 Ecumenical Patriarchate  THE EPISTLE Greek Orthodox Retired Clergy Association SEPTEMBER, 2013

How the Church Year begins with teaching: Gold words, red words, from the Master to the Apostles, to Disciples, insight passed through gold words, red words, alive and living, teaching and taught, ourselves becoming disciples and teachers in turn.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Under the Auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios THERE ARE DISCOUNTS RCA Board of Trustees FOR SENIOR CITIZENS President: Father Joel McEachen 1345 Fairfield Woods Road Fr. Nicholas Soteropoulos Fairfield, CT 06825 [email protected] / (203) 372-1976 There’s a big silver lining to getting older: a bevy of discounts for you to enjoy, from free samples to discounts on car rentals. Vice-President: Father Costa Eliades For many of these incentives, you don’t have to be anywhere near 24-03 Murray Street 65. In fact, some can be enjoyed starting at 50. Of course, to get the Whitestone, NY 11357 freebies or the 20 percent off, you’ll have to admit your age - and then [email protected] most likely flash your ID, but it can be well worth it. (718) 539-1124 “Every counts,” said Jodi Furman, author of a blog called Secretary: Livefabuless.com, - who said she’s seeing more discounts that start at age Fr. Theoharis Theoharis 50 than just a few years ago. “All you have to do is mention your age.” 4652 Foxfire Trail Here are some strategies and tips: Portage, MI 49024-8140 [email protected] Don’t be shy: Many stores or restaurants don’t broadcast their (269) 743-7186 discounts. Even on their websites, the offers can be hard to find. So just ask the manager what’s available. What’s the worst that can happen? And Treasurer: Father John Maheras you may even get your ego stroked when the person at the cash register 24 Shady Lane Scituate MA, 02066 thinks you’re much younger than you are. [email protected] “Today people are more comfortable with their age—and asking (781) 718-9330 for discounts,” said Alison Levy, a retail strategist at consulting firm Kurt Salmon. She also encourages shoppers to think broadly and look at every Board Members Father Eugene Pappas area, from spas to electronics. 2732 East 19th Street Join AARP and other groups: Once you’re 50, you can sign up to Brooklyn, NY 11235 be a member of AARP, which provides benefits such as discounts and [email protected] freebies to its members through affiliate partners. It costs $16 a year to be Father Tom Paris a member, but less than that if you sign on as a member for several years. 4051 Rhoda Avenue There are other organizations, such as the American Seniors Oakland, CA 94602 Organization, that offer benefits, too. [email protected] Research online: Discounts keep changing, so you need to keep (510) 531-9002 surfing the Web to make sure they’re current. The AARP.org website has RCA Board Advisor: a tab dedicated to discounts. Father Nicholas Soteropoulos It includes a grocery coupon center powered by Coupons.com and 162-41 Powells Cove Blvd. has links to retailers such as arts and crafts chain Michael’s, which offers Beechhurst, NY 11357 [email protected] a 20 percent savings every Tuesday for AARP members. It also has a (718) 309-7660 section on free samples of top brands in food and beauty. Levy encourages consumers to check out different websites Pomfret Representative that focus on discounts for the 50 and over set. Among the largest: Father George Poulos 1527 Bedford Street seniordiscourifs.com: which features more than 250,000 local listings. Stamford, CT 06905 Other sites include allseniordeals.com free4seniors.com, and www. [email protected] sciddy.com, which lets you search discounts by your area code. (203) 992-5675 Furman advises the 50-age group to try a free app called Larky. All living past Presidents are com, which currently works on Apple and Android products. The app EX-OFFICIO Board Members offers automatic reminders of your membership perks and discounts when you need them. Editor: Father Samaras Be prepared: Make sure to bring your ID and your AARP card Send any comments or suggestions to: [email protected] when you go out. Business establishments will likely want to see proof or call (845) 731-9333 that you are the age you say—especially if you .look much younger than you are. Page 2 Presidential Papers In 1805, Napoleon put it on his head with his own hands. It now rests in the Cathedral at Monza, , in Lombardy, Father Joel McEachen about 10 miles northeast of Milan. The third nail the empress had lowered into the I hope you are all considering attending the RCA’s Adriatic to protect vessels against the frequent and violent founding commemoration on November 16-17, 2013, in storms that beset the sea. Fort Lauderdale, FL. You should all have received the details The fourth nail was entrusted to the Basilica of the of the gathering by this time. Fr. Tom Paris is still looking Holy Cross in Jerusalem, in Rome (its name comes from the for pages in our commemorative book until October. Please fact that, when the basilica was consecrated c. 325 A.D. to help with this book to support our activities. house the Passion Relics brought to Rome from the Holy We will continue the tradition of the RCA Christmas Land by St. Helena, the basilica floor was covered with soil card this year. A notice will be in the October issue of the from Jerusalem, thus acquiring the title “in Hierusalem”—it EPISTLE plus a special mailing enlisting your support for is not dedicated to the Holy Cross which is in Jerusalem, but this project. the church itself is “in Jerusalem” in the sense that a “piece” With the recently reported “discovery” of a lost of Jerusalem was moved to Rome for its foundation.) The reliquary of the True Cross (“While excavating the Balatlar fourth nail disappeared when the titulus (title board from the Church, a seventh century building in Sinop, Turkey, on the Crucifixion, containing ’ name) disappeared in the sixth shores of the Black Sea, they uncovered a stone chest that century; and was re-discovered in 1492 [see Annals 5.1999] contained objects that may be directly connected with Jesus inside the leaden coffer containing the inscription and a Christ…”)I decided to write on the Nails of the Crucifixion, piece of the True Cross, when this was found by workmen— one of which I was able to venerate in Rome. well hidden in the apse of the Basilica—seemingly put there What happened to the nails with which Jesus was to protect the relics when the Vandals sacked Rome in 455. crucified? In many of the accounts that have come down to Other places throughout the world boast of possessing us of the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena, there is the nails with which Jesus was crucified. To understand how mention of the discovery of the four nails with which Jesus this can happen, one should remember that the genuine nails was fixed to the cross. would undoubtedly have been cut down. Other nails were Saint Ambrose [339-397], in his description of Saint made in such a way by the blacksmiths that they contained Helena’s discovery of the True Cross, adds, “She sought filings taken from the genuine nails. Others again were made for the nails with which the Lord was crucified, and found like the genuine article, and touched to the originals. them.” The Byzantine historian Socrates, after describing The Church correctly distinguished between “first” how Saint Helena found the Cross, goes on, “She conveyed and “second” class relics. A “‘first-class” relic in this instance [a portion of the Cross] to her son Constantine, together would be one of the original nails (the piece set in the Iron with the nails with which the body of Christ was pierced.” Crown of Monza, and the one preserved at Santa Croce, for Saint Ambrose informs us what Helena did with two of the example). The one that was converted into a bit for Saint nails: “With one, she adorned a bridle rein; and the other Constantine’s horse, or parts of it, may well be among those she had entwined into a diadem . . .by the iron that pierced honored in certain other places, but one would have to his feet, kings are bowed down.” Saint Gregory of Tours examine the history of each of the relics in question to see [540-594] agrees that the nail was actually made into a bit if it can be determined whether they are “first” or “second” for Constantine’s horse. In an age when death on and from class relics. The one that was dropped into the Adriatic can horseback was more common than we imagine, this was be reasonably presumed to be lost. more than likely a pious way of guaranteeing the Emperor’s “Second-class” relics (so-called) are honored protection from a runaway horse, as a , and not the because of their closeness to the originals. They may have irreverent gesture that some might take it to have been. touched the original, or, as was suggested above, they may Ambrose’s point about Kings being “bowed down” contain minute filings taken from the original. As such they by wearing the “diadem” has been vindicated—for what he are a precious link to a holy object associated, in this case, called a “diadem” was really a helmet used by Constantine with the death of Jesus, and worthy of respect. as a perpetual protection in battle and pledge of victory. This Those of us who have been privileged to be in “helmet” was incorporated into the famous “Iron Crown of Jerusalem for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Lombardy,” so named because there is a narrow band of have processed with the Patriarch to the Chapel of the iron about three eighths of an inch broad and one tenth of an Invention (Latin for ‘finding’) of the Holy Cross for the inch thick within it which was beaten out of the nail given to prayer service. Constantine by Saint Helena. The outer circlet is of gold, set The Church strived to keep the use of relics in with precious stones. The crown was used in the coronation perspective. In his Letter to Riparius, Saint Jerome (d. 420) of Agiluph, King of Lombardy in 591, and of many other wrote in defense of relics: “We do not worship, we do not kings and Holy Roman Emperors including Charlemagne adore, for fear that we should bow down to the creature rather who was crowned with it in Monza as King of Italy in 774. than to the Creator, but we venerate the relics of the martyrs in order the better to adore Him whose martyrs they are.” Page 3 Rev. Fr. Demetrius T. Dogias the Annunciation–Sacramento, CA from 1981 until his March 9, 1939 – February 4, 2013 retirement in 2006. He also nurtured the establishment and growth of the nearby parishes of Saint Katherine in It is with great sadness that the Greek Orthodox Elk Grove, CA and Saint Anna in Roseville, CA. Always Metropolis of San Francisco announces the passing of with a zeal for serving the Lord, Father Demetrius Rev. Fr. Demetrius T. Dogias, who fell asleep in the continued to offer his leadership during his retirement Lord on February 4, 2013 at his home, surrounded by by serving as interim Dean of Saints Constantine and his loving family. Father Demetrius was a distinguished Helen Cathedral–Honolulu, HI from 2007–2008, and priest in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, substituting at parishes throughout the Metropolis, having been ordained nearly 50 years ago, on March whenever there was a need. 10, 1963 by His Eminence Metropolitan Germanos A noted scholar, researcher and avid reader, Polyzoides in Troy, NY. Father Demetrius taught numerous classes at the many “Father Demetrius was a priest parishes he served, sharing his whose entire life emulated his love love of learning and his passion for for the Lord. He was fully devoted the faith with people of all ages. A to his ministry, and joyfully shared gifted musician, Father Demetrius his faith with the people he served, excelled in his musical studies as always striving to lead them on the a chanter, and also served as the path of eternal salvation in the Lord,” choir accompanist under the famed stated His Eminence Metropolitan choral conductor and composer, Dr. Gerasimos of San Francisco. “Father Christos Vrionides during his time at Demetrius’ departure from this life Holy Cross. In each of his parishes, leaves a tremendous void for his Father Demetrius was especially family, his parishioners and all those supportive of the music ministry, whose lives he touched during his encouraging the choir and chanters ministry. It is my fervent prayer that in their participation in the Liturgical God will comfort their grieving hearts life of the church. During his 26-year and grant eternal rest to our most tenure at the Annunciation Church in worthy brother in the Lord.” Sacramento, Father Demetrius was Father Demetrius was born at church every Thursday evening, March 9, 1939 in Elizabeth, NJ and joining in praise and song with the raised in Poughkeepsie, NY. He was choir at their weekly rehearsals. the first of four sons born to Thales Father Demetrius is survived and Mary Dogias, originally from Andros, . by his beloved wife, Presvytera Eleutheria (Tsakiris) After completing his education in Poughkeepsie, Dogias, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding Father Demetrius was accepted into the Holy Cross anniversary just one day prior to his passing. He is also Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he earned survived by his children Amalia Dogias; Tom (Eleni), a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology in 1963, ranking Maria (Thanasi) Preovolos; and Peter (Dimitra), along among the top three in his class. Through the Taylor with his six adoring grandchildren. Additionally, Father Scholarship granted by the Archdiocese, Father Demetrius is survived by his two brothers, George and Demetrius continued his studies at Fordham University Alexander, and their families. He was predeceased by in the Bronx, NY earning a Master of Arts degree in his parents, and brother Nicholas. Medieval History with an emphasis on Byzantium in His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San 1971. Francisco officiated at Father’s funeral services. The Among the parishes served by Father Demetrius family requests that donations in memory of Father were: Saint Paul–Hempstead, NY from 1963-1965; Demetrius be made to either the Annunciation Greek Saint George–Oklahoma City, OK from 1965–1968; Orthodox Church, 3022 F Street, Sacramento, CA Assumption–Danbury, CT from 1968–1971; Saints 95818; or to the Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church, Constantine and Helen–Washington, DC from 1971- 1001 Stone Canyon Drive, Roseville, CA 95661. 1974; Saint George–Albuquerque from 1974–1981; and May his memory be eternal! Page 4 Dilution popular talk-show host invites this same NBA player to appear on his program as a “celebrant” . . .when the Father George Poulos media grants this same player a hero’s welcome, and when others are emulating the aspirations of the press, then this country is in deep trouble. Whether we realize it or not, we live in an age of How can we solve the present dilemma in this dilution which threatens our way or normal existence nation? in the 21st Century. We begin with two examples of First, we must be truthful with our beliefs. An simple dilution which constitute no danger to us at all. individual who maintains that he is gay is not revealing Over a half-century ago, we enjoyed the opportunity the truth. He should reveal that he is a homosexual, not of a traditional morning shave, after which we would a “gay.” The word “gay,” according to the dictionary, apply the popular shaving lotion called means “happy” and has no association “Old Spice.” The invigorating aroma with the word “homosexual.” If an NFL brought about instant gratification and player, or any other individual, wishes pleasure, which remained throughout to express himself, let him state the the day. truth that he is a homosexual. We will The same daily procedure accept his announcement immediately, today brings about the opposite effect. because he speaks the truth. What he The traditional Old Spice aroma has or she does with their sexuality is their vanished and has been replaced with own concern. an unrealistic facsimile which brings about cheap dilution conducive to utter v disappointment. Similarly, we had the simple We truly believe in our nation’s pleasure of chewing gum. Over a half- affirmation that “all men are created century ago, the flavor of all popular equal.” However, we also agree that brands would inevitably remain for God has created man and woman, and many hours during the day to enjoy. that marriage between a man and a Today, after approximately thirty woman is not only sacred, but is also a seconds, the taste will invariably natural state of human existence. Any disappear, leaving us to become deviation is totally unnatural. surprised victims chewing a bark-like All citizens in this country have substance foreign to the human pallet. the choice to adhere to whatever they deem appropriate. But the majority of v Americans have had the opportunity to adhere to the basic tenets of our Judeo-Christian principles (upon We now approach a more serious dilution in our which this Nation has survived) for almost two thousand present-day, which threatens the very foundation of our years. Judeo-Christian principles of human behavior. When our nation’s leader condones same-sex It all began years ago when nine individuals marriage, then we have a tremendous problem. As of the Supreme Court removed Prayer from all public Americans, are we obliged to accept marriage between schools, coupled eventually with the condoning of a man and a man, and a woman and a woman? human abortion. The recent coup d’état of the same Legally, we must adhere to the law—but, in our nine individuals of our highest court brought the hearts, we cannot interpret this new meaning of the dreaded form of abortion into our society. To add insult sacrament of marriage. In order to pacify the minority, to injury, we now find ourselves forced to accept “same- we have diluted the meaning of true marriage. We sex marriage” as part of our American heritage. sincerely trust that the American people will eventually When the President of the United States of get the opportunity to vote against the new marriage America telephones to congratulate a young NBA law and return to normality. In the meantime, we must player who has just revealed that he is gay . . .when a tolerate the present law, but we cannot condone it. Page 5 Children of Clergy head of the lower school at two private schools, was an assistant principal and principal of two charter Submitted by Loukia Lopresti schools, and currently is the administrative coordinator of curriculum and programs for a future charter high Anna Sophocles Hadgis is the daughter of the school. late Rev. Sophocles Michael Sophocles and Presvytera “I attribute my love of children and teaching Chrysi (Mamatseo) Sophocles, of Bryn Mawr, to my upbringing in the Church from two learned Pennsylvania. and extremely faithful parents. My father was an Rev. Sophocles, born on Cyprus, came to the outstanding academician and teacher, as well as being United States when he was 14 and was educated at Holy a phenomenal priest. My mother was a pharmacist and Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Pomfret, always encouraged me to strive to attain my goals in Connecticut. He received his PhD in Philosophy and all areas. She is an amazing role model since she was History from the University of Michigan. one of the first Greek-American women to attend The Anna was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and just attended her father served his first parish. In 1952, her family her 70th reunion.” moved to Cleveland, Ohio. During 1953-54 and for Anna has been married for 38 years. Her children 6 months in 1958, while her father was writing two are Demetrios, Hrisafie, and Michael. Michael and books on the history of the Church and on the history of wife, Kristin, have a daughter, Alexandra. Presvytera Greece, her family lived in Greece. In 1959, the family Sophocles lives with Anna and her family and “her relocated to Broomall, PA. guiding spirit and deep faith keeps us all grounded as she “My parents were always entertaining people approaches the age of 92 in October.” Anna’s husband because we welcomed everyone into our home. My is Dean of the School of Hospitality Management at father was good friends with Archbishop Iakovos, Widener University. Archbishop Makarios, and many bishops and dignitaries. Anna and her family attend Saint Luke’s Greek My fondest memories are being among those learned Orthodox Church in Broomall, PA, where she and her men, hearing them sing and relate religious stories that husband have been parish council Presidents and are continue to impact my life.” Anna’s brother, Michael, deeply devoted to the mission of our church. married Dorothy Bacopoulos, daughter of Reverend Anna states, “I feel so fortunate to have been Father George Bacopoulos, which brought more raised in our church and I am committed to giving back spiritual, dedicated people into her life. to others all the love, educational opportunities and Anna attended the University of Pennsylvania blessings I have received.” where she took some religion and philosophy courses. “My father was a philosopher and inspired us to question everything, even our faith. He wanted us to have a deep understanding of Orthodoxy and an appreciation of our Christian ideals. He taught us to live daily what Jesus taught and to be good stewards and give back in multiple ways.” “Orthodoxy Their many trips to Greece inspired Anna to is life: one cannot become an archaeologist at the University of PA and, talk about it. during college and graduate school, she participated in One must live it.” excavations on Cyprus. In 1974, she participated in an —Saint Nektary excavation sponsored by Harvard University at Idalion of Optina when the war broke out, an experience which had a “We will find benefit “lasting impact on my life.” for ourselves when Anna married Nicholas James Hadgis, of we seek benefit for Manchester, NH, and has three children. Since our neighbour.” archeological trips were incompatible with raising —Saint John children, she decided to pursue a career in education Chrysostom and administration. She taught for several years, was Page 6 10 Drugs That May Cause Be sure to consult your health care professional before stopping or reducing the dosage of any benzodiazepine. Memory Loss Sudden withdrawal can trigger serious side effects, so a health professional should always monitor the process. Are you having trouble remembering things? 2. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (Statins) One of these meds may be the problem Why they are prescribed: Statins are used to treat high cholesterol. by Dr. Armon B. Neel Jr., AARP, May 10, 2013 Examples: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), Drugs That May Cause Memory Loss rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). 1. Antianxiety drugs; 2. Cholesterol drugs; 3. How they can cause memory loss: Drugs that lower Antiseizure drugs; 4. Antidepressant drugs; 5. Narcotic blood levels of cholesterol may impair memory and other painkillers; 6. Parkinson’s drugs; 7. Hypertension drugs; 8. mental processes by depleting brain levels of cholesterol Sleeping aids; 9. Incontinence drugs; 10. Antihistamines as well. In the brain, these lipids are vital to the formation 1. Antianxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines) of connections between nerve cells — the links underlying Why they are prescribed: Benzodiazepines are used memory and learning. (The brain, in fact, contains a quarter to treat a variety of anxiety disorders, agitation, delirium and of the body’s cholesterol.) muscle spasms, and to prevent seizures. A study published in the journal Because benzodiazepines have a Pharmacotherapy in 2009 found that sedative effect, they are sometimes three out of four people using these used to treat insomnia and the anxiety drugs experienced adverse cognitive that can accompany depression. effects “probably or definitely related Examples: Alprazolam to” the drug. The researchers also (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), found that 90 percent of the patients clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam who stopped statin therapy reported (Valium), flurazepam (Dalmane), improvements in cognition, sometimes lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam within days. In February 2012, the (Versed), quazepam (Doral), Food and Drug Administration ordered temazepam (Restoril) and triazolam drug companies to add a new warning (Halcion). label about possible memory problems How they can cause memory to the prescribing information for loss: Benzodiazepines dampen activity statins. in key parts of the brain, including Alternatives: If you’re among the those involved in the transfer of many older Americans without known events from short-term to long-term coronary disease who are taking these memory. Indeed, benzodiazepines drugs to treat your slightly elevated are used in anesthesia for this very LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and low reason. When they’re added to the HDL (“good”) cholesterol), ask your anesthesiologist’s cocktail of meds, patients rarely remember doctor or other health care provider about instead taking a any unpleasantness from a procedure. Midazolam (Versed) combination of sublingual (under-the-tongue) vitamin B12 has particularly marked amnesic properties. (1,000 mcg daily), folic acid (800 mcg daily) and vitamin B6 Alternatives: Benzodiazepines should be prescribed (200 mg daily). only rarely in older adults, in my judgment, and then only for short periods of time. It takes older people much longer Ask the Pharmacist than younger people to flush these drugs out of their bodies, Information contained in the Ask the Pharmacist and the ensuing buildup puts older adults at higher risk for column by Dr. Armon B. Neel Jr. is intended to help not just memory loss, but delirium, falls, fractures and motor individuals and their families become more informed about vehicle accidents. medication usage and interactions, and be better health care If you take one of these meds for insomnia, mild consumers. Any advice or information provided should not anxiety or agitation, talk with your doctor or other health be followed in lieu of a personal consultation with a trained care professional about treating your condition with other medical professional. types of drugs or nondrug treatments. If you have insomnia, Ask the Pharmacist is written by Armon B. Neel Jr., for instance, melatonin might help. Taken before bedtime in PharmD, CGP, in collaboration with journalist Bill Hogan. doses from 3 to 10 mg, melatonin can help to reestablish They are coauthors of Are Your Prescriptions Killing You? healthy sleep patterns. (Atria Books). Page 7 RETIRED CLERGY ASSOCIATION Non-Profit Org. c/o Father Nicholas Soteropoulos U.S. POSTAGE P A I D 162-41 POWELLS COVE BLVD Flushing, NY BEECHHURST, NY 11357-1456 Permit No. 1695

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POSTMASTER DATED MATERIAL SEPT. 1st, 2013

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE QUIZ (Innerphobia) Father Nicholas C. Soteropoulos

Can you match up all 14 phobias?

1. Alektorophobia ...... A. Fear of animals 2. Cyclophobia ...... B. Fear of small teenagers 3. Ephebiphobia ...... C. Fear of belly button 4. Ailurophobia ...... D. Fear of number 13 5. Ichthyophobia ...... E. 6. Katagelaphobia ...... F. Fear of water 7. Metrophobia ...... G. Fear of sleep 8. Omphalophobia ...... H. Fear of cats 9. Ranidaphobia ...... I. Fear of bicycles ANSWERS 10. Triskaidekaphobia ...... J. Fear of chickens

11. Xenophobia ...... K. Fear of ridicule

12. Zoophobia ...... L. Fear of sharks 14=F 13=G; 12=A; 11=N;

13. Somniphobia ...... M. Fear of poetry 10=D; 9=E; 8=C;

14. Aquaphobia ...... N. Fear of foreigners 7=M; 6=K; 5=L; 1=J; 2=I; 3=B; 4=H; 4=H; 3=B; 2=I; 1=J;