APRIL 2011 • Vol. 76 • No. 1264 www.observer.goarch.org • e-mail: [email protected] $1.00

ENCYCLICAL The Cruci xion and the Resurrection: The Center of Our Faith cd Holy Pascha The Feast of Feasts Therefore we were bur- ied with Him through bap- tism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Fa- ther, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)

To the Most Reverend Hier- archs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Or- thodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen! Χριστός Ἀνέστη!

On this great and glori- ous feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, our hearts are filled with un- speakable joy, our minds em- brace the light of truth, and our souls are transformed by His presence in our midst and by His love for us. This is most certainly a day of celebration, a day above all other days, which proclaims the triumph of life over death and offers a beau- tiful witness of the power of grace and faith. This Feast of Holy Pascha is also a day

The icon of the Resurrection by a 17th century iconographer, which was discovered on the island of Patmos in 2004. It depicts scenes from Christ’s Passion during Holy Week. uu to page 8 2 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS APRIL 2011 Paulette Poulos Named Executive St. Photios Director of Leadership 100 Foundation Installs by George Schira dedication and loyalty to His Eminence and the Church enabled him to remain actively New Offi cers At the request of Archbishop Deme- involved in ecclesiastical life and service trios, the Executive Committee of the Arch- until his passing in April 2005. ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The annual bishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Constantine G. Caras, chairman of meeting of the St Photios Greek Ortho- Fund unanimously approved the appoint- Leadership 100, said, “No one is more dox National Shrine Foundation on Feb. ment of Paulette Poulos as its executive suited for the role of Executive Director 5 included the installation of officers for director on Feb. 23 at the organization’s of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 2011-12 annual conference. Endowment Fund, which draws its found- Archon Dr. Manuel N. Tissura, of At- In September 2005, Paulette assumed ing, vision and inspiration from Archbishop lanta, was installed as first vice president. the position of director of development of Iakovos, than Paulette Poulos. She has Other officers are: Anthony N. Megas Leadership 100 after the passing of Arch- served an apprenticeship to true greatness (second vice president), Maria Carantzas, bishop Iakovos, whom she had served since and demonstrated in her own right, the (treasurer), and Leslye Alex Phillips (sec- his retirement in 1996. leadership skills which will take us to ever retary). All are from St. John the Divine In June 2006, she was appointed as higher levels of achievement.” parish in Jacksonville, Fla. acting executive director. The General Assembly of Leadership Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, St Associated with the Archdiocese 100, meeting on Feb. 25 upon hearing the D. PANAGOS PAULETTE POULOS Photios Foundation president, thanked throughout her working career, she be- news, gave Ms. Poulos a heartfelt ovation. both retiring trustees: First Vice President gan her responsibilities in 1965 in various In response she said, “During the past 46 from the Lord, and to continue to serve.” Archon Harry Thomas Cavalaris (Char- capacities, including director of LOGOS years, I have learned the importance of In addition to her work for the lotte, N.C.) and Archon Andrew Athens (the League of Greek Orthodox Stewards) Christian service, the dynamism of our Church, she is a steward of the parishes of (Chicago). The Foundation bestowed and associate director for Stewardship Orthodox Church and the richness of our Three Hierarchs in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Church them both with the St Photios Award at Ministry (1972-1984). She also served on Hellenic heritage, as well as the impor- of Our Savior in Rye, N.Y; St. Fanourios in the annual Pilgrimage luncheon on Feb. various national commissions, including tance of visionary leadership from great Elizabeth, N.J; Annunciation in Manhattan 6, citing their decades of dedication to this the National Youth Commission and the Churchmen such as Archbishop Iakovos of and the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Archdiocese institution. They will serve as Governing Board of the National Council blessed memory and our spiritual leader, Holy Trinity. emeritus trustees. of Churches in Christ. Archbishop Demetrios, and from a long line In addition, she is active in several From 1984 to 1996, she served as of great lay leaders too numerous to name. philanthropic organizations that help administrator for Archbishop Iakovos. Her I will continue to draw strength, as they do, children. Hellenic Caucus Support Your Urges Governors’ Orthodox to Support Church Observer Rebuilding Eff ort WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and Gus Bilirakis Donors (R-FL), co-chairs of the Congressional G.N. Brathas, Attleboro, Mass; Caucus on Hellenic Issues, sent letters Linda Triant, Grand Rapids, Mich; to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Anthony Zarbo Jr., Washington; Bette New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie urging the Poulos, East Greenbush, NY; Beverly governors to help facilitate negotiations to Kanaras, Baldwin, NY. rebuild the St. Nicholas Church in lower Manhattan. Patron Negotiations between the Port Au- Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Kyrus, thority of New York and New Jersey and Virginia Beach, Va. the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Amer- ica have broken down in recent months, Special Patrons with the two sides unable to find agree- ment on a variety of rebuilding issues. Vasilios & Carole Polimenakos, Orthodox Observer photo Seattle; Helen D. Tsintolas, Rockville, “As a representative of New York and Md; Tom and Chrissy Zdrakas, Warner Saint Basil Board of many in the Hellenic community who Robins, Ga; Stella Nicholas Morris, A doxology and affi rmation ceremony took place at the Archdiocesan Chapel of St. Paul on March wish to see this process move forward, it is Studio City, Calif; James S. Nicholas, 3 for the new St. Basil Academy Board. To the left of Archbishop Demetrios are: Joanne Stavrakas my hope that both sides will find their way East Grand Rapids, Mich; Fr. George (Chicago), Maria Stavropoulos (Detroit), Elaine Cladis, assistant treasurer, (Denver); Evan Mekras back to the negotiating table,” said Malo- Gallaro, Pittsburgh; Estella Vlahos, Scurtis (Atlanta), Christine Karavites, secretary, (Boston); Georgia Vlitas (Direct Archdiocesan Dis- ney. “My congressional colleagues and Orange, Calif; J. Richard Mirilovich, trict), Charlie Theokas (New Jersey), Vivienne Papadatos (New Jersey), V. Rev. Constantine Moralis, I are reaching out to Governors Cuomo vice president, (New Jersey). and Christie to help facilitate that process.” Cranberry Twp, Pa; Anonymous. Right of His Eminence: Fr. Constantine L. Sitaras, executive director; Evellyn Tsiadis, president, (New Jersey); Lea Zervoulias (Atlanta), Aphrodite Skeadas, National Philoptochos president, Aspasia Me- lis, (New Jersey); Fr. James C. Moulketis, (New Jersey), Peter Kakoyiannis, (New Jersey), and Panicos To Contact Us Papanicolaou (Direct Archdiocesan District). To Subscribe Online For questions about submitting informa- To subscribe to the Observer online, in Change of Address lieu of receiving a hard copy in the mail, tion/news to the Orthodox Observer: Jim send your name, address, and customer Golding, 212.570.3557, [email protected]. 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APRIL 2011 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS 3 The Cross: Archbishop Named An Important Carpatho-Russian Symbol of Hope Locum Tenens After and Victory Hierarch’s Passing NEW YORK – Archbishop Deme- by Tony Vrame trios noted with great sorrow the fall- ing asleep in the Lord of Metropolitan Because there are differences Nicholas of Amissos, the bishop of the between the remembrances on the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Sundays of Great Lent and the readings Diocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the day, we can identify layers to in the USA. Metropolitan Nicholas fell our Lenten journey. For example, on asleep in the Lord on Sunday, March the first Sunday of Great Lent we cel- 13, the Sunday of Orthodoxy and the ebrated the Sunday of Orthodoxy and 28th anniversary of his ordination to the Triumph of icons in our church, but the episcopacy. (Obituary on page 11) The Archbishop, as exarch of the the Gospel reading for the Sunday was D. PANAGOS about becoming a follower of Christ. Archbishop Demetrios addresses the gathering at the White House. Ecumenical Patriarchate, notified Ecu- Since the Sunday of Orthodoxy menical Patriarch Bartholomew about only came to be celebrated after the th Metropolitan Nicholas’ death. events of 843 AD, we can assume that President Hosts March 25 Event His All Holiness then appointed the Gospel reading for the first Sunday WASHINGTON – As he has done in Greek descent have maintained the best of His Eminence as locum tenens for the of Lent represents an older Tradition. previous years, President Barack Obama their heritage and immeasurably enriched Carpatho-Russian Church until a suc- This holds true for most of the weeks hosted the annual celebration of Greek our national character.” cessor is ordained and enthroned. of Great Lent. and American Democracy and the 190th In commenting on the event, Archon Archbishop Demetrios presided at Except the Third Sunday of Great anniversary of Greek independence on and AHEPA Supreme President Nicholas the funeral on March 18 at Christ the Lent, when we will hear Christ talk March 25 at the White House where he A. Karacostas said, “We are deeply grate- Savior Cathedral in Johnstown, Pa., and about “picking up our Cross,” and welcomed Archbishop Demetrios and a ful to President Obama for issuing the at the burial from St. John’s Carpatho- we will process through our churches large number of Greek American leaders Proclamation that affirms the friendship Russian Orthodox Church in Perth with a cross resting on a bed of flowers and guests. and ‘steadfast bonds’ between the United Amboy, N.J. on March 21. and sing, “We venerate your Cross and Prior to the official proclamation States and Greece. The Proclamation, Prior to the metropolitan’s death, glorify your Resurrection.” signing the President and Archbishop met while reflecting on the vast contributions Archbishop Demetrios traveled to John- Praising the Cross of Christ might privately to discuss important issues relat- of Greece to the world, foremost being stown, the See of the Carpatho-Russian seem strange, since the cross was an ing to the Church and the Greek American democratic principles and ideals, also Church, on March 12 to visit the hier- instrument of excruciating torture and community. looks forward to a shared future between arch on his sickbed. After praying with execution. Any of us who sat through A reception took place afterward in allies and friends.” the metropolitan and anointing him Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ” the East Room where the President ad- AHI President Nick Larigakis, who with holy oil, the Archbishop met with had to have been sickened by the im- dressed the audience of about 200 persons also attended the ceremony, said, “We the Carpatho-Russian Church chancel- ages of the crucifixion. that included representatives of AHEPA thank President Obama for demonstrating lor, Fr. Frank Miloro, to offer his advice While Gibson may have overdone and the American Hellenic Institute. ‘philotimo’ toward the Greek American and support. the gruesomeness of crucifixion, its The President’s proclamation read, in community by hosting this event to honor In his letter to the faithful of the horrific nature was driven home to part, “The relationship between the Unit- Greek Independence. The event served to Carpatho–Russian Church following those of us in the theaters. It is not ed States and Greece extends beyond our reaffirm the strong bonds of friendship the metropolitan’s passing, Archbishop something we want to see. In fact, for common values and is strengthened by between Greece and the United States Demetrios wrote: the first four centuries of Christianity, the profound influence of Greek culture and to bring attention to the fact that this images of the cross did not feature very on our national life. From the architecture relationship is etched intrinsically by virtue Beloved Brothers prominently in church decoration. of our historic buildings to the lessons in of the noble democratic ideals and prin- and Sisters in Christ, At a time when crucifixion was still philosophy and literature passed on in ciples that guided our Founding Fathers I convey to you my deepest and most being practiced as a means of execution our classrooms, America has drawn on the in establishing our own country.” heartfelt consolations, as well as those of (and thus all too real to Christians of deep intellectual traditions of the Greeks Earlier in the day, Archbishop Deme- the Holy Eparchial Synod and the Clergy the time), the Church preferred images in our own establishment and growth as trios officiated at the hierarchical Divine and Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Arch- of paradise. a nation. Reinforcing the steadfast bonds Liturgy of the Annunciation at St. Sophia diocese of America, on the passing of Not until after Emperor Theodo- between our two countries, Americans of Cathedral. your ever-memorable and thrice-blessed sios stopped the practice did images spiritual father, the late Metropolitan of the cross begin to be made. Nicholas of Amissos. This loss, unbear- For Christians, the Cross has now able at any time, has come quickly upon become an important symbol of hope us all, and we are all now in the midst of and victory. In an image from the grief. But as the Apostle Paul reminds us, Synaxarion for the Third Sunday of our present sorrow is not without hope Lent, placing the cross before us in (I Thessalonians 4: 13). Only a few weeks this part of our Lenten journey is like ago, the beloved and late Metropolitan sending the symbol of triumph in ad- celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday in vance of the event, to raise our spirits the presence of his faithful clergy and and remind us that the goal of lent – flock, and it is certain that he passed celebrating the triumph of Christ over from this vale of tears to everlasting joy death – is almost upon us. in the certainty of the love, respect and The Synaxarion uses the following goodwill of you, the faithful people of image. Before the arrival of the king, the Carpatho-Russian Church. his royal standards, trophies, and em- We have all lost a dear brother, fa- blems of victory come in procession ther and friend, and above all, a spiritual and then the king himself appears in leader. I want all of the faithful to be sure a triumphant parade, jubilant and re- that the integrity, character and spiri- joicing in his victory and filling those tual traditions of the Carpatho-Russian under him with joy, so does the Feast Orthodox Church will be safeguarded of the Cross precede the coming of our with utmost respect and attention dur- King, Jesus Christ. It warns us that He ing the period that I will serve as your is about to proclaim His victory over Locum Tenens, as per the decision of His death and appear to us in the glory of All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bar- the Resurrection. tholomew. All regular life of the Diocese His Life-Giving Cross is His royal will proceed as ever, through the office scepter, and by venerating it we are of the Chancellor. filled with joy, rendering Him glory. May the Lord give eternal rest with Therefore, we become ready to wel- Orthodox Observer photo all the Saints and Righteous to the soul come our King, who shall manifestly RNC chairman visits of our beloved Metropolitan Nicholas, triumph over the powers of darkness Reince Priebus, newly elected chairman of the Republican National Committee paid a visit to Arch- and may He keep the blessed Carpatho- (for more, see the Greek Orthodox bishop Demetrios at Archdiocesan headquarters during a trip to New York on March 14. Chairman Russian Orthodox flock of our Most Holy Archdiocese’s website about Lent - lent. Priebus, 38, is a lifelong member of Kimisis tis Theotokou Church in Racine, Wis. He is the fi rst Greek Ecumenical Patriarchate in peace and goarch.org). Orthodox Christian to serve as chairman of a national political party. spiritual prosperity. 4 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS APRIL 2011 IOCC, AHEPA Aid Earthquake Victims Baltimore-based International Ortho- who have expressed their desire to help dox Christian Charities (IOCC), with sup- through IOCC has been moving,” said port from an emergency grant of $25,000 IOCC Executive Director Constantine from the National Philoptochos Society Triantafilou. “This is a complex disaster and contributions by private donors, and – two almost simultaneous catastrophic the Greek American organization AHEPA, events – and the scope of the need is just have undertaken efforts to help an esti- beginning to emerge. IOCC will continue mated 25,000 victims of the 8.9 magnitude to work with its Orthodox Christian and earthquake and subsequent tsunami that ecumenical partners to determine the devastated a large part of northeastern most effective aid that can be rendered Japan on March 11. to Japan in the days and weeks to come.” IOCC has also contacted the Greek The human toll and damage to homes Orthodox Archdiocese of New Zealand to and infrastructure following the 8.9-mag- offer assistance to residents of the city of nitude earthquake are only beginning to Christchurch following a 6.3 magnitude be calculated. More than 10,000 people quake that struck on Feb. 22. are now feared dead after the earthquake- triggered tsunami washed away several Crisis in Japan coastal cities, including Sendai, the Epis- The IOCC has been in contact with copal throne of the East Japan Diocese of Orthodox Christians in Japan and its the Orthodox Church in Japan. ACT Alliance partners, a global coalition IOCC will coordinate its response D. PANAGOS of churches and agencies engaged in with local Orthodox and ecumenical Members of the Holy Synod discuss numerous issues at their March 16-17 meeting. development, humanitarian assistance partners in Japan to identify unmet needs and advocacy, to meet the needs of the that will complement the assistance be- earthquake and tsunami victims. ing rendered by the Japanese and other Announcement IOCC also reached out to the Me- governments. tropolis of Korea which is also the Ex- IOCC has received numerous calls of the Holy Eparchial Synod archate for Japan under the Ecumenical from individuals and groups offering to Patriarchate. assemble health and baby kits. “The kits Reacting to the cataclysmic disaster, have been in great demand recently and NEW YORK – The Holy Eparchial Greek Orthodox Church Musicians and AHEPA Supreme President Nicholas A. are always welcome,” said Jamie Helfer, Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America discussed among other subjects: develop- Karacostas stated, “Our thoughts and IOCC emergency response coordinator. convened its regular fall meeting on March ment of church choirs and recruitment of prayers are with the people of Japan dur- “Kits that are received to the warehouse 16-17 at the Synodal Room of the Holy new members, the Liturgical Guide Book, ing this most difficult time. We hope that facility in western Maryland will be staged Archdiocese in New York. Archbishop cooperation between church choirs and the relief will help to meet the needs of for shipment as they are requested by part- Demetrios presided with members of the chanters and youth choir development. the Japanese people. Philanthropy is an ners in response to disasters around the Synod participating. Pastoral Matters: The Holy Eparchial integral part of our mission, and we must world and may also be shipped to Japan, if Prior to the commencing Synod Synod reviewed new samples of baptism work together to assist the victims of this they are requested by our partners there.” meeting, members participated in the certificates, and will proceed with printing terrible natural disaster.” meeting of the Executive Committee of the for use by the parishes. The Synod dis- The IOCC will provide humanitarian New Zealand effort Archdiocesan Council on Tuesday March cussed special matters for pastoral care for assistance such as medicines, food and Authorities estimated the death toll in 15. During the meeting administrative clergy, especially those with special needs. other essential items to communities in Christchurch at about 200. IOCC is work- and other matters were discussed. The Administrative Matters: The Holy the earthquake and tsunami-damaged ing to support relief efforts personally led Executive Committee affirmed the manner Eparchial Synod discussed current and Pacific coastal districts of Japan in the by Archbishop Amfilochios of the Greek of administration of the parishes, which urgent administrative matters related to prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima Orthodox Archdiocese of New Zealand is based on the documents of the Holy the life and activity of the Church of the and Ibaragi. and Exarch of Oceania who visited Christ- Canons, the Charter and Regulations of Holy Archdiocese. It was noted by all the The assistance is being distributed by church just days after the initial quake to the Holy Archdiocese. members that the responsibility of shep- the Orthodox Church in Japan in coopera- assess the damage and the needs of the During the next two days the Synod herding the parishes in each metropolis tion with regional authorities. people. discussed the following: belongs to the respective hierarch who The Church is also working to assess The IOCC response in New Zealand is Canonical Matters: Reviewed and shepherds them according to the order of the needs of people displaced from the being coordinated through the chancellor finalized a specific draft for the Regula- the Church, her Canons, the Charter and cities of Ishinomaki, Yamada and Kesen- of the Archdiocese in New Zealand, Fr. tions for Spiritual Courts that will be the Regulations of the Holy Archdiocese. numa that remain largely inaccessible Christodoulos Papadeas, who previously submitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate Inter-Orthodox Matters: There was because of the damage and lack of fuel. served at Brotherhood of St. George in for approval. a report and extensive discussion on the All of the aid to be distributed is expected Denver. Also providing support is Fr. Liturgical Matters: Approved the text upcoming meeting of the Episcopal As- to be obtained locally in Japan. Amphilochios Basiltiotellis of Dormition of Vespers and Orthros submitted by the sembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops The Holy Resurrection Cathedral of of the Virgin Mary parish in Christchurch. Synodal Committee on Liturgical Mat- of North and Central America, which will Tokyo and the building of the Metropoli- Fr. Paul Patitsas, who previously ters, and will submit it to the Ecumenical take place in Chicago in May. tan Council were spared damage, accord- served parishes in Rocky River, Ohio and Patriarchate for final approval. The Synod ing to Fr. Demitrios Tanaka, an Orthodox Albuquerque, N.M., is part of IOCC’s had also met in a special session with com- From the Office priest. Emergency Response Network and is mittee chairmen of the National Forum of of the Holy Eparchial Synod Orthodox Christians in Sendai, the working with IOCC directly to manage city hardest hit, have been assessing the the response. needs of the survivors. “The outpouring Christchurch is home to three Ortho- of support from Orthodox Christians dox Christian churches. Fr. Patitsas reports that many suffered extensive damage to their homes and have lost their places Photo Credit CorreCtion of work. Photo credit to photographer Demetra Stamus, whose photo of the author, How to help His All Holiness Ecumenical To help the victims of disasters, such Patriarch Bartholomew, as those in New Zealand, visit www. appears on the inside jacket iocc.org, call toll free at 1-877-803-IOCC of his book, Encountering (4622), or mail a check or money order the Mystery: Understanding payable to: IOCC, P.O. Box 630225, Bal- Orthodox Christianity timore, Md. 21263-0225. Today. The st1 edition was To donate to the AHEPA Emergency incorrectly credited. Relief, send donations via mail to: AHEPA For more info email Emergency Relief Fund, Attn: Japanese [email protected]. Earthquake, 1909 Q Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20009 The AHEPA Emergency Relief Fund is a 501 (c) 3 entity that helps AHEPA fulfill the philanthropic facet of its mission. Since its inception, the Emergency Relief D. PANAGOS Fund has provided disaster relief to aid New priest the greater community, including: Haitian Archbishop Demetrios ordained his deacon, Vasilios Louros, to the priesthood on March 19 at St. Earthquake (2010), Greek Wildfires Relief Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, where he has been assigned as assistant priest. Fr. Louros served the (2007), September 11 Relief (2001-2002), Archbishop for about a year-and-a-half. The following day, His Eminence ordained a new deacon, and Athens Earthquake (1999), among Aristidis Garinis, a recent graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology at Holy Trinity Archdiocesan © Demetra S. Stamus, 2007 others. Cathedral. APRIL 2011 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS 5 Church and Government The Value of the Annual White House Meeting An Insider’s View on the 25th Anniversary by Andy Manatos small group able to get unfiltered infor- mation about issues dear to our hearts One of the most difficult things in to the ear of the world’s most important the world to accomplish is securing a policymaker and his top advisors? meeting with the world’s most power- The answer is: because of a lot of ful person, the President of the United wonderful, self-sacrificing Hellenes States. It is also extremely difficult to re- across the country that have worked ceive an invitation to the ceremonies that closely with us at the Coordinated Effort surround some meetings. Thousands of of Hellenes and the Greek Orthodox countries, companies and other organi- Archdiocese of America. zations pay well over a million dollars a Over all the years, these Hellenes year trying to cultivate the relationships have contributed many millions of dol- necessary to do so, yet are unsuccessful. lars, as well as millions of dollars worth The 24-hour-a-day job of the presi- of professional expertise and daily pro- dent leaves little room for such meet- fessional services to help build a base ings. Presidents barely have time to meet that enables this annual White House with even large groupings of important Presidential meeting. This base was also people such as: governors, mayors; instrumental to Cyprus’ accession to the the energy industry, communications European Union and improvements in industry, high tech industry, healthcare Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s industry, transportation industry and religious freedom. many other crucial industries; women’s Of the one million plus Hellenes in groups, minority groups, ethnic groups, America, it is those Hellenes who have ex- labor unions, religious leaders, disabled celled in all parts of American society who groups, university presidents and many join some of the self-sacrificing Hellenes more. mentioned above, and a few others, in Even more rarely will a president enjoying the gift this country has afforded consider meeting with one member of us through these White House meetings. a category of important people, such However, the greatest reward is seeing as one specific ethnic group. For Irish- how a citizen’s involvement with the Americans, who make up one out of Coordinated Effort and the Archdiocese every 10 Americans, Presidents make an translates into America benefiting from exception and host an annual event on better policy toward Hellenic and Ortho- St. Patrick’s Day. dox matters. We welcome the involvement How then is it possible to get five of other self-sacrificing Hellenes who share presidents to take the time from their our goals. busy schedules to meet every year for 25 years with an ethnic group that accounts Andrew Manatos is an Archon of the for only one out of every 300 Americans Ecumenical Patriarchate, a member of and ranks 33rd among nationalities -- we the Archdiocesan Council and its Com- Greek-Americans? munications Committee and president of Only the Irish-Americans and Greek- Manatos and Manatos consulting firm in Americans get this honor. How is our Washington. North Dakota Adopts Religious Freedom Resolution in Support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota tive is part of the national State Religious recently became the 34th state to adopt Freedom Resolution project of the Order a resolution in support of the religious of St. Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Ecumenical Patriarchate in America. following a vote by its Senate. The goal of this project, which repre- The resolution, sponsored by Sen. sents one component of the overall, multi- Tim Mathern and Rep. Andrew Maragos, faceted religious freedom initiative, is the calls on the Turkish government to discon- adoption of religious freedom resolutions tinue a number of discriminatory policies in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate directed at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in every state legislature. This project is an threatening the existence of this almost ongoing effort of the Order of St. Andrew 2,000 year old Holy See of Christianity. and represents an important part of the The resolution has the active sup- governmental and public affairs strategy port of the leadership of the two largest of the Religious Freedom Initiative. Christian denominations in the state: the For further information, contact Dr. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Anthony J. Limberakis, MD, national com- and the North Dakota Catholic Conference mander of the Order of St. Andrew the of Bishops, and members of the Orthodox Apostle at [email protected]. communities in North Dakota. Also visit archons.org/resolutions for reso- The North Dakota resolution initia- lution updates for each state

Correction Sts. Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Church in Orange, N.J. was identified in- correctly as Sts. Constantine & Helen Church in the listing of National Ministries Commitment Program parishes on page 14 of the Feb/March issue. 6 APRIL 2011

Wishing you a joyful Pascha, Mary & Michael Jaharis APRIL 2011 7 The Voice of P hiloptochos Paschal National Appeal: Philoptochos Donates Donate $25,000 to Center for Japan of Earthquake Philanthropy Victims National Philoptochos President Philoptochos needs your help Aphrodite Skeadas announced that to realize its goal and establish its the National Philoptochos Society was Center of Philanthropy! The Center able to respond immediately to the will be more than a home, it will major devastation witnessed in Japan be the center of our social welfare due to the earthquake and subse- outreach, the center for resources Mettropolitan Iakovos of Chicago attended the Metropolis Agape Dinner to benefi t the Philoptochos quent tsunami because of the continu- to assist our membership and our Center of Philanthropy, which raised about $20,000. National Philoptochos President Aphrodite ous fundraising efforts of the chapters Skeadas was main speaker. They are shown here with other Philoptochos members. Chapters nationwide, the center for nationwide. President Skeadas’ letter young and old to gather to continue to the national membership is below: the tradition of providing care, sup- It is with great sadness we learned port and aid throughout the nation of the loss of human life and horren- and the world. dous destruction following the great- During this time of the Blessed est earthquake of magnitude 9.0 and Holy Paschal Season, join us and deadly tsunami that devoured much take up the challenge to raise the of the east coast of Japan on March funds to purchase a home for 11, 2011. Subsequent devastation has Philoptochos, to perpetuate the been widespread. Leaking nuclear mission of philanthropy for the radiation has created a radioactive future. plume that is enveloping the atmo- Our goal is to raise $50,000 in sphere. Some NY Times statistics as 50 days! Help us celebrate Pascha of the date of this writing include that and Pentecost with your donation. more than 15,000 persons are dead or Can we do it? With God’s blessing missing; 431,000 persons are home- and your generous support we can. less or displaced; and 1.64 million The Capital Campaign began at people are without water. the national Clergy Laity Congress The United States Embassy rec- in Atlanta in July 2010 where the ommended an evacuation of all Philoptochos members resound- persons, estimated to be 1.9 million ingly espoused and supported a residents, within 50 miles from the permanent home – a Center of Fukushima Daiichi Power Station. Philanthropy. The good news is Archbishop Demetrios issued an that, to date, we have raised over encyclical calling upon the faithful of $1,000,000. Boston Metropolis Philoptochos members at the retreat house. the Archdiocese to “offer their fervent To reach our goal we need prayers” for the people of Japan. YOU! Please give. Donations large The National Philoptochos So- and small ($5,000, $500, $50, $5 or Boston Philoptochos ciety was financially empowered to any amount) may be sent to Philop- immediately respond with aid of tochos Center of Philanthropy Cam- $25,000 from the National Philopto- paign Fund, National Philoptochos, Holds Lenten Retreat chos Society’s National Emergency 7 West 55th Street, New York, NY Fund to the IOCC. 10017 or go online to www.philop- The Metropolis of Boston Philop- American Family in Society” and Dr. The IOCC is coordinating its re- tochos.org to donate. tochos held a two-day Lenten Retreat at Timothy Patitsas, adjunct assistant profes- sponse with local Orthodox and ecu- the St. Methodios Retreat House on the sor of Christian ethics at Hellenic College, menical partners in Japan to identify grounds in Contoocook, NH on March who spoke on “The Philanthropia of Holy unmet needs that will complement 18-19. Philoptochos members arrived Week.” the assistance being rendered by the Friday evening to begin this Lenten jour- The presentations were well received Japanese and other governments. ney of reflection, prayer, fellowship and and generated excellent discussion. IOCC encourages the assemblage enlightened discussion accompanied by Although the Metropolis Philoptochos of health and baby kits. Information excellent culinary fare. has held one-day retreats at the Center, on assembling the kits and materials Metropolis Philoptochos President this was the first opportunity to spend may be found at the IOCC website Philippa Condakes welcomed the mem- extensive time together and enjoy the glo- www.iocc.org. bers and presented the two retreat rious new retreat house and the natural Much will be required in Japan. speakers. Dr. Philip Mamalakis, assistant surroundings. As this tragedy unfolds and we learn professor of pastoral care and director Metropolitan Methodios greeted of the appropriate measures to assist, of field education at Holy Cross School the Philoptochos members during their we will keep you, our Philoptochos of Theology who spoke on “The Greek retreat. Sisterhood, informed. The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is dedicated to assisting persons in need. It is our Save the Date mission to offer kind acts and demon- National Philoptochos Society strate our will to faithfully serve with Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon a generous heart. Please offer to our Lord and Sav- Saturday, December 3, 2011 ior your most fervent prayers for our sisters and brothers in Japan and for Hyatt Regency Greenwich all whose lives have been affected. 1800 East Putnam Avenue Old Greenwich, Connecticut In Christ, Hosted by the Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos Aphrodite Skeadas 8 ARCHDIOCESE NEWS APRIL 2011 Commentaries and Reflections Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s Message on the Earthquake Catastrophe in Japan It is with burdened and more frightening the recent nightmare producing sustainable forms of energy for painful heart that the entire in Japan. our ecosystem. Therefore, we ask: Why do world is witnessing the drama The disastrous ramifications of this we persist in adopting such dangerous of the tragic earthquake, which event will become more evident over sources of energy? Are we so arrogant as to over the last days has afflicted the next days. Of course, with regard to compete with and exploit nature? Yet, we Japan and cost numerous lives the earthquake, no human response is know that nature invariably seeks revenge. of our brothers and sisters. adequate. The causes and results eclipse From the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we Moreover, it is with much human words. Nevertheless, with regard raise fervent prayers for our beloved Japa- anguish and sorrow that we to the explosion of the nuclear reactor nese people for the trial and tribulation it behold the related devasta- and the aftermath of a nuclear adversity, currently faces, while at the same time pas- tion in the Land of the Rising there is indeed a response that we are sionately appeal to all those responsible Sun as well as in other nations called to make. With all due respect to for a reconsideration of the nuclear policy of the Pacific. the science and technology of nuclear of nations throughout the world. Every corner of the planet energy and for the sake of the survival is offering prayers both for the of the human race, we counter-propose ENCYCLICAL repose of the departed souls and the safer green forms of energy, which Your beloved for the support of those who con- both moderately preserve our natural brother in tinue to be grieved and imperiled resources and mindfully serve our hu- Christ and by the ensuing seismic tremors and man needs. fervent Holy Pascha ferocious tsunami. Lamentably, yet Our Creator granted us the gifts of the supplicant another calamitous consequence sun, wind, water and ocean, all of which The Feast of Feasts has struck the region with the ex- may safely and sufficiently provide energy. before God plosion of the nuclear plant Ecologically-friendly science and technol- uu from page 1 at Fukushima, rendering still ogy has discovered ways and means of í Bartholomew of Constantinople of renewal. In praise and thanksgiving, we present before all people the new life that is offered to us because Christ is risen ENCYCLICAL from the dead! Our commemoration of this great Feast through hymns, prayers, and the proclamation of the Gospel, leads us to consider the relationship of His Resurrec- Archbishop Urges Aid for Japanese Disaster Victims tion to all areas of our lives, to our inner- To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the of the devastation and the plight of so The restoration of life and community most being, to our thoughts and actions, Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks many. However, our faith in our gracious will require the effort of our global com- and to our aspirations and hopes for life and Nuns, the Presidents and Members God leads us to respond to human need munity. I encourage you to join IOCC now and for eternity. Just as we come with of the Parish Councils of the Greek Or- both in prayer and in action to sustain life (International Orthodox Christian Chari- a candle and receive the light of Pascha, thodox Communities, the Distinguished and offer solace in a time of great loss. ties, www.iocc.org) or other local and so too the light and power of our Lord’s Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, For the people of Japan, I ask first national efforts, such as the Red Cross, as Resurrection should be received into our the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, and foremost that the faithful of the so many of you do in response to needs entire being. Through His presence and the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, Greek Orthodox Church in America around the world. grace, we are transfered from death to life, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire offer their fervent prayers. May we join Please select the agency of your we are renewed in the image and likeness Greek Orthodox Family in America with so many throughout our world in choice to contribute for the relief of this of God, and in newness of life we carry this asking God to grant them comfort in this disaster. In love, you give generously, light into all the world. Beloved Brothers hour of pain. May we pray for renewed and through this offering we can offer a Pascha is a feast for our hearts, a cel- and Sisters in Christ, strength and hope, so that livelihoods witness of the love of Christ as Orthodox ebration for our souls. Today, repentance Our hearts are filled with sadness and may be restored and families and friends Christians. is embraced with grace and forgiveness. compassion as we have seen the apoca- be re-united. We also pray for the con- With paternal love in the Risen Lord, Hope overcomes despair. Heavenly joy lyptic images of mass destruction and tainment of the tremendous damage replaces grief. Divine and assuring peace suffering following the earthquake and caused by the malfunction of the nuclear reigns over our inner struggles. Our tsunami which struck Japan last Friday. In plants in the area. Mostly, we pray for hearts are renewed with the strength to response to this historic tragedy, we may the eternal repose of the countless lost continue the journey of liberation from be rendered speechless, seeing the extent in this disaster. † Archbishop DEMETRIOS of Amer i ca sin and evil. Pascha is a feast for our minds. On this day, Truth is revealed as a superb light for all of humanity. Today, the light of Pascha illuminates our minds. We receive Archdiocesan Council Executive Committee Meets the gift of the divine wisdom that guides NEW YORK – Archdiocesan Council the Legal, Administration, Finance and The Finance Committee reported on us through life. We are blessed with a vi- Executive Committee members, meeting Monastery Review committees. progress of the National Ministries Com- sion of what is holy, pure, and just. In the March 15 at Archdiocese headquarters, The Legal Committee gave updates on mitment program and the successful 100 light of Pascha, our minds contemplate all discussed several legal, financial and ad- several issues, including action against the percent parish collection rate from five of the implications of our Lord’s glorious ministrative issues facing the Church, and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey out of the nine Metropolises. This is a first Resurrection. also met with the Holy Eparchial Synod. regarding St. Nicholas parish at Ground time this many Metropolises achieved a Today and in the days and weeks Archbishop Demetrios addressed the Zero, an appeal from the Salt Lake City par- 100 percent collection rate. The Executive to come we will proclaim over and over Committee and stressed that these are dif- ish addressed by the Holy Eparchial Synod Committee also received a summary of the again, “Christ is risen from the dead, tram- ficult times for the Church, the faith and and other cases involving the Archdiocese. Archdiocese 2010 finances and its current pling down death by death, and to those the world and we must continue to pray The Committee also heard a report financial condition. in the tombs bestowing life!” After Christ’s and be vigilant. from the Monastery Review Committee The Finance Committee also reported Resurrection, the tombs are no longer The Archbishop reviewed some of the formed by the Executive Committee and on the special situation regarding St. places of death but of life, bestowed to us major events around the world including Synod at its Fall 2010 meeting. This special George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynn, by Him as this most precious gift. those being dealt with by the Archdiocese. committee was created to collect certain Mass. and its failure to comply with Arch- On this blessed Pascha, I offer to you They included the recent Earthquake and data from the monasteries around the diocese regulations. and your families my warmest wishes for Tsunami in Japan, the death of Metro- country and provide a report to the Ex- The Executive Committee unani- a beautiful day of celebration and fellow- politan Nicholas of Amissos and the work ecutive Committee as to how they work mously endorsed a statement supporting ship. May your souls, hearts, and minds be of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox and interact with the life of our Church the actions of Metropolitan Methodios of filled with peace and love, and may your Bishops of North and Central America. in America. Boston. joy in Christ and His Resurrection be a true Archbishop Demetrios also outlined The Administration Committee re- Subsequent to the Executive Com- witness of the new life we have in Him. some of the on-going work of the Holy ported on a planning committee formed mittee, the full Finance Committee and Eparchial Synod and discussed the recent at the last Executive Committee meeting to Metropolis Finance committees met With paternal love in the Risen Lord, very successful meetings of Leadership deal with establishing a five-year strategic in Chicago on March 22 and issued a 100 and FAITH Endowment. plan and special strategic planning session similar statement urging the Lynn parish The members also heard reports on for the Synod and Executive Committee to comply with the Regulations of the various issues, progress and activities from scheduled for Fall 2011. Archdiocese. † Archbishop DEMETRIOS of Amer i ca APRIL 2011 9 The King's Speech From the Design Studio of Stefana Eternal comes the faith inspired collection “Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” ‘Crosses Byzantine’ Luke 23:46 by Fr. Frank Marangos Crosses Byzantine are decorative crosses inspired by Byzantine Artistic Tradition. The 83rd Academy Awards at the end of February showcased “The King’s Speech” as the 2011 Oscar recipient for Exclusively designed and crafted Best Film. The movie also received Oscars by hand, these family heirlooms for Best Director, Best Actor, and Best are to be cherished for generations Original Screenplay. Colin Firth received the Oscar for Best Male Actor for his por- to come. Truly a gift worth giving trayal of the stammering King George VI, by parents, grandparents or koumbari. who, through the help of an eccentric therapist, was able to overcome his speech impediment and deliver a passionate his- 10822 W. National Avenue toric address to the British nation during Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53227 World War II. Ph.: 414-321-5764 Fotios Cross In receiving such global acclaim, The www.pauls-jewelers.com King’s Speech was able to provide an important and encouraging message to individuals who suffer from major speech problems. According to the National Stammering Association, over 3 million This year’s Great Lenten journey be- Americans suffer from some form of vo- gan on the date of the actual discovery of cal “disfluency.” While children between the Holy Cross by St. Helen – March 6. It the ages of 2 and 5 are the largest group was on that day in 326 in Jerusalem that affected, victims are often categorized into she found the Cross, along with the four three primary groups: developmental, nails used to crucify Christ. Consequently, neurological, and psychological stutterers. the Orthodox Church asserts that four and Although most outgrow or repair not three nails (Triclavianism) were used physiological deficiencies, a substantial to affix the Lord to His Cross - one in each number enter adulthood suffering from hand, and one in each foot. serious psychological effects associated According to detailed historical ac- with the break in the free-flow of regular counts, upon her return to Constantino- speech patterns. ple, St. Helen used two of the four nails to Apart from its physiological occur- protect her son Constantine from spiritual rence, Humanity may also be correctly and physical harm. One of the nails was diagnosed as suffering from acute forms hammered into her son’s helmet. The of spiritual disfluency. other was given to a blacksmith who fash- In many ways, sin itself can be de- ioned it into a bridle for the king’s royal scribed as the very source of spiritual stut- steed. It is believed that the Iron Crown of tering, a relational blocking – an obstacle Lombardy, one of the most ancient royal that inhibits the free flow of intimate com- insignia of Europe, currently kept in the munication between God and his children. Cathedral of Monza, is in fact crafted from The result of such spiritual disfluency is hu- the very nail used in Constantine’s diadem manity’s alienation from the Word and Will of combat. of God – from His Truth and Holy Purpose. Unlike the Hollywood version the Great Lent has been our opportunity speech that society should truly acclaim to direct attention to the cause of spiri- is not the one given by a British king tual stuttering and to focus on its remedy but, by the one delivered by THE King of through the redemptive words and actions Kings – Jesus Christ. It is not the broadcast of God. The hymns and prayers of the Tri- message of cinematography but the clear odion, the liturgical book of our Lenten stammer-less Voice of Salvation uttered sojourn, center attention on the conse- from a bloodied crossbeam. “The Cross is quences of our Progenitors’ disobedience. the door to mysteries,” writes St. Isaac the This is why our heavenly Father sent Syrian, “through whose door the intellect His Only Begotten Son – the Word of God makes entrance into the knowledge of – to the Cross; to repair our self-imposed heavenly mysteries.” Like St. Isaac, Chryso- disfluency by providing a clear message stom insists that the Cross of Christ “is a from the pulpit of the Holy Cross – a speech trophy over the tyranny of death . . . that of forgiveness and love. utters a clear voice, shows forth His Victory, The Speech of the King of King’s in- and proclaims His Kingdom.” cludes seven statements vocalized by Jesus Jesus declared, “My sheep listen to as he hung on the Holy Cross. Before the my voice; I know them, and they follow darkness descended, Jesus spoke three me” (John 10:27). The faithful are accord- times. During the darkness, He spoke ingly invited to become the mouthpieces once. And after the darkness had passed, of God’s Glory. We are called to proclaim He uttered three more sentences of love. His seven-fold message of peace and rec- Of these, three are recorded in the Gospels onciliation throughout the world through of Luke and John. holy word and deed. In the end, the Resur- The additional statement is found in rected life begins when we so commend both Matthew and Mark’s account of the our minds, hearts, and spirits back into the Passion. The seven statements include loving hands of our Fashioner. This is the a prayer for his executioners, a promise primary message of our Lord – a message to the penitent thief, provisional protec- that brings life and joy – a message that con- tion for his widowed mother, position of veys the power to re-light the tapers of our spiritual loneliness, acknowledgement of darkened souls. This is the good news of pain and suffering, perfection of his work, Christ’s Glorious Resurrection. It is a speech and the presentation of his Spirit into His of sacrifice and truth that influenced all that Father’s hands. surrounded its adoration. It is a speech According to St. John Chrysostom, that does not require an Oscar, but rather “We are able to see Christ’s inexpressible sincere praise and worship. This indeed, is love for man not only from the cross itself the true King’s Speech! but also from the words which He spoke whilst upon the cross.” The last words of The Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos is dean Christ delivered during his Holy Passion of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy help us more clearly see into the very core Trinity in New York. He is also an adjunct of God’s heart. His words impart impor- assistant professor at St. John’s University. tant theological principles and practical Visit http://www.thecathedralnyc.org to spiritual lessons. view other on-line articles of interest. 10 APRIL 2011

May the Love,

Peace and Joy

of the Resurrection

live in your hearts

now and forever more. Christos Anesti!

Advancing Orthodoxy & Hellenism in America Constantine G. Caras, Chairman Charles H. Cotros, Vice Chairman Kassandra L. Romas, Secretary George S. Tsandikos, Treasurer Paulette Poulos, Executive Director APRIL 2011 11 Obituaries Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos, Head of the Carpatho-Russian Diocese JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Metropolitan the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, and Nicholas of Amissos, 75, spiritual leader of served several parishes in the Johnstown the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox area, before relocating in 1971 to New Diocese of the U.S.A., died March 13 after York City, where he served as pastor of waging a courageous battle with cancer. St. Nicholas Church. Metropolitan Nicholas was born on He was elevated to the rank of Archi- Feb. 23, 1936 in Perth Amboy, N.J., son of mandrite in 1976, and was elected by the the late Anna (Totin) and Andrew Smisko. Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarch- After graduating from Perth Amboy ate of Constantinople as auxiliary bishop High School, he entered Christ the Saviour for the Ukrainian Orthodox Diocese of Seminary in Johnstown to study for the America. He was consecrated on March priesthood. Upon graduation, he was or- 13, 1983 by Archbishop Iakovos. dained on Jan. 11, 1959 by Bishop Orestes Following the death of Bishop John in Perth Amboy. (Martin) in September of 1984, Bishop His first pastorate was at Sts. Peter Nicholas was chosen as the third ruling and Paul Church in Windber, Pa., where hierarch of the Carpatho-Russian Diocese he served until 1962. and was enthroned in Christ the Saviour A new phase of his life began when Cathedral by Archbishop Iakovos on April he embarked on a year’s study at the 19, 1985. The diocese has about 10,000 D. PANAGOS Patriarchal Theological School at Halki, members in 80 congregations nationwide. An overflow crowd estimated at more than 500 persons filled the Carpatho-Russian Cathedral in Constantinople. During his stay in the He was elevated to the rank of Met- Johnstown at the funeral of Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos, which was officiated by Archbishop city, Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras ropolitan by Ecumenical Patriarch Bar- Demetrios, assisted by several clergy. assigned him to serve the spiritual needs tholomew on Nov. 24, 1997. liturgical services of the Church, and religion writer for the Pittsburgh Post- of the large Slavic Orthodox community Over his many years of service to his devotion to the Mother Church, the Gazette, Fr. Mark Arey, ecumenical officer in the Galata section of Istanbul. Christ and His Holy Church, Metropoli- Ecumenical Patriarchate. He was well- of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, noted He also traveled extensively through- tan Nicholas received many honors for respected in Orthodox and ecumenical that, because of Metropolitan Nicholas’ out Europe and the Middle East, visiting his service, including the Sts. Cyril and circles as being a promoter of peace heritage and education, he “bridged the the sacred sites of the Holy Land and living Methodius Award from the Orthodox and mutual understanding amongst all Slavic and Greek worlds of Orthodoxy. He for a time on Mount Athos, the ancient Church of Czechoslovakia, the St. Sava Christ-loving people. True to his patron was a very unifying figure.” monastic center of the Orthodox Church. Award from Patriarch Pavel of the Serbian saint, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the In addition to conducting the funeral Upon his return to the United States, Orthodox Church and an honorary Doctor Metropolitan was perhaps best known service on March 18 at Christ the Saviour he resumed his studies at the University of Divinity degree from Holy Cross School and respected for his pastoral sensitivity, Cathedral, Archbishop Demetrios also pre- of Youngstown, Ohio, and the University of Theology. generosity of spirit and compassion for the sided at the separate burial service at St. of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He was then Metropolitan Nicholas had been sick and suffering and the less fortunate. John’s Orthodox Church in Perth Amboy assigned as Prefect of Discipline at Christ noted for his love for his flock and the In an interview with Ann Rodgers, on March 21.

married on Dec. 27, 1956. were completed. Elevated to protopres- Fr. John Asimacopoulos Following graduation from the Uni- byter in 1981, Fr. John was then assigned versity of Athens, Fr. John and Presbytera to St. Spyridon Church in San Diego and SAN JOSE, Calif. – Fr. John Asimaco- always seeking to bring people closer to Maria came to the United States. He was served there until 1987 when he moved to poulos, 79, pastor of St. Nicholas Church, Christ,” stated Metropolitan Gerasimos of ordained to the diaconate on Oct. 26, 1957 St. Nicholas Church in San Jose. Under his died March 17 following a brief illness. Fr. San Francisco. “He was a personal friend and into the priesthood on Oct. 27, 1957 spiritual guidance, a new church complex John served the Metropolis of San Francisco and wise counselor to me in my ministry at St. Paul Cathedral in Hempstead, N.Y. by was built. Houses in the neighborhood since his ordination in 1957. At the time of at the Metropolis. We especially extend our Archbishop Michael. were acquired and two rectories for the his passing, Fr. John was the proistamenos love and prayers to his beloved Presbytera Fr. John began his ministry as the clergy, and a multipurpose fellowship hall/ of the church, which he had been serving Maria, their children and grandchildren assistant at St. Paul’s. He was assigned to gymnasium was built. since 1987. who mourn his passing, asking that the Assumption Church in Price, Utah, in July Fr. John was preceded in death by He also served on the Metropolis Lord may grant them His peace and mercy 1958 and served for six years, then became his first child, George, who died at age 7. Council and the Board of St. Nicholas Ranch during these difficult days.” pastor of Annunciation Church in Modesto, Survivors include Presbytera Maria, their and Retreat Center, as vicar of the Bay Area He was born in Stylia, Greece on Calif., in 1964. children, Dr. George and Antonia Lendaris, Vicariate, and as the Greek Education and May 10, 1931, the oldest of six children of While there, he earned a bachelor’s de- Nicholas and Stephanie Tziavaras, George Culture Committee chairman. George and Antonia Asimacopoulos. gree in sociology and psychology. Fr. John Asimacopoulos, and grandchildren Nicho- “The passing of Father John Asima- In 1950, Fr. John joined the Greek also earned a teaching credential in primary las and Maria Lendaris. copoulos leaves a tremendous void in the army and received the rank of Axiomatikos. and secondary education. Additional post- Funeral services were held at St. Metropolis of San Francisco. Father John Having been honorably discharged, he en- graduate study was done at the University Nicholas Church on March 23 with Metro- was loved and respected by his brother rolled at the University of Athens theological of the Pacific and he also taught part-time politan Gerasimos officiating. clergy as a caring, compassionate and school where he completed his studies in in the Modesto Public School system. Fr. Memorial contributions may be made gentle leader. Throughout his distinguished 1957. John developed ministries to serve the in his memory to the St. Nicholas Build- ministry, Fr. John offered pastoral care and During that time that he met his future parish. During his tenure, the educational ing Fund (mailing address: 986 Chapman spiritual guidance to thousands of faithful, presbytera, Maria Stavropoulos. They were center and the fellowship hall addition Street, San Jose, CA, 95126).

Wheaton College. He was a Fulbright Schol- ing The Francis Bowen Prize, conferred ar in Modern Greek Thought at the Univer- by the Philosophy Department at Harvard Monk Dr. Constantine Cavarnos sity of Athens (1957-59), and was associate University “for the best essay upon a subject by Fr. Asterios Gerostergios first public high school in the U.S.), from professor of philosophy and Byzantine Art in moral or political philosophy.” He won which he graduated with honors. and adjunct professor in philosophy and this award twice, first in 1941 for his treatise FLORENCE, Ariz. – Former Holy Immediately after graduating from high Byzantine art and iconography on different “The Individual Life,” and again in 1945 for Cross and Harvard University Professor Dr. school, Cavarnos was admitted to Harvard occasions at Hellenic College-Holy Cross his treatise, “The Problem of the Destiny of Constantine Cavarnos died March 3 at the University, where he majored in the bio- School of Theology. Cavarnos also served as Man in Plato.” (Both of these essays have Monastery of St. Anthony the Great. He logical sciences, studying botany, general president of the Institute for, Byzantine and been published in his book Plato’s View of had entered the monastery where he spent zoology, comparative vertebrate anatomy, Modern Greek Studies in Belmont, Mass. Man.). He was a Fulbright Scholar in Mod- his last years after losing his eyesight at an physical anthropology, and biochemistry, In the area of systematic philosophy, ern Greek thought, conducting research at advanced age. He had been tonsured as a with a view to preparing himself for medical he taught aesthetics, ethics, logic, episte- the University of Athens, first from 1957- monk. Monk Cavarnos was born in Boston school. At the end of his sophomore year at mology, metaphysics and the philosophy 1958 and again from 1958-1959. He was on Oct. 19, 1918, to Panagiotis and Irene Harvard, he decided to change his field of of religion. In the area of the history of an Archon Depoutatos of the Ecumenical (Maistrou) Cavarnos, natives of Trigonas, concentration to philosophy, subsequently philosophy, he taught the pre-Socratic Patriarchate of Constantinople, an offikion Lesbos. His parents returned to their na- receiving three degrees in that field: the A.B. philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, medieval conferred by Patriarch Demetrios in 1979. tive village and he completed his primary magna cum laude in 1942, the A.M. in 1947, philosophy (particularly the thought of Cavarnos’ publications include 77 education there. Returning to America, he and his doctorate (Ph.D.) in 1948. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas), modern books and 10 monographs in English and completed his studies at the Boston Con- He held numerous academic positions European philosophy, and American phi- 22 books and four monographs in Greek. In tinuation School, where he learned English. during his career at Harvard, Radcliffe Col- losophy. addition, there is a list of his books that have After completing the appropriate prepara- lege, Tufts University, Wellesley College, He was also the recipient of many aca- been translated and published in Albanian, tory instruction, he enrolled in the presti- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, demic honors and awards during his long Arabic, Finnish, French, Japanese, Russian, gious English High School of Boston (the Clark University, Boston University and and distinguished academic career, includ- Serbian, and Swedish. 12 APRIL 2011 APRIL 2011 13 SPECIAL DISCOUNTS Offered to Com mu ni ties, HC/HC NEWS Or ga ni za tions, Church fes ti vals and all other func tions. Kontos Foods fa mous for its POCK ET-LESS PITA, is proud to present its orig i nal prod ucts once again.

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JOHN MINDALA photo Holy Cross seniors participated in the annual orientation visit to the Archdiocese March 29-31 where they heard presentations on the National Ministries and the various departments and offi ces of the Church’s headquarters, and met with Archbishop Demetrios. HCHC Commencement Slated May 21 BROOKLINE, Mass. – The 69th Com- Metropolis of Denver: Fr. Dimitrios mencement of Hellenic College and Holy Kyritsis (Sts. Constantine and Helen, Cross School of Theology will take place Cheyenne, Wyo.), Deacon Haralambos on Saturday, May 21. Spaliatsos (St. John the Baptist, Omaha, This year Holy Cross will have 43 Neb.), James A. Foreso and Gregory C. graduates, of which 27 are Greek Ortho- Kearns (St. Catherine, Greenwood Village, dox Archdiocese seminarians who will Colo.). Andonios Prayamis (Holy Trinity, receive the M.Div. degree. Four are already Denver), Deacon John Haby (St. Deme- ordained to the priesthood and five to the trios, Fort Worth, Texas), Nicole Hillas diaconate. Eight will receive the M.T.S. (Prophet Elias, Salt Lake City). degree, five the Th.M. degree and two Metropolis of San Francisco: Deacon women will receive the M.Div. degree. John E. Afendoulis (Prophet Elias, San Hellenic College will have 16 gradu- Bernardino, Calif.), George Demas (Holy ates receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree. Trinity, Portland, Oregon), Deacon Ion Six are GOA seminarians who will con- Coman (St. Nicholas, San Jose, Calif.). tinue at Holy Cross, and five are women. Metropolis of Pittsburgh: George Commencement week festivities Athanasiou (Holy Trinity, Pittsburgh), include alumni reunions for classes that Eleftherios Constantine (St. John the graduated 50 and 25 years ago. This year Forerunner, Boardman, Ohio), Michael A. the 15 members of the Holy Cross Class Gavrilos (Holy Dormition, Oakmont, Pa.). of 1961, the 24 members of the Holy Metropolis of Chicago: Jason Dickey Cross Class of 1986 and the 26 members (Annunciation, Milwaukee, Wis.), Nicholas of the Hellenic College Class of 1986 will Anton (Assumption, Orland Park, Ill.); be honored. Georgios Giavris (St. Demetrios, Elmhurst, The day begins, as usual, with a Hi- Ill.), Jan–Henrik Ehrs (Three Hierarchs, erarchical Divine Liturgy in Holy Cross Champaign, Ill.), Deacon David Hostetler Chapel at 7:30 a.m., followed by the com- (St. Athanasios, Aurora, Ill.), Thomas Alat- mencement in the Pappas Gymnasium. zakis (St. Demetrios, Libertyville, Ill.) Further information about the week’s Metropolis of New Jersey: Andrew festivities will be available soon at the news Horvath (Kimisis tis Theotokou, Holmdel, and events section of the HCHC website, N.J.), Konstantine Pietronuto (Annuncia- www.hchc.edu. tion, Elkins Park, Pa.). The public is cordially invited to at- Metropolis of Boston: Christopher tend. Fahlbeck (St. Spyridon, Worcester, Mass); The following Holy Cross seniors Jonathan Resmini (St. Demetrios, Weston, (shown in the photo above) will be gradu- Mass.). ating in May (Home parish in parenthesis). Metropolis of Atlanta: Stella Hondros Metropolis of Detroit: Demetrios Ka- (Annunciation, Atlanta), Michael Markan- zakis (St. Sophia, Syracuse, N.Y.) toni (St. Paul, Savannah, Ga.). Spiritual Odyssey Credit through Hellenic College Pilgrims on this year’s Spiritual and thoughts on pre-departure read- Odyssey may opt to earn 1.5 credits ings; daily one–page reflections on travel through Hellenic College by register- and assigned readings; participation in ing for the “Introduction to Orthodox discussions on assigned readings; and Christian Spirituality” course offered by a final paper synthesizing aspects of Fr. Christopher Flesoras, Ph.D. Orthodox spirituality framed within the Requirements for the course in- Spiritual Odyssey. clude: an introductory paper detail- The course option will be offered ing the student’s understanding and at an additional cost of $750. Interested experience of Orthodox spirituality, students may contact Fr. Christopher at expectations for the Spiritual Odyssey [email protected], or 916-772-9372. 14 APRIL 2011

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, The evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Χριστός Ανέστη Αληθώς Ανέστη

www.faithendowment.org ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2011 ΕΤΟΣ 76 • ΑΡΙΘΜΟΣ 1264

Α ΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ Ἅγιον Πάσχα: Ἡ Ἑορτή τῶν Ἑορτῶν Συνετάφημεν οὖν αὐτῷ διά τοῦ βαπτίσματος εἰς τόν θάνατον, ἵνα ὥσπερ ἠγέρθη Χριστός ἐκ νεκρῶν διά τῆς δόξης τοῦ πατρός, οὕτω καί ἡμεῖς ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς περιπατήσωμεν. (πρός Ρωμαίους 6:4)

Πρός τούς Σεβασμιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Κοινοτικῶν Συμβουλίων, τά Ἡμερήσια καί Ἀπογευματινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χρι- στεπώνυμον πλήρωμα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς.

Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Χριστός Ἀνέστη! Σ’αὐτή τήν μεγάλη καί ἔνδοξη ἑορτή τῆς Ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Κυρίου μας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, οἱ καρδιές μας γεμίζουν μέ ἀνείπωτη χαρά, ὁ νοῦς μας ἀγκαλιάζει τό φῶς τῆς ἀληθείας καί οἱ ψυχές μας μεταμορφώνονται ἀπό τήν παρουσία Του ἀνάμεσά μας καί τήν ἀγάπη Του γιά μᾶς. Ἐδῶ πρόκειται ἀσφαλῶς γιά μιά ἡμέρα πανηγυρικοῦ ἑορτασμοῦ, γιά μιά ἡμέρα ἀνώτερη ὅλων τῶν ἄλλων ἡμερῶν ἡ ὁποία διακηρύσσει τόν θρίαμβο τῆς ζωῆς ἐπί τοῦ θανάτου καί προσφέρει μαρτυρία τῆς δυνάμεως τῆς χάριτος καί τῆς πίστεως. Ἡ Ἑορτή τοῦ Ἁγίου Πάσχα εἶναι ἐπίσης ἡμέρα ἀνακαινίσεως. Μέ δοξολογίες καί εὐχαριστίες πα- ρουσιάζουμε σέ ὅλους τούς ἀνθρώπους τήν νέα ζωή ἡ ὁποία μᾶς προσφέρεται λόγῳ τῆς ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ὁ πανηγυρισμός τῆς μεγάλης αὐτῆς Ἑορτῆς μέ ὕμνους, προσευχές καί τήν διακή- ρυξη τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου, μᾶς ὁδηγεῖ νά ἀναλογισθοῦμε τήν σχέση τῆς Ἀναστάσεώς Του μέ ὅλα τά ἐπίπεδα τῆς ζωῆς μας, τό ἐσώτερο εἶναι μας, τίς σκέψεις καί ἐνέργειές μας, καί τίς φιλοδοξίες καί ἐλπίδες μας γιά ζωή στό παρόν καί στήν αἰωνιότητα. Ὅπως πλησιάζουμε μέ τήν λαμπάδα καί λαμβάνουμε τό φῶς τοῦ Πάσχα, ἔτσι θά πρέπει να λαμβάνει καί ὅλο τό εἶναι μας τό φῶς καί τή δύναμη τῆς Ἀνστάσεως τοῦ Κυρίου μας. Διά τῆς παρουσίας Του καί τῆς χάριτός Του μεταφερόμεθα ἀπό τόν θάνατο στή ζωή καί ἀνανεωνόμεθα κατ’ εἰκόνα καί καθ’ ὁμοίωση τοῦ Θεοῦ, καί ἐν καινότητι ζωῆς μεταφέρουμε αὐτό τό φῶς σ’ὁλόκληρο τόν κόσμο. Τό Πάσχα εἶναι γιορτή γιά τίς καρδιές μας, πανηγυρισμός γιά τίς ψυχές μας. Σήμε- ρα ἡ μετάνοια ἀγκαλίζεται μέ τήν χάρη καί τήν συγχώρηση. Ἡ ἐλπίδα ὑπερνικᾶ τήν ἀπογοήτευση. Ἡ οὐράνια χαρά ἀντικαθιστᾶ τήν λύπη. Ἡ θεϊκή καί ἀσφαλής εἰρήνη βασιλεύει ἐπί τῶν ἐσωτερικῶν ἀγώνων μας. Οἱ καρδιές μας ἀνακαινίζονται μέ τήν δύ- ναμη νά συνεχίσουν τήν πορεία τῆς ἀπελευθερώσεως ἀπό τήν ἁμαρτία καί τό κακό. Τό Πάσχα εἶναι γιορτή τῶν διανοιῶν μας. Τήν ἡμέρα αὐτή ἀποκαλύπτεται ἡ Ἀλήθεια ὡς ὑπέρτατο φῶς γιά ὅλη τήν ἀνθρωπότητα. Σήμερα, τό φῶς τοῦ Πάσχα φωτίζει τίς τήν εὐλογημένη ἑορτή τοῦ Πάσχα, ἐκφράζω σέ σᾶς καί στίς οἰκογένειές σας τίς θερμότερες διάνοιές μας. Λαμβάνουμε τό δῶρο τῆς θεϊκῆς σοφίας ἡ ὁποία μᾶς ὁδηγεῖ μέσα στή ζωή. εὐχές μου γιά μία ὑπέροχη ἡμέρα πανηγυρισμοῦ καί ἀδελφοσύνης. Εἴθε οἱ ψυχές μας, οἱ καρδιές Ἔχουμε εὐλογηθῆ μέ τό ὅραμα τοῦ ἁγίου, τοῦ ἁγνοῦ καί τοῦ δικαίου. Μέσα στό φῶς τοῦ μας καί οἱ διάνοιές μας νά εἶναι πλήρεις εἰρήνης καί ἀγάπης, καί εἴθε ἡ χαρά μας ἐν Χριστῷ καί Πάσχα, οἱ διάνοιές μας μποροῦν νά μελετοῦν ὅλες τίς συνέπειες τῆς ἐνδόξου Ἀναστά- ἐν τῇ Ἀναστάσει Του νά ἀποτελέσῃ ἀληθινή μαρτυρία τῆς νέας ζωῆς μας ἐν Αὐτῷ. σεως τοῦ Κυρίου μας. Μετά πατρικῆς ἐν Κυρίῳ Ἀναστάντι ἀγάπης, Σήμερα καί στίς ἑπόμενες ἡμέρες καί ἑβδομάδες θά διακηρύξουμε πάλιν καί πολ- λάκις, Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασιν ζωήν χαρισάμενος! Μετά ἀπό τήν Ἀνάσταση τοῦ Χριστοῦ, οἱ τάφοι δέν εἶναι πλέον χῶροι θανάτου ἀλλά ζωῆς, ἡ ὁποία μᾶς δίδεται ἀπό Ἐκεῖνον ὡς τό πολυτιμότερο δῶρο. Σ’αὐτή ÿ ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος Εικοστός Πέμπτος Εορτασμός της Εθνικής Παλιγγενεσίας στο Λευκό Οίκο ôïõ Óôáýñïõ Ç. Ðáðáãåñìáíïý Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος απευ- θυνόμενος στον Πρόεδρο Ομπάμα, αφού ΟΥΑΣΙΓΚΤΟΝ – Ο Πρόεδρος Μπα- τον ευχαρίστησε για την πρόσκληση και ράκ Ομπάμα υποδέχθηκε την Παρασκευή την φιλοξενία αναφέρθηκε στο νόημα της 25 Μαρτίου τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπί- επετείου της 25ης Μαρτίου σημειώνοντας σκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο και την ότι «οι Έλληνες αν και ευρίσκοντο σε Ελληνοαμερικανική ομογένεια στον ει- κατάσταση σκληρής καταδυνάστευσης κοστό–πέμπτο κατά σειρά εορτασμό της για τέσσερις αιώνες υπό τον οθωμανικό Εθνικής Παλιγγενεσίας στο Λευκό Οίκο. ζυγό και ζούσαν υπό συνθήκες φτώχειας Ο πρόεδρος Μπαράκ Ομπάμα συνα- και θρησκευτικής καταπιέσεως, αν και ντήθηκε ιδιαιτέρως με τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο στερημένοι από την ανθρώπινη αξιοπρέ- Δημήτριο για δέκα περίπου λεπτά στο πεια δεν έχασαν την πίστη τους στο Θεό, μια πίστη την οποία συνόδευε η γενναι- Green Room λίγο πριν από την δημόσια John Mindala τελετή, για την οποία εξήλθαν μαζί και Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος και πρόεδρος Μπαράκ Ομπάμα κατά τη διάρκεια ανέβηκαν στο βάθρο στις 4:40 μ.μ. Σελίδα 16 της τελετής για την 25η Μαρτίου στο Λευκό Οίκο. 16 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2011 Εικοστός Πέμπτος Εορτασμός της Εθνικής Παλιγγενεσίας στο Λευκό Οίκο Σελίδα 15 ότητα και η αυτοθυσία». Ο Αρχιεπίσκο- Χαιρετισμός Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου πος αναφερόμενος στη διακήρυξη του Προέδρου για την Ημέρα της Ελληνικής Επιμέλεια: Λ. Πισσσαλίδης Δε μπορούμε να ολοκληρώσου- Ανεξαρτησίας, τόνισε την ανάγκη να με και να προοδεύσουμε βασισμένοι σταθούμε στο πλευρό των κατατρεγμέ- Κατά την έναρξη της επίσημης σε αυτήν την ιδέα χωρίς να αναρω- νων και των καταπιεσμένων, να μοιρα- τελετής των εορτασμών στο Λευκό τηθούμε πού βρισκόμαστε αυτή τη στούμε τις ευλογίες του Θεού με τους Οίκο για την ιστορική επέτειο της συγκεκριμένη χρονική στιγμή. Στο ενδεείς και τους μη-έχοντες και να αγω- 25ης Μαρτίου, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος βαθμό που εμείς δεν υψώσουμε τις νιστούμε για την ελευθερία και την αξι- Δημήτριος απευθυνόμενος στον φωνές μας για λογαριασμό όλων των οπρέπεια όσων υποφέρουν από τυραννι- Πρόεδρο των ΗΠα. Μπαράκ Ομπάμα κατατρεγμένων και καταπιεσμένων, κά καθεστώτα. ανέφερε μεταξύ άλλων: «Είναι χαρά στο βαθμό που εμείς δεν συμμερι- Τέλος ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος και προνόμιο ότι είμαστε καλεσμένοι ζόμαστε τις ευλογίες και την καλή αναφέρθηκε στη στήριξη του Προέδρου σας στο Λευκό Οίκο για μια ακόμη μας τύχη με τους ενδεείς και άπο- των ΗΠΑ όσον αφορά στα θέματα των φορά, σηματοδοτώντας την 190η ρους, στο βαθμό που δεν παρέχουμε θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών του Οικουμε- John Mindala επέτειο της Ελληνικής Επανάστασης ελευθερία και αξιοπρέπεια για τους νικού Πατριαρχείου και της δίκαιης του 1821 και την 25η επέτειος του σκλαβωμένους και εκμεταλλευόμε- επίλυσης του Κυπριακού και της ονομα- πρέσβεων της Ελλάδος και της Κύπρου εορτασμού της Ημέρας της Ελληνι- νους από τυραννικά καθεστώτα, σίας της π.Γ.Δ.Μ. Βασίλη Κασκαρέλη και Παύλου Αναστα- κής Ανεξαρτησίας στο Λευκό Οίκο. στον ίδιο βαθμό που εμείς οι ίδιοι Διαβεβαίωσε δε τον Πρόεδρο για την σιάδη. Σας ευχαριστώ για την τιμή που καθόμαστε δίπλα στους αλαζόνες και υποστήριξη της ελληνορθόδοξου κοινό- Ο κ. Ομπάμα τόνισε ότι η τελετή και εμπεριέχει η πρόσκλησή σας, όχι ισχυρούς, με αποτέλεσμα να προ- τητος στις προσπάθειές συνδρομής των ο εορτασμός στο Λευκό Οίκο επιβεβαι- μόνο για εμάς που βρισκόμαστε εδώ σκαλούμε το ίδιο απώτερο μοιραίο θυμάτων καταστροφικών γεγονότων ώνουν τους δεσμούς του Αμερικανικού σήμερα, αλλά για όλους τους Ελληνες πεπρωμένο των επάνω σε εμάς τους όπως του σεισμού και του τσουνάμι στην και του Ελληνικού έθνους από της δημι- Ορθόδοξους Αμερικανούς. ίδιους. Ιαπωνία. ουργίας της Αμερικανικής Δημοκρατίας. «Η ημέρα της Ελληνικής Ανε- «Για το λόγο αυτό, κ. Πρόεδρε, «Οι προγονοί μας υπήρξαν μαθητές της ξαρτησίας εορτάζεται σε όλη την σας γνωστοποιούμε ότι εσείς και η ΠΡΟΕΔΡΟΣ ΟΜΠΑΜΑ Ελληνικής φιλοσοφίας και της Ελληνι- Ελληνοαμερικανική κοινότητα με οικογένειά σας παραμένετε στις Ο Πρόεδρος Ομπάμα ξεκίνησε τον κής Ιστορίας αντλώντας από τις ελληνικές χαρούμενες συγκεντρώσεις και ιερο- ένθερμες προσευχές μας, όπως κα- χαιρετισμό του με τη λέξη «καλησπέρα» αρχές για να καθοδηγήσουν το δικό μας πρεπείς δηλώσεις ότι ο Θεός κατέ- θοδηγήτε το μεγάλο έθνος μας. και καλωσορίζοντας τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Έθνος στα πρώτα του βήματα». ριψε τους πανίσχυρους από τους Είθε ο Θεός να σας χαρίζει σο- Αμερικής, είπε: «Αποτελεί πάντοτε τιμή Αναφέρθηκε δε και στη συνεργασία θρόνους και εξύψωσε τους ταπεινούς, φία και θάρρος όπως αντιμετωπίζετε να σας καλωσορίζουμε εδώ στο Λευκό της Ελλάδος και των Η.Π.Α σε κρίσεις ακόμη όπως διαβάζουμε και στο καθημερινά τεράστιες προκλήσεις Οίκο. Είμαστε φίλοι για αρκετό καιρό όπως στο Αφγανιστάν και τον αγώνα του Ευαγγέλιο (Λουκ. 1:52). στη δική μας γη και σε όλο τον τώρα, και ο Σεβασμιώτατος επιδεικνύει λαού της Λιβύης για ελευθερία και δημο- Η παρουσία μας εδώ στην οικία υπόλοιπο κόσμο. πάντα λεπτότητα και καλή διάθεση και κρατία. του ηγέτου του ελεύθερου κόσμου «Είθε η φωνή σας να είναι ισχυ- γενναιοδωρία. Είμαστε ευγνώμονες για είναι ταυτόχρονα μια εορτή αυτής της ρή και σαφής στη μάχη υπέρ της την ηγεσία σας». ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΔΟΞΟΛΟΓΙΑ ιεράς λέξεως και της αληθινής πραγ- δημοκρατίας και της ελευθερίας για Στη συνέχεια ο κ. Ομπάμα καλωσό- Το πρωί της 25ης Μαρτίου ο Αρχιε- ματοποίησής της. όλους τους ανθρώπους, με βάση τις ρισε τους πολλούς φίλους και εκπροσώ- πίσκοπος Δημήτριος προξήρχε της Αρ- «Η διακήρυξη που υπογράψατε αρχές της αυτοδιάθεσης, της θρη- πους της Ελληνοαμερικανικής κοινότη- χιερατικής Θείας Λειτουργίας του Ευαγ- σήμερα αφηγείται την ιστορία μιας σκευτικής ελευθερίας και το κράτος τος και σημείωσε την παρουσία των γελισμού της Θεοτόκου στον Καθεδρικό απίστευτης ανατροπής των πραγμά- δικαίου. βουλευτών Michael Grimm και Carolyn Ναό της Αγίας Σοφίας στην Ουάσιγκτον των. Πριν από την 25η Μαρτίου του «Εκμεταλλευόμενοι αυτή την Maloney από τη Νέα Υόρκη, του Τζον και στη συνέχεια τέλεσε την πανηγυρική 1821, οι Έλληνες βρίσκονταν σε μια ευκαιρία σήμερα σας ευχαριστώ Σαρμπάνη από το Μέριλαντ και του πα- δοξολογία παρουσία των πολιτικών και κατάσταση άθλιας καταπίεσης διάρ- προσωπικά για τη συνεχή και στα- τέρα του και επί πολλές δεκαετίες γερου- διπλωματικών αρχών της Ελλάδος και κειας τεσσάρων αιώνων. θερή θέση σας σε θέματα που σχε- σιαστή Πολ Σαρμπάνη. της Κύπρου και πολλών εκπροσώπων της Υπό το καθεστώς της Τουρκο- τίζονται με τα δικαιώματα του Οι- Χαιρέτισε επί πλέον τον πρόεδρο της Ομογένειας. κρατίας ζούσαν μέσα στη φτώχεια και κουμενικού Πατριαρχείου μας στην ΑΧΕΠΑ Νικόλαο Καρακώστα και τον Ο Σεβασμιώτατος τόνισε το ιδιαίτερο την εξαθλίωση και με τη στέρηση Τουρκία, για την ασφάλεια και την υφυπουργό εξωτερικών της Ελλάδος περιεχόμενο χαράς, σωτηρίας και απελευ- των θρησκευτικών ελευθεριών τους, ελευθερία των θρησκευτικών μειο- Δημήτρη Ντόλλη, τονίζοντας ότι ο ίδιος θέρωσης που εμπεριέχει ο εορτασμός του όπως και με τη στέρηση κάθε ανθρώ- νοτήτων σε τόπους καταπίεσης, για είχε μιλήσει νωρίτερα τηλεφωνικώς με Ευαγγελισμού. πινης αξιοπρέπειας. Από αυτούς, τις ικανοποιητικές και δίκαιες πολι- τον πρωθυπουργό της Ελλάδος κ. Γιώργο Εξάλλου το εσπέρας της ίδιας ημέρας κατ’ουσίαν, κάθε καλό πράγμα στη τικές λύσεις για την Κύπρο και την Παπανδρέου και του είχε ζητήσει να ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος προέστη της ακολου- ζωή τους είχε αφαιρεθεί. πΓΔΜ στα Βαλκάνια, καθώς και για μεταφέρει το χαιρετισμό του για την θίας των Χαιρετισμών της Θεοτόκου «Τα πάντα, δηλαδή, εκτός όμως την επιτυχία των δημοκρατικών εθνική εορτή σε όλους τους Ελληνες. στον Ιερό Ναό των Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου από την πίστη τους. Δεν έχασαν κινημάτων σε όλα τα μέρη του κό- Τέλος χαιρέτισε την παρουσία των και Ελένης στην Ουάσιγκτον. ποτέ την πίστη τους στο Θεό που σμου. εξυψώνει τον ταπεινό και αντιστέκε- «Όχι μόνο σας ευχαριστούμε, ται στον αλαζόνα. κύριε Πρόεδρε, αλλά σας προσφέ- «Με αυτήν την πίστη ήρθε το ρουμε επίσης την υποστήριξη της «Στο βράχο της υπομονής ηρωικό θάρρος. Με αυτήν την πίστη ελληνικής ορθόδοξης κοινότητας ήρθε ένα εκπληκτικό πνεύμα αυτο- της Αμερικής στις προσπάθειές σας θυσίας. Με αυτήν την πίστη ήρθε η για την παροχή βοήθειας στα θύμα- προσμένουμε το θαύμα» οραματική προνοητικότητα να ελπί- τα των μεγάλων καταστροφικών ôïõ Íéêüëáïõ Ìáããßíá λούσης σήμερον μέρος της «Δακρυσμένης ζουν και να αγωνίζονται για την γεγονότων, όπως το τσουνάμι στην Μικρασίας» που δεν έχει ψάλτη ουδέ παπά. ημέρα που τα παιδιά, τα εγγόνια και Ιαπωνία, για τη προσπάθεια σταθε- Σε συγκινητική ατμόσφαιρα πραγματο- Αλλ’ όχι δια πάντα, όχι εις το διηνεκές. Η τα δισέγγονά τους θα μπορούν να ροποίησης της οικονομίας μας και ποιήθηκε την Κυριακή 20 Μαρτίου στον ευρωπαϊκή προοπτική και πορεία της Τουρ- τραγουδούν τα τραγούδια της νίκης την περιβαλλοντική ευημερία στον Πάνσεπτο Πατριαρχικό Ναό του Αγίου Γε- κίας, την οποίαν πλειστάκις ανεπιφυλάκτως και της ελευθερίας χωρίς φόβο και να πλανήτη μας, και τη βοήθεια στους ωργίου στο Φανάρι η χειροτονία από τον υπεστηρίξαμεν εις διάφορα διεθνή φόρα, χαίρονται για την εξύψωση των τα- λαούς της Βόρειας Αφρικής, Εγγύς, Οικουμενικό Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίο του δίδει βασίμους ελπίδας ότι και ως προς τού- πεινών και την ανατροπή των υπερό- Μέσης και Άπω Ανατολής στους Μητροπολίτη Προύσης Ελπιδοφόρου. Στην το αλλαγαί θα γίνουν. Και θα κτυπήσουν πτων και ισχυρών. ευγενείς αγώνες τους για ελευθερία Πατριαρχική Θεία Λειτουργία συμμετείχαν σήμαντρα που τώρα είναι σιωπηλά και συ θα «Κύριε Πρόεδρε, η διακήρυξή και δημοκρατία. Πράγματι, με κάθε Ιεράρχες του Θρόνου και άλλων Εκκλησιών, ημπορής να μεταβαίνης εις τα «ήρεμα τοπία σας τιμά αυτούς, τους πιστούς πατρι- τρόπο με τον οποίο εργάζεστε για την ενώ συμπροσευχόμενος παρέστη και ο Αρ- με τα ελαιόδενδρα της γης της Βιθυνίας», της ώτες του 1821. Αλλά ταυτόχρονα ανατροπή των πραγμάτων και υπέρ των χιεπίσκοπος Αθηνών και πάσης Ελλάδος οποίας Βιθυνίας υπέρτιμος και έξαρχος είσαι αποτελεί μια πρόκληση για μας, στον καταπιεσμένων, ζητούμε την τιμή να Ιερώνυμος. πλέον από της σήμερον – και ταύτα πάντα κόσμο μας σήμερα. Κάθε 25 του είμμαστε συνεργάτες σας στον αγώνα «Εξελέγης και χειροτονείσαι σήμερον διότι «εξουσίαν έχει ο υιός του ανθρώπου Μάρτη γιορτάζουμε την θαυματουρ- αυτόν. Γι’αυτό είναι για μας η πιο αληθι- εν τω Πανσέπτω Πατριαρχικώ Ναώ, εν τω επί της γης», όπως ηκούσαμεν εις το ευαγ- γή ανατροπή των πραγμάτων, όχι νή εορτή του πνεύματος της εικοστής– οποίω «συνήχθησαν πολλοί, ώστε μηκέτι γελικόν ανάγνωσμα», είπε ο Οικουμενικός μόνο για μία μόνο γενιά Ελλήνων, πέμπτης Μαρτίου και της Ημέρας της χωρείν μηδέ τα προς την θύραν» (Μαρκ. 2, Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος απευθυνόμενος αλλά ως έκφραση Θείας δικαιοσύνης Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας», τόνισε ο 2). Χειροτονείσαι Μητροπολίτης Προύσης, στο νέο Μητροπολίτη λίγο πριν να τον χει- που θα προκύψει, με τη χάρη του Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμε- μιας των διακεκριμένων Επαρχιών του Οι- Θεού, σε κάθε γενιά. ρικής Δημήτριος. κουμενικού Θρόνου, όμως και αυτής αποτε-  óåë. 18 ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2011 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣORTHODOX ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ OBSERVER 17 Ζωντανό το μήνυμα των αγωνιστών Α ΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ της 25ης Μαρτίου 1821 στην 5η Λεωφόρο ΓΙΑ ΤΟΝ ΚΑΤΑΣΤΡΟΦΙΚΟ ΣΕΙΣΜΟ ΤΗΣ ΙΑΠΩΝΙΑΣ Πρός τούς Σεβασµιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί ∆ιακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Κοινοτικῶν Συµβουλίων, τά Ἡµερήσια καί Ἀπογευµατινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυµον πλήρωµα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀµερικῆς.

Ἀγαπητοί μου ἀδελφοί και ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Ἡ καρδιά μας εἶναι γεμάτη λύπη καί συμπόνοια καθώς παρακολουθοῦμε τίς εἰκόνες ἀποκαλύψεως τῆς μαζικῆς καταστροφῆς καί πόνου οἱ ὁποῖες ἀκολούθησαν τόν σεισμό καί το τσουνάμι πού ἔπληξε τήν Ἰαπωνία τήν περασμένη Παρασκευή. Προσπαθώντας νά ἀντι- μετωπίσουμε αὐτή τήν ἱστορικοῦ μεγέθους τραγωδία, δέν μποροῦμε νά ἀρθρώσουμε λόγο βλέποντας τήν ἔκταση τῆς καταστροφῆς καί τήν δοκιμασία τόσων πολλῶν ἀνθρώπων. Ὅμως, ἡ πίστη μας στόν ἐλεήμονα Θεό μᾶς ὁδηγεῖ νά κινηθοῦμε πρός κάλυψη τῶν ἀνθρω- πίνων ἀναγκῶν προσευχόμενοι καί ἐνεργώντας πρός τήν κατεύθυνση τῆς διατηρήσεως τῆς ζωῆς καί τῆς προσφορᾶς ἀνακουφίσεως σέ μία χρονική συγκυρία τεράστιας ἀπώλειας. Γιά τούς ἀνθρώπους τῆς Ἰαπωνίας παρακαλῶ τό θεοσεβές ποίμνιο τῆς Ἑλληνικῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Ἐκκλησίας τῆς Ἀμερικῆς πρωτίστως καί κυρίως, νά προσευχηθῇ. Ἄς ἑνώσου- με τίς προσευχές μας μέ τίς προσευχές τόσων ἄλλων ἀνθρώπων ἀνά τόν κόσμο ζητώντας ἀπό τόν Θεό νά τούς δίδῃ παρηγοριά σ’ αὐτές τίς ὧρες τοῦ πόνου. Ἄς προσευχηθοῦμε νά τούς δοθῇ νέα πηγή δυνάμεως καί ἐλπίδος, ὥστε νά ἀποκατασταθοῦν οἱ ζωές των καί νά μπορέσουν νά ἐπανενωθοῦν φίλοι καί οἰκογένειες. Προσευχόμεθα, ἐπίσης, καί γιά τόν περιορισμό τῆς τρομακτικῆς βλάβης ἡ ὁποία δημιουργήθηκε ἀπό τήν δυσλειτουργία τῶν πυρηνικῶν ἐργοστασίων τῆς περιοχῆς. Ἰδιαιτέρως προσευχόμεθα γιά τήν αἰωνία ἀνάπαυση τῶν ἀμέτρητων θυμάτων τῆς καταστροφῆς αὐτῆς. Ἡ ἀποκατάσταση τῆς ζωῆς καί τῶν κοινοτήτων θά ἀπαιτήσῃ τήν σύμπραξη ὁλόκλη- ρης τῆς παγκόσμιας κοινότητας. Σᾶς παροτρύνω νά βοηθήσετε τήν ὀργάνωση Διεθνής Ὀρθόδοξος Χριστιανική Ὀργάνωση Φιλανθρωπίας (I.O.C.C., www.iocc.org) ἤ ἄλλες τοπι- κές ἤ ἐθνικές ὀργανώσεις ὅπως ὁ Ἐρυθρός Σταυρός, ὅπως τόσοι πολλοί ἀπό ἐσᾶς συνηθί- ζετε, ἀνταποκρινόμενοι σέ ἀνάγκες ἀνά τόν κόσμο. Σᾶς παρακαλῶ νά ἐπιλέξετε τόν ὀργανι- σμό τῆς ἀρεσκείας σας γιά νά προσφέρετε τή βοήθειά σας. Δώσετε γενναιόδωρα μέ ἀγάπη, διότι μέσα ἀπ’ αὐτή τήν δωρεά ἔχουμε τήν δυνατότητα νά προσφέρουμε μαρτυρία τῆς ἀγά- πης τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὡς Ὀρθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί. Μέ πατρική ἀγάπη ἐν Αὐτῷ,

† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΘΕΝ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΕΠΑΡΧΙΑΚΗΣ ΣΥΝΟΔΟΥ

Νέα Ὑόρκη, 17 Μαρτίου 2011 Ἡ Ἱερά Ἐπαρχιακή Σύνοδος τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς συνῆλθεν εἰς τήν τακτικήν συνεδρίαν αὐτῆς εἰς τήν αἲθουσαν τῆς Συνόδου τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς ἐν Νέᾳ Ὑόρκῃ τήν 16ην καί 17ην Μαρτίου 2011 ὑπό τήν προεδρίαν τοῦ Σεβασμιωτάτου Ἀρχιεπι- σκόπου Ἀμερικῆς κ. Δημητρίου καί τήν συμμετοχήν τῶν Μελῶν αὐτῆς. Πρό τῆς ἐνάρξεως τῆς συνεδρίας τῆς Συνόδου, τά Μέλη αὐτῆς εἶχον τήν εὐκαιρίαν νά λάβουν μέρος εἰς τήν συνεδρίαν τῆς Ἐκτελεστικῆς Ἐπιτροπῆς τοῦ Ἀρχιεπισκοπικοῦ Συμ- βουλίου τήν Τρίτην 15ην Μαρτίου ἐ. ἒ. Κατ’ αὐτήν συνεζητήθησαν διοικητικά καί ἂλλα θέματα. Ἡ Ἐπιτροπή ἐπεβεβαίωσε τόν τρόπον διοικήσεως τῶν Ἐνοριῶν, ὁ ὁποῖος βασίζε- ται εἰς τά κείμενα τῶν Ἱερῶν Κανόνων, τοῦ Συντάγματος, καί τοῦ Καταστατικοῦ τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς. Κατά τήν διάρκειαν τῶν δύο ἑπομένων ἡμερῶν ἡ Σύνοδος συνεζήτησε: 1. Κανονικά Θέματα: Ἀνεθεώρησε καί κατέληξεν εἰς τό ὁριστικόν σχέδιον τοῦ Κανο- νισμοῦ Πνευματικῶν Δικαστηρίων πρός ὑποβολήν εἰς τό Οἰκουμενικόν Πατριαρχεῖον πρός ἒγκρισιν. 2. Λειτουργικά Θέματα: Ἐνέκρινε τό ὑπό τῆς Συνοδικῆς Ἐπιτροπῆς ἐπί Λειτουργικῶν θεμάτων κείμενον Ἑσπερινοῦ καί Ὂρθρου, τό ὁποῖον θά ὑποβληθῇ εἰς τό Οἰκουμενικόν Πατριαρχεῖον πρός τελικήν ἒγκρισιν. Ἡ Σύνοδος εἶχε τήν εὐκαιρίαν νά συναντηθῇ εἰς εἰδικήν συνεδρίαν μετά τῶν ἐπί κεφαλῆς τῶν ἐπί μέρους Ἐπιτροπῶν τοῦ Συλλόγου Ἑλλή- νων Ὀρθοδόξων Ἐκκλησιαστικῶν Μουσικῶν, καί συνεζήτησε μεταξύ ἂλλων: α) τήν ἀνά- πτυξιν τῶν Ἐκκλησιαστικῶν Χορωδιῶν καί τήν προσπάθειαν ἐξευρέσεως νέων μελῶν, β) τό τεῦχος Λειτουργικῶν Ὁδηγιῶν, γ) τήν συνεργασίαν τῶν Ἐκκλησιαστικῶν Χορωδιῶν μετά τῶν Ἱεροψαλτῶν, καί δ) τήν ἀνάπτυξιν τῶν Παιδικῶν Χορωδιῶν. 3. Ποιμαντικά Θέματα: Ἐπίσης ἡ Ἱ. Ἐπαρχ. Σύνοδος ἒλαβεν γνῶσιν τοῦ τύπου τῶν νέων Πιστοποιητικῶν Βαπτίσεως, καί θά προβῇ εἰς ἐκτύπωσιν αὐτῶν προκειμένου νά τεθοῦν εἰς ἐφαρμογήν. Ἡ Σύνοδος συνεζήτησεν εἰδικά θέματα ποιμαντικῆς φροντίδος διά κληρικούς, ἰδιαι- τέρως δέ ἀναξιοπαθοῦντες. 4. Διοικητικά Θέματα: Ἡ Ἱ. Ἐπαρχ. Σύνοδος συνεζήτησε τρέχοντα καί ἐπείγοντα θέ- ματα διοικητικῆς φύσεως, ἀφορῶντα εἰς τήν ζωήν καί δρᾶσιν τῆς Ἐκκλησίας τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχι- επισκοπῆς. Ὑπό τῆς ὁλομελείας τῶν μελῶν τῆς Ἱ. Συνόδου ἐτονίσθη ὃτι, τήν εὐθύνην διαποιμάνσεως τῶν ἐνοριῶν εἰς ἑκάστην Ἱ. Μητρόπολιν τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς, ἒχουν οἱ οἰκεῖοι Ἀρχιερεῖς ποιμαίνοντες αὐτάς κατά τήν τάξιν τῆς Ἐκκκλησίας, τούς κανό- νας αὐτῆς, τόν καταστατικόν χάρτην καί τούς κανονισμούς τῆς Ἱ. Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς. 5. Διορθόδοξα Θέματα: Ἐγένετο ἀναφορά καί ἐκτενής συζήτησις διά τήν προσεχῆ Συνεδρίαν τῆς Ἐπισκοπικῆς Συνελεύσεως, τῶν Κανονικῶν Ὀρθοδόξων Ἐπισκόπων Βο- ρείου καί Κεντρικῆς Ἀμερικῆς, ἡ ὁποία θά πραγματοποιηθῇ κατά τόν προσεχῆ μῆνα Μάϊον ἐν Σικάγῳ. Ἐκ τοῦ Γραφείου τῆς Ἱερᾶς Συνόδου 18 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2011 Βοήθεια από IOCC και ΑΧΕΠΑ Θύματα Σεισμού Η Εκκλησία έχει στρέψει επίσης το εν- με τοπικούς Ορθόδοξους και οικουμενικούς River, Ohio και Albuquerque, N.M., αποτελεί Η Διεθνής Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανική διαφέρον της στην εκτίμηση των αναγκών εταίρους στην Ιαπωνία προκειμένου να στέλεχος του Δικτύου Αντιμετώπισης Έκτα- Οργάνωση Φιλανθρωπίας (IOCC) με έδρα των ανθρώπων εκείνων οι οποίοι έχασαν τις προσδιορίσει τις ανάγκες οι οποίες δεν έχουν κτων Αναγκών της IOCC και εργάζεται από τη Βαλτιμόρη, με την έκτακτη χορήγηση εστίες τους στις πόλεις Ishinomaki, Yamada καλυφθεί. Η κάλυψη των αναγκών αυτών θα κοινού και άμεσα με την IOCC για τον συ- βοήθειας ύψους $25,000 από την Εθνική και Kesennuma οι οποίες παραμένουν μη αποτελέσει συμπλήρωμα της βοήθειας η ντονισμό των προσπαθειών. Το δίκτυο επ’ Φιλόπτωχο Αδελφότητα και εισφορές από προσβάσιμες λόγω της καταστροφής και της οποία παρέχεται από την Ιαπωνική και άλλες ονόματι Μέτωπο αποτελείται από Ορθόδο- ιδιώτες δωρητές και τον Ελληνο-Αμερικανικό έλλειψης καυσίμων. κυβερνήσεις. ξους κληρικούς και λαϊκούς εθελοντές οι οργανισμό ΑΧΕΠΑ, ανέλαβε πρωτοβουλία Όλη η βοήθεια που θα διανεμηθεί προ- Η IOCC έχει λάβει πολλά τηλεφωνήμα- οποίοι είναι εκπαιδευμένοι και έχουν εμπειρία προσφοράς βοήθειας προς τα υπολογιζόμενα βλέπεται να αποκτηθεί τοπικά από την Ιαπω- τα από άτομα και ομάδες οι οποίες διατίθε- σε περιπτώσεις έκτακτων αναγκών. 20.000 έως 25.000 θύματα του σεισμού της νία. νται να συναρμολογήσουν τις συσκευασίες Η πόλη Christchurch διαθέτει τρεις κλίμακας 8.9 Richter και του επακόλουθου Ο Καθεδρικός της Αγίας Ανάστασης στο (κιτ) με φαρμακευτικό υλικό (health kit) και Ορθόδοξες Χριστιανικές εκκλησίες. Ανεπι- καταστροφικού τσουνάμι το οποίο έπληξε Τόκυο και το κτίριο του Μητροπολιτικού υλικό για μωρά (baby kit). Τα κιτς έχουν γίνει βεβαίωτος παραμένει ο θάνατος μιας Σερβί- την Ιαπωνία και αφάνισε μεγάλο τμήμα της Συμβουλίου δεν επλήγησαν σύμφωνα με τον ανάρπαστα πρόσφατα και είναι πάντοτε δας η οποία είχε πρόσφατα μεταναστεύσει βορειοανατολικής ακτής της χώρας αυτής Αιδ. Δημήτριο Τανάκα, Ορθόδοξο Ιερέα. Οι καλοδεχούμενα, δήλωσε η Jamie Helfer, από τη Σερβία στη Νέα Ζηλανδία και φέρεται στις 11 Μαρτίου. Η IOCC επικοινώνησε Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί της πόλης Sendai, η συντονίστρια αντιμετώπισης κατάστασης παγιδευμένη στα χαλάσματα. Ο π. Πατίτσας επίσης με την Ελληνορθόδοξη Αρχιεπισκοπή οποία επλήγη βαρύτερα, καταγράφουν τις άμεσης ανάγκης. Τα κιτς τα οποία παραλαμ- αναφέρει ότι πολλών ανθρώπων τα σπίτια Νέας Ζηλανδίας για να προσφέρει βοήθεια ανάγκες των επιζώντων. Τα περισσότερα βάνονται από τις αποθηκευτικές εγκαταστά- έχουν υποστεί σοβαρές ζημίες και άλλων στους κατοίκους της πόλης Christchurch η κτίρια της ενορίας Tohoku κατά μήκος των σεις στο δυτικό Μέρυλαντ ετοιμάζονται προς καταστράφηκαν τα κτίρια της εργασίας τους. οποία επλήγη από σεισμό 6.3 Richter στις 22 ακτών του Ειρηνικού έχουν υποστεί σοβαρές αποστολή και αποστέλλονται στους εταίρους Η προσφορά βοήθειας θα δοθεί σε Ορ- Φεβρουαρίου. ζημίες και αγνοείται ένας ιερέας, δήλωσε ο π. μας ανά τον κόσμο οι οποίοι τα παραγγέλ- θόδοξους πληγέντες και μη οι οποίοι επλή- Δημήτριος. Παρά ταύτα, επιβεβαιώσαμε ότι λουν για την κάλυψη αναγκών σε περιπτώ- γησαν από τον σεισμό. Η Κρίση στην Ιαπωνία οι κληρικοί της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας στο σεις καταστροφών, και φυσικά μπορούν να Για να βοηθήσετε θύματα καταστροφών Η IOCC είναι σε συνεχή επαφή με τους Sendai μεταξύ αυτών και ο Επίσκοπος Σερα- αποσταλούν και στην Ιαπωνία εάν οι εταίροι ανά την υφήλιο, όπως τελευταίως τα θύματα Ορθόδοξους Χριστιανούς της Ιαπωνίας και φείμ, είναι ασφαλείς. μας εκεί τα ζητήσουν. στην Ιαπωνία και στη Νέα Ζηλανδία, μπορεί- τους εταίρους του ACT Alliance, παγκόσμι- Η υπερβολικά μεγάλη ανταπόκριση εκ Οι οδηγίες συναρμολόγησης των κιτ τε να στείλετε την οικονομική βοήθειά σας ου συνασπισμού εκκλησιών και υπηρεσιών, μέρους των Ορθοδόξων Χριστιανών οι οποί- είναι αναρτημένες στην ιστοσελίδα της στο Ταμείο IOCC International Emergency ο οποίος έχει σαν αντικείμενό του τη συγκέ- οι εξέφρασαν την επιθυμία να βοηθήσουν IOCC στη διεύθυνση www.iocc.org/kits. Response Fund. Το Ταμείο αυτό παρέχει ντρωση ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας και την μέσω του IOCC είναι συγκινητική, δήλωσε ο υπηρεσίες άμεσης ανακούφισης καθώς και προσφορά υποστήριξης για την κάλυψη των Εκτελεστικός Διευθυντής της IOCC κ. Κων- Βοήθεια στη Νέα Ζηλανδία μακροπρόθεσμη στήριξη μέσω της παροχής αναγκών των θυμάτων της τεράστιας κατα- σταντίνος Τριανταφύλλου. Πρόκειται περί Οι αρχές υπολογίζουν ότι ο αριθμός των έκτακτης ανάγκης, βοήθειας αποκατάστασης στροφής που έπληξε την βορειοανατολική σύνθετης καταστροφής – δύο σχεδόν ταυτό- νεκρών του σεισμού της Νέας Ζηλανδίας και άλλης βοήθειας όπως απαιτείται για την Ιαπωνία. Η IOCC επικοινώνησε επίσης και χρονα καταστροφικά γεγονότα – και το μέ- ανέρχεται σε 200. Η IOCC εργάζεται για να κάλυψη αναγκών. με την Ιερά Μητρόπολη Κορέας στην Εξαρ- γεθος των αναγκών μόλις αρχίζει να διαφαί- στηρίξει τις προσπάθειες ανακούφισης των Μπορείτε να επισκεφθείτε την ιστοσε- χία του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου της νεται. Η IOCC θα συνεχίσει τη συνεργασία πληγέντων της χώρας αυτής. Των προσπα- λίδα www.iocc.org, να τηλεφωνήσετε χωρίς οποίας ανήκει η Ιαπωνία. της με τους Ορθοδόξους Χριστιανούς και θειών αυτών ηγείται ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμφι- χρέωση στον αριθμό 1-877-803-IOCC (4622), Ανταποκρινόμενος στην κατακλυσμική οικουμενικούς εταίρους της προκειμένου να λόχιος της Ιεράς Ελληνορθοδόξου Αρχιεπι- ή να ταχυδρομήσετε την επιταγή σας πλη- καταστροφή, ο Ύπατος Πρόεδρος της ΑΧΕ- αποφασίσουμε ποιά θα είναι η πλέον αποτε- σκοπής Νέας Ζηλανδίας και Έξαρχος της ρωτέα στην IOCC στη διεύθυνση P.O. Box ΠΑ κ. Νικόλαος Α. Καρακώστας δήλωσε: Η λεσματική βοήθεια προς τους Ιάπωνες μέσα Ωκεανίας ο οποίος επισκέφθηκε την πόλη 630225, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225. σκέψη και η προσευχή μας είναι με τους αν- στις επόμενες ημέρες και εβδομάδες. Christchurch λίγες ημέρες μετά από τον Για να βοηθήσετε μέσω της AHEPA θρώπους της Ιαπωνίας σε αυτή την τόσο Οι ανθρώπινες απώλειες και καταστρο- αρχικό σεισμό για να εκτιμήσει τις ζημίες και Emergency Relief, στείλτε τη δωρεά σας τα- δύσκολη συγκυρία. Ελπίζουμε πως η προ- φές σε σπίτια και υποδομές ως αποτέλεσμα τις ανάγκες των πληγέντων. Στις οικογένειες χυδρομικά στην ακόλουθη διεύθυνση: σφορά μας θα βοηθήσει στην κάλυψη των του σεισμού των 8.9 της κλίμακας Richter που επλήγησαν από τον σεισμό ήδη παρέχε- AHEPA Emergency Relief Fund, Attn: αναγκών των Ιαπώνων. Η φιλανθρωπία είναι μόλις αρχίζουν να υπολογίζονται. Περισσό- ται νερό, κουβέρτες, τρόφιμα και άλλα απα- Japanese Earthquake, 1909 Q Street, NW, αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της αποστολής μας, τεροι από 20.000 άνθρωποι πιθανολογείται ραίτητα εφόδια. Suite 500, Washington, DC 20009. και πρέπει να εργασθούμε όλοι μαζί για να ότι έχασαν τη ζωή τους από το τσουνάμι που Η ανταπόκριση της IOCC στη Νέα Το Ταμείο αυτό της ΑΧΕΠΑ αποτελεί βοηθήσουμε τα θύματα αυτής της τρομακτι- προκάλεσε ο σεισμός το οποίο αφάνισε αρ- Ζηλανδία συντονίζεται από τον πρωτοσύ- μη-κερδοσκοπικό οργανισμό και βοηθά την κής φυσικής καταστροφής. κετές παράκτιες πόλεις όπως και τη Sendai, γκελλο της Αρχιεπισκοπής Νέας Ζηλανδίας ΑΧΕΠΑ στην πραγματοποίηση της φιλαν- Η IOCC θα προσφέρει ανθρωπιστική τον Επισκοπικό θρόνο της Επισκοπής Ανα- Αιδ. π. Χριστόδουλο Παπαδέα ο οποίος είχε θρωπικής δραστηριότητάς της. Από την βοήθεια όπως φάρμακα, τρόφιμα και άλλα τολικής Ιαπωνίας της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας πριν υπηρετήσει στην Αδελφότητα Αγίου ίδρυσή του, το Ταμείο Emergency Relief Fund ουσιώδη είδη σε κοινότητες των ακτών του στην Ιαπωνία. Γεωργίου στο Ντένβερ. Ο π. Χριστόδουλος έχει προσφέρει βοήθεια σε πολλές περιπτώ- Ειρηνικού των περιφερειών Iwate, Miyagi, Η τεράστια έκταση της διπλής κατα- συνεπικουρείται από τον Αιδ. π. Αμφιλόχιο σεις. Fukushima και Ibaragi οι οποίες επλήγησαν. στροφής ανάγκασε την Ιαπωνική κυβέρνηση Βασιλιοτέλλη της ενορίας Κοίμηση της Θε- Ενδεικτικά θα αναφέρεται ο καταστρο- Η βοήθεια θα διανεμηθεί από την Ορθόδοξη να ζητήσει βοήθεια από την παγκόσμια κοι- οτόκου στην πόλη Christchurch. φικός σεισμός στην Αϊτή (2010), οι Πυρκαϊές Εκκλησία της Ιαπωνίας σε συνδυασμό με τις νότητα. Ο Αιδ. π. Παύλος Πατίτσας, ο οποίος στην Ελλάδα (2007), η 11η Σεπτεμβρίου εκεί περιφερειακές αρχές. Η IOCC θα συντονίσει τις ενέργειές της είχε υπηρετήσει σε ενορίες στις πόλεις Rocky (2001-2002) και ο σεισμός της Αθήνας (1999). ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΣ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΗΣ ΒΑΡΘΟΛΟΜΑΙΟΣ: «Στο βράχο της υπομονής προσμένουμε το θαύμα»  óåë. 16 συντηρεί και εκφράζει την καθολικότητα τελευταίος Χριστιανός αυτοκράτωρ της» Παλαμάν, τον οποίον εχαρακτήριζε «το μεθ και οικουμενικότητα της Ορθοδόξου σημείωσε ο Πατριάρχης Βαρθολομαίος και ὑπερβολῆς πράον και ταπεινόν, το προς τας ροτονήσει. «Ο συμπροσευχόμενος σήμερον Εκκλησίας και κρατεί ζωντανήν την πίστιν πρόσθεσε: «Από αυτήν την πόλιν, λοιπόν, επερχομένας εκάστοτε δυσχερείας καρτερι- Μακ. Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αθηνών και πάσης και αδούλωτον το φρόνημα του Γένους, εν «το καύχημα πάσι τοις ούσιν υπό την του κόν και μεγαλόψυχον, το πάσης ηδονής και Ελλάδος και φίλτατος εν Χριστώ αδελφός κ. εσωτερική ελευθερία, ο,τι και αν συμβαίνει ηλίου ανατολήν», θα εκπορεύεται η διακονία κενοδοξίας ανώτερον, το της καρτερίας ήρε- Ιερώνυμος γράφει εις πρόσφατον κείμενόν γύρω του. σου, Θεοφιλέστατε Εψηφισμένε, προς τους μόν τε και γαληνόν, και αεί χαρίεν», κατά τον του ότι η πόλις αυτή, η Κωνσταντινούπολις, «Το Φανάρι σηκώνει το σταυρό της εγγύς και τους μακράν, όπου θα ορίζη εκά- ιερόν Συναξαριστήν». «δεν είναι μόνο παρελθόν, είναι και παρόν ιστορίας του και η θυσία του δεν έχει επί στοτε η Μήτηρ Εκκλησία κατά τας ανάγκας Στην ομιλία του ο νέος Μητροπολίτης και κυρίως το μέλλον», είναι η πόλις του ματαίω συντελεσθή». «Στο βράχο της αυτής και των τέκνων της. Και βεβαίως θα Προύσης Ελπιδοφόρος αναφέρθηκε στην μέλλοντος από απόψεως κυρίως πνευματι- υπομονής προσμένουμε το θαύμα», λέγει εκπληρώνης την διακονίαν σου με τα προ- μαθητεία του στο Φανάρι και τον Πατριάρχη κής. ο ποιητής. Εμείς εδώ δεν προσμένουμε το σόντα και τα εφόδιά σου που ανεφέραμεν, και κατέκλεισε ως εξής: Παναγιώτατε, επί τη Και συνεχίζει: «Η Κωνσταντινούπο- θαύμα, το ζούμε καθημερινώς, δι αυτό και αλλά, δια να είναι αύτη ευάρεστος τω Θεώ «αποφοιτήσει» μου εκ της Σχολής του Φα- λη, χάρη στην παράδοση που διασώζει το είμεθα «και επί τοις δεινοίς ευέλπιδες» και ευπρόσδεκτος τοις ανθρώποις, να την ναρίου, κατακλείων τους ευχαριστηρίους μου Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο, έχει όλες τις (Θουκυδίδης). επιτελής και με ιλαρότητα, με σεμνότητα, με τούτους λόγους, επιθυμώ να εκφράσω την προϋποθέσεις να δώσει το όραμα σε έναν Και έρχεται ο Μακαριώτατος να ενισχύ- ήθος, με ταπείνωσιν, με καρδιά, διότι «δεν ολοκάρδιον ευχήν όπως συντόμως αξιωθώ- κόσμο που καταρρέει». Σας ευχαριστού- ση με τους λόγους του που ηκούσαμεν, αλλά βλέπουμε καλά παρά με την καρδιά. Το ου- μεν να καθοσιώσωμεν νέους ευέλπιδας της μεν, Μακαριώτατε, δι αὐτήν την προοπτι- και με την αγάπην του, την ελπίδα μας αυτήν σιώδες είναι αόρατο για τα μάτια». Εκκλησίας αποφοίτους της Θεολογίας εις κήν, δι αὐτήν την αισιοδοξίαν, δι αὐτό το και το αγωνιστικόν φρόνημά μας, συμμερι- Έτσι μας συμβουλεύει ο Μικρός Πρί- την Ιεράν ημών Θεολογικήν Χαλκίτιδα όραμα («ω Πόλη, εφτάλοφο όραμα», θα ζόμενος και ο ίδιος το θαύμα που βιώνομεν γκηψ. Και είναι καλόν, είναι χρήσιμον, να Σχολήν, της οποίας την επαναλειτουργίαν έλεγεν ο Κωστής Παλαμάς). Και επειδή εδώ εις «την εκλαμπροτάτην και περίφημον ακούμε ενίοτε και τους μικρούς! Να έχης ελπίζομεν και αναμένομεν ως επιστέγασμα αυτά είναι τα πιστεύματα και τα βιώματα ταύτην πόλιν και πατρίδα ημών και βασιλεύ- πρότυπόν σου τον σήμερον εορταζόμενον των αόκνων προσπαθειών της Υμετέρας του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, αυτό ουσαν των πόλεων», όπως την περιγράφει ο μέγαν βυζαντινόν θεολόγον, τον θεόσοφον Σεπτής Κορυφής. APRIL 2011 ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΤΗΣ 19 Πατριαρχικη αΠοδειξισ εΠι τω αγιω Πασχα

Τέκνα ἐν Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά, + Β Α Ρ Θ Ο Λ Ο Μ Α Ι Ο Σ

Καὶ πάλιν μετὰ χαρᾶς καὶ ΕΛΕΩ ΘΕΟΥ ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ εἰρήνης ἀπευθύνομεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς τὸν χαρμόσυνον καὶ πλήρη ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥΠΟΛΕΩΣ, ΝΕΑΣ ΡΩΜΗΣ ἐλπίδων χαιρετισμὸν “Χριστός ΚΑΙ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟΣ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΗΣ Ἀνέστη”! Αἱ συγκυρίαι καὶ τὰ ΠΑΝΤΙ Τῼ ΠΛΗΡΩΜΑΤΙ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ γεγονότα τῆς συγχρόνου ἐποχῆς ΧΑΡΙΝ, ΕΙΡΗΝΗΝ ΚΑΙ ΕΛΕΟΣ φαίνονται μὴ δικαιολογοῦντα τὸ ΠΑΡΑ ΤΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞΩΣ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΝΤΟΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ χαρμόσυνον τοῦ χαιρετισμοῦ μας. Αἱ συντελεσθεῖσαι ἤδη φυσικαὶ εἰς ὄγκον καὶ ἀδρανῆ στοιχεῖα της. Θεωροῦντες παρούσας δυσμενεῖς φυσικῶς καὶ πολιτικῶς καταστροφαὶ ἐκ τῶν πνευματικῶς τὰ δυσμενῆ φυσικὰ φαινόμενα, καταστάσεις νὰ ἐπιδράσωμεν εὐμενῶς, δὲν σεισμικῶν δονήσεων τὰ ὁποῖα πλήττουν τὸν πλανήτην μας ἔχομεν ἄλλην ὁδὸν ἀπὸ τὴν πίστιν εἰς τὸν καὶ τῶν θαλασσίων ἐπανειλημμένως καὶ διαδοχικῶς κατὰ τοὺς Ἀναστάντα Χριστὸν καὶ ἀπὸ τὴν τήρησιν τῶν ὑπερκυμάτων καὶ ἐσχάτους τούτους καιρούς, πλησιάζομεν εἰς σωτηριωδῶν διὰ τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἐντολῶν Του. αἱ ἐπαπειλούμεναι τὴν ἀποδοχὴν τῆς ἀπόψεως ὅτι ταῦτα δὲν εἶναι Ὁ Χριστὸς ἀνέστη καὶ συνανέστησε τοιαῦται ἐκ τῆς ἀνεξάρτητα τῆς πνευματικῆς ἐκτροπῆς τοῦ τὸ τέλειον ἦθος τοῦ ἀμαυρώσαντος αὐτὸ πιθανολογουμένης ἐκρήξεως ἀνθρωπίνου γένους. Τὰ σημεῖα τῆς ἐκτροπῆς, ἀνθρώπου, γενόμενος πρωτότοκος καὶ τῶν πυρηνικῶν ἐργοστασίων, ὅπως ἡ πλεονεξία, ἡ ἀπληστία, ἡ ἀκόρεστος πρωτοπόρος εἰς τὴν ἀναγέννησιν τοῦ κόσμου, ἀλλὰ καὶ αἱ ἀνθρωποθυσίαι ἐπιθυμία τοῦ πλούτου ἐν συνδυασμῷ πρὸς τὴν τῶν ἀνθρώπων καὶ τῆς φύσεως. Τὸ μήνυμα ἐκ τῶν πολεμικῶν συρράξεων ἀδιαφορίαν διὰ τὴν πτωχείαν τῶν πολλῶν τὴν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως δὲν εἶναι κενὸν οὐσιαστικῆς καὶ τῶν τρομοκρατικῶν ὁποίαν συνεπιφέρει ὁ ὑπέρμετρος πλουτισμὸς ἐπιρροῆς εἰς τὴν ποιότητα τῆς ἀνθρωπίνης ζωῆς ἐνεργειῶν, ἐμφανίζουν τὸν τῶν ὀλίγων, δὲν φαίνονται διὰ τοὺς φυσικοὺς καὶ τῆς εὐρύθμου λειτουργίας τῆς φύσεως. Ὅσον κόσμον μας δεινῶς πληγωμένον ἐπιστήμονας νὰ ἔχουν σχέσιν πρὸς τὰ φυσικὰ πληρέστερον καὶ βαθύτερον θὰ βιώσωμεν τὴν καὶ σφαδάζοντα ὑπὸ τὴν πίεσιν γεγονότα. Ἐν τούτοις, διὰ τὸν πνευματικῶς Ἀνάστασιν τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς τὰ βάθη τῶν καρδιῶν φυσικῶν καὶ πνευματικῶν κακῶν ἐρευνῶντα τὸ θέμα, ἡ ἁμαρτία διαταράσσει ὄχι μας, τόσον εὐεργετικωτέρα θὰ εἶναι ἡ ἐπιρροὴ δυνάμεων. μόνον τὴν ἁρμονίαν τῶν πνευματικῶν σχέσεων τῆς ὑπάρξεώς μας εἰς τὴν ὅλην ἀνθρωπότητα καὶ Ἐν τούτοις, ἡ Ἀνάστασις τοῦ ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν φυσικῶν. Ὑπάρχει μυστικὴ σχέσις εἰς τὸν φυσικὸν κόσμον. Αἱ φυσικαὶ ἐπιστῆμαι Χριστοῦ εἶναι γεγονὸς ἀληθινὸν μεταξὺ τοῦ ἠθικοῦ κακοῦ καὶ τοῦ φυσικοῦ ἴσως δὲν ἔχουν ἀκόμη ἐπισημάνει τὴν σχέσιν κόσμον μας. καὶ παρέχει εἰς τοὺς πιστοὺς κακοῦ καὶ ἐάν θέλωμεν νὰ ἀπαλλαγῶμεν ἀπὸ αὐτὴν μεταξὺ ἀναγεννήσεως τοῦ ἀνθρώπου καὶ Ἡ χάρις τοῦ Ἀναστάντος Κυρίου ἡμῶν χριστιανοὺς τὴν βεβαιότητα καὶ τὸ δεύτερον, πρέπει ὁπωσδήποτε νὰ ἀρνηθῶμεν ἀνακαινίσεως τῆς φύσεως, ἀλλὰ ἡ πεῖρα τῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἴη μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν, τέκνα ἐν εἰς ὅλους τοὺς ἀνθρώπους τὴν τὸ πρῶτον. ἁγίων, ἡ ὁποία εἴθε νὰ εἶναι καὶ ἰδική μας πεῖρα, Κυρίῳ ἀγαπητά. Γένοιτο. δυνατότητα τῆς ὑπερβάσεως τῶν Ὁ Ἀναστὰς Κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, ὁ διαβεβαιοῖ ὅτι εἶναι ἐμπειρικῶς διαπιστωμένον δυσμενῶν ἐπακολούθων τῶν φυσικῶν νέος ἄνθρωπος καὶ Θεός, ἀποτελεῖ τὸ πρότυπον ὅτι ὄντως ὁ ἀναγεννημένος ἐν Χριστῷ ἄνθρωπος Ἅγιον Πάσχα 2011 καταστροφῶν καὶ τῶν ψυχικῶν τῆς εὐεργετικῆς ἐπιρροῆς τοῦ ἁγίου εἰς τὸν ἀποκαθιστᾷ τὴν διατεταραγμένην ἐκ τῆς ἐκτροπῶν. φυσικὸν κόσμον. Ἐθεράπευε τὰς φυσικὰς καὶ ἁμαρτίας ἁρμονίαν τῶν φυσικῶν φαινομένων. Ὁ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως Ἡ φύσις ἐπαναστατεῖ ὅταν πνευματικὰς νόσους καὶ διῆλθεν εὐεργετῶν καὶ Ὁ ἅγιος ἐν Χριστῷ μετακινεῖ ὄρη ἐπ’ ἀγαθῷ καὶ διάπυρος πρὸς Χριστὸν ἡ ὑπερφίαλος ἀνθρωπίνη διάνοια ἰώμενος τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, ἀλλὰ ταυτοχρόνως ὁ κακὸς καὶ ἀντίθεος ἄνθρωπος μετακινεῖ ἐδάφη ἀποπειρᾶται νὰ τιθασεύσῃ τὰς ἐγαλήνευσε καὶ τὴν τεταραγμένην θάλασσαν καὶ ὑψώνει κύματα ὑπερμεγέθη ἐπὶ κακῷ. Ἀναστάντα ἀπειρομεγέθεις δυνάμεις τὰς καὶ ἐπολλαπλασίασε τοὺς πέντε ἄρτους εἰς Εἴθε νὰ προσεγγίσωμεν πρὸς τὴν ἁγιότητα εὐχέτης πάντων ὑμῶν ὁποίας ἔχει ἐμπερικλείσει χορτασμὸν πεντάκις χιλίων ἀνδρῶν, συνδυάζων τοῦ Ἀναστάντος Χριστοῦ ἵνα διὰ τῆς χάριτος ὁ Δημιουργὸς εἰς τὰ οὕτω τὴν ἀποκατάστασιν τῆς πνευματικῆς καὶ Αὐτοῦ γαληνεύσωμεν τὰ φυσικὰ καὶ ἠθικὰ φαινομενικῶς ἀσήμαντα τῆς φυσικῆς ἁρμονίας. Ἐὰν θέλωμεν εἰς τὰς κύματα τὰ ὁποῖα πλήττουν τὸν σύγχρονον í Ὁ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως Βαρθολομαίος

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received med- Dino Anagnost als from the Patriarchs of Dino Anagnost, dean of music at Constantino- the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy ple, Alexan- Trinity in New York and music director dria, Russia and conductor of The Little Orchestra and Romania. Society of New York, a mid-size classical For his ensemble offering a broad repertoire contributions of interactive music experience that to Greek mu- captivated audiences of all ages, died sic and the Wednesday, March 30. Church, he Anagnost was born Aug. 16, 1943, in was selected Manchester, N.H., the elder son of Stella as an Archon and Zissis Anagnost. He continued his of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the TICKETS TO GREECE ON SALE education at Boston University , The Juil- Order of St. Andrew and conferred Ar- liard School, Harvard University, Tangle- chon of the Holy and Great Church of Από ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ – ΑΘΗΝΑ – ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ wood, New England Conservatory, where Constantinople. he did advanced music studies; Teachers Anagnost is survived by his business DELTA (OLYMPIC) - ALITALIA - AIR FRANCE - BRITISH - KLM - LUFTHANSA College and Columbia University where partner of 45 years, John Kordel Juliano, ONE WAY ROUND TRIP he earned his Doctorate in music. Dr. of New York City and Livingston, N.Y.; a Anagnost held the position of adjunct brother, Dick Anagnost; a sister, Debra From FromFrom professor of music at the university, Anagnost; a sister-in-law, Demetria, and $ $ Anagnost has conducted concerts three nephews, Alexander, Stavros, and and opera throughout the world, from Dimitri, all of Bedford, N.H.. Washington’s Capitol Rotunda and the Funeral services took place April 4 at 218 318 White House, to Greece and South Korea. Holy Trinity Cathedral with Archbishop ΙΔΙΟΚΤΗΤΕΣ: ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ & ΜΙΝΑ ΑΓΓΕΛΗΣ As dean of music at the Cathedral, he Demetrios officiating. ΧΑΜΗΛΕΣ ΤΙΜΕΣ ΑΠ΄ΟΛΗ ΤΗΝ ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗ STERLING TRAVEL ARCHDIOCESE NEWS 20 LAUREN LANE, PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. 08865 Houston Cathedral Prepares Toll Free: 1.800.473.3238 - Local: 908. 213.6826 - 908.213.1251 www.hellastickets.com for National Oratorical Festival HOUSTON – The host committee for Annunciation Cathedral. Include Arch- the 28th Archdiocese St. John Chrysostom bishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Isaiah of Oratorical Festival Annunciation Cathedral Denver, Dr. Anton C. Vrame, director of is making final preparations for the June the Department of Religious Education 10-12 event. and Fr. John and Presbytera Margaret Co–chairmen are Fr. Michael Lamba- Orfanakos, Archdiocese Oratorical Festival kis and Irene Cassis. co-chairpersons. The Oratorical Festival encourages The junior and senior division par- teenagers in junior and senior age divi- ticipants will present their speeches on sions to research a faith topic selected by June 11. the Archdiocese Department of Religious An awards luncheon will follow at Education and present a four– or five– the cathedral hall, where the results will minute speech to a panel of judges. be announced. Finalists for the national level are That evening, the group will be treat- selected from the respective Metropolis- ed to a tour of the Johnson Space Center, level events held in April and May, which followed by a dinner. are open to the faithful. On Sunday, after the hierarchical Attending the weekend events, that Divine Liturgy celebrating Pentecost, a will begin with a Paraklesis service at the farewell luncheon will be held. CLER GY UPDATE Ordinations to the Diaconate trios Church, Union, N.J. 04/01/11 Garinis, Aristidis – Archbishop Deme- Appointments trios – Holy Trinity Cathedral, New Deacon. Aristidis Garinis – deacon to York 03/20/11 Archbishop Demetrios 03/20/11 Correction Offikia Demetrios (Walter) Belsito – Bishop Fr. Peter J. Pappas – Office of Economos, Andonios of Phasiane – Holy Trinity bestowed by Metropolitan Isaiah of Church, Waterbury, Conn. Denver 01/30/11 Ordinations to the Priesthood Fr. George Anastasiou – Office of Econo- Deacon Vasilios Louros – Archbishop mos, bestowed by Archbishop Deme- Demetrios – St. Demetrios Cathedral, trios 02/13/11 Astoria, NY 03/19/11 Fr. Nicholas Samaras – Office of Econo- Assignments mos, bestowed by Archbishop Deme- Fr. John Kariotakis – St. John the Baptist trios 02/20/11 Church, Anaheim, Calif. 01/01/11 Fr. George Pyle – Prophet Elias Church, Retired Priests Dubuque, Iowa 02/13/11 Fr. James S. Diavatis 12/31/10 Fr. Christ Margellos – St. George V. Rev. Fr. Philip Koufos 01/01/11 Church, Rock Island, Ill. 03/01/11 Fr. George Matsis 04/01/11 Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos – St. George Receptions Church, Piscataway, N.J. 03/01/11 Fr. Konstantinos Manetas, March 4, 2011 Fr. Dimitrios Pappas – St. Elias the (from the Church of Greece) Prophet Church, Santa Fe, N.M. 03/04/11 Suspensions Lifted Fr. Eudokimos-Martin Harding – Sts. Fr. Spiro Kehayes 02/23/11 DO YOU LIKE THE Constantine & Helen Church, Monroe, Medical Leave ORTHODOX OBSERVER? La. 03/15/11 Fr. Demetrios Demopulos 10/17/10 HAVE YOU SOMETHING TO SUGGEST? Fr. Vasilios Louros – St. Demetrios Ca- Leaves of Absence SEND US A FEW LINES... thedral, Astoria, N.Y. 03/21/11 Fr. Demetrios Recachinas 03/07/11 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 V. Rev. Fr. Alexander Kile – St. Deme- Fr. R. Nicholas Rafael II 03/01/11 Fax:(212) 774-0239 E-mail: [email protected] APRIL 2011 21 PEO PLE Northern Arizona Church Looks for a Home on the Range existing building. uArkansan of the Year PARISH profile “We’re in the process of buying two properties and are working on financing,” The Easter Seals organization of Ar- Howington Sr., a non-Orthodox American said Fr. Andruchow. He noted that the kansas has named Gus Vratsinas of Little Name: Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church serving in the U.S Coast Guard and sta- economy is very shaky and real estate prices Rock, an Archdiocesan Council member tioned in Rhodes. In 1963 they moved to Location: Flagstaff, Ariz. have dropped considerably, making such a and an Archon of the Ecumenical Patri- America and eventually settled in Flagstaff. purchase very feasible. archate, as its Arkansan of the Year in Metropolis of San Francisco These families formed the nucleus of Although it doesn’t have its own fa- honor of his contributions to the state Size: about 50 to 60 families the Greek Orthodox community. Others cilities, the church pursues its ministries through his business, economic develop- Founded: 1950s (originated as an soon moved here. unimpeded. Orthros and Divine Liturgies ment and philanthropic activities. Antiochian Orthodox mission parish) Over the next several decades, Ortho- take place on Sundays. The Sunday school Mr. Vratsinas was honored March 10 Clergy: Fr. Nicholas Andruchow (D.Min., dox priests from Holy Trinity in Phoenix, has about two dozen children and the priest at a dinner at the Statehouse Convention St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary ’02) and from the Antiochian Archdiocese, held holds weekly Bible studies. Center. E-mail: [email protected] services at various locations in Flagstaff, Parishioners support a strong com- The Easter Seals Arkansas chapter said including a strip mall store front and a pri- munity outreach, aiding the Orthodox in a statement that it “especially wants Web: www.holycrossflagstaff.org Noteworthy: Parish plans to establish a vate home. A full-time Antiochian priest was orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico, and feeding to recognize his extraordinary vision for assigned in 1996 but, because of conflicts the homeless. permanent spiritual home. the future of the children and adults with with the community, he left. There is no Greek school, but some disabilities served by Easter Seals and for The community then came under the children take lessons from a parishioner. his 16 years of dedicated board service. Northern Arizona is a rugged part of spiritual guidance of Metropolitan Anthony Other than the stewardship program, Arkansas, Easter Seals and hundreds of the country, drawing hearty, hard-working of San Francisco and the authority of the another revenue source is the annual glendi families and children have been blessed individuals who can overcome hardship. It Archdiocese in 1998. He assigned the as- held at a local school gymnasium. “It is very because of Vratsinas and his dedication.” lies at the southwestern edge of the Colo- sistant priest of the Phoenix cathedral at well received,” said Fr. Andruchow. When the chapter asked why he is rado plateau, on the western side of the the time, Fr. Timothy Pavlatos, to serve the The parish also is in process of organiz- motivated to give back to the community, largest Ponderosa pine forest in the United mission parish twice a month. ing a women’s auxiliary, he noted. Eventu- he said, “I guess your genes are part of it. States. The highest mountains in the state In 2002, Metropolitan Anthony as- ally it is to become a Philoptochos chapter. Both my mother and father taught me the are situated here. signed Fr. Andruchow as the first full-time As previously mentioned, ranching was Golden Rule. I probably took it one step The area has served as a location for Greek Orthodox Archdiocese clergyman. one of the early staples of the local economy further, because of them and my religious many Western movies and also where the The 24 families then comprising the and a woman parishioner is married to a upbringing, than even I ever thought I running scenes in “Forrest Gump” were community tithed a total of $18,000 a year. “mostly retired” rancher. would.” filmed. To cover the budget of $85,000 to afford a “Being in his late 60’s he still works Mr. Vratsinas also noted that he is The region’s largest city, Flagstaff full-time priest, they increased their stew- on the ranch herding cattle and roping,” an American of Greek heritage and is not (population over 60,000), which lies near ardship giving 240 percent over a three-year said the priest. “He brings me hunting only grounded in his parent’s heritage, but the base of a 13,000-foot mountain, is home period. The parish has since more than every autumn. I have learned to appreciate also in his family and the Greek Orthodox to a tiny Greek Orthodox community whose doubled in size. what it takes to bring home good quality Church. He is the owner of Vratsinas Con- origins can be traced to the difficult days of Fr. Andruchow, a native or Worces- meat for the family. Buying my steaks from struction Co. in Little Rock and also serves World War II in the Peloponnesus, which ter, Mass., was raised in the Albanian and the grocery store is much easier but not as on several boards and committees. along with the rest of Greece, suffered Russian Orthodox churches. His mother satisfying.” enormous hardship. converted from Catholicism and was chris- Some parishioners are employed at a uLuminaries at HTSF Workshops Flagstaff, named after a flagpole made mated at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox large medical supply manufacturing com- by a scouting party from Boston on July Cathedral in Worcester. pany. Others are affiliated with Northern The Hellenic Times Scholarship 4, 1876 to celebrate the U.S. Centennial, His presbytera, Merilynn (Kouris), is of Arizona University and others are business Fund will honor actor Gilles Marini, star had its early economy based on lumber, Cretan descent and was raised in the Salt owners. of the hit ABC drama, “Brothers & Sisters” railroads and ranching, which drew the Lake City community. (Her grandfather The parish, which is the only Greek and the reality show “Dancing With The first Greeks. emigrated from the Chania area to the Orthodox church in the region, receives Stars,” and business leader Spiros Milo- According to a parish history on the U.S. before WWII). She went to Holy Cross many visitors during the summer, mostly nas, chairman/CEO of Ionian Transport, Holy Cross website, a family in the town of School of Theology and later worked as a tourists off to visit the Grand Canyon, about at its 20th anniversary gala and concert at Poulithra, Arcadia, lost its wealth as a result pastoral assistant. an hour away. the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on of the devastation brought about by the war. The church transitioned from mission Fr. Andruchow described his ministry Saturday, May 14. Konstantina Krestedemas, who was status in November 2008 when the com- as “definitely a challenge,” with opportuni- HTSF will also sponsor several widowed during the war, lived in the town munity received the name Holy Cross Greek ties for great accomplishments. workshops to inspire students with their with her four young sons. They emigrated Orthodox Church of Flagstaff, Arizona. Pre- various career dreams. Among those con- to the U.S. to escape the harsh conditions viously it was the Greek Orthodox Mission — Compiled by Jim Golding ducting workshops will be John Catsima- and settled in Winslow, Ariz. in 1955. of Northern Arizona. tidis (chairman & CEO of the Red Apple The closest Greek Orthodox Church The parish’s major goal for the past Group), Spiros Milonas, John Pappajohn, was nearly 150 miles south, in Phoenix, of several years has been to get a permanent Olympia Dukakis, Ernie Anastos (Fox-5 which they became members. Several times home. Currently, it rents a semi-vacant Ro- news anchor), Nick Gregory (Fox–5 me- a year they traveled over the mountain roads man Catholic church building for $9,600 a teorologist), Congressman Gus Bilirakis, for five hours to attend services. (Interstate year where it holds weekly Sunday services. N.Y. state Sen. Mike Gianaris, Congress- 17 has cut the time in half). (There is no conflict with the Catholic woman Carolyn Maloney and state As- The other cornerstone family, the par- Church congregation in that it uses the semblywoman Aravella Simotas (a 1996 ish history notes, was that of Stamatia P. building only once a month). Hellenic Times Scholarship recipient), Kyparissakou (aka Toula Howington), who Over the past few years, the commu- and others. was born in the port city of Evdilos, Icarias. nity has saved about $250,000 towards For 20 years the HTSF has awarded In 1962 she met and married James the purchase of property, possibly with an scholarships to more than 750 students totaling nearly $2 million. Dinner chairman and HTSF presi- Anne and ž eodore Phillips Pastoral Lecture Series: dent is New York attorney Nick Katso- ž e Ancient Christian Faith Speaks to Modern American Society ris, general counsel of the Red Apple  e most Complete Site Groupm and author of the Loukoumi children’s book series.General chairmen for Learning Greek on the Internet! are Margo & John Catsimatidis. Saturday, May 7, 2011, 2-4 p. m. Learn to read and speak Greek online. Our subscription service gives you uNew Sales Manager S. J. Gregory Auditorium the freedom to study Greek from anywhere St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church you can access the Internet. George Tasigianis, has recently been appointed sales manager for USA of 5649 N. 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Determining the Dates of Passover and Pascha by Anastasios M. Ioannides, Ph.D. Christ’s age. The Holy Fathers named this biblical Orthodox Christians many times ask Passover as the Nomicon Faska (Faseh, why the celebration of Pascha does not or passover of the Mosaic Law) and un- always fall on the same date along with derstand (or even specify) its celebration that of other Christians, like the Catholics to begin at sunset before the day of the or Protestants. full moon following the spring equinox. Many wonder why in 2010 and Consequently, the second explana- in 2011 the great feast does coincide tion offered today by some well–inten- throughout the world, more often Or- tioned Orthodox (after the Passover), is thodox Pascha tarries sometimes one, entirely synonymous to the first (“after sometimes four or even five weeks in the first full moon”), and therefore, it is relation to the Pascha of the Latins, which unnecessary and superfluous. has been established in the West. For the sake of history, we mention Equally often, there are efforts by that this second explanation was never well-intentioned clerics, but also lay offered by itself, by the Holy Fathers, people, to provide an answer to the in- since the first one was adequate. This quirers repeating, in most cases, very well explanation was mentioned for the first known formulae, which, regrettably, do time as independent and additional to the not appear to satisfy the audience. first one by the canonist Ioannis Zonaras And so it is that the following year in the 12th century. we have the same questions, the same In contrast, until then, it had been answers, yet the common Pascha contin- considered adequate (as indeed was the ues to remain a fleeting dream. case in the united Church before the schism of 1054 A.D.) to provide the first The date determinant explanation alone. The usual answers provided every Therefore, it is within this first year to inquiries concerning the date are explanation and not in the date of the essentially two. contemporary Passover, which we should First, that Orthodox celebrate Pas- look to find the causes of the difference cha on the first Sunday after the first of the Orthodox from the Latin Pascha. full moon after the spring equinox; and Having found these causes, one will secondly, the Orthodox celebrate always be able to understand at the same time, after the Jewish Passover. the role of the paschal computation for These are indeed the correct an- the biblical Nomicon Faska, and of con- swers; they are, that is, the definitions of temporary rabbinic Passover. the Holy Fathers on this issue. For this reason, let us repeat the first Yet, they are also the very same (and only) explanation of the determina- definitions that the heterodox in the West tion of the date of Pascha. All Christians, observe annually. in the East and in the West, celebrate Then why do the two celebrations Pascha on the first Sunday after the first not coincide? Orthodox might immedi- full moon after the spring equinox. ately reply that Western Christians ignore Thus, essential poles for this ecclesi- the Passover, as for example, in 2008, for astical computation are two astronomical which the Latin pascha was on March 23, events, the spring equinox and the full whereas Jews worldwide celebrated the moon that follows it. first day of their own passover on April Yet, how is it possible that two astro- 20, a week before the Orthodox Pascha nomical phenomena cause differences in of April 27. the festal practices of the Eastern and the Yet, this is an inadequate answer. For Western Churches? To make these differ- example, in 2006, contemporary Jews cel- ences understandable, one must study ebrated on April 13, Latin Christians on carefully astronomical data. April 16 and the Orthodox tarried once again, until April 23. Anastasios (Tasos) M. Ioannides, Ph.D., Moreover, the corresponding dates P.E., is associate professor of civil engineer- for 2013 will be March 26 for Jews, 31 ing at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. A March for Latins, yet May 5 for the Or- native of Cyprus, he studied civil engineer- thodox. Why? ing at University College, London, England, and earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at the Patristic definitions University of Illinois, Urbana. He has au- For a general solution to the problem thored more than 50 technical papers in that will cover all years, one must com- engineering journals, and has consulted for prehend not only the verbal formulation, private firms, and government agencies. He but also the significance of the patristic holds a diploma in Byzantine music from definitions. the Archdiocesan School in Nicosia, Cyprus, When the Holy Fathers refer to the and a Master’s degree in pastoral theology, Passover, they have in mind not contem- awarded under the Antiochian House of porary rabbinic Jews (whose calculations Studies Program in collaboration with the have undergone significant changes after St. John of Damascus School of Theology the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea of the University of Balamand, Lebanon. in 325 A.D.) but the Biblical Hebrews in [email protected] APRIL 2011 23 METROPOLIS NEWS Long Island Parish Off ers Liturgy for People with Special Needs

by Linda Dimyan are hundreds more who need this service. The service has spread to Holmdel, N.J., PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. – As Fr. Bethesda, Md., and a town in southern Mas- Dennis Strouzas prayed the Holy Anaphora sachusetts. Nevertheless, the success isn’t and presented the offering, a loud clamor measured in numbers. that sounded like a toddler seeking atten- “I love coming because it’s so friendly,” tion thudded in the back of the church. Aspasia, who is also challenged by a de- But no one looked. velopmental disability says. Aspasia heard That’s because the sound wasn’t a tod- about the program from an institute for the dler. Or really, wasn’t under anyone’s con- handicapped three years ago. She comes to trol. The sound had come from a teenage see her best friend, James, and also to make girl who suffers from a physical disability. new friends because she knows she’s not But she was comfortable in her own skin at looked at as an outsider. Her mom says “they Archangel Michael Church. find each other here. We come and we cry Everyone around her understood her on each other’s shoulders because it’s, you challenge–and suffered from similar ones. know, ...hard.” Aspasia’s mom also agrees The liturgy, that wasn’t disturbed by that she wishes these liturgies would in- anyone or anything, is referred to as “The crease: “I hope they make it every Saturday.” Challenge Liturgy” or “The Special Needs During the fellowship hour after liturgy, Liturgy.” The service, that has been taking everyone agreed that they have become a place the third Saturday of every month for family. While eating the spinach quiches the past 21 years, intends to “facilitate com- or the powdered donuts, the families say ing to church for all physically or develop- “everyone cares for one another”–which is mentally challenged Orthodox Christians.” exactly what the Gospel proclaims. Fr. Den- Those are the words of Manny Katsou- nis explains that he does this because it’s lis, the man who began “The Challenge Lit- “where the message of Christ hits the road. urgy Program” in May 1990 after he felt like We are showing love, care, and concern for he and his wife, Marina, were closeted for people who most need it...it’s what it’s all being parents of Connie, a beautiful young about.” lady who has Down’s Syndrome. The com- Dimitri and Katrina probably couldn’t passionate couple found it difficult to attend agree more. The two siblings experienced Sunday Liturgy with mainstream families; the recent deaths of their parents and at- some people just didn’t understand. The tended Saturday’s memorial service. The family wanted “normalcy” – and realized two aren’t from the parish, but are part of they couldn’t have been the only ones. the people. The entire congregation shared So they initiated the program. Manny in the grief, while also sharing in the joy and was eager to let people of all Orthodox celebration of birthdays and name days of faiths know that “If you can’t get the proper the entire month. Frankie Manikas, turns support, we’re here for you.” Along with the 27 this month and has been attending these program, the Katsoulis’ successfully enrich services the majority of his life. His father, the lives of those with special needs with Nick, says “it’s good for him.” a group home. The Hellenos House, in It is undoubtedly good for many rea- Wantagh, N.Y., is a group residence for adult sons. Besides the opportunity to pray, and Orthodox Christians with developmental besides the fellowship formed, the kids are disabilities. Every third Saturday of every learning how to conduct themselves in a month, big yellow buses provide service to church setting. Nothing–whether it be the adults from the home, and other Orthodox spring picnic, or the Christmas party–is done Christians who want to attend the liturgy without the liturgy. from Queens, N.Y. And the liturgy isn’t as formal as it Some people come on their own– usually is; the congregation can and does whether it’s with their friends, their families, interact with Fr. Dennis as he gives the or fellow–parishioners. On Saturday, March sermon. While Father Dennis emphasized 19, over 70 people filled up the pews of the the importance of forgiveness, kindness, church. Some were there a half-hour early, and fasting during the Lenten Season, one eager and ready to worship. Those who of the members kept chiming in–welcomed were able to stand, stood. Those who had to and appreciated. remain sitting, kept their attention focused Fr. Dennis continued to encourage that on the altar as the aroma of incense wafted “when we do good to our neighbor, we first over the church. and foremost do good by God.” During the liturgy, Athena Marangou- The ongoing growth and prosperity of dakis guided her son’s hand as he gestured the program has been blessed by Archbishop the cross. Nicholas, who has been avidly Demetrios, who has attended Lazarus Sat- attending the services since 1996, “loves urday with the group for the past few years. church.” His mother explains that when “he He is expected to visit on April 16. “This is a sees priests–oh my God, he gets so ecstatic. miracle,” Manny humbly states. “I don’t take There’s just something very Godly about any claim…there’s a divine hand above all him.” That is indeed true; Nicholas smiles of this, and I’m just an instrument.” not just with his lips–but also with his eyes. Athena, as tears fill up her eyes, continues Linda Dimyan of Flushing, N.Y., is a to say, “Thank God (this program) is here. new special correspondent for the Observer. We’re very lucky to have this liturgy. Why She graduated from New York University in can’t they have this at every district?” September with a dual major in Journalism That question is an ongoing battle and Pre-Health Sciences. A Coptic Orthodox Manny and Marina struggle with. Manny says Christian, she has served as an intern for they can’t publicize the program because NBC and MSNBC, edited and published it deals with very vulnerable people, who NYU newsletters and was an election re- don’t want to be exploited. “If we are the porter for the Associated Press. She also has largest Orthodox congregation and people worked with the Coptic Youth Channel as don’t know about this, I can’t imagine what an interviewer and script manager. She is it’s like for other Orthodox faiths,” Manny fluent in Arabic and is a member of St. Mary lovingly questions as he continues to think & St. Antonious Coptic Orthodox Church in of others. Ridgewood, Queens and became interested Though this particular program serves in the Observer last fall while on a visit with more than 70 families, Manny is sure there her church to Saint Basil Academy. 24 APRIL 2011 APRIL 2011 25 METROPOLIS NEWS 40th Annual Sights & Sounds Held in Westfield, NJ by Marissa P. Costidis Using a tree and its branches and leaves to describe the inspiring growth of the WESTFIELD, N.J. – The Annual Sights Festival, she said that all of us are bound and Sounds Festival, organized by the com- together by the Greek Orthodox Church munity of Holy Trinity, invites the state’s and our Faith. As the day’s events were GOYA members to participate in a day filled winding down and young people filled the with competition in Sounds (instrument halls and performance rooms, I spoke with and singing solos, Greek, American and a group of young women, from Kimisis Tis religious singing, choral speaking, Greek Theotokou in Holmdel, who were breath- and English monologues, band and folk less with excitement. Speaking about their dancing) and Sights (literature, artwork, favorite part of the day, Mia Kandaloft, and handicrafts and photography). her sister Lana, enjoy the fact that everyone The Sights entries are submitted earlier comes together to support each other and in the month and the Goyans enter the to share happy times. Tina Hiras said, “My community center anxious to see if their favorite part is performing Greek Dance. hand-made submission has received a blue, The adrenaline rush you get when you are red or yellow Ribbon. on stage is amazing.” Eleni Sourlis admires “My favorite part of the day is when her dance instructor, Presbytera Eleni the kids file in first thing in the morning. Chakalos, who has been attending Sights They’re tired from months of practicing & Sounds for 39 years. Eleni said, “Mrs. C and most likely from a week long marathon is amazing… I love her. There are high and of rehearsals, but they are still so excited!” low moments but everyone is supporting said Alyssa Gentile, a Westfield volunteer each other.” Mariel Dritsas also loves the Marissa P. Costidis photos and daughter of co-chairs Pamela and dance competition and the spirited awards St. George, Asbury Park, celebrates their 1st place overall win. Gino Gentile. A past participant, she has ceremony. “The best part is that you get to been volunteering for a number of years. “I spend it with your friends,” she said. Katie enjoy seeing what other churches do and Decristofaro especially likes “getting called recognizing how they practice.” up to accept your trophy and having every- “Watching the young people perform is one cheer for you.” inspiring,” said Gino Gentile, co-chair. “The To encourage teamwork, in addition level of competition increases each year to individual trophies in all categories, a and more and more churches and Goyans trophy is awarded to the GOYA receiving participate. We have seen an increase of 8 the most overall points. This year’s 1st percent in the Sounds participants this year, place winning GOYA is from St. George in and we are excited that St. George in Clifton Asbury Park, 2nd place from St. George in is participating in Greek Folk Dance after a Piscataway, and 3rd place from Kimisis Tis few years without a dance group. It is also Theotokou in Holmdel. interesting that we have seen an increase GOYA chapters from the following in the number of Greek singers and Greek churches participated: St. George, Asbury monologue participants.” Park; St. George, Clifton; Ascension, Fair- “Sixteen churches and about 550 view; St. Anna, Flemington; Kimisis Tis Goyans competed in more than 239 per- Theotokou, Holmdel’ Sts. Nicholas, Con- formances in the 40th year competition.” stantine & Helen, Orange; St. Athanasios, Pamela Gentile reported. In her remarks at Paramus; St. Demetrios, Perth Amboy; St. the awards ceremony she commented on George, Piscataway; St. Andrew, Randolph; the fact that those who first attended Sights St. John the Theologian Cathedral, Tenafly; St. Demetrios, Perth Amboy captured 1st place for their English Play performance. & Sounds in the 1970s are now advisors St. Barbara, Toms River; St. George, Tren- and instructors. ton; St. Demetrios, Union; Holy Trinity, She also spoke about the importance of Westfield; and St. Nicholas, Wyckoff. fellowship among communities, their youth For a complete list of awards log on to and their advisors. www.goarch.org/special/sightssounds2011

St. George, Clifton, was well represented by their Greek Folk Dance group. Holy Trinity Church pastor Fr. Peter Delvizis gathers with Chairmen Eugene and Pamela Gentile and host committee members.

St. George, Trenton, placed 3rd in the Greek Folk Dance category. St. George, Piscataway, received 1st place in the Greek Dance category. 26 APRIL 2011 APRIL 2011 27 METROPOLIS NEWS

mental symposium where presentations N.Y., where he has been choir director and Metropolitan Alexios Olympic Champion informed the attendees about the plight of organist. Keynote speaker was John Michael the polar bear, the impact of deforestation, Boyer, a Holy Cross seminarian. He has Consecrates Fla. Church Speaks at Florida Church the benefits and complexities of instituting served as the Metropolis of San Francisco a parish recycling program, and the high- protopsalti and is founder of the John Kouk- NAPLES, Fla. – Consecration services JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – St. John the lights of His All Holiness’s RSE Symposium ouzelis Institute of Liturgical Arts. He holds for St. Katherine Church took place Feb. Divine parish hosted a presentation on on the Arctic. a BA in music from UC-Berkeley. 25-26 with Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta March 6 by Shannon Miller, the most Founded by Chris Gabriel, Project After the Sunday Divine Liturgy, Arch- as the celebrant. decorated American gymnast in sports Generation was inspired by the environ- bishop Demetrios presented Patriarch Clergy and dignitaries from through- history with seven Olympic medals and mental work of Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I Medallions to Federation out the Metropolis attended the weekend nine world championships. She spoke of Bartholomew. President Anna Dounelis of St. Paul Cathe- events. The ceremonies began on Feb 25 overcoming many challenges in her life, Mr. Gabriel and his co-chair, Valerie dral in Hempstead, N.Y. and to Harry Pap- with the preparation of the relics of three including her latest experience with the Sakellaridis, spent the latter half of 2010 pas, past Federation president and former holy martyrs that were deposited into the discovery of a tumor in an ovary, which and early 2011 spreading the word about choir director at St. Barbara Greek Church altar the next day. was removed. She is undergoing chemo- the project through Facebook, by visiting in Orange, Conn. Nikodora Bochinis, At the consecration on Feb. 26, Met- therapy as a preventative measure. Ms. area parishes for Liturgy and GOYA meet- chanter and choir member at Assumption ropolitan Alexios placed the relics in the Miller, 34, an Episcopalian, credited her ings, and by networking with their peers Church received the Choir Member of the altar table, anointed the icons and walls of renewed Christian faith in overcoming this at GOYA events. Year medal. the church with holy oil and celebrated the latest adversity. She told her audience to The Direct Archdiocese District Youth Divine Liturgy. The Consecration Commit- “Take a step back and let God into your Office also provided assistance through tee included parish priest Archimandrite lives.” the youth director, Deacon Evagoras Con- Astoria Church Holds Constantine Mersinas, and Co-chairmen stantinides, and Fr. John Vlahos, project Dr. John Klemes and Richard Pappas. advisor and parish priest of Resurrection Camp St. Paul Fundraiser Guatemala Orphanage Church. With guidance from Bishop Savas of Troas, the agenda developed ASTORIA, N.Y. – More than 500 Goyans Chicago Metropolis Head Visits Illinois School from one resembling a science fair, to a from parishes in the five New York City multi-faceted program including a round boroughs recently held their first party to Chancellor Attends Signing PALOS HILLS, Ill. – Koraes Elementary table discussion about religion and the raise funds for Camp St. Paul, the Direct Archdiocese District youth camp. The event, SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Metropolis of School of Sts. Constantine and Helen environment. Church, received a visit on March 3 from By the day of the event six parishes coordinated by Ted Germanakos, raised Chicago Chancellor Bishop Demetrios of more than $10,000 for the district’s sum- Mokissos, attended the signing of legisla- Madre Ines Ayau, abbess of the Holy Trin- were participating from as far away as ity Orthodox Monastery in Guatemala and Hartford, Conn. Due to inclement weath- mer camping ministry. During the summer, tion by Gov. Pat Quinn on March 9 bring- more than 295 campers attended Camp St. ing an end to the death penalty in Illinois. director of Hogar Rafael Ayau Orthodox er, the Holy Trinity, Bridgeport, partici- Orphanage in Guatemala City. pants connected via video link. Paul, focusing on the theme “Champions Bishop Demetrios had met with Gov. of the Faith.” Quinn on Feb. 18 to advocate the signing Madre Ines spoke to the students de- scribing the daily life of the children at the For more information about Camp of the bill to end capital punishment in St. Paul, contact the Direct Archdiocesan the state. orphanage and how they are very similar NH GOYA, Family Winter to the students at Koraes. The students District Youth Office at (212) 774-0267 or There he discussed his church’s re- [email protected]. gard for the sanctity of all life, and his own also welcomed her to their classrooms. Camps Well-Attended personal involvement in the movement CONTOCOOK, N.H. – The St. Metho- for abolition. dios Faith & Heritage Center of the Me- Bishop Demetrios was spiritual advi- Greek Village Camp tropolis of Boston attracted more than Kaloidis School in Top 5 sor to Andrew Kokaraleis, the last man 40 families, including 135 campers and executed in 1999, after receiving a letter Set at St. Nicholas Ranch parents from throughout the metropolis at Science Olympiad from Kokaraleis from death-row. Follow- at its Winter Camp over the weekends of ing Kokaraleis’ execution, Bishop Deme- BROOKLYN, N.Y. – For the third con- by Kristen Bruskas Feb. 18-21 and 25-27. trios became more active in the movement secutive year, students from The Dimitrios With 40 staff members, they took to end the death penalty. DUNLAP, Calif. – The Metropolis and Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School of part in skiing, snowboarding, tubing and of San Francisco will continue its suc- Holy Cross Church placed in the top five at various instructional spiritual and enlight- cessful Greek Village Immersion Camp the annual New York City Regional Science ening sessions. Metropolitan Methodios with its second annual “Elliniko Horio” Olympiad held March 5. OCMC Board talked with the Goyans and said he was June 18-25 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Under guidance of the science teacher, “very pleased by the large number at- Retreat Center. Last year’s successful Lourdie Castillo and technology teacher, Holds Spring Meeting tending.” camp involved children participating James Panagakos, Team D.G.K. earned a 4th The campers participated in many in a fun program that bonded them to place overall finish in the city-wide science by Alex Goodwin sessions and activities designed and super- their ancestral heritage. competition. Only a single point separated vised by an enthusiastic staff at the snow ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Strategic Plan- With the guidance of skilled in- 3rd from 4th place. covered Faith & Heritage Center. ning Committee members of the Ortho- structors, they connected themselves The Science Olympiad included a total Dr. Ary Christofidis, founder of the dox Christian Mission Center, led by board with their language, customs, traditions of 22 events. Team D.G.K. was represented Orthodox Christian Counseling Institute President Fr. George Liacopulos, held this and faith. by the following students: George Angela- in Park Ridge, Ill. was the guest speaker. year’s OCMC annual spring board meeting Metropolitan Gerasimos of San kis, Stella Angelakis, Maria Anthoulis, Costa on Feb. 23 at the Archbishop Anastasios Francisco said of the program, “The Banagos, Paris Banagos, James Bantis, Luke and Archbishop Demetrios Missionary Greek Village Camp has become a Bantis, Mathew Bantis, Jacqueline Kontopi- Training and Administration Building. signature program for the Metropolis District Choir Federation rakis, Kally Kordistos, Othon Kordistos, of San Francisco and I am grateful to Bishop Savas of Troas, liaison to the th Alexandra Mollo, Kyra Petalas, Manoli The- OCMC from the Assembly of Canonical the families of Dr. James and Virginia Holds 27 Conference odorakis, and Venessa Weber. Orthodox Bishops of North and Central Kallins, Dr. George and Bettina Kal- In addition to Team D.G.K.’s fourth America, attended the all-day strategic lins and Dr. David and Barbara Kallins DANBURY, Conn. – The Direct Arch- place finish, students earned 4 gold med- planning session where topics including Matty for their continued support of diocesan District Federation of Greek als, 2 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. the aim of missions and the goal of making this initiative. Orthodox Church Musicians held its 27th disciples were discussed. “The Elliniko Horio is a creative and annual conference on March 5-6 at As- The committee will gather informa- unique way to immerse children in the sumption Church with about 60 members New England Cathedral tion through surveys and interviews of Greek language and culture, providing attending. OCMC supporters, missionaries, North a memorable learning experience while Fr. Peter Karloutsos welcomed the Welcomes Students American clergy, and hierarchs at home forming deep friendships with other group and Federation President Anna and abroad to shape OCMC’s next stra- youth with whom they share their reli- Dounelis presented past President Spyro BOSTON – Annunciation Greek Or- tegic plan. gious and cultural heritage,” he added. Kalas with a certificate in recognition of thodox Cathedral of New England wel- After an executive committee meet- For more information and registra- his 40 years’ service to the District choirs. comed area college students to a compline ing, the board met to hear a presentation tion forms go to www.ourgreekvillage. Two workshops took place: An Intro- service and Lenten dinner on April 11 as by Bishop Savas about the Assembly of com or www.stnicholasranch.org. duction to Byzantine Chant conducted by part of its Campus Ministry outreach. Met- Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Angelo Lampousis, chanter liaison on the ropolitan Methodios of Boston presided Central America and of his plans to travel Federation executive board, founder and at the service and addressed the students. with an OCMC Mission Team to serve the Project Generation president of the Axion Estin Foundation The Campus Ministry, under the di- Turkana in northern Kenya in mid-March. and a chanter and choir member at Holy rection of the Very Rev. Cleopas Strongylis, The 2011 annual fall board meeting BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – On Saturday, Trinity Church in New Rochelle, N.Y. promotes interest in the Orthodox Faith, will be held in October at St. Vladimir Feb. 5, youth from across the Direct The second workshop was Sight- Hellenism, education, and other interest Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, Archdiocesan District joined together for Singing, Part II conducted by Spyro Kalas topics for all Orthodox university students Ohio. the inaugural Project Generation environ- of St. John the Baptist Church, Blue Point, of the area. 28 APRIL 2011 by Fr. Charles Joanides, Ph.D., LMFT you might also consider prayer in the eve- ning before bedtime. In this case, a prayer When I conduct premarital preparation book might help facilitate this process. workshops and marital enhancement work- Marriage and Family Prayer can also prove most beneficial shops, at some point during the day, I may when you are struggling with a seemingly ask participants some questions to determine irreconcilable couple issue or some out- how many couples pray together. Here’s the side challenge. approach I use. In these cases, find some private space, First Question - Let’s see a show of come together and stand before God and hands. How many of you have ever tried Praying Together Helps speak to Him about the issue as you might praying? In response to this question, usually speak to Him alone. For instance, let’s sup- everyone raises their hands. pose you’re having problems deciding how Second Question - How many pray to handle an issue related to your children. when you’re experiencing challenges and Couples Stay Together Here’s an example of a prayer one of problems? Please respond by a show of you might offer. hands. A response to this question is also Prayer helps couples count their blessings. standing before our Creator with the clos- “Dear Father, help us to gain a deeper usually unanimous. Couples who pray together are more likely est person in our lives, while disclosing our understanding of this issue. We do not un- Third Question - How many pray when to have common goals. innermost needs, or lamenting our worst derstand what is keeping us from coming you aren’t experiencing challenges? Please Couples who pray together are more likely failings, can be a humbling restorative to some resolution. However, it may have respond with a show of hands. The response to regulate their emotions or not get angry. experience. something to do with what I’ve said or rate is also usually almost unanimous. Couples who pray together report feeling Couple prayer can repair severed con- done. (At this point, mention what you’ve Fourth Question - How many pray as though they have a 24/7 social support nections, strengthen our mutual efforts, said or did that may have contributed to together as couples on Sundays? Let’s have system. enhance understanding and provide time this issue.) I also want to gain a better a show of hands. Once again, the response for forgiveness. understanding of my partner’s view of rate is generally high. The Life Blood of our Spiritual Lives So, don’t underestimate this strategy in this challenge. Please help me obtain this Final Question - So, if you’re all familiar Of course, this information should your efforts to either reclaim the love that understanding. I also want to ask you to with the benefits of prayer, then here’s my last come as no surprise to those who have has been lost or protect the love you hold forgive me, and help me avoid repeating question. How many couples pray together engaged in this blessed activity. Prayer is in common with one another. these sins. I also want (mention spouses’ at home? Without fail, this question usually the life blood of any Christian lifestyle. first name) to know that I love him, and creates some discomfort and elicits the fewest It serves to feed and nurture our spirits Tips for Praying Together I shall try to make some changes in Your number of responses. Sometimes I can count and souls. I’m convinced that this is the If you’re interested in introducing Holy Name. Amen.” the number of couples on one hand. reason why Saint Paul would counsel us couple prayer into your lives, here are some Once the first person has completed Benefits of Praying Together to “…pray constantly…” (I Thess. 5:17). guidelines that should prove helpful. their prayer, if the other spouse is com- Judging from the responses I’ve received Coming from the same perspective, Saint Make an appointment to discuss this fortable, they should then proceed with during this exercise, I suspect that many Basil of Caesarea, would write the follow- topic. During your discussion, talk about their prayer. As you get better at this, you couples fail to pray together at home. I’m not ing about prayer. “Without it [prayer], our some of the benefits and challenges you might want to introduce some common certain why, and in many ways this is not im- spirits wither and die.” I could easily fill a might encounter respectfully and prayerfully. prayers from your religious background portant. From my perspective, what’s more number of pages with similar quotes from Should you both decide it’s not time at the beginning and end of this process. important is that you’re aware that research other Christ-centered people. Bottom line, to begin developing a prayer life together, indicates that couples who pray together, prayer is to our souls what water and food is then don’t dismiss this strategy outright. Conclusion have a greater probability of reporting higher to our bodies. Through our efforts to pray, Instead, try and leave some room for you In a world that undermines marital one- levels of marital satisfaction and staying to- the transcendent becomes accessible. More to revisit this subject in the near future. ness and separates couples, praying together gether. The following results from a research than any other spiritual discipline, prayer Incidentally, this might be a good time to is yet another powerful way to help you study I reviewed recently validate this point. functions to keep God at the center of our consider meeting with your priest. He may protect oneness. Partners who pray together are more lives. It nourishes and strengthens us with be able to provide some helpful insights. So, if you’re not praying together at willing to forgive their partner for a transgres- increased faith through God’s hope, love, If you decide to try praying together, home, make it a point today to ask God to sion. Prayer protects marriage partners from increased faith, mercy and forgiveness. my recommendation is that you begin help you both incorporate couple prayer into risk factors like drinking to excess, viewing Just as prayer is important to our per- praying together at dinner and on special your lives. Like the personal benefits that you pornography and excessive buying habits. sonal spiritual well-being, it is as important occasions such as birthdays, name days and derive from your personal prayer, praying Prayer decreases infidelity. to our well-being as couples. The act of Thanksgiving. Beyond these suggestions, together can be equally helpful. APRIL 2011 29

by Jennifer Hock incense rising to heaven with our prayers, and the flowers decorating the church. Lent As we are filled with the radiant light was a time for us to repair and do some of the Resurrection we look forward and upkeep on our spiritual tools so we can go also look back. By looking back on our forth with renewed vigor and shine the light Lenten journey, we realize our family has of Christ in our lives. We nurture our chil- grown in strength and endurance through dren in the Orthodox faith by doing all these the struggles we overcame together. things with them at home and at church, all As we look forward to the future, we while teaching them about the Resurrection strive to continue using the tools that Lent of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. has given us to grow in spiritual maturity, together as a family, in our continued Jennifer Hock is the creator of Illumina- journey ahead. tion Learning. (www.illumination-learning. Prayer is one of the tools we labored com) It is a website that strives to be a hub to sharpen during Lent. Regardless of for finding Orthodox Christian education whether your family prays together often resources. Her background is in elementary or yearns to begin, a little extra attention education and she has taught in the public to prayer time can revitalize any family’s school system as well as home schooled busy life. Prayer is a relationship with God, her four children ages 16, 8, 7, and 5. She nurtured and developed first at home has worked closely with summer camps, within the family. St. John Chrysostom oratorical festivals, church schools, vacation instructs us that, “The primary goal in the church school, retreats, and conferences. education of children is to teach, and to A Family’s Spiritual Toolbox Jennifer and her husband were foster par- give the example of a virtuous life.” Parents ents for 3 years until adopting three of their lead through example when children wit- foster children and continue to support ness their parents gathering everyone for I find that at meals the entire family can Tell them your budget, and let them organizations helping children in need. prayer before meals, at bedtime, and for easily say a prayer together because we are keep track of how much money is being church services. already gathered in one spot. spent. Allow them to trade out foods to save Our children are learning about their If prayer is already part of your daily as much money as possible. (Also let them faith every day as they participate in the routine, try to increase it. Include another know they need to eat what they pick out.) MORNING spiritual rituals of the home. Our emphasis prayer time in your day, whether during When you get home from the store, your on particular activities reveals to our chil- your car ride to and from school or before children can add the leftover grocery money THANKSGIVING PRAYER dren what we find important—and what tucking the kids in bed. St. Paul tells us to to a jar in the middle of the kitchen table we don’t. At times, we need to pause and “pray without ceasing” in 1 Thessalonians and later give the money to those in need. I praise, bless and thank You almighty reevaluate our priorities. Are we incorpo- 5:17. Our goal then as parents is to try to in- I remember one particular Christmas- God, the Father of light, that You have rating prayer into our daily life? If not, we crease our prayer time as a family each year. time when I was a teenager and my family again shown to me the light of this day. I can make a commitment to say at least one Fasting is another important tool—not received an anonymous care package of entreat You: Forgive my sins and accept prayer a day with our spouse and children. just a temporary change in food choices but food and gifts because of our financial situ- my prayer in Your great mercy, for I seek a means for learning self-discipline. Talk ation. While I was unpacking the food from refuge in You, the merciful and almighty with your children about the importance the box and putting it in our cupboards, one God. RESOURCES of fasting. Let them know that if we can of the things that stayed with me through Shine in my heart the light of Christ, learn to refrain from indulging in food the years is that the items donated seemed the Sun of Righteousness. Enlighten my FOR FAMILIES cravings when the urge arises then we can to be the food people wouldn’t miss from mind and my whole being that I may live also learn to refrain from other behaviors. their cupboards. The food items also according to Your commandments and A Lamp to My Feet: An Intro- We can learn restraint when faced with dif- seemed random in that they were not really serve You in all that I do and say. For You duction to the Bible by the Depart- ficult choices that could inhibit our spiritual items you could use to put together a meal. I are the source of life and light, and to ment of Religious Education—This growth—such as the choices we make at put them away and didn’t really think much You I give praise and thanksgiving, to the ‘zine explores general motivations for a party with friends or when on a date, or about it beyond that for several years. Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy and goals of Bible study. It then sug- showing good sportsmanship when play- We simply appreciated having food in Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages gests study habits and methods, and ing a game. Fasting prepares us for both a the cupboard. Now, as an adult, I tell my of ages. Amen. explains various formats and transla- strong prayer life and a giving wallet. kids to pick their favorite food from our tions of the Bible. The zine introduc- Without self-discipline, we can easily pantry when we are bringing donations to These reflections are taken from the es the Old and New Testaments, the say we are too tired at the end of the day church. I look through their selections and Table Top Prayer Guide: Volume II, pub- kinds of books they contain, and how to pray with our children, telling ourselves then pick out complementary items to help lished by the Center for Family Care. The the books came to be there. (Grade we’ll just do it “tomorrow.” Without eating make a complete meal. I tell my kids that we guide provides a collection of Orthodox 6+) Published by the DRE. simpler meals, we decrease the money we are providing our favorite meals to families prayers and meditations for daily use, for have available to help those who have little who for one reason or another cannot buy both personal and family prayer time. It Almsgiving to an Orthodox Or- to no food at all on their table. For all our their own food. can be ordered at www.OrthodoxMarket- phanage in Kolkata, India – View struggles and efforts while fasting, St. John We have now spent the past forty days place.com Lucky Girls, a 15-minute film, which Chrysostom reassures us in his Paschal walking on a spiritual journey side by side as was made with the purpose of raising homily, “Whoever may be spent from fast- a family. We have grown closer to each other funds and awareness for the Greek ing, enjoy now your reward. Whoever has as we battled temptations for our favorite Orthodox Orphanage in Kolkata, toiled from the first hour, receive today your foods, persevered in our personal goals of India. It explores the plight of the just settlement.” longer prayer times, and learned about our young Indian girl-child and quilts the As you’re spring cleaning your spiri- faith through our senses. Our children have remarkable stories and dreams of the tual toolbox, don’t forget to wipe off any listened to us pray to God and our talks to girls from the orphanage. Visit www. cobwebs you find around your coin purse. them about Lent and Pascha. theluckygirlsmovie.com Almsgiving as a family is a great way to en- They have watched us as we gathered courage your children to develop a closer the family together for prayers before relationship with God. You can make this as our home altar, a meal around the table, An Orthodox Kitchen – A place creative or as simple an activity as you wish. and church services. They have tasted the on the internet for Orthodox Chris- We are called to help those less for- simpler meals and approached the chalice tians to exchange recipes for fasts tunate than ourselves by sharing some of together as a family for Holy Communion. and feasts. You can browse recipes by our blessings with them. One way you can They have touched the money collect- fasting rule, which makes it easier for involve your children is to let them help you ed by our family to give to the needy, made you to find what you need, including choose fasting foods at the grocery store. the sign of the cross for prayers, kneeled in the ability to rate the recipes that you Explain to them that when you buy fasting church, brought food for those who hunger, try and contribute your own. Visit foods you try to buy as simply and cheaply and held their candles on Holy Friday and www.orthodoxkitchen.com as possible so you can give the rest of the during the Resurrection Liturgy. They have money to the poor. smelled the food cooking in their home, the 30 APRIL 2011 OBSERVER’S CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL SERVICES REAL ESTATE MUSICIANS 30 GEORGE KENT•GREEK•AMERICAN•INTERNATIONALSEPTEMBER 2010 ORCHESTRA & ENTERTAINMENT Athens,Apartment Ilisia, 76 sq.for meters, SALE two ATTENTION! EXCELLENT NEWS - SOMETHING NEW! FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO PLEASE EVERYONE OF ALL AGE GROUPS NAPLES, FLORIDA FOR YOUR SOCIAL AFFAIR! A BEAUTIFUL SOLUTION AND MONEY bedroom, recently renovated, in a SAVER! IN ADDITION TO OUR GREEK MUSIC, WHICH COVERS ALL Be an informed THE REGIONS AND COLONIES OF GREECE WITH GREEK KLARINO, quiet street close to Universities. BOUZOUKIE & VOCALS AND AMERICAN/INTERNATIONAL MUSIC.WE OBSERVER’S CLASSIFIEDSNOW OFFER A PACKAGE DEAL WITH “LIVE MUSIC” AND A “DJ” WHICH Call (732) 859-7484 Buyer • Seller !!! SAVES MONEY - TOGETHER OR SINGULARLY! YOUR CHOICE! 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Is Facebook Making Making A Paschal Promise You Depressed? Pascha is a source of inspiration and on flesh and was cruci- Isn’t Facebook supposed to be that motivation for all Orthodox Christians. It fied so that we might cool website which connects us with is only natural since we are celebrating inherit eternal life. An friends and family? Apparently, for some, the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, excellent way for us to Facebook is causing more harm than good. Jesus Christ. When we sing “Christ is honor Christ’s sacrifice is In a recently-released study, researchers Risen” together, it sets a renewed spirit of to serve others with the have observed some teenagers who display commitment and enthusiasm within us to same sense of selfless- signs of depression because of Facebook. connect to Christ and a life in the Church. ness and love for our Yes, that’s right... It is causing depression. But after the candles are blown out neighbor. Make a prom- But why is it causing young people to be and the Paschal eggs have all been distrib- ise to volunteer your depressed? And how can keep Facebook uted, does the light of the Resurrection time at a soup kitchen, in the right focus? continue to stay lit within us? Where does homeless shelter, or at You probably can name four or five that enthusiasm go once Pentecost arrives other local charitable people who spend more time on Facebook and the Resurrectional hymn is no longer organizations. Serving than on their homework or even texting. on the tip of our tongue? Unfortunately, others can be as simple But for some, Facebook has become the our feelings of joy, unity, community, as helping set the dinner only source of social interaction and com- and celebration are diminished by our table, taking an active munication. In essence, social networking everyday lives. We become overpowered role in our chores at websites have become the primary com- by work, school, stress, peer pressure, and home, and to be there munity in their life. And because it is the so much more. for people when they are center of their social lives, the pressures of In celebration of Christ’s Resurrec- having a difficult day. popularity, attention, and self-esteem are tion, let us make a Paschal Promise to “Let no one despise extending to the digital realm. God, to ourselves, and to each other. We your youth, but be an How would you feel if you were being can make significant efforts and changes example to the believers mocked, bullied, and harassed by the very in our spiritual lives to keep the light of in word, in conduct, in people that you “friended?” Some teens are the Resurrection ablaze in our hearts and love, in spirit, in faith, in feeling pressure to have a certain amount minds. So what kinds of things can we purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) of “friends” or to get a certain amount of do in our everyday to fulfill this promise? We should try to live our comments or attention. According to this “Where two or three are gathered lives as a walking Gospel. new study, these communities can become together in My name, I am there in the But witnessing what we additional sources of anxiety, negativity, and midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) believe can be a very depression. As Orthodox Christians, we Don’t forget that we celebrate the difficult thing, especially believe in the importance of fellowship and reality of Christ’s Resurrection at each when people do not community. Regardless of the medium or Divine Liturgy. From the candle we light believe or worship the environment, we should treat every person as we enter the Church to the joyful sing- same way we do. There with love, kindness, patience, and respect. ing of “We have seen the Light, the True are simple ways that we In any fellowship or community, we should Light,” everything about the Divine Liturgy tal participation, following the readings can witness our belief in the Resurrection. place Christ at the center of how we act, keeps Pascha at the forefront of our minds and petitions of the service, and singing We can make the sign of the Cross before interact, and react. Here are some sugges- and hearts. along to the hymns. and after eating. We can forgive others, tions on how to keep Facebook interactions The Divine Liturgy takes us back to “For even the Son of Man did not come even if others do not forgive in return. We as positive experiences: the Mystical Supper, where we can share to be served, but to serve, and give his life can be patient with others, even when they Keep Facebook as an extension of in blessed Eucharist at the table with as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) test our nerves. Make a promise to study your social network, not the ONLY social Christ. If we want to carry the reality of Serving our neighbor honors the way the lessons that Jesus Christ shares with network. Facebook can be a great way to Christ’s Resurrection with us, we can make Christ sacrificed for us. Remember... it us in the Holy Scriptures. Then, consider keep connected to quality friends from all the promise to remember the Resurrection is Christ who humbled Himself to wash how you can live those lessons in today’s over the U.S. But try not to make it the at EVERY Divine Liturgy by our Sacramen- the feet of the disciples. In fact, He took society. only way you communicate or the only place you seek out friendships. Spending time hanging out with friends or attending youth group events are ways that you can Tragedy in Japan – Ways That Teens Can Help strengthen your current friendships and make new ones. “Lord of the Powers, be with us. For of these efforts in a practical way? Organize a Prayer Service Don’t be afraid to “defriend” if some- in times of distress, we have no other Organize a Fundraiser As Orthodox Christians, we fully be- one is NOT being a good friend. If you find help but You. Lord of the Powers, have A simple way to offer your support lieve in the importance and strength of out someone is saying mean things about mercy on us.” to the efforts in Japan is to collect funds. prayer. Talk to your parish priest about you or they are harassing you, do not be In early March, the whole world Brainstorm ways that your youth group offering a small prayer service for all those afraid to remove them from your friend watched as the nation of Japan grappled can fundraise. If you already have fundrais- affected by the earthquake and tsunami. In list. You deserve to have friends that are with a devastating earthquake and sub- ers planned for your youth group, commit fact, this can be done in conjunction with positive and kind. Don’t worry about your sequent tsunami. As a result of these to designating a portion of the proceeds a drive to collect supplies or after offering friend count compared to others. Focus two natural disasters, lives have been to the efforts in Japan. Also, contact other a fundraiser. on having quality friends versus a certain lost and the country faces a nuclear ministry groups in your church (Ladies’ quantity of friends. crisis. Many Orthodox Christians have Philoptochos, Young Adult Ministries, Remember that Facebook is not a witnessed these events unfold and have etc.) to encourage fellowship and team- Best Things About moral-free or consequence-free zone. felt called to assist in some substantial work for this worthy cause. Sometimes people post things or say things way. Collect Supplies online that they would not post or say in Archbishop Demetrios has en- Bright Week person. So remember that the things you couraged all churches of the Greek There are thousands of people who have lost absolutely everything due to 1) Every Orthodox Christian you meet will say and do have consequences just like Orthodox Archdiocese to support the they do in person. Mean words can hurt philanthropic organization or charity the tsunami and flooding. Contact or- say “Christ is Risen” to you. ganizations like IOCC (International Or- 2) The Church is still decorated so beauti- people’s feelings. Inappropriate pictures of their choice to contribute to rescue can ruin someone’s reputation. Bullying efforts in Japan. Youth groups can do thodox Christian Charities) or Red Cross fully. to ask about supplies that can be sent. 3) It’s a fast-free week. can be so dangerous that it lead to depres- their part to help their brothers and sion or something worse. We should live sisters in Japan, answering the call to Youth groups can collect medical sup- 4) We will be sharing Paschal traditions with plies, clothing, and other essential items family and friends all week long. by the “Golden Rule” in person and online. “love thy neighbor.” Do unto others as you would have them But how can youth groups be a part for those who are without basic items 5) Our faith is reinvigorated by the joy of that we sometimes take for granted. the Feast of the Resurrection. do unto you. 32 APRIL 2011 Greek Americans in NY, Pa, Mich, Fla, March in March New York Event Draws Thousands The nation’s oldest and largest Greek In- dependence Day Parade attracted thousands of spectators and marchers on a sunny, but very cold and windy March 27. More than 100 parishes and organizations from, not only New York, but New Jersey, Con- necticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia participated, along with a unit of Evzones from Greece. Also featured were 42 colorful floats from societies representing many regions of Greece. Marchers followed the traditional route of more than a mile up Fifth Avenue, culminating at th 79 Street in front of Archdiocese headquarters. Another group of college students traveled from Maryland. D. PANAGOS Archbishop Demetrios, joined by Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey and other dignitaries, steps off at the head of the annual parade. (below) Among the honored guests were actor Michael Constantine, star of by Big Fat Greek Wedding, and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Olympic Dancers of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh .

Several societies representing the diff erent regions of Greece included participants from Euboea (above) and Chios (below).

D. PANAGOS

Children of Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, N.Y.

After the start of the parade, Met- ropolitan Evan- gelos marches at the head of a large delegation of New Jersey parishes and as- sociations. Join- Greek school students of Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in ing him was the Richmond, Va., traveled more than 300 miles to march. Consul General of Cyprus in New York, Koula So- The Carnival of Love Foundation fl oat draws attention to the phianou. cause of autism.

Hundreds of college and university students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, including this Columbia U. group, turned out in force to show their enthusiasm. Detroit Parade Includes Greek ‘Martha Stewart’ Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit led the 10th an- nual parade through downtown Detroit to the heart of Macedonians, take note. historic ‘Greektown.’ Events celebrating Greek Indepen- dence Day began on March 25 with a preview of the Hel- Florida Event Draws Over 100 Groups lenic Museum of Michigan, scheduled to open later this Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit leads the annual event though Greektown. year. The Hellenic Heritage Awards Dinner on March 26 TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. – Tampa Bay area recognized individuals who are contributing members of Greek Community members commemorated the community and have achieved exemplary distinction Greek Independence Day with events held in laying the foundation of their faith and culture. This March 25-27. year’s honorees were Tula Georgeson, Dr. Harry Kotsis, Their parade took place on March 27, George Raptis, Dr. Mike Syropoulos and Ernest Zachary. originating at St. Nicholas Cathedral and The parade on March 27 included more than 40 continuing to the sponge docks on Dodeca- marching units, a group of visiting leaders from the nese Blvd. Messenia region of Greece and internationally renowned Participants included U.S. Congressman author and “Grande Dame” of Greek Cuisine, Vefa Gus Bilirakis, the mayor of Tarpons Springs, Alexiadou, came from Athens, Greece. She is known as other political leaders, representatives of the the Martha Stewart of Greece. Among the communities Greek consulate in Tampa and about 120 represented were Windsor, Ontario; Toledo, Ohio; and groups from throughout Florida, including a Flint, Ann Arbor and Lansing, Mich. A group of marchers parade through downtown Philadelphia. Scotish bagpipe band and many floats.