Order Of Saint . Archons Of The Ecumenical Patriarchate

VOLUME V, ISSUE 1 - SPRING 2004 Archon Leaders Return from Pilgrimage to Ecumenical Patriarchate and Religious Freedom Mission to Ankara delegation of including the Ambas- leaders of the sador of Greece, AArchons of B. Chris- the Ecumenical Patri- tides, and Papal archate / Order of Saint Nuncio to Turkey, Andrew returned from Rev. Dr. Edmond their pilgrimage to the Farhat, and the press, Ecumenical Patriar- were present. chate and a series of long-planned critical After the meetings, meetings with key Dr. Limberakis indi- Turkish officials in cated that he was Istanbul and Ankara hopeful that a for- aimed at improving the mula could be devel- status of the Ecumeni- oped so that the Halki Archon Delegation with His All Holiness (l to r) Pritsos, Christopher cal Patriarchate in School of Theology Stratakis, National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis, John Halecky, Jr., Stephen could reopen and that Turkey. These meetings Cherpelis and Dr. Spiro Macris follow similar delibera- the other serious tions held by the Archons 16 months ago when raised the issues of the reopening of the The- issues of concern would be addressed by the they were last in Turkey. ological School at Halki, property rights of the new Turkish government, headed by Prime Ecumenical Patriarchate, interference in the Minister Tayyip Erdogan, in a manner that Headed by National Commander, Dr. succession of the Ecumenical Patriarch and would benefit the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Anthony J. Limberakis, and representing His Holy Synod and recognition by Turkey of the Turkey and the United States. According to Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Exarch “ecumenicity” of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. of the Ecumenical Patriarch in America, the Commander Limberakis, the meetings held Archon leaders met first with Provincial Gov- Minister of Education, Huseyin Celik, re- with the new Turkish government were more ernor Muammer Guler and Mayor Ali Gur- affirmed the Turkish Government’s recent- productive than those in the past. Father Kar- tuna of Istanbul and accompanied United ly announced position that the Theological loutsos, who is familiar with the life and his- States Ambassador to Turkey, Eric S. Edel- School of Halki should be opened and stated tory of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the man, on his first official visit to His All Holi- that a report presenting various options on last 20 years, said he had never seen a better ness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at how to open the school had been completed atmosphere for the improvement of the sta- the Phanar. While at the Phanar during their and is being circulated within the govern- tus of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey. ment for ultimate presentation to His All four-day visit to Turkey, the Archon leader- Archon leaders also visited two patriar- Holiness. Minister of Interior Abdulkadir ship met privately with His All Holiness to chal institutions: the Balukli Hospital and Aksu said, “It was time” to resolve questions seek his guidance on various initiatives of Home for the Aged, a medical complex with of property rights and the status of the foun- the Archons of America. 650 inpatient beds serving 40-50,000 dations and associations. Minister of Reli- patients a year and in operation for 250 years After a banquet in honor of His All Holi- gion Mehmet Aydin tied the resolution of and the Great School of the Nation, which ness attended by leading Turkish citizens, issues relating to the Ecumenical Patriar- is celebrating its 550th anniversary pre- including members of the press, academia and chate to Turkey’s getting a date from the serving the Hellenic heritage and Orthodox the business community, and the conveying European Union for accession talks. of condolences to the Deputy Chief of Police faith established in 1454, one year follow- Ambassador Edelman, present at all the ing the Fall of Constantinople. in the Beyoglu District and the Chief Rabbi of talks, expressed the US Administration’s sup- Turkey, Isak Haleva, for the loss of life in the port for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew recent tragic bombings in Istanbul, the dele- and the long-time advocacy of the Ecumeni- gation was accompanied by Ambassador Edel- cal Patriarchate as a matter of United States man to meetings in Ankara with the Ministers policy. He emphasized that the policy rests of Education, Interior and Religion. on the importance to all Americans of reli- gious freedom. In frank discussions that included Father Alex Karloutsos and other Archon leaders, Earlier in the day in Ankara, the Archons John Halecky, Jr., Christopher Stratakis, Dr. held a tribute luncheon in honor of Ambas- Spiro Macris, Alexander Pritsos and Stephen sador Edelman where members of the Turk- Cherpelis, National Commander Limberakis ish Parliament, academia, diplomatic corps, Archons honored Ambassador Edelman in Ankara FROM THE PATRIARCHATE MESSAGE FROM THE EXARCH The Power and Promise of Peace he Holy Scriptures tell us that prior to the Cru- cifixion, Resurrection and Ascension of our T Lord , He began to prepare His The Esteemed National Council of the Order of St. Andrew disciples for the time when He would no longer the Apostle in America, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriar- be with them. He announced to them that he chate, our Modesty’s beloved in the Lord: Grace and peace would “go to the Father” and “prepare a place for from God. them,” assuring them with the promise that He would return some day so “that where I am, there The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle was instituted on the you may be also” (John 14:2-3). Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 10, 1966 by the guiding vision of Patriarch Athenagoras to create one unified body of Archons Our Lord also prepared His disciples for the hatred, persecution, and suffering they would face in the world within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South as they proclaimed the . While some would believe, others would America. This was the first time ever that Archons of the respond violently to the message of love and salvation. Jesus said, “The Ecumenical Patriarchate were organized in a local Church to hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God” strengthen their ability to assist the Mother Church. Within (John 16:2). almost 40 years, over 800 churchmen have been bestowed Offikia of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and have become mem- These words of separation and anticipated travail filled the hearts of the disciples with sorrow and their minds with confusion. At that point in bers of the Order of St. Andrew in America. Through the time, they did not fully understand how Jesus’ ministry and mission would combining of resources; intellectual, professional, political, be fulfilled. They could not envision the dramatic physical and spiritual financial and spiritual, the Order has become a very power- events that were about to take place, events that would break humanity’s ful and influential body of faithful stewards, which has pro- bondage to sin and destroy the power of death. Thus, our Lord comforted vided invaluable support to the Mother Church. However, its His disciples by assuring them of His love and the coming of the Spirit of accomplishments, educationally, spiritually and philan- truth, and by granting to them the peace of God. He said to His disciples, thropically, have been made possible through its national “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give organization and efforts. to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). This peace granted by Christ to His disciples and to us as His Church Therefore, it is the wish of our Modesty personally is an eternal peace “which passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). It and of the Holy and Sacred Synod is a peace that is offered to us through the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides us in truth and assures us of God’s inseparable love for us. that the Order remains faithful to the vision In the “eyes” of the world, it is an incomprehensible peace, because it pro- of Patriarch Athenagoras and remain one united vides Christians with the ability and the power to live and remain faith- national body of Archons of the Archdiocese ful to God even under the harshest and most violent circumstances. governed by one national administration. It is also a peace that guides us in working for peaceful conditions and environments and for non-violent resolutions to conflict through- Although the Archdiocese of America is now made up of sev- out our world. We know that when peace prevails in our homes, com- eral Metropolises, they all belong to the one body of the Arch- munities, societies, and between nations, when the social and political diocese and altogether constitute it. Therefore, it is the wish of conditions of our world sustain and protect life, people are blessed with the opportunity to see the love and presence of God in the lives of oth- our Modesty personally and of the Holy and Sacred Synod that ers, children live and play in a nurturing environment that instills trust the Order remains faithful to the vision of Patriarch Athenago- and values, and all know the power of peace to direct their lives beyond ras and remain one united national body of Archons of the merely existing to the realization and experience of the potential God Archdiocese governed by one national administration. has given to every person. Invoking upon you the abundant grace, infinite wisdom and As Christians living in a world troubled by violence, we have a tremen- boundless love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we beseech dous treasure to offer all peoples and nations through our example of Him for the intercessions of your patron Saint Andrew the peace by revealing the love of God and through our efforts to share the Apostle in all that you do on behalf of the Great Church of Gospel of peace, a message that grants true and enduring peace to those Christ and wish you a most blessed remaining Lenten period. who believe in Christ. Just as our Lord assured His disciples, He assures us through the pres- At the Patriarchate, 24 March 2004 ence of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whose coming we celebrate this Your fervent supplicant before God, month on the Feast of Pentecost. May our prayers and our lives express our commitment to follow the guidance of the Spirit, and may we reveal to the world the power of peace to heal and the promise of peace to save. †BARTHOLOMEW Archbishop of Constantinople, †DEMETRIOS New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch Archbishop of America

2 MESSAGE OF THE NATIONAL COMMANDER

Following are excerpts from an essay based on my speech at the banquet on behalf of His All Holiness read on March 17, 2004 in New York City. The Unique Mission of the Leader of World Orthodoxy ecently, Americans learned anew the * * * Hundreds of unique role of His All Holiness Ecu- With the recent announcement from His All properties have Rmenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Holiness that the Holy and Sacred Synod of been seized by spiritual leader of the world’s 300 million Ortho- Constantinople will now be comprised of 6 the authorities dox Christians. He came to the United States hierarchs from Turkey and 6 hierarchs outside due to various not only to visit his flock in the Metropolis of of Turkey, once again, the Ecumenical Patri- laws passed by New Jersey, but to offer a scholarly lecture on arch has demonstrated a brilliant initiative that the Turkish “Byzantine Icons: A Legacy of Humanism” at the strengthens world Orthodoxy and strengthens Assembly and by Court decisions that adverse- Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The the Synod that now has the benefit of the intel- ly affect the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Balukli lecture was in connection with a critically lectual input of among others our beloved Arch- Hospital, a 650 bed institution that treats acclaimed exhibit, “Byzantium: Faith and bishop Demetrios of America. In fact, this 40-50,000 patients a year, and numerous indi- Power”, the third exhibit to bring Byzantine policy fortifies the very status of the Ecumenical vidual churches. These properties are then sold culture to a world audience. Patriarchate in Constantinople vis a vis the to third parties and are lost forever. Our Nation- * * * international community and vis a vis the al Council Legal Counselor Archon Christo- His All Holiness, over the 13 years since his Turkish government. pher Stratakis is working on this specific issue enthronement, has become well known for his * * * and is gathering evidence and documentation deep learning and appreciation of culture, his The more we travel to the Phanar, the more to be used by the Order at the appropriate time. advocacy of the environmental cause and for his we realize that we must never give up in our * * * efforts toward inter-religious dialogue in answer struggle to improve the status of the Ecumeni- Interference by the Turkish Government to the crisis of terrorism and ethnic and religious cal Patriarchate. We now do so with a level of in the selection of the Ecumenical Patri- conflict. He poses no façade, he is not superficial expertise on the issues that confront us, that frus- arch and Holy and Sacred Synod: nor is his decision making based on the fickle trate religious human rights and that must be We are actively researching the issue of the and ephemeral political trends of the day. Rather addressed if Turkey is to ultimately gain acces- so-called “Turkish Citizenship” requirement of he is the real thing. Substance over appearance. sion into the European Union and the Ecu- the Ecumenical Patriarch. We are questioning the Fidelity to the canons of Orthodoxy and the stead- menical Patriarchate is to freely pursue its sacred Turkish Government’s claim that the Ecumenical fast desire to spread the word of God takes prece- ministry. What are the issues and where are we? Patriarch must be a Turkish citizen. We have dence over doing that which today may be * * * only scratched the surface on this issue, which popular or expedient but tomorrow may be dev- Opening the Halki School of Theology: requires further research and investigation. astating to Orthodoxy, whether it is in Greece, the When the Archon delegation traveled to * * * United States, Cuba, South America, Hong Kong Ankara recently to meet with the Turkish Gov- The refusal of the Turkish Government or anywhere in the world. ernment, we were accompanied every step of to recognize the “ecumenicity” of the Ecu- * * * the way by US Ambassador Eric Edelman. At the menical Patriarchate: Yet His All Holiness knows when change is Education Ministry under whose jurisdiction is appropriate and in the context of Orthodoxy, We, the Archons of America are beginning Halki we met with Education Minister Huseyin when it is necessary for the common good. to educate the Turkish government regarding Celik who indicated that “We would like to open When the Church in America was traversing this issue with the assistance of the American Halki, not to improve our image, but because it stormy seas several years ago, what did he do? Ambassador who stated to Minister of the Inte- suits us, it is the right thing to do. This is not Was he intransigent? No. Was he unrespon- rior Aksu: “I am here to demonstrate that the just my personal view, but the view of the Gov- sive? No. Was he stern? No, for he had the wis- issues of the Archons are important to the United ernment. You know my views. I accepted a lunch dom, the good judgment and the love for the States, for the Orthodox community in the Unit- invitation at the Patriarchate. I attended the Church in America, the greatest Eparchy of the ed States, but also for all Americans because of the 550th anniversary of a Greek high school. But Ecumenical Throne as he lovingly refers to us, importance of religious freedom.” the Government also supports the opening of to send us our beloved Archbishop Demetrios, Halki. Halki was allowed to operate under We will never give up, never, never, never. who calmed the waters and set the Archdiocese Ottoman sultans in the time of the Caliphate. It We will not go away and we will be relentless back on course. He demonstrated equally bril- is unacceptable, therefore, that a “secular” State in the scientific and systematic approach to these liant judgment when the Archdiocese request- does not allow it to open. How can this be?” problems knowing that Turkey’s accession to ed a new charter for the Church in America. * * * the European Union may represent the missing Over the course of several years there was a dia- Property Rights of the Ecumenical Patriar- link to solving these centuries old problems. logue, not a soliloquy, but a dialogue, a conver- chate, its churches and affiliated foundations: sation between the hierarchy and lay leadership of the Church in America and the Holy and This is a monumental problem that is pre- Sacred Synod of Constantinople, which ulti- venting our Orthodox institutions from realiz- mately granted us a magnificent Charter that ing vital rental income from properties Anthony J. Limberakis, MD takes into account the concerns of our Church. confiscated by the Turkish government. National Commander

3 FROM THE PATRIARCHATE CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS 2004 Archon Leader Archon Activities at Clergy-Laity Congress Refutes Rumor: ll Archons of the Ecumenical ARCHON FELLOWSHIP DINNER "Castro Not An Archon" Patriarchate in America are Tuesday, July 27, 2004 A invited to participate in the 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm February 20, 2004 following events scheduled in New York NY Marriott Marquis - Marquis Ballroom New York, NY - Contrary to widely cir- during the Clergy-Laity Congress. • Archbishop Demetrios, Patriarchal culated reports, His All Holiness Ecu- Representatives, Presiding Dioce- HIERARCHICAL DIVINE LITURGY menical Patriarch Bartholomew did not san Hierarchs, Archons and their Sunday, July 25, 2004 spouse or guest cordially invited confer the Order of St. Andrew upon the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon President of Cuba, Fidel Castro, nor did New York Marriott Marquis ARCHON BUSINESS BREAKFAST he present him with the Cross of St. Broadway Ballroom - 6th Floor Wednesday, July 28, 2004 Andrew. According to Dr. Anthony J. Lim- • Archons should wear their 9:00 am to 11:00 am berakis, National Commander of the Order Archon emblems NY Marriott Marquis - Marquis B & C of St. Andrew, who accompanied the Patri- • Reserved seating for Archons • Archbishop Demetrios, Patriarchal Representatives, Presiding Diocesan arch on his recently concluded historic • Archons should congregate at 8:45 Hierarchs, Archons cordially invited trip to Cuba, “His All Holiness gave to the am in a specifically designated Cuban leader a simple cross bearing the room located near the entrance to R.S.V.P.: The National Archon Office the Broadway Ballroom (6th Floor) Phone: (212) 570-3550 seal of the Patriarchate, as an expression for ceremonial procession into Ball- Fax: (212) 774-0214 of gratitude to the people of Cuba for the room E-Mail: [email protected] return and reconstruction of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Havana.” The National Council is pleased to announce that Under Secretary of State, the Honorable Marc Grossman will be the featured speaker at the Archon The Patriarch traveled from Constan- Breakfast at the 37th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress on July 28, 2004. tinople (Istanbul) to Cuba last month for The Breakfast will take place on Wednesday, July 28 from 9:00 am to the consecration of the Cathedral, which 11:00 am at the New York Marriott Marquis, Marquis Ballroom B & C. took place on Sunday, January 25, 2004. “The Order of St. Andrew is bestowed upon individuals of proven Orthodox Christian NEWS character, after a process of nomination and comprehensive review,” Dr. Limberakis Turkey: Department of State continued. “Fidel Castro, despite his gov- ernment’s recent act of generosity to our Country Reports on Human Rights Practices-2003 Orthodox Church, does not espouse the Released Feb. 25, 2004 Christian faith, and was never considered he Government interpreted the 1923 Lausanne Treaty as conferring special for this high honor.” minority legal status on three non-Muslim groups –Greek Orthodox Chris- T tians, Armenian Orthodox Christians and Jews. However, this did not extend I N M E M O R I A M to the religious leadership organs. The Ecumenical and Armenian Patriarchates, for example, continued to seek recognition of their legal status. Non-Muslim groups not Gus Karas recognized as Lausanne minorities lacked legal status, and their activities were subject Archon Depoutatos to legal challenges. Died February 4, 2004 In principle, the 160 minority foundations recognized by the Vakiflar (General Direc- torate for Foundations) may acquire property. It is not clear whether the regulations John N. Tiliakos, MD apply to other foundations. A number of foundations criticized the application process Archon Depoutatos for acquiring property as lengthy and burdensome. The Vakiflar approved few appli- Died March 4, 2004 cations. As of November, out of 2,234 applications, the Vakiflar had rejected 622 as inadmissible and returned 910 as incomplete, while approving 274. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS There were no developments in the efforts of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istan- GO TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS bul to obtain permission to reopen its seminary, closed since 1971, on the island of OF OUR BELOVED MEMBERS. Halki in the Sea of Marmara. Under existing restrictions, including a citizenship require- MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL ment, the religious community remained unable to train new clergy. 4 RETREAT 2004

he weekend of March 19 and Archons Convene at the 20th, 25 Archons made their way T to the Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, New York to convene for their Saint Basil Academy for second annual Lenten Retreat. Their retreat master, His Grace Bishop Savas Second Annual of Troas and Chancellor of the Greek Lenten Retreat Orthodox Archdiocese of America, con- ducted a spiritually uplifting and insight- ful study of Psalms 119/120 through 133/134. The theme of the retreat was, “Ascending the Heights: Climbing the Lad- der of Divine Ascent.” In addition to formal study of the Psalms, the Archons attended services at the Saint Basil Chapel and shared Lenten meals with several of the children who reside at the facility. Reverend Father Constantine Sitaras, Executive Director of the Saint Basil Academy, and Archon Archon group outside Dr. Steven Gounardes, Board President, St. Basil Chapel provided an overview of the good works being conducted at the academy on behalf Fr. Constantine Sitaras and Board of the children and arranged for a tour President Archon Dr. Steven Gounardes of the beautiful and well maintained with Archons and children at Academy grounds and buildings located on 267 acres along the Eastern bank of the Hud- son River opposite the United States West Point Military Academy. “It was a perfect weekend,” said Archon Kastrinsios James Speros, Chairman of the National Council’s Spirituality Com- mittee and organizer of the annual event. “His Grace Bishop Savas did an amazing job of giving the Archons a deeper appreci- ation of the meaning of the Psalms and Archons join Dr. Limberakis and His Grace Bishop Savas, Retreat Master, brought us closer to Christ,” he said. Nation- at Second Annual Lenten Retreat al Commander of the Order of the Saint Andrew, Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis said he was touched by the entire weekend. Archons in Chapel at Saint Basil “The Saint Basil Academy is the perfect set- ting to conduct a retreat and we were emo- tionally and spiritually uplifted by the entire experience,” he added. In appreciation for the use of the facili- ty and to show its support for the good works being done at the academy, Archons presented Fr. Sitaras with a check for Dr. Limberakis presents Bishop Savas $10,000 to be used for the benefit of the and Fr. Sitaras with Archon children and a CD ROM on the history of Fr. Sitaras, Archon James Speros and contribution for St. Basil Academy Saint Basil students as Archons look on the Ecumenical Patriarchate for each child.

5 PILGRIMAGE 2004

His All Holiness gives blessing at banquet given in his honor in Istanbul

Archons visit Provincial Governor of Istanbul, Muammer Guler

Ambassador Edelman speaks at banquet in honor of His All Holiness

National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Archons and Rev. Alexander Karloutsos visit with the Chief Rabbi of Turkey, Isak Haleva

Minister of Religion Mehmet Aydin and Dr. Limberakis review the Archon Millennium Album

Dr. Limberakis presents Minister of the Interior Abdulkadir Aksu with Archon Millennium Album

Dr. Limberakis greets Minister of Education Minister of Education, Huseyin Celik, with Huseyin Celik. Archons Christopher Stratakis, Dr. Anthony Archon J. Limberakis and Alexander Pritsos Christopher Stratakis is at left

6 ARCHONS IN ACTION

Archon Legal Dr. Limberakis Counselor and Archon Christopher leadership visit Stratakis the Great School presents of the Nation, Director of the first opened Great School in 1454 of the Nation with an Archon Millennium Album as Dr. Limberakis and Archons look on

Archons visit the computer center Dr. Limberakis signs the guest book at the Great School of the Nation at the Great School of the Nation

Archons visit the amphitheater of the Great School of the Nation

Deputy Chief of Police of the Beyoglu District is greeted by Archon Alexander Pritsos with Archons Dr. Spiro Macris, John Dr. Limberakis and Archon Leaders Papal Nuncio to Turkey, Rev. Dr. Edmond Halecky, Dr. Limberakis and Farhat (at lectern), toasts Ambassador Stephen Cherpelis prepare to Edelman at Tribute Luncheon in Ankara leave for Ankara

Archons are presented with a plaque from Nursen Donmez, Archons visit President of the Balukli Police Martyrs Medical Families Association Complex & in recognition of Home for their contribution the Aged

7 SPEECH OF HIS ALL HOLINESS

Excerpts of the Speech of His All Holiness material in nature, but, which we accept heritage for the benefit of the Holy Arch- Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Din- as moral support and as proper interven- diocese of America, the benefit of the Omo- ner in His Honor hosted by the Archons of the tion by the mighty of the world for our geneia, the glory of Hellenism, for the Ecumenical Patriarchate on March 17, 2004 benefit. Mother Church, for the progress and devel- in New York City. * * * opment of this great country, and for the our Eminence, beloved brother, For example, the new Turkish govern- strengthening of ties between the United Archbishop Demetrios of Amer- ment appears to be willing to discuss our States and the birthplace of your fathers, Y ica, Your Eminences, your positions, but faces huge problems in and, in one phrase, for everything you do Graces, Most honorable National Com- doing this; first in priority is the problem that makes us proud. mander of the Order of Saint Andrew, regarding the confiscated monastery prop- * * * Dr. Anthony Limberakis, Honorable and erties, and the issue of the respect of the We expect to see you again in Con- beloved Archons of the Order of Saint rights of minorities. The Theology School stantinople at your first given opportu- Andrew of the Holy Great Church of of Halki, from the graduates of which we nity; come, so that you and your children Christ, Distinguished and beloved guests. hope to renew the staff of the Patriar- will be re-immersed in the holy and chate, remains closed. Despite all these sacred traditions of our heritage and Looking at our situation today, we real- things, we continue to hope and pray: Orthodoxy; we raise our glass to a toast ize that what once used to be, has now “God will provide.” and pray for the health and length of days become extinct. Like the kingdom-state * * * of all members of the blessed Order of of holy emperors, one of the heads of the The future induction of Turkey into Saint Andrew, as well as all the distin- two-headed eagle has died. The Mother the European Union will certainly bring guished guests here present. Church does not receive her support from about some positive changes and improve- the secular world; for about five hundred ments. On the other hand, though, we years it has been burdened with prob- are not in the position to predict the lems. Imperial seals are no longer issued extent of these changes; it would be, there- in her support; the holy place and the fore, wise to obtain, in advance, tangible moral and material support, as well as proofs of the good disposition of the Turk- the encouragement that it used to offer ish State toward us. The solution of the to its people, are but an ancient memory. problem of the monastery properties and HIS ALL HOLINESS INVITES * * * the recognition, by the Turkish side, of COMMANDER LIMBERAKIS TO Yet, the Hellenic heritage continues to the Patriarchate as an ecumenical insti- JOIN OFFICIAL PATRIARCHAL live. This heritage still has its spiritual tution, and not supposedly as a mere insti- figures, its elders, its archons, not only tution of the Greek Orthodox people DELEGATION TO ROME in one or two countries, but throughout living in Turkey, could actually play the n recognition of the continuous the world where the Greek diaspora has role of an ultimate test for the discernment work of the Archons in America spread. Especially in the New World, of the true spirit of Turkey toward the Ito improve the status and well where its children succeeded and excel Patriarchate. being of the Ecumenical Patriarchate today in all areas: science, trade, the arts, * * * under the leadership of Dr. Anthony politics, sports, technology, journalism, Two recent events have completely Limberakis, His All Holiness etc., this fact gives us a reason to be par- shattered our hearts: the terrorist attack announced at the Archon Banquet on ticularly proud of you and to boast in the in Madrid, which resulted in the death of March 17 in New York City that the Lord that we gave birth to you, through hundreds of innocent people and the Commander has been invited to join the Gospel, and you are our true offspring, injury of hundred of others; and the fire the official Patriarchal Delegation vis- bone of our bones, flesh of our flesh. on Mount Athos, which destroyed a large iting Pope John Paul II. * * * part of our historic Patriarchal Monastery More or less, you are familiar with the of Hiliandari. We mourn for the loss of The visit will take place on the occa- conditions under which the Ecumenical innocent victims in Spain, and also for the sion of the 40th Anniversary of the his- Patriarchate survives being located in the victims in the United States of two years toric meeting between Ecumenical state of Turkey; nevertheless, it is trying ago. Terrorism is blind. It hit Madrid yes- Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul to respond to all its great and heavy terday, Constantinople a little while ago; VI. Pope John Paul II invited His All responsibilities and duties around the before that it hit Moscow, and before that Holiness to the Vatican on the Feast- it attacked New York. When will people world. We always hope for a better future. day of Ss. Peter and Paul, June 29th to finally realize that problems are not solved Our hopes are mostly based on the prov- commemorate this meeting. During idence and the fatherly care of God and through blind, murderous attacks against the official Patriarchal trip, the Roman the Most-Holy Theotokos; our second innocent and unsuspecting people, but Catholic Church will be donating to the source of hope is the love and support we rather, through dialogue and diplomacy? Ecumenical Patriarchate the Church receive from the children of the Mother * * * Church around the world, a support We thank you for all the good work you of St. Theodore, which will be conse- which we do not mistake for being only offer to our religion and to the Hellenic crated at that time by His All Holiness.

8 ON THE CHARTER - THEODORE J. THEOPHILOS Anthony J. Limberakis, MD Laity Congress and the Ecu- “The charter herein may be versus “those who govern”. National Commander menical Patriarchate this is revised upon the request of the The relationship is that of Order of Saint Andrew / evident, no revision to the Archdiocesan Clergy-Laity Con- shepherd and flock. This char- Archons of the Ecumenical charter can be made by Cler- gress as the need therefore aris- ter is not conceived or forth- Patriarchate gy-Laity Congress until the es”? This sentence – which rightly proposed to be of 8 East 79th Street Patriarchate approves. does not even mention the doctrinal significance to the New York, New York 10021 Patriarchate – is being read to Church. This charter is not a The next issue which flows say that if the Patriarchate per- proclamation of autocephaly from the OCL’s argument is Dear Dr. Limberakis: ceives a need to make a new this, does the Charter proscribe or its precursor. This docu- charter or change the charter – I have been following the the Patriarchate from making ment is a paternal acknowl- it cannot do so unless the Cler- comments and arguments of changes to the Charter? Let’s edgement of and a blessing on gy-Laity Congress approves. the OCL regarding the Arch- proceed from the proposition the way that this Archdiocese One may think well or ill of diocese Charter. I want to that a Clergy-Laity Congress is to function in the faith. It such a conclusion, but one can- write this letter in support of requested charter revision is not properly construed to not reasonably reach that con- the action of the Patriarchate must be approved by the Patri- bind the hands of the father clusion from a reading of that and the Archbishop and archate (see quoted text above). who guides. sentence. The concept that the respond to some of mischar- One might then say the fol- Patriarchate is prohibited from I feel obliged to make one acterizations that have been lowing, although it may be that making changes to a church closing observation. From time stated. no revision to the Charter can document with such broad to time I have read and heard of I am mindful not to add to occur until the Patriarch scope, like this charter, is a comments in the press refer- the strife and hard feelings approves the revision, the text rather bold and profound asser- ring to the Archdiocese as “the surrounding this issue. But I also states that no revision can tion. Reasonableness, as well cash cow of the Patriarchate” or am also mindful of the need to be requested (or initiated) as one’s sense of sound that the Patriarch is a “foreign speak up. except by the Clergy Laity Con- jurisprudence, would require agent”. These comments are In examining the arguments gress. The logic would con- that such a relinquishment of injurious and insulting. These of the OCL regarding the Char- tinue that since only the authority by the Patriarchate comments at best are born ter, the first issue is this: in Clergy Laity Congress can must be accomplished, at least, from ignorance and at worse whom does the Charter repose request/initiate a revision, by by a clear and unambiguous are calculated calumny. I men- final approval authority for any that fact, all revisions/changes statement. The charter pro- tion these remarks (and changes or revisions to the require the approval of the vides no such language. It sim- remarks like them) in this con- Charter, the Patriarchate or the Clergy Laity Congress. text. The Patriarchate is not Clergy-Laity Congress? OCL’s ply does not say (what it could what ails us. It does not stand response to this question is With this path of logic, we obviously have said), for exam- in the way of our spiritual both. Their conclusion is erro- arrived at the heart of the ple, that “[t]he Ecumenical growth or thwart us from a neous and unsupportable from debate: parity, a sharing of Patriarchate shall submit any stronger relationship with a reading of the Charter text. authority, an elevation of the changes that it may wish to Christ. The Patriarchate is a The text states as follows: laity or a diminishment of the make to the charter to the Cler- Patriarchate. This parity or gy-Laity Congress for approval”. spiritual treasure of the Church “Revision: The charter herein sharing is what OCL argues is It does not so state. which we should harmo- may be revised upon the request the proper canonical relation- niously protect - not basely Maxims of contractual con- of the Archdiocesan Clergy- ship between Patriarchate and denigrate. We all should devote struction can be equally Laity Congress as the need there- Clergy Laity Congress. For the our efforts and spirit to the bandied to support a host of fore arises. Revisions thereto proponents of this idea, this peaceful preservation and con- different purposes. I will omit shall be submitted to the Ecu- Charter is the instrument tinued permanent establish- this exercise. The important menical Patriarchate for through which a balance of ment of this institution which point is this: The Patriarchate’s approval and ratification.” power, in the constitutional has done so much for us and role in the Church should not sense of the phrase, is struck. our Orthodox predecessors. The text sets forth a rise or fall on some concept of The net effect is that – as to Having endured and survived sequence for any Clergy-Laity “legislative interpretation”, matters of charter - the Clergy these hundreds of years, Congress requests. Clergy- whether misapplied or other- Laity Congress must submit through great persecutions and Laity Congress makes a request wise. This charter is not to the Patriarchate and the hardships for Christ, I am for a revision. The request is the Magna Carta. This charter Patriarchate in like measure deeply saddened that we in the “submitted to the Ecumenical is not the United States Con- must submit to the Clergy United States will turn our Patriarchate for approval and stitution. The relationship Laity Congress. backs on her. ratification.” Whatever else of the Patriarchate and the may be said about the rela- Can this meaning really be Church in America is not Ted Theophilos tionship between the Clergy- drawn from this one sentence, “those who are governed” Chicago, Illinois 9 ADDITIONAL REGIONAL COMMANDERS APPOINTED

With the blessings of the Exarch Archbishop Demetrios of America, and in accordance with the Bylaws, National Commander Limberakis appointed the following additional Regional Commanders for a renew- able one year term: FLORIDA: Archon Harry Demas, NEW JERSEY: Archon Peter Kakoyiannis, CHAR- LOTTE: Archon Harry Thomas Cavalaris, VIRGINIA: Archon Nicholas Gretakis, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Archon Dr. James Kallins, ALABAMA: Archon G. Thomas Yearout. A Regional Com- mander workshop is scheduled for Spring 2004 to be held at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Harry Demas Peter Kakoyiannis Cavalaris as Archon Ekdikos of The Order of St. Andrew The Apostle in 1993. Mr. Archon Aktouarios Archon Nomophylax Cavalaris is the son of the late Archon Harry Demas retired from AlliedSignal A prominent attorney, Peter Kakoyian- Thomas Cavalaris and Archondisa Zoe Corporation (Honeywell) in 1997 after nis champions the right of his clients, yet Cavalaris. 43 years of service. He was Vice President makes time for a wide array of services to and General Manager of Industrial Fibers. his church. His skill as counsel reaches Mr. Cavalaris has served his local parish diverse groups that include Holy Cross in many levels including the Parish Board Mr. Demas has served on the Parish Church in Brooklyn, St. Basil Academy, of Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Board Council Boards of the Greek Orthodox the Archdiocese and New Jersey Metrop- of Trustees of Holy Trinity Greek Ortho- Church of Saint Elpis in Hopewell, VA, olis. He is a member and counsel to the dox Foundation of Charlotte, NC. Holy Trinity in Westfield, NJ, and most Hellenic-American Banker’s Association recently, Saint Katherine in Naples, FL, and the Cyprus Children’s Relief Fund and is also on the Board of Directors of the US-Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and is a past member of the Archdiocesan Council legal committee. Past President and Board of Trustees member, he also served his parish, St. George in Trenton, NJ, as Sunday school teacher. He most recently chaired the fund

He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the St. Photios Shrine Foundation as where he served as President for the years Vice-President and on the Board of 1999 to 2002 and chairman of the Build- Trustees of Hellenic College and Holy Cross ing Committee from 1998 to the present. Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He has been a member of the Metro- Mr. Cavalaris was elected to the office politan Council of the Metropolis of of Supreme Governor of the National Atlanta from 1999 to the present. He is a Board of the Order of Ahepa for the term member of Leadership 100. of 1995-96. Born in Athens/Piraeus, Greece where raising committee for the third phase of Mr. Cavalaris, who served in the US he received his primary and secondary St. George’s Building Program. His Emi- Army Military Intelligence Division education, he subsequently attended Low- nence Archbishop Spyridon conferred the from 1969 to 1971, has been active for ell Technological Institute (now Univer- title Archon Nomophylax on him in 1998. 25 years in the Roller Skating Industry sity of Massachusetts at Lowell), He and his wife, Joanne, have three chil- and Real Estate. He makes his home in graduating with a Bachelor of Science and dren, Jason, Alana and Marissa and make Charlotte, NC. a Master of Science degrees in Chemistry. their home in Yardley, Pennsylvania. Nicholas E. Gretakis Harry and his wife, Polly (Doukas) of Harry Thomas Cavalaris: Hopewell, VA have five children and 12 Archon Ekdikos grandchildren. Archon Ekdikos Nicholas E. Gretakis was born in Nor- His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos at folk, Virginia to Manuel and Sophia Gre- The Archdiocesan Holy Trinity Cathedral takis, who emigrated from the Island of in New York bestowed Harry Thomas Crete, Greece. He attended Norfolk Public

10 REGIONAL COMMANDERS schools and then joined the Virginia Mr. Gretakis served on the Parish Coun- is an active member of Leadership 100. National Guard in 1936 and was inducted cil of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox He was a co-founder, president and into Federal Service in 1940. He attended church for more than forty years. He is a board member of the Hellenic American Officers Candidate School in Fort Benning, Life member of the Order of AHEPA and Medical and Dental Society of Southern has served as Chapter President. He was California. He is also the co-founder of recognized as the Outstanding District the Pan Arcadian Federation chapter of Chapter Secretary in 2003. He was award- greater Los Angeles and served as Supreme ed the Offikon of Ekdikos in the Order of President of the Pan Arcadian Federation St. Andrew the Apostle in 1988 by Arch- of America, and helped co-found the bishop Iakovos. He has one daughter Cathy World Pan Arcadian Congress. Buckley and a granddaughter Courtenay. Dr. Kallins serves on the boards of many Dr. James G. Kallins other Greek-American organizations such Archon Aktouarios as: AXIOS, AHEPA, SAE, the Hellenic Dr. James G. Kallins (Dimitrios George University Club, the Alpha Beta Society, Kallinteris) was born in Ayioneri-Loutra the Hellenic Library of Southern Califor- Ireas an Arcadian village of Greece. He stud- nia, Hellenic American Council, the Fed- ied at the University of Athens Medical eration of Hellenic American societies of School. Following his service in the the Greek Southern California. Ga. and was commissioned as a Second Commandos Medical Corps, he returned to Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps. Athens to continue his studies as a resident George Thomas Yearout He departed for the European Theatre of in General Surgery and OB GYN. Archon Ekdikos Operations with the 92nd Infantry Divi- George Thomas (Tommy) Yearout was sion as Division Provost Marshall. He was born March 11, 1949. He has been Archon wounded in action in World War II in Italy Ekdikos since 1998. He was baptized in and awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze and still a member of Holy Trinity/Holy Star for military valor with two oak leaf Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Birm- clusters. King Umberto of Italy decorated ingham, Alabama. Married to Rhonda him with the Cross of Military Valor. Gen- Yearout since 1975, the couple have two eral Mark Clark gave him a field promo- children: Jennifer 26, Alex 24. After grad- tion to the rank of Major. After thirty-seven uating from Auburn University in 1971, years of service he retired from active and he went on to Vanderbilt Law School. He reserve duty with the rank of Colonel. has been an attorney since 1976 and is with the firm of Yearout, Spina & Lavelle. Returning to civilian life, he opened a real estate office specializing in the apprais- al of commercial and industrial proper- ties. The American Institute of Real Estate In 1954 he came to the United States and Appraisers awarded him the MAI desig- took a residency in Obstetrics and Gyne- nation in 1975. He served as President of cology at three hospitals in Chicago. In the Tidewater Association of Realtors, 1957 he married Virginia Mannos, a young President of the Virginia Association of Greek-American schoolteacher. In 1959 Realtors and National Regional Vice Pres- they moved to California where he opened ident. He was recognized as the Out- his Medical office in Bellflower and he is standing President of the Region and as still in the same location presently. Realtor of the Year. He served on the They have three children, Barbara, National Association of Realtors Execu- George and Nicholas. He served on the tive Committee and the Governing Coun- board of Saint Sophia Cathedral, as GOYA cil of the Appraisal Institute. He was and YAL advisor and as a volunteer Physi- appointed by the Norfolk City Council to He has been Parish Council Member: cian to the Saint Sophia’s summer Camp. the Norfolk Police and Fire Trial Board and 1983 to 1993. President of the Parish served as Chairman for 23 years. He was In 1965 he was the founder of the Council in 1985, 1989 and 1990. Former appointed by Governor Mills Godwin of Alpha Beta Greek school in Downey, Member of Atlanta Diocesan Council. He Virginia to a committee to study zoning California, in which he served as Presi- is currently a Member of Metropolis Com- procedures in Virginia. He was awarded dent and currently serves as a board mittee on Interfaith Marriage and Mem- the Brotherhood Citation by the National member of the Metropolis of San ber of the Board of Directors for Cathedral Conference of Christians and Jews. Francisco and All Saints Foundation. He Day Care. 11

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