St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Philoxenia, Southern hospitality at its best! 7100 Airport Rd. North, Naples, Fl 34109 239-591-3430 / [email protected] / stkatherine.net Sunday, December 8, 2013 10th Sunday of Luke

December 12th:

Spyridon the Wonderworker of Trymithous

Spyridon, the God-bearing Father of the to , where they remained, be- Church, the great defender of Corfu and the ing honoured by the emperors themselves. boast of all the Orthodox, had Cyprus as his But before the fall of Constantinople, which homeland. He was simple in manner and took place on May 29, 1453, a certain priest Rev. Fr. Philemon Patitsas humble of heart, and was a shepherd of named George Kalokhairetes, the parish Proistamenos sheep. When he priest of the church was joined to a where the Saint's [email protected] wife, he begat of sacred relics, as well (239) 963- 7558 [Cell] her a daughter as those of Saint whom they Theodora the Em- V. Rev. Arch. Hutton named Irene. Af- press, were kept, Retired Priests: ter his wife's de- took them away on V. Rev. Arch. Ernest Blougouras parture from this account of the im- V. Rev. Fr. Peter Atsales life, he was ap- pending peril. Travel- pointed Bishop of ling by way of Serbia, Parish Council Trimythus, and he came as far as Richard Pappas thus he became Arta in Epirus, a re- Parish Council President also a shepherd of gion in Western rational sheep. Greece opposite to Dr. John Klemes st When the First the isle of Corfu. 1 Vice President Ecumenical Coun- From there, while Dr. John Psaras cil was assembled the misfortunes of 2nd Vice President in Nicaea, he also the Christian people Dr. Vlasios Albanis was present, and were increasing with Treasurer by means of his every day, he passed most simple over to Corfu about James Loukidis words stopped the year 1460. The Assistant Treasurer the mouths of the relics of Saint Theo- Dianne Hatzis Arians who were dora were given to Secretary wise in their own the people of Corfu; Harry Demas conceit. By the but those of Saint Assistant Secretary divine grace which dwelt in him, he wrought Spyridon remain to this day, according to the such great wonders that he received the sur- rights of inheritance, the most precious treas- Frank Butler name 'Wonderworker." So it is that, having ure of the priest's own descendants, and they Linda Hatzis tended his flock piously and in a manner continue to be a staff for the faithful in Ortho- pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord about doxy, and a supernatural wonder for those Jim Ketis the year 350, leaving to his country his sacred that behold him; for even after the passage of relics as a consolation and source of healing 1,500 years, they have remained incorrupt, Vasiliki Lempesis for the faithful. and even the flexibility of his flesh has been Bill Mandros preserved. Truly wondrous is God in His About the middle of the seventh century, be- Saints! (Ps. 67:3 5) Bob Mankus cause of the incursions made by the barbari- ans at that time, his sacred relics were taken Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, Minas Masouras MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Dr. Harry Papas December 8, 2013

10th Sunday of Luke December 8, 2013

Grave Tone / Second Eothinon (Mark 16:1-8)

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 2:14-22 Gospel Reading: Luke 13:10-17 BRETHREN, Christ is our peace, who has At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of made us both one, and has broken down the synagogues on the sabbath. And the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing there was a woman who had a spirit of in his flesh the law of commandments and infirmity for eighteen years; she was ordinances, that he might create in him- bent over and could not fully straighten self one new man in place of the two, so herself. And when Jesus saw her, he making peace, and might reconcile us called her and said to her, "Woman, you both to God in one body through the are freed from your infirmity." And he cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an laid his hands upon her, and immediately end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of off and peace to those who were near; for through him we the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, with the saints and members of the household of God, built and not on the sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Je- "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie sus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole struc- his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to ture is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this God in the Spirit. bond on the sabbath day?" As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glori- ous things that were done by him.

APOLYTIKION OF ST. KATHERINE RESURRECTIONAL GRAVE TONE SEASONAL KONATAKION IN THE THIRD TONE

Let us praise the most auspicious bride of O Lord by Your Cross, O Christ our God, You On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave Christ, the divine Katherine, protectress of destroyed death. You opened paradise to the to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Sinai, our aid and our help. For she brilliantly thief. You transformed the lament of the Who was before all the ages. * Dance for silenced the eloquence of the impious, by Myrrh-bearing women, and You commanded joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome the sword of the spirit, and now, crowned as the Apostles to proclaim You are risen, grant- tidings; * with the Angels and the shep- a martyr, she asks great mercy for all. ing the world Your great mercy. herds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * be- fore the ages is God.

COMMUNION REMINDER WELCOME ALTAR SERVERS 12/8/13 We welcome one & all who have come to Welcome to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Archangel Gabriel pray with us this morning. Baptized/ of Naples, one of the most hospitable parishes in Adam Bowman Vikram Singh Chrismated Orthodox Christians who are America. Please complete the welcome card in Peter Alex Mateo Shatri properly prepared through prayer, fasting, your pew rack and place it in the offertory tray or hand it to an usher so we can immediately Aleksei Ruci Alex Limka repentance, & almsgiving are invited to come welcome you today. Fr. Philemon Marko Ruci forward to receive the Holy Eucharist. TWO OFFERINGS Women are kindly asked to remove their St Katherine passes two baskets. The first is All St. Katherine Acolytes & visiting lipstick prior to receiving the Holy Eucharist. for the stewardship and general offering. The Acolytes are welcome to serve every Sunday if desired. 1-year Memorial Basil Foussianes

May his memory be eternal. 2 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL REFLECTIONS ON STEWARDSHIP To grow closer to Christ, Stewards continually evaluate and cultivate their spiritual growth through worship, fellowship, education, service, and witness/missions. St. highlights that true wealth comes through sharing what we have first received from God Himself. Ultimately, whatever we have isn’t ours -- all is God’s, and we are simply caretakers of His riches.

TIME TALENT TREASURE

Worship Help Wanted Tithing

Sunday & Weekday Liturgies:  Sunday School Teaching Assistants. Please strive to fulfill your 2013 stewardship pledge before the end of the year . Fully 8:30 AM Orthros / 9:30 AM completing your 2013 pledge in the next few weeks will be of great help to the life of Parish Ministry Fund your Church. Thank you, good stewards! th The “Parish Ministry Fund” exists to help the Please Note: Our December 15 bulletin will include a list of Pledged Stewards who, as of needy as funds are available. We thank you for December 2nd, are current with their 2013 remembering those in need. Pledge Commitment. “Come, you blessed of my Father, We kindly ask our stewards to pledge at least inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the $100 per month. Let us start today to foundation of the world: for I was hungry and become an even better steward of God’s Saranda Liturgo you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave gifts to us. (40 Liturgies) Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; Mortgage Retirement preceding Christmas I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and Our initial mortgage as of Mar 16, 2009 was Nov-15 - Dec-25 you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to $1,677,000. Today it is $169,251.68. Me.” Matt 25: 34-36 The net savings in annualized interest is Coffee Hour $71,000. Please consider making a Special Services contribution to retire the mortgage by contacting Fr. Philemon (239) 963-7558 Richard Pappas (239) 293-0599 Dec. 8: Dec. 22: Thurs., Dec-12 Harry Demas (239) 398-0610. Foussianes Family Available St. Spyridon Paver Project the Wonderworker Dec. 15: Dec. 29: Cretan Association Available Within 3 weeks the 4th phase of pavers will be inserted at the Exo Narthex. If you have a The strict fast of the Nativity begins My heartfelt thank you to the members December 13th. desire to place one for your or your loved that assisted in the coffee hour Sunday. ones this is the proper time. Only one week Please call the parish office to go! The cost to sponsor an 8”x 8” with a (239)-591-3430 to offer assistance. maximum of six lines is $400. To sponsor a Vasiliki Bodnarchuk 4”x 8” is $250. Co-Chairs: Coffee hour Coordinator Dr. John Klemes (239) 273-7345 Dr. Michael Kontos at (239) 597-5884.

If you or your loved one would like Fr. Philemon to visit you in the hospital or in your home, please notify the Church Office by calling: 239-591-3430 or in case of emergency: (239) 963- 7558 email: [email protected]. Please provide the parish office with the name, address, and phone number of the sick or shut-in. Hospital visitations must be initiated by the patient's family member as, by law, hospitals are not permitted to share patient information without their consent.

December 8, 2013 3 3 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Event Calendar 2013 -2014

 Sun, Dec. 8-2013 Parish Council Elections

 Tues, Dec. 24-2013 Nativity Eve Vesperal Divine Liturgy & Reception at 6-PM

 Wed, Dec-25-2013 Nativity of Christ Divine Liturgy

 Mon, Jan-6-2014 Holy Theophany

 Sun, Jan-12-2014 Vasilopita Cutting / Parish Council Affirmation of Office

 Sat, Jan-18-2014 Vasilopita Dinner Dance

 Sun, Jan-26-2014 2nd Parish Ministries Sunday

 Sun, Feb-2-2014 Godparents & Sponsors Sunday

 Fri, Sat, Sun - Feb, 7, 8, 9 Annual Greek Festival

 Sun, Feb- 16-2014 Hierarchical Divine Liturgy / Leadership 100 Conference

 Sat, Feb-22-2014 Apokriatiko Glendi

 Sun, Feb-23-2014 Meatfare Sunday; Stewardship Time & Talents Recognition Awards

 Sun, Mar-2-2014 Cheesefare Sunday

 Mon, Mar-3-2014 Lent begins

 Sun, Mar-9- 2014 Sunday of

 Sun, Mar-16-2014 General Assembly

 Tue, Mar-25- 2014 Annunciation / Greek Independence Day

 Sun, Apr-13-2014 Palm Sunday

 Sun, Apr-20-2014 Holy Pascha / Easter Sunday

 Sun, Jun-1 -2014 Youth Appreciation Sunday

 Fourth Week of July Camp St. Stephens - Diakonia Center (Salem, SC)

Please observe the following bulletin submission dates as they are adjusted in observance of the upcoming holiday season:

Sunday bulletin Date Submission day & date Dec. - 15 Monday, Dec.-9 Dec. - 22 Wed., Dec-11 Dec. - 29 Mon, Dec -16 Jan. - 5 Dec -23

4 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL December 24, 2013 - January 7, 2014

December 24 Tuesday Great & Holy Hours 8:30 AM

December 24 Tuesday Nativity Eve Vesperal Divine Liturgy 6:00 PM

December 25 Wednesday The Nativity of our Lord Orthros 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM

December 27 Friday St. Stephen Orthros 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM

January 1 Wednesday Our Lord's Circumcision/St. Basil the Great

Orthros 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM

January 5 Sunday Eve of Holy Theophany Orthros 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM

January 6 Monday Holy Theophany/Blessings of the Waters Orthros 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM

January 7 Tuesday Synaxis of St. John the Baptist

Orthros 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM

December 8, 2013 5 5 6 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL

ST. KATHERINE COMMUNITY NATIVITY FEAST

Tuesday, December 24th

Please join us for a Christmas Eve Feast and Sing-Along after the 6:00 pm Vesperal Liturgy in the Community Center.

Everyone is requested to bring:

* a covered dish

* a dessert or beverage

& your singing voice for Christmas Caroling!

December 8, 2013 7 7 Ministry Happenings

Every Wednesday after Paraclesis 1st & 4th Tuesday at 7-PM Embracing Orthodoxy: Journey to Marriage: This is an opportunity for all of St. Katherine’s parish An opportunity for couples preparing for marriage or wishing members to grow in faith and knowledge. to strengthen their marriages to grow in love and understanding for one another and to highlight healthy modes of communication. TO REGISTER FOR THESE CLASSES PLEASE CALL FR. PHILEMON (239)963-7558 OR THE PARISH OFFICE AT (239)591-3430

St. Katherine’s Bridge Ministry

The Book Club will meet on January, 21, 2014 @ 10:00 AM. We The Bridge Ministry will begin meeting on Jan.-7, 2014. They will decided to read The Color of Water by James McBride. This meet every Wednesday from 1:00 PM-3:00PM. book can be found: on Kindle, in the library and can be ordered Your contact person is Christine Webb (757) 407-5480. from Amazon in a new book or used book form. There is also a CD of the book available on Amazon. It is an uplifting book and Cretan Association great for a Christmas read. Our next meeting will be a discus- We meet the 1st Wednesday monthly @ 7-PM. sion of the book led by Didi Tatooles. Please contact Kostas Tsiskakis at (917) 328-6978 for more information. Save the date: February 15th Cretan Dance!

Greek School will meet Dec. 9 & 16 then break until Jan. 13, 2014!

Please contact the parish office to sponsor: 239-591-3430

Campus Beautification: . Beautify the fenced utility area $2,000.00 . West view of Cultural Center $2,000.00 . Median in front of Church $2,000.00 . East side of Church and S.E. corner $2,000.00

8 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL Prayers for Healing Do you or someone in your family need prayer or counseling? Do you have a loved one in the hospital or know someone that is a shut in? Do you have a loved one currently serving in the Armed Forces? Please complete the form below, drop it in the tray or place it in the drop box outside the parish office and you will be contacted.

Please add to the PRAYER LIST: Prayer Name of requestor ______Visitation Confession Name of the person in need______Counseling Your Phone Number ______Email: ______College Student I have a loved one in the Armed Forces: Name: ______Armed Forces

Optional: Describe the Branch: ______Rank: ______Stationed: ______need: ______

Prayers for Health & Recovery

Eleni Daoutis Dino Houpis Frank Pyrsson

Louis (Jack) Foudos Demos Kukeas Cynthia Theofilakos

Michael Gadinis Gregory Lafakis Joseph Topougis

Prayers for the bereaved

Athena Belis Sophia Lambros Anna Peratino Angie Chronis Angie Petros Anna Valaskatgis

Prayers for The Armed Forces and Veterans

Steven Savvas Demetriou, US Army Veteran

2nd Lieutenant Steven Demetriou III, U.S. Army

2nd Lieutenant D. Patitsas, U.S. Marines Captain Chelsea Rae Scott, U.S. Marines, CA / Afghanistan Prayers for our college students Dimitri Bowman Angelique Ketis Mathew, Kimberly, & Christina Foundos Teddy & Katie Denti Anna Maria Terezi

Patrick Hunt Markella & Eleni Patitsas

December 8, 2013 9 9 Please RSVP to one of our GOYA Officers: Tiffany Ketis: (239) 777-5562 Adam Bowman: (239) 770-0887 Evelyn Alex: (781) 871-7200.

Sat. Dec. 7th & 14th: Christmas Caroling Sun. Dec. 22nd: 5:30 PM GOYA Fun Night

Thurs. Jan. 2nd: 7-PM **Goya Parent Organization Monthly Planning meeting

All Parents are encouraged to attend.

WE NEED PROSFORA! Prosfora/Bread Offering is needed for the 40 Day Liturgies (Saranda Liturgo) leading up to Christmas. Please consider making 5 large or 10 small loaves as your offering of thanksgiving to the Lord. PROSFORA MAKING WORKSHOP Please join us in the kitchen to learn how to make Prosfora, Tuesday, Dec. 10th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Tasia Cretekos has kindly offered to teach you. Please let Tasia (239-598-3735) know if you will be attending. Everyone is welcome!

10 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL Don’t be left out! Today is the deadline!

December 8, 2013 11 11 LEADERSHIP 100 SPONSORS VIDEO SERIES ON ORTHODOX NEW YORK – “Discovering Orthodox Christianity,” a 26–part series of talk shows and Bible studies is now available on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese homepage at www.goarch.org Produced by Greek Orthodox Telecommunications, (GOTelecom) and designed to educate viewers about the basic teachings of Orthodox Christianity, the series was made possible with a grant from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund.

The programs are now available and can be viewed at www.goarch.org/ourfaith/discovering

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios presents five of the 26 programs, and the remain- ing 21 (which were videotaped in Holy Cross Chapel at HCHC), feature as presenters Metropolitans of the Archdiocese, theologians, clergymen and other leaders in the Church and experts their particular fields.

12 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL

ST. KATHERINE PHILOPTOCHOS CALENDAR, 2013-2014 Fellowship and joy while helping those in need. November: Angel project begins : Dorothy Litras, Chair December: Thursday, Dec. 12 Christmas lunch (in lieu of December meeting); Bay Colony Country Club Joanne Watson, Chair Wednesday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day January: Thursday, Jan. 9 Board (6 PM) and General Meeting ( 7PM) Sunday, Jan. 12 Vasilopita Sunday: collection for St. Basil’s Academy *Sponsor coffee hour Sunday, Jan. 26 2nd Parish Ministries Sunday Friday, Jan. 31 Setup for Rummage sale February: Easter Card Project begins; Paula Angelopoulos-Urbinati, Chair Saturday, Feb. 1 Rummage sale: Barabara Loukidis, Chair Thursday, Feb. 13 Board (6 PM) and General Meeting (7 PM) March: Monday, Mar. 3 Lent begins; Sponsor “Clean Monday” Lenten reception Thursday Mar. 13 Board (6 PM )and General Meeting (7 PM) Saturday, Mar. 15 Friends of the Developmentally Disabled (FODD) BBQ Sunday, Mar. 23 Sunday of the Holy Cross (daffodils distributed) April Sunday, Apr 6 *Sponsor coffee hour Thursday, Apr. 10 Board (6 PM) and General Meeting (7 PM) Apr. 13-19 Holy Week (Preparations for Easter ) Thursday, Apr. 17 Holy Thursday, Egg dying Friday, Apr. 18 Good Friday, Decorate Kouvouklion and Priests’s candles Sunday, Apr. 20 Easter May Thursday, May 8th End of the year lunch Sunday, May 11 Award scholarships Sunday, May 18 *Sponsor coffee hour

December 8, 2013 13 13

14 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL December 8, 2013 15 15 16 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL December 8, 2013 17 17 18 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL December 8, 2013 19 19 “THE RELAVANCE OF MOUNT ATHOS IN TODAY’S SOCIETY”

This exciting event will be the St. Katherine Men’s Club next event on De- cember 12, 2013. It will begin with the famous CBS 60 Minutes video nar- rated by Bob Simon and entitled “Mount Athos.” There will be a panel dis- cussion immediately following the video presentation.

The participants will be Father Modestos-Abbott of the Panagia Vlaher- non Greek Orthodox Monastery in Williston-Fl., Theodosi Palis-Psalti (cantor) at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Myers. Mr. Palis has spent considerable time visiting Mt. Athos for many years, our own Dr. George Daravingas, and our Proistamentos, Father Philemon Pa- titsas. Fr. Philemon will serve as a participant and moderator.

Each panelist will make remarks relative to their visits and experiences at Mount Athos. There will follow a Q&A for audience participation. We feel that this will be an evening filled with insight and spirituality.

This event will take place at 7:30 pm at the Parish Cultural Hall of St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday, Decem- ber 12, 2013. This event is open to the public and is sponsored by the St. Katherine Men’s Club.

Dr. Michael H. Kontos,

20 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL MEN'S CLUB SPONSORS FOR 2013-2014

The Men's Club entertains to provide special activities forour members. Active and beneficial members of our club, sponsor & organize such activities. This season the following tentative list is compiled:

The following is sponsored by G.DARAVINGAS: DEC.21 Holiday Pops @ Naples Philharmonic. MAR.20 A Movie & Pizza Dinner details TBA. The following is sponsored by A.FOUNDOS JAN.18 Vasilopita Dinner & Dance. The following is sponsored by H.PAPAS: FEB.11 A Ft. Myers Theater "S. Pacific"&Dinner TBA. The following is sponsored by R. Pappas &A. Foundos: APR. 23 A Golf Outing at one of our Clubs TBA. The dates anddetails will be announcedby the sponsors no later than one month before the dates.

December 8, 2013 21 21 22 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL HHELPELP USUS BURNBURN THETHE MORTGAGEMORTGAGE!! This beautiful edifice, our Ecclesia, with the land and the associated support facilities has cost our small community more than $6,500,000. Our dream, our vision, our little paradise here in Naples, FL will not be a reality without the completion of the interior Iconography of the Church, along with some additional classrooms to facilitate our youth. We ask your help in paying off the remainder of our mortgage. We are small in numbers and we need your help. If you enjoyed your visit here and you are in a position to help us eliminate this burden, please search your heart and make a contribution to our Mortgage Elimi- nation Drive. Make your check payable to “Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church” with a notation of “Building Fund.” Thank you, God bless you, and have an enjoyable stay. CONTRIBUTION PAYMENT INSTRUCTION STOCK TRANSFERS: will be credited at the closing value on the day received Stock Transfer – DTC – Depository Trust Co. National Financial Services Please note that you must notify St. Katherine DTC: 0226 Greek Orthodox Church office of all stock trans- Account Name: Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church fers, in order to receive proper credit for your Account Number: NT2-046914 contribution. If you have any questions, please Stock Transfer – Physical Securities contact the church office. Send to: National Financial Services St. Katherine G.O. Church One World Financial Center 7100 Airport Rd N 200 Liberty St. Naples, FL 34109 5th Floor-Cashier Tel: 239-591-3430/Fax: 239-591-3271 New York, NY 10281 A/C NT2-046919

December 8, 2013 23 23 24 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS AND EVENTS

Congressional Briefing for the members of the House of Representatives 11/21/2013 NEW YORK – With the initiative of Congressman Gus Biliakis (R-FL), a Congressional briefing on the suffering religious freedoms of the Ecumenical and the continued 42-year closure of the Halki Seminary was held yesterday, Nov. 20, at Capitol Hill. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America was one of the three presenters.

“We raised and discussed the issue of Halki and the issue of religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It was an interesting meeting with prominent members of Congress. Many of them spoke very eloquently and passionately about the need to resolve this and have Halki re-open as soon as possible, and also create the possibility for the Ecumenical Patriarchate to function in free- dom and continue its work for reconciliation and peace among people, ” said His Eminence, in a short statement following the briefing. Congressman Gus Biliakis is reintroducing a resolution to the House of Representatives for the immediate re-opening of Halki without any delay or conditions. In his short statement to the Press following the briefing he said: “It was very important to organize this briefing. This is of vital importance for the Patriarchate and we have to make sure we open Halki Seminary as soon as possible. We can go back for fifty years and we have been promised many times. We want action now, not words. I thought it was very important to sponsor this resolu- tion to open up the theological school of Halki without any conditions. We will not rest until we open our Schole again. It is important to Orthodox Christians in the U.S. and around the world. This is a bipartisan bill and we are not going to rest until is done.”

The first presenter was Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, an expert in the field of Religious Freedom and Southeastern Europe. She gave an overview on the Halki Seminary since its closure by the Turkish state in 1971. She explained all the efforts and arguments for re-opening Halki and the negative policy of , despite the clear and many calls by U.S. Presidents from President Carter to Presi- dent Obama for Halki’s re-opening. Professor Prodromou who served as vice chair of the US Com- mission on International Religious Freedom, 2004–2012 and is presently a member of the Secretary of State’s Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group, said the almost 43 year closure of Halki know- ingly violates the human rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and is depriving the center of Ortho- dox Christianity of training priest and hierarchs and thus preventing unfettered succession and gov- ernance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The second presenter was Dr. Anthony Limberakis, the national commander of the Order of St. An- drew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. With a visual and spirited presentation, Dr. Lim- berakis explained for the policy makers the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Orthodox Christi- anity, the work of the Archons for Halki and religious freedom. He informed those present of the up- coming Archon conference for Religious Freedom to take place in Berlin in early December. He also brought to the attention of the Congressmen the more recent efforts of Turkey for the islamization of orthodox churches in Turkey, which had been previously turned into museums and are lately con- verted into mosques.

Archbishop Demetrios spoke on a more personal level, apprising the congressmen of the many at- tempts made to open Halki, the commitment of orthodox faithful in the United States to this cause and of all the promises, hopes and disappointments that transpired in the last 15 years. All the Congressmen who spoke expressed their absolute solidarity on the issue of Halki, which as they said, does not only curtails human rights and religious freedom but it is also closing the doors for future generations. For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website at http://www.goarch.org

December 8, 2013 25 25 26 St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, FL