞêç ôçò ÷þñáò...» êáé áíÝöåñå ôéò ðñïóðÜèåéåò ðïõ ãßíïíôáé, ôá Ýùò ôþñá áðïôåëÝóìáôá êáé ôá ðïóÜ ñåêüñ ðïõ óõãêåíôñþíïíôáé, ùò åíäåéêôéêÜ óôïé÷åßá öñïíôßäáò êáé áãÜðçò. «ÐñÝðåé áõôÞ ôç óôéãìÞ, åßðå ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò, íá åóôéÜóïõìå ôçí ðñïóï÷Þ ìáò óå üôé ðéü èåôéêü êáé áíèñþðéíï Ý÷ïõìå íá åðéäåßîïõìå».

óõíáíèñþðïõò ôïõò». Áêïëïýèçóå óõíÝíôåõîç ôýðïõ óôïí êÞðï ôïõ Ëåõêïý Ïßêïõ êáôÜ ôçí ïðïßá ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò êáé ïé Ýîé Üëëïé èñçóêåõôéêïß áñ÷çãïß Ýêáíáí äçëþóåéò óôá Ì.Ì.Å. ó÷åôéêÜ ìå ôçí óõíÜíôçóÞ ôïõò ìå ôïí Ðñüåäñï êáé ôï êïéíü áíáêïéíùèÝí ðïõ óõíõðÝãñáøáí. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò åîåñ÷üìåíïò ôïõ Ëåõêïý Ïßêïõ äÞëùóå: «¹ôáí ìéá óçìáíôéêÞ óõíÜíôçóç ìå ôïí Ðñüåäñï êáé ôïõò åêêëçóéáóôéêïýò çãÝôåò. Ï Ðñüåäñïò Þèåëå íá ìáò åíçìåñþóåé êáé Þôáí äåêôéêüò éäåþí êáé ðñïôÜóåùí. ¹èåëå áêüìç, íá âåâáéùèåß ãéá ôçí óõììåôï÷Þ êáé ôçí âïÞèåéá ôùí èñçóêåõôéêþí çãåôþí êáé ôùí êïéíïôÞôùí óôï ðïëý ìåãÜëï êáé åîáéñåôéêÜ äýóêïëï Ýñãï ôï ïðïßï áíïßãåôáé ìðñïóôÜ ìáò. Óå ôÝôïéï ðíåýìá äéåîÞ÷èç ç óõæÞôçóç, ìå Ýíôïíï ôï óôïé÷åßï ôçò åëðßäïò êáé ôçò âåâáéüôçôïò ãéá ôï ìÝëëïí ðïõ ðçãÜæåé áðü ôçí ðëÞñç åìðéóôïóýíç óôçí ðáñïõóßá, óôçí âïÞèåéá êáé óôï öùôéóìü ôïõ Èåïý».

Ï ÁÑ×ÉÅÐÉÓÊÏÐÏÓ ìåôáîý Üëëùí èñçóêåõôéêþí çãåôþí áðü üëç ôçí ÷þñá êáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá óõíÝíôåõîçò Ôýðïõ óôïí êÞðï ôïõ Ëåõêïý Ïßêïõ.

ÌåôÜ ôçí éäéáßôåñç áõôÞ óõíÜíôçóç, ï ðñüåäñïò Ìðïõò êáé ïé Ýîé èñçóêåõôéêïß çãÝôåò ìåôÝâçóáí óôçí áßèïõóá Ñïýóâåëô, üðïõ êáé óõíáíôÞèçêáí ìå ôïõò õðüëïéðïõò åêðñïóþðïõò èñçóêåõôéêþí êïéíïôÞôùí. Ï Áìåñéêáíüò Ðñüåäñïò ìåôÜ áðü óýíôïìç ðáñïõóßáóç Üêïõóå êáé áíôÜëëáîå áðüøåéò ìå ôïõò ðáñåõñéóêïìÝíïõò. Ç óõíÜíôçóç Ýêëåéóå ìå äÝçóç ðïõ áíÝðåìøå ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò. Íá óçìåéùèåß üôé ïé èñçóêåõôéêïß çãÝôåò óå éäéáßôåñç ðñïêáôáñêôéêÞ

óõíÜíôçóç óõíÝôáîáí ïìïöþíùò êáé õðÝãñáøáí êïéíü áíáêïéíùèÝí óôï ïðïßï ìåôáîý Üëëùí ôïíßæïõí: «Ðñïóåõ÷þìåèá ãéá ôéò ïéêïãÝíåéåò, ôïõò ößëïõò êáé óõíáäÝëöïõò ðïõ Ý÷ïõí ÷Üóåé ôïõò áãáðçìÝíïõò ôïõò êáé ìíçìïíåýïõìå åí ðñïóåõ÷Þ ôïõò ðåñéóóüôåñïõò ôùí 5.400 áíèñþðùí ðïõ ÷Üèçêáí óôçí ôñïìåñÞ, ôñáõìáôéêÞ êáé ôñáãéêÞ áõôÞ ðñÜîç âßáò. ÅêöñÜæïõìå èáõìáóìü êé åõãíùìïóýíç óå åêåßíïõò ðïõ ìå áõôáðÜñíçóç äéáêéíäýíåõóáí êáé Ýäùóáí ôç æùÞ ôïõò óôçí ðñïóðÜèåéá íá óþóïõí

Ìå ôïí Ôæïñôæ ÔÝíåô

ÌåôÜ ôï ôÝëïò ôùí óõíáíôÞóåùí ôïõ óôï Ëåõêü Ïßêï, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò åß÷å éäéáßôåñç óõíÜíôçóç ìå ôïí åëëçíïáìåñéêáíü äéåõèõíôÞ ôçò ÊåíôñéêÞò Õðçñåóßáò Ðëçñïöïñéþí (CIA) Ôæüñôæ ÔÝíåô. Ï ê. ÔÝíåô õðïäÝ÷èçêå ìå åãêáñäéüôçôá ôïí Óåâáóìéþôáôï óôçí åßóïäï ôïõ êôéñßïõ ôçò CIA êáé áêïëïýèçóå ìéá èåñìÞ êáé åãêÜñäéá åíçìåñùôéêÞ óõíÜíôçóç ìéóÞò ðåñßðïõ þñáò óôï ãñáöåßï ôïõ. Ç óõíÜíôçóç êáôÝëçîå ìå óýíôïìç äÝçóç ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ õðÝñ Üíùèåí âïçèåßáò êáé áðü Èåïý êáèïäçãÞóåùò óôï ðïëý äýóêïëï Ýñãï ôïõ.

Åðßóêåøç êáé ÔñéóÜãéï óôï ÐåíôÜãùíï, óõíÜíôçóç ìå ÂïõëåõôÝò êáé ÃåñïõóéáóôÝò ÏÕÁÓÉÍÃÊÔÏÍ. Óôçí áêñéâÞ ôïðïèåóßá ôçò ôñïìïêñáôéêÞò åðßèåóçò óôï ÐåíôÜãùíï, ìåôÝâç ôï ðñùß 20 Óåðôåìâñßïõ ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò üðïõ êáé áíÝðåìøå åðéìíçìüóõíç äÝçóç õðÝñ ôùí èõìÜôùí, áãíïïõìÝíùí êáé ôùí ïéêïãåíåéþí êáé ïéêåßùí áõôþí. ÐáñåõñÝèçêáí ï íÝïò ðñÝóâçò ôùí Ç.Ð.Á ê. Ôüìáò Ìßëëåñ ðïõ ëßãï ðñßí åß÷å éäéáßôåñç óõíÜíôçóç ìå ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïï åëëçíïáìåñéêáíéêÞò êáôáãùãÞò äéåõèõíôÞò ôçò Õðçñåóßáò ¸êôáêôçò ÁíÜãêçò êáé ÂïÞèåéáò ôïõ áìåñéêáíéêïý õðïõñãåßïõ Åîùôåñéêþí ¢íôñéïõ ÍÜôóéïò, ï áíôéðñüåäñïò ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðéêïý Óõìâïõëßïõ ê. Ìé÷áÞë Ôæá÷Üñçò êáé óôåëÝ÷ç ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò óõíïäåõüìåíïò áðü ôïí Áóôõíïìéêü ÄéåõèõíôÞ ôçò êïìçôåßáò ôïõ ¢ñëéíãêôïí, âñÝèçêå ðÜíù óôá åñåßðéá, óôï ÷Üóìá ðïõ äçìéïýñãçóå ç ðôþóç ôïõ áåñïðëÜíïõ. Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò óôÜèçêå ìåñéêÝò óôéãìÝò óéùðçëüò ìðñïóôÜ óôá ÷áëÜóìáôá êé åíáðÝèåóå Ýíá êüêêéíï ôñéáíôÜöõëëï. Åß÷å ôçí åõêáéñßá íá ìéëÞóåé ìå ôïõò õðåýèõíïõò áîéùìáôéêïýò åðß ôïõ åäÜöïõò êáé íá åõ÷çèåß êáé íá åõëïãÞóåé üëá ôá óõíåñãåßá ðïõ åñãÜæïíôáé óôçí ðåñéï÷Þ. ÁìÝóùò ìåôÜ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò ðáñÝèåóå åðß ôüðïõ óõíÝíôåõîç Ôýðïõ, ãéá ôá ôçëåïôðéêÜ ìÝóá åíçìÝñùóçò ðïõ êáëýðôïõí ôçí ôñïìïêñáôéêÞ åðßèåóç óôï ÐåíôÜãùíï.

Äåîßùóç óôï ÊïãêñÝóï

Ôï ìåóçìÝñé, 25 ÂïõëåõôÝò ôçò ÂïõëÞò ôùí Áíôéðñïóþðùí êáé ÃåñïõóéáóôÝò åß÷áí ôçí åõêáéñßá íá óõíáíôÞóïõí ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï óå áßèïõóá ôïõ Êáðéôùëßïõ êáé íá áíôáëëÜîïõí áðüøåéò åðé

ôçò óõíáäÝëöùóçò, ôçò åíüôçôïò, ôçò áõôïèõóßáò êáé ôçò áãÜðçò ðïõ óõíÜíôçóá óÞìåñá ìðñïóôÜ óôï ÐåíôÜãùíï, áëëÜ êáé óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç ôéò ðñïçãïýìåíåò çìÝñåò...»

Ïñêùìïóßá Ìßëëåñ

Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò Þôáí åðßóçìïò ðñïóêåêëçìÝíïò ôïõ Õðïõñãåßïõ Åîùôåñéêþí óôçí ôåëåôÞ ïñêùìïóßáò ôïõ íÝïõ ðñÝóâç ôùí Ç.Ð.Á óôçí ÅëëÜäá, Ôüìáò Ìßëëåñ. ÊáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá äåîßùóçò ðïõ ðñïçãÞèçêå ôçò åðéóÞìïõ ôåëåôÞò, ï áìåñéêáíüò õðïõñãüò Åîùôåñéêþí Êüëëéí ÐÜïõåë êáëùóüñéóå ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï óôï Õðïõñãåßï Åîùôåñéêþí. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò äéáâåâáßùóå ôïí áìåñéêáíü õðïõñãü ãéá ôçí áìÝñéóôç óõìðáñÜóôáóç êáé óõìâïëÞ ôçò Åëëçíïñèïäüîïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò áëëÜ êáé ïëüêëçñçò ôçò Ïñèïäüîïõ êïéíüôçôáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ. Óôçí åðßóçìç ôåëåôÞ, ï Êüëëéí ÐÜïõåë åîÞñå ôçí

uuu Ä. ÐáíÜãïò

ÁðÝíáíôé áêñéâþò áðü ôï ÐåíôÜãùíï ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ôåëåß åðéìíçìüóõíç äÝçóç. Áðü áñéóôåñÜ ï íÝïò ðñÝóâçò ôùí ÇÐÁ ê. Ôüìáò Ìßëëåñ, ï äéÜêïíïò ÍåêôÜñéïò Ìüñïïõ êáé ï ¢íôñéïõ ÌáíÜôïò.

ôùí ôåëåõôáßùí ôñáãéêþí ãåãïíüôùí êáé åîåëßîåùí. Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò åíçìÝñùóå üëïõò ãéá ôéò ðñùôïâïõëßåò êáé ðñïóðÜèåéåò ðïõ Ý÷åé áíáëëÜâåé ç É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ êáèþò êáé ãéá ôçí óõíÜíôçóÞ ôïõ ôçí ðñïçãïýìåíç ìÝñá ìå ôïí ðñüåäñï Ôæüñôæ Ìðïõò. Áíáöåñüìåíïò äå óôçí åðßóêåøÞ ôïõ óôï ÐåíôÜãùíï ðïõ ìüëéò åß÷å ðñïçãçèåß ôüíéóå: «Ç ôñáãéêÞ êáé ìáýñç åéêüíá ôùí åñåéðßùí ðïõ áíôéêñýæåé êáíåßò... ç åéêüíá ôïõ êáêïý, ôïõ ìßóïõò êáé ôçò êáôáóôñïöÞò äåí ðñÝðåé íá åßíáé ç åéêüíá ðïõ áðïôõðþíåôáé ìÝóá ìáò... äåí åðéôñÝðåôáé íá áðïêïìßóïõìå ìéá áñíçôéêÞ åéêüíá áðü ôá ãåãïíüôá ôùí ôåëåõôáßùí çìåñþí. ÕðÜñ÷åé Üëëùóôå, ç èåôéêÞ åéêüíá

Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò êáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôçò ïñêïìùóßáò ôïõ Ôüìáò Ìßëëåñ, ðåñéóôïé÷ßæåôáéáðü ôïí ðñÝóâç ôçò ÅëëÜäïò ÁëÝîáíäñï Ößëùíá, ôïí ãåñïõóéáóôÞ Ðïë ÓáñìðÜíç, ôçí ðñÝóâåéñá ôçò Êýðñïõ Åñáôþ ÊïæÜêïõ-ÌáñêïõëÞ êáé ôïí ðñÝóâç ÌÜúêë ÓùôÞñ÷ï.

ÅÉÄÉÊÇ ÅÊÄÏÓÇ 11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 19

ÐÑÏÓÅÕXH ÓÔÁ ÅÑÅIÐÉÁ ÔÏÕ ÁÃ. ÍÉÊÏËAÏÕ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. Åêåß ðïõ êÜðïôå óôÝêïíôáí ïé ïõñáíïîýóôåò ôïõ Äéåèíïýò Åìðïñéêïý ÊÝíôñïõ ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò êáé ôï ìéêñü éóôïñéêü åëëçíïñèüäïîï åêêëçóÜêé ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ âñÝèçêå ôï ðñùß ôïõ ÓáââÜôïõ 22 Óåðôåìâñßïõ, ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò. ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý

Ïé ìðïõëíôüæåò, ïé ãåñáíïß, ôá âáñéÜ ìç÷áíÞìáôá åêóêáöÞò, óßãáóáí ãéá ëßãï êé ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò óõíïäåõüìåíïò áðü ôïí ðñùôïóýãêåëëï ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ð. ÓÜââá ÆåìðéëëÜ, ôïí éåñáôéêþò ðñïúóôÜìåíï ôïõ êáôåóôñáìÝíïõ íáïý ð. ÉùÜííç Ñüìá, ôïí ð. ÉùÜííç Áããåëüðïõëï, ôïí äéÜêïíï ÐáíôåëåÞìïíá Ðáðáäüðïõëï êáé ôïí ïìïãåíÞ ðïëéôåéáêü âïõëåõôÞ áðü ôçí Áóôüñéá Ìé÷Üëç ÃéÜííáñç, âÜäéóáí óéùðçëïß ðñïò ôï óçìåßï üðïõ ðñéí ëßãåò ìüíï ìÝñåò óôÝêïíôáí ï íáüò. ÊïììÜôéá áðü óéäåñïêïëüíåò, ÷áëÜóìáôá êé üôé áðÝìåéíå áðü ôçí ôñïìåñÞ Ýêñçîç êáé êáôÜññåõóç ðïõ áêïëïýèçóå, êÜôù áðü ôï «íÝöïò ôùí øõ÷þí» ôùí áíèñþðùí ðïõ èÜöôçêáí óôá åñåßðéá, ìå ìéá êõñßáñ÷ç êáé âáñéÜ ìõñùäéÜ Üãíùóôç ùò ôá ôþñá óôéò áíèñþðéíåò áéóèÞóåéò óýíåèåôáí ôï ôïðßï. Ïé Üíèñùðïé ôùí óùóôéêþí óõíåñãåßùí, ïé åñãÜôåò ìå ôá öôõÜñéá êáé ôéò ìÜóêåò óôá ðñüóùðá, ïé ðõñïóâÝóôåò êáé ïé áóôõíïìéêïß, ïé óôñáôéþôåò êáé ïé êáèå ëïãÞò ïìÜäåò áíèñþðùí êáé åéäéêþí, åñãÜæïíôáí áóôáìÜôçôá áäõíáôþíôáò íá äå÷èïýí áõôü ðïõ ç ëïãéêÞ êé ïé äþäåêá ìÝñåò ðïõ åß÷áí ðåñÜóåé áðü ôçí Ôñßôç 11 Óåðôåìâñßïõ åðÝâáëáí óå üëïõò. Ç ëïãéêÞ ôïõ èáíÜôïõ äåí öáßíïíôáí éêáíÞ íá õðåñíéêÞóåé ôçí åëðßäá êáé ôçí áíèñùðéÜ, ôçí áõôáðÜñíçóç êáé ôçí áõôïèõóßá. Äõü äåêÜäåò Üíèñùðïé óå óôÜóç ðñïóåõ÷Þò óõãåíôñþèçêáí ãýñù-ãýñù áðü ôï óçìåßï åêóêáöÞò, óôïí ÷þñï ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ. Ìåñéêïß êñáôïýóáí êåñéÜ. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò Ýøáëå ôçí åðéìíçìüóõíç äÝçóç. ¾óôåñá Ýøáëå îå÷ùñéóôÞ äÝçóç ãéá üóïõò áãùíßæïíôáí êé åñãÜæïíôáí óôïí ôüðï áõôü ôçò êáôáóôñïöÞò êáèþò êáé ãéá ôá åñãáëåßá êáé ìç÷áíÞìáôá ðïõ ÷ñçóéìïðïéïýóáí óôïí éåñü óêïðü ôçò äéÜóùóçò êáé áíÜíçøçò áðü ôçí êáôáóôñïöÞ. Ç óõãêßíçóç îå÷åßëéóå áð ôéò øõ÷Ýò ôïõò êáé ôá êïõñáóìÝíá ôïõò ðñüóùðá êáé ôá ìÜôéá ôïõò äÜêñõóáí. ¸íáò óôñáôéþôçò ìå êñÜíïò êáé ðëÞñç åîÜñôéóç, ðïõ Þôáí êáé êëçñéêüò ôçò ÅðéóêïðåëéáíÞò Åêêëçóßáò áðü ôçí äõôéêÞ ðïëéôåßá ôçò ÏõÜóéíãêôïí, ãïíÜôéóå ðÜíù óôá ÷áëÜóìáôá ìðñïóôÜ óôïí Óåâáóìéþôáôï: «ÅõëüãçóÝ ìå» åßðå. Ìåñéêïß åñãÜôåò Ýöåñáí óôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï êïììÜôéá áðü ìÜñìáñï, ìÝñïò ôùí ðëáúíþí ôïß÷ùí êáé ôïõ äáðÝäïõ

Ä. ÐÁÍÁÃÏÓ

Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò ìðñïò óôá óõíôñßììéá ìå ôïí ðñùôïóýãêåëëï ð. ÓÜââá ÆåìðéëëÜ êáé ôïí ðïëéôåéáêü âïõëåõôÞ ÌÜúêë ÃéÜííáñç.

ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ, üðùò åßðå ï ð. ÉùÜííçò Ñüìáò ðïõ ôá áíáãíþñéóå. Ïé õðåýèõíïé ôùí óõíåñãåßùí Ýäåéîáí óôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï åéäéêü óçìåßï ðïõ óõëëÝãïõí óå äï÷åßá üôé íïìßæïõí üôé ðñïÝñ÷åôáé áðü ôï íáü. ÊïììÜôéá ìáñìÜñïõ êáé îýëïõ, ìéÜ ìÜæá áðü êåñéÜ, óðáóìÝíá êáíôÞëéá êé Üëëá ìéêñïáíôéêåßìåíá. Ôïí äéáâåâáßùóáí üôé êÜíïõí üôé åßíáé äõíáôüí ãéá ôçí áíåýñåóç êáé ðåñéóõëëïãÞ ôùí áíôéêåéìÝíùí áõôþí êé

üôé èá åéäïðïéÞóïõí êáé ðÜëé ôçí É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ üôáí âñåèïýí ìðñïóôÜ óå éåñÝò åéêüíåò, êåéìÞëéá Þ éåñÜ ëåßøáíá, ðïõ óýìöùíá ìå ôïí ð. ÉùÜííç Ñüìá öõëÜóóïíôáí óå âáñý óéäåñÝíéï ÷ñçìáôéêéâþôéï ðïõ ßóùò Ý÷åé äéáóùèåß. Áðï÷ùñþíôáò ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò åßðå üôé «üôáí ôá ëüãéá êáé ïé ëÝîåéò áäõíáôïýí íá åêöñÜóïõí ôçí ðëçììýñá ôçò øõ÷Þò ìáò, êáôáöåýãïõìå óôçí ðñïóåõ÷Þ, ôçí óéùðçëÞ ðñïóåõ÷Þ...»

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ðñïóùðéêüôçôá, ôïí ÷áñáêôÞñá êáé ôéò éêáíüôçôåò ôïõ íÝïõ áìåñéêáíïý ðñÝóâç óôçí ÁèÞíá êáé óçìåßùóå ôç óðïõäáéüôçôá ôçò åëëçíïáìåñéêáíéêÞò öéëßáò êáé óõíåñãáóßáò êáèþò êáé ôïí ñüëï ðïõ ðáßæåé ó áõôü ç ÅëëçíïáìåñéêáíéêÞ ÏìïãÝíåéá.

ÄÝçóç óôçí Áã. Óïößá ôçò ÏõÜóéíãêôïí

Óôéò 6ì.ì., óôïí Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôçò Áã. Óïößáò óôçí ÏõÜóéíãêôïí, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ôÝëåóå åðéìíçìüóõíç äÝçóç ãéá ôá èýìáôá ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ êáèþò êáé îå÷ùñéóôÞ äÝçóç õðÝñ ôùí ïéêïãåíåéþí ôùí èõìÜôùí êáé õðÝñ ðñïóôáóßáò ïëüêëçñïõ ôïõ Áìåñéêáíéêïý ëáïý. «Åßìáóôå åíùìÝíïé ùò áíèñþðéíá üíôá åí Èåþ, åßðå ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò óôï åêêëçóßáóìá, åíÜíôéá óôéò äõíÜìåéò ôéò áðÜíèñùðåò, ôéò äõíÜìåéò ôïõ êáêïý êáé åîåõôåëéóìïý ôçò áíèñþðéíçò ýðáñîçò», óå Üëëï äå óçìåßï Ï Êüëëéí ÐÜïõåë ìå ôïí ÐñÝóâç Ôüìáò Ìßëëåñ êáé ôçí óýæõãü ôïõ óõíÝ÷éóå:

Åðéìíçìüóõíåò äåÞóåéò óå üëåò ôéò åíïñßåò ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. Ôçí ðñþôç ÊõñéáêÞ ìåôÜ ôçí Ôñáãùäßá ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ üëåò ïé åíïñßåò üëùí ôùí Åðéóêïðþí ôçò ÉåñÜò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò ôÝëåóáí åðéìíçìüóõíåò äåÞóåéò õðÝñ áíáðáýóåùò ôùí øõ÷þí ôùí èõìÜôùí ôçò ôñïìïêñáôéêÞò åðéèÝóåùò. Óôïí Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôçò Áãßáò ÔñéÜäïò óôï Ìáí÷Üôôáí, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò áðü êïéíïý ìå ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÃÝñïíôá ðñþçí ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÉÜêùâï åôÝëåóå ôçí åðéìíçìüóõíç äÝçóç. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò åîÝöñáóå ôçí áßóèçóç ôïõ äÝïõò êáé êáôÜíõîçò ðïõ ðñïêáëåß ôï ôïðßï óôï óçìåßï ôùí åñåéðßùí êáé ÷áñáêôÞñéóå ôçí åìðåéñßá ôïõ áðü ôçí åðßóêåøç ôïõ ìðñïóôÜ óôá óêåëåôùìÝíá áðïìåéíÜñéá ôùí äéäýìùí êôéñßùí þò «ìéá áíåîßôçëá ÷áñáãìÝíç óôç ìíÞìç åìðåéñßá, áäýíáôïí íá ðåñéãñáöåß...» ÓôÜèçêå éäéáßôåñá óôïí «åíèïõóéáóìü êáé ôçí áöïóßùóç» üëùí üóùí åñãÜæïíôáé íõ÷èçìåñüí óôï óçìåßï åêåßíï ðïõ «ôï êáêü ìåôÝôñåøå óå Ýíá áóõíÞèéóôï êáé ìïíáäéêü íåêñïôáöåßï». Ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò êÜëåóå ôïõò ðéóôïýò íá ãßíïõí «öùôåéíÜ ðáñáäåßãìáôá åíäéáöÝñïíôïò, öñïíôßäáò êáé áãÜðçò ìå ðñÜîåéò êáé Ýñãá, áëëÜ êáé ðñÝóâåéò ôçò áãÜðçò ôïõ Èåïý, ôçò áãÜðçò ðïõ äßäáîå ï ÅóôáõñùìÝíïò ùò ìüíï üðëï åíÜíôéá óôéò äõíÜìåéò ôïõ êáêïý...». Áêïëïýèùò ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò æÞôçóå áðü ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÃÝñïíôá ðñþçí ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÉÜêùâï, «ôïí âáèéÜ áãáðçôü êáé óåâÜóìéï ðñùôïðüñï ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò» üðùò ÷áñáêôçñéóôéêÜ åßðå, íá áðåõèýíåé ëßãá ëüãéá óôï åêêëçóßáóìá. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÉÜêùâïò ìå Ýêäçëç óôï ðñüóùðï êáé ôçí öùíÞ ôïõ ôçí óõãêßíçóç, ÷áñáêôÞñéóå ôçí ôñáãùäßá áõôÞ «áëçèéíü ïëïêáýôùìá...» êáé ôï íÝöïò êáé ôïí êáðíü ðïõ óõíå÷ßæåé íá áíáäýåé ï ôüðïò ôçò ôñáãùäßáò «íÝöïò ìáñôýñùí» ðïõ èõóéÜóôçêáí «âéáßá óôïí âùìü ôùí åõãåíéêþí éäåùäþí ôçò åëåõèåñßáò, ôçò äéêáéïóýíçò, ôïõ áíèñùðéóìïý êáé ôïõ ðïëéôéóìïý». Ìéëþíôáò äå ãéá ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÄçìÞôñéï, åßðå ìåôáîý Üëëùí üôé «ç óéùðçëÞ ôïõ åðßóêåøç êáé ðïñåßá áíÜìåóá óôá ÷áëÜóìáôá êáé ôïõò êáðíïýò óôï íüôéï Ìáí÷Üôáí õðÞñîå ðáñÜäåéãìá ðñïóåõ÷Þò êáé åíäõíÜìùóçò ãéá üëïõò ìáò þóôå íá óôñÝøïõìå ôá ìÜôéá ìáò óå Åêåßíïí ðïõ ðÜíù áðü ôï Óôáõñü ìáò ïäçãåß óôçí íßêç». Óôï ôÝëïò äå ôçò óõãêéíçôéêÞò ïìéëßáò ôïõ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÉÜêùâïò ìå äÜêñéá óôá ìÜôéá, ïäÞãçóå ôï åêêëçóßáóìá øÜëëïíôáò ôçí ãíùóôÞ ðñïóåõ÷Þ-ýìíï «Ï Èåüò íá åõëïãåß ôçí ÁìåñéêÞ».

u óåë. 20

«Ç åëåõèåñßá, ç áðüëõôç åëåõèåñßá ç äïóìÝíç áðü ôïí Èåü óôïí Üíèñùðï ùò ç ìÝãéóôç äõíáôüôçôá ãéá äçìéïõñãßá, ðñüïäï êáé æùÞ áõôÞ ç ßäéá åëåõèåñßá ìåôáìïñöþíåôáé óå öïâåñü üðëï êáôáóôñïöÞò, õëéêÞò êáé ðíåõìáôéêÞò..... »ÐáñÜëëçëá üìùò ìå ôçí óêïôåéíéÜ êáé ôçí áó÷Þìéá áíôéêñýæåé êáíåßò ôçí ïìïñöéÜ ôçò áíèñùðéÜò êáé ôçò êáëùóýíçò, áíôéêñýæåé ôçí áõôáðÜñíçóç, áõôïèõóßá êáé ãåííáéïäùñßá ôùí ÷éëéÜäùí áíèñþðùí ðïõ ðñïóöÝñïõí üôé ìðïñïýí ôçí êñßóéìç áõôÞ þñá... ¸ñ÷ïíôáé óôï íïõ ìïõ ôç óôéãìÞ áõôÞ, åßðå, ïé óôïß÷ïé ôïõ åèíéêïý ðïéçôÞ, ôïõ Äéïíõóßïõ Óïëùìïý: ôï ÷Üóìá ðïõ Üíïéîå ï óåéóìüò êé åõèýò ãÝìéóå Üíèç... Ðáñüí Þôáí ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò Èåïäüóéïò ôçò ÑùóéêÞò Ïñèïäüîïõ Åêêëçóßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ. ÐáñåõñÝèçêáí åðßóçò ï ÐñÝóâçò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò óôéò ÇÐÁ ê. ÁëÝîáíäñïò Ößëùí, ¸ëëçíåò äéðëùìÜôåò êáé ðïëëïß Ïìïãåíåßò ôçò ãýñù ðåñéï÷Þò.

ÓÅËÉÄÁ 20

ÏÑÈÏÄÏÎÏÓ ÐÁÑÁÔÇÑÇÔÇÓ

ÅÉÄÉÊÇ ÅÊÄÏÓÇ 11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ

Ï Ãéþñãïò ÐáðáíäñÝïõ óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç ÄùñåÜ 500 ÷éë. äïëëáñßùí ãéá ôçí áíïéêïäüìçóç ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ.- Ôïí õðïõñãü åîùôåñéêþí ôçò ÅëëÜäïò ê. Ãéþñãï ÐáðáíäñÝïõ õðïäÝ÷èçêå ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò óôéò 3 Ïêôùâñßïõ 2001. Ôïí ê. ÐáðáíäñÝïõ óõíüäåõáí ï ðñÝóâçò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò óôçí ÏõÜóéíãêôïí ê. ÁëÝîáíäñïò Ößëùí, ï ãåíéêüò ðñüîåíïò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç ê. ÄçìÞôñçò ÐëáôÞò êáé êëéìÜêéï ôïõ Õðïõñãåßïõ Åîùôåñéêþí. ÊáôÜ ôçí 40ëåðôç ðåñßðïõ óõíÜíôçóç ðïõ äéåîÞ÷èç óå åãêÜñäéï êëßìá, óõæçôÞèçêáí èÝìáôá ó÷åôéêÜ ìå ôçí ôñáãùäßá ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ êáé Ýãéíå ðëÞñçò êáé áìößäñïìç åíçìÝñùóç ãéá ôéò åíÝñãåéåò êáé ðñùôïâïõëßåò ôüóï ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò ÁìåñéêÞò áëëÜ êáé ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò Ðïëéôåßáò. Óå äçëþóåéò ðñïò ôïí Ôýðï áìÝóùò ìåôÜ ôçí óõíÜíôçóç, ï ê. ÐáðáíäñÝïõ åîÝöñáóå ôéò åõ÷áñéóôßåò êáé åõãíùìïóýíç ôüóï áõôïý üóï êáé ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò ÊõâÝñíçóçò ðñïò ôïí Áñ÷éåðßóêïðï ÄçìÞôñéï «ãéá ôçí óôÜóç ôïõ êáé ôéò ðñïóðÜèåéåò óôÞñéîçò êáé âïÞèåéáò ôéò êñßóéìåò óôéãìÝò ü÷é ìüíï ãéá ôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá êáé ôïõò Åëëçíïñèüäïîïõò ...áëëÜ êáé

Éäñýèçêå Ôáìåßï ÂïÞèåéáò u óåë. 17

áðþëåéåò êáé óôá Üôïìá ðïõ ç æùÞ ôïõò åðçñåÜóôçêå áðü ôçí åèíéêÞ ôñáãùäßá. ÅðéðëÝïí, ìå ðñïôñïðÞ ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ áíáêïéíþèçêå ôï ðñüãñáììá ËÁÌÐÁÄÅÓ ÃÉÁ ÔÇÍ ÂÏÇÈÅÉÁ ÊÁÉ ÁÍÁÊÏÕÖÉÓÇ ÔÙÍ ÈÕÌÁÔÙÍ ÔÇÓ 11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ óýìöùíá ìå ôï ïðïßï üëåò ïé Ïñèüäïîåò åíïñßåò èá ðáñüôñõíáí ôïõò ðéóôïýò í áíÜøïõí Ýíá êåñß Þ ìéá ëáìðÜäá óôéò 21 Ïêôùâñßïõ, óôï 40Þìåñï ìíçìüóõíï ôçò ôñáãéêÞò åðåôåßïõ ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ ìå óêïðü ôá Ýóïäá íá äéáôåèïýí óôï Ôáìåßï ÂïÞèåéáò 11 çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ. Ïñãáíþóåéò ôçò É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò üðùò ôï ÔÜãìá ôùí Áñ÷üíôùí ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ, ç ÅèíéêÞ Öéëüðôù÷ïò, ïé Ïñãáíþóåéò Íåïëáßáò (YAL êáé GOYAL) êáé óôåëÝ÷ç ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò êáé ôçò Çãåóßáò ôùí 100 êéíçôïðïéÞèçêáí áìÝóùò ãéá ôçí ðáñï÷Þ êáé êÜëõøç ôùí áíáãêþí ðïõ äçìéïõñãÞèçêáí. Ôá ðñþôá ÊÅÍÔÑÁ ÂÏÇÈÅÉÁÓ 11çò ÓÅÐÔÅÌÂÑÉÏÕ êáèïñßóôçêáí ùò åîÞò: Óôç ÍÝá Õüñêç É. Íáüò Áã. ÂáñâÜñáò - 27 Forsyth Street, É. Íáüò Áã. ÉùÜííçò ôïõ ÂáðôéóôÞ - 143 East 17th Street, êáé É. Íáüò Áã. Åëåõèåñßïõ 359 West 24th Street.

ãéá ôïí áãþíá ðïõ êÜíåé, ùò åêðñüóùðïò åäþ ôçò Ïñèïäïîßáò, þóôå ìå ôçí éäéáßôåñç ðñïóöïñÜ ôçò Åêêëçóßáò íá óõìðáñáóôáèåß åõñýôåñá óôïõò ðïëßôåò ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò. Áõôü ìáò êÜíåé åðß ðëÝïí õðåñÞöáíïõò, åßðå, êáèþò áéóèáíüìáóáôå ôï ÷ñÝïò íá âñåèïýìå êïíôÜ óáò, óõìðáñáóôåêüìåíïé óôéò äéêÝò óáò ðñïóðÜèåéåò, óõìðáñáóôåêüìåíïé óôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá áëëÜ êáé åõñýôåñá óôïí Áìåñéêáíéêü Ëáü. Ãé áõôü åßìáóôå åäþ óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç. ÈÝëù åðßóçò íá åõ÷áñéóôÞóù ôïí Óåâáóìéþôáôï ãéá ôçí óåéñÜ ôùí ðïëý óçìáíôéêþí êáé ßóùò éóôïñéêþí óõíáíôÞóåþí ôïõ ôï ôåëåõôáßï áõôü äéÜóôçìá» êáôÝëçîå ï ê. ÐáðáíäñÝïõ. Áíôáðáíôþíôáò, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò åõ÷áñßóôçóå ôïí ê. ÐáðáíäñÝïõ ãéá ôçí åðßóêåøç êáé ôçí ÅëëçíéêÞ ÊõâÝñíçóç ãéá ôçí óôÞñéîÞ ôçò, «...ðïõ ìáò åíéó÷ýåé óôï Ýñãï ôï ïðïßï ùò åëëçíïñèüäïîïé êáé ùò Åêêëçóßá Ý÷ïõìå áíáëÜâåé» åßðå, êáé ôüíéóå éäéáßôåñá üôé «...åäþ ç ÏìïãÝíåéá, ç ÅëëçíïáìåñéêáíéêÞ Êïéíüôçôá êáé ç Åêêëçóßá åßíáé óå êáôÜóôáóç áðïóôïëÞò, óõíå÷ïýò áðïóôïëÞò êáé ðñïóöïñÜò üôé ðïëýôéìïõ Ý÷ïõìå ëÜâåé áðü ôïí Èåü êáé áðü ôçí áíèñþðéíç êáôáãùãÞ ìáò....». Óôç óõíÝ÷åéá ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ðáñïõóßáóå ìéÜ åéêüíá ôïõ Áã. Äéïíõóßïõ áðü ÷áñôß, Ýíá ìéóïêáìÝíï éåñáôéêü âéâëßï êé Ýíá êáíôÞëé, áíôéêåßìåíá ðïõ âñÝèçêáí áíÜìåóá óôá åñåßðéá ôïõ íáïý ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ êáé äéáóþèçêáí. ÁìÝóùò ìåôÜ ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ìáæß ìå ôïí ê. Õðïõñãü, óõíïäåõüìåíïé áðü óôåëÝ÷ç ôïõ Õðïõñãåßïõ êáé ôçò Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞò êáèþò êáé ðïëõìåëÞ ïìÜäá äçìïóéïãñÜöùí ìåôÝâçóáí óôï «Ground Zero», óôï óçìåßï äçëáäÞ ôçò ôñáãùäßáò üðïõ åôåëÝóèç ôñéóÜãéï. Óôï óçìåßï åêåßíï ï ê. ÐáðáíäñÝïõ áíáêïßíùóå ôçí ðñïóöïñÜ 500 ÷éë. äïëëáñßùí åê ìÝñïõò ôçò ÅëëçíéêÞò ÊõâÝñíçóçò ãéá ôçí áíïéêïäüìçóç ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ. Áñãüôåñá óå äåîßùóç åíçìåñùôéêïý ÷áñáêôÞñá ãéá ôçí ÏìïãÝíåéá ðïõ ðáñåôÝèç óôï Ãåíéêü Ðñïîåíåßï ôçò ÅëëÜäïò ï ê. ÐáðáíäñÝïõ äÞëùóå óõãêëïíéóìÝíïò áðü ôçí åðßóêåøÞ ôïõ óôï óçìåßï ôçò êáôáóôñïöÞò êáé áíáöåñüìåíïò óôçí äùñåÜ ãéá ôçí áíïéêïäüìçóç ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ ôüíéóå üôé ç «åêêëçóßá áõôÞ èá åßíáé Ýíá ìíçìåßï, Ýíá ðñïóêýíçìá ü÷é ìüíï ãéá ôïõò ¸ëëçíåò Ïñèüäïîïõò áëëÜ êáé ãéá üëïõò ôïõò Áìåñéêáíïýò». ÄÞëùóå åðßóçò üôé «ç ÅëëÜäá êáôáäéêÜæåé áðåñßöñáóôá êáé êáôçãïñçìáôéêÜ ôçí ôñïìïêñáôßá åêöñÜæïíôáò ôçí áìÝñéóôç áëëçëåããýç ôçò ðñïò ôéò Ç.Ð.Á., ôïí ëáü êáé ôçí êõâÝñíçóÞ ôçò».

Åðéìíçìüóõíåò äåÞóåéò óå üëåò ôéò åíïñßåò u óåë. 19

ÓÔÇÍ ÁÃÉÁ ÂÁÑÂÁÑÁ

Ôçí ßäéá ÊõñéáêÞ, ï Èåïö. Åðßóêïðïò ÎÜíèïõ ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò ðñïÝóôåé ôçò Èåßáò Ëåéôïõñãßáò êáé ôçò åðéìíçìüóõíçò äÝçóçò óôïí É. Íáü ôçò Áãßáò ÂáñâÜñáò ðïõ âñßóêåôáé óôï íüôéï ôìÞìá ôïõ Ìáí÷Üôáí. Ï Èåïö. Åðßóêïðïò ÎÜíèïõ áíáêïßíùóå êáé åðßóçìá ôçí ëåéôïõñãßá óôçí Áã. ÂáñâÜñá ôïõ ðñþôïõ ÊÝíôñïõ Áíáêïýöéóçò êáé ÂïÞèåéáò ðïõ äçìéïýñãçóå ðñüóöáôá ç É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ. «ÌÝóá óôçí áôìüóöáéñá ôçò ëýðçò êáé ôïõ åèíéêïý ðÝíèïõò ðïõ äçìéïýñãçóå ç ðñüóöáôç ôñáãùäßá åßðå, ...óôéò äýóêïëåò ìÝñåò ðïõ æïýìå ðñÝðåé íá êñáôÞóïõìå Üóâåóôç ôç

öëüãá ôçò åëðßäáò êáé ôçò ðßóôçò ìáò êáé íá êÜíïõìå üôé åßíáé äõíáôüí ãéá üóïõò ßóùò âñßóêïíôáé áêüìç êÜôù áðü ôá åñåßðéá êáé íá ðñïóåõ÷þìåèá ãéá üóïõò ÷Üèçêáí...». Ï ÈåïöéëÝóôáôïò ôüíéóå áêüìç üôé ôï ÊÝíôñï óôçí Áã. ÂáñâÜñá èá ÷ñçóéìåýóåé þò óçìåßï êåíôñéêÞò äéá÷åßñçóçò êáé óõíôïíéóìïý ôùí ðñïóðáèåéþí áíáêïýöéóçò ðïõ Ý÷åé áíáëçöèåß áðü ôçí É. Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ óå óõíåñãáóßá ìå üëåò ôéò Üëëåò ïñèüäïîåò äéêáéïäïóßåò êáé ùò óçìåßï áíÜðáõóçò ôùí åèåëïíôþí, êÝíôñï ðáñï÷Þò ðíåõìáôéêÞò êáé øõ÷ïëïãéêÞò óôÞñéîçò ôùí áíèñþðùí ðïõ äéåóþèçóáí êáé ôùí ïéêïãåíåéþí ôùí áãíïïõìÝíùí «Ýíá ìÝñïò í áíÜøïõí Ýíá êåñß, íá ðñïóåõ÷çèïýí êáé íá ðáñçãïñçèïýí».

Ä. ÐáíÜãïò

ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ -Ôï ÓÜââáôï 22 Óåðôåìâñßïõ åôåëÝóèç åðéìíçìüóõíç äÝçóç óôïí É. Íáü ôùí Áã. Áéêáôåñßíçò êáé Ãåùñãßïõ óôçí Áóôüñéá ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò. Áêïëïýèçóå óéùðçëÞ ðïñåßá ðñïóåõ÷Þò óôï ðëçóéÝóôåñï Ðõñïóâåóôéêü ÔìÞìá. Óôçí öùôïãñáößá áðü áñéóôåñÜ ï Áñ÷éì. ÅõÜããåëïò Êïõñïýíçò, ï Ìçôñïðïëßôçò ÔõÜíùí Ðáúóéïò, ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÄçìÞôñéïò, ï Ãåí. Ðñüîåíïò ôçò ÅëëÜäïò Äçì. ÐëáôÞò êáé ï åëëçíïáìåñéêáíüò âïõëåõôÞò Ìé÷. ÃéÜííáñçò.

500 ÷éë. äïëëÜñéá ðñïóöïñÜ ôïõ ÌðÜñé ôçò Éôáëßáò ãéá ôïí Áã. Íéêüëáï ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ. Ï Éôáëüò Õðïõñãüò Åîùôåñéêþí ê. ÑåíÜôï ÑïõôæéÝñï ðïõ åðéóêÝöèçêå ôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç óôéò 26 Óåðôåìâñßïõ, áíáêïßíùóå êáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá óõíÝíôåõîçò Ôýðïõ ðñïò ôá Ì.Ì.Å ìå ôïí ÄÞìáñ÷ï ôçò ÍÝáò Õüñêçò Ñïýíôïëö ÔæïõëéÜíé, ôçí ðñïóöïñÜ åê ìÝñïõò ôïõ äçìÜñ÷ïõ ôïõ ÌðÜñé 500 ÷éë. äïëëáñßùí ãéá ôçí áíïéêïäüìçóç ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ. Ï ê. ÑïõôæéÝñï åêäçëþíïíôáò ôçí óõìðáñÜóôáóç ôïõ ëáïý ôçò Éôáëßáò ðñïò ôïí Áìåñéêáíéêü ëáü åßðå: «ÁõôÞ åßíáé ìéÜ ìéêñÞ áëëÜ óçìáíôéêÞ, ðéóôåýù, ÷åéñïíïìßá óõìðáñÜóôáóçò. Ìüëéò Ýëáâá áðü ôïí ÄÞìáñ÷ï ôïõ ÌðÜñé åðéóôïëÞ ìå ôçí ïðïßá áíáêïéíþíåé ôçí ðñïóöïñÜ 500 ÷éë. äïëëáñßùí ùò óõìâïëÞ óôçí áíïéêïäüìçóç ôïõ Íáïý ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ». Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò ìüëéò åðëçñïöïñÞèç ôçí ãåííáéüäùñç ðñïóöïñÜ åðéêïéíþíçóå ìå ôï Éôáëéêü Ðñïîåíåßï óôç ÍÝá Õüñêç, åîÝöñáóå ôç âáèåéÜ åõãíùìïóýíç ôïõ ðñïò ôïí ÄÞìï ôïõ ÌðÜñé êáé ôï ëáü ôçò Éôáëßáò êáé æÞôçóå íá óõíáíôçèåß ìå ôïí Éôáëü Õðïõñãü Åîùôåñéêþí þóôå íá ôïí

åõ÷áñéóôÞóåé ðñïóùðéêÜ, êÜôé ðïõ ôåëéêÜ äåí êáôÝóôç äõíáôüí ëüãù ôçò áíá÷þñçóçò ôïõ ê. ÑïõôæéÝñï ãéá ôçí Éôáëßá ôï ßäéï áðüãåõìá. Ç ðüëç ôïõ ÌðÜñé åßíáé ãíùóôÞ ãéá ôéò åôÞóéåò åïñôáóôéêÝò åêäçëþóåéò ðïõ äéïñãáíþíïíôáé ðñïò ôéìÞí ôïõ ðïëéïý÷ïõ ôçò Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ óôéò 6 Äåêåìâñßïõ, êáèþò êáé Ýíá åôÞóéï ðñïóêýíçìá óôá Ìýñá ôçò Ëõêåßáò. Óôïí ìåãáëüðñåðï íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ óôï ÌðÜñé öõëÜóóïíôáé ôá ëåßøáíá ôïõ Áãßïõ ðïõ ìåôáöÝñèçêáí åêåß óôéò 9 Ìáßïõ 1087. Ç ÑùìáéïêáèïëéêÞ Åêêëçóßá ìå ìéÜ åõãåíéêÞ ÷åéñïíïìßá ôçò, ðñïóÝöåñå ïñéóìÝíá áðü ôá ëåßøáíá áõôÜ óôçí Åëëçíïñèüäïîç Áñ÷éåðéóêïðÞ Â. êáé Í. ÁìåñéêÞò ôï 1972. Ôá ëåßøáíá áõôÜ öõëÜóóïíôáé óôï ðáñåêêëÞóéï ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ ôïõ Êáèåäñéêïý Íáïý ôçò Áã. ÔñéÜäïò (Manhattan- NY), óôïí É. Íáü ôùí Áñ÷áããÝëùí (Stamford-CT), óôïí É. Íáü ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ (West Babylon-NY). Åðßóçò Ýíá ìÝñïò ôùí ëåéøÜíùí öõëÜóóïíôáí óôï Íáü ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ ðïõ êáôåóôñÜöç óôéò 11 Óåðôåìâñßïõ.

Ôï Ïéêïõìåíéêü Ðáôñéáñ÷åßï ðñïóÝöåñå 50 ÷éë. äïëëÜñéá ãéá ôçí áíÝãåñóç ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ ÍÅÁ ÕÏÑÊÇ.- Ï Óåâ. Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò ÁìåñéêÞò ê. ÄçìÞôñéïò áíáêïßíùóå ïéêïíïìéêÞ ðñïóöïñÜ ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ ãéá ôçí áíÝãåñóç ôïõ É. Íáïý ôïõ Áãßïõ ÍéêïëÜïõ, ðïõ êáôåóôñÜöç ùò áðïôÝëåóìá ôçò ôñïìïêñáôéêÞò åðéèÝóåùò ôçò 11çò Óåðôåìâñßïõ óôçí ÍÝá Õüñêç. ÓõãêåêñéìÝíá, ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò êáôÜ ôçí äéÜñêåéá ôçò ïìéëßáò ôïõ óå åðéìíçìüóõíç äÝçóç ôï ÓÜââáôï 22 Óåðôåìâñßïõ, óôïí êáôÜìåóôï É. Íáü ôùí Áãßùí Áéêáôåñßíçò êáé Ãåùñãßïõ óôçí Áóôüñéá, äéåâßâáóå ðñïò ôï åêêëçóßáóìá áëëÜ êáé ôï ðëÞñùìá ôçò Åêêëçóßáò óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ, ôéò åõ÷Ýò, ôéò åõëïãßåò êáé ôçí ðáôñéêÞ áãÜðç ôïõ ÐáíáãéùôÜôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý ÐáôñéÜñ÷ïõ ê. Âáñèïëïìáßïõ, ï ïðïßïò üðùò ôüíéóå ï Óåâáóìéþôáôïò, åßíáé óå óõ÷íÞ åðáöÞ ìáæß ôïõ þóôå íá åíçìåñþíåôáé ãéá ôéò åîåëßîåéò. Ï Áñ÷éåðßóêïðïò äÞëùóå åðßóçò üôé óôçí ðéï ðñüóöáôç åðéêïéíùíßá ôïõ, ï Ðáíáãéþôáôïò åîÝöñáóå ãéá ìéáí áêüìç

öïñÜ ôï Ýíôïíï åíäéáöÝñïí êáé ôçí áãùíßá ôçò Ìçôñüò Åêêëçóßáò ãéá ôï åëëçíïñèüäïîï ðëÞñùìá óôçí ÁìåñéêÞ êáé ôïí äéáâåâáßùóå ãéá ôçí óõíå÷Þ ðñïóåõ÷Þ ôïõ éäßïõ êáé ôùí Éåñáñ÷þí ôçò Óõíüäïõ õðÝñ õãåßáò, ðñïóôáóßáò êáé áðïêáôáóôÜóåùò ïëïêëÞñïõ ôïõ Áìåñéêáíéêïý Ëáïý áðü ôï ðëÞãìá ôçò ôñïìïêñáôßáò. Áêüìç, ï Ðáíáãéþôáôïò ôïõ áíáêïßíùóå ôçí áðüöáóç ôçò Áãßáò êáé ÉåñÜò Óõíüäïõ ôïõ Ïéêïõìåíéêïý Ðáôñéáñ÷åßïõ üðùò ðñïóöÝñïõí åê ôïõ õóôåñÞìáôüò ôùí ôï ðïóüí ôùí ðåíÞíôá ÷éëéÜäùí äïëëáñßùí ùò óõíåéóöïñÜ ãéá ôçí áíÝãåñóç ôïõ êáôáóôñáöÝíôïò íáïý ôïõ Áã. ÍéêïëÜïõ. Ç áíáêïßíùóç áõôÞ ôïõ Áñ÷éåðéóêüðïõ Ýãéíå äåêôÞ ìå óõãêßíçóç êáé åõãíùìïóýíç áðü ôï åêêëçóßáóìá êáé ôï âñÜäé ôïõ ÓáââÜôïõ áëëÜ êáé áðü ôï ðëÞèïò ðéóôþí ðïõ åß÷å êáôáêëýóåé ôïí Êáèåäñéêü Íáü ôïõ Áãßïõ Äçìçôñßïõ óôçí Áóôüñéá, ãéá íá ðáñáêïëïõèÞóåé ôçí Èåßá Ëåéôïõñãßá ôçí åðïìÝíç, ÊõñéáêÞ 23 Óåðôåìâñßïõ.

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

Youth Ministry

What s Up

T

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

challenge

with OCF

his summer I was a counselor for teens at the St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, Calif. This was an amazing opportunity for me to share my faith with our younger Christian brethren.

by Hilary Chala

One day I asked 15 high school students, What is a Father Confessor? and only a few had experienced this relationship with a spiritual father.

Often from the time we are baptized as small babies we attend Church with our families and become active and involved.

Yet we grow up many times not fully understanding what it means to be an Orthodox Christian. How can we learn what it means to be an Orthodox Christian?

The Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is an opportunity for students at campuses across the United States to learn, in a Pan-Orthodox environment, about their faith.

Students are often eager to take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions they might have and receive honest and learned answers. I attended the UC Berkeley OCF before graduating this past spring.

The desire of our OCF is to encourage Orthodox to learn about their faith and share their knowledge with others.

Every Tuesday evening we celebrated the Divine Liturgy followed by a family style dinner and a one-hour discussion led by the priest serving us.

We could ask any questions we had about our faith. Either of the Church itself, the life of Christ, worshiping, fasting, dating, school, politics, the Olympics, pretty much anything on our minds.

The group always remained in manageable, intimate numbers (for our group, this was no less than ten and no more than twenty). This allowed us to develop a relationship with our priest, as our spiritual father away from home, which was something many students had not been able to develop.

And, most importantly, because we were learning, we all grew as Orthodox Christians.

While allowing us to discuss the topics near to our hearts, we were also instructed in our faith by our youth advisors.

In this fashion, we would have time set aside to discuss ongoing events in the Church; this included such discussions on prayer and fasting, a presentation on the charitable work of IOCC, and a slide tour of Jerusalem.

The UC Berkeley OCF is led by three advisors. Our first advisor is John Klentos.

As a professor of the Graduate Theological Union with his PhD from Notre Dame we relied on him to provide answers to questions of historical relevance, church tradition or liturgy.

Our second advisor is Natalie Kulukundis. Having studied at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological School speChallenge 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

cializing in youth ministry she excelled in organizing a program which would best suit itself to the Berkeley crew.

This involved nurturing our desire to understand our faith and also developing camaraderie among the group from our fellowship programs. Our third advisor, Father John Konugres, served as our priest each week.

Father Konugres was our source of spiritual guidance throughout the year and provided a tangible understanding of our faith which so often remains incomprehensible and mysterious to teens.

The bonds which students develop are based on our common Orthodox heritage. Rather than all being of the same ethnic background, students discover other ethnic heritages and enjoy the diversity of the pan-Orthodox group.

For some students, it was an experience just to be in an all-Orthodox environment of students their own age. Which is something that a parish cannot always provide. And all of us, attending colleges or universities in the area, generally have a mutual desire for future career goal paths.

This environment becomes a base of support and resource for the students to turn to academically and spiritually.

The guidance which the OCF provided and which we students in turn created for each other was truly a gift of God. Hilary Chala was an active member of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at UC Berkeley. She graduated this past spring with a degree in History. She will be attending graduate school this fall at Holy Cross Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Mass.

New Youth Worker List-Server Available Through the Youth Worker ListServer, we hope to bring you practical ideas, resources and inspiration to assist you and your parish in the field of youth ministry.

Subscribe - Send an e-mail to majordomo@list.goarch.org In the body of the e-mail type subscribe youth (without the quotation marks) Do not put a subject in the subject line.

We are looking for staff applicants for the summer of 2002. If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding summer, and are interested in working with teenagers in an Orthodox camp setting, contact us for in- Application formation and an Deadline application.

Jan. 31, 2002 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)

PAGE 21

Email: youthoffice@goarch.org

Reassuring our Children and Youth His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios has recently wrote two letters to our Youth which were sent to parishes across the country. One, for younger children and a second one for older ones. In both letters the Archbishop offers his paternal love and reassurance in these times of crisis.

My Beloved Youth,

T

his past month has been a difficult time in the life of our cities and nation. Many people, old and young, are sad, frightened, and confused because of what happened on September 11th. The tragic events of this day have affected many lives, including our own, as well as the lives of people all over the world.

In this time when you are asking yourselves questions about the future, when you are thinking about important issues such as good and evil, life and death, when you are considering the function and necessity of your faith in God, I want to reassure you that our loving Lord is among us and with each one of us as our protector and our comforter.

This presence of the Resurrected Christ in our lives is confirmed on a daily basis in the prayer, worship, and ministry of the Church. It is also shown in the lives of Christians as they reveal the life-giving power of God through acts of love and service. This is why it is so important that now, throughout your life, and certainly in the most difficult and challenging moments, you seek truth and peace through prayer and by gathering with other Orthodox Christians for worship, teaching, and discussion. In their great love for you, your priests, your youth directors and advisors, and your teachers want to help you think clearly, discuss properly, and pray intensely during this critical time. It is also important that you pray together with your family and discuss the issues that are of concern to you, especially after September 11th.

Through the acts of kindness and generosity you have seen in the weeks following this tragedy, you know that the bonds of love are essential in preserving life and giving hope. Thus, I pray that you will be strengthened by the love of your family, through your compassion for the needs of others, and by the presence of our Heavenly Father who lovingly embraces you.

As you are both the present and the future of our parishes, cities, and nation you

can be an example to all in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity (I Timothy 4:12).

I want you to know that many people care about you, and first of all the Bishops of our Church in America. We all care deeply about your well-being, your future, and your happiness. Most importantly, always be assured that our loving Lord Jesus Christ will be with you and take care of you no matter what happens.

My fervent prayers and the rich blessings of our Heavenly Father are with you With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America My Beloved Children, This past month has been a difficult time in the life of our cities and nation.

Many people, old and young, are sad, frightened, and confused because of what has happened on September 11th. Perhaps, you are too.

I want to reassure you that you are loved by our Father in heaven, your family, your priests, and your teachers. In the Bible we read that Jesus Christ asked for the children to be brought to him, and he held them and blessed them (Matthew 19:13-15). As Christians we know that Christ loves us and that he is with us now, helping us. Also, your priests and your teachers love you and want to help you.

If you are sad, frightened, or confused please talk to them. They want you to know the good and beautiful things Christ has for you and all of us. They will pray with you and help you talk to him.

Your family is also concerned about what you are thinking and feeling. Talk to your parents. Join them at home and at church for worship and prayer. In this time when many people have special needs, you can help your family do something nice for another person.

I want you to know that many people care about you, and first of all the Bishops of our Church in America. We all care deeply about your future and your happiness. Best of all, Jesus loves you, and he will take care of you no matter what happens.

My fervent prayers and the rich blessings of our Heavenly Father are with you.

With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 1) Orthodox Christian 2) 21 years of age or older by June 25, 2002 3) I O N I A N V I L L A G E 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021 Available to work from June 24 to Tel.: (212) 570-3534 Fax: (212) 774-0252 August 15, 2002 TO BECOME A STAFF MEMBER, send us your contact information: Name and Address; Phone and Email; Priest and Community to the address below.

www.ionianvillage.org E-mail: ionianvillage@goarch.org Ionian Village is a program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

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Summer Travel Camp, Ages 12-15 July 2002 Byzantine Venture, Ages 16-18 July - August 2002 Spiritual Odyssey, Young Adults 19 and older July 2002

PAGE 22

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

A Catechism for National Tragedy; Looking to the Psalter Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy hill, for holy is the LORD our God. (Psalm 99:9) I will never forget the mid-morning image of New York that was broadcast on live television during the very minutes that two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Towers.

by Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos

Then, without warning, the towers came crumbling down upon themselves, crushing thousands. People were running in all directions trying desperately to outrun the smoke and debris that seemed to stock them like a hungry predator. As the dust was still settling a New York couple was standing at the corner of a chaos-filled intersection frantically attempting to wave down a taxi that would shuttle them to safety.

This image still lingers in my mind. An image of vulnerability representing the condition of mankind itself . . . humanity standing on the precarious intersection of a new world . . . a world characterized by terror, and uncertainty, a nation in need of spiritual as well as physical reconstruction!

The tragic scene reminds me of a sermon illustration concerning a father who unfortunately knocked his seven-year old son s completed puzzle of the United Sates to the floor. I am so sorry, he assured his son; it must have taken you a long time to complete it.

Oh, no! exclaimed the little boy. There was a picture of a man on the other side.

Once I put the man together, the United Sates came together as well.

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In many way, the same is true our nation. On Sept. 11, 2001 the powerful image of the United Sates was shattered.

The icon of our nation came tumbling down like huge jigsaw puzzle pieces. A month latter, the image of bull-dowsers shifting through the rubble reflect our need to rebuild, re-construct ñ resurrect our spiritual as well as financial, military and political towers. However, like the puzzle in the sermon illustration, in order to reconstruct our nation, it is prudent to first reconstruct ourselves.

What does the 99th psalm have to say to a nation preparing to rebuild its icons of political, economic and military power?

What, if anything, does the 99th hymn of the Psalter have to offer the contemporary man and woman standing at the intersection of a national tragedy? Rather than search the contemporary highways for the taxis of secular philosophies, technology, economic devices and politics to speed us to apparent safety the Orthodox Christian would do well to pause and reflect upon the wisdom that is found in the timeless hymns of the Psalter. If we are to rebuild our nation we must first look to rebuilding our spiritual foundations.

What exactly is the Psalter and how are we to approach its message? St. Hippolytos refers to the Psalms as that which contains the new doctrine after the Law given by Moses. He insists that this new law is the mode of worship of God by hymns and acclamations. St. Jerome refers to the Psalter as a stately mansion with many magnificent rooms.

Consequently, he insists that if the faithful are to experience the splendor of the psalms they must, enter with the right key. The Psalter affords the faithful a blueprint for spiritual reconstruction namely the framework of confession, repentance and worship. Like Hippolytos, Jerome suggests that the great key that alone unlocks the door to the mansion of the psalms is the law of worship.

It should not come as a big surprise therefore to note that the Psalms are an important component of Orthodox worship. The Psalter generally contains hymns of praise, prayers for assistance and songs of repentance and faith. Not only are the psalms considered hymns but also a university of faith as they contain critical lessons of spiritual life.

The psalms are often referred to as the hymnbook of the second temple. This designation refers to the use of the Psalter in the Judaic worship services of the temple of Jerusalem that was rebuilt in the fifth century B.C. by the prophet Ezra.

Jerome suggests that like the temple that was once destroyed because of national pride and spiritual disobedience, the soul of a Christian is often captured and destroyed in a similar fashion. As such, the Psalter is used within Orthodox worship in order to instruct as to the manner of our spiritual re-construction!

The 99th Psalm is about such spiritual reconstruction; a reconstruction that must begin with the re-constitution of the very government of our souls. The psalm is therefore a hymn that extols the government of God. Not as we view government, but, as it really is.

The all-embracing lesson of Psalm 99 is found in the opening phrase: The Lord reigns While numerous governments have historically been preoccupied with regional as well as with global dominance, the wisdom of Holy Scripture is right in emphasizing that ultimately, it is GOD WHO RULES and NOT man!

Standing at the corner of the national tragedy looking upon a multi-ton smok-

ing pile of jig-saw puzzle pieces, mankind would benefit from adhering to the three lessons that Psalm 99 outlines, namely, the extent, nature and proper response to God s sovereignty.

I. God s government, His lordship, extends to all. As a result, the sovereignty of God s rule is repeated three times in Psalm 99. He is Lord of the nations, Lord of His people, and Lord of the individual.

From the perspective of the one who authored this psalm, the Lord who rules is, therefore, the ONE who rescued His people out of the slavery of Egypt.

II. He is the same ONE who sent His beloved Son to rescue the family of mankind from the eternal effects of sin and death. It is this God who rules, who sits enthroned between the cherubim, a reference to the mercy seat on the top of the Ark of the Covenant which was flanked by two angels.

From the perspective of Ezra who rebuilt the Temple of Jerusalem after its distraction by the Babylonians, the enthronement of God is an important fact.

While David is concerned with the manner in which God redeemed His people from Egyptian bondage, Ezra is focused on Israel s exodus from Babylonian captivity.

While David is concerned with the construction of the first temple, Ezra is focused on its reconstruction. Although the temple was rebuilt, the second temple lacked one striking comparison with the original temple built by Solomon, David s son.

The second Temple lacked the Ark of the Covenant. Whether it had been destroyed with the original Temple or carried off by enemy forces, the ark of Moses, which contained the tablets of the law and the manna, was never found again.

For Orthodox Christians, the Theotokos, the one who was presented into the Temple at the age of three and eventually gave birth to Jesus, represents the New Ark. She, then, is the Ark upon which the Lord sits.

This is why her icon (the Platytera) is located on the eastern-most apse of Orthodox sanctuaries as she contained the Eternal Word and Manna. This is why Jesus is often depicted as sitting in her lap. Because He alone reigns, He is sovereign, He is King.

Apart from the nations and His chosen people the nature of God s sovereignty is not to be found in temples made of stone but rather in the hearts and souls of the faithful, in the individual.

The man who pursues a treasury of spiritual knowledge, insists Jerome, is the throne of God. Apart from describing the extent of God s government, Psalm 99 challenges us to acknowledge the nature of His sovereignty by adhering to the patristic admonition to extol His glory with holy words and holy works.

According to St. Gregory of Nyssa the 99th psalm extols God s glory. It is a psalm that emphasizes worship rather than knowledge, that is, the poverty of mind in comparison to the incomprehensibility of God. Referring to the use of this psalm in Judaic temple worship, St. Jerome likewise suggests that the footstool of God refers to the soul of the believer. Happy is the man, he insists, in whom Jesus sets His foot every day.

In Old Testament terms, Zion, the Temple, the city of Jerusalem is the seat of God s government. According to Orthodox theology, however, the city of Jerusalem is merely a shadow of its heavenly counterpart.

If the Lord is King, if He is sovereign,

if we truly live our lives under His government, then Christ Jesus must sit upon the Throne of our hearts and souls.

Although, many misunderstood, we should come to acknowledge the eternal truth that Christ did not come to destroy and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

Rather, He came to rebuild and redeem the sanctuary of the inner city found within.

Today, He is interested in resurrecting the inner twin-towers of humility and love! The government of God is therefore best understood on three inter-related levels: the nations (Cosmos), His people (Church) and the individual (Christian).

As we then stand on the street-corner of a national tragedy lamenting the need to reconstruct our national symbols the question that the 99th psalm of David confronts us with is this: Who governs the tower of our inner temple?

Psalm 99 describes five characteristics that belong to the nature of God s government. The Lord rules with might, justice, His word, mercy and discipline.

The psalmist asserts that Moses, Aaron and Samuel called on the Lord and He answered them. He insists that God answered them from the pillar of a cloud.

The catechism that the 99th psalm offers the soul of our tragedy stricken nation is clear: Emulate the priestly and prophet examples of Moses, Aaron and Samuel. In other words, it is only through worship and prayer that mankind can properly understand (study) God s Word.

St. Gregory of Nyssa warns that without humble prayer as its foundational motivation our study of scripture can become sheer vanity.

If we desire to properly understand, honor and respect His Holy Word we must therefore remain obedient to the comprehensive rule of worship that government demands!

Having accepted the extent and the nature of God s sovereignty, the 99th Psalm suggests that praise and worship is the proper response to His government. We are instructed three times to exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool. The psalmist insists that the reason for such a response is the holiness of God. Worship is, in the end, the true purpose of life. It is based on the extent and nature of God s government. It is the acknowledgment of our submission to His will and rule in our lives. It is the only means of spiritual as well as national reconstruction.

The collapse of America s symbols of economic, political and military security should find Orthodox Christians concerned with much more than the physical reconstruction of these institutional puzzle pieces.

Although such rebuilding is important, I can think of no greater catechism for the family of mankind to reflect upon after our recent experience of crisis, than the issue of lordship. Who is the master of our lives? Who is Lord and King? Who sits on the throne of our heart?

True and lasting security belongs to those who acknowledge God s sovereignty and worship at His footstool. While Americans look to the morning taxies of might, politics, economics and technology to take it safely into an uncertain future, Orthodox faithful should nonetheless seek to follow the advice of the 99th Psalm, a hymn that acknowledges that spiritual safety is a consequence of rebuilding the person prior to the nation.

The catechism of national tragedy should begin with a re-examination of our relationship with the true Lord and King , our Savior, Jesus Christ!

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

H C / H C

PAGE 23

R E P O R T

New Students Welcomed to College and Seminary BROOKLINE, Mass. Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology welcomed a record number of new students to the school and celebrated the feast day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, Sept. 13-14.

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology: Master of Divinity

by Harriet Kuliopulos

Archbishop Demetrios officiated at Great Vespers on Sept. 13 evening and Metropolitan Methodios celebrated Divine Liturgy the morning of Sept. 14.

Among the dignitaries attending the vespers was Constantine Karamanlis, leader of the New Democracy party.

The presentation of the new students was a cause for joy at the school, since there are 60 percent more entering students this year than last, which increases total enrollment by 20 percent over last year s enrollment.

Many see the size of this entering class as a harbinger of good things to come for the school and for the Orthodox Church, as there are so many new people of all ages and backgrounds who have received the calling to serve the church.

In addition to introducing the new students of Hellenic College and Holy Cross after Great Vespers, His Eminence officiated over the stavrophoria for new seminarians and rassophoria for seniors of Holy Cross. The ceremony of the stavrophoria, with His Eminence placing the school cross around the neck of each student, marks an important point in a student s life.

The wearing of the school cross signifies that, after a period of evaluation, the student has been accepted into the seminary and that he intends to become a priest. The rassophoria also marks an important point in a seminarian s life, since by wearing the exorasson, the seminarian has the right to preach.

President Nicholas Triantafilou welcomed the Archbishop and new students, remarking that the school was in many ways the home of the Archbishop since it is the womb of Greek Orthodoxy in the United States and a wellspring of theological thought.

The Archbishop thanked Fr. Triantafilou for his first year as president of the school, in which, through his tireless efforts, he built up the school and placed it on the right path.

Before the Archbishop placed the exorasson on each seminarian, His Eminence prayed to God to make the students worthy to become a holy temple, so that their calling is revealed and affirmed within the Body of Christ. And as they complete their spiritual and academic labors here at Holy Cross, nurture within them, O Lord, a willingness to serve the needs of others in a sincere and sacrificial manner. For the students granted seminarian status and receiving the cross, His Eminence prayed that as they receive this cross, a sacred symbol of life and hope, [may] they commit themselves to the transformation of lives through the power of Your Holy Spirit working in and through each of them.

In light of last week s terrorist attack, the Archbishop s concluding words, and indeed the entire service and ceremonies, were marked by that particularly Orthodox characteristic of charmolipi, or joyful sadness. In pow-

NEW STUDENTS

FR. TRIANTAFILOU censes the artoclasia loaves during the service of the Holy Cross. Among those in attendance is Mr. Karamanlis.

erful images, the Archbishop shared his personal experience at the site of the terrorist attack, where he offered a memorial service for the dead and prayer for the survivors the day after the attack.

His Eminence reminded the congregation of the teachings of St. Paul and saw this tragedy as both a revelation of the depths of evil and a revelation of solidarity, togetherness, and sharing of pain. He also remarked that it creates a new condition for the world in which we must be more responsible, generous, and sophisticated in what we do with our lives.

In conclusion, Archbishop Demetrios placed the tragedy in a perspective of Christian faith and hope. He observed that through globalization we have entered an insecure time without immunity from terror from any corner, but, that the cross is also a means of globalization of love and sacrifice that gives us a hope that is based on the love of God, not evil.

Turning to the students, he told them he was refreshed by the service and strengthened by the new and continuing students.

He also conveyed the blessings of Patriarch Bartholomew, who held us in his prayers as

he conducted a vigil for the dead.

On Friday morning, Metropolitan Methodios officiated at the liturgy of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. He prayed to God to Protect our nation and its citizens at this time of tragedy of trial and crisis to Shield us under the shadow of Your Cross, and to Help us and people throughout the world to comprehend that we are all Your children.

The Metropolitan also asked the congregation to set the day aside-which is equal to Good Friday and a national day of mourning for the victims of this holocaust of hate, as a day of prayer in which each person should slow down and look inside their souls.

While Thursday and Friday were solemn as the congregation remembered Christ s crucifixion and the terror of Sept. 11, they also brought hope as the congregation showed their faith and welcomed such a large entering class holding future Orthodox lay leaders and priests.

In the next column is a list of new students at Hellenic College and Holy Cross by degree program or major.

William Bassakyros Brooklyn, N.Y.James Berends Dallas-Andrew Bersu Otto, N.C.-Andrew Catey Missoula,Mont.- Hilary Chala Dana Point, Calif.-Gregory Chistakos Methuen, Mass.-Jeff Kyriakos Citro Denver-Mark Curtright Harrisonville, Mo.-Joseph DiStefano Canton, Ohio George Nicholas Gartelos Glenview, Ill.Jason Houck New Brighton, Minn.-George Ioannou Bayville, N.Y.-Byron Achilles Karathanos Kansas, City, Mo.-Chrysanthos Kerkeres Lockport, Ill.-Sarantis Loulakis Newington, Conn.-Alexander Magdalinos Western Springs, Ill.-Sotirios P. Malamis Elmhurst, Ill.-Luke Murphy Melackrinos Columbia, Md.-Christopher Manuele Brighton, Mass.-Mark Munoz Overland, Kans.Theofanis Papantonis Long Island, N.Y.Costas Pieri Houston-Costin Radu Popescu Pasadena, Calif.-Michael Purpura Westwood, Mass.-Chris Politz The Colony, Texas-Marinos Saras Williamsburg, Va.Constantine Sinos Omaha, Neb. Panagiotis Sotiras Novato, Calif.-Tasos Tsikles North Canton, Ohio-John Verginis Wooster, Ohio-Paul Nicholas Vieron Memphis, Tenn.-Michael Wilson North Reading, Mass.

Master of Theology

Thomas Dallianis Chicago-Michael Day Indian Head, Md.-Alexander Dragas Brookline, Mass.-Fr. John Kostas Minneapolis-Spyridon Stoligkas Athens, Greece

Master of Theological Studies

Stavros Anagnostopoulos Albany, N.Y.-Terry Nectaria Brandon Calvert City, Ky.-Iulian Damian Iasi, Romania-Panteli Dhima Tirana, Albania-Justin Dargavel Laguna Niguel, Calif.-Eva Kokinos Anderson, Ind. Megan Nutzman Andover, Minn.Mary Sabbagh Landino Whitehall, Pa.

Undecided

Demetrios Costarakis Highland, Calif.-Dn. Demetrios Gardikes Worthington, Ohio-James Theos North Easton, Mass.

Angelo Valsamis Haverhill, Mass.

Exchange Student

Philip Francis Georgetown, Maine

Hellenic College Religious Studies

Dean Brown Modesto, Calif.-William Dettmann New Richmond, Wis.-Alexander Maistros Baltimore-Theodore Pritsis Lewisville, N.C.-Thomas Ratas Menomonee Falls, Wis.-George Roussos Saraland, Ala.-John Sanidopoulos Belmont, Mass.-Nicholas Syrpis Myrtle Beach, S.C. George Tomczewski Bel Air, Md.

Elementary Education

Nikolaos Chatzopooulos Ptolemaida, Greece-Ann Christine DuPont Herkimer, N.Y.-Irene Makrinos New Fairfield, Conn.

Muresan-Crisan, Julieta Zalau, Salaj, Romania-Angela Grace Nelson Broken Arrow, Okla.-Maria Sanidopoulos Concord, Ohio

Classics

Shannon Suzanna Batten Lenoir, N.C. Erini Gekas Houston-Gueorgui Dimitrov Brighton, Mass.-Dimitra Plastara Thessaloniki, Greece

Human Development

Konstantina Goudanas Thessalia, Greece-Triada Kokkosis Bronx, N.Y-Austin Lee Reno E.Bridgewater, Mass.-Kyra Rousos Milford, Conn.

Undecided

D.Panagos

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS and Fr. Triantafilou with students following the stavrophoria ceremony

Alexi Spiro Ganias Worcester, Mass.

Harriet Kuliopulos is director of public relations for Hellenic College-Holy Cross.

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 24

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

The Aftermath of the Great Tragedy God Bless America For the first time in recent memory Time magazine ran a cover with no caption or title. The September 24, 2001 cover simply featured a haunting picture of the World Trade Towers engulfed in flames, without a single word.

by Fr. Angelo Artemas

Any murder is a tragedy. It is becoming more and more apparent that on September 11, 2001 over five thousand families lost a father or mother, husband or wife, son or daughter. Even though America has been assured that we will survive and become stronger, how will these families find comfort?

The question inevitably arises as to why God allowed this to happen. Many well-meaning religious leaders have commented that God works in mysterious ways. With all due respect to these leaders, God does not work in mysterious ways. God s will is very clear, that all human beings come to the knowledge of truth and be saved. God created the world, he established human beings in paradise, human beings disobeyed and the world became fallen.

In a fallen world, not only is mother nature destructive through earthquakes, floods, forest fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanoes, blizzards and other so called acts of God, human nature is destructive when it turns away from God. The destructive acts of a single day were a harsh reminder that evil is real, and that evil is ever present in this world. Jesus Christ declared the devil to be the prince of this world. Jesus came to save us from this sin-

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ful world. Although heaven can be experienced and realized in this world, paradise comes after this world. Where is the mystery?

Perhaps America has been so safe and secure over the last 60 years that terrorist fears had become largely outdated. Even today, most Americans walk out of their homes and work places with no thought of being attacked or killed. This has not been the case for human beings during other periods of time and in other places.

Many peopled returned to churches and prayer following the terrorist attacks.

Many also had a renewed sense of patriotism. While these are certainly good things, it would be tragic if patriotism and faith waned in the coming weeks due to America s short attention span. This is perhaps the greatest country in the history of the world, and God has showered blessings upon Americans in great abundance. Love for this country should replace complacency and cynicism. Prayers and thanksgiving should be a way of life in good times and in bad.

While this is a good time to spend with children and to show appreciation for parents and spouses, it shouldn t be the only time. Americans have taken many things for granted. Let us give thanks to God for our health, for our lives and for the country we live in. And let us ask for His strength so that we may respond to terrorism with a sense of divine justice, and not with anger or hatred. May God repose the souls of the innocent victims, and may God comfort their families and heal America s heart.

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As terrorism strikes against America and its people, we pause in our daily pursuits of life to ponder why this horrible tragedy occurred in a peace loving and free country.

We bring to our mind the encouragby Fr. George E. Kalpaxis

ing and comforting words which are part of the compline sung during the time of the Great Lent in our church: Lord of hosts, be with us, for we have no other help in our sorrows, Lord of hosts have mercy on us.

In our hearts we experience deep sorrow and endeavor to understand how cruelty and hatred can lead people to acts of barbarism against thousands of innocent people who lost their lives on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 in New York City and at the Pentagon.

We think of retaliation. Fire for fire, blood for blood, vengeance for outrage will not accomplish this. Our Nation needs to find peaceful ways to bring to trial and punish all those responsible for that mass destruction of human life and property. When that is accomplished, justice will prevail.

What can we, individually and as a Nation, resolve that will honor the beloved dead? What will assure the grieving families that these dead have not died in vain?

We know that not by bread alone does one live, as our Lord tells us. Many of us ate so concerned with material things, that we sacrifice obligations, neglect our health and disregard the importance of moral integrity, to achieve more and more earthly possessions. Are we now, during these difficult days and the uncertainty of those that will follow, willing to decrease our desire for material things and deepen our spiritual life?

We ask ourselves: Does the attach on

America and its people perhaps lead us to admit that many people have forsaken the road that leads to God, are continuing in their evil and ungodly ways and have no concern whatsoever for the salvation of their souls? Do we face the necessity for a new moral regeneration, because all is not well in this country we love and in which we live with freedom through the grace of God? We know not the day nor the hour when the second coming of our Lord will occur. Most people presume that they will live until old age. But as we think about the final hour, we ask ourselves: How can we live our life fully each day as it comes, so that if we die before our time, will we be prepared to meet our Creator and be ready for His just judgments?

As American citizens, as children of God, as Orthodox Christians, we join our fervent prayers to our Heavenly Father.

May He grant eternal rest to those who lost their lives, comfort and consolation to their families, complete recovery and total health to those who were severely wounded, and strengthen the brave policemen, the firemen and all the caring people who are assisting those in need.

The lives of all Americans have greatly changed since the terrorist attacks. In times of tragedy and common sorrow, people become united. They seek more prayer, they ask for the grace, the love and the help of God in these difficult and trying times.

We shall continue our lives, strengthen our faith in God, render our help to the misfortunate and believe that no power shall overcome and destroy our Democracy, but that it will prevail to be enjoyed by future generation.

Lord of hosts , be with us, for we have no other help in our sorrows, Lord of hosts, have mercy on us.

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

u page 12 u Thankful for leaders t

Editor, During the liturgy celebrating the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the prayers for our president, armed forces, and our countrymen at large had special significance this year.

I reflected on the many Christians who have been killed through the ages for professing their faith. As September 14 is also observed as Defenders Day in Maryland marking the end of the War of 1812 at which time our National Anthem was written, I gave thanks to the thousands of Americans who have died so that we can enjoy the freedom of life in America.

This year the day was devoted to remembering and praying for the thousands of innocent citizens slaughtered at the hands of terrorists. While in the midst of devastation I am thankful that New York City has a proven leader in Mayor Giuliani who has effectively taken charge in the rescue and rebuilding strategies; and I am thankful that the nation has a president who stands tall against the enemies of our American values.

President Bush demonstrated his stalwartness as he beseeched God s guidance, and proceeded with confidence in his staff and the agencies dealing with the catastrophe, and the American people; while being genuinely compassionate toward those directly affected.

As I pray for the victims and our beloved country, I also pray that all Americans will support President Bush in our fight against the war waged by the tyrants who threaten our very existence in a way that terrorists understand.

Eve Lallas Kingsville, Md.

u Thoughts on tragedy t

Editor, I am writing this letter with great admiration and gratitude for the manifestation of our Archdiocese s immediate and direct involvement at the September 11th tragedy for the nation and the whole world.

His Eminence s personal involvement visiting the site, hospitals and families of the victims - reaching all of God s children at their hour of need, regardless of their difference in appearance of every human being everything, was cast aside and unity

...

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

with love overtook all the circumstances facing America with one thought in mind, to console them and offer prayers to one God above us all.

With great dignity our Church, through Archbishop Demetrios as the head of SCOBA representing all Orthodox followers, was well presented at the interfaith services at the White House, Pentagon, Yankee Stadium and elsewhere, participating in all activities concerning the unfortunate victims.

Many praises are also directed to our Chancellor s office who so faithfully organized and followed up by arranging visits for our brother priests to the area of the tragedy. His Eminence s office devotedly informing the Greek Orthodox communities with daily faxes and constantly updating our Archdiocese s involvement in this hardship situation.

The sorrow that has fallen upon America is indescribable but the strength of America s ancestors who fought for freedom will be sustained forever.

Fr. Demetrios A. Recachinas Bridgeport, Conn.

uMore prayest

Editor, I am Father Samuel, an Indian (Malankara Orthodox ) priest and serve as a parish priest for St. Gregoriose Orthodox Church of India in Bellville, N.J.. I heard as sad news that St. Nicholas Church was lost in terrorist attack on Tuesday 11 September . My condolence and heart felt prayers.

Father Samuel Fairless Hills, Pa.

uHope for restorationt

Editor, St. Nicholas is practically the only Greek Orthodox church in our country where I feel comfortable. I say feel because I know it will be rebuilt - hopefully in the same place. I m going to urge every Greek person & family member I know to send a donation, regularly, to the account.

I live in Milwaukee, Wis., but would like to join as well, so I ll do so later.

I wish I could be more active in the restoration, but I m in social work graduate school until spring. It was my dream to return next year with my friends to see the church. I m so sorry this has happened. I pray the holy relics are recovered.

Anthe Selaiden Elm Grove, Wis.

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

National Orthodox September 11 Relief Guidelines Prepared by Fr. Dean Talagan

LISTENING AND CARING IN THE GRIEVING PROCESS

1. We call upon God Almighty for His Divine Grace in ceaseless prayer.

2. Our churches are open to people of all faiths, races and nationalities, especially at this time of great sorrow to our nation.

3. It is most important that our churches be open as listening and caring centers for those who have lost a loved one, or are shocked by the recent events in New York City and Washington, DC. 4. The following are general helpful suggestions for priests and church workers in helping others in the grieving process:

CARING SUGGESTIONS

1. Use of telephone: If you know of someone in need call, and ask if you can visit and when. Also, ask if you can help in any way. Be yourself. Show sympathy in a normal way. Quotes are not helpful.

2. Don t say a lot: Taking one s hand, a hug and a few words of caring and feeling are helpful. Cliches and easy answers don t help much. A simple I m sorry , communicates feelings and caring. The most important thing that you can do is to listen.

3. Don t tell them how they feel: No one can know the feelings of a survivor. Often we hear people say, I know how you feel . The survivor does not need instruction.

He/she needs love and understanding. It is not helpful to tell of your loss in this matter. The family has their hands full with their own grieving.

4. People respond differently to grieving and mournings: Just because someone is not crying or seems calm does not mean that they are not mourning. Each of us responds to situations differently. Don t tell them not to cry.

Crying is God s cleansing and very important at a time like this. Even our Lord cried when told that Lazarus had died. Don t cross-examine about the death. If they wish, they will provide you with the information. Listen, listen, listen.

5. Prayer: Let them know that you are praying, along with the entire Church for the loved one, the victims and the members of their families.

Offer to prayer with them if they wish.

6. Decisions: Encourage them not to make major decisions until the grieving process has reached a different stage.

7. Grieving is a process: It takes time. Be understanding and supportive of the family s efforts to cope with the loss. As Orthodox Christians, we have an understanding that this life is our temporary home. Our destination is the Kingdom of Heaven with our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. Our task is to make the journey through this life as favorable as possible, always walking with Him and trying to imitate His Life and Works in our daily lives as we care for and serve one another, in His Holy Name.

GRIEVING THE LOSS

Goals: 1. To increase the reality of the loss.

2. To help one deal with both expressed and latent affect (emotions).

3. To help one overcome various impediments to readjustment after the loss.

4. To encourage one to say an appropriate goodbye and feel comfortable reinvesting back into life.

5. And most importantly to feel the presence of God in this total process.

Grieving Takes Time: 1. Sleep may be difficult 2. Appetite changes 3. There is a lack of energy 4. There may be a shortness of breath 5. We experience a tightness in our throat and chest 6. And there is a sense of depersonalization Tasks include: 1. To accept the reality of the loss and move on with life.

2. To work through the pain of grief is necessary.

3. To adjust to an environment in which loved ones are missing.

4. To stay focused on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the Physicians of Souls and Bodies.

5. To regain interest in life, feel helpful, experience gratification again and adapt to new roles.

MOURNING IS NECESSARY

Mourning is adaptation to loss and involves four basic tasks: Task 1: Involves accepting the reality of the loss (instead of denial) this takes time and calls for intellectual, emotional and spiritual acceptance.

Funerals, memorials and praying help. Seeing the body also helps. In the case of the recent massive tragedy this may not be possible for many.

Task 2: Involves working through the pain of grief. It is necessary for the bereaved person to go through the pain of grief in order to get the grief work done. Anything that continually allows the person to avoid or suppress this pain can be expected to prolong the course of morning (e.g. not to feel).

Task 3: Involves adjusting to an environment in which the deceased is missing. It begins in the first three months. The Orthodox Church has a memorial service in 40 days, one year, three years, etc. Task three involves coming to terms with living without the loved one and facing in some cases an empty house or managing their finances and affairs along.

uuu

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 27

Being Present for Children in Tragedy and Trauma The invasion of the United States by terrorists caught all of us off guard. As we share in the anguish of the victims, struggle to understand why this occurred, and begin to reorient ourselves, it is important to ask how we may help the children in our care to manage and understand this disaster.

by John T. Chairman

Each of us responds to crisis and loss differently. Some will be very vocal; others internalize. Nonetheless, as we know from basic physics that every action creates an equal or greater reaction we can assume that we have all been affected.

Here are some points to keep in mind as we try to attend and attune to our children: 1. Respect Their Response. While young children often seem to parrot what they ve heard, others generate a range of complex or negative feelings on their own expressing views sometimes that a parent would not want to support. For example, while you may wish to direct your child s aggressive reactions, it is more important to understand and attend to the underlying feelings of such strong reactions. In this case, aggression may veil fear or anger.

2. Listen to Their Response. A child, just as many adults, may express various reactions to trauma: numbing, unfocused rage, anxiety, hyper-vigilance, depression, confusion, and difficulty in finding meaning. For example, it is not unusual for a 3 to 6-year-old to personalize events,

Relief Guidelines uuu

There is often a lost sense of self, of the world and of direction in life. We, as Orthodox Christians, turn to our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. What is impossible with humans, is possible with the Lord. He wipes away every tear.

Task 4: Involves relocating the deceased and moving on with life. One never loses memory of this significant relationship. Memory is one of God s choicest gifts to us and we go on living and working synergistically with our Lord.

MANIFESTATIONS OF GRIEF

Feelings: 1.Sadness, 2. Anger, 3.Guilt, 4.Anxiety 5.Loneliness, 6.Fatigues, 7.Helplessness, 8. Shock, 9.Yearning, 10. Emancipation, 11. Relief, 12. Numbness Physical Sensations: 1.Hollowness in the stomach, 2. Tightness in the chest, 3. Tightness in the throat, 4.Over sensitivity to noise, 5. A sense of depersonalization (nothing seems real), 6. Shortness of breath, 7. Weakness in the muscles, 8. Lack of energy, 9. Dry mouth.

Cognitions (thoughts): 1.Disbelief, 2.Confusion, 3. Preoccupation, 4.Sense of presence, 5. Hallucinations.

Behaviors: 1.Sleep disturbances, 2.Appetite disturbances, 3.Absent-minded behavior, 4.Social withdrawal, 5.Dreams of the deceased, 6. Avoiding reminders of the deceased, 7.Searching and calling out of the deceased, 8. Sighing, 9. Restless over activity, 10. Crying, 11. Visiting places or carrying, 12.Treasuring objects that belonged to the deceased.

HELPING A CHILD GRIEVE AND GROW

Tell the truth: 1. Explain the physical effects of death in terms that the child can understand when asked. a) The dead do not breathe, b) They feel nothing, c) They cannot see or hear, move, speak or smile, d) Their soul is separated from the body, e) The body will rise again one day with the Lord, f) Death is an inescapable part of life we die as did

feeling that his or her unrelated wrong actions actually created the catastrophe.

To work through such feelings, we must be able to convey that we recognize such feelings and understand the response, without judging. Then we need to proceed to discussing the news events with them to provide perspective according to their abilities and interest.

3. Provide Reassurances and Safety.

In the face of such tragedy, many of us ask, Can this also happen to me? The foundations of our lives are shaken. Children need to feel secure and adults need to recognize how their own anxiety can challenge the child s sense of safety. At the same time, human fragility is a reality of life. Our management of the encounter in the struggle between opposing forces is one of life s basic challenges.

This event provides the opportunity for us to discuss our abilities and limitations to control life and to understand how our faith how Christ who is within each of us provides both hope and strength.

4. Gain Perspective. Tragedy stops us in our tracks. It confronts us with what is most important. Life and death challenges ask us what we are doing and why are we doing it. While safety and life are basic values, as Christians it is the quality of our life and the balance that we gain through life in communion with Christ, our selves, and others that secures our purpose and identity. Prayer at such times as these with our children, in our homes, and in our community reassures us why it is in God whom we trust for the opportunity we have to live true lives. our Lord, in order to be risen as He is risen from the dead., g) Be honest about your own feelings, h) Understand the feelings of anger that a loved one has been take away, especially is such a tragic way.

2. It s possible to have several feelings at one time.

3. God does not kill. This recent evil tragedy is a product of a world in rebellion against God. 4. Until children are quite sure a person is no more, and will not be around, they cannot finish the work of mourning.

And if they cannot finish it, they cannot free themselves to go on with life, love, growing and believing in God. 5. Offer the child the reassuring words that no one knows the right words at a time like this.

6. Be aware of the child s age and attention span when answering these questions. Answer only the question asked. Be aware of the child s unspoken feelings: a). He/she may act our in play or misbehavior, b) Another may retreat in silence, c) Still a third may weep inconsolably one minute and act as if nothing has happened the next., d) Help the child with the inner storm by encouraging him/her to talk about their feelings, e) Sadness is the obvious emotion to expect after a loss, but not only the one, f) Fear is very common, g) Children are totally dependent on the people who care for them and losing them is a great trauma, h) Assure them of your ongoing support, i. Healing may take years and your love is most important, j) They are often afraid to grieve in front of other children and suppress their feelings, k) They need to be allowed to express their feelings with someone who can help them sort through their memories with Agape Love (unconditional love) that our Lord teaches, l) Human life is fragile and precious, m. Each person is a unique human being created in the Image and Likeness of God by God If a child speaks of suicide take them to a professional immediately. This is a spiritual and legal requirement. God bless you and you minister to God s people!

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SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

Greek American Organizations Respond to Sept. 11 Attacks WASHINGTON Several Greek American leaders and organizations have reacted strongly to the terrorist attack against the United States and expressed condolences for the victims families and strong support for the President and his administration.

World Council of Hellenes Abroad President and former Archdiocesan Council President Andrew A. Athens of Chicago commented on Sept. 12: We welcome the strong statements of support for America that came from the leaders of the country of our origin, Greece, following yesterday s tragedy. In addition to counting on Greece, President George Bush and our leaders of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives can count on we Greek-Americans.

In every state and congressional district, our people during this time of crisis will be among the best possible American citizens.

Mr. Athens also is a retired industrialist, a WWII veteran and national chairman of the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC).

We are appalled by this horrible assault and we condemn the cowardly act and its perpetrators, Athens continued.

The Hellenic community, as part of the American people, fully supports all action that will lead to the punishment of those responsible.

The United States, is our country too, and as such, it needs our support to maintain its prestige around the world, to be able to offer its assistance to those who need it, and to continue working for world peace, added Chris Tomaras, SAE vice president.

Andrew E. Manatos, a former U.S. assistant secretary of commerce and president of the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH), said, As one of only seven countries to stand with us in every major international conflict for over one hundred years, Greece shares America s love for freedom, democracy and peace. There is no place in our value systems for what Greek Prime Minister Constantinos Simitis called these abhorrent acts of violence.

Both Athens and Manatos noted that hundreds of thousands of Greek Orthodox Christians across the United States are following the guidance of Archbishop Demetrios and pray for divine protection against the sword and for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in these attacks.

American Hellenic Educational Pro-

gressive Association (AHEPA) Supreme President Andrew T. Banis said, The nation s largest and oldest Greek-American organization is saddened by yesterday s horrific events and expresses its deep condolences to the families of the innocent victims involved. In addition, Banis offered the support of the Greek-American community for President George W. Bush s efforts to find and punish the perpetrators of these despicable acts.

The terrorist attack upon America was an attack upon democracy; one of the greatest contributions to Western Civilization by the ancient Greeks, said Banis.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.

AHEPA Chairman of the Board A. Steve Betzelos and President Banis announced a financial contribution on behalf of AHEPA National to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

The organization will mobilize its network of chapters, urging them to contribute to the ongoing humanitarian relief efforts, he added.

Banis also directed the organization s chapters and members to organize blood drives, donate blood, contribute financial aid, and to observe a moment of silence at upcoming chapter events.

American Hellenic Institute s (AHI) founder Gene Rossides issued the following statement in response to the September 11 terrorist attack on the United States: The American Hellenic Institute strongly condemns the horrific terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001, and extends its deepest sympathies and support to the families and friends of the victims in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. AHI strongly supports President George W. Bush and his administration in their decisions on addressing this threat.

It is critical in a crisis situation such as this that we all stand together behind our President and his administration. We support a strong and aggressive stance against those who perpetrated this heinous attack.

On Sept. 13, the American Hellenic Institute sent a letter to President George W. Bush expressing its sorrow and voicing its unequivocal support of his decisions regarding the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks against the United States.

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ORTHODOX OBSERVER

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

SEPTEMBER 11TH RELIEF FUND DONORS AS OF OCTOBER 25, 2001

A.G. Andrikopoulos Resources Inc Cheyenne, WY A.G.R.O. Portland, OR Adams Georgia and Cliff Woodbridge, CA AHEPA Chapter 450 - St. Demetrios Church Wildwood, NJ Akdl Cathy and Vasilos Anchorage, AK Alexander Alexander P. New York, NY Alexopoulos Marguerite Norwich, CT All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Canonsburg, PA Allenopoulos Louis and Joan Hinsdale, IL Alukos John and Mary Evanston, IL Amen Michael and Cathleen Philomath, OR Amygdalos Michael and Christine Wyoming, DE Anderson Louis and Angelika Andoniadis Athena and Andrew Walnut Creek, CA Andre Cindy Richmond, VA Andreas Christopher and Katherine Andriotis Anna Flushing, NY Andriotis Maria Flushing, NY Andrzajewski Sharon Annunciation Cathedral -United Greek Orthodox Community of SF San Francisco, CA Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Akron, OH Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Chicago, IL Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Farrell, PA Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Milwaukee, WI Anonymus Anthony Chrissy San Antonio, TX Anton Arthur and Madeline Anzul Margaret Madison, NJ Apostle George and Dorothea Pensacola, FL Appling Georgine and Daniel Austin, TX Arcadian Capital Management LLC Weston, MA Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church Campbell, OH Ascension Greek Orthodox Church - GOYA Lincolnshire, IL Ascension of our Lord Greek Orthodox Church Lincolnshire, IL Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Erie, PA Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Flint, MI Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Town and Country, MO Astin Helen Roslyn Heights, NY Athas and Kadala Susan and Constance Kensington, MD Athens Dr William and Angie Grosse Ile, MI Austin Investment Management Inc. New York, NY Awad Sondra and Victoria Richmond, VA Bacalis Rev. Nicholas and Vivian Richmond, VA Bacas Ella Richmond, VA Bailey Mark and Mary Pensacola, FL Baktidy Theo and Mary Whitestone, NY Baldwin Rosaleen and Lawrence Mystic, CT Baloglou George and Anastasia Flushing, NY Baltzis Anastasios Astoria, NY Barakos Arthur G. and Loula Delray Beach, FL Bardos Helen Canonsburg, PA Barkulis Adrienne Lincolnshire, IL Barkulis-Corcoran Barbara Chicago, IL Barone Susan Glen Ridge, NJ Barufaldi Georgia East Hampton, MA Basis Frances Petersburg, VA Bates Mary Tampa, FL Bayazes Georgia Brooklyn, NY Beale Theodora Richmond, VA Beamud Bernadette M. Astoria, NY Beaty Larry and Kathy Des Moines, IA Bebawy and Bekheet Kamal and Nawal Anchorage, AK Benjamin Naveeda Ontario, OR Benno Gigi Wimberley, TX Benson Danielle Tigard, OR Berbatis Angelo and Artemis Sarasota, FL Berkley Shelley Washington, DC Billinis John and Rita Bethesda, MD Birtsas Alex Speedway, IN Bitsas William Stanfield, OR Blamutsis Andreas Greece, Blankenstein Robert and Christina Vancouver, WA Bokas George and Aspasia Gulf Breeze, FL Bonstedt Stephen and Nancie Anchorage, AK Bouhayer Nicholas Astoria, NY Bouloubasis Gus and Evangeline Clemmons, NC Bouras Nicholas Summit, NJ Bourgeois Alexandre and Alexander Austin, TX Boyer Maria Portland, OR Bradley Christine Pensacola, FL Branch William and Zefy Richmond, VA Bratiotis Rev. George C. and Gloria Sparks, NV Bright Builders, Inc. Chicago, IL Brokos Emmanuel and Claudia Aberdeen, WA Brous Chris and Elsie Stamford, CT Brown Aphrodite Brown CA and Barbara Roswell, GA Brown Rev Jordan and Marika Austin, TX Brunswig John K. and Esther Sparks, NV Bunde Daryl and Vaso Wasilla, AK Calivas Virginia Baltimore, MD Callahan Teresa Lorant Birmingham, AL Callas George and Aspacia Hartford, CT Calos Mary Hopewell, VA Canellos Hariette and Evan Bayside, NY Caras James Glenview, IL Carey Karen Estelle Winston Salem, NC Carlos Foundation Andrew and Eula Atlanta, GA Carr Jeff and Renie Truckee, CA Carter Katherine Austin, TX Cathedral of St. John Tenafly, NJ Catranis George and Anna Mobile, AL Charalabakis Terry Clearwater, FL Charonis Mark Seattle, WA Cherpelis Stephen Douglaston, NY Cherry and Crandall Diane and Sean West Linn, OR Chicago Clergy Syndesmos Madison, WI Chimples George Parma, OH Choporis Robert and Susan Arlington Hts, IL Christakis John E. and Stepanie Boca Raton, FL Christie Peter Broomall, PA Christou Christos and Toula Alexandria, VA Chronis Amy and John Austin, TX Church of the Annunciation Elkins Park, PA Church of the Archangels Stamford, CT Cohen Steven Brooklyn, NY Colovas William and Betty Austin, TX Conlan Herbert and Marilyn Anchorage, AK Constantine Irene Austin, TX Constantine Matina D. Coral Springs, FL Constantine Rev. Thomas M. Leo, IN Constantinopoulos Anastasios and Konstandina Whitestone, NY Contos Gus and Barbara Sparks, NV Contos Lisa Sparks, NV Cosmidis Jennifer Hopewell, VA Costidis Marissa Middletown, NJ Cromas George Brooklyn, NY Curry Ross Christine Richmond, VA Curtis Katherine Brooklyn, NY Cutsumpas Lloyd and Nicolletta Danbury, CT Dabrowski Cynthia Ashland, MA Dakis Popi Whitestone, NY Daniels Michael and Elaine Bethesda, MD Davis James and Debra Park City, UT Deep Alexander Washington, DC Demetri Anthony and Eleni Cheveland, OH Demetriades Athena Old Tappan, NJ Demetriades Dina and Despina Old Tappan, NJ Demopoulos Peter and Joanna Austin, TX Demos and Karras Nick and Maria Pasadena, CA Deoudes John and Mary Bethesda, MD Derdevanis Gus and Heidi Richmond, VA Deros Catherine Wethersfield, CT Desai Helen and Sanjay Richmond, VA Diavatis Fr. Michael and Nikol Anchorage, AK Dimos Helen Ridgefield, CT Dogias Adamantia and Dimitrios Trenton, NJ Dogias Nicholas and Gina Yardley, PA Donald W and Mary E Aspros Trust Portland, OR Dorman Nici Austin, TX Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church of Oakmont Oakmont, PA Dormition of the Virgin Mary Somersworth, NH Drake Speros Chas, SC Dumitry Aurellan and Christina Round Rock, TX Durakis Charles and Mary Westport, CT E. Panagakos-Lamia, CCC-SLP Boca Raton, FL Edwards Alan and Elena Mechanicsville, VA Egil Marc and Evangeline Lake Oswego, OR Elisseou Evan Christopher Hoboken, NJ Emanuel Theodora and Nicholas Northport, NY Euthimiou Helen Rolling Meadows, IL Faines Peter and Mary Pittsburgh, PA Fifus Trustee Irene Singer Island, NY Finicle Michael and Joanne Tigard, OR Flokas Dena Elaine Torrance, CA Forsley Richard Gulf Breeze, FL Fowler Elena Reno, NV Fragias Dionisos and Maria Carona, NY Fragos Georgia Mount Vernon, NY Franck Cinthia Chugiak, AK Frangadakis Kenneth Saratoga, CA Franklin Elizabeth Vancouver, WA Fread Thomas G. Boca Raton, FL Frederick and Potter Col and Machi Seattle, WA Ftaclas Effie Astoria, NY Galanopoulos John and Sharon Anchorage, AK Galleway Alvin and Kathy Tucker, GA Garkinos Christos Los Angeles, CA Gartelos and Bruniga Elefteria and Marianthe Rock Island, IL Gasdogas Joanna Riverdale, NY Gatlin Michele Seattle, WA Gatsis Mary and Gust Prospect Heights, IL Gazianis Thomas New York, NY Geanakoplos Bessie Chicago, IL Gemelos Nick and Sharyn Midlothian, VA Gennadiou Burke Maria Austin, TX George James Austin, TX Georges Nick Fort Lee, NJ Georgion George and Stephanie Tarpon Springs, FL Georgiou Anna Toronto, CAN Georgitsis Vasilios and Barbara Lebanon, NH Gerakaris Catherine Freehold, NJ Gerber Ann Westbury, NY Gergoudis Sophia and Arthur Richmond, VA Gianetti Alfred and Marjorie Fountain Valley, CA Giannirakis Maria St. Davids, PA Gidicsin John and Justine Brooklyn, NY Gillespie Adrienne Portland, OR Gioulis Kostas and Kathy Chatsworth, CA Giovannetti Mark and Valentina Woodinville, WA Glaros Michael Austin, TX Glass Capt. Michael R. and Mimi Boca Raton, FL Golden Karen and David Knoxville, TN Goldman Norman Clackamas, OR Golovko Olga Pensacola, FL Gorny Norman and Bonnie Portland, OR Gould Eleanor and James Canandaigua, NY Govas Crystal Libertyville, IL Graser Robert and Eugenia Carnegie, PA Greek Community of Fresno St. George Orthodox Church Fresno, CA Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society White Oak, PA Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension Oakland, CA Greek Orthodox Church Charlottesville, VA Greek Orthodox Church Chicago, IL Greek Orthodox Church Newburyport, MA Greek Orthodox Church Pocatello, ID Greek Orthodox Church Winston-Salem, NC Greek Orthodox Church The Annunciation Kankakee, IL Greek Orthodox Church Kimissis Theotokou Racine, WI Greek Orthodox Church of St. Katherine Naples, FL Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Cleveland, OH Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Mc Keesport, PA Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation New York, NY Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Pensacola, FL Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Sacramento, CA Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption Port Jefferson, NY Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption Seattle, WA Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption of Windham NY Windham, NY Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons Kimisis Tis Theotokou Southampton, NY Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity Charleston, SC Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity Clearwater, FL Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection Castro Valley, CA Greek Orthodox Church of Weston Inc. Weston, MA Greek Orthodox Church Sts Markella and Demetrios Fort Walton Beac, FL Greek Orthodox Church Sts. Constantine and Helen Chicopee, MA Greek Orthodox Church Sts. Constantine and Helen Vallejo, CA Greek Orthodox Church Taxiarchae Watertown, MA Greek Orthodox Community Brooklyn, NY Greek Orthodox Community Worchester, MA Greek Orthodox Community of Oregon Portland, OR Greek Orthodox Community Saint Demetrios Dayton Beach, FL Greek Orthodox Community St. Spyridon, Inc. Worcester, MA Greek Orthodox Holy Trinity Philoptochos Society Norwich, CT Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Honolulu, HI Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapter 4020 San Bernadino, CA Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapter 4022 San Francisco, CA Greek Orthodox Ladies Society Philoptochos Taxiarchae Church Watertown, MA Greek Orthodox Parish of Route DBA St. Gregorys the Theologian Mansfield, MA Gregorios William Brooklyn, NY Grysiak Gary and Janet Monroeville, PA Gurgevich Velmir

and Sue Schererville, IN Gyftakis George Greece, Hadzi Dimitri and Studio Cambridge, MA Halecky Sonia and John Summit, NJ Halkedis Mrs. Theodore New York, NY Haniotis Angela Lyndhurst, NJ Hanlon Kalliopi A. Pembroke Pines, FL Harakas Rev. Stanley S. and Emily Spring Hill, FL Hazlaris Athena and Nicholas Edgewater, FL Heiser Laurel Lee Richmond, VA Hellenic Association of Boston/G.O. Cathedral of New England Brookline, MA Hellenic Orthodox Church Easton, PA Hellenic Orthodox Church of St. Spyridon Palos Heights, IL Hellenic Orthodox Community Bronx, NY Hellenic Orthodox Community Haverhill, MA Holy Cross Agape Fund Pittsburgh, PA Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church Justice, IL Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church Pittsburgh, PA Holy Cross Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Otrhodox Church Huntsville, AL Holy Taxiarhai and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church Niles, IL Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church Anchorage, AK Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church Marietta, GA Holy Trinity Portland, OR Holy Trinity Church Holyoke, MA Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Camp Hill, PA Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Phoenix, AZ Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Ambridge, PA Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Asheville, NC Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Binghampton, NY Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Hicksville, NY Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Northfield, NJ Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Raleigh, NC Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Sioux City, IA Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Steubenville, OH Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Westfield, NJ Holy Trinity Jr. Goya Bridgeport, CT Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Lowell, MA Holy Trinity Philanthropy Fund Fitchburg, MA Horning Elena and Jacob Coral Springs, FL Horton Christopher and Tammy Anchorage, AK Howe and Bukowski Constance and William Montreal, PQ, Ca, Howe Rush R. and Barbara Pittsburgh, PA Hunter William and Roula Bethesda, MD Huszagh Elenie K. Nehalem, OR Huszagh Richard W. Nehalem, OR Ioannides George M.D. Miami, FL Ivanov Ame Willis Anchorage, AK Jarvis Simeon New Castle, NH Jimenez George and Mary Glenview, IL Johanides John Staten Island, NY Johneris Ann Bronx, NY Johnsen Amalia and David Wilmette, IL Johnson and Agallianos Eric and HP Anchorage, AK JOY Junior Orthodox Youth c/o Constantine and Helen Church Wauwatosa, WI Jurgich George and Violet Edmonds, WA Kadala Constance Kensington, MD Kademenos George P. and Leigh Ann Dublin, OH Kalipetsis Helen Brooklyn, NY Kalogianes DM and EM Wethersfield, CT Kalogiannis Theodoros and Anastasia Flushing, NY Kanellos William E. and Elaine Reno, NV Kantrales Peter and Sophia Gulf Breeze, FL Kappos George and Dorothy Gulfport, FL Kapsidelis Thomas and Karen Richmond, VA Karakas Family Charitable Trust Bridgeton, MO Karamatsoukas Nicholas and Celeste Karaoli Phyllis Austin, TX Karles and Filippas Geoggios and Afroditi Richmond, VA Kassimatis-Zois Family Garden City, NY Katinas James S. Nashua, NH Katsanos Kostas and Sofia Ludlow, VT Kefalidis Laurie New York, NY Kehagias George and Evangelia Astoria, NY Kelly Duane and Kristina Navarre, FL Kemp Dorothy and Havlin Portland, OR Kepraios William and Elaine Palatine, IL Keys Dolores and Drew Austin, TX Kikes Gus and Gloria Beaverton, OR Kime Christopher and Marrlen Round Rock, TX Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church Poughkeepsie, NY King Earl and Elaine Chesterfield, VA Kitamura Carol Ashland, OR Kokotos Faye Flushing, NY Koliopoulos John and Janet Palos Park, IL Koliopoulos John and Katherine Westminster, CO Konialidis Nicolas New York, NY Konow Victoria Prospect Heights, IL Korfias John and Katirine Campbell, OH Kosach Steven R. and Gail Reno, NV Kotsinos Athena New York, NY Koufos George and Jeannette Northridge, CA Koufos James Northridge, CA Koulogeorge Amalia and Aka Northbrook, IL Kramer Nancy Vero Beach, FL Kraras Gust and Stella Wyomissing Hills, PA Kreinbrink Robert and Petrula Gulf Breeze, FL Krentz Constance Bloomfield, NJ Kritsonis Vassiliki LIC, NY Kutscera Paul Bayside, NY Ladies Philoptochos Society Wilmington, NC Ladies Philoptochos Society; Chapter 5030 Charleston, SC Ladies Philoptochos Society; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Roanoke, VA Lampros Dean and Maria Lake Forest, IL Lang Economou Helen Boca Raton, FL Lapaseotes Connie and Chris Bridgeport, NE Latto Lula Glenview, IL Leondis Alexander and Mary Cranford, NJ Leondis Alexandra and Alexander Cranford, NJ Leras Nicholas and Alexandra Amherst, MA Levine Irvin New York, NY Liacopulos George and Voula Egg Harbor Towns, NJ Lillys Edmund New York, NY Limberakis Dr. s Anthony and Maria Rydal, PA Lind Gloria Pensacola, FL Lingas Dr. John Portland, OR Livanos John and Josette Thiells, NY Lloyd Pamela and Robert Anchorage, AK Loizos Nick New York, NY Lopuchovsky Geoffrey and Maria Austintown, OH Loukopoulos James Trenton, MI Loupassi Foundation Richmond, VA Lowe Maria and Sheldon Key Biscayne, FL Lucher Lynne and David Anchorage, AK Lynch J.L. Boynton Beach, FL Mageras Gikas and Christl White Plains, NY Maglaras Constantinos and Patricia Astoria, NY Maidsof Athena Charlotte, NC Maiorana Georgia and Antonio Hollywood, FL Makedon Maria Makris Stella and Gerasimos Flushing, NY Manas Spero George Jamaica, NY Mantzouranis Efstratios and Helen Fair Lawn, NJ Manusos Romanna Lake Oswego, OR Marantis Zachary and Leo Harrison, NY Marcus George Palo Alto, CA Maris George and Cynthia Philadelphia, PA Markson Lewis and Glen Hawthorn Woods, IL Marques Sophie Boca Raton, FL Marshall Anita Richmond, VA Matsos Olga Baltimore, MD Matthews George and Eugenia Oak Ridge, NJ Matthews Roland and Helen Laguna Niguel, CA Maurides Ellani Gurnee, IL Mavromatis George and Helen Drexel Hill, PA Mayo Margaret Ellen Richmond, VA McIntyre Dar Arlington Hts, IL McMurtry James and Cynthia Midlothian, VA Melithoniotes John Fr. and Marilyn Watertown, MA Menexis Michael and Teresa Tequesta, FL Merritt Nicole Sfanos Pensacola, FL Metropulos Christopher Boca Raton, FL Meyer Christopher and Michelle Portland, OR Meyers David and Katherine Richmond, VA Michopoulos Aristotle Boston, MA Migias George and Stephanie Exton, PA Millisys Christ and Ann Levittown, NY Mirabile Evanne Rehoboth, MA Mitsakopoulos Jack Mitsinicos Maria Palm Beach Garde, FL Modak Michael and Marilyn Stillwater, MN Molfetas Esther River Vale, NJ Montgomery James and Vassiliki Gulf Breeze, FL Montgomery Marilyn Gulf Breeze, FL Morekas Georgeann Baltimore, MD Morris Stella Richmond, VA Morrison Alan and Georgette Pensacola, FL Moxley Constance and John Arlington Hts, IL Nasika Helen Manchester, NH Nasou Peter and Mary Kensington, MD Nassif Dr Ninette Shorewood, WI Nativity of Christ Novato, CA Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church Ignacio, CA Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Cohasset, MA Neckles Christo and Helen Danbury, CT Nestor Pauline Pensacola, FL Nicholas and Virgin Nickie and Donald Leonia, NJ Nienhuis John Milwaukee, WI Nikiforos Donna Richmond, VA Nikolaidis and Ikonomakou Lazaros and Stavroula Pittsburgh, PA Northern New Jersey Young Adult League Pompton Plains, NJ Norton Anastasia and Stuart Richmond, VA O Neil Despina and Joseph Fort Walton Beac, FL Olympia Florist Inc. New York, NY Order of Ahepa Kanakee Chapter 345 Kanakee, IL Order of Daughters of Penelope Saturn Chapter 281 Louisville, KY Orologas Julie Burke, VA Osowski Elaine Austin, TX Panides John Whitestone, NY Papadimitriou Vaia Lubbock, TX Papadopoulos Alexander and Renata Villa Hills, KY Papas and Mouzakis Aspasia and Helen Wheeling, IL Papathanasis A and Katherine Simsbury, CT Papayiannis Peter and Catherine Papoulakos Ellen and Steve Ashland, VA Pappas George and Marina Garden City, NY Pappas John, George and Florentine Jacksonville, FL Pappas Mark J. Manhasset, NY Pappas Nick and Vaslie Reno, NV Pappas Peter and Nancy Yonkers, NY Pappas Stella Joliet, IL Papuchis Mary and Trula Nashville, TN Paraskeva Gloria Austin, TX Pardalis Dimitrious and Garyfalia Briarcliff Manor, NY Parpori, Alvarez, and Kasemeotes Athanasia, Evangelina and Fr. Nicholas Rochester, MN Passios Thomas and Andronike Riverside, CT Paul Linda New York, NY Paulos Nicholas Seal Beach, CA Paulos Sophie Austin, TX Pavlides Frances Sherman Oaks, CA Pavlos Pearl and Paul Vancouver, WA Peer Beverley Southington, CT Peponis Harold Chicago, IL Pereos Woods Stelani Sparks, NV Peress Dorothy New York, NY Peterkort Ann Hillsboro, OR Petersen Stanley and Linda Marlboro, NJ Petras Family Hartford, CT Petratos Dr. M.A. New York, NY Phillips Ann and James Beaverton, OR Phillips Stella and Militsa Hasbrook Heights, NJ Philopoulos Nicholas and Mary Canton, MA Philoptochos Society of Coatesville Downingtown, PA Philoptochos Society of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Rock Island, IL Philoptochos Society of St Demetrios Irini Chapter No 454 Camarillo, CA Pliakas George and Georgia Seekonk, MA Podeszwa George and Susan Quaker Hill, CT Polley George and Patricia Richmond, VA Poulos Charles and Sophie Lincolnshire, MA Poulos Maria and Chris New Berlin, WI Poulos Paulette Brooklyn, NY Pranis Nicholas and Mathilda Pittsburgh, PA Pressley Michael and Sandra Portland, OR Previs and Vokos Dianna and Stamatios Seattle, WA Price Cynhia and Peter Austin, TX Prophet Elias Church Yonkers, NY Proyce Celia Oak Brook, IL Psaltis Thomas Gulf Breeze, FL Psilopoulos Eve Charlotte, NC R. 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SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

ORTHODOX OBSERVER

and Julie New York, NY Sarno Karen St. Petersburg, FL Sarris Arthur MD Dallas, TX Sarris Jim Birmingham, AL Sarris Mary Birmingham, AL Sawyer David Winston Salem, NC Scapin George and Georgia Pensacola, FL Scardino C.E. Crystal Lake, IL Scarella Mary Delray Beach, FL Scattergood Katherine Blake Austin, TX Schaffer Stepahnie Saddle River, NJ Schieda and Forster Mary and Charles Parma, OH Schroeder Pamela and Carl San Francisco, CA Seapin Electric Co Pensacola, FL Setz Beverly E. Redding, CT Sfanos Dawn R Clemons Cantonment, FL Sfanos Emmanuel and Sandra Pensacola, FL Shahda Robert Richmond, VA Shand Helen and John Richmond, VA Sibilano Crystal Chandeliers Furniture, Inc. Sifaris Harry and Voula LA, CA Sills Jeffery S. and Andrea Plantation, FL Silver Anna and Andrew Macon, GA Simich Danilo and Carmen Reno, NV Siskos Ninfa and Theodosiois Bronx, NY Skezas Nicholas Chicago, IL Sosangelis Charles and Kula Chadds Ford, PA Soter William Palm Beach, FL Sotos Chrisoula Richmond, VA Sotos Patricia Richmond, VA Souritzidis Gigi and Peter West Caldwell, NJ Spahitz Alfred Yonkers, NY Spanos Artemis Richmond, VA Speros Theofilos Foundation Odessa, FL Spiropoulos Nicholas and Chritianna Austin, TX Spirou Chris Greece, Spurgetis Steve and Margit Moline, IL St. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church Rochester, MN St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church Miami, FL St. Andrew s Greek Orthodox Church Chicago, IL St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church Randolph, NJ St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church Reno, NV St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Chapel, Inc. Mobile, AL St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church Aurora, IL St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church Arlington, MA St. Barbara Greek Orhodox Church Santa Barbara, CA St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Orange, CT St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Sarasota, FL St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church San Jose, CA St. Catherine Philoptochos Seattle, WA St. Constantine Hellen and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Newport News, VA St. Constantine Hellenic Orthodox Church Palos Hills, IL St. Demetrios Church Waukegan, IL St. Demetrios Greeek Orthodox Church Waterloo, IA St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Fort Lauderdale, FL St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church North Wildwood, NY St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Perth Amboy, NJ St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Saco, MN St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Union, NJ St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Outreach Ministry Hammond, IN St. Elizabeth G.O. Church of Gainesville Gainesville, FL St. Fanourious Greek Orthodox Church Elizabeth, NJ St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Greenville, SC St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Hartford, CT St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Manchester, NH St. George Greek Orthodox Church Bangor, ME St. George Greek Orthodox Church Chicago, IL St. George Greek Orthodox Church Clifton, NJ St. George Greek Orthodox Church Des Moines, IA St. George Greek Orthodox Church Eugene, OR St. George Greek Orthodox Church High Point, NC St. George Greek Orthodox Church Hollywood, FL St. George Greek Orthodox Church Knoxville, TN St. George Greek Orthodox Church New Britain, CT St. George Greek Orthodox Church Ocean City, MD St. George Greek Orthodox Church Palm Desert, CA St. George Greek Orthodox Church Pittsfield, MA St. George Greek Orthodox Church Shreveport, LA St. George Greek Orthodox Church Springfield, MA St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Downey, Inc. Downey, CA St. George Greek Sr. Citizen Club Hartford, CT St. George Greek Women s Club High Point, NC St. George-Orthodox Church Lynchburg, VA St. Gregory of NYSSA Greek Orthodox Church El Cajon, CA St. Haralambos-Greek Orthodox Church Peoria, AZ St. John the Baptist-Greek Orthodox Church Des Plaines, IL St. John the Baptist-Greek Orthodox Church Portland, OR St. John the Baptist-Greek Orthodox Church Salinas, CA St. John-Greek Orthodox Church Tampa, FL St. John s GOYA Des Plaines, IL St. John s Greek Orthodox Church Myrtle Beach, SC St. Joseph Orthodox Church John Labun Bolingbrook, IL St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Elk Grove, CA St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Melbourne, FL St. Katherine Philoptochos Society Redondo Beach, CA St. Katherine s GOYA Greek Orthodox Church Naples, FL St. Katherine s Ladies Philoptochos Society Falls Church, VA St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church Boca Raton, FL St. Matthews Greek Orthodox Church Reading, PA St. Michael s Home Yonkers, NY St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church Rosindale, MA St. Nektarios Orthodox Church SE Charlotte Orthodox Parish Charlotte, NC St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Enfield, CT St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Fort Pierce, FL St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Lexington, MA St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Northridge, CA St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Portsmouth, NH St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church St. Louis, MO St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Tacoma, WA St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Chapter 5012 Tarpon Springs, FL St. Nicholas Joy and Hope Wilmington, NC St. Paul s Greek Orthodox Church Hempstead, NY St. Paul s Greek Orthodox Church Irvine, CA St. Paul s Greek Orthodox Church North Royalton, OH St. Paul s Greek Orthodox Church Savannah, GA St. Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church San Bernadino, CA St. Raphael, St. Nicholas and St. Irene Hellenic Orthodox Church Palm Harbor, FL St. Sophia Elgin, IL St. Sophia Cathedral Los Angeles, CA St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Washington, DC St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Albany, NY St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Community Miami, FL St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church Monessen, PA St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church San Diego, CA St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church Upland, CA St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church Romanian Diocese OCA St. Louis, MO St. Vasilios Altar Fund Peabody, MA St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church Newport, NH Stamatelos Alex and Mary Pensacola, FL Stathakis Chris River Rouge, MI Stavropoulos and Panagopoulos Sam and Potoula Brooklyn, NY Stavropoulos William and Linda Midland, MI Stenos Moshoula Corona, NY Stergiou Antonios and Stamatia Maywood, NJ Stevens Patricia Birmingham, AL Stratakis Christ and Mary Douglaston, NY Stricker Laura Gary, IL Sts Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church Rochester, MN Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral Richmond, VA Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Newport News, VA Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Orange, NJ Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Reading, PA Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Washington, DC Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church West Nyack, NY Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church Glenview, IL Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Cumming, GA Stylianou Marinos and Judith Madison, CT Suehs Thomas and Christine Austin, TX Sunset Cove Marina, LLC East Hampton, NY Suskind Karyn and Michael Gulf Breeze, FL Sutter Billie New York, NY Syer Joan Northbrook, IL Sysak John and Mildred Pittsburgh, PA Talantis Jenine and Nic High Point, NC Talley Viola Richmond, VA Tanurchis Maria Taratsas Jennifer Richmond, VA Tassone Sal Ridgefield, CT Tembenis Harry T. Worchester, MA Terrono Leonard and Evie Richmond, VA Thames Gregory and Rene Pensacola, FL The Annunciation Orthodox Church Lancaster, PA The Boulevard Wonder Diner of Totowa, Inc. Borough of Totow, NJ The Cathedral Fellowship New York, NY The Church of our Savior Rye, NY The Greek Orthodox Community/Holy Trinity Church Pittsburgh, PA The Greek Orthodox Mission Parish Edmonds, WA The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church San Francisco, CA The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Orlando Maitland, FL The Jaharis Family Foundation, Inc. Miami, FL The Lewin Group Research Triangl, NC The Stephen G. and Thelma S. Yeonas Foundation Arlington, VA Theodore Anastasia Parkland, FL Theodos Marcella Wynnewod, PA Theoharis and Kefalas Nantia and Alexandros Theologides Dr Athanasios and Maria New Brighton, MN Theos Gregory and Helen Charleston, SC Thomas Dr. John and Jeannie Northbrook, IL Thomas George and Helen Rye, NY Thomas Penelope Rye, NY Three Hierarchs-Camp II Champaign, IL Tomopoulos Soultana Astoria, NY Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church of Austin Trekas Konstantinos and Evelyn Richmond, VA Trimble Paul Novato, CA Tringas and Waite Dorothy and Mary Gulf Breeze, FL Tringas Gia and Gary Gulf Breeze, FL Tringas John and Phyllis Gulf Breeze, FL Trivelas George and Rose Staten Island, NY Trumpower Cynthia Tsakalos Harry and Liberty Baltimore, MD Tsamouras Mr and Mrs Nicholas Cobbs Creek, VA Tsikaris Georgia Astoria, NY Tsimpris CW and Daphne Midlothian, VA Tsiropoulos Nick Charleston, SC Tsoukaris John and Roula Brooklyn, NY Tunkiar Helen Mamaroneck, NY Turtletaub Bruce and Joanna Port Washington, NY Tyner Constance and Nicole Chicago, IL Unaris Georgia Waterbury, CT Vanwinkle Judith Oak Ridge, TN Vanya Nick Atlanta, GA Varlamos John and Karin Edmonds, WA Varvarezis Alexandra Drexel Hill, PA Vaselakos Bettie Georgetown, TX Vasil Theodore and Eftihia Ft. Lauderdale, FL Velegris Antonios and Diane Richmond, VA Venable Mary Norfolk, VA VIP Club of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Daytona Beach, FL Visos Rebecca Clifton, VA Vithoulkas Peter and Kristen Richmond, VA Vitsaras Anna and Mary Holiday, FL Vlahoplus Chris and Mary Colubia, SC Vlahos Cynthia and Harisios Greendale, WI Vlahos Kristi and Angelo Winston-Salem, NC Vlahoyiannis Eleanor and Theodoros Reisterstown, MD Vodantis John and Hope Valley Forge, PA Vogel Thomas and Nancy Uncasville, CT Vokos K and CG Portland, OR Vretakis Nicholas and Voula Newport News, VA Vrotsos Susan Wincester, MA Waggoner John and Stella Shorewood, IL Wahba Hani and Lisa Honeybrook, PA Waite Sam and Mary Cantonment, FL Walker Fanny and Richard Austin, TX Walters WR and EM Keizer, OR Washington Heights Hellenic Orthodox Church-St. Spyridon New York, NY Weaver R. Bland and Joy Richmond, VA Werthmuller Theodore and Sydney Pensacola, FL White Wyatt and Rose Mary Pensacola, FL Whitley John and Helen Wilmington, NC Wilkins Roy and Constance Midlothian, VA Williams Frances Portland, OR Xyderis Family LLC Richmond, VA Yialias Xenofon and Anna Wantaugh, NY Young Gregory and Sue Pensacola, FL Yuelys and Fassuliotis Anastasia and George Woodcliff Lake, NJ Zangas Leonard Zapis Xenophon and Lula Westlake, OH Zarvas Angelo and Pamela Carmel, IN Zervos Helen Astoria, NY Zikos Peter and Dorothy McMurray, PA Zissis Anthony and Aspasia Pittsburgh, PA Zographus Elizabeth Delray Beach, FL

Thank You

PAGE 31

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ORTHODOX OBSERVER

PAGE 32

SEPTEMBER 11 SPECIAL EDITION

Photo by: Grisha Ressetar

Upon this rock I will rebuild my church.

New York City September, 2001.

Matthew 16:18

A

HUMBLE WHITEWASHED CHURCH once graced the shadows of the Trade Towers. Since 1916, the white altar candles of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church shone brightly to welcome all who came for peace.

But at 9:59 am, September 11, those candles were violently extinguished. The sweet scent of incense was blown away by the acrid smell of senseless death and destruction. And the walls came tumbling down.

Our hearts were crushed. But they will not be kept down.

Like so many other Americans, the founders of our churches were immigrants. They came with a rock hard belief in God, in liberty and the chance to build great things. That tradition lives on in all of us.

To help our City and Nation heal, we have founded the September 11 Relief Fund for the children of the missing. To reaffirm our belief in all that is good and right, the entire Greek Orthodox community of America, and the world, has united to mourn the victims of the shameless wickedness perpetrated on that black date. We thank all those who courageously and generously rose to help. We fervently pray for those who fell and those who grieve for them.

We give our blood and offer ourselves for healing and restoration throughout our Nation.

We know that the church founded 85 years ago for our beloved St. Nicholas, patron protector of all who travel, will rise in glory once more in the same sacred spot as a symbol of a determined faith which advances what is just and true, noble and holy. Because we believe in God! We will again burn incense. We will light many candles.

And liberty will shine bright. ô Archbishop Demetrios Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America

For information or to pledge your help: (212) 570-3595 or www.goarch.org